by Lyndsey Cole
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright © 2015 Lyndsey Cole
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Behind the scenes with Lyndsey
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
OTHER BOOKS BY LYNDSEY COLE
BlueBuried Muffins
A Black Cat Cafe Cozy Mystery Series
by Lyndsey Cole
Copyright © 2015 Lyndsey Cole
No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author and/or publisher. No part of this publication may be sold or hired, without written permission from the author.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are a product of the writer’s imagination and/or have been used fictitiously in such a fashion it is not meant to serve the reader as actual fact and should not be considered as actual fact. Any resemblance to actual events, or persons, living or dead, locales or organizations is entirely coincidental.
The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication / use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.
Chapter 1
Annie had to leave. Fast.
She grabbed her backpack and camera with one hand and her running shoes with the other as she dashed from the apartment. Frozen grass stabbed into her bare feet like pins and needles but she had more important things to worry about. Her feet would survive only if she did.
Her ’96 Saab sat all alone on the side of the street in the early morning light and she promised something ridiculous like never eating chocolate again if it started up. With almost 300,000 miles on it, she never knew what would happen when she turned the key. But this time Sally purred like a kitten. Throwing her into first gear, she rolled away only wondering for a second if she was jumping from the fire into the frying pan.
Annie pulled onto the highway, heading east, home to Catfish Cove with half dread and half fear settling in the pit of her stomach. There was no way she could stay with Max with the problems he faced, especially after she heard the threatening message on the answering machine. She knew she had to leave before his drama caught up with her, too.
But then there was the unresolved mess she left behind two years ago when she threw her meager belongings into the car and fled from Catfish Cove.
Annie flipped her phone open and read, for the umpteenth time, the text JC sent. Someone burned your aunt’s café down. She’s too proud to ask you for help. Was this someone connected to Max’s mess and this was a message for her? Whatever happened, she had to get home and try to make it right.
Annie rolled past the town of Catfish Cove, New Hampshire sign around eight that Monday night. There had been a population explosion since her last visit. Instead of 2,349, the sign said 2,350. Wow, maybe someone had a baby, she thought and chuckled. The lights twinkled in a few homes but everything else was closed down for the night. Not that there was much to close down—a gas station, a general store, the usual tourist shops and Leona’s café, which by the sound of the bad news, was closed indefinitely.
She sat in her car, parked in front of JC’s house, rallying some courage to knock on the door. JC was her oldest friend but would that get a little strained now that she was back in Catfish Cove, she wondered. When she left, she’d never even said goodbye. Time would tell.
The front porch light cut through the darkness after Annie knocked.
“Annie! I wondered if you would come back.” JC studied her for a moment before smiling and pulling her inside, wrapping her in a bear hug. “Come on in. There’s a lot to get caught up on.” JC peaked around Annie toward the car. “Anyone else with you?”
“No.”
JC raised an eyebrow but was smart enough not to dig any further. “Are you staying for a while?” she asked as she led Annie into her small living room and gestured toward the one comfy chair.
Annie sighed and settled back, sinking into the soft cushion. “We’ll see how it goes. It’s hard coming back and facing all the old history. Tell me how Aunt Leona is doing. Was the fire arson?”
JC moved papers and magazines off the wooden bench, grabbed a pillow and made herself as comfortable as possible. “Leona will be fine. She always bounces back and she’ll be thrilled you returned, you know. She always asks me about you. Your mom does too.” She shifted on the bench, adjusting the pillow. “Tyler hasn’t determined the cause of the fire yet, but everyone thinks it’s arson.”
“How is Tyler?” Annie’s face lit up until JC’s clenched jaw caught her attention.
“He’s head of the police department now. He’s moving on finally, after you broke his heart.” She pulled on a broken fingernail.
Annie nodded. “I didn’t want to but I had to leave and there was no time to explain anything. I’ll try to make it right.”
“Listen, I need to get up early to get Dylan to school and get myself to the police station for work. Are you heading to your mom’s house?”
Annie turned away. “I can’t face her yet. Can I stay here tonight?”
“It won’t be much but I’ll dig out a sleeping bag and camping mat if you don’t mind the floor.”
Annie finally smiled a genuine smile at her friend. “That would be perfect. Thanks.”
***
In the morning, Annie grabbed her camera and decided to walk to town. She closed the door of JC’s tiny house and looked past the big house blocking her view of the lake. It was a short walk to downtown Catfish Cove at the edge of Heron Lake with a stunning view of the White Mountains in the distance. The morning air felt crisp for the beginning of April and her breath formed a little cloud as she exhaled. With her face behind her camera, Annie concentrated on the waves lapping on the shore and a few fishermen braving the cold morning.
“Annie? When did you come home?” A familiar voice made her heart thump in overtime. Turning, she saw a big smile on Tyler Johnson’s face as he stared at her through the open window of his police cruiser. Two years, the uniform, and a new position as chief of police gave him a different appearance, more confident, she thought. And his shock of longer dirty blond hair gave him an air of mischievousness.
“I got to JC’s house last night. What’s the scoop on my aunt’s café?”
He shrugged. “Haven’t figured out anything concrete yet but we’ll keep working on it. Your dad is helping too, even though he’s retired from the fire department.” He rubbed his chin. “Did JC tell you?”
“Tell me what?” Her eyebrows arched up.
Tyler blushed. “We’ve been dating for about a month.”
“I’m glad to hear that.” She dug the toe of her sneaker in the sand. “About when I left—”
Tyler cut her off. “No need to explain anything. You had a lot on your plate.” Hi
s car started to roll away. “I imagine Leona should be here soon. See you around.”
Annie watched as he drove off, thinking how hard it was coming back to all her unfinished business. She snapped a couple of photos and meandered the rest of the way through town. Not much had changed except for a new building on the water’s edge that piqued her curiosity.
“Fancy running into you this fine crisp morning.”
Annie whirled around. “Leona!” Annie smiled, happy to see her aunt standing behind her with open arms and a grin from ear to ear. “I’ve missed you. What happened to your café?”
Leona held her at arm’s length. “New haircut? Shorter gives you a more mature appearance. Is that what you were going for?”
Annie laughed as she absentmindedly reached up and ran her fingers through her wavy strawberry blond hair. “I cut it myself. All that long hair was driving me crazy.” Annie shook her head and the ends of her hair tickled her neck. “This is easier.” She focused a steely stare at Leona. “Now, quit changing the subject and fill me in. JC told me the café burned down, but that’s all I know.”
Leona stared beyond Annie, out over the water. “That’s about all I know too at this point. Tyler is still sorting through the rubble looking for clues. I think the fire might be a blessing in disguise though.” She led Annie closer to the new building. “I’ll get some insurance money and I’m moving into the new Cove’s Corner building.”
“That’s what this is?” Annie asked, pointing to the cedar shingled structure.
“Yes. It’s almost ready for opening day. There’s a café and two other retail shops. Come on, I’ll give you the grand tour.” Leona steered Annie to the back where a large deck overlooked Heron Lake. “There’s tables and umbrellas out here and my ice cream window over there to the left of the door. I’ll show you the inside.”
They entered through the French doors into a hallway with the café on the left and two shops on the right.
“See? It’s all ready and waiting for me.” She paused, watching Annie. “I was hoping you would come back and be part of this new venture with me. Like the old days, when you helped me at the Take It or Leave It Café.”
Annie scanned the room, the wainscoting in light pine, the booths with red seats, lots of windows, and the view of the lake. The space was warm and cozy. A smile slowly spread across Annie’s face and she nodded her head. “I would like that. When do you open?”
“Friday is the grand opening for the whole building. It’s the start of the Catfish Cove Spring Celebration weekend.”
“I forgot about that annual event. Smart planning, the town will be mobbed with people for all the activities and especially the fishing derby on Saturday. When I was little, my favorite memory is seeing all the tulips blooming around town. It was like magic, even though,” Annie chuckled, “Now I know those tulips were all forced to bloom for the Spring Celebration.”
“There will be more tulips than ever this year. The whole deck will be filled with planters of tulips. Besides that, I have three days to finish stocking the supplies and get ahead on some baking and soups that can be frozen. But we can talk about all that after you get settled in. I know about a cute little apartment, unless you’ll be staying with your mother?”
Annie tensed at the mention of her mother, Leona’s sister, Mia. “No, I’d rather be in a place of my own.” She wasn’t ready to face her mother yet.
As they linked arms to walk out, Annie stopped. “Did you hear that?” Her eyes searched the café for where the noise might have come from.
A scratching noise came from the cabinet under the cash register. “I hope this place isn’t already infested with mice or I’ll be shut down before I even have a chance to open.” Leona pulled on the cabinet door and a tiny, completely black kitty peered up at them as if to say thanks, before jumping out and stretching.
Annie crouched down, stroking the kitty until the loudest purr she ever heard rewarded her attention. Looking up at her aunt, she asked, “Is he yours?”
“No, too many cats already live with me. I’ll take him to the shelter.”
Annie cradled the kitty in her arms. “I’ll keep him. He’ll be perfect company for me.”
The sound of the door opening behind them made both Annie and Leona turn around.
Annie hissed through her clenched jaw. “What’s he doing here?”
“That’s not the greeting I expected when I found out you were back in town.” He cocked his head and smirked at Annie. “As a matter of fact, I’m here because I own this building.” He stared at the kitten in Annie’s arms. “This is no place for animals, get that dirty cat out of here.”
Chapter 2
Annie stared as her father walked out. She’d hoped he had changed after her two year absence, but seeing him made her realize he would always be blunt and rude. No warmth in his personality. “Why didn’t you tell me he owned this place?”
Leona shrugged. “I wanted you to fall in love with my idea first or you wouldn’t give it a chance. Besides, Roy doesn’t control what we do and I don’t expect him to even come around much. Still interested?” She cocked her head to one side and raised her eyebrows, waiting for a reply.
A big sigh escaped through Annie’s lips. She held the kitten, her new responsibility. “I’m in, with the condition that I don’t have anything to do with him. He’s your problem. Understood?”
Leona stuck her hand out. “That works for me.” Annie shook Leona’s outstretched hand to seal the deal.
“And,” Annie continued, still gripping Leona’s hand, “you promise not to push me to do anything with my mother either. I’ll work through that mess in my own time.”
“You know me too well, but it’s a deal. Now, let’s take a look at that apartment.”
Leona brought Annie to an apartment above a detached, three car garage, next to a luxurious waterfront estate. The apartment was small. One sunny open space for the kitchen, dining and living areas and a bedroom and bathroom. Already furnished. Annie stood in front of the window enjoying the view of the lake. “There’s a lot I haven’t missed about Catfish Cove, but I missed the lake every day I was gone.” She turned around to face Leona. “This is perfect. You knew I would love this place, didn’t you?”
Leona smiled. “The owner is a friend of mine and he’s away most of the time so he likes to have someone living here.” She paused before adding, “In exchange for rent.”
“What? No rent? There must be a catch.”
“No catch. You need to check the main house every day to make sure everything is in working order and call him if you find a problem. That’s it. All the contact information is on this paper on the fridge. I vouched for you so he’s aware that you’ll be here.”
“How could you be so sure I was coming back?” Annie’s eyes narrowed into slits.
“You know me and I know you.” She shrugged. “I had a hunch.”
Annie let the wiggly kitty explore the room and smiled as he sniffed in every corner before jumping onto the blue couch, curling up for a nap. “Smokey says we’ll take it.” She laughed.
“Smokey? I like it. A reminder of why I had to move my business. He’ll be our good luck charm.”
“Speaking of names, what about the name for the café? Is it still Take It or Leave It? Like the one that burned down?”
“I wouldn’t mind a change. You know, new place, new name. Do you have a suggestion?”
Annie glanced at the sleeping kitty. “How about Black Cat Café?”
“Yeah, clever ring to that,” Leona said, nodding. “I’ll call my handyman, Danny Davis, and check if he has time to make a new sign—The Black Cat Café, and underneath, Take It or Leave It.” She motioned in an arc, imagining the sign. “Want to help me get some baking done?”
“Definitely, but first I need to get some food and kitty litter for Smokey.”
Leona gestured in a mock bow. “To the market we go to get his highness set up.”
***
&nb
sp; The café was a clean slate for Annie as her mind swirled with ideas to make it unique. “Hey Leona, here’s another idea. How about we build shelves along this back wall and fill them with books. The only rule being that people can take one but should leave one, too. Sort of a book rotation, a freebrary.”
“Freebrary?
“Yeah, free plus library—Freebrary.” Annie waited for Leona to absorb the idea.
Leona’s face was scrunched up before it broke into a big smile. “I can picture it. Fantastic idea. If we pull the tables away from the wall a little, the shelves won’t even take up much space. ”She opened her laptop. “I’ll post on my Facebook page that there is a home here for everyone’s unwanted books.” Her smile was huge. “That fire is the best thing that happened to me in a long time. You, Annie, are the breath of fresh air that I need and Catfish Cove will benefit too. Now, on to the food planning.”
Annie sat at one of the counter stools next to Leona. The laptop was opened to a recipe file. “Here are my ideas in this file and my plan is to make an assortment of muffins, scones, sweet breads and bars ahead of time and we can freeze them. I’d prefer to always serve freshly made items but try to have extra stuff in the freezer for backup in case business is busier than we expect.” She pointed to a multi-level glass case at the end of the L-shaped counter. “All the baked goods will be displayed there, with the coffee and tea selections on a cart at a right angle to the display case. I want to keep the mornings simple and mostly self-serve with the baked goods and beverages.” She checked to see if Annie was following.
Annie added. “What about a few made-to-order items, like an egg and cheese sandwich or wrap?”
“That’s a good idea. I don’t want to start off with that this weekend, though. I’m planning to offer several types of granola and breakfast smoothies, but I don’t see why we couldn’t add a few simple grilled breakfast items once we get a good feel for business.” Leona made a note on her menu. “The homemade granola and various fruit juices will be set up next to the beverages on another self-serve cart. The breakfast smoothies will be made to order.”
