by Lyndsey Cole
Annie and Jason carried their teacups and the coffee cake and joined Thelma. As usual, Roxy sat at her knees, waiting patiently for a dog treat. Thelma set her tea on the small table next to her chair and picked up her crossword puzzle.
“You stopped in at just the right time. I’m stuck and you both always have such good suggestions to help me get back on track with this puzzle. The theme today is a Christmas Celebration.” She set the paper in her lap. “First, though, how are your wedding plans coming along, Annie?”
“I’m hoping to get some final details in place this weekend when we spend a couple of nights at the Heron Inn.” Annie looked at Jason and smiled. “But I’m wondering if you know Edwin Fleming.”
Thelma took her reading glasses off and polished them before resting them back on her nose. “Edwin. Yes, he’s a funny old man. I remember his son had a thing for Alice Wolfe way back when.” Her eyes suddenly widened. “Did you hear about poor Alice? She was never one of my favorite people but I did so love that bookstore of hers. Books, such good company for me now that I can’t get out so much.” Thelma’s eyes took on a faraway glaze as her mind drifted off to some memory and her hand rested on Roxy’s head.
“Thelma?” Annie leaned forward, hoping to bring her back to the present.
“Yes, dear?”
“Did Alice ever marry?”
Thelma’s mouth puckered. “Well, I seem to remember something about an engagement years ago, but I can’t remember the details. Except, of course, that the young man left, broke her heart, and Alice never was the same after that.” She picked up her newspaper. “How about this crossword puzzle. Let’s see if you are as sharp as usual.” She picked up her pencil. “A holiday berry, nine letters. All I can come up with is holly but that doesn’t fit.” She looked at Annie.
“That’s easy, cranberry.”
Thelma smiled. “Of course. And this cranberry coffee cake you brought me is delicious.” She penciled in the letters. “Well, that fits but I always use a pencil, just in case. Okay, how about an eight letter word and the first letter is an n—a friend to have coffee with.”
“Neighbor? I can’t think of anything else at the moment,” Annie suggested.
Thelma added those letters. “Now a six letter word that starts with an f and ends in an e—a furry stuffed kid’s toy.”
Jason said, “Some kind of stuffed animal?”
“Feline!” Annie shouted.
“You two make such a great team. Just like me and my husband. I do miss him every day. How about one more? A six letter word, the second letter is an f—a holiday celebration.”
“Affair,” Annie said with a scowl on her face.
“That does fit but I think of that word more in connection with something bad and not along the lines of a holiday celebration.” She dropped the folded paper in her lap. “That’s about all I can manage for now. You two young people should run along so I can rest my eyes for a while. I’ll see you Sunday night for your shower, Annie. It will be a fun outing for me.”
Annie, Jason, and Roxy quietly opened and closed the door, leaving Thelma to her peace and quiet.
“That crossword puzzle wasn’t as bad as some,” Jason said.
Annie turned her head to stare at him. “Are you serious? Cranberry? Neighbor? Feline? Affair? I think Mr. Edwin Fleming has some explaining to do.”
Jason put his arm around Annie and chuckled. “It’s only a crossword puzzle. It was written before Alice Wolfe was even murdered. How can you connect those answers to point the finger at Edwin Fleming?”
“We’ll see,” was Annie’s cryptic reply.
They returned to Jason’s warm house to finish packing for their romantic getaway, but Annie couldn’t get her thoughts of Edwin out of her mind. Did he have a grudge against Alice? He certainly had the means to kill her with a key to her house and knowing her comings and goings. Was he really on the phone with his daughter? That would be possible to check.
“Earth to Annie.” Jason’s voice penetrated her train of thought and his arms wrapped around her body. “I hope you aren’t going to be this distracted when I have you all to myself for the next day and a half. I don’t want you to be thinking about some other man when I’m holding you in my arms,” he teased. “Even if it’s an old, grumpy man.”
A knock on the door made Jason groan with frustration. “This is why I have to whisk you away. There’s always someone interrupting our private moments.” He opened the door to Detective Christy Crank’s knuckles getting ready to rap again.
She walked past Jason without waiting for an invitation. “I’m glad I caught you before you leave for the Inn. I won’t be home much this weekend with the murder investigation going on, but I can still feed Roxy. I just won’t be able to spend much time with her. Is that ok?”
Jason answered, “Perfect.” He didn’t bother to close the door behind Christy.
Annie replied, “Well, I don’t know. Roxy isn’t used to being alone for long stretches.” She looked at Roxy asleep on the couch. “I guess she’ll be fine.” She quickly asked before Christy left, “Any new developments?”
“As a matter of fact there are, that’s why I’m so busy.” She walked back to the front door and closed it. “What do you know about Alice Wolfe’s bookstore?”
“The Book Worm?” Annie shrugged. “Nice small independent store. I don’t know how business was but she had regular customers and hosted a book club meeting every month. Occasionally, she invited authors to come for a meet and greet to sign copies of their books. As a matter of fact, there’s supposed to be a Christmas party for the book club this weekend.”
Christy nodded. “At the Heron Inn, I believe.”
Annie’s eyes widened. “You’re right. I don’t know why I didn’t think of that sooner. This gathering is a holiday get together and bring a friend affair. You could drop in and check it out.”
Christy stuck her bottom lip out and shook her head. “I’m not much of a fiction reader unless it’s a really exciting psychological thriller. I like to pit my brain against a smart psychotic. I know, sounds creepy, but there you have it. Another secret of mine exposed.”
Annie laughed. “No, I was thinking more along the lines of observing the members, see who’s in this group that might have a grudge against Alice.”
Christy’s eyes lit up. “Why didn’t I think of that? Great idea. Meet you there if I can find the time?”
Annie saw a scowl form on Jason’s face. “Well,” she hesitated. “I don’t know. I think we’ll be busy.” She was torn. Jason was the first man in her life who was everything she wanted. She didn’t want to disappoint him after all the planning he did for their weekend.
“Oh right. It could be a good excuse for you to find out some information, though. Just sayin’. Help your mother out of a bad situation.” Christy twisted Annie’s guilt tighter.
Would Jason understand if Annie chose a book club party over spending a romantic evening with him?
Chapter 5
Jason opened the door of the grand suite at the Heron Inn. Annie gasped at the luxurious space—two rooms with a gas fireplace, floor to ceiling windows to provide natural light and amazing views of Heron Lake. The spa-like bathroom included a granite vanity, custom marble enclosed shower and, the best feature of all, a deep soaking tub. After taking all those features in, she finally noticed a wicker basket filled to overflowing with fresh fruit and a variety of specialty chocolates.
With a luscious apple in her hand, Annie twirled around and let herself fall onto the king size bed. “This is too good to be true. Can we move in permanently?”
Jason pouted and pretended to be upset. “What? Cobblestone Cottage isn’t good enough for you anymore?” He bounced down on the bed next to her and took a bite from her apple.
She stood and moved to the French door, pulled it open, and ignored the cold rush of air. “Come take a look at the view. I can see the outside Christmas lights at Cobblestone Cottage from this balcony.”
Jason joined her, wrapping his arm around her waist and pulling her close. “This is beautiful, but you’re shivering to pieces. How about slipping into that new dress you promised to dazzle me with and we’ll head to the dining room for our reservation.” They walked back inside, arm in arm. “I’m so happy you like it. I’ve been looking forward to spoiling you with something special and you need this more than ever with all the drama around your mom because of Alice’s murder.”
The smile faded from Annie’s face. “I had managed to forget all that when we walked through the door into this luxurious suite.” She looked at Jason, a serious expression etched on her face. “I have to help my mom. I can’t believe she has to deal with this right after Dad’s death.”
A knock on the door made Annie jump. Jason opened it.
“Your champagne, sir.”
“You thought of everything,” Annie said as Jason expertly popped the cork and poured two glasses of champagne.
“To us.” He handed a glass to Annie and they clinked them together.
“To us,” she replied. “One glass, then I’m getting dressed. What’s for dinner, I’m starved?”
“You’ll see when we get downstairs,” he told her with a grin on his face. “Tonight you can relax and enjoy yourself, and tomorrow we’ll see what we can do about Mia’s problem.”
Annie hugged Jason. “I knew you would understand.”
She slid her knee length dark blue dress over her head and let it fall around her curves. She smoothed the silky fabric, enjoying how it clung to her body. With a quick twist of her strawberry blond hair, she pulled the locks into a messy bun, letting a few unruly curls fall around her face. She rubbed the silver strawberry necklace that always hung around her neck, the first gift that Jason ever gave her, and slid her feet into black heels. Checking herself from every angle, she smiled and was satisfied with her reflection.
Jason sat with his legs crossed and champagne in hand, gazing at the view outside the huge windows when Annie joined him. From behind, she gently covered his eyes. “Are you ready?” she whispered in his ear. She felt his cheeks puff out as he grinned. “Keep your eyes closed,” she ordered as she moved in front of him. With her hands held out at her sides, she posed and said, “Okay.”
Jason’s eyes opened and he pulled her into his lap. “You look good enough to devour. Shall we skip dinner?”
“My mouth is watering with anticipation of what’s on the menu. So, no, we aren’t going to skip dinner.”
Jason held her tighter. “My mouth is watering from looking at you.” He kissed Annie before relaxing his hold and letting her stand up.
“Anticipation makes everything much more rewarding. Didn’t you know that?” Annie teased as she sashayed to the door, waiting for Jason to open it for her.
They held hands as they walked down the grand staircase to the main lobby. A twenty foot Christmas tree, decorated with hundreds of white lights, twinkled a welcome, or, at least, that’s how it felt to Annie. All looked magical and romantic and she was excited to spend a wonderful weekend with Jason.
The front door of the Inn opened just as Annie’s right foot stepped off the bottom step. Mia and Leona were swept inside by a cold wind. Annie shivered from head to toe even before she felt the winter air hit her bare skin. Jason’s grasp on her hand tightened and he whispered in Annie’s ear. “What are they doing here tonight?”
“I don’t know. You made all the arrangements. I assumed this was another one of your surprises.”
Jason shook his head. “I don’t think this is going to be a surprise that I want tonight.”
“Annie. Jason. Just who we were hoping to bump into,” Leona said in a voice that echoed through the open lobby. “Guess what?”
Annie stood frozen at the bottom of the stairs, her mind a blank as to any appropriate guess. At least, neither Leona nor her mother carried any luggage. It might not be a total loss of a romantic evening with Jason. Alone.
Jason nudged Annie’s back and they met Leona and Mia at the side of the Christmas tree. Leona’s neck curved all the way backward as her head swiveled to take in the beautiful wood trim overhead. She whistled. “I’ve never been here before; a tad too expensive for my pocketbook.”
“Why are you here?” Annie asked after she managed to find her voice.
“We’re meeting Camilla and Martha,” Leona answered as if that made everything perfectly clear.
Annie stared with a blank expression.
“For the book club party. Martha invited us,” Leona explained.
“She’s in the book club? She knew Alice?”
Leona smiled. “Now you’re catching on. Martha didn’t go very often but she’s not planning to miss this event.”
Jason moved toward the dining room. “Would you two like to join us?”
“Sure,” Leona answered. “We’re early anyway. The party doesn’t start until eight—coffee and desserts. I don’t know who makes the desserts here but I’d love to bring some samples and see if I can get my foot in the door. This place is amazing.” She lowered her voice. “And expensive. I checked online and their chocolate mousse is seven fifty for one serving.”
Annie was annoyed. And her internal antenna caught a strong suspicion that there was an ulterior motive to her mother and Leona’s appearance at the Inn. This was not the way her weekend with Jason was supposed to go but when she looked at her mother’s sad expression, she melted. And, Jason did invite Leona and Mia to join them so he must be somewhat okay with the intrusion.
With a perfectly straight face, Annie teased, “Well, Leona, I guess you’ll be having water and a roll for dinner then.” She looped her arm through Jason’s and they led the way into the dining room.
More dainty white Christmas lights adorned the windows and another smaller Christmas tree near the fireplace. The soft clink of silverware and quiet murmurs of conversation filled the room. Annie held her breath and crossed her fingers, hoping that Leona would tone down her normally raucous behavior. She seemed to be awed and subdued by the surroundings. Annie could only hope that Leona managed to be on her best behavior.
Jason quietly explained the need for a table for four instead of two and the hostess ushered them to a corner table with a view of the whole room.
Once they were all settled and Jason ordered wine, his phone rang. “Sorry, this is important, I’ll be right back.”
Annie wasted no time confronting Leona in a soft but annoyed tone. “Why are you two really here? I heard the book club party is tomorrow night.”
Leona’s hand holding her glass of wine paused in midair between the table and her mouth. Her eyes darted to the left and right. “We thought you would want to know. We saw Edwin Fleming leave Alice’s house. He went right under the police tape.”
Jason returned, looking glum. He sat next to Annie and gulped his wine. “I have an emergency at work I have to take care of. I’m so sorry Annie. How about Mia and Leona stay with you in the guest suite tonight. A nice girls night out to finalize our wedding plans?” he suggested tentatively. “I’ll be back tomorrow.”
Annie barely nodded. He kissed her and left. Thoughts swirled in her head. An emergency on a Friday night? Of their getaway weekend? Jason’s business was so secretive and she wanted to trust him. Could she?
“Annie,” Mia said, louder than necessary. “Are you all right?”
“I’m just not sure anymore. Am I doing the right thing?”
“What are you talking about?”
“Marrying Jason.”
Mia’s eyes opened wider than the plates on the table. “You love him.”
Leona added, “He’s perfect for you.”
Annie’s stomach churned. Her mouth opened. Closed. Opened again. In a tiny whisper she said, “But what if I’m not perfect for him?”
Chapter 6
Leona refilled the wine glasses, adding the most to Annie’s glass. “He doesn’t care about perfect, Annie. He loves you for who you are—the good, ba
d, and ugly.” She took a sip of her wine before adding, “And there isn’t much ugly connected to you.”
“I can’t help it. Look at my history with men—I ran out on my engagement to Tyler, and Max got killed after he followed me here. I’m not feeling especially confident at the moment. Especially with Jason running out to an emergency on our getaway weekend.” Annie made finger quotes around the word emergency.
“Oh, please,” Mia clunked her glass on the table. “Are you suggesting that Jason is having an affair? Is that what your worry is all about?”
Annie looked away and felt heat rise up her neck. “What about what you just discovered about Dad? I don’t want to live my life only to discover my marriage was all a lie.”
“My marriage was not a lie. It wasn’t perfect but it’s high time you take your head out of the sand if you think that’s what you’re signing on to. Perfect doesn’t exist.”
Leona tapped her knife on her water glass and cleared her throat. “If you two are done arguing, the waiter would like to take our orders.”
Annie felt even more embarrassed after she realized the waiter probably overheard their conversation. Maybe this wasn’t a good location for the wedding. If there was still going to be a wedding.
With the first bottle of wine gone and the second one making the rounds, Annie felt herself begin to relax, letting thoughts of Jason move to the back of her brain. She even laughed when Leona mimicked Martha’s description of Alice’s book club meetings. Leona pinched her nose and talked in a snooty, nasal voice.
“So, Alice wasn’t exactly leading a good discussion for their book of the month meetings?” Annie asked.
“Leader? Alice was a dictator and barely let anyone else talk,” Leona answered between bites of her lobster ravioli in a wine cream sauce.
Mia wiped her lips with her napkin. “I wonder if someone in the book club could have killed her. Did either of you think of that yet?”
Annie looked at Leona before they both burst out laughing. “Actually, it did cross my mind.”
