Chaos And The Caper (An East Pender Cozy Mystery Book 10)

by Leona Fox

  “Hello Ellen!” he said emphatically, “How are you today?”

  “I'm fine, just fine, enjoying the peace,” she said with a fake smile, rising from the chair to move behind the counter where she could serve Richard. He ordered his usual, and waited for it to be served.

  “How are you?”

  “I am well, just doing a bit of re-fueling before I get back to training.”

  “You're not doing another marathon again are you?”

  “It's all for a good cause.”

  “But you have to look after yourself. I know it sounds silly to say, but surely all this running can't be good for you? You have to rest sometimes.”

  “I'll rest when I'm dead,” Richard said with a twinkle in his eye, “I couldn't face the shame if I rested. To think of all those people that need help. If I wasn't doing something to help them I'd feel awful. My mission won't be done until I can see that I've made a big difference in the world.”

  “I'm sure you've made a difference to a lot of people already,” Ellen said, “maybe we should raise some funds so you can have a vacation.”

  “I can't even remember the last time I had one of those!”

  “Me neither,” Ellen said.

  She poured his drink into a mug and slid it across the counter, then took the crisp bill he handed her and gave him some change in return.

  “Thank you for that, I'll leave you to your reading,” he said, smiling kindly.

  “Actually, I can't concentrate at the moment, must be something in the air. Do you mind if I join you?” she asked.

  “Not at all,” Richard said, and showed her to a table in the middle of the cafe.

  “I'm glad we can sit down like this, actually. I've always thought to myself we should have a proper conversation but it never seems to happen.”

  “Well, you're always busy doing something for charity, and I'm often busy-”

  “Being a hero.”

  “I wouldn't exactly put it like that,” Ellen said, blushing a little.

  “Hey, credit where credit's due, you've earned the respect of this town and you should enjoy it,” he said, leaning back and taking a long sip of his coffee.

  A disbelieving look came upon his face. “You deserve to be a hero for this coffee alone,” he added, and Ellen chuckled softly.

  “Thank you, really, but I'm not being much help at the moment. I suppose you've heard about the burglaries?”

  “Yes,” he said, and put his mug on the table as a grave look came over his face.

  “It's a terrible thing. So you don't have any idea who's behind them?”

  “Not yet. I'm sure we will but it's not the same without Andy here.”

  “You miss him, don't you? It's only natural, I suppose. I wish I knew the right words to say but, unfortunately, I've never had much luck in the romance department.”

  “Thanks. I don't think there are any right words, but the company is appreciated. I thought I'd like the distraction of solving another crime but everyone is worried that they're going to be next.”

  “Are they really? I would have thought with all the insurance and things that it would be more of an inconvenience.”

  Ellen looked at him and furrowed her brow. “It's not just the fact that things were stolen. It's the way it makes them feel vulnerable. Somebody came into their place of business and did whatever they wanted, like they didn't even care about personal boundaries or privacy. I'm sure if somebody came and stole all the money you raised for charity you'd feel differently about it.”

  “Perhaps, but that is a different class of crime altogether. They would be stealing from all those less fortunate than themselves, not me.”

  “Stealing is stealing,” Ellen said bluntly.

  There was an icy edge to her voice that she regretted. She knew it wasn't entirely due to Richard's opinion but borne of all the frustrations that were plaguing her, and she was glad Richard was an amicable sort as he let the argument drop.

  “Speaking of charity, actually,” he said, rifling through his satchel and pulling out a form, “I wonder if you would like to sponsor me? I know you've done a lot in the past, so don't feel obligated, but I do have to ask. Otherwise, I wouldn't raise any money!”

  “It's fine,” she said, sliding the form over and entering an amount.

  He already had amassed quite a few signatures and the way he always was able to persuade people to donate amazed her.

  “I also was wondering if I could leave a form in here, just in case anyone found the inclination to donate?”

  “Of course, I'm always ready to support a good cause and I do admire what you do. I love running but I never could do it as much as you do.”

  “I am thinking of switching it up a bit next time and doing a skydive.”

  Ellen merely shook her head, “You, my friend, are a braver person than I.”

  “It's all for a good cause. I'd do anything for a good cause,” he said earnestly, and Ellen did not doubt his sincerity.

  After chatting idly for a few minutes, Richard brought up the fact that a new cafe was opening down the street. When he asked if Ellen knew of it, she beamed widely.

  “Oh yes! I've even met the owner, Maggie's her name. She's a wonderful person, really friendly. I have a feeling she's going to fit in perfectly.”

  “I have to say, I'm surprised you're in such a good mood. Don't you think it's going to be tough having two cafes so close together? I know healthy competition is a good thing but the two of you practically are breathing down each other’s necks!”

  “It's not like that at all. We've spoken about it a little bit, but it's fine. We can work together and both cafes can prosper.”

  Richard remained unconvinced. “If you say so. If it were me, though, I'd be worried. There are only so many people to go around and they can't all go to both cafes. Still, I guess it could be a good thing. I know that when I'm running a marathon I always try that little bit harder if somebody is close to me. Anyway, don't you also think it's strange that she bought that property right near you? If I were her I'd have tried to get somewhere farther away, or even in a different town that didn't already have a famous cafe! Still, I guess she has her reasons and if you say she's friendly then that's all that matters.”

  Richard finished his coffee, bid Ellen a fond farewell, and said he would be back soon to pick up the donation form. Ellen cleaned his mug and wiped down the table after he left, with much on her mind. Now that she thought about it, doubts about Maggie crept into her mind. It was strange that she would have started a similar business. Of course, Maggie had said she chose East Pender at random but there was nothing to say she had to stick to that choice when she saw there was already an established cafe nearby. Maggie didn't have any ties to East Pender so it wouldn't have been difficult to choose another town, one that had a gap for a cafe. Was Maggie like so many others that came from the city; raring for a fight? Ellen didn't know if she had the strength to make a fight out of it. She liked to think the best of people and so far her instincts told her that Maggie was genuine, but her instincts had failed when it came to Edward Carrey. Could she risk trusting them again?

  A tumultuous storm was raging in her mind and all she wanted to do was yell for it to be quiet, to be the thunder that tamed the land. Richard's words had been innocuous and yet had spawned so much twisting angst that she almost wished he had not entered her cafe at all.

  No, she paused, and took a deep breath. That wasn't fair to Richard and she couldn't start blaming other people for her own problems. There was something deeply wrong inside and she had to fight her way out, just as she had helped Andy when he needed it. It was only a matter of time.

  She repeated this mantra to herself, hoping it would prove more convincing the more times she heard it, but instead it only seemed to lose meaning. But she was sure she didn't want to risk her new friendship, and when Maggie popped in for a quick chat she wouldn't have known anything was the matter.

  Ellen greeted her ch
eerily.

  “I had to take a break. My back hasn't ached this much since I helped up my uncle in his garage when I was seventeen.”

  “You like cars?” Ellen said.

  “I used to, but my ex changed that. Found out I only liked a lot of things because of him and when that ended a whole new Maggie began. What's this?” she said when she saw the donation form. Ellen explained about Richard and everything he did for charity.

  “We had a lot of folks like him back home, although mostly it was done through the church. They had a lot of bake sales and things. Never saw much point in it myself. Figure if you can spare some money for charity then you'd better give it, you shouldn't have to wait for someone to do things. But I guess I can spare a few dollars,” she said, and scribbled her name down on the paper.

  “How are things going over there? If you'd like a hand I'd be happy to help, and I'm sure other people would as well. I remember when I opened there were quite a few who were helping me paint. That's how I met Kelly, actually. You'll meet her when she gets back from her honeymoon.”

  “Thanks and all hon, but I think I'll be fine. I always was taught that if you can't do something yourself, then you shouldn't do it at all. I've planned everything out to the last detail and I'd like it to be just so. You know, I have this image in my head,” at this point she put her index fingers against her temples, as though she was accessing her thoughts, “and I want to bring that to reality. Besides, I'd also like people to be surprised when they come in for the first time. I want to blow their minds.”

  “Sounds like you have everything planned out.”

  “Oh yeah. I needed a project after everything that happened. Couldn't let myself get twisted up in regret and bitterness. I needed to see it as a beginning, not an end. So I threw myself into this.”

  “I can't believe you just picked this place at random, though. Didn't you do any research? Just to make sure it was suitable?”

  “I read up on the town a little bit but I trust in things. Sometimes you just have to let the current take you along and enjoy the ride. My old man, you know, by that I mean my husband not my pappy, I don't know what slang you guys have for it up here. Anyway, he always used to tell me what to do and what time we were gonna eat and all that kind of thing. When I was younger I said to myself, ‘Now, Maggie, he's the head of this household and you've gotta obey him even though it goes against your better instincts.’

  I was always what my mom called a ‘tornado child’ because I was never easy to handle and whenever I turned up it meant trouble. I was like that all the way until I got married. I remember when she sat me down and said it was all well and good being that way when courting because the boys all got their heads turned by the scene-stealing girls, but marriage was a whole different prospect. Well, she and my daddy had been married a long time. I figured if anyone knew how to make marriage work, it'd be her. So I listened, but that was the worst mistake of my life. He started to get bored, and I lost myself. Tried to get myself back but it was too late for us. Got his head turned by, yep, you guessed it, a scene-stealing girl and that was all she wrote. Truth is, by that point I was happy it was over because I couldn't remember loving life. Sounds depressing when I say it now, but I wanted a fresh start and a way to rediscover who I was. I'm happy to say that it's happening. I imagine it was much the same for you when you came back here.”

  “Yeah, I was lost in the city. Didn't know who I was or what my purpose in life was. I know I belong here, though.”

  “I'm hoping I'll have a similar feeling. I just pray that the people take me into their hearts as much as they have you.”

  “I'm sure they will. They appreciate honesty and, although I don't know you that well, I can tell you're an honest person.

  “My mom wouldn't have me any other way,” Maggie said with a wide smile.

  Talking with her, Ellen's doubts vanished. Maggie was so friendly and charming that it was easy to feel relaxed around her. Ellen fell in love with the singsong lilt of her voice. She listened intently as Maggie continued with stories from her past, when it was broken up by the phone ringing.

  “I'm so sorry,” Ellen said, “but do you mind if I take this? It's Andy.”

  “Say no more,” Maggie said, holding up her hands, “far be it from me to get in the way of a woman and her man. I will see you later,” winking as she left.

  Ellen smiled and waved her out as she answered the call and felt a wave of joy swim through her when she heard Andy's deep, sonorous, loving voice.

  “How's my favorite girl?” he asked. He sounded happy, she liked that.

  “I'm okay, how are you? Tell me about the training,” she said, wanting to hear about what he was doing rather than boring him with things concerning East Pender.

  “It's really fun, actually. I was a bit apprehensive when I arrived but everyone is lovely and they're all eager to learn. So far they've been taken in by what I've been saying. I'm having a good time. Well, apart from the fact that you're not here. I miss you.”

  “I miss you too, but I'm glad it's everything you hoped.”

  “How is everything back home? Is Jimmy coping okay?”

  “Well...yes and no. I think he's growing into the role. He seems to doubt himself a lot but I've had a few words with him. Some have been wondering why you chose him specifically to take command in your absence.”

  “He is the ranking officer. Anyway, he just needs experience and this is the only way he's going to get it. Just give him a chance. I'm glad he's got you there anyway, although you really should be taking it easy!”

  “You know me, I just can't resist a case,” she said, half-joking.

  “Is it a bad one?”

  “Just a few burglaries.”

  She thought about mentioning the mall, but decided against it. She still didn't know the full story and it didn't seem to be an entirely pressing matter. So it could wait until he returned.

  “I've made a new friend, though,” she said. Andy seemed intrigued, and she told him all about Maggie.

  “Well it sounds like she's a lively person.”

  “Oh she's definitely going to bring some color to the town, that's for sure.”

  “But...?” he asked, sensing there was something else bothering her.

  “I don't know. Usually I can trust my instincts when it comes to people, at least I always used to be able to, but I'm not sure now. I'm worried she's actually going to be a rival. Should I be more worried that she's opening a cafe so close to me?”

  “I guess you won't know that until she opens but as for your instincts, you only can go by what people say and do. From what you've told me she's been nothing but nice. So I don't think you should think any differently than that. If it does turn out that she's not being genuine, well, in a competition between you and her I would bet on you anytime. So would everyone else in the town, I'm sure of it. You're a hero to them, Ellen. I know you don't feel like it right now but they look up to you. They know you'll always be there to look out for them. Well, that is until we go on our little trip.”

  His praise warmed her heart, and the promise of a trip sent an excited thrill through her.

  “I love you,” she said, smiling.

  He returned the gesture and somehow, even though they couldn't see each other’s faces, she could feel the smile in his words.

  “Listen, I have to go. They run a pretty tight schedule here, but I'll call you again when I can. I'll see you soon,” he said, and hung up.

  Ellen listened to the dial tone and lamented the fact that she didn't have him by her side, but talking to him renewed her spirit. She got up and felt more proactive than usual. So she returned to the scene of the most recent crime, just in case there were any clues left. The store owner mostly had returned order to the shop and nodded to Ellen as she entered.

  Immediately her attention was caught, not by something, but by someone, someone she recognized from the Longthorne company website. Standing in the middle of the store was the he
ad of the company, Tom Longthorne. He was tall, and had that easy confidence of a wealthy man, a man who was used to being in charge. His presence was worrisome, though. Evidently he did not like being refused.

  Chapter 5

  Ellen ducked in behind a shelf to observe the elder Longthorne. He was browsing the store, and didn't do anything of note. He was a little shorter than she had imagined but he projected a certain aura that gave him strength. He wore a tailored suit and his shoes were shiny clean. His hair was neatly trimmed, as was a pencil mustache, something that was uncommon among men these days.

  As she watched him she began formulating a theory that perhaps the Longthorne bid and the burglaries were connected. It was rare that a criminal would return to the scene of the crime, but Mr. Longthorne seemed to be a rare man. And, indeed, she doubted that he himself would have committed the crimes. But he certainly had the resources to pay someone to do that for him. This thought simmered in her mind, for she wasn't fully convinced of it herself, but Mr. Longthorne noticed her staring and came up to her.

  “Hello there, may I help you with something? I couldn't help but notice you noticing me.”

  He spoke with an easy charm but Ellen kept up her guard, and decided to play innocent.

  “No, sorry, it's just that...I'm sure I recognize you? Have you been on TV or something?”

  The best way to ingratiate yourself to someone was through flattery, and by the way Tom Longthorne puffed out his chest Ellen knew that it had worked.

  “Well, possibly, I do own a very successful company and I have been to a few prominent events. I was actually at the Oscars this year.”

  “Oh, yes. Did you see Paul Diamond? He came here, too. Seems we're getting quite the crowd of famous people here,” Ellen said.

  Longthorne scowled at the mention of Diamond's name and Ellen chuckled to herself. The scowl was only brief, though, as Longthorne quickly remembered he was in the presence of a beautiful woman. He had been playing the game too long to make any amateur mistakes.