Nun the Wiser (A Deadly Habit Cozy Mystery Book 2)

by Morgana Best

  I nodded. I hoped Adam was right about this, but I had my doubts. Still, he was paying for it, and I could pretend it was a date — well, almost.

  We walked over to the hangar office and filled out the required forms to take part in one of the tours. I was worried about the part stating that they accepted no responsibility for passengers’ death or disability. I knew it was just red tape, but I imagined the helicopter plunging into the gorge. Not a nice thought.

  As we were waiting to board, a tall, rough looking man walked up to us. Hi,” he said. “I’m Riley Cooper, and I’ll be your pilot today.”

  We gave him our names.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you both,” the pilot replied. “So what are you two hoping to see today? Just a normal scenic tour?”

  “Pretty much,” I said.

  Adam paced around a bit before he finally joined in on the conversation. “Actually, I’m a journalist. I’m new in town, and I’m writing a book on architecture. There’s a beautiful convent just outside town. I was hoping to get some nice pictures of it, but the walls are so high, so I figured an aerial view would be my best shot. Do you think it would be possible to get kind of close and grab a few photos of it for my book?”

  The pilot looked somewhat uneasy. “The convent? Nobody ever asks to fly over there. I know it’s not architecture, but there’s a beautiful set of cliffs just an hour away that we could see. You’d definitely get some beautiful shots from there.”

  Adam shook his head. “We’d rather stay closer to town and just get some pictures of the buildings, including the convent if you don’t mind.”

  “Are you sure?” the pilot asked. “We usually only take people over the gorge country. It’s really dramatic, you know. We swoop down low into the gorge and then, up, up, up!” He made a swooping movement with one hand.

  Adam shook his head. “I really just need photos of the convent, if that’s okay with you.”

  The pilot shrugged and reluctantly agreed. He motioned for us to follow. When we were inside the cramped helicopter, he leaned over to speak to us. “Here, we need to use these headsets so the noise doesn’t eliminate all communication when we’re up there. Do either of you have any questions or concerns about flying before we get this under way?”

  “No, we’re right, thanks,” Adam said as he pulled the headset down, over his head. He looked at me and I nodded.

  “Strap yourselves in and we’ll be taking flight shortly.” He spun around in his chair and started flicking a bunch of switches and pressing buttons. Lights flickered on and off as the helicopter roared to life.

  I was both exhilarated and nervous when the chopper lifted off into the air. I peered out over the town as we ascended into the clouds. Everything looked so small and fake, like a miniature replica of the land was sitting below us. I started to relax. “This is great,” I said.

  “Yeah, flying can be fun, but it can also be scary,” the pilot said. Just then, the helicopter fell quickly, startling me. “See, like that,” he laughed.

  I rolled my eyes, but couldn’t stop a chuckle from escaping. “Let’s not do that again,” I urged him.

  Adam smiled and pulled out his camera. He attached the lens, and then held it up to show me. “Here, take a look through the telephoto lens,” he said.

  I took the camera gently and held it firmly, and then aimed it at the paddocks below. The view was spectacular. I could see sheep close up, and even details on cars. “Wow, this is neat,” I said, handing the camera back to Adam.

  “Yep, but let’s hope we can get some nice pictures with it. Useful ones would be great,” he added.

  The helicopter zipped off in the direction of the convent, and as we approached, I looked out over the long road leading to it.

  “We’re almost there,” Adam said, nudging me and nodding to the convent in the distance.

  The helicopter dipped again, steadying itself just above the tree-line that dotted the long road. “If you’re trying for photographs of the convent, it’s probably best we stay low,” the pilot explained.

  “Thanks,” Adam said.

  I glanced out at the convent, which was now getting very close. I could finally see over the walls. As the helicopter flew over the walled enclosure, I saw movement below. Was that the nuns? I saw several of them huddled together, but they must have heard the helicopter, because without warning, they all scattered into the convent like ants trying to escape burning rays from a magnifying glass.

  “Oh no,” Adam said.

  “What’s wrong?” the pilot asked.

  “Oh, nothing. I was just hoping to get some of the residents in a few of my photographs,” he replied.

  “Ah, well I wasn’t even aware that the convent was inhabited. I guess that we learn something every day.” The pilot circled the convent several times, offering Adam chances to get his pictures, but I already knew it was pointless. We had come all this way for nothing. Well, for my part, I was enjoying sitting close to Adam, our knees and shoulders touching. I was in no hurry for this ride to come to an end.

  I sighed. I had known it was going to be a long shot, but I’m always the optimist. “What now?” I asked Adam, who was now disassembling his camera and lens and putting them back into his bag.

  “Not really sure, but we’ll think of something. The least we can do is enjoy this flight until it’s over, though,” he said in defeat. “I got a few nice pictures, but I don’t see them being the smoking gun we were looking for.”

  I frowned. “There’s always next time,” I said.

  Adam nodded and smiled.

  “How about those cliffs?” interrupted the pilot. “I’m sorry you didn’t get the shots you wanted, but hopefully you got a few decent ones of the convent’s structure for your book.”

  “Oh, I think that’s safe enough to say,” Adam said. “But we’d like to just head back whenever you’re ready. We can save the cliff country for next time.” The pilot looked back and nodded.

  The helicopter zoomed off at full speed toward the airport. I took one last glance at the town as it passed by underneath. “I wish we could stop them,” I said, looking across at Adam.

  Chapter 7.

  “Rose, you’re killing me!” Gemma gave a dramatic groan through the phone. “Killing me! I’m going to lay right here on the couch and croak — you’re too much.”

  I listened to Gemma as she continued to lament her own passing, complete with a rather strange funeral arrangement. Then afterward she was going to come back and haunt me for good measure.

  “Gemma, you’re making it sound like I held them up at gun point,” I finally said when I could get a word in. I could practically see Gemma through the phone, rolling her eyes to the ceiling and mouthing a rant at it, her hair bouncing as she paced her living room in her overly high heels.

  “Do you know how many legal cases I work with on people photographing other people’s property?” Gemma gave another dramatic groan. “You and this fellow are both really tip-toeing that line. You go flying over the city with the hottest man in town. People would kill to have a boyfriend take them on a private flight, you know. And you two obsess over work, and at that, just three hairs shy of stalking-type work. I hope he’s finally taking you out to dinner.”

  “Actually —” I gazed over at the pan simmering on the oven, and gave it a quick stir. “He’s coming over to show me the pictures. We’re going to eat together while we look them over.”

  I pulled my ear away from the phone as I listened to a high pitched, gleeful squeal from my friend. Both cats even stopped their tussling, their ears perked as they tried to figure out what the noise was. All at once Bernard seemed to remember that he had decided not to get along with Sasha. He swiped at her and darted under the table, only to have her prance after him.

  “Are you serious?” Gemma demanded. “You two are finally having dinner together?”

  “Sort of.” I stirred the dinner again.

  “And — it’s a business type thing? Ro
se, what am I going to do with you?” Gemma sighed loudly and dramatically. “But it’s a start! What are you making? Those rosemary noodles?”

  “Actually, I’m making vegetarian Thai green curry.” I said as I lowered the temperature on the pan.

  “Thai green curry? The man is so hot he should be illegal. You have walked all over town together. You faced a murder mystery and cross-dressing nuns together. He took you on a private flight over the town in a helicopter. You finally get him home, and you’re using your amazing cooking skills to make Thai green curry?”

  “He said he likes Thai green curry.” I bit my bottom lip uncertainly. I hadn’t wanted to make it awkward by working on anything too elaborate. Maybe Gemma had a point. I had been hesitant to call for second opinions. Gemma, as expected, wanted me to prepare a four course meal. And the last time I asked Janet for dessert advice, she lectured me on the evils of sugar and fructans. I didn’t want to live through that lecture again.

  I checked the clock. No time to have something ordered. I’d have to roll with it.

  “You’ll be the death of me,” Gemma mumbled dramatically. “Ah well, it’s a start. At least you’re learning his food preferences, to look on the bright side. But why Thai green curry, though?”

  “Well, he said he liked it,” I said defensively. “I already told you that.” What on earth was wrong with Thai green curry anyway? I thought it was a good idea — well, I had. Now I wasn’t so sure. Now I was even more nervous than ever.

  There was silence for a moment, and then Gemma spoke again. “So, when is he going to show up?”

  “In about ten or fifteen minutes.”

  “You’re dressed to knock him dead, right? That cute little cocktail dress you never wear? Please say you aren’t in sweatpants just ‘cause it’s a casual thing? There is such a thing as too casual.”

  “No! I’m not in sweat pants. What do you take me for?” I glanced down at my black slacks with worry. Too plain?

  Gemma groaned again. “Honey, we have got to get you some practice, before you get stuck with some man living in his mama’s basement, or end up like Janet and marrying some overgrown Ken doll on steroids.”

  “Gemma!” I frowned at Gemma and then realized she couldn’t see me. I really was stressed.

  “We’re all thinking it. No human body should look like that — it isn’t natural. God made us to have pot bellies and muffin tops, not bowling ball sized biceps. My proof? They don’t do anything with those things! When was the last time you saw a body builder save someone from a burning building? Do construction? Bale hay? No farmer looks like that, and they do more physical labor than most. That muscle-bound stuff is unnatural!”

  I sighed and let Gemma get her latest rant about slanted body images out of her system while I turned my attention to the table. At least Gemma had changed the subject from my lack of prowess with men.

  Sasha hopped up on a chair and looked at me questioningly, pawing at my hand to insist on special attention. I gave her an ear scratch while waiting for Gemma to breathe long enough so I could interject. Gemma had a talent for being able to talk without pausing to breathe. I figured it was from long practice in the courtroom.

  There was a knock at the door and I was sure my heart stopped for a second. My eyes darted at the time. Was that him? He was early! Oh no! Table? Clothes? Food? Any clutter left out earlier? “He’s here, good bye! Send me good vibes,” I hissed urgently into the phone as I hung up.

  I opened the door to see Adam, his work-bag slung over his shoulder. He brandished an enormous box of expensive-looking chocolates with that gloriously handsome grin of his.

  “I didn’t want to come empty handed,” he said as he handed me the box.

  “Thanks so much,” I gushed.

  “No problem.” Adam was doing his best to appear nonchalant, but I could tell he was pleased that I was thrilled with the chocolates.

  An irrational wave of panic shot through me as I let him into my apartment. My eyes darted here and there to make sure everything was picked up while Adam scanned the area with apparent interest. There was nothing that could be a problem apart from the two cats. Bernard was glaring at me suspiciously, no doubt wondering if I was going to put him in the laundry room. Sasha darted over to check out the new company. She purred loudly as she wove between Adam’s legs, rubbing against his ankles. Bernard looked on in disgust.

  Adam made the mistake of leaning over to pet her. He now had a furry stalker friend for life. Sasha purred loudly as she proceeded to try to climb up his leg. Before he knew what was happening, he had a chocolate Burmese cat lounging in his arm, the perfect picture of contentment.

  “She’s friendly, huh?” Adam laughed as he stroked the insistent cat.

  “Seems that way.” I had to smile as Sasha decided that the human was to pet her and pay her attention. If only humans could deal with their feelings in such a straightforward manner. I drifted off into a quick fantasy about purring and trying to sit on Adam’s knee. Nope. He’d likely run out and get a restraining order. Cats had an enviable life.

  “I’m glad you invited me over,” Adam said after some small talk. “It feels like we’ve really gotten to know one another well lately. I would invite you over to my cottage, but I need to find a more long-term place to stay first.”

  He looked sincerely sad that he hadn’t invited me over. I thought the sheepish smile looked adorable on him.

  “It’s fine! I’m sure you’re glad not to be staring at the same four walls for a little bit.” I smiled, glancing at Sasha, who had draped herself happily across Adam’s feet.

  “I’m in great company,” he agreed, as he gently nudged Sasha, sending the cat into a stretch and a contented purr. He reached over to his bag and pulled out the envelope. “I had the images blown up and printed. I didn’t see anything at a glance, but hopefully between us something will catch our eyes.”

  “Right.” I cleared away the plates to one side and scooted closer. I tried to keep my mind on the pictures and not on the fact that our shoulders were almost touching. It had been such a long week that it was hard not to take Sasha’s example and lean on him for just a moment.

  I stared at one picture after another, remembering the flight as I stared at the buildings and walkways. It was disturbing to think of how familiar the convent was starting to become to me.

  Unfortunately, there was nothing of interest in the pictures. Absolutely nothing. Not even a broom was out of place. There were no strange boxes, no recently dug garden plots. What were we looking for anyway?

  Whatever it was I wanted to see, it wasn’t there. There was nothing but plants, a fountain, some walkways and other assorted bits of Gothic architecture. There was nothing suspicious about it at all. Judging by Adam’s frustrated expression as he carefully studied the pages, he was running into the same problem.

  After we carefully poured through the images for some time, I sighed and tapped my stack into a neat pile. “They’re all starting to look the same. I’ve got nothing. You?”

  “Same here,” Adam said as he leaned back in his chair and stretched with a light groan. “I hate to say it, but if there’s anything odd about the place, they aren’t keeping it out in the open.”

  “Well, that was a waste of time,” I said, setting the pictures down.

  “Not really,” Adam said with a quirked smile. “I got to spend some time with you, and I’ve been craving some real home cooking that wasn’t out of a restaurant for a couple months now. And like I said —” He leaned over slightly, pressing our shoulders together gently as he turned to look in my eyes.

  There was something warm there, tender even. It made my heart race.

  “Rose! Are you home?”

  I jumped in alarm at the screeching voice, sending the papers to the floor and startling poor Sasha into a short dash to the couch for safety. Adam and I quickly scooted to a polite distance as we both looked toward the door, which to my shock suddenly opened a crack.

  Bun
ny’s head peeked around it. She was smiling widely. “Sorry! Your door was unlocked so I invited myself in. You aren’t busy, are you?”

  “Hi, Bunny,” I said. Talk about timing! “Did you need something?”

  “I locked my keys in the store again. Could I borrow the spare set I left with you —” Bunny froze, her eyes bulging wide in horror at the sight of Sasha, who was standing in the middle of the floor purring, her tail swishing happily in greeting.

  “Meow,” she said, and moved toward Bunny.

  Bunny let out a blood curdling scream. Sasha stopped and fluffed up in alarm. There was a loud slam as Bunny jumped away from the door, leaving it wide open. As Bunny turned and ran, Sasha ran after her.

  “Bunny!” I called, as I gathered my wits. I lunged for the fleeing Sasha as she bounded for the door, determined to catch up to the loud screaming woman. “Sasha, kitty, kitty! Sasha, no!”

  I managed to grab Sasha before she got to the door. I handed her to Adam, grabbed Bunny’s spare key, and ran after her.

  Chapter 8.

  The doorbell was more of a buzzer in my apartment. Whenever someone pressed the small white button that sat in between my apartment door downstairs and the door to my shop, a white box that sat on my living room wall buzzed audibly and annoyingly.

  When it went off, I was in bed. It was Tuesday, the one day of the week I had planned not to open the shop. I normally stayed closed on Sunday, but the festival the last weekend had a lot of foot traffic along the main street and I couldn’t have afforded to miss the customers.

  I groaned and rolled over, pulling the blanket over my head. I was going to ignore the bell, and hope whoever was at my door went away, but when the bell rang again, I figured I had better at least see who it was. I climbed out of bed and crept to the living room. I could look out one of the windows there and see straight down to my door if I craned my neck forward far enough.

  A cop car was parked at the curb, and the larger of the two town officers was standing there, holding his beefy finger to the button. I sighed. I never enjoyed a meeting with either of the two cops.