Walking up the pathway to Luke’s house, Joss noticed a large envelope resting against the door.
At first, she thought it was just something from a parcel service that wouldn’t fit in the mailbox, but at second glance, she realized that’s not what it was.
OPEN ME.
Whatever was inside likely wasn’t meant for Joss at all, but it wasn’t actually a delivered piece of mail. There was no return address and no signs that anyone official had ever even touched it. On any other day, Joss would have just brought it inside with the rest of the mail, but after Jane’s death and everything she’d learned about it, Joss thought she would take a chance and open it herself. Worst case scenario, Luke would be upset with her; wouldn’t be the first time, and definitely wouldn’t be the last.
Joss gathered the mail and unlocked the door, letting herself inside. She watered the plants. All of them this time and got herself a bottle of water from the fridge that Luke had told her she was more than welcome to. Settling into a chair in the den, Joss looked at the envelope and prepared herself to open it. She wasn’t sure why, but something about it felt weird.
The only thing inside the envelope was a photo. There wasn’t a note, and nothing was written on the back of the photo, either. All Joss saw was a man that looked quite a bit like Luke, in what appeared to be his side yard near the door of his garage. The background of the photo was dark, obviously nighttime, but it was the time stamp that shocked Joss. She pulled out her phone to verify what she already knew. This photo was taken the same night that Jane was killed. Had Becky been right? Had she really seen Luke? One thing that Joss couldn’t wrap her head around was why it was a secret? If Luke really had come back to Lemon Bay, there would be no reason to hide that fact, not unless it was something he wanted to keep a secret. Something sinister, that apparently, whoever had snapped this photo and placed it at Luke’s home, thought was a big deal. Joss wondered if whoever left it meant for her to find it. All of the neighbors knew that Joss house sat for Luke. Actually, anyone who knew Luke and Joss knew that, so it could have been anyone. Who would have taken the time to go through all of that trouble? Someone who wanted Joss to know that Luke was in town when Jane was killed. Someone who might think that Luke could be responsible for killing her, but who?
Joss shuddered. Finding the photo was creepy, but learning that Luke had lied to her was even worse. Well, she supposed he hadn’t lied, but he certainly hadn’t told the truth, either. Joss knew she had to talk to him. She just had no idea what to say. While they had a great relationship, somehow, were you so mad at Becky that you killed her employee seemed harsh.
Something that had already occurred to Joss was that Becky didn’t really have a motive to kill her own employee, especially when she was in the middle of starting her new business. What Becky might have a motive for, though, was to kill Jane and find a way to frame Luke for it. What better way than to take down your competition than to frame the owner for murder? Joss considered the possibility for a second. Becky had said she’d seen Luke, so she’d known that he was around to frame him, however, Dina had also claimed to have seen him. Dina, while she was a bit of a mess, wasn’t someone who could execute a murder or even be involved in one. She just didn’t have it in her. Neither did Luke, right?
Joss sat for a few more minutes, thinking about everything. She had to get back to the diner for a few hours before she met Ryan for dinner. All Joss could manage to think about was Jane. The poor woman thought she was getting a new job, and the next thing she knows, she gets killed. Joss swore that if anyone she knew had something to do with it, she would sing like a bird. No way was it okay to vandalize or spread rumors about another business, never mind kill someone just to get revenge and make yourself feel better.
Jane had friends and a family, and people that loved her. The idea of her being killed over something so senseless just infuriated Joss. It wasn’t fair. Sheila missed her best friend, and without a doubt, Jane’s parents missed her, too. Whether it was Luke, or Becky, or even Eric that got themselves so worked up about their business and pride that they took it out on an innocent person, Joss wasn’t having it. If it was Luke, she’d never forgive him. Maybe she’d have to find a new job of her own sooner rather than later.
Making sure all the lights were off, Joss took the photo and her purse and went back to her car. She wasn’t looking forward to working a shift with so much on her mind, but since everyone still thought the diner had given people food poisoning, it wasn’t going to be very busy, anyway. She was eager to have dinner with Ryan, however. It had been a while since they’d seen one another, and she looked forward to sharing everything with him. He was a voice of reason. A perfect balance to her sometimes crazy way of thinking.
Chapter Twelve
“This looks so good,” Ryan said, practically drooling.
“Something wrong with the food at the diner?” Joss joked.
“I think this Beef Wellington is a little different from anything the diner serves.” Ryan grinned, still staring at his plate.
The two had agreed to meet at Oliver’s Steakhouse just outside of Lemon Bay for dinner. Joss had to admit that it was nice to eat something that wasn’t cooked where she worked or served in a to-go box. No matter where they’d gone, though, Joss was thrilled to get to spend time with Ryan. After several years of him asking her out and her saying no, Joss finally dug up the courage to ask him herself. It had been a long time coming, but their relationship was going so well. They’d known one another for a long time and seemed to fit together so perfectly. Joss hadn’t said anything about it yet, but she was pretty sure he said the word love a couple of weeks back. Not that he specifically loved her, but the word love came up while they were talking about their relationship. She didn’t know how to feel about it, so she just pretended it never happened. Hopefully, he’d bring it up again soon, that way she wouldn’t embarrass herself by telling him that she thought she might love him too. She was brave, but not that brave. Not yet.
“You’re right. I’m so glad we came,” Joss said, eyeing her own plate.
“I can’t believe we ordered the same thing,” Ryan mused, making his first cut.
“Right? We should have gotten something different and shared both.” Joss laughed.
The two chatted while they ate, Joss not waiting to talk about drama or murder.
“I nearly forgot that you mentioned the diner catering an event for your work. Is it a holiday thing or what? I want to make sure we can get it on the schedule.”
“About that,” Ryan said, frowning. “I’m not sure we will need a caterer after all.”
“Oh? Was the event canceled? I’m sorry to hear that. Although, I was hoping I could be your plus one instead of doing the catering.” Joss was only half-joking.
Ryan hesitated. “No. It wasn’t canceled.”
“You’ve got to be kidding,” Joss said, feeling frustrated.
“I’m sorry. I really tried,” Ryan answered, taking a drink.
“It’s not your fault. It’s Becky’s. I know she’s the one doing this. She swears it wasn’t her, but I don’t believe it.”
“You think Becky is telling people the diner’s food is bad? Why would she do that?” Ryan asked, a confused look on his face.
“I never told you, did I? I’ve been so all over the place,” Joss explained everything to Ryan.
“Well, that makes a little more sense now. It definitely sounds like Becky would have a reason to talk bad about the diner. Easy way to get rid of the competition,” Ryan pointed out.
“Exactly what I was thinking. Except mine went from that to Luke killing Jane because he was mad that he had competition.”
Ryan nearly choked on his food. “Luke killed that girl?! Why hasn’t it been on the news that they found her killer?”
Joss sighed. “No, he didn’t kill her. I think. I’m just saying my mind keeps jumping from one thing to the next. I hate to think that he could have done it, but he’s been out
of town and mysteriously shows up on the night Jane was killed.”
“Mysteriously? He lives here,” Ryan reminded her.
“But he’s supposed to be out of town,” Joss explained, telling Ryan about the photo.
“Still not a mystery, Joss. Luke lives in Lemon Bay, it’s not weird for him to be here, and as far as that photo goes, you’re saying someone snapped a picture of Luke at his own house, right? I just want to clarify.” Ryan paused, looking at Joss.
“You just don’t get it.”
“It doesn’t sound like he did anything wrong. He was at his own house, that’s not a crime.”
“At night, when he was supposed to be gone?” Joss challenged.
“Yes, it’s okay to be on your own property even at night. Just because Luke didn’t call you to tell you he was back, doesn’t mean he murdered someone. Good grief, Joss. I know you’re into this sort of thing, but why are you even letting Luke being a killer cross your mind?”
Joss stared at Ryan.
“I don’t know,” she said. “He has every right to be mad at Becky, and he’s not back. I just went to his house, and he wasn’t there. I found the picture just a little while ago.
“He has every right to be at his house, and he doesn’t have to tell you his every move. I think you’re reaching. I think Becky has you so flustered that you are overreacting.”
“Someone killed that woman, and I intend to find out who it was. Maybe you’re right, and I’m expecting the worst. I don’t truly believe Luke could kill anyone.”
“Good.” Ryan nodded. “Let’s talk about something else. This isn’t exactly the best dinner conversation.”
Joss agreed. “How are things with Rachel and Christopher,” she asked, referring to Ryan’s sister and her new boyfriend.
“He’s done so much work on her house. After the flood, I wasn’t sure what her basement was going to look like, but everything that she envisioned, he’s making happen. I’m so glad that they found each other. Rachel deserves to have the house of her dreams, and someone that makes her happy.”
“I agree. Finding happiness is so important,” Joss said, finishing the last of her meal.
“Are you happy?” Ryan asked, gazing at her. “With me, I mean. With us?”
“I am,” Joss said, feeling her face flush. “Are you?”
“Really happy. Happier than I can ever remember being,” Ryan answered, reaching out his hand and placing it on Joss’s.
Joss felt giddy. Everything negative that had been on her mind was suddenly gone, not even a speck of it left. Ryan made her so happy, and she never wanted to ruin that, especially by letting her crazy antics get the best of her. Ryan deserved the best version of Joss, and she wanted nothing more than to offer that to him and enjoy a life of happiness.
Chapter Thirteen
The very last thing that Joss wanted to do was go to the market, and the exact thing that she needed to do was go to the market. Sometimes things were unavoidable and sadly, the fact that the diner was out of vanilla extract and desperately needed it, was one of those things. Of course, the market was the only place in Lemon Bay that sold it. Joss had considered suggesting that all of the staff go to their homes to see if they had any so she could avoid going to the store, but she knew that that would raise some suspicion.
“I can go if you want,” Dina offered.
“You’re in the middle of a table of eight that requested you,” Joss replied.
“Why don’t you send Garth?” she asked, trying again.
“It’s fine. I’ll go,” Joss said appreciating the suggestions.
Joss hopped in her car and drove to the market for the vanilla extract that was a required ingredient in several of the diner’s breakfast dishes. She realized she was being silly and it would be easy to park on the other side of the parking lot and avoid Becky seeing her. She got out, did her best to stealthily make her way inside of the market only to walk smack dab into Eric.
“My apologies, Ma’am,” he said, holding out a hand to steady Joss.
“Nope. My fault. I was in a rush and not paying attention. Have a nice day,” Joss replied.
“Well, if you are in a rush, I’ll be glad to help. Maybe I can direct you where you need to go. That way you can get there safely.” He chuckled. “Hang on, don’t you work at the Day and Night Diner?”
Joss cringed. “Yes, I do.”
“I thought I recognized you. Don’t tell me it’s all a sham and you come here to buy the food?” he joked. “Although, I did hear something disturbing about the diner’s food recently, so let me take that back. You aren’t buying your food from here, right?”
“No. I’m sorry you heard that. We’ve done our research and nothing at the diner is spoiled. We believe it was a hit from a competitor.”
“Don’t I know about competitors,” Eric mumbled
“Grocery stores have competition?” Joss asked. “I didn’t realize there was another one around here.” She wished she had, because she’d have gone there instead.
Eric chuckled. “No. We’re the only place around. I guess I worded that incorrectly. I’ve been having some things happen here too that sort of feel like they could be considered hits.”
“Oh? Is everything okay?” Joss wondered if this was going to be something about another food related shop having bad things happen. Maybe she’d be able to find out who was causing all this trouble.
“Yeah. Just someone who thinks they are entitled to my employees,” Eric said. “Now, what did you say you needed again?”
“Vanilla extract,” Joss replied, following Eric.
“Someone is taking your employees?” Joss asked.
Eric nodded. “In fact, you might know her. I think she used to work at the diner, too. Man, I love that place. It’s been too long since I’ve been in.”
“Ahh. Becky. Yes, she used to work at the diner until very recently. Actually, we didn’t even know she was opening a place on her own.”
“Blindsided you, huh? What a piece of work. First, she steals Jane, now Niles. Who does she think she is?” Eric demanded.
“I heard about Jane. So tragic,” Joss said, wondering what Eric might know.
“She was a good person. Made me mad enough to spit nails, but a good worker. I’m sorry she’s gone,” Eric said, pulling a bottle of vanilla extract off the shelf.
“I can imagine losing employees made you mad,” Joss mused.
“Well, sure, especially when I told her not to work there. I needed her here full-time, but she insisted on leaving to help Becky. I don’t know what it is people see in her.” Eric made a face.
“You said she took another employee of yours as well?” Joss asked.
“Something like that. When I found out that he was trying to work at both places, I just did what I had to do.”
“You fired him?” Joss was surprised.
“It’s not quite that easy with him, unfortunately,” Eric grimaced.
“You must be short staffed now. I’m sorry you have to deal with all of this. I know just how it feels,” Joss said, hoping to end the conversation.
“Short staffed is right,” he muttered. “You looking for a job?”
Joss gave a small laugh. “No. I’m happy at the diner.”
“Well, I ought to be going. I actually have an interview scheduled soon. Try not to crash into anyone else.” Eric grinned before heading on his way.
“Thanks for the help,” Joss called.
Thankful that was over, Joss pulled another bottle of extract off the shelf and went to pay. The lines were long which was to be expected. As Joss waited for her turn, she saw Eric leading a young man into his office, likely for the interview he’d just mentioned. Joss hoped that he got the job and would be able to help Eric and not be poached by Becky.
As Joss got in her car, she couldn’t help but want to drive her car the long way around the lot and out the back entrance. She wanted to drive by Becky’s and see if there was anything interesting go
ing on. Joss was glad she made the last minute decision when she saw Becky standing outside of her bistro, handing what looked to be an apron to none other than Sheila, Jane’s best friend. That wasn’t the only interesting thing, though. Ashley was standing at her side, a huge grin on her face.
Sheila got a job with Becky? If she didn’t want the memories of Jane haunting her in their apartment, why would she want to get a job at the last place Jane had worked? More importantly, why was Ashley there? There was no way she was getting a job with Becky too. That just didn’t make any sense.
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