StrawBuried in Chocolate (Black Cat Cafe Cozy Mystery Series Book 2)

by Lyndsey Cole

  Turning back toward her house, Annie felt her phone vibrate. The text from Jason read, Be ready at seven. Bringing a surprise.

  “I need to hurry if I want to look my best tonight.” Annie unclipped Roxy’s leash and they jogged toward her apartment. Roxy picked up a stick and tried to get Annie to chase her and play tug. Finally, Annie got the stick away from Roxy and she tossed it into the snow off the trail near Jason’s house. Roxy charged after it, digging in the deeper snow. Annie gazed out over the lake at a family skating in the glow of their outdoor lighting and a young couple walking arm in arm on the Lake Trail. Roxy returned, but it wasn’t a stick clamped between her jaws.

  “Roxy, sit. What did you find?”

  Annie removed the object form Roxy’s mouth, stared at it and gasped. She held a black leather glove by the thumb, growing numb as the realization hit her. The glove matched the ones Leona always wore. She wracked her brain, trying to remember when she last saw Leona with her gloves on. Annie’s heart thumped as she hurried the rest of the way to her apartment.

  She called Tyler, knowing it was the right thing to do. It wasn’t like Leona was the only person to have black leather gloves, and if the glove belonged to the murderer it could help take the pressure off Leona. At least, that was what Annie told herself.

  Tyler said he would be over in about a half hour on his way home. Annie checked the time: quarter to six. She would be cutting it too close if she waited for Tyler before getting ready for the dance so she stripped off her work clothes and hopped into the shower. The hot steam filled the bathroom and helped Annie’s tense muscles relax.

  Leona wasn’t a murderer, Annie kept telling herself. Sure, Leona didn’t like Lacy, but there weren’t too many people in town who Lacy hadn’t rubbed the wrong way. It was a miracle that Lacy hadn’t annoyed Sherry over all the years they were friends. Maybe Sherry felt a loyalty to Lacy through her marriage to Brad.

  After drying off and wrapping her wet hair in a towel, Annie couldn’t wait one second longer to open the box that Jason had left for her. Pulling on the red bow, the ribbon slid off the box into a satiny heap on the table. She lifted the silver top off the box and moved the tissue paper out of the way. Lifting out the silky red dress brought a smile to Annie’s lips. The dress was beautiful. She held it in front of her and twirled around the room. The flowing, just above the knee skirt, had a wide waistline below a V-neck; sexy but not too revealing. Just thinking about dancing with Jason was making every nerve ending tingle.

  Annie had to dry her hair before she dared slip into the dress. With a gob of mousse, she crunched her wavy curls into submission so they casually framed her face. Giving a good shake, she checked to be sure her hair looked natural and not too stiff. Finally, she let the silky dress slide over her head into place. It was a perfect fit. How did he know?

  Car lights sliced through her room as someone turned into the driveway.

  Annie was at the door as it opened. She wanted to jump into Jason’s arms as soon as he stepped inside. But it wasn’t Jason.

  “Annie. I’ve never seen you look so beautiful,” Tyler said as his eyes took her in from head to bare toes.

  “Oh,” was all Annie could sputter.

  “Were you expecting someone else? I told you I’d stop by.”

  “Yeah, yeah. Come on in.” Annie tiptoed to the counter, feeling Tyler’s eyes on her as she picked up the glove Roxy found in the snow. “I thought this might be something connected with the murder. Roxy dug it up in front of Jason’s house, about five feet off the Lake Trail.”

  “I should deputize her. She did a better job than my crew that scoured around Jason’s house.” Tyler carefully put the glove into an evidence bag. “You’re going to the dance with Jason?” Tyler asked with a sadness in his voice.

  Annie smiled. “Yes. I thought it was him when you got here. Are you going with JC?”

  Tyler gazed out the window and shrugged. “No. We’re taking a break. Whatever that means.”

  “I’m so sorry. JC didn’t tell me. I’ve been too busy working and haven’t checked in with her in a while.”

  Tyler stood with his hands hanging at his side, looking like a forlorn lost puppy. Annie hugged him. For old time’s sake, she told herself. They had been engaged and you don’t just forget all those memories you shared with someone from the past. And JC was her best friend from childhood. A year ago, when Annie had first returned to Catfish Cove, JC and Tyler had just started to date. Annie watched how thoughtful and caring Tyler was with JC and her son, Dylan. She knew they were perfect for each other, even if JC didn’t know it yet.

  The door opened as Tyler and Annie stood with their arms wrapped around each other.

  “What?”

  Tyler spun around. “Hey, Jason. I was just leaving.” He brushed past Jason, not even saying goodbye.

  Jason stood just inside the door with his eyebrows up and a frown on his face. “Tyler? Really Annie? I thought you two were done.”

  Annie took Jason’s arm. “Don’t be ridiculous. He stopped by because I found something that might be evidence. Or rather, Roxy found it. In the snow in front of your house. He’s depressed. It sounds like he and JC are on some kind of break.”

  She twirled around, letting the skirt of her dress flair out and wrap around her legs. “What do you think?”

  “I don’t know.” He studied her with one hand on his hip and one hand under his chin. “I think it looked better on the salesgirl at the store.” His lip twitched a little at one corner as he tried to keep from laughing.

  “The salesgirl? Was she my size? I was impressed that you got exactly the right size. It fits like a glove and feels, so, um, sexy on my skin.” Her eyes sparkled from the light.

  Jason shed his coat, tossing it on the back of the couch. “Maybe I need to test how it feels against my skin.” He took her hand, twirled her around and pulled her into an embrace. “Yes, it does feel sexy.” He leaned his head against her hair. “And you smell delicious. Maybe I need to test how you taste?”

  Annie giggled until Jason covered her mouth with his. “You taste like strawberries and chocolate. I like that.” His voice was deep and husky.

  Annie pulled back. “You are a tricky one. Giving me chocolate covered strawberries that I made. I’m not sure that counts as a real gift.”

  “Oh, a real gift is what the beautiful woman wants?” Jason retrieved a small box from his jacket pocket. “Maybe this will soothe your worries.” He made a grand gesture of handing Annie the black box tied with a tiny red ribbon. “Go ahead. Take a look.”

  Annie untied the ribbon and took the top of the box off. Inside was a layer of cotton, and underneath she found a delicate silver chain with a silver strawberry pendant.

  Jason took the necklace from her hand. “Here. Let me put it on for you.”

  The feel of his warm fingers touching the sensitive skin of her neck made her shiver. The strawberry hung down a few inches, framed by the red V of her dress’s neckline.

  Jason’s strong hands turned her around. “The perfect finishing touch,” he said, his voice going all husky again. “Are you sure you want to go to the dance? We could stay here and, you know, dance to our own music.”

  “Jason Hunter. You got me this beautiful dress and I plan to go to the dance. Maybe I’ll turn a few heads besides yours.”

  “That’s exactly what I’m afraid of. I saw how Tyler Johnson was staring at you. Do I have some competition like I did before you moved away?”

  “I do believe you are sounding jealous. I’ll always be fond of Tyler, but our history is just that. History. What are you talking about, anyway? Competition from the past? You never knew I existed.” Annie slid her feet into her red heels.

  “Oh but I did, you silly girl. You are the one who didn’t know I existed. And I don’t plan on letting you get away again.” Jason held Annie’s black coat for her to slip into. “Maybe you should put your black jeans and t-shirt back on, and your apron with the cats on it
to hide that sexy figure,” he teased.

  “Nope. Let’s get going. Everyone will be at the dance, and with any luck we’ll figure out some more clues about Lacy’s death.”

  Jason rolled his eyes at Annie, but when he turned toward the door, something outside caught the corner of his eye. He ran to the window behind Annie, cupping his hands around his face with his nose pressed on the cold glass. “Someone fell through the ice.”

  Jason was out the door, grabbing his coat in one swift motion and yelling to Annie to call 911. He disappeared into the darkness following the frantic yells for help.

  Annie’s shaking fingers punched in the 911 emergency numbers, relieved when she recognized JC’s voice answering her call. “Someone is yelling for help on the lake. Jason thinks she may have fallen through the ice.”

  JC’s trained calmness immediately slowed Annie’s panic. “Breath Annie. Tyler is on the way. Tell Jason not to go on the ice. We don’t want to have to make two rescues.”

  “It’s too late. He already ran out. I’ll wait outside for Tyler.”

  Sirens were already getting louder as Annie stood shivering in the driveway between her apartment and Jason’s house. She could still hear the calls for help and a calmer man’s voice trying to reassure the woman in danger. Annie said a silent prayer that Jason wouldn’t do anything foolish and get himself in trouble too.

  Then she heard it. A loud crack. A splash. Silence. The type of silence that wraps around you on a cold winter night and chills you to the bone.

  Chapter 7

  Tyler’s cruiser squealed into Annie’s driveway. An ambulance and many of the local volunteer firemen parked their pickup trucks up and down the street. Once the 911 call went out over the scanners, they all ran on autopilot with their emergency training taking over.

  Tyler glanced at Annie for only a second before rushing to the water’s edge with his bright spotlight searching over the ice.

  Someone wrapped a warm rough wool blanket around Annie. After what felt like hours, but were more likely minutes, she saw Jason’s body struggling back to the shore with a female draped in his arms and she let herself breathe again.

  The ambulance crew had a stretcher waiting and efficiently wrapped the woman in warmth and whisked her into the ambulance, heading to the hospital.

  Annie dropped the warm blanket from her shoulders and rushed to Jason’s side. “Are you all right?” Her brain told her something must be wrong even though she could see that he was mostly dry and uninjured. “I heard a loud crack and a splash.”

  Jason held her tightly to his chest. “That happened when I pulled her up onto the ice. I got us both away from the open water an instant before more ice broke off. It was stupid what I did but I reacted without thinking.”

  “Who was it?”

  “I don’t know. She said her name was Tess, spelling it out too. Kind of odd to worry about that when she was almost a goner.”

  Annie felt Jason trembling through the layers of their winter coats. She didn’t know if it was from cold or fear kicking in now that the catastrophe was avoided. It was one of the many things she admired about him: his decisiveness in an emergency.

  “Let’s go in and try to back track to an hour ago. I want to replace this scare in my head with your sexy image.”

  Behind Jason, Annie saw Tyler staring at her as everyone else put equipment away and headed back to their trucks.

  “Tyler? Are you okay?” She untangled herself from Jason’s warmth.

  He nodded. “Sure. I’m going to head back to the station and convince JC to come to the dance with me when her shift is over. This is the kind of thing that makes me realize that life is too short to give up on something I want.”

  Annie smiled. “Great idea. You two make a good couple. Don’t give up on her. I know how stubborn she can be. She’s probably gotten worse now that she’s older and has a son to worry about.”

  Tyler chuckled. “That’s for sure. She said she’s afraid I still have feelings for you and she doesn’t want that ghost hovering around us.”

  Annie felt Jason’s grip tighten on her waist. “I’ll have a talk with her if you want.”

  Tyler nodded again and finally smiled at Annie. “Thanks.” He offered Jason his hand. “You did a brave thing tonight, risking your life on the ice for that woman. Your quick action probably saved her life. I’m sure she’ll want to thank you herself once she’s up to it.”

  Jason held Tyler’s hand in both of his. “You don’t know how happy I was to hear the sirens and see that spotlight waiting for us when I finally had her safely in my arms.”

  “See you at the dance later?” Annie asked.

  “I hope so.” Tyler headed to his car but with a lighter step than when he had arrived.

  “I can understand what JC means about Tyler having feelings for you still. I see how he looks at you. Should I be concerned?” Jason asked as he opened the door to Annie’s apartment.

  Her eyes sparkled in the moonlight. “A little worry never hurts,” she teased and elbowed him in the side.

  Jason pulled her close again and searched for her mouth. After savoring the kiss, he reluctantly released her. “Listen, why don’t you finish your chocolate covered strawberries while I run next door to my house and find some dry pants and shoes? I’ll be back in ten minutes. Is that enough time for you to finish getting ready for the dance?”

  Annie saluted with two fingers. “Yes sir,” and she laughed.

  Roxy whined after Annie closed the door. “What’s the matter, girl? Everything’s fine now.” Roxy leaned into Annie’s body as she crouched down and cradled Roxy’s head. “Jason did something fearless tonight. I want to find out more about that Tess person.”

  Smokey joined Annie and Roxy, rubbing her body around them, wanting to be part of the cuddle. Annie stood up. “You two will have to keep each other company tonight. I have a hot date.” With that, she checked her reflection in the mirror, running her fingers through her wavy hair and stroking the strawberry pendant which reminded her of the real strawberries that made her mouth water. She popped one in her mouth, trying not to let the juice run down her chin and onto her new dress.

  Without giving herself a chance to change her mind, Annie picked up her phone and sent a text to JC. Hope to see you at the dance tonight. With Tyler.

  ***

  The country club was aglow with glittering lights and intrigue. The yearly Valentine’s Day dance always cheered the town up. Everyone was in need of a break from the long, cold and dark winter with an excuse to dress up, kick up their heels and go a little crazy.

  Walking inside, leaning against Jason, Annie slid her hand into his coat pocket and felt his fingers wrap around hers, sending warmth surging through her body. The cold air had no chance on a night like this.

  The sensual vibes of Eric Clapton’s You Look Wonderful Tonight, filled the room. Couples slow danced in the center, while others stood at tall tables sipping wine and sampling the hors d’oeuvres that servers offered from silver trays. Vases filled with red tulips sat in the center of each table and small silver dishes held Annie’s chocolate covered strawberries.

  She had made so many of the special strawberries, and sampled a fair share of the imperfect ones, she wasn’t tempted to have even one more.

  Leona waved to Annie, motioning for her to join her, Danny and Jake at a table. “You’re kind of late. I thought you two were blowing off the dance.” Leona was swaying to the music in her sleek black dress with a slit up the side bordered with red. Her hip bumped against Danny when she swayed one way, and Jake with the opposite swing. Annie noticed that Leona’s hair was a shade redder than her natural color. She must have fit in a visit to Curl Up and Dye.

  Annie said hi to Danny, then did a double take when Jake smiled at her. His ponytail was gone and it looked like he had been to the stylist for a makeover. “Wow Jake. You look, um, different.”

  The flush on his cheeks could be from the wine or from her comment.
>
  “I have a gallery opening in Boston in a couple of weeks and the owner suggested I clean up a bit. He said it was okay to look artsy in a rough but groomed kind of way.” His blue eyes held her gaze. “I’m not sure what he meant so Leona brought me to Curl Up and Dye. Tess fixed me up with a new look.” He shook his shaggy do. “It feels kind of weird to me. I’ve had that ponytail for years. What do you think?”

  “Did you say Tess?” Annie asked, ignoring Jake’s question about his new look and taking several appetizers off the tray offered by a handsome server.

  “Yeah, a young girl. She’s kind of new around town but she was friendly and chatty.”

  Annie turned to Jason. “Do you think it’s the same girl?”

  The song ended and Leona joined the conversation. “What girl?”

  “A girl named Tess fell through the ice in front of Jason’s house. That’s why we’re late. He ran out and saved her.”

  Jake added, “She told me she came to town to be near her Aunt Lacy. She doesn’t know what she’s going to do now because Lacy’s brother, Brad, told her she couldn’t live in Lacy’s house anymore.”

  “I bet that’s who I saw in the window of Lacy’s house after the murder, and again the next day. It felt like a ghostly presence, her shape drifting in front of the window before disappearing.” Annie shuddered at the memory and sipped her wine.

  “Can I squeeze in and join the fun?” Martha’s voice interrupted the conversation. “I won’t stay long, just want to say hello and don’t you look fantastic, Annie Fisher.” A wink that no one else could see and a jab in Annie’s side almost made Annie spill her wine. “My dates are outside. Probably arguing over who gets the next dance with me. I don’t know how long it’s been since a couple of men fought for my attention.” Martha finally took a breath as her hand went up to primp her hair.