by Lyndsey Cole
As Annie reached her car, a small sedan pulled into Thelma’s driveway. Sherry Miller slid out carrying a plate of something.
“How is Brad doing today? Losing his sister seemed to send him over the edge,” Annie asked before Sherry had seen her.
Sherry’s head twisted around toward the sound of Annie’s voice. “Oh. It’s you. In hind sight, we shouldn’t have gone to the dance last night, but I thought it might be a good diversion for him to get his mind off of everything. Ya know? Unfortunately, when he saw Leona, he lost it. Has she been arrested yet?”
“Not that I’m aware of. Just because she was the first one on the scene doesn’t make her the murderer.”
“Well, I heard her fingerprints were all over the kitchen and a bloody glove was found in the snow.”
“Just because Lacy was your best friend and Brad’s sister doesn’t make it okay to spread rumors about Leona,” Annie said with a steely voice. “You should know better.”
Annie slammed her door shut and backed out of the driveway. “Tyler shouldn’t be giving out all this detail to every Tom, Dick and Sherry,” she said to Roxy. “Although, maybe it’s not such a bad thing. If everyone thinks Leona is guilty, the real killer might be easier to find.” She smiled as she pulled into her own driveway and her smile grew bigger when she saw that Jason’s car was there too.
Smokey purred and rubbed against Annie’s legs as soon as she stepped inside, just about tripping her. “Lonely today without Roxy here to keep you company?” she asked Smokey as he weaved in and out of her legs.
A knock on her door made her smile, assuming it was Jason. Her anger had run its course and she had to admit to herself that it made sense for Jason to keep Leona’s whereabouts from her. But, she decided she wasn’t going to give Jason the satisfaction of saying ‘I told you so’.
It wasn’t Jason at the door, though. Johnny Robbins stood on her doorstep. “Can I come in?”
This could be interesting. She wanted to ask him some questions anyway. Annie stepped aside for Johnny to enter. He stomped his boots on her mat and the smell of alcohol drifted to Annie’s nose.
“Make yourself comfortable.” Annie quickly fed Roxy and Smokey before sitting down opposite Johnny. “How can I help you?”
Johnny’s eyes darted around the room and his foot couldn’t stop a nervous jiggling. “When you saw me the other night? When Lacy was murdered? I don’t want you to get the wrong idea.”
“What do you mean?”
He leaned forward with his hands on his knees. “I know I made some, um, less than flattering comments about Lacy, but I didn’t kill her.”
“Well, Johnny, I would have been surprised if you came here to confess. Of course you’re going to tell me you didn’t kill her.” Annie stood up, feeling more confident looking down on Johnny. “The facts are, you didn’t like Lacy McGuire and you were near the house when she was murdered. She had something over you, didn’t she? That makes you a strong suspect, don’t you think?”
Johnny’s face blanched. Annie gave herself a mental pat on the back for winning that bluff.
“You’re right. And I walked up to the house, too, when I saw her go inside. I really wanted to give her a piece of my mind but I heard her talking to someone and I left.”
“Someone went inside with her?”
“I didn’t see who it was. I think someone was already in the house.”
“What did you do?”
“I walked back along the Lake Trail, hoping she would be alone when I returned.”
“That’s when I saw you?”
“Right.”
“That’s interesting. If your story is true.”
He stood up, towering over Annie. “Now that I think about it, the person inside?”
Annie waited.
He smirked at Annie. “It was your Aunt Leona.”
Chapter 12
Jason had his hand up, ready to knock when Annie opened the door and said good riddance to Johnny. Jason’s fist almost, accidentally, hit Johnny in the face instead of the door that wasn’t in front of him anymore.
Jason’s face hardened when he saw the angry expression on Annie’s face. “Can I come in?”
Annie glared at Johnny until he was out of sight. “I don’t know what to do. It’s like the whole town is conspiring against Leona. Is she all right?”
Jason gently turned Annie back into her apartment. “Leona is fine. I promise. Now, how about I take you out for something to eat. A change of scenery might be good for you.”
She plopped onto the couch next to Roxy and Smokey didn’t waste one second curling up in her lap. “I know in my heart that Leona isn’t a murderer, but it’s hard to be the only one in town who believes she’s innocent.” One hand stroked Smokey and the other hand rested on Roxy.
Jason caressed her hair. “That’s a bit dramatic. You know you aren’t the only one. Now, chop, chop.” He clapped his hands for emphasis. “Change out of those work clothes and let me give you a big surprise.”
Annie pushed herself up without much enthusiasm, then sank down again. “I talked to Thelma Dodd earlier.”
Jason sat, resigning himself to be patient. “And?“
“She did tell me something interesting. She keeps a notebook of all the comings and goings she sees on the Lake Trail. A time line of when her ‘friends’ walk by. Day, time and which direction they’re going.”
Jason perked up. “Did she show you?”
“Oh yes. It took a while between helping her with her crossword puzzle, making tea and giving Roxy dog treats, but she did show me.”
Jason leaned back, crossing one ankle over his knee. “Crossword puzzles? That sounds like a rousing afternoon.” He smiled with a little tease in his tone.
“Actually, the two words I helped her with were ‘killer’ and ‘bloody’. Gave me the creeps. But back to the interesting part. Last Friday, around the time Lacy was killed, Johnny and an unidentified girl wearing a black parka walked by.” Now it was Annie’s turn to sit back and wait for Jason’s reaction.
He slammed his foot on the floor and leaned forward. “Black parka? Tess was wearing a black parka when I pulled her out of the lake.”
Annie smiled. “And, Johnny just told me he was planning to follow Lacy into your house but he heard someone in there so he continued on the Lake Trail. I don’t know whether I believe him or not though.”
“Did he say who he heard?”
“Yes. Leona. But I think he only said that to get under my skin. That’s when I threw him out of here.” She sighed. “I did bluff him though, into admitting that Lacy had something over him. Now we only have to figure out what it was.”
Jason rubbed his chin. “Johnny Robbins, the liquor store owner, and Tess Harrington, Lacy’s niece. That’s a good start. See? We have something to work with now. Are you going to tell Tyler?”
“No. I’m not sharing anything else with him!”
“Oh?” His eyebrow shot up in surprise at Annie’s tone of anger with Tyler.
“Sherry Miller arrived to visit Thelma when I was leaving and she already heard about Leona’s fingerprints all over your kitchen and she knew about the glove I found. She even said it was a bloody glove which I didn’t know. Someone at the police department is leaking information. Maybe it’s not Tyler, but I’m not talking to him about anything else.”
“What’s Sherry’s relationship with Lacy? Did they get along?”
“Sherry and Lacy were best friends growing up. That’s how Sherry got together with Brad. Even when Brad and Sherry were on one of their ‘breaks’, she and Lacy always stayed as tight as thieves. In Sherry’s opinion, she has Leona signed, sealed and delivered to the state penitentiary for Lacy’s murder.”
Jason stood up. “I’m glad you got that off your chest. Go get changed and we’ll get something to eat.”
Annie had to admit to herself that she did feel a little better. Jason always managed that somehow. She pulled skinny jeans out of her closet and
a red turtleneck cashmere sweater. Mia used to tell her that red wasn’t her color, it clashed with her strawberry blond hair, but she didn’t care, she liked red. She fluffed up her curls and added the silver strawberry necklace that Jason had given her for Valentine’s Day.
Jason whistled when Annie returned to the living room. “You sure do clean up nicely, Ms. Fisher.”
She smiled and felt her heart do a summersault. “Where are we going?”
“It’s a surprise. A new place I know you’ll love.”
“You are being very mysterious, Mr. Hunter. Makes my nerves tingle.”
They chatted comfortably as Jason drove and Annie followed their progress through the passenger window, clueless about where he was taking her. Especially when he turned onto a dirt road.
“This restaurant must be someplace I’ve never heard of, and by the appearance of this road I wonder if anyone will be able to find it,” Annie said as they hit a bump and Jason’s car lurched sideways. She craned her neck around trying to find some type of civilization.
“It is a bit remote. That’s part of the beauty.” Suddenly, they turned a corner and the trees opened up revealing the hint of what must be a fantastic view during the daytime.
Jason parked in front of the rambling restored farmhouse.
“I don’t see any name for this restaurant or many other cars. Are you sure they’re open for business?” Annie asked as she opened her door.
“They’re expecting us. Come this way.”
Jason opened the front door which was bordered by tiny white lights. He led her through a narrow hallway and turned right, down one step into a room with a table set for two. The floor was granite stones and two walls were all glass. A third wall had a cozy fire burning in the granite fireplace. The table was covered with a white linen tablecloth, a single silver candle holder with a red candle, and pottery plates, the colors of a brilliant sunset.
Annie’s eyes took it all in but her mind couldn’t make any sense of where they were.
Jason pulled a chair out for Annie to be seated.
She heard footsteps coming from behind her. Jake appeared at the table with a bottle of wine and two wine glasses. “Would you care for some wine?”
“Jake? Do you work here?”
Jake laughed. “No, I guess Jason didn’t tell you. This is my place and he’s organized a special romantic dinner for you.”
“So, this isn’t a restaurant?” Annie was having trouble putting the pieces together.
Jason took the wine bottle and poured two glasses. “Relax, Annie. Trust me. It will all make sense.” He offered her a glass and clinked his against hers. “This is strawberry wine; dry, crisp and as refreshing as a glass of springtime.”
Annie smelled the wine, then took a sip. “It does taste like strawberries.” She settled into her chair and finally smiled a warm, happy smile. “You are filled with surprises, Mr. Hunter.”
Jake returned with a basket of artisan bread and home churned butter with a hint of honey. “This goes nicely with the wine while you’re waiting for your salads.”
Annie pulled off chunks of the bread, offering one to Jason. “How did you manage this? I didn’t even know you were friends with Jake.”
“I can’t divulge all my secrets,” he said with a twinkle in his eyes. “I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself. I wanted to surprise you on Friday night, but, well, we know what happened to mess that up.”
“You know what I think?”
“Not usually.”
She took another sip of wine. “I think Lacy was killed because of that kiss and tell book she was planning to write about her powerful senator husband. And that worries me since it’s another piece pointing to Leona. How did he shut Leona up about the affair? Not much intimidates her.”
Jake returned with the salads. “Here is a Confetti Kale Salad with shredded apple, cabbage, carrots, celery, kale and an orange dressing.”
Annie raised one eyebrow. “Is this your recipe, Jason?”
“You know I can’t cook. It’s not my creation but a delicious combination, I promise you. More wine?” He lifted the bottle and refilled the glasses after Annie nodded.
“Are you avoiding my question about Leona?” Annie asked Jason after Jake had left the table.
“I’d like to, but I get the impression you won’t let me.”
Annie sampled the salad. “This is about the best salad I’ve ever had. If I didn’t know better, I would guess Leona is in the kitchen putting this all together.” She set her fork down. “Who is doing the cooking?”
Jason avoided her curious eyes. “Well, that’s an interesting question. Can’t we just enjoy the food?”
A familiar voice from behind Annie said, “I told you this wouldn’t work.”
Chapter 13
Annie swiveled her head around. “Leona? What’s going on?”
“A nice romantic dinner for you and Jason. I’ll bring out the entrée.” She returned to the kitchen without anymore explanation.
“She doesn’t sound too happy.”
Jason leaned closer to Annie. “Jake is driving her crazy. She’s getting a little stir crazy cooped up here.”
“It seems like a pretty nice place to me.”
“It would be if Jake wasn’t part of the package. At least that’s Leona’s opinion.”
Leona returned with the main course. She set down a big platter between Jason and Annie. “Tortellini with shrimp, grape tomatoes, basil and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Can I sit out here with you two before I slit my wrists in there with Jake?”
Jason was shaking his head no but Annie laughed. “Sure, get yourself a chair and help us eat this feast.”
Leona found another chair and pulled it to the table, joining Jason and Annie without bothering to even take off her black cat apron. “I don’t need any food, just a glass of wine. Is there any left?”
Jason pointed to the hutch at the side of the room, next to the fireplace. “Grab another bottle, there’s plenty. I’m ready for more too.”
After Leona drained her glass, she leaned back in her chair. “Okay. Tell me what’s going on out in the real world. Good or bad. I don’t care at this point.”
“Can we eat first? It would be a shame to let your hard work go to waste.” Jason served Annie then himself. “Besides, Leona, this is supposed to be a romantic dinner for me and Annie. I don’t think the reservation said Annie, Jason and Leona.”
Leona’s head tilted forward and the look she gave Jason shriveled his attempt at a gentle nudge to let her know she should skedaddle back to the kitchen and leave them alone.
Jason sighed. “I guess I’m outnumbered. We’ll call this a romantic working dinner. Does that work for you two lovely ladies?”
“Well,” Annie started, getting back to Leona’s question about the real world, “I had an interesting visit with Thelma Dodd today.”
Leona put her hands around her neck and stuck her tongue out as if she was choking herself. “Did she make you sing the scales for her? She always made me sing in front of the class and she always told me I was tone deaf. The only thing worse than being cooped up here with Jake would be stuck somewhere with Mrs. Dodd and being forced to sing.”
Annie laughed. “No singing. But I had to help her with her crossword puzzle. Once we got through all those distractions, she told me she saw Johnny Robbins walk by right around the time Lacy was murdered. And she also saw a female wearing a black parka go by.”
The front legs of Leona’s chair crashed to the floor. She grabbed the wine bottle and refilled her glass. “That’s something. Any idea who the female is?”
“We think it’s Tess. Lacy’s niece. She was wearing a black parka when Jason pulled her out of the lake. Know anything about her?”
Leona drank some wine. “That must by Lacy’s sister’s kid. Lacy’s sister was always wicked jealous of Lacy, especially after she married the senator. The rich senator. What’s Tess doing in Catfish Cove?”
An
nie took another bite of her dinner. “This is good Leona. Sure you don’t want any?”
Leona reached over and picked a big shrimp from the plate and popped it into her mouth. “I’m good. What about Tess?”
“She said she was here to get a bracelet from Lacy. I saw the bracelet. When Lacy came into the café the morning before she was murdered to buy a dozen chocolate covered strawberries, she was wearing it. It got my attention when it clanked against the glass. Beautiful. Sapphires set in silver or maybe it was white gold.”
“Did Lacy give it to Tess?”
“I don’t think so. Tess accused Brad of pawning it when they argued at the dance last night.”
Leona walked around the table and ran her fingers through Annie’s hair. “I think you need to make an appointment at Curl Up and Dye with that new hairdresser, Tess.”
Annie tossed her head away from Leona’s fingers. “Stay focused, Leona. I don’t have time for primping.”
Jason’s lip twitched. “I agree with Leona.” He held up his hands to ward off the withering look Annie sent his way. “Not that I think you need primping, but it would be the perfect opportunity to pick Tess’s brain. Isn’t that what girls do at the hairdresser? Share secrets?”
The meaning of his words penetrated her brain. “Oh. Yes, that is a good idea. I’ll see if she has an opening tomorrow.”
Leona sat back down with a self-satisfied smile. “Now, we need a plan to find out more about Johnny Robbins. Thelma saw him walking on the Lake Trail. Is there anything else?”
The platter was almost scraped clean by the time Jake returned. “Do I have to do the clean-up too?” he whined.
Leona stood up. “I’ll help with that so these two lovebirds can get to the dessert quicker.”
Leona and Jake made quick work of stacking the dirty dishes and whisking them into the kitchen.
Jason reached across the small table for Annie’s hand. “I’m sorry my plan is getting hijacked by Leona butting in. She was supposed to stay hidden until the end so we could, you know, enjoy the food, the wine and each other.”
