by Lynn Cahoon
“Not for lack of circumstantial evidence. You all could have just seen what I was and not looked at what I’ve become. And for that, I’m eternally grateful.” Matt shook Greg’s hand and then squeezed mine. “If I can do anything for either of you, let me know.”
“Maybe you could play a slow song so I could dance with my favorite girl before the fireworks.”
“I don’t think the police department approved a street dance.” I grinned at him. “We might be violating a law or something.”
“I’ll take the risk.”
Darla kissed both of us on the cheek. “You two are so cute. We’ve got to go. The band is getting restless.”
I watched them walk away, hand in hand. “Darla says he’s happy his past is out and not a secret anymore. He feels like he’s home.”
“Well, Barry tried to make the California State Pen Matt’s new home. I can’t believe he tried to frame him.” Greg sipped his lemonade. “He had to be out of his mind to plan something like this.”
My response was delayed as Bill and Mary stopped by our table.
“We’re sitting across the way with your aunt and Josh. Why don’t you join us?” Mary gave me a quick kiss on the cheek. I loved the woman, mostly because she kept my aunt happy and occupied as a friend. That meant I didn’t have to go on the escapades my aunt enjoyed, like visiting wineries or art galleries.
“We’re actually having some couple time.” Greg stood and shook Bill’s hand. “You know how hard it is to get any private time in jobs like ours.”
“And we’re here interrupting.” Bill smiled down at me. “I do apologize, but I wanted to thank you for dealing with the Gleason thing. If the investigation had gone on through the festival, it would have put a mark on quite a few people’s enjoyment of the holiday. Now that it’s over, we can all relax.”
“Bill, that was insensitive of you. I’m sure Barry’s family isn’t enjoying the festival this weekend.” Mary narrowed her eyes at her husband.
“All I meant was there are a lot of people who might have been considered suspects if these two hadn’t solved the case so quickly.” He rolled his eyes. “It was a compliment, dear.”
“Men.” Mary snorted, then turned back to me. “Anyway, I just wanted to stop by and let you know where we are, just in case.”
“I think we’re good.”
As they walked away, I glanced at Greg. “Time to ourselves?”
“I’m getting a little annoyed at being interrupted every few minutes. Maybe we should go hang out in your shop or on the roof. We could see the fireworks there.” Greg looked hopeful. “And we have plenty of food to get through.”
I was considering the idea when I realized I hadn’t answered him about Barry’s intentions. Besides, I needed to be close, just in case Nick needed me. I decided to change the subject.
“Maybe he wanted to go out on his own terms. Barry didn’t seem like the type of guy who would want to go quietly into the night. And if the cancer was progressing, he might not have had an opportunity to die on the job soon enough. I’m not sure when the last fire in town was.” I leaned on Greg’s shoulder. “It’s just sad.”
“He could have volunteered for one of the wild fire crews. I’m sure they’ve been going out this summer. I’m just ticked off that he did it here, where I had to deal with the aftermath.” Greg ran a hand through his hair. “Whatever doesn’t kill us . . .”
Greg didn’t finish the saying as Sasha plopped down next to me. She handed me a fluff of cotton candy. “Thanks.”
“I was wondering if you needed me for the rest of the night. Olivia is with her grandmother in Bakerstown and I thought I might head down to the beach and the carnival. I’m a big fan of the rides.” Sasha grinned as she tucked a wad of the sugary pink blob into her mouth.
“Sure. Nick can handle closing. If you want some company, I saw Kyle walking through here earlier. Maybe you can find him.” I put on my best innocent smile.
Sasha shook her head. “You never give up, do you? Anyway, I already have a partner in crime.”
Toby walked up behind her. He glanced at Greg. “I’ve got my cell if you need me. I’ll be down at the beach.”
“You’re free until after the fireworks. I told you that already.” Greg studied the two. “Traffic control is going to be a bear. It’s probably better you’re down at the beach to deal with people getting out of the parking lot and onto the highway.”
“I’ll check in as soon as the fireworks are ready.” Toby put a hand on Sasha’s shoulder and leaned down. “What about you? Are you cleared?”
“Definitely.” Sasha stood and took Toby’s hand. “I’ll see you Tuesday morning for my shift.”
I waited until they were out of earshot. “Didn’t see that coming. Did you?”
“Not at all. But you know Toby, he’s kind of a flake. I hope Sasha doesn’t have big plans for the future.” Greg moved the food toward the middle of the table and scooted toward me. “I’ll give it a week.”
Watching them walk down the street toward the beach, I sighed. “I don’t know. This feels different than Toby’s other relationships.”
“Let’s just let them be for a while.” Greg pulled me closer. “I’d rather talk about us.”
Relaxing into the music, I glanced around at the festival. Families were laughing and kids were playing with sparklers even though their parents were calling after them. Everyone was having fun. It was a good day and a great festival.
“Happy Fourth of July,” Greg whispered in my ear as he pulled me closer on the bench.
And as I leaned into him, I realized it was a happy day. And for a second, I let the gratitude of the moment wash over me. Life right now was perfect and wonderful. Tomorrow’s problems could wait until tomorrow. Today I was happy.
As Halloween approaches South Cove, California, four couples get into the spirit of the holiday by conjuring up spirits . . .
The house has sat empty for fifteen years, taking up prime real estate along the picturesque coastline. Built by one of the founders of South Cove, its last known owner, Maryanne Demerit, vanished without a trace. Now her home will be demolished for a condo development, but until then, it’s the perfect spot for a Halloween haunted house.
Jill Gardner, owner of Coffee, Books, and More, her boyfriend, and three other couples are spending the weekend in the Demerit home. But what begins as an all-in-good-fun fright fest turns into a mystery begging to be solved as Jill is contacted by the ghost of Maryanne . . .
Visit us at www.kensingtonbooks.com
A Deadly Brew
Lynn Cahoon
LYRICAL UNDERGROUND
Kensington Publishing Corp.
www.kensingtonbooks.com
Contents
A Deadly Brew
Contents
Dedication
Acknowledgments
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Dedication
To my mother, who loved watching Dark Shadows as much as her twelve-year-old daughter.
Acknowledgments
Thanks to my writing world: Esi, Claire, Alex, and Jill. You all (and a lot more behind the scenes) help to bring my stories to life. Even the crazy ones.
Chapter 1
Brightly colored paper fall leaves and gauze ghosts hung in the air on thin wires all around Coffee, Books, and More. I’d hit my head on more than one low-hanging happy ghoul since Sasha and Aunt Jackie had decorated for tomorrow’s Halloween party. Of course, we’d had some seasonal decorations up since the calendar had turned from September to October, but now my bookstore/coffee shop looked like the Great Pumpkin had arrived a few days too early.
I’m J
ill Gardner and I’m the owner of the only bookstore in South Cove, California. I’d say the only coffee shop too, but some of the old-timers and farmers still go to Diamond Lille’s to drink her coffee and gossip. Which is fine with me. I don’t need a group hanging around in the morning asking for free refills and interrupting my time. You see, the morning shift is mine, and after the commuters leave, I get a lot of reading done. I call it research. My aunt calls it being lazy.
I had the weekend off—as soon as I could finish up the list of tasks my aunt had given me to help prepare for the kids’ party we were hosting on Saturday. All the stores were having all-day trick or treating, but the day ended at our bookstore where we had several spooky readings scheduled along with other fun activities for the local children.
“And you’re sure we have enough apples for the bobbing tub?” My aunt glanced at the bags of groceries I’d brought in from my trip to Bakerstown. I’d almost emptied their candy shelves and had bought as many small apples as I could find. Sasha was still bringing in gallons of apple cider for the party.
“If we don’t, it’s too late now.” I moved the bags closer to the tile floor where we’d set up the station. “Besides, we didn’t have that many kids come by last year. We should be good.”
“All of Olivia’s classmates are coming with their parents. The day care sent home Darla’s promotional flyer with the kids. They think it’s a great alternative for trick or treating. Olivia’s so looking forward to wearing her fairy princess costume. You’re going to miss a great party.” Sasha set four gallons of cider on the counter. “Your car is empty. I’m leaving these here for a bit because I have to make room in the walk-in. It’s full.”
“Sadie already dropped off the treats?” I felt disappointed. I’d hoped to see my friend when she stopped in. Between her baking schedule for Pies on the Fly and my work schedule, we hadn’t even seen each other, much less had time for coffee and chat, for over a month.
“About an hour ago. She said for you to give her a call on Monday.” Aunt Jackie grabbed the list of to-dos from my hand. “Looks like you’re done. And just in time too.”
I started to ask her what she’d meant, but then I saw Greg coming into the shop. Greg King was the police detective for South Cove and my boyfriend. A smile curved his full and totally kissable lips as he saw me watching his approach.
“You have got to be ready by now.” He gave me a quick kiss, then leaned over to kiss my aunt on the cheek. “Good afternoon, Jackie. Please tell me that Jill can come play with me? We have dinner plans with the group before we head over to the lock-in.”
“You make it sound so romantic.” I swatted his arm. “Besides, I just got done.”
Greg looked up at the ghost swaying in the air-conditioned breeze. “I should hope so. I don’t think you could cram any more Halloween decorations in the shop if you tried.”
Sasha grinned at him. “Aren’t those great? My daughter’s preschool has them all over the lobby too. That way the kids get decorations, but they are totally out of reach. Childproof ghosts.”
I wasn’t sure that Greg agreed with Sasha’s evaluation of the décor, but he wouldn’t be here for the party. Aunt Jackie, Sasha, and Toby were in charge for the weekend. Greg and I’d be locked up with three other couples in South Cove’s version of a real haunted house. The mansion was a few miles out of town on the coastline and overlooked the ocean. In a few weeks, the city was tearing the house down and selling the land to a condo developer. With what they charged for those types of places, this was the only time I’d be able to sleep that close to the waves unless I took a sleeping bag out to the beach. I watched as Greg formulated his response. Ever the politician, even though he swore he wouldn’t go into politics even on a dare.
“It’s very thoughtful. I don’t think I’ve ever considered the childproofing aspect of a Halloween party,” Greg said, which was totally true. The only child he’d ever had to take care of was his brat of an ex-wife, Sherry. And she only acted like she was a child. “Are we ready then?”
I grabbed a couple of books off the counter where I’d set them and tucked them into my purse. “I’m ready to be scared.”
“You’re planning on having time to read?” Greg took my arm and led me out to the front where his truck was parked. He’d stopped by that morning to get my duffel for the weekend and pick up the key for Toby. Toby was babysitting Emma while we were gone. Emma liked Toby. He took her for runs on the beach just as often as I did. When you have a golden retriever, you have to keep them busy so they don’t eat the couch pillows. Which was my dog’s favorite pastime when I was out of the house.
“Aloud, maybe. I picked out three of the scariest books I know. I have King’s classic The Shining, another by the master, Salem’s Lot, and one from Peter Straub, appropriately called Ghost Story. They might be old, but they’re darn scary.” I climbed into the truck and waited for him to close the door and come around the other side. This being treated like a princess had its advantages. “I didn’t order enough of The Haunting of Hill House and the store was sold out by the time I started grabbing.”
“Shirley Jackson. Now that’s a classic horror story.” Greg started the engine and moved into traffic. “I hear, though, you should have put some witchcraft books in your tote. Toby said the old woman who lived there before was a witch.”
“I think that’s a legend. Besides, witches aren’t that scary.” I pawed through the grocery sack that held our junk food for the weekend. “Didn’t you buy Reese’s Pumpkins? I swear they’re the best.”
We spent the rest of the short ride to the house debating which Halloween candy was superior. I knew I would win this round mostly because Greg was a big candy corn fan. Like that was even a real candy. Amy and Justin had already parked and were standing outside Justin’s SUV, drinking bottled water and watching the house.
Amy Newman was my best friend. She’d been dating Justin, who was a professor from the local college, for the last few years. They fit each other’s personality to a T. They both loved surfing, staying in shape, and, for some strange reason, international soccer. Amy had made noises that there was going to be some sort of big game on Sunday, but Justin had promised he’d record the game so they wouldn’t miss it.
As we got out of the truck, the men greeted each other with that half handshake, half hug with a backslap thing they did. “They’re doing the bro thing,” I whispered to Amy as she gave me a real hug. Like a real friend.
“Men. At least they’re not going around marking their territory.”
That got me giggling and Greg and Justin stared at me.
“I think we’re being judged.” Greg glanced at Justin, who had picked up a piece of machinery from the roof of the SUV. “Hey, what’s that you have?”
“The electronics department let me borrow an EMF electromagnetic field detector that’s been set at safe range. This baby won’t bleed off on power lines. It will only register real live ghosts.” He started explaining the different gauges and gadgets.
“Real live ghosts?” Amy stood next to Justin and watched him play with the meter. “Isn’t that a misnomer?”
“Well, if there is anything going on in that house, this will pick it up.” Greg grinned at me. “Can I have one of these for my birthday?”
“Sure, why not. I’ll get it ordered off Ghosthunters.com.” I glanced out to the road. “Esmeralda’s late. I expected Darla to come flying in right before we’re locked in, but I guess I thought Esmeralda would be anxious to hang out in the haunted house.”
“Actually, she’s pretty hesitant about coming. If her boyfriend hadn’t insisted, I don’t think she would have joined us.” Amy opened a bag of salt-and-vinegar potato chips and held it toward me. “Want one?”
I grabbed a handful, then paused. Amy’s words had finally sunk in. “Wait, Esmeralda has a boyfriend? I thought she was just bringing one of her fortune-telling
friends.”
“I thought you knew. He’s been visiting for a week. Tall, dark, handsome.” She saw Justin looking at her. “What? He’s come into city hall several times to get her for lunch.”
“I thought that was her brother.” Greg frowned. “I’m pretty sure that’s what she said.”
Amy cocked her head, watching me. “Maybe I misunderstood. But Jake has been in town for a week and you haven’t even noticed someone staying at your neighbor’s house?”
I was starting to feel uncomfortable with the questions. “She has people over there all the time. How do I know who goes and who stays?”
Two cars pulled onto the narrow dirt driveway, one after the other. “Anyway, I guess we’ll find out more this weekend. There they are.”
I watched as Matt Randall parked Darla’s car next to Greg’s truck. The other driver, who must have been Jake, pulled what looked like a brand-new Land Rover next to Justin’s car. Esmeralda came out of the passenger side and paused by the driver’s door as Jake climbed out. I saw her whisper something to him and squeeze his arm.
As they walked toward the group, Greg made the first move. “Greg King. I’m Esmeralda’s boss and this is my girlfriend, Jill Gardner.”
“Jake Gold.” He reached out his hand and shook first with Greg, then me. “I’m happy to be included in your little adventure.”
“Amy Newman and this is my boy toy, Justin.” Amy laughed as Justin blushed. “So nice to meet you, Jake.”
Darla and Matt came around the truck and finished up the introductions. Then Jake stepped closer to Justin. “Is that an EMF meter?”
The men all gathered around Justin and his new toy. Jill glanced at the still locked door. “Who has the key?”
Darla glanced at her watch. “The caretaker is supposed to meet us here right at six. We better take off for the restaurant soon.”
