He continued, “I could see him doing it except for one thing. I remember someone telling me that Jeff didn’t have a boat even though he lived near the ocean. Think they said as a kid he’d fallen overboard on his dad’s boat and he’d never been on one since. I’m pretty sure Amber had to be dropped in the bay, probably a couple of hundred yards out from shore. There was a strong incoming tide that morning and it probably pushed her body closer to shore which allowed Dave to snag her body while he was fishing from shore that evening. Someone would have had to drop her into the ocean from a boat and I don’t think Jeff could do that. I even heard he spent years going to a psychiatrist because he had such a fear of water. Believe it or not, the person told me Jeff was so afraid of water when he was younger, his parents had trouble getting him to take a shower.”
“Yes, I’ve heard similar stories. Well, if you eliminate Jeff, what about Brandon?”
“I haven’t eliminated him, but from everything I know,” Mike said, “Brandon was in love with Amber. I don’t see him killing her just because she’d gotten pregnant. He may not have been very happy about the situation, but I can’t see him murdering her. What if Amber found out that Jeff had a marijuana farm that he covered up with his cattle operation? She was over there enough she could have discovered it. Maybe he was afraid she’d tell someone about it.”
Kelly ran her index finger around the rim of her glass. “I think that’s a stretch. Not many people are going to take a young woman’s word over a highly respected businessman. I also seem to remember hearing that Jeff is a big political donor. Maybe people suspect what he’s doing, but because of his political ties, they don’t want to do anything about it. Anyway, we still don’t really have a solid suspect in the case and a killer is loose in our town. That’s just great, particularly with the summer tourist season about to start and don’t forget, a lot of the citizens in this town make most of their money during the tourist season.”
“I heard from Jimmy over at the hardware store that he had to order more door locks because people are so afraid,” Mike said. “And to think this has always been a community where we all felt so safe we often left our doors unlocked.”
“Yeah, I always used to leave my door unlocked,” Kelly said. “The only reason I check now to see who’s on the other side of the door before I unlock it and open it is because of the time the guy robbed me here at the coffee shop. Scares me even now to even think about it. He got away with one day’s profits. Glad it wasn’t a month’s worth or I would have had to close up permanently. Believe me, the profit margin in this little old coffee shop isn’t that great!”
“I know. Everywhere I go people shake their heads and can’t believe something like this has happened right here in sleepy little Cedar Bay. I’ve got to find the murderer, if for no other reason than to make people in the town feel safe again. Kelly, I’ve got some resources that most people don’t have. I’ve been working on Jeff Black all morning and when I get back to the office I should have some information on where he got the money to buy the extra acreage out at his ranch. I’m looking for offshore bank accounts and whatever else my sources can come up with. Think I’ll also run a check on Chris. He’s not from around here. Maybe there’s something in his past that I ought to know about. Got any other ideas?”
“Yes. I told you about the strange conversation I had with Doc yesterday about Amber and him talking several times, maybe there’s something in his past. Why don’t you see what you can find out about him?”
“Good idea. You know, I always feel better just seeing and talking to you. Thought any more about letting me move in with you? Then I’d feel better all the time.”
She laughed. “I think we’ve had this conversation a few times before. Love to have you visit whenever you can. It makes me happy every time I see your toothbrush in the bathroom, but if you moved in, I don’t think I could ever explain it satisfactorily to Cash and Julia. They want to keep their father’s memory pure and that might taint it a bit.”
“Well,” he said, standing up, “Let me know if you change your mind. My offer’s still on the table.” He pulled her to him and gently kissed her.
“Get out of here. You’ve got a murder to solve and if you do that much longer, I may make a decision I’d regret, and one that I know my children wouldn’t like. I love you, Mike, and don’t worry, you’re going to solve this.”
“Sweetheart, you’ve got more faith in me than I do,” he said as he put on his Stetson and walked out to his county sheriff’s car.
CHAPTER 9
When Kelly arrived at the coffee shop early on Friday morning, Madison was already standing by the door. Roxie pulled up a minute later and the three of them entered Kelly’s.
“Madison,” Roxie said, “I’m going to train you today. Kelly’s got enough to do getting ready for everyone coming here after the funeral tomorrow. First thing you do every morning is plug in the big coffeepot. We get it ready to go the day before. Folks will wait for anything else, but not their coffee. Here’s an apron. Come with me.”
The early arrivals soon began to trickle in at 7:00, thirsty for coffee and hungry for the specials. Although it was busy, the townspeople seemed to be moving on to the next most important thing in their lives. Kelly knew most of them would be back tomorrow. Even with the tragedy, no one would pass up the chance to talk to their friends and eat Kelly’s food for free.
After an hour, Kelly looked at her watch and said, “Roxie, would you and Madison take over the front for me? I need to get some things ready for tomorrow or else I’ll be here all night.”
“No problem. Madison, fill a smaller coffeepot and whenever you see a cup that’s half full, ask if they want a refill. When you finish doin’ that, follow me around and I’ll show you how to take an order, fill it, and run the cash register. Ready?”
Madison carried a pot of coffee into the front room. Roxie looked back at Kelly and winked. “Think we got a winner here. She’s catchin’ on real fast,” she said as she hurried through the swinging kitchen doors and into the front room. A few minutes later Madison stuck her head into the kitchen.
“Sorry to bother you, Kelly, but Coach Chris is here and wants to talk to you. Whaddya want me to tell him?”
“Tell him I’ll be there in a few minutes. I need to finish measuring the ingredients for these breakfast casseroles. If I stop now, I’ll never remember where I was. Actually, when you start preparing the food, remember, if you’re doing measurements, don’t stop halfway through. Trust me, that’s something I learned from experience. One other thing. I know I hired you to work weekdays, since that’s when we’re open, but is there any chance you could help me out after the funeral tomorrow? Even though we won’t be serving people because it’s a buffet, there’s going to be so many of them here that there will be a lot of work to do like clearing plates and cups, starting the dishwasher, and replenishing the serving trays as the food gets eaten.”
“Sure. When do ya’ want me here?”
“I’m going to skip out of the service when the people start speaking about Amber. If you don’t mind, you could come with me. I need to start the coffee and get things in the ovens. I’ll cut up the fruit this afternoon and arrange it when I come in tomorrow. Sound okay?”
“I like it here. Yeah, when I see you get up during the service, I’ll do the same. Oh, one other thing. I put my purse and school books in the kitchen. Is there somewhere else you’d like to me to put ‘em?”
“Gosh, I’d completely forgotten that Amber had a locker here. You can use hers. I’ll clean it out for you this afternoon. Just leave your things where they are for today.”
A few minutes later Kelly walked out of the kitchen. Chris was standing by the cash register, looking as haggard and tired as he had yesterday. “Sorry to bother you Kelly, but I never heard from you. Did you find out what the coroner told Mike?”
“The reason I didn’t text you is that Mike told me the report had been sealed as part of the criminal in
vestigation, so I didn’t have anything to tell you. Why?”
“I still can’t believe it. I wish there was something I could do. It seems so wrong. I’ve been racking my brain trying to come with up with a motive and a name and I can’t. I know all the kids in high school and I’m sure it wasn’t one of them. Everyone loved Amber. It makes me sick every time I think about it. Does Mike have anyone in mind?”
“Not that I know of, but that doesn’t mean much. I know there’s a lot he can’t tell me. Can I get you your usual?”
“I think not, but thanks anyway. I’ve already had way too much coffee. I was up half the night trying to get my computer to work and had no luck. It seems to be frozen. Know anyone in town who’s good with computers?”
“I highly recommend Seth Morrison. His shop is down the street, about a block away. He’s helped me more times than I care to remember. Don’t think he opens until nine, but you might leave him a note. Good luck.”
“Thanks. See you tomorrow.”
True to his word, the editor of the local paper had written a eulogy about Amber and at the end, wrote about the funeral that was to take place the next day, who would be speaking, and that there would be a Celebration of Life at Kelly’s Koffee Shop following the funeral. Based on the number of people who said “See you tomorrow, Kelly,” as they left the coffee shop, it was going to be jammed the next day. She walked back into the kitchen and continued with the needed preparations.
Madison returned after her classes were finished and helped Roxie clean up. The three of them moved tables against the wall and set up for the Celebration of Life.
“Madison, it’s two o’clock. You’ve really helped me a lot today. I’ll see you at the service tomorrow. Oh, that reminds me, I need to get Amber’s locker ready for you. Bye.” Madison took off her apron and closed the door behind her.
“Kelly,” Roxie said, “I know you have a lot on your mind, but is there any chance I could cry on your shoulder for a couple of minutes?”
“Of course. Let’s sit down. What’s up?”
“Remember I told you yesterday that Joe and I were meeting with Dr. Ramsey, Wade’s principal? Well, it looks like there was more to it than an occasional ditch day. The principal didn’t want to tell us over the phone, but he found almost a kilo of marijuana in Wade’s school locker. Dr. Ramsey suspended Wade starting next week and he’s conducting an investigation to find out if Wade was selling it to the students.”
“Oh, Roxie. That’s horrible. A full kilo. That’s not a baggie that kids buy for personal use. With a stash that size he must have been selling it. If he’s arrested, he could be sent to juvenile hall for years.”
“I know. That’s the first thing I thought of. Kelly, I’m so scared I don’t know what to do.”
“Have you told Mike? I mean, I know he’s Joe’s son, but if he’s selling it to students, Mike needs to know. Where did he get that much?”
“Joe and I sat him down when we got home from school. It was a long night for both of us. Wade told us he got it from some guy who works out at the Black’s ranch. He said everyone knows that Brandon’s dad is growing it out on the back of his property.”
“Well, I can’t say I’m surprised that it’s being grown on the ranch, but I would be surprised if Jeff knew that someone was selling it to kids at school. You know he idolizes his son and that sure could jeopardize Brandon’s scholarship and future if it got out.”
“I don’t think Jeff knows. It sounded like one of the men who works as a guard at the ranch is selling it behind Jeff’s back. I don’t know. I’m so scared Wade will be arrested and kicked out of school. And then what do I do? It’s bad enough when he and I are together in the evenings. I don’t know what will happen if he’s at home all the time.”
“How’s Joe taking all of this?”
“He’s furious. He was so angry I thought he was going to hit Wade when he got home from school. I was able to calm him down, but I don’t know how much longer I can keep peace in the family.”
“Let me talk to Mike. I think it might be a good thing for you and Joe to talk to a lawyer just in case the investigation shows that Wade was selling to other students. Roxie, what do you think in your heart of hearts? I won’t tell anyone.”
She started to weep softly. “Kelly, I love Joe. You know that. The only reason Joe and Wade haven’t come to blows is because I’m constantly acting as a bridge between both of them, trying to keep peace at home. I’m really worried that Joe will do something bad to Wade if it turns out to be true. Maybe it would be for the best. Maybe if Wade went to juvenile hall for delinquents, he’d turn around. The way he is now, I wouldn’t be at all surprised if he was selling it. I wouldn’t even be surprised if he was selling other drugs. I don’t think Joe would like it if he knew I was talkin’ to you about our troubles. He’s a proud man. Proud men don’t like to hear that their only son may be dealing drugs to fellow students and is on the verge of being arrested.”
“Well, you probably have a few days. Amber’s murder is pretty much the main topic in town right now. Let’s get through tomorrow and see what happens. You know you can always call me. I’m so sorry, Roxie.”
“Kelly, this is the worst thing that’s ever happened to me. I thought when Wade came to live with us and turned our happy life upside down that was bad. Looking back, it was a cakewalk compared to this. Thanks for listening.” As she slowly made her way to the door, Kelly thought she looked like she’d aged ten years.
I thought my life was a tragedy when Mark died and I struggled to make ends meet all those years after he died. I knew I never could afford to send my kids to college, but at least I never had to deal with what Roxie’s going through. Poor dear, sweet Roxie. How my heart goes out to you.
CHAPTER 10
By the time Kelly finished with the last of the preparations needed for the next day it was dusk. She turned off the lights and locked the door, taking a deep breath of the crisp salty air.
Darn. I forgot to clean out Amber’s locker. Well, better get it over with. I don’t want to lose Madison and she might think I don’t care about her if I don’t get her locker ready. I have a feeling I’m really going to need her tomorrow, so I want to keep her happy.
She turned around and unlocked the door, smiling to herself as she always did when she saw the Cedar Bay mementos that filled the coffee shop, adding to its charm. The locker, as she referred to it, was nothing more than a big drawer in the large storeroom located at the back of the coffee shop where she kept the dry goods, silverware, napkins, and everything that didn’t need to be refrigerated or frozen.
Amber had started working for Kelly in the beginning of her senior year to earn money for college. She helped five mornings a week and in the last month had been coming in after her classes were finished just before noon to help Roxie and Kelly get ready for the next day.
Kelly opened the drawer and took out Amber’s apron and a few other things that Amber had stuck in it. She got a sponge, cleaned the drawer so it would be ready for Madison, and left it open for a couple of minutes to dry out. As she turned away to rinse the sponge, she noticed something blue at the very back of the drawer. Curious, she pulled the drawer completely out and saw a small notebook wedged between the base and back of the drawer with a blue ribbon sticking out of it. She opened the notebook and read the words written in pink ink on the flyleaf page, “The Diary of Amber Cook.”
Oh my gosh! This must be the diary Ginger’s sister told me about. I wonder if there’s a clue in here as to what happened to Amber or about her pregnancy. Too late for me to stay here any longer. I’ll take it home and read it later tonight.
The only people Kelly had given her cell phone number to were Mike, Julia, and Cash, but everyone knew her home telephone number. The red light on the answerphone was blinking furiously when she got home. She spent the next hour returning calls to people who asked if they could help her tomorrow or if they could bring something. She loved the small town and its pe
ople, but as tired as she was, she would have preferred to have a glass of wine, some dinner, and go to bed. She knew the coming day was going to be emotionally and physically grueling.
Just as she finished returning the last call her cell phone rang. “Kelly, glad I caught you. I tried your home phone, but it’s been busy for the last hour,” Mike said.
“Everyone wants to help me tomorrow, Mike. I can’t tell you how many calls I had to return. I just finished. Gonna be able to come by for dinner?”
“No. That’s why I’m calling. I have a couple of appointments tonight. Things are getting interesting. I’ll tell you all about it tomorrow. Anyway, you need to eat and go to bed. Tomorrow won’t be easy.”
“I know. I was just getting ready to do that. By the way, I found Amber’s diary in her locker drawer at the coffee shop. Haven’t had a chance to look at it. I’ll glance through it after dinner and see what’s in it.”
“Kelly, I can’t stop you from reading it, but you’re going to have to give it to me. There may be something in it that affects the investigation. Sorry, but it’s part of my job.”
“I understand. Glad I thought of it. My mind’s so scattered with everything I need to remember for tomorrow, I’m sure I would have forgotten about it. See you after the funeral.”
“Night, Babe. Get some sleep. I love you.”
I swore I would never get married again, but I’m having second thoughts, although I haven’t been asked, so even thinking about it is probably just a mental exercise. I know how hurt Mike was when his wife left him. I just wish he’d believe me when I tell him I love him and we could get past it. Neither one of us is getting any younger. I need to keep reminding myself that some hurts are so deep they take a long time to heal and having your wife leave you for a guy she met on the Internet is pretty high on the hurt list.
An hour later she sat down in the large plaid chair that overlooked the bay, put her feet up on the matching ottoman and opened Amber’s diary. She removed the small blue ribbon Amber used as a bookmark and that had originally caught Kelly’s attention when she saw it in the drawer. She read it from start to finish then closed it and sat for several minutes, trying to make sense of what she’d just read. She wiped a tear from her eye.
Kelly's Koffee Shop (A Cedar Bay Cozy Mystey Book 1) Page 5
