Pecan Flan Murder Plan

by Nancy McGovern

  “Seriously,” Faith said, feeling a passionate weight in her chest. “And we can have some of your students volunteer for a while. That will be a good experience for them, and it will show that Paradise Falls cares. Like, it’ll be more than a place where people can go and experience beauty. It will be… someplace where people can go and experience hope. Like… even though there are bad things that happen, even really bad things, we can still find joy, and good things, too.”

  Nathan sat up straight, too. “You know, Robbie was kind of all about that. He was always encouraging people. Saying things will get better. Saying people could do stuff they thought they couldn’t.” His voice almost got engulfed by tears, but he swallowed them. “That was why I was so sure all the kids would like him.”

  A light was slowly growing in Laura’s eyes. “That makes a lot of sense, actually.”

  “Ooh, and I can have some of your kids help with opening the new café, too,” Faith said, feeling ever more passionate by the minute. She was leaving her own café handed down by Grandma Bessie, Slice of Paradise, in the capable hands of their workers Stephanie and Danica, while Faith set up a new café in the heart of Paradise Falls.

  “Oh, yes!” Nathan jumped up. “And we can call the place Faith’s Café, not only because you’re running it and I love you, but because look at your name – Faith. Faith is just what we need right now. And,” he continued, the excitement growing, “we can call the garden Robbie’s Springs of Hope, because the water in the pools comes from a spring!”

  “Yes!” Faith said, getting up, too.

  Laura stood up, smiling for the first time in what seemed like forever. “I think it would be so healing for my kids to be involved in this. Oh gosh…”

  “Is it me?” Faith said, feeling her heart full and a smile dancing across her face. “Is it me, or does this feel like we’re building a family?”

  “It’s not you,” Nathan replied, taking Laura’s hand in his left and Faith’s in his right. “It totally does.”

  *****

  Chapter 5

  “Pecan flan, pecan flan, pecan flan,” Stephanie sang, dancing out of the kitchen of Slice of Paradise and placing the large flan tray on top of the showcase area.

  Faith, who was cutting up slices of lemon drizzle cake, grinned. If there was one thing she wouldn’t tire of, it was Stephanie’s energy.

  “I don’t think we should all be so jolly,” an elderly man grumbled as he came in the entrance. “The only son of our Democrat state senator has been murdered, you know, just a little way away from here. Nowhere is safe anymore.”

  Faith looked up at him. His weary face and crumpled brow looked so out of place amongst the pastel colors of the wooden walls, and the lace curtains flying on the breeze. Behind him, the open door showed the beautiful landscaping work Nathan had done out front, with pineapples sitting on their spiked-leaved thrones, and the sky outside was impossibly blue.

  “Murder?” he said. “Paradise has gone down the tubes. Everyone used to know everyone. It kept people accountable. You couldn’t just go around slitting throats and getting away with it. You wouldn’t dare. Give me a coffee, please. Strong. And some good cake. None of these fancy new things, either. And no cupcakes. A good solid piece of traditional cake.”

  Stephanie hurried into the kitchen to make him a coffee, while Faith looked over the cakes. Admittedly, many were her ‘fancy new’ creations, the inventions she was so proud of – raspberry and white chocolate cupcakes, chili and lime sponge cake, and a baked mango torte – and that she wasn’t sure the gentleman would appreciate. The pecan flan was infused with caramel and cinnamon and she was sure he wasn’t looking for that either. Thankfully Danica made a mean red velvet sponge cake, and Faith cut a thick slice for the elderly man. She scooped it onto one of their trademark floral-patterned plates, and took it over to him.

  “Thanks,” he said gruffly. “You know, my son is friends with the senator. The poor man is beside himself. His only son. His only son, taken away in such a brutal manner? You might expect it somewhere else in the state, but in the forest just outside Paradise? That’s God’s own land. Nowhere is safe. Remember I told you that. Nowhere is safe.”

  Faith felt compelled to sit down next to him, for more than one reason. She gestured toward the chair. “May I?”

  “Uh?” The man looked up, distracted. “Oh, go ahead.”

  “Sir, the young man that died… he was my good friend.”

  “Oh?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  The man shook his head. “The world is too dangerous now. You should get some security here. At least some cameras. Maybe a guard dog. They might come after you next.”

  Faith sighed and knitted her fingers together. The truth was, she always felt so safe when she was in her café – maybe because of the wonderful childhood memories she’d had working there with Grandma Bessie. Her grandma had a cutting tongue and an abrupt manner at times, but Faith had no doubt she cared and loved her, and felt safe all the while. “You say they,” Faith said. “The killer. I’m wondering who that is.”

  “Does it matter?” The man hadn’t even touched his cake. “There’s always a they. Someone out to get you. Even if you’re a good person. Especially if you are. They look at good people as weak, and they only care about themselves, not decency or morals.”

  Faith wasn’t quite sure she believed in a world where there was always some big bad guy lurking in the shadows, waiting to spring out and get you. “There must have been a reason Robbie was killed. But we can’t think of a single one. He wasn’t involved in anything shady, as far as we know.”

  “Robert Lewis Jr. in something shady? Don’t be preposterous. He was a model son. Good, and funny, and kind to everyone. Wasn’t shy of a good day’s work, either. Some people thought his father would be ashamed, you know, that his son wasn’t after a high flying career or a political seat. But Jr. was at his happiest doing real hard manual labor. Not one of these uppity types who doesn’t want to get their suit dirty. A real man’s man. His father was the proudest a man could be.”

  Faith felt her eyes stinging. “Yes.” Then a new thought sprung to her mind. “And that was common knowledge? You know, that Robert Lewis was proud of his son? Were they close?”

  “Very, especially since little Robbie’s mother passed away when he was 11. And yes, Robert Lewis never passed an opportunity to defend his son’s choices.”

  “You don’t think…” Faith paused for a moment, trying out the idea in her head. “You don’t think… someone might have killed Robbie because they were trying to hurt his father, do you? A political rival, or some-such?”

  The elderly man picked up his fork and cut a piece of cake. He shrugged with casual resignation. “Anything’s possible in this day and age.”

  “I wonder when the senate election is coming up.” Faith didn’t usually follow politics. “It could be they want to get him out of office. Rattle him so he doesn’t run.”

  “He’s served coming up on 12 years. The elections are at the end of this year. You should know what’s going on in your state.”

  Faith was about to open her mouth and tell him she was from Minnesota.

  “I can tell you’re not a native Floridian,” he said. “The accent gives you away. But you’re here now. So pay attention. If good people don’t participate, it’s all left to the loonies and the bad eggs. That’s why I make it all my business. I know everything there is to know about every political figure in the state. You should, too.”

  Faith nodded to placate him, but her mind was on the elections. “So do you think it’s plausible? You know, that someone killed his son to get him to bow out of the race?”

  “Could be. He narrowly beat a candidate last run, and he’s running again.”

  Faith felt her pulse run faster. “Who’s that?”

  “Andrew Martinez. The other candidates are LaKendria Waters, Jacqueline Dixon, and Thomas Grodowitz. But none of those are likely to get far.” He lowere
d his voice. “If this really is a political murder, the bloody hands will be those of Andrew Martinez. I’d bet my whole pension on that.”

  *****

  Chapter 6

  Nathan was at the wheel of the van, biting his lip and frowning. He had the radio on a soft rock station, and drummed his fingers on the steering wheel.

  Faith sat in the passenger seat, clutching the huge bouquet of lilies they’d bought. Her heart felt heavy every time she looked at them. “It’s all sinking in now,” she said into the lilies. The fresh, sweet scent made the whole murder business seem more obscene and shocking than ever.

  “He’s going to blame us,” Nathan said. “Is he going to blame us?”

  “How could he?” said Faith. “He knows you loved his son. He knows we had nothing to do with it.”

  “But he was murdered on my property,” Nathan said. “Maybe he’ll say I should have had more security. Maybe I should have.”

  “But you can’t fence up acres and acres of forest. It’s just not doable. And even if you did, the murderer might be the one to walk through the front gate.”

  Nathan sighed. “That’s true. I’ve been imagining that. The killer crouching in the bushes. Skulking around that whole time, all of us totally oblivious.”

  “It’s not a nice thought.”

  “Unless…” He trailed off and shook his head.

  “Unless?”

  “Nothing.”

  “Oh, come on.” Faith watched his pinched-up brow and the way his mouth was tight on one side. “Tell me.”

  “Unless it was one of… you know, our people. Janice. Or Tabby. Or… Max.”

  The emphasis on the last name told Faith everything she needed to know. “You think it was Max?”

  “I’m not saying that.”

  “Well, it could be.”

  “I don’t know.” Nathan paused. “Just because he’s kind of a jerk sometimes doesn’t mean he’s a killer.”

  “That’s true. It’s often the person you’d least expect.”

  “But… Max and Robbie never saw eye to eye, did they? Robbie joked it all off, and Max always smiled. But it was never a real smile. It was like a shark baring its teeth.”

  “Yeah,” Faith agreed. “Do you think he thought Robbie was trying to make a joke out of him? He’s a guy with a lot of pride.”

  “Probably. But is that enough to kill? Only to a psychopath.”

  Faith shrugged. “Maybe he is one. You never know.”

  Nathan sighed. “Anyways, why don’t we leave the detective work to Deputy Whats-His-Face? We have a launch to plan.”

  “True.” Faith was glad for the reminder. Thoughts of who the killer was had been rushing through her mind all day. “So we have some of Laura’s kids coming in a couple days.”

  “Oh, babe, I forgot to tell you.” Nathan’s eyes sparkled. “I’ve got Capability Moses coming down.”

  Faith had no idea who that was, but the way Nathan said their name, with such reverence, Faith knew it was a big deal. “Capability Moses?”

  “Only the most famous landscape artist in the state!” He sounded a little outraged at her ignorance.

  “Really?! Oh my gosh, babe, that’s amazing!”

  Nathan couldn’t stop his grin. “I know!”

  “Capability, though? That’s a strange name.”

  “After Capability Brown, of course. Lancelot Brown. Landscape architect from the 1700s. He did the gardens for those massive mansions in England. Blenheim Palace, Warwick Castle. Did some at Kew Gardens as well.”

  Faith gasped. “Oh, you know what? Once Paradise Falls is all open and running smoothly, you and I should take a trip. Let’s go to England, to all those big country houses, and tour their gardens.”

  “Uh, yes!”

  “You’d love that?”

  When Nathan turned to her, the expression on his face showed he was touched. “Yes, babe. That would be the best. You’re the best. What a great idea.”

  Soon they pulled up at the Lewis home, which was probably only a little smaller than the great English country houses they planned on visiting. It was Mediterranean in style, with an earthy stucco, but that was the only earthy feature about it. White columns gleamed at the entrance, while polished dark wood arches framed the windows.

  “Wow,” Faith said. “Now that’s something.”

  “Yep.” Nathan swung the van over the tiled driveway with a shrug. He always said he preferred smaller houses. “He used to run a huge law firm.” Then when he pulled up the handbrake, he slumped over the steering wheel. “You know what I just thought?”

  “What?”

  “It’s crazy.”

  Faith put her hand on his arm. “Go on.”

  “I just thought, It’ll be so good to see Robbie. I can just imagine him, standing there in the hallway.” His voice cracked, then he swallowed. “Let’s go.”

  They made their way up the front path.

  “Immaculately landscaped,” Nathan commented, then went on to tell Faith what each plant was and how he could tell how each was so well cared for. Faith could tell he was trying to distract himself.

  They were met at the door by the housekeeper.

  “Sandra!” Nathan’s face lit up at the sight of the plump, graying woman.

  She looked rather overwhelmed, then her eyes began to well up. “Nathan.”

  Nathan gave her a hug but kept it brief. He puffed his chest out. “This is my girlfriend Faith. We’ve come to see Robert Senior.”

  “Oh, he’s got a visitor. But I’m sure he’ll want to see you. Come in. And welcome, Faith. Nice to meet you.”

  “You too,” said Faith, feeling unsure if she should give Sandra the flowers, or wait to give them to Robert’s father.

  Sandra seemed to notice her discomfort immediately. “These flowers are… exquisite,” she said, taking them from Faith and turning the bouquet over in her hands. “I’ll put them in the kitchen. Go on through, Nathan. You still know where everything is?”

  “Of course. Thanks, Sandra.”

  Nathan and Faith walked through the gleaming hallway, complete with a glass roof way above their heads, and into the palatial kitchen. It all gleamed in white and cream and Faith’s jaw almost dropped. What she wouldn’t give for such an amazing place to make her creations in.

  Nathan opened the fridge, then grinned back at Faith. “I hope Robert Senior doesn’t catch me. He used to complain that I ate them out of house and home anytime I came over.” But then his voice caught in his throat. “Oh, look at that.” He brought out a half-finished family-sized bottle of iced tea.

  “Oh.” That even brought tears to Faith’s eyes. Robbie drank nothing but iced tea. He was never seen without a bottle.

  Nathan shook his head and put the bottle back. “There’s an unopened one here. Let’s drink some in his memory?” He managed a smile.

  Faith smiled back. “Let’s.”

  He knew exactly where the glasses were, and poured one for Faith and one for himself. They sat at the breakfast bar, and clinked their glasses together.

  “To Robbie,” they said in unison.

  “Nathan!”

  A tanned man, well dressed and with handsomely groomed gray hair, stood at the doorway, his arms outstretched. He smiled, but Faith noticed the shadows under his eyes, like dark clouds.

  “Robert Senior.” Nathan stood up, holding his chin high like he needed all the strength he could get.

  They met in the middle of the kitchen and embraced, giving each other hearty pats on the back.

  “So sorry I haven’t come to see you yet,” Robert Senior said. “I wanted to, but…” He swallowed, then looked over at Faith. “This is your lovely lady, I take it?”

  “Yes, yes, sorry. This is Faith, my girlfriend. Faith, this is Robert Lewis Senior.”

  They embraced like old friends.

  “Please call me Rob. And you, Nathan. When will you get this Robert Senior business out of your system, huh? Now, I have a visitor with me.
But since politics and personal life and everything seem to be blending into one now, I was wondering if you wanted to come through to the lounge.”

  “Sure,” Nathan said, and Faith gave a nod.

  They took their iced teas and followed Robert Senior into an immaculate lounge. Sun streamed through the tall arched windows onto the elegant furniture. A tall, skinny, wiry man jumped up from his seat. His energy was intense. His eyes had a pointed look to them, like a knife ready to slice. His handshake was a vice grip.

  “Hello, there,” he said, his voice booming and polished, like a political advert. “I’m Andrew Martinez. So great to meet you folks.”

  Andrew Martinez! The very man she wanted to see. But if he really was the killer, would he be so bold to come and sit in Robert Senior’s lounge?

  “Let’s all sit down,” Robert Senior said. “This is Nathan, my son’s great friend, and this is Nathan’s girlfriend, Faith. I believe you run a very successful café down at Paradise Point, Faith.”

  “My grandmother handed it down to me,” Faith said modestly.

  “But Faith really took it to the next level,” said Nathan. “She renovated the whole place, and started serving her new creations. She’s very creative at mixing flavors and making new things.”

  Faith felt her heart swell. It was so great to hear Nathan talk passionately about her work.

  Robert Senior gave her a lovely smile. “I’ll have to come down there sometime.”

  “From the news reports, it looked like Paradise Falls was quite a place, too,” Andrew Martinez said. “Such a tragedy. Such a tragedy.”

  The room went silent for a moment, with both Robert Senior and Nathan looking like they were a thousand miles away. Faith studied him closely, trying to read his eyes. But they were just the same as ever – their blue sharp and intense.

  Nathan recovered himself and cleared his throat. “Faith reminded me that Robbie wouldn’t want us to give up. He’d want us to make the place even more special. So we’re trying to make it a place of hope and healing. My cousin Laura works with a group of disadvantaged kids—”