A Very Merry Murder

by Cindy Kline

  Gram smiled back. “I’ll just have tea. Thank you.”

  “Don’t forget Luna’s grooming appointment is at ten.”

  “I know. I know. I have it on my calendar, and the alarm on my phone set.”

  Molly came over and kissed her on the cheek. “I truly appreciate you, Gran. I hope you know that.”

  “I love you too.” She looked at her granddaughter closer, “Where are you going so early? I didn’t think you had to be to work until ten.” Gram sat at the table, reached for a piece of Molly’s toast and took a bite.

  “I need to go pick up Henry Pierce and take him to his car, remember?” Molly went over to her plate, and a piece of toast was missing.

  “Oh, that’s right. I’d forgotten,” she answered, swallowing the evidence. She smiled, then snatched the other piece of toast and took a bite of that one. “You make an excellent piece of toast, dear.”

  “Thanks. By the way, are you going to come to the Christmas tree lighting tonight?”

  “That’s tonight?” Gran broke off a piece of toast and gave it to Luna.

  “Gran! I don’t want her having people food.” Molly watched as the dog wolfed it down. She waited until the dog finished and then picked her up and gave her a kiss.

  “I’m going to clean out that hall closet today. Where do you want me to put all the extra stuff in there?”

  Molly grimaced. She’d done pretty well unpacking her stuff and cleaning out all the extra stuff that Mrs. Riley had, but there were several things she didn’t know what to do with. “Just leave it, Gran. I’ll work on it soon.”

  “Okay, but one of us is going to get hurt one of these days when we open that closet. You have it so stuffed, if someone sneezes, there’s going to be an avalanche.”

  Molly laughed. “It’s not quite that bad.” She looked at Luna. “You be good for Grandma today.”

  “I’d prefer you give me real great-grandchildren, versus a dog, you know. Speaking of which, have you heard from your yummy Liam lately?”

  “He’s not ‘my’ Liam, Gran, and no, I haven’t. Just a few text messages telling me he’s thinking of me and will call me as soon as he can.”

  “That’s the life of a Garda officer, honey. You might as well get used to it.”

  “Well, that doesn’t seem to be an issue right now. Besides, I prefer you as my roommate; thank you very much.”

  “I appreciate you taking me in. I miss your grandfather every day, and I’m sorry he’s gone, but I much prefer to be here versus staying in one of those retirement homes.” She smiled. “At least I’m not with your mother, who would drive me crazy, I’m sure.”

  “I would think you’d prefer to be in one of those homes where there are many people nearer your own age.”

  “People nearer my own age? They’re all just old folks in those places. I prefer a much younger crowd.”

  Molly pulled a travel mug out of the cupboard and filled it with tea from the pot, glancing at the clock.

  “Oh, I have to go. I told Mr. Pierce I would pick him up at eight and take him to his car.”

  “Molly, just be careful. I sense there is something nefarious going on.”

  Normally, when anyone else said something like that, Molly would brush them off, but not Gran.

  “Gran, do you sense something?” Molly walked to the closet door and held up her hand to brace for the avalanche. It wasn’t too bad, only a couple of umbrellas and a few old hats. Molly pulled out her knee-high boots and her long winter coat and threw the other stuff back onto the shelf. She then sat on the couch, tucking her black pants into the boots and standing up to put on her coat. Gram’s “six sense” was usually spot on.

  “Don’t you?”

  Her question made Molly pause. “What do you mean?” She picked up her purse and swung it over her shoulder.

  Gram left the table and walked over to where she was standing near the door and took Molly’s hands in hers.

  “Don’t you realize the whole reason you got involved in those deaths six months ago was because you’re blessed with the ability to see things other people can’t—or won’t?” She kissed her granddaughter on the cheek. “You sense things just like I do. I know it’s hard to grasp. At least it was when I was your age, but supposedly there is fairy blood in our family, and although most people don’t believe in fairies, I do. It’s the only explanation that I’ve come up with over the years.”

  “Then how do you explain my marriage to Keith?”

  “The only explanation I can come up with is the magic loses something when you’re on the wrong side of the Atlantic Ocean.” She gave Molly’s hands a squeeze and then a hug. “You go along now, dear. Luna and I will be just fine, and I’ll see you at six.”

  Molly hugged her back, said goodbye to Luna, who didn’t pay any attention to her, and walked out the door into the garage.

  Chapter Four

  Molly hit the button to open up the garage door and got into her cold car, thankful she had splurged for the auto package that included seat warmers. It was a chilly morning. Then she smiled. She’d been living in Michigan a year ago, where it was much colder and had a foot of snow on the ground. Dooley got snow, but not nearly as much as she’d seen in America. She should count her blessings. Thinking about Michigan made her think of her soon-to-be ex-husband. The divorce was to be final three months ago, but she had heard nothing from her lawyer. What on earth was delaying it?

  She pulled out of the driveway and began the journey to the other side of town to pick up Henry. She was halfway to the Pierce house when she realized she’d left her tea at home. Darn! Her stomach grumbled too as she drove the roads from her house to the Pierce’s, her stomach complaining about the toast she had almost, but not quite, consumed. She pulled into their driveway at seven-fifty-nine and rang the bell. She’d worried about his health but didn’t realize she’d been holding her breath until he answered the door. She let it out, thankful he was okay.

  Henry opened the door, and she walked in and inspected him. He was still pale. She could see a slight gleam of sweat on his forehead, and there were dark circles under his eyes. “You still look horrible. How are you feeling?”

  He looked at her, his eyebrows raised. “You don’t pull any punches, do you?”

  She immediately felt guilty. “I’m sorry. That wasn’t very nice, was it?”

  He flashed Molly a quick smile, “No, but it’s the truth. I feel better, but not great. To be honest, I’d prefer to go back to bed.”

  “Well, you can do that once you pick up your car.”

  He grabbed a jacket. They both walked out and got into the Land Rover. She could see their landscaping better, and it was impressive. Their lawn was pristine, built up off the ground by a retaining wall with a walkway down the center. A few trees were planted down at the edges of the yard, giving them a better chance of surviving with the house blocking the wind off the Atlantic.

  As she backed out of the driveway, Henry said, “You’ll be happy to know I called my doctor in Dublin. He’s getting in touch with a doctor here and will call me back with an appointment time.”

  “I’m glad to hear it. My grandfather had ulcers, and he was never in as much pain as you’ve been.”

  “Aye, I’m not sure what’s going on. I’ve never been in this much pain before either.”

  “You took the pills I left out for you, right?”

  “Yes, Ma, I took the pills.”

  She smiled and shook her head. “You’re such a brat.” They both chuckled. He dressed quite causal today in jeans and an Aran sweater, topped with a brown leather jacket with a Sherpa fleece lining. He definitely didn’t look like he was going to work.

  “I like your Land Rover. Is it new?” He ran his hand over the dashboard.

  “It is. I love it. I was originally going to look for a MINI Cooper, but I moved here from America six months ago and back there, I had a Jeep. I enjoy having a bit of clearance between me and the road.”

  “The bri
ght turquoise color fits you.”

  “Thanks. I hope you don’t mind, but we need to make a stop at the local bakery. I forgot my tea at home and ate little breakfast.”

  “I appreciate you picking me up, so thank you. Besides, I could use some coffee.” He looked out the window for a few minutes, then looked toward Molly. “Is there more than one bakery in town?”

  “No, only the one. Why?”

  “I think we used them to cater our grand opening celebration. The food was excellent.”

  “It’s owned by my friend, Reanna, and I agree the food is great. She makes the best cinnamon rolls.”

  They chit-chatted about this and that as Molly drove the short distance into town. A car pulled out of a parking spot right in front of the bakery as Molly pulled up, and she slid right in.

  They both unlatched their seatbelts and opened the doors. Molly was very proud of her friend. She smiled as she looked at the green awning with the large “R” written in fancy cursive writing. She’d opened the bakery two years ago, and it was a tremendous success, proven by the number of people waiting in line when they walked in.

  Reanna was behind the counter, and her full-time helper, Lilly, was busy pouring the drinks but gave her a nod and a wave when she spotted them in line.

  She excused herself from Henry and went over to speak to her. The short, rotund lady split the baking with Reanna and had been a huge help to her when she opened. Lilly always had a smile on her face, and today was no exception.

  “What are you doing here so early?” she asked as she pulled a few donuts out and added them to a box.

  “Starving.” She smiled. “Are you always this busy this time of day?” She motioned to the crowd.

  She nodded. “Usually. You just aren’t usually here this early. What’s up?”

  “Nothing much, just giving a friend a lift.”

  “You’ll be at the tree lighting tonight, won’t you?”

  “Of course, unless we’re busy, but my guess is everyone will have cleared out by then to find a spot to enjoy the festivities.”

  She laughed. “That shouldn’t be hard. Did you see how tall that tree is?”

  The tree had been standing in the town square for about a week. The town’s spirit committee, which is in charge of all the downtown holiday decorating, had been slowly adding huge ornaments daily.

  “It is quite large, isn’t it? It should be beautiful tonight once it’s lit.”

  A large group departed, making them next in line. Lilly asked what we wanted. “Thank you. I’ll have my usual, but my friend prefers coffee.” She grimaced and headed back to join Henry.

  “Sorry about that, Henry. Lilly was trying to…” Henry was standing where she’d left him, his mouth open and his eyes wide. She looked from him to where he was staring. He was looking at Reanna. He murmured something that sounded like “Alaina,” but she wasn’t sure. Molly looked between the two of them. She realized what it was she’d been trying to figure out the night before, and she hoped her face didn’t have the same look of shock she was sure Henry’s had.

  The line moved too quickly, and they were standing in front of the counter. She swallowed and made the introductions, “Reanna and Lilly, this is Henry Pierce. Henry, this is my best friend, Reanna West, and her co-worker, Lilly Drake.”

  Thankfully, Henry’s attention returned with my voice, “It’s nice to meet you both. Reanna, this is a nice place you have here. My company used you for some catering we had at our grand opening. It was very good.”

  “It’s nice to meet you too. Are you talking about Moore Plastics?”

  He nodded.

  “I worked with a woman named Megan, I think. She was very nice.”

  “Yes, she’s my assistant.”

  “I’m glad you liked it. What can I get you two?”

  Before we could answer, Lilly set down two cups in front of Reanna. “They’re already set with their drinks; you just need to see if they want anything else.”

  Henry was still staring at Reanna again, so I answered. “Yes, we’ll take two cinnamon rolls.”

  Reanna laughed. “Is one for him, or are you just especially hungry this morning?”

  I stuck my tongue out at her, then looked at Henry. “Excuse us. We’ve been friends since we were ten years old. There’s a lot of history between us.”

  He seemed to come out of his stupor, “Really? I was born and raised here. Maybe I know your parents.” He looked directly at Reanna.

  “Oh, maybe. My father grew up in County Donegal, but my mother grew up here. Her last name back then was O’Leary. Samantha O’Leary. Did you know her?” She smiled as she handed me a bag with the two cinnamon rolls.

  He cleared his throat. “Yes, I did. Is she still living here?”

  “Yes, in the same house I grew up in, on Euclid Street.”

  As Henry pulled out his wallet to pay, I looked at Reanna. “Will you be at the tree lighting this evening?”

  “Yes, Dillon and I are going. Are you and Liam attending?”

  “I haven’t heard from him, so my guess is no. But I’ll give Fiona a call and see if she wants to go with me.”

  “That sounds like fun. You could always ask Callum.” She smiled.

  Molly shook her head, “Not happening, Re.”

  Reanna gave Henry his change, and we walked out and got back in the Land Rover.

  Henry looked straight ahead, not even drinking his coffee. She took a deep breath and asked the question she’d wanted to ask immediately after seeing them together.

  “Reanna’s your daughter, isn’t she?”

  Molly kept her eyes on Henry. He ran his fingers through his hair and looked at her. “How did you figure it out?”

  “The same smile and she has your green eyes. Who’s Alaina?”

  “What?” His eyes widened again. “How do you know about Alaina? Are you a witch or something?”

  She thought about her conversation earlier with Gran but shook her head, “You said her name when you saw Reanna.”

  “I did?” He ran his hand over his chin. “She is—was my sister. She died with my parents, ten years ago in a car accident.”

  “You lost your parents and your sister at the same time?” She touched his arm, her heart breaking for him. She could see the sadness in his eyes. “I’m so very sorry.”

  He put his hand over hers. “Thank you, but it was a long time ago.” He patted my hand and then removed it.

  She could feel tears form in the back of her eyes, “My family drives me crazy sometimes, but if I were to lose both my parents and my sister, I don’t think I’d be able to handle it.”

  “She looks just like her, you know.”

  “Who?”

  “Your friend, she looks just like Alaina. They could be twins.” He looked at me. “Do you know where Reanna’s parents live?”

  “Ah, I do, and if you’re thinking what I think you’re thinking, I don’t think it’s a good idea.”

  “Probably not, but I’m doing it, regardless. You can go with me, or drop me off at my car, and I’ll find it myself.”

  “Okay, one trip to Euclid Street.” She started the car.

  Henry’s phone rang as Molly pulled out of the driveway. He looked at it and sighed, then looked at Molly. “Sorry. I have to take this.”

  “Henry here.”

  “Sorry, Megan. Look, I’m not feeling well, so I won’t be in today.”

  “I am in a car right now, yes. I’m headed to the doctor’s office.”

  “Megan, can we not talk about this right now? Please?” He laid his head back on the seat and closed his eyes.

  “Damn, I forgot about that.” His head popped up. “See if Craig can meet with them. He knows all the details. Then please reschedule the rest of today’s appointments.”

  “I don’t care, Megan! Whenever you can fit them in.”

  He sighed. “Thank you. Yes, I will.”

  Henry looked at Molly. “Sorry about that. It was my assistant, wond
ering where I am.”

  Molly gave him a strange look and then asked, “She’s your mistress, isn’t she?”

  He looked at her, his brows narrowed, “How do you do that?”

  Keeping her eyes on the road, she asked, “Do what?”

  “How do you know so much about my life when I haven’t said a word? It’s like you can read my mind or something.”

  “Ha, no, I can’t read your mind, nor would I want to. I just listen and observe and then get a sense of things, some people more than others.” She glanced at him, then back to the road. “Who’s Craig?”

  “He’s the vice-president in charge of finance, also my second in command. His family has been friends with the Moore’s forever. Craig is kind of the black sheep, another lost soul that Ronan helped.”

  “I heard about Ronan Moore’s death. A heart attack, wasn’t it?”

  “Yes. He was a great man. I don’t think I’ll be able to fill his shoes.”

  She looked at him and back at the road, “Then don’t try. Use him as a guide, but make your own path. I have a feeling you’ll be fine.”

  The West house was in one of the nicer neighborhoods of Dooley. Molly pulled into the driveway and parked in front of the garage.

  “Are you sure about this, Henry?”

  He sat there for a moment before he answered. “No, but I’m doing it anyway.”

  Chapter Five

  Henry’s stomach was doing somersaults, but he wasn’t sure if it was because of his ulcers or his decision to confront Samantha. He hasn’t seen her in thirty-four years, and to find out now he has a thirty-three-year-old daughter? He laid his hand on Molly’s arm. “I don’t think I need to ask you this, but can you please keep all of this to yourself?”

  “I won’t say anything, but it’s a small town. I can’t believe half the town isn’t aware of it already.”

  “Do you know Samantha well?”

  “She’s always been Mrs. West to me. Like I mentioned, Reanna and I have been friends since we were ten, along with my sister-in-law, Ciara, who you met at the bookstore. We were all at each other’s houses growing up. Reanna has a younger brother, Colin, who’s a photographer, and her father—um, Mr. West, is a doctor.”