by Jinty James
“And?” Zoe wanted to know.
“And that was it. We met at the library on my break, in one of the aisles – I think it was the needlework section. Anyone walking past could have seen us, so I guess it could have looked suspicious because we were standing close and whispering. But that was so no one else would overhear.”
“You couldn’t meet somewhere more public?” Lauren pressed.
“I suggested that, but Richard didn’t want Nellie to know about it. Apparently, she had a jealous streak.”
“She did?” Zoe’s eyebrows rose.
“That’s what Richard said, and he should know.”
“What sort of problems was he having?” Lauren asked.
“He didn’t elaborate. But if Nellie was jealous, just him being polite to a store clerk if they were out shopping together might be enough. Nellie talked about him in disparaging terms at times, but it sounded like she didn’t want anyone else to have him.”
“Did your advice solve his marital problems?” Zoe asked.
“Brrt?”
“I don’t know,” Rebecca admitted. “He thanked me and said he’d try Nellie’s favorite chocolates, which are very expensive. And they were still married up to last week when she was – you know. I didn’t hear anything about them splitting up.”
“They seemed married to me,” Lauren admitted. “Deborah acted like they were still together.”
“Maybe the chocolates worked,” Zoe suggested.
“But who would tell Detective Castern about you and Richard in the library together?” Lauren posed the question. “Unless there’s something else you’re not telling us?”
“No.” Rebecca shook her head. “That was it. I swear. My life is an open book – well, it was apart from that. Richard begged me not to tell anyone that he asked for my advice and I promised I wouldn’t. I thought us nice people should stick together.”
“I think I need a latte,” Zoe announced after a second.
Lauren checked her watch. Just after four.
“Me too. Rebecca?”
“Thanks, but I’d better get going to the shelter.” She glanced around the café, seeming more at ease now she’d unburdened herself. “Where’s Ed?”
“He’s probably gone home for the day,” Lauren replied.
“Yeah, he starts early and finishes early.”
“Brrt,” Annie said softly.
“Maybe he’s volunteering at the shelter this afternoon?” Lauren glanced at her fur baby.
“Oh, that’s right.” Rebecca nodded. “I think he mentioned that the other day.”
They said goodbye to Rebecca. Annie ambled to her pink cat basket since there weren’t any customers to help.
“She wants to know where Ed is all the time, doesn’t she?” Zoe waggled her eyebrows.
“I noticed that, too.”
“Maybe she’s got the hots for him.” Zoe grinned.
“Did you see them together at the adoption day?” Lauren hesitated. Maybe she shouldn’t share her thoughts about the two of them – yet.
“Oh, yeah.” Zoe nodded. “I think there might be something happening there.”
“Or about to happen.”
CHAPTER 9
THAT NIGHT, MITCH CAME over for dinner. Zoe already had plans with Chris, so it was just the three of them in the cottage.
Lauren watched her boyfriend cook steaks for them – his specialty. He’d already given Annie some raw sirloin, which she’d thoroughly enjoyed.
“What do you think about Nellie’s case?” she asked. After their session with Rebecca, talking about the case was the last thing she wanted to do, but she thought it would be good to get an inside opinion.
“Castern is gunning for Rebecca, but the evidence doesn’t support him,” he replied.
Lauren thought back over the last few days.
“Deborah, Nellie’s mother-in-law, said Detective Castern was a gentleman and seemed to know what he was doing. But Nellie’s husband said he was horrible. So did Rebecca.”
“You talked to the husband?” Mitch turned around, his expression one of concern.
“Zoe wanted to buy some pillowcases at the store where he worked,” she told him. “I bought some, too. They’re on the pillows right now. Are you staying over?” She hoped his answer was yes.
“Yeah.” A soft smile lightened his face. “If that’s okay with you.”
“Of course it is.”
“Annie?”
“Brrt.” Yes. She sat next to Lauren at the kitchen table.
“Were you in public when you spoke to Nellie’s husband?” Mitch asked.
“Of course.”
“Good.” He gave her a relieved smile. “Make sure there are other people around whenever you talk to someone who could be a suspect.” He looked at her tenderly. “I don’t want anything to happen to you.”
“And I don’t want anything to happen to you, either.” She hoped her expression showed just how much he meant to her.
He gave her a warm, intimate smile.
“I love you, Lauren.”
“And I love you.”
CHAPTER 10
“I’M TELLING YOU, WE need to go back to the department store and grill Nellie’s husband!”
The following morning, Zoe had rushed into the cottage, full of enthusiasm. She hadn’t stopped talking as they got the café ready for customers.
“I told Chris all about it last night,” she said. “And he thinks it was weird too, that someone told Detective Castern about Rebecca and Richard in the library together.”
“Did he tell you we should question Richard again?” Lauren asked.
“Brrt?” Annie also asked.
The three of them stood around the counter.
“Not exactly,” Zoe admitted.
“How exactly?”
Zoe hesitated. “Okay, he didn’t,” she confessed. “But it’s still a good idea. He thinks we should leave it to the police, but he also said he knew he couldn’t stop me from investigating.”
“Did he tell you to be careful?”
“Yeah.” She sighed.
“I think we should be careful,” Lauren told her. “We’ve got Annie to look after. And there’s Mitch.”
“Brrt!” That’s right!
“That’s true.” Zoe gave a nod. “And there’s Chris.”
“Brrt!” That’s right!
“I don’t see why we need to talk to Richard again,” Lauren continued. “I can’t see him telling Detective Castern he had an affair with Rebecca.”
“In the library.” Zoe giggled. Then she sobered. “But what if he did tell Castern? It would be a classic bluff – or is that double bluff? He killed his wife Nellie, but wants Rebecca to take the blame, so he makes up the story that he had an affair with Rebecca, and gives Castern the library incidence as proof!”
Lauren stared at her. “If you’re right, that is—”
“Genius,” Zoe breathed. “If I do say so myself.”
“I don’t see how we can go back and question Richard again two days later.” Lauren frowned. “What if he thinks we’re stalking him?”
“Who cares?” Zoe shrugged. “He could be the killer. We’re helping the community by visiting him again and grilling him!”
A tap on the oak and glass entrance door caught Lauren’s attention. Hans stood outside, smiling and looking hopeful.
“It’s 9.35!” Lauren hurried to unbolt the door. “I’m sorry, Hans,” she said, ushering in their friend, “Zoe and I lost track of time.”
“It is no matter,” he replied, his faded blue eyes twinkling. “I was not sure whether to knock or not.”
“I’m glad you did.” Zoe zipped up to him. “What can we get you?”
“I would love a cappuccino, please.” He glanced over at the glass case. “And a triple chocolate ganache cupcake would be just the thing.”
“Brrt?” Annie glanced up at him, shifting from paw to paw.
“Hello, Liebchen,” he greeted her. “
Where shall I sit today, hmm?”
“Brrt!” This way! Annie led him to a four-seater near the counter, and jumped onto the chair opposite him.
“We’ll have to talk about Nellie’s husband later,” Lauren murmured to her cousin, as she ground coffee beans. The machine growled, the notes of hazelnut and spices perfuming the air.
“You bet.” Zoe plated the cupcake, an excited expression on her face.
The day passed quickly. Mrs. Finch came in, as well as Ms. Tobin, and Martha. Brooke popped in for an afternoon latte, updating them on her new kitten. She and Jeff still hadn’t decided on a name, but said they were totally in love with him.
“The next thing you’ll be doing is planning the wedding,” Zoe teased.
“Oh, not yet.” Brooke blushed. “We’re still getting used to the idea of being engaged. We’re going to enjoy being cat parents first, then we’ll think of setting a wedding date.”
“Good luck.” Lauren smiled at her.
“It might be your turn soon, Lauren,” Brooke suggested, her eyebrow arching.
“Do you think?” Zoe’s eyes widened. She looked at her cousin as if Lauren was suddenly an alien species.
“Stop.” Lauren’s cheeks were on fire. She’d wondered about Mitch’s recent strange behavior, but last night he’d seemed back to normal. Maybe it had just been work stress affecting him.
“I’m sorry.” Brooke looked contrite.
“I’m not,” Zoe said mischievously. “Lauren and Mitch are in lurve.”
“What about you and Chris?” Brooke turned to Zoe. “I’ve seen you two around town.”
Glad the focus was off her, Lauren wanted to hear her cousin’s reply.
“Oh – well – you know,” Zoe waved a hand in the air, but it didn’t have its usual airy flair. Spots of color appeared on her cheeks. Although Zoe was open about a lot of things, Lauren had noticed she was pretty private about her relationship with Chris.
“I’ll stop teasing.” Brooke turned the conversation back to her kitten, then waved goodbye when she left.
“Let’s visit Nellie’s hubby tomorrow,” Zoe said when the last customer had left and they’d bolted the entrance door.
“Brrt?” Annie trotted up to them, her green eyes curious.
“I don’t think you’ll be able to go with us,” Lauren told her. “I’m sorry.”
“Yeah.” Zoe nodded.
“You could have a play date with AJ while we’re gone?” Lauren tried to make it up to her fur baby.
“Brrt.” Annie gave a little sigh, ambling over to the private hallway joining the café to the cottage. She pushed her way into the cat flap, her silver plumy tail waving in the air before she disappeared completely.
“Oh dear.” Lauren turned to Zoe.
“She’ll be fine.” Zoe touched her arm. “I bet she’ll have tons of fun playing with AJ.”
“We should get them together again for a real-life visit, not just an online one,” Lauren said.
“Good idea. What about Saturday afternoon?”
“I’ll check with Ed tomorrow,” Lauren promised.
They finished tidying up, Zoe stacking the chairs while Lauren cleaned the kitchen.
“I’ll have to call the store and see if Richard’s working tomorrow,” Zoe said when Lauren was ready to lock up.
“Won’t that alert him?”
“Not when I ask if the helpful man is working there.” Zoe grinned.
THE NEXT MORNING WHILE they had breakfast, Lauren witnessed her cousin’s subterfuge.
“Oh, hello, there,” Zoe sounded extremely professional and posh as she spoke into her cell phone.
Annie sat next to Lauren at the kitchen table, her eyes wide at hearing Zoe sound so different to her usual self.
“Is that helpful manager there today? I believe he works in the bedding department. My assistant said he was very capable and efficient.”
After a moment, Zoe continued, “Yes, I think she said his name was Richard. He is? Until seven? Wonderful.” Zoe ended the call.
“Brrt?”
“I was acting,” Zoe told Annie. “Remember when we took part in the Christmas play?”
“Brrt!” Yes!
“I just acted on the phone. So we could find out if Nellie’s husband is working at the department store today. And he is.”
“Brrt! Good!
Zoe turned to Lauren. “So as soon as we close the café we should zoom over to Sacramento and grill Richard.”
“Okay.” Lauren gave in, like she usually did. “But we need to be in a public place with him.” Mitch’s advice – or warning – flashed in her mind.
“Aren’t we always?”
Lauren cast her mind back to other sleuthing expeditions they’d gone on.
“I don’t think so.”
“Hmm. You could be right – sort of.” Sometimes Zoe didn’t like to admit when she was wrong.
They finished their breakfast – crunchy granola for Lauren, and whole wheat toast slathered in butter for Zoe. Annie had eaten her beef in gravy an hour earlier.
As soon as they arrived at the café, Lauren entered the kitchen.
“Hi, Ed.”
“Hey.” He glanced up from the big mound of dough he kneaded. “What’s up?”
“Is AJ free for a playdate with Annie on Saturday afternoon?”
“That will work.” Ed smiled briefly. “We’re at the shelter Saturday morning, but have the afternoon free. I think AJ will enjoy playing with Annie.”
“Great.”
“I want to thank you for helping Rebecca,” he said. “I know she’s innocent.”
“I hope so,” she replied. “We’re still looking into things.”
“Thanks.” he hesitated, looking awkward. “Do you think I should – oh, forget it.”
“What?” Lauren encouraged.
“I was thinking maybe I could ask Rebecca out. On a date.”
She studied Ed’s suddenly red face. “That might be a good idea.” She’d seen the way Rebecca had looked at him. “But maybe wait until after the killer is caught?”
“Yeah.” He nodded. “Okay.”
She entered the café section and told Annie and Zoe the good news about the playdate, her fur baby looking pleased at the prospect. But she decided not to disclose Ed asking her for dating advice.
Zoe zoomed around the café. Watching her made Lauren dizzy at times. All their regulars came in, asking if they had any news about Nellie’s murder. Lauren shook her head each time, but could see Zoe was bursting to tell someone about their sleuthing expedition later that day. Thankfully, she kept her lips pressed tight.
“Why don’t you tell Chris on your lunchbreak?” Lauren whispered to her as they made lattes. “Call him on your cell.”
“I told him last night. I had to leave a message because he was working a shift.” Zoe glanced over at the crowd. “We’ll be too busy in a sec, anyway. We mightn’t get any lunch!”
Zoe’s prediction was almost correct. Lauren gave her a break at one o’clock, when there was a short lull. After she returned, they were slammed again, until Lauren was finally able to snatch twenty minutes for herself. Annie joined her as they had a quick meal in the cottage kitchen – a turkey and cranberry panini for Lauren, and chicken and liver for Annie.
She savored the peace and quiet of the homey kitchen, the ticking of the wall clock and the hum of the refrigerator the only noise.
Annie hopped onto the chair beside her, bunting her arm. Lauren stroked her fur baby, the velvety softness of her fur tickling her fingertips.
“Back to work.” She pressed a kiss on Annie’s forehead. “Then Zoe and I are going to the city late this afternoon.”
“Brrp.” Annie’s mouth tilted downward.
“I know. I’m sorry you can’t come with us. But you’ve got your real-life playdate with AJ to look forward to. That’s on Saturday afternoon.”
“Brrp.” Annie sounded happier.
They returned to the café
. The customers had thinned out, and Zoe was managing well on her own.
“Not long now.” She tapped Lauren’s watch.
“Uh-huh.” Lauren’s stomach knotted a little at the thought. Zoe seemed to derive a lot more pleasure than she did from their investigative attempts.
As soon as the last customer left, Zoe bolted the door, even though the time was five minutes to five.
“Let’s clean up!” She raced around the café, making Lauren dizzy again.
After Lauren had done the dishes, she found Zoe and Annie waiting for her.
“Not bad – only 5.20.” Zoe beamed.
“I didn’t realize you were timing me.”
“Not really. But you know I love sleuthing.”
“I know.”
“Brrt!”
They took Annie home, then jumped into Lauren’s white compact car.
“I hope he doesn’t leave early,” Zoe fretted as Lauren observed the speed limit on the highway.
“Why would he?”
“I don’t know – maybe he doesn’t feel well, or maybe he’s sick of work and wants to take off an hour early, or maybe—”
“Maybe we should wait and see.”
“Yes, Mom.”
When they reached their exit, Lauren asked, “Do you know what you’re going to say to him?”
“Sort of,” Zoe admitted. “Obviously, the most important question is, did he have an affair with Rebecca? And if he says no, then ask him why Detective Castern thinks he did. And watch him squirm.”
“Wouldn’t he squirm only if he was the one who gave Detective Castern that information – whether it was true or not?”
“Good point.” Zoe nodded. “We can play it by ear as well.”
That was what Lauren was afraid of.
When they arrived at the department store, Zoe charged ahead. She waited for Lauren at the elevators, shifting from foot to foot.
“Hurry up!”
Lauren refrained from rolling her eyes.
“It’s not seven yet. He should still be here.” She checked the time. Just after six-thirty.
“I know, but—” Zoe pushed the button for the elevator.
The silver steel doors opened before them, and they walked inside.
