She handed him the note.
The words on the paper said, “Close the bakery and leave town. All of you.”
“Who would do this?” Her voice trembled when she spoke.
He shook his head. “I don’t know. This is a threat, Ace. We need to involve the police.”
Ana took her phone from her pocket. “I know. It’s just… I can’t believe someone is threatening us. Our family has lived in Fable Town for four generations.”
“I don’t know, but we need to make sure your sisters and parents are protected.” He wouldn’t leave Ana’s side until this jerk was caught. Someone had already tried to run Ana over. He thought it was an accident. A crazy teenager or something. But with the note, that experience was much more threatening.
“Agreed.” Ana dialed the police station. “I need to speak with someone about a threatening letter I received.” She put the call on speaker.
“May I ask who’s calling?” the female on the other end of the line asked.
“This is Ana De—Oldenberg.” She glanced at Nate, his expression became wounded. She’d changed back to her maiden name after their divorce.
“Oh, hey Ana. This is Stacy. Stacy Biltmore. We went to high school together.”
“Oh, yes. Hello, Stacy.” Ana squinted her eyes, tilting her head to the side like she was trying to recall the woman.
He fought back a laugh. This was a serious matter.
“So, can I speak with someone?”
“Oh, right. Yes. I’ll let Sheriff Buck know. Where are you?”
“Goldie’s.”
“Great. Either he’ll be over or one of his deputies will be there shortly.”
“Thank you, Stacy.”
“Sure. One of these times, we should get together for lunch and catch up.”
“Sounds good.” Ana hung up.
“You have no idea who Stacy is, do you?” His expression transformed into a smirk as he unwrapped the dough, placing it in the center of the flour on the counter.
“The name sounds familiar, but I can’t picture her face.” She put away her phone and washed her hands again before coming to stand beside him. “Let’s get these cookies made.”
“Deal.” He rolled out the dough while Ana turned on the extra-large ovens and sprayed several cookie sheets. When Nate had the dough rolled out to half an inch thick, she pressed in the simple round cookie cutter over and over again until their wasn’t anymore room.
With a large silver spatula, Nate placed the cut-out dough on two baking sheets, three to a row and four down.
As they worked, they spoke of their jobs and their lives. Nate’s heart lightened. Catching up with Ana was better than his best day as a football player. And he was glad she seemed to be doing well. The spark she had before Gus got sick was back. She was passionate about helping children again and it was obvious she’d thrown herself back into her work.
“We received an anonymous donation of a million dollars last week, which is so exciting. The funds are going to cancer research.” As she spoke, she adjusted the cookies on the pan. The intensity of her excitement over the donation leaking into the room and filling it. He debated whether to tell her he’d been the anonymous donor and decided against it.
“That sounds amazing. Hope they find a cure.” He forced himself to keep his face passive. The donation was done in honor of his son. He didn’t see a need to tell Ana about it now. Maybe someday.
Her gorgeous eyes found his. He held them there and something electric passed through them. Despite their differences and all that had happened leading up to their divorce, one thing was certain. They both had an intense love for their son and a connection that would never die. “May the cure come sooner rather than later,” she said, clearing her throat.
Nate saw the tears fill her eyes and looked away as his did the same.
They finished cutting the dough and put both trays in the oven. Ana set the timer. “Did you want to wash and I’ll dry?” She indicated the dirty dishes.
“I like the way you think, Ace.” He winked as he carried the items over to the counter next to the deep sink.
There was a thump on the back door.
Nate set down the dishes. “Stay behind me.” He went to the door. It was solid without a peek hole and that irritated him. “Who is it?”
“Sheriff Bear Buckley,” the man said. “Stacy said there was a call about a threatening letter.”
Nate glanced back at Ana, then opened the door. The sheriff was maybe six feet and wiry. Nate thought he could take the man in a brawl. Although, the sheriff carried a gun in a holster at his side and Nate knew nothing about guns. The man was older than Nate, maybe forty-five. It was hard to tell. His hair was dark and graying on the sides. He wore jeans, a plaid shirt, and a rust colored jacket with the city’s logos on the sleeves and a sheriff badge on his left chest pocket. His eyes were clear, and Nate guessed the man probably had stories for days about what he’d seen in the line of duty. “Thanks for coming,” Nate said, holding out his hand.
“Of course.” The sheriff shook Nate’s hand as he stepped inside. Nate closed the door behind him. “Ma’am,” he said, making his way toward Ana. “Sheriff Bear Buckley, but everyone calls me Buck or Sheriff Buck.”
“Ana Oldenberg,” she said, forcing herself not to look at Nate this time. “We’re glad you’re here,” she added.
“Sure. Of course. You must be related to Chandi and Lox.” His eyes flitted around the room. “I know this is her bakery.” The Sheriff was being polite with introductions, but he was also studying his surroundings like every little thing might be a clue.
“I am,” Ana said.
“All right, well why don’t you show me the letter.”
Ana held it out for him.
He took it. Read it. The three of them spent the next fifteen minutes discussing everything that had happened and the sheriff wrote down the partial license plate number.
When they finished, he folded the letter. “Mind if I keep this?”
“Please. Take it. I don’t want it.”
He tucked it in his coat pocket. “I’m guessing you locked the doors when you left. I saw you leave Jack’s a little bit ago.”
“Yes. We also found this when we got here this morning.” She showed him the piece of plaid cloth.
“You should’ve turned this evidence over to our department immediately.” He studied it before putting it into his pocket. “At this point there probably isn’t any usable evidence, but I’ll run it by the lab.” He shook his head dismissively. “I checked the back door myself after Lox was loaded in the ambulance. Whoever got inside and left the material must have a key. Do you know how many keys your sister has given out?”
It sounded to Nate like he was questioning her as though she were a suspect. “Ana hasn’t lived here in years. She lives in Denver and is a renowned pediatrician at the Denver Hospital. I don’t know what you’re implying, but Ana had nothing to do with this. She’s just trying to help.” He snorted as his irritation grew. “Besides, she doesn’t wear plaid.” He glanced at Ana and she nodded to verify.
“I wasn’t implying anything. Just wondering if Ana knows how many keys to the bakery might be out there.” He paused, looking at Nate. “What do you do?”
“I play offensive tackle for the Colorado Cowboys. If you need our alibis, we were both in Denver last night attending a charity masquerade ball for MS.”
Sheriff Buck nodded slowly, tucking the material back in his pocket. “A football player, huh? Good to know.”
Nate didn’t like the accusatory stare the sheriff gave him. “Let me ask you something.” Nate tamped down his anger, taking a deep breath.
“Go ahead.”
“Do you have any leads as to why this might have happened to Ana’s sister? Whoever is behind this is still out there and I for one won’t feel like the family is safe until the culprit is caught and behind bars.” His frustration still snuck its way out as Nate spoke.
The sheriff didn’t seem overly concerned about anything he and Ana had told him.
The man was too laid back for Nate’s liking.
“Let me show you something.” Sheriff Buck went around the counter and through the front of the bakery to the front door.
Chapter Ten
Ana and Nate followed, waiting while the sheriff unlocked the door and held it open for them to pass through. When they were outside, he turned to face the front of the store. “What do you see?”
Nate studied the door and the brick siding before his eyes fell to the sidewalk. “Blood,” he said, swallowing the irritated lump in his throat. Ana was staring at it too. “There’s also some dirt and rocks against the wall.”
Ana came forward. “This spot here.” Ana pointed at a place on the ground where there’d been a something… It looked like a brick had been sitting there for a long while and was suddenly moved.
“That’s right. Good eye.” Sheriff Buck traced the darker portion with his finger. “It’s possible the brick was the weapon used to hit Lox over the head.” He stood. “But that’s the only clue we have, which is to say we have nothing because we haven’t been able to find the brick. If someone used it, they took it or discarded it somewhere else.”
Nate clenched his teeth together. He found it hard to believe no one had seen or heard anything when Lox was attacked. That made no sense. Her bakery was literally on the main street in Fable Town. It was the busiest place in town. People were always out and about meandering between the shops. “What about surveillance cameras?” Nate knew the answer before the sheriff said a word.
“No, sir. But it might not be a bad idea for the future. Even though the town itself is small, some might even say quaint, there are a lot of tourists who make their way here to ski in the winter and fish and camp in the summer, not to mention the traffic from the casinos on the reservation.” Sheriff Buck eyed Ana. “Your sister should consider some sort of security system in the future.” He ran a hand over his hair. “I’ll tell y’all, I’m not giving up. And with this letter, it’s obvious the perpetrator or perpetrators are serious. Seems to me, they’re looking to get caught. Keep your eyes open, stay safe, and if you see or hear anything, let me know.” He handed Ana his card. “I’ll have my deputies keep an eye on your family and I’ll be by Lox’s house later to speak with her. She was released earlier, right?”
“That’s correct, but…” The timer buzzed inside the bakery. “That’s the cookies.” Ana went to go inside. “Thank you, Sheriff. I’ll be sure to let Lox and the others know we talked and that you’re coming by. She isn’t a big fan of surprises.” She went in.
Nate glanced at Sheriff Buck. “Like Ana said, thank you.” He grabbed hold of the door before it closed all the way.
“Keep an eye on her. I didn’t want to scare her, but if I were you, I’d be careful. Don’t let her go anywhere on her own.” The sheriff nodded his head.
Nate noticed a ring around his hair, probably from a hat. It wouldn’t surprise him if the man wore a cowboy hat. He glanced at the man’s footwear. Sure enough, he had on a well-worn pair of boots. “I’ll keep her close.” Nate’s irritation eased a little, deciding maybe Sheriff Buck kept his features relaxed so as not to worry those he spoke with.
“Good.” Sheriff Buck held up the threatening letter. “If I hear anything, I’ll let you know.”
“Thanks.” He shook Sheriff Buck’s outstretched hand.
Back inside, Nate went over to Ana. She sniffled and he realized she was crying. “Hey, what’s wrong?” He thought maybe they burned the cookies, but a quick peek over her shoulder revealed they were golden on the edges and looked exactly right.
“Nothing.” She placed the cookies on a cooling rack and with the oven mitts still on her hands, put them on her hips. “I’m just scared and frustrated.” Tears fell onto her cheeks. “But mostly scared.” She tilted her head down, trying not to let him see her cry.
He wanted to go to her and wrap her in his arms. Instead he said, “Ace, it’s okay. It’s going to be okay. We’re going to figure out who’s doing this and we’re going to stop them. No one else will get hurt. And Lox’s bakery will stay open. Whoever they are, they won’t get away with this. Okay?” He sounded more assured than he felt. Part of him wanted to suggest they leave and return to Denver. Ana would be safe there. But he knew that was selfish. Plus, she wouldn’t go. She might be scared, but she wasn’t a coward. Her family meant everything to her, and she would stay and see this through. Which meant he would stay as well.
“Thanks, Nate.” She wiped her cheeks on the back of her sleeve. “I want to believe you.” She lifted her head, searching his eyes. In that moment, he wanted to kiss her, and he saw by the look in her eyes, she wanted him, too.
“Ana,” he whispered, brushing some hair off her face. “I’m here.” He lowered his head, but the bell over the front door rang and they both jumped. He hadn’t locked it when he came back inside. “I’ll tell whoever is there to go away.”
“But it’s just me.” Chandi appeared in the kitchen a second later.
“Hey,” he said, walking past her. He would lock the door this time. As he turned the deadbolt, he peered out the glass window. Everything looked normal. Across the street was a clothing store called Joli with a banner across the front that said Grand Opening.
He went into the back. Chandi and Ana were talking as she whipped up the frosting.
“When did the store across the street open?” Nate asked.
“Maybe a week ago.” Chandi measured out a cup of powdered sugar. “Why?”
He shrugged. “Just curious.” He leaned against the counter and watched while Ana and her sister worked. They added pureed raspberries, almond extract, and butter as well as vanilla and a little milk. It was obvious the two women got along well, though he couldn’t help but notice the differences between them. Ana was at least three inches taller than Chandi and curvier than her sister. Chandi was a wisp of a woman, but her style was larger than life. She designed jewelry and obviously had a passion for it. She wore a butterfly clip in her upswept hair while another hung on the end of her long necklace. She had several bracelets on her wrist and a couple of silver rings on her fingers. Her clothing was stylish too. A short dress and over the knee tan boots. Her personality was fun. Energetic. She didn’t look like a married mom of two, which was okay. He knew her kids enjoyed spending time with her. Even though her style was too flamboyant for his tastes, he got why so many people bought her jewelry. In fact, he figured the necklace Ana had worn to the masquerade ball was probably made by Chandi. For the millionth time he wondered what it would be like to have siblings. The closest he’d ever come was when he’d been married to Ana. Whenever they visited Fable Town for a holiday, it was always a good time, and he always felt loved and accepted. It hurt to see the way Chandi looked at him now. He just hoped one day she might let him back in.
When the frosting was finished, Ana brought the bowl over to the counter where the cookies were cooling. “Do you think Lox will approve?” she asked Chandi.
“They look good, but the true test will be how they taste.”
“Agreed.” Nate took one of the cookies after Ana put the iced raspberry cookies on it and took a bite. He chewed a few times, allowing the sweetness of the powdered sugar and the hint of lemon along with the zing of raspberry spark his taste buds.
Ana and Chandi watched him and he savored the moment, enjoying each bite.
“Well?” Chandi crossed her arms, growing impatient. Though not by much. She was smiling as she spoke. Maybe she’d forgiven him already.
Ana waved her frosting-covered spatula. “Hello?”
“This cookie is freaking amazing.” He shoved the last of it in his mouth.
Ana smiled and a weight seemed to lift off her shoulders. “You think Lox will like them?”
“I can’t imagine why not,” Nate said once he finished chewing. “I could eat six more without missing a beat. They are seriou
sly tasty.”
“Excellent. Let’s finish icing these and take them to her.”
Nate picked up a spatula and helped. He wasn’t as good with icing as he would’ve liked, but he did the best he could. Once they finished, Ana put them in a blue box and tied a brown bow around it.
“Time to face the music.” Ana was nervous but determined.
He put an arm around her shoulders. “She’ll love them. They really are great.”
“Thanks, Nate. I appreciate your opinion. Thing is, I’ll only believe you when I hear the words from her mouth.”
“We’d better get over there then.” He rechecked the front door to make sure it was locked and turned the key on the back door himself once they were all outside. He pulled on the handle to double check. It was secure. Satisfied, he followed after Ana and Chandi who were walking ahead of him arm in arm, their heads leaned together.
Chapter Eleven
Lox’s house was smaller than her mom and dad’s, but it had a big kitchen. And that kitchen was a contemporary masterpiece. It had stainless steel double ovens and an enormous island with white quartz countertops, a deep farm sink, and bronzed finishes. The cupboards were a powder blue, the same color as the walls in her bakery, and the floor was hand-scraped oak that was stained with a dark finish. The rest of her house was a combination of country and contemporary. She kept décor to a minimum so she didn’t have to dust as much.
They found Lox in her bedroom, propped up against several pillows. Her blond hair had been combed, with its natural curl, it looked like a halo around her face. Her parents were there too, sitting in chairs, her mom reading and her dad doing a crossword puzzle. She kissed them and said hello before going over to Lox.
“Lox,” Ana said, holding the platter of cookies. “How are you feeling?”
“Like someone ran over my head with a semi-truck. Thanks for asking.” She gave Ana a tiny smile as she spoke. “Are those the cookies? How’d they turn out?”
Iced Raspberry Cookies and a Curse Page 6
