Barney forged ahead. “We brought you a welcome to the neighborhood gift. Actually, Tilly made them.” He flicked his head in my direction. “You get to taste the most delectable treat you’ve ever had.”
Florence accepted the box and set it on the counter. That woman still had her game face on. I didn’t know what it would take to get her to crack a smile. “Thank you.”
“Maybe you could serve them with the tea,” Barney suggested as he looked at the tea set up in the corner.
“No, we’ll have the traditional biscuits with our tea.” Florence returned to unpacking the box in front of her.
I felt like we were being dismissed. I turned to leave, making eye contact with Uncle Jack. He nodded his agreement at the sentiment.
“I love The Great Gatsby,” Barney exclaimed.
Florence swung her head up from the box. “You do?” She stepped from behind the counter and picked up the book that was displayed on a stand at a nearby table. She thumbed through it, looking at Barney as if to assess his sincerity.
Barney took a step back, his face flushed. He rubbed his hands together. “Sure do. I enjoy many of the classics.”
Florence joined us in the center of the room. Gwinnie sidled up to her, rubbing her leg and purring. Florence scooped her up in her free hand. “Maybe you would be interested in joining a book club. We’ll have a new one every month,” she said softly.
“Yes, I would,” Barney said. He took a step closer to Florence. “Look, I’m really sorry for how things started here. We’ve almost finished our investigation into Cal’s murder.”
I looked at Uncle Jack, who shrugged. As far as we were aware, there was progress with clues and suspects, but Barney made it sound like an arrest was imminent. My money was on the disgruntled kite flier. When ego and money combined, many times it led to no good. But in this case, the end result was dire.
Florence looked down and returned the book to the display. She stroked Gwinnie, whose purr was now the loudest sound in the room. Florence looked up at Barney, her demeanor returning to a more serious tone.
Barney continued, “You don’t have anything to worry about. It wasn’t a random crime. I’m certain you’re safe here.” He reached to pet Gwinnie, who resoundingly hissed at him.
“Oh, Gwinnie. Be nice to the man,” Florence said. “She’s just shy. I’m sure in due time she’ll come around.” The tips of Florence’s mouth hinted at a smile. Well, I’ll be. Barney was our secret weapon to crack the hard shell of Florence. Who knew? Florence’s disposition returned to a serious tone. “I just can’t get the sight of him out of my mind. I mean, the way he was laying there. Not moving.” Her hand covered her mouth.
Barney approached Florence and stood on the opposite side from where she held Gwinnie, his hand on her back. “That must have been horrible for you.”
Florence nodded. She put her hand over Gwinnie’s eyes, as if reliving the scene. “And for Gwinnie.”
Barney attempted another pet of Gwinnie, tentatively reaching his hand behind the cat’s back. He gave two small strokes as a trial run. “She really saved the day. Without her and Willie finding the pieces of the kite in here, we might not be as far down the road on the investigation as we are.”
Barney was laying it on thick. But Florence was eating it up. I was going to be curious how this relationship developed—if it did. All signs right now pointed to a little spark being ignited. Maybe that would spur Uncle Jack on to finding a love. I worried about his loneliness. I would be on the lookout for a suitable companion. Two could play at this matchmaking game.
“Well,” Uncle Jack interjected. If either of us didn’t interrupt, we might never get out of here. “We should probably get back to the antique shop. Barney? You coming?” Uncle Jack moved to the door and I followed him.
“I’d love to know how you like the cupcakes,” I said to Florence.
Florence and Barney pivoted as if our presence had alarmed them. It was all I could do not to chuckle. Barney was likely in store for a lot of razzing from Uncle Jack.
I looked around Barney and said to Florence, “I would love the opportunity to provide the tea biscuits for your events.” I held my breath, bracing for a bristled response. All she could say was no. And I was trying Uncle Jack’s advice of taking action and putting myself out there before I was ready. I closed my eyes for a second.
“Hmmm” was Florence’s response.
Well, that wasn’t what I expected. I didn’t know what to do with that response. “Please think about it and let me know. I’m happy to bring you a sample if you’d like,” I offered.
“Thank you for the welcome cupcakes,” Florence said to Barney. He opened his mouth, closed it, and smiled. “And come back again to get signed up for the book club. We’re going to start soon. I’m really looking forward to bringing some culture to this place.” Florence swept her arm in a half-circle, implying the town could use highbrow activities. She followed the three of us out the door. From the sidewalk, I peered through the window of the bookstore to see Florence smiling big. She turned and swayed back to the box she had been unpacking when we arrived. We might just end up being friendly business neighbors after all.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
It was more of a brisk morning than I expected on my walk to the moped store. My ride had been repaired and was ready to be picked up. The coolness of the air did wonders to clear my head. With my latest batch of cupcakes, my confidence was increasing in my baking skills. I was proud of myself, so boldly offering to provide the tea biscuits to Florence. No doubt she would be a tough customer. But it would make me work that much harder to ensure they were top quality.
I rounded the corner of the moped building to the wide-open beach. Seeing the expanse of the ocean always gave me perspective. My time here in Belle Harbor, while quite exciting in many ways I couldn’t have predicted, was just what I needed at this point in my life. And I couldn’t be happier to be here with Uncle Jack. I opened the door to the moped store, and Cooper lifted his head up from the paperwork on the counter.
I raised my arm and waved. “Hi Cooper. I’m here to pick up my moped.”
He scanned the room, as if looking for someone or something. I followed his glance to see what he was looking at. Nobody else except me was inside the store. I stepped to the counter and pulled out my wallet. “How much do I owe you?”
He shook his head and held out his hand, again looking around. What was I missing? I couldn’t figure out what he saw. “You don’t owe anything,” he said.
“Of course I do. You fixed the moped. That must cost something.” I opened my wallet and got out my credit card.
“No. The amount of lemons Cal sold was staggering. Now that he’s gone, we are trying to do right by the customers.”
“Wow. OK.” I slipped my credit card back into its slot. “That’s very nice of you.”
“It’s the least we could do. And can you tell Jack that it looks like Anna might get her job back?” He reached behind the counter, pulled out a set of keys, and handed them to me. “She was only guilty of telling the truth. And thankfully, that helped to put a stop to those horrible business practices.” He escorted me to the front of the store to the lineup of mopeds on the sidewalk.
“He’ll be so happy to hear that.” I took the helmet from Cooper, stepped onto the moped, and inserted the key. I looked at Cooper and turned the ignition. It fired right up. He gave me a thumbs-up and I rode away.
I had only ridden this thing a couple of times, but already I felt like I was getting the hang of it. Thankfully, it was just a short jaunt to the antique shop. Not many people were out yet. I decided last second to stop at Mocha Joe’s, say hi, and pick up some coffee for Uncle Jack and myself. I slowly decelerated and pulled the moped to a gentle stop in front of the coffee shop. Uncle Jack’s foresight to buy a moped with a basket on the back for deliveries was genius.
Mocha Joe and two other employees were behind the counter serving customers. I waited my turn, and
when I arrived at the counter, Mocha Joe said, “Tilly! What a treat to see you. I’m ready for those pastries when you are. Let’s do it.” His exuberance gave me energy. I smiled at him, not sure if it was the caffeine or his natural positivity.
I laughed. “You got it. I’ll be in touch soon. For now, just a couple of drip coffees to go.”
Joe quickly grabbed two travel cups and pumped them full, placing lids over the steaming liquid.
I paid for them and asked, “Would you please also put them in a travel carrier?”
“Of course,” he said and handed everything to me. “Tell Jack hello.” He waved and moved over to help the next customer.
I carefully placed the coffee on the back of the moped and strapped the carrier into the basket. Crossing my fingers, I turned the key and it started right up again. Two for two. This was shaping up to be a great day. I sat tall on the seat and motored my way toward the antique store, visions of muffins in my head. I had just the recipe in mind that I wanted to try next for Mocha Joe’s. Suddenly I realized I had come upon a person to my left that I didn’t see until the last second. I swerved to miss her. The coffee from my basket flew, covering her entire right side.
She screamed, “Look what you’ve done. You idiot! Watch where you’re going.”
I stopped the moped and pushed it up against the building. “I’m so sorry. Here, let’s go into my uncle’s store. I’ve got some towels I can use to dry you off.”
She looked up, and I recognized the woman from the other day who had come to Checkered Past Antiques looking for her stolen watch. The same watch that guy had come to sell a few days afterward. She brushed off her clothes, trying to remove the brown liquid. She scowled at me with daggers in her eyes. I hoped I hadn’t just cost Uncle Jack a customer. And my day had started off so well.
She followed me into the store. I stopped when I got in the door, not expecting the scene I witnessed. Uncle Jack was there with Barney and the guy from the other day with the expensive pocket watch in handcuffs.
“What?” was all I could get out. I looked at Uncle Jack for an explanation.
He looked at me and then at the woman behind me, dripping with coffee. He tilted his head and furrowed his bushy brows.
“I had a little accident. I’m going to get some towels to help her clean up.” I turned and looked at the woman again. “I’m so sorry.” I headed back to the kitchen.
Uncle Jack stepped to the door, blocking the entrance. “You’re just in time,” he said.
I turned around, confused by his statement. “In time for what?” I asked, then realized he wasn’t talking to me.
Barney stepped forward and began with the Miranda rights, “You are under arrest for the murder of Cal Borman. You have the right . . .” He turned the woman around and cuffed her.
She tipped her head down. “This isn’t fair. If that loser hadn’t sold me a lemon, it wouldn’t have broken down. And my precious watch that was supposed to fund my retirement wouldn’t have been stolen by that lowlife when I had to go for help.” She sobbed into her chest.
My eyes bulged as I looked at Uncle Jack for answers. Was this the conclusion to Cal’s murder? Were we safe now? Why would someone commit murder for a stolen watch?
The door opened again, and Barney’s deputy arrived. He nodded one time toward Barney, silently acknowledging the plan. The deputy held the woman by her left elbow, and Barney took the man as they escorted them from the shop.
I moved toward Uncle Jack. “I don’t understand.”
He chuckled. “Barney put two and two together about the watch and traced it back to the woman. As soon as the guy came back to sell the watch, he had me call the woman to come get it. I had no idea his plan was two birds with one stone.”
I put my hand on Uncle Jack’s arm. That was a lot of drama for one morning. “Are you OK?”
“Are you kidding? We just nabbed a thief and a killer. I’m on top of the world. Now”—he started toward the back of the store—“we just need get your business off the ground.”
I stood where I was. “How can you be so calm about that?” My heart continued to race. I was pretty sure with my adrenaline level I could outrun anyone at this point.
“Ah, pish. Just another day at the office.” Uncle Jack started arranging a table of antiques. It was starting to look a little more orderly after all.
I didn’t understand how he could be so nonchalant about it. But I tried to follow his lead. Next up on my list for baking was the healthy muffin recipe. I only hoped I wasn’t in for cardboard flavor with this flax and bran combo. Getting back to some baking would calm my nerves.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
The music thumped in the background as the hostess led us to a booth. Fiona’s was a bar that, from the looks of it, was a popular watering hole. Barney, Uncle Jack, and I took our seats as the hostess placed waters, drink coasters, and menus on table. The back wall illuminated a large display of liquor bottles. Three televisions hung above the display, showing various sporting events. Customers filled the horseshoe-shaped bar. A younger woman wearing a baseball cap serving drinks waved at our table. Barney and Uncle Jack returned the gesture.
“This place has great energy,” I said, picking up a menu. And many good bar food choices. A lot of comfort food. Just what I needed.
“Wait ’til you meet Fiona,” Uncle Jack said, smirking. I wondered what I was in store for this time. He seemed to want me to experience more adventure. Truthfully, I was ready for a little dullness after everything that had happened since I arrived in Belle Harbor.
“What’s good here?” I asked, running my finger along the choices on the menu.
Barney looked at me. “You can’t go wrong with a burger.”
“No, you can’t. Hi guys. And you must be Tilly.” The woman reached across the table to shake my hand. “I’ve been looking forward to meeting you,” she said. “And what took you guys so long to get in here?” She play-punched Barney in the arm.
“Fiona, we’ve been a little busy,” Uncle Jack said.
“I’ve heard! Why don’t I get you started with a round on the house of our specialty paloma cocktail?” She looked at each of us as we nodded. Fiona left to fill our order.
“I can see why the place has energy. She’s great,” I said, taking a sip of water.
“I’m glad you think so. I thought you two might hit it off. And you can finally have someone your own age to hang out with instead of us old geezers.” Uncle Jack tipped his head back and laughed. It was good to see him relax for a bit.
“Hey!” Barney said. “Speak for yourself.” Those two had such great banter.
“Yeah, I guess. You did mastermind the takedown of those two the other day,” Uncle Jack said. “Spill the beans, how did you know who killed Cal?”
Barney took a long swig of his water, for what seemed like a dramatic pause. “Well, first, everything made it look like Maverick had done it. Motive was a bit weak, but sometimes it’s the smallest thing that’s the final straw that sends someone over the edge.”
Fiona brought our drinks and placed them in front of us. The pinkish-colored drink in a highball glass bubbled. “Here you go,” she said. “Stacy will be here in a jiffy to get your orders. Enjoy.”
I took a sip of the refreshing cocktail. It was a nice, smooth combination of tart and sweet. The woman knew her stuff.
Barney continued, “It just didn’t sit right with me. I’ve known that kid since he was little. He’s got a temper, and no doubt he’s competitive, but I couldn’t envision him as a killer.”
I held my drink glass close to me, nursing it to the bottom.
“I can see that, now that you say it. But how in the world did you ever trace things back to the woman?” Uncle Jack asked. I looked over at his glass, and the drink was gone. If we didn’t pace ourselves, Fiona would have to wheel us out of here.
“I took a step back and looked at Cal’s life. It didn’t take me long to see that his businesses were a huge sour
ce of conflict for many. His customers and employees.”
“Ah, yes. Anna. I’m glad you’re the one who has to connect the dots. I couldn’t do your job.” Uncle Jack held his arm up, signaling Fiona for another round.
“I do love me a good puzzle. Once I started digging into his recent business transactions and looking at each customer, a pattern began to emerge. I’m actually surprised something hadn’t happened to him sooner as despicable as he was. Not that getting scammed in a business deal is any reason to murder someone.”
Uncle Jack nodded. “Life’s too short to get that upset about things.”
Stacy arrived with our second round of drinks and took our order, burgers all around.
“I put my usual chart together on the board with the victim and suspects. When I noted a motive for each one, the strongest driver came from the woman he sold a lemon to. It wasn’t her first car from Cal.”
“But a lot of people bought lemons, like me and Tilly. We didn’t take it out on Cal by killing him,” Uncle Jack said.
I tipped my glass up and finished my first round. I was beginning to feel the effects of the liquor and relaxed a bit.
“Right. But once you follow the money, a couple of people popped up to the top of the list. And the final piece is when you called about a guy trying to fence that stolen watch.”
Uncle Jack shook his head. “You’re hurting my brain with all of that.” He laughed.
Fiona arrived with our burgers piled high next to a mound of fries. My eyes were bigger than my stomach. But I was going to attempt finishing the entire thing.
“Hey, Tilly. We’ve got a tasting night coming up at the bar. Why don’t you come?” Fiona asked.
“That’s what I’m talking about,” Uncle Jack said. “A girl’s night out.”
Cupcakes and Catastrophe (A Belle Harbor Cozy Mystery Book 1) Page 6