The Heavenly Hazelnut Murder

by CC Dragon

  Katie walked up and leaned on the bar as I tested a cherry cinnamon creation. “Making up your own drinks isn’t part of the class.”

  “Maybe I’m gifted?” I asked and tested an Irish cream with espresso liquor shot. “Nice. Makes the snake memories go away.”

  “You need to stop. You had nothing to do with it. You texted me for an hour Sunday night after you dumped him about how he wasn’t what he pretended to be. We talked this out. He wasn’t good for you. That’s not a reason to feel guilty. You didn’t hurt him. He definitely didn’t treat you the way you deserved. Don’t get twisted up in feelings and what ifs plus liquor,” she warned.

  “I’m just trying to numb a little of the feelings. If I hadn’t broken up with him that night, maybe he’d be alive? Maybe something would’ve changed and they couldn’t get the snake in his house,” I wondered aloud.

  “I understand, but you’re a lightweight,” Katie warned. “Switch to wine or a margarita, easy on the rum.”

  “Okay,” I said.

  “And hydrate. I have to go in the back and check on something. You’re okay?” she asked.

  “Okay. Should I open?”

  “Yeah, sure. Harry will be here soon to work the door,” Katie replied. “I’ll be right back.”

  “Got it.” I did the last two tester shots once the kitchen door swung closed. The flush feeling was nice. Pain and anxiety gone.

  I put the glasses in the dirty bin and walked over to the main door. Turning the locks with one hand, I flipped the outside lights on with the other. I used my hip to open the door and saw Harry walking up.

  “Hey, you’re the door guy.” I gave him a hug.

  “You’re not feeling the pain. You okay?” he asked.

  “I am. I’m not working, just helping, sort of.” I smiled.

  “Okay. Go inside and get some potato wedges and a Diet Coke while I watch the door?” he suggested.

  “Diet Coke.” I shot him a look.

  He laughed. “Milkshake, I don’t care. Eat something, and no more alcohol.”

  “Why not? That’s what a bar is for,” Pete teased as he walked in.

  I went back to the bar and poured myself a Diet Coke. “What can I get you? I’m so sorry about your brother.”

  Pete nodded. “Thanks. I don’t know who would do that or want to. Do you? I’m sorry, no. I can’t put you in that position. Gus is investigating. But a little lady like you, I can’t imagine you handling a snake. Though there are women who do that sort of thing and handle snakes bigger than they are.”

  “I’m not one of them. I’m not good with snakes or reptiles in general. Luke and I broke up, so I’m sure a lot of people are going to be giving me the side-eye.”

  “I get it. He called me that night. He was pissed and confused. My brother never got the judge not part of religion. He figured there’s right and wrong. He’d forgive and help anyone to repent, but he had to hammer home the right versus wrong. Guilt was necessary. But even a pastor isn’t perfect.” Pete shook his head.

  “What can I get you?” I offered.

  “Are you working?”

  “I can pour,” I offered.

  “Four shots of whiskey, thanks.”

  I set up the glasses and picked up the house bottle. “Good?” I asked.

  “Fine. My brother never drank unless someone else was paying,” Pete quipped.

  I laughed. “He was on the frugal side. I should’ve stuck it out through dinner and dumped him after the expensive restaurant.”

  “No, you’re too good to do that.” Pete lifted his first shot. “To my late brother.”

  I lifted my Diet Coke.

  “No, do a shot,” he encouraged.

  “No, I already did a few.”

  Pete tapped the bar. “One toast to my brother.”

  I lifted the shot glass.

  “He wasn’t perfect, but he was family.”

  We clinked the glasses together, then I downed mine fast. The grimace on my face must’ve given away my girlie drink preferences.

  “Sorry, not your thing.” He laughed.

  “No, so the other two are yours. I’m done.” I popped a few cherries into my mouth and chewed, then squeezed a lime wedge into my Diet Coke and took a sip.

  The band set up and came over for waters.

  “You could sing something,” Pete suggested.

  “No,” I scoffed and laughed. “Merit might be superior to birth, but virtue is not hereditary.”

  “Oh, Belle’s had a couple drinks,” Dillon teased.

  “Toasting the pastor,” I explained.

  “You sure you don’t want to sing?” he asked.

  I shook my head. “How did your audition go?”

  “Even with a few drinks, she remembers everything.” Dillon sighed.

  “I do,” I admitted.

  “The audition was okay. We have to wait and see. You could cheer us up by singing,” Dillon teased.

  I pouted and looked at the stage. “No way. Too much going on.”

  “What would you sing if you did?” Pete asked.

  I shook my head.

  “No pressure. I’m just asking what you’d sing?” Pete asked.

  I smiled slightly. “Any Man of Mine.”

  “Good song. Crossover and sassy.” Dillon winked.

  “And not appropriate now. It’s what I sang in college when friends dragged me to do karaoke. Go set up.” I waved them off.

  Half an hour later, I’d added a little rum to the Diet Coke and was sitting at the bar, not behind it. When Lurlene came in, I looked for an escape route.

  Heading for the door, I texted for a ride service or something.

  “Belle Baxter, want to do one before you leave?” Dillon asked from the stage.

  I tried to keep going but someone blocked me.

  I walked over to the stage. “No, I’m good.”

  “Come on.” They started playing the song.

  Small-town me said no! College and tipsy me screamed in my head That’s our song!

  I made it up on stage without falling or puking, so I took the mic. It was a bad idea, I knew it. It was the wrong song for the situation. I needed to be upbeat, but it was awful…people would talk.

  I wrapped up the song and Dillon teased another. Just then I saw Gus headed for the stage. I dodged musicians and headed for the front door.

  While I was on my phone looking for a ride, Pete walked out with my purse. “You forgot this.”

  “Thanks. Sorry. I can’t believe I sang that song right after the guy I just broke up with was murdered. People will think I did it. Or that I’m insane,” I warned.

  “It’s okay. I asked about the song. I thought you needed to cheer up a bit.” Pete said.

  I clutched my purse. “Why aren’t you sadder?”

  Pete shook his head. “I am, but I’m still in shock. Trying to patch things up with my brother and he goes and ends up dead.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “You did nothing except what was right for you. Let me drive you home,” he offered.

  “You were drinking too,” I said.

  “I had one shot and a beer over an hour. I’m fine. I have a much bigger tolerance than you do. I saw, I’ll be a gentleman,” he insisted.

  “Good. I have pepper spray and the sheriff’s number in my cell phone,” I warned.

  He opened the door to the passenger side of his car. I slid in and felt better. Checking my phone, I had some messages and texts. But I couldn’t read them once he started driving the car. Motion sickness was worst when a person was tipsy so I put the phone away and rolled down the window for some fresh air.

  My eyes popped open when he was tried to help me out of the car.

  “I’m good.” I pushed his hands away.

  We were parked by the RV. “Why are we over here?”

  “I wasn’t sure if you wanted to go into the house with your gran when you’re a little drunk,” he said.

  “I’m not drunk. I could use
a coffee, but I’m not breaking into the RV. Private property, even if it is parked on Gran’s land,” I replied.

  “Okay, I just thought we might want to check out the inside. Those guys seem to be snake guys. Maybe they have one as a pet?” Pete suggested.

  I couldn’t rule it out. “Tell Gus and he’ll check it out. I’m not breaking and entering. I’m not doing it with a stranger. You should go.”

  “You’re going home?” he asked.

  “None of your business where I go. Please leave. Thanks for the ride, but I’m good.” I grabbed my purse and headed for the back porch. “I need some fresh air. Then I’ll go to bed. You go.”

  Pete drove off and I felt sixteen years old and about to be grounded. But I’d never done this stuff at sixteen. I wasn’t the sweetest person when I’d had a few and I didn’t trust myself around musicians when I was tipsy. I’d tried so hard to be good when I was younger that now little rebellions were sneaking out of me like when I was in college. That had to stop! I was grown. There was someone out there stuffing snakes into people’s homes. As silly as it sounded, it could be deadly.

  I looked around and stood up uneasily. There were snakes that belonged to the land, native and at home. Some were nice and ate rodents, but others could do a lot of damage with one bite. I quickly slipped through the back door and locked it. Duke started barking his head off. The one saving grace of a dog, if it saw a snake—inside the house or out on a walk—it’d let everyone know!

  Chapter Five

  I downed another cup of coffee as I preheated the ovens at the shop. Gran made sure to clang pans and bang the oven doors shut.

  “Gran, please,” I grumbled.

  “I know you lost someone, but you’re not some drunk. Hangovers are for college kids and morons,” she lectured.

  “I didn’t drink that much. People were doing toasts to Luke, and his brother was there. After the snake in our backroom, I needed something for my nerves. What was I supposed to do?” I asked.

  “Toast with water or Coke. It’s the same sentiment,” Gran scolded. “I called an exterminator to check back there. I’ve never seen any hint of a mouse, and we keep it clean, but checking is better. He can advise on putting down some snake-away or plugging up holes if he finds any.”

  “Sorry. I didn’t want to keep feeling it all,” I admitted. “Thanks for calling an exterminator. We’ll have peace of mind then.”

  “You did nothing wrong. There’s no guilt you need to drink away. Just be respectful and help solve the case. This town doesn’t need more nonsense. I’ll get these going. You eat something and have another cup of coffee,” she instructed.

  “I’m fine,” I insisted.

  “I’m not a feeble old woman. Not yet. I can put some dough in pans and set a timer. Once you’ve eaten, take down the chairs,” she said.

  “Fine.” I went to the front and poured more coffee. A cinnamon roll seemed safe enough. I ate and checked the news on my phone.

  As I started on the chairs, a tap on the door made me jump. I looked through the blinds. It was Pete.

  I opened the door and let him in. “Hi. We’re not open yet.”

  “I really need a decent cup of coffee. Do you mind?” He looked so lost.

  “Sure. Motel coffee not cutting it?” I teased and let him in.

  “I wanted to apologize for last night too. Luke always complained that I instigated things. You’ve got a great voice,” Pete said.

  “That’s the last time I ever do that. You can’t tell Gran.”

  “She’ll know soon enough. Someone made a video,” he advised.

  “Damn.” My headache returned.

  “It’s good. Relax. I bought the drinks and all that. It’s my fault,” Pete said.

  “Really?” Gran’s sharp disapproval came from behind the counters.

  “Good morning, Mrs. Baxter. I was just apologizing to Belle here. I bought the drinks, I toasted my brother and I encouraged her. I’m sure she felt some odd sense of obligation to play along since I lost my brother,” he pleaded.

  “That wasn’t her fault,” Gran agreed.

  “No, not at all. I don’t know a lot of people in town and I was commiserating about my brother. She was being nice. A lot of people at the bar were. It’s a very nice town and I’m sorry if I upset anyone.” He helped with the chairs. “If I can make it up to you…”

  “No, you’re going through enough,” I cut him off.

  Gran nodded. “You have my condolences. I do hope you’ll let us know about the arrangements for the funeral.”

  “Right. I talked to my parents. They called our old pastor who’s a friend of the family. He’d like to do the service here at Luke’s church, if that’s okay,” Pete offered.

  “I’m sure the church board and mayor will allow it. Heavens, we’ll need a new preacher. Well, God will provide. I do hope there will no more drowning your sorrows,” Gran instructed.

  “I think that phase of grieving is done. A bit of denial is hard to hold on to. He’s gone and someone wanted that. Very scary,” Pete replied.

  “Is there anyone you knew of that would want Luke dead?” I asked.

  “Not like that. There was a rival preacher when he was in bible college, but I’m pretty sure they forced those two to make peace. If pastors can’t forgive each other, we’re all going to Hell quick.” Pete chuckled.

  “Nice. You’re no preacher,” Gran replied.

  “I could’ve been, but Luke got there first. I wanted to be my own man, not live in his shadow. Saving lives and putting out fires is good for the soul too. Keeps me in shape and the adrenaline up.” Pete smiled.

  I poured him a coffee. “Help yourself to breakfast. It’s the least I can do, since you gave me a ride last night. Gran and I swung by the Buckle this morning and I got my car. No harm done.”

  “Anyone else?” Gran asked.

  “I’m sorry?” Pete replied.

  “Anyone else you think might have a grudge or bad blood with the pastor? Someone shoved that snake in there. Maybe they knew he was allergic, maybe they just wanted to terrify him,” Gran pointed out.

  “True, true. Let me think.” He sipped his coffee.

  “Okay, let me set up something before I forget.” I went into my bag and pulled out a multiplug USB tower.

  “What’s that thing?” Gran asked as she opened the front door and flipped the sign.

  “So people can charge their devices.” The outlet crackled and sparked.

  “I think it might be too much. You might need to update your electrical,” Pete said.

  “When we have the money,” I grumbled.

  “Sorry?” Pete asked.

  “Nothing. Did you think of anyone else?” I put the charging tower back in my bag.

  “He did mention a woman at a former church who hated him. She thought Luke had used her then dumped her. Not necessarily wrong, as they weren’t officially dating. Then again, he mentioned he was seeing someone here in the choir.”

  “Me. I play piano for the choir.” I couldn’t believe he’d been cheating right under my nose.

  “No, sorry, it wasn’t you he was talking about. Maybe it was who he was seeing before. She was upset that he didn’t propose to her and she thought that they were really serious. If you don’t know who he was dating before…that’s a little weird,” Pete commented.

  “He wasn’t publicly dating anyone we knew of. But who cares?” Gran asked.

  “Many love triangles are wrecked-tangles…but I had no idea if that’s what he was doing. What if he was keeping her a secret? Like he was ashamed of her? That’d piss me off a lot. That could be a motive to scare him, at least. Maybe the snake in the house was a commentary…that he was a snake?” I suggested.

  “Interesting theory,” Pete agreed.

  Gran came over and patted his hand. “If you need any help with the funeral, just let us know.”

  “Thanks. I guess I should be going,” Pete said.

  I felt bad. He didn’t k
now many people or really belong here, but he was here and was going to bury his brother. Just then Gus walked in.

  “There’s the little star,” he teased.

  “What?” Gran asked.

  “Nothing. Pete, did you talk to Gus about this lady from the old church? I don’t think I got her name. He might want to check her out.”

  Pete nodded and sat down with Gus.

  “I’ll get you a coffee,” I offered.

  Gran headed to the table as her four guys walked in, bright and early as always.

  I got Gus his usual and refilled Pete’s. People started to come in, so I headed back to the counter and helped Gran. We were busy for a good hour, but Gus was still chatting with the guys. Martha came in halfway through the rush and I hit the washroom.

  Then I snuck over to Gus’ table.

  “Anything good?” I asked.

  Gus shrugged. “Angie Lowell. Was in the choir at his old church. She shouldn’t be hard to track down. Check on an alibi. Pete seemed more relaxed about it last night.”

  I sighed. “Drinking to manage grief. I can’t blame him. I felt bad for dumping him before he got crushed to death—I had a few.”

  Gus smiled. “I heard you were great.”

  “Right.” I blushed.

  “No, I mean the choice of song wasn’t appropriate for the evening. But for getting up there on a dare, you sang well. You should try it again sober,” he suggested.

  I shook my head. “You want Gran over here with a wooden spoon to whack you into next week?”

  “No. What’s the big deal?” he asked.

  “Bad enough I was drinking. Singing in public? I’m trying to help my family reputation, not make a fool of myself.”

  “Luke didn’t help your family’s reputation,” Gus said.

  I shot him a look. “That’s not why I dated him. I broke up with him because he wasn’t right for me. We weren’t that serious, but it’s a shock.”

  “Any other suspects?” he asked.

  “I don’t think his brother would do it, but they didn’t seem close either. Pete just dropped in without notice and Luke wasn’t thrilled,” I explained. Harry walked in and headed right for Martha. “I should get back and help.”

  Gus nodded.

  I handled a couple other customers and refilled creamer and sugar. Martha and Harry flirted.