by Jinty James
He waited until she was safely inside, then headed down the porch steps.
In the early days of their relationship, sometimes Zoe and Annie would spy on them from the window, but when Lauren walked into the living room, Zoe, Annie, and Mrs. Snuggle were curled up on the sofa. Well, Zoe and Annie were together, and Mrs. Snuggle hugged the opposite corner.
“Brrt!” Annie lifted her paw out to her.
Lauren picked her up and cuddled her, Annie nestling into her chest.
“Did you have a good night?” Zoe smiled at Annie’s actions.
“Yes. How about you?”
“Chris went home about an hour ago, because he’s got a shift in the morning.”
“How did he and our guest get along?” Lauren asked, glancing at Mrs. Snuggle.
“Okay. She pretended not to take any notice of him. We sat on the old sofa, while Annie kept Mrs. Snuggle company on this one.” Zoe patted the pink cushions. “I don’t think Annie wanted her to be lonely,” she added in a low voice.
“Ohh.” Lauren stroked Annie’s velvety soft fur. “Thank you for looking after our guest so well.” She kissed the top of her fur baby’s head.
“Brrp.” You’re welcome.
“I was just thinking about going to bed.” Zoe stretched.
“It’s eleven.”
“What?” Zoe started. “I didn’t think it was that late! We were watching this drama about a princess who discovers her whole life is a lie – apart from really being a princess. I thought Mrs. Snuggle might enjoy it.”
Lauren looked over at the fluffy white cat, who stared fixedly at the TV screen.
“She still seems to be watching it.”
“Or else she’s pretending too,” Zoe observed. “Okay, Mrs. Snuggle, it’s bed time. I’ll turn the TV off.”
“Meow.” Mrs. Snuggle’s eyes narrowed, as if daring Zoe to do it.
Zoe clicked the remote and the picture vanished.
“Meow!” Mrs. Snuggle did not look amused.
“I really think Mrs. Snuggle was royalty in another life,” Zoe remarked.
“Or else she thinks she is in this life.” Lauren’s heart went out to the unhappy cat. “Maybe you’ll feel a little better tomorrow, Mrs. Snuggle.”
“Father Mike will be coming home in three days,” Zoe added. “It’s not too much longer.”
“Brrt!”
CHAPTER 5
“Hi, Mrs. Finch,” Zoe greeted their friend the next morning. They’d just opened the café, and she was their first customer.
“Hello, dears,” she answered, dressed warmly in a beige skirt with a buttoned-up dusty rose cardigan. She tapped her way into the café.
“Brrt!” Annie ran to greet her.
“Hello, Annie, dear.” She beamed at the feline.
“What would you like to order?” Lauren asked. “I’ve made some more lemon meringue cupcakes.”
“Oh, that would be lovely, Lauren. And a pot of tea, I think today. It is a bit chilly.” She shivered.
“Coming right up.” Lauren boiled the water, watching Annie slowly lead the senior to a small table near the counter.
“Craft club tomorrow,” Zoe reminded them, a grin on her face.
“I’m looking forward to it.” Mrs. Finch smiled. “You must tell me what you’ve been up to this week.”
Lauren felt guilty that she hadn’t done any crafting at all.
“Having a little pottery break,” Zoe admitted, not sounding regretful. “But we’ll catch up on all the gossip with you. Ooh – we got stung by a counterfeit bill.”
Mrs. Finch looked shocked as they gave her the details, urging her to be careful accepting change from the local businesses.
“Including us,” Lauren said. “Since I found that fake twenty in the register, I’ve checked every twenty I’ve received, but—”
“So have I,” Zoe interrupted.
“—you should still be careful,” Lauren finished.
“I will,” Mrs. Finch promised. She paused. “How is Mrs. Snuggle this morning?”
“Still grumpy, I’m afraid.” Lauren sighed.
“Yes, I don’t think she’s forgiven me for turning off the TV last night,” Zoe added.
“At least she’s eating. That’s a good sign,” Lauren sounded hopeful.
“Indeed it is.” Mrs. Finch nodded.
“Brrt!”
BY LUNCHTIME, LAUREN was sure she’d made back the value of the counterfeit twenty dollars with the extra cupcakes she’d sold that morning.
She’d assured Ed that she didn’t blame him for the fake bill being in the register, pointing out that it was more than likely she had accepted it from a customer without noticing there was something wrong. She’d given him two lemon meringues to thank him again for filling in for them yesterday when they had to chase after Mrs. Snuggle and Annie.
Mitch came in. Her heart fluttered when she saw him stride to the counter. It wasn’t so busy today, even during the lunch rush.
“Hi,” she greeted him.
‘Hi.” He leaned over the counter and kissed her. “I can’t stay long,” he said apologetically. “I was hoping ... ” he hesitated.
“What?”
He seemed to think better of it.
“It’s okay.” He shook his head. “We can talk about it another time. I’d love a large latte and one of your lemon meringues to go.”
“Of course.” She wondered what he’d been about to say. “Have you made any progress this morning with the counterfeit money?”
“No. Except another store found one in their register. The handmade shop.”
“Oh, no.” Zoe used to go there for her crochet supplies, when she’d been into that handicraft.
“Yeah. Another twenty.” He shook his head.
Lauren waved away his attempt to pay. “I know you’re good for it,” she teased, in an attempt to lighten the mood.
It seemed to work.
“You know it.” He kissed her goodbye, not seeming to care who saw, although there were only a couple of customers sitting at tables.
She watched him stride out of the café, a little wistful. At least they’d be able to spend time together on Saturday, cat sitting.
“Was that Mitch?” Zoe zoomed back to the counter. She’d returned from her break.
“Yes.”
“Too bad he couldn’t stay longer. I could have looked after everything.”
“I know.” Lauren smiled at her. “He’s still working on the counterfeit case.” She filled her cousin in on the latest.
“Oh, that’s too bad about the handmade shop.” Zoe brightened. “Maybe I could go and buy a ball of wool there.”
“I thought you weren’t doing knitting or crochet at the moment.”
“I’m not, but you’re still knitting, aren’t you?”
“Yes.” Although she hadn’t done any lately. She’d already made Mitch a scarf, but ... Glancing at Zoe, an idea formed in her mind. She could just imagine her wearing a scarf she’d knitted.
“Good idea.” Lauren smiled. “Pick out a color that you would like.”
“Really?” Zoe’s eyes sparkled.
“Yes.”
Since Lauren was between craft projects, this would be the perfect task to undertake. Perhaps she could start it when Mrs. Snuggle went home.
“Oh, I nearly forgot!” Zoe tapped her cheek. “We’re out of food for Mrs. Snuggle.”
“We are?” Lauren stared at her.
“Yes. I fed her just now. Remember Father Mike said if we ran out he had more in his pantry for her?”
“Vaguely.” So much had happened since Monday.
“So I think we should go and get some more from the parsonage after work.”
“Okay.”
“Or,” Zoe added slowly, “we could close just a little bit earlier today and go and get it.” She gestured at the only two occupied tables. “We should be slammed right now.”
“I know. Maybe there’s something on at the senior center tod
ay.”
“I bet Mrs. Snuggle would like it if we got home earlier today, or even our usual time since we have to go to Father Mike’s.”
“Is there something you’re not telling me?” Lauren could usually guess when her cousin was up to something.
“No.” Zoe shook her head. “Apart from wanting to take good care of Mrs. Snuggle.” She paused. “Her being sad makes me feel sad.”
“I’d noticed.” Lauren touched Zoe’s arm. “It’s okay. I feel bad that she’s struggling with Father Mike’s absence. We just need to keep reassuring her that everything will be okay, and that he’ll come back for her.”
“I think Annie’s doing a great job of that.”
“Maybe she’d like to keep Mrs. Snuggle company this afternoon.” Lauren looked over at the pink cat bed, where Annie dozed. Her fur baby liked being at the café with them, but Lauren knew she took her cat sitting duties seriously as well.
“Yeah.” Zoe cheered up a little.
Lauren grabbed a quick lunch at the cottage. Zoe had been correct. Mrs. Snuggle was still sad, although she seemed to regard the TV as her friend. Another nature show, this time about a polar bear, filled the screen. Mrs. Snuggle’s expression was alert as she watched the majestic creature. Perhaps it was because they both had white fur? Or she thought she was just as impressive as the bear?
Zoe was also right about Mrs. Snuggle’s food vanishing.
“We’ll see you later today,” she told the Persian on her way back to the café. “So will Annie.”
Mrs. Snuggle muttered something that sounded like a cross between a meow and a grumble, and returned her attention to the TV.
When it was four o’clock, Lauren made the unusual decision to close for the day. They hadn’t had any customers for the last thirty minutes. Ed had already gone home and Annie was spending the afternoon with Mrs. Snuggle.
“Really?” Zoe’s mouth parted at the news.
“We can clean up first and then go to Father Mike’s for more cat food.”
“Awesome!” Zoe grinned.
Zoe whizzed around, stacking chairs and vacuuming, while Lauren did the dishes.
“Ready!” Zoe called out in record time.
“Me too.” Lauren emerged through the swinging kitchen doors. They’d almost sold out of cupcakes and pastries, despite the slow afternoon. She boxed up the remainders and took them with her. It was a shame the guys weren’t coming over that evening – she knew they’d be happy to eat them.
“For us?” Zoe eyed the cardboard box.
“Yes.”
They headed for her white compact car parked on the street.
“Dinner is solved.” Zoe grinned.
“I might heat up some soup as well.” At the mention of dinner, she realized she hadn’t told Zoe about Mitch’s proposed pizza double date and cat sitting on Saturday.
“We can make an extra big fuss of Mrs. Snuggle before Father Mike picks her up,” Zoe said.
“Good idea.” Lauren was glad they were able to help out Father Mike and Mrs. Snuggle, but it would be good to have the household back to normal.
They reached the parsonage in a couple of minutes.
Lauren drove into the little parking lot near the church hall. She slammed on the brakes.
“What is it?” Zoe sucked in a breath. “Uh-oh.”
“U h-oh is right.” Lauren’s heart hammered as she stared through the windshield. A large lump lay on the gravel in front of them.
“It’s not some ... one, is it?” Zoe sounded unsure.
“I hope not.” Maybe it was a rolled-up piece of carpet, but she didn’t think so. “We’d better check it out.”
“Yeah,” Zoe said glumly.
Lauren got out of the car, glad Annie wasn’t with them. She held her breath, approaching the figure lying on the gravel near a modest blue vehicle. Aware of Zoe right behind her, she halted before she got too close.
Her stomach lurched.
“It’s Gavin.” She turned to face her cousin, not wanting to look at the supply priest.
“Oh, no.” Zoe stepped around her.
“Don’t get too close. Evidence.”
“Do you think somebody ran him over? Hey, isn’t that his car?”
“Yes. And it does look like his car.”
Lauren didn’t think the image of his battered and bruised face, and blood on his clothes, would ever leave her mind.
“Look!” Zoe sounded urgent.
Lauren reluctantly turned to face her – and Gavin’s body.
“What?”
“His finger is pointing to the church hall.”
She focused just on the bloody finger. Zoe was right. She shuddered.
“Wait.” Lauren noticed something out of the corner of her eye. A trail of muddy footprints on the gravel were between Gavin’s body and his car. She pointed to them, then instantly wished she hadn’t.
“The footprints don’t lead anywhere.” Zoe frowned. “They go from the car to Gavin and then POOF!”
Lauren blinked, suddenly noticing two cars parked outside the hall, about thirty yards from Gavin’s body – and his vehicle.
“Do you think there’s anyone still in the hall?”
“Scrapbooking.” Zoe gestured to the sign.
Lauren’s eyes widened. “Do you think they heard anything?”
“There’s only one way to find out.”
“But first we need to call Mitch.” Lauren fished her phone out of her purse. At the sound of his voice, she relaxed a little. She knew she should have called 911 but she told herself that calling her boyfriend would be quicker.
“What did he say?” Zoe asked when she ended the call.
“To stay right here.”
“Maybe we’d better check out the hall.” Zoe made a wide berth around Gavin and charged up the steps to the small building.
“Zoe!” Lauren raced after her. “I really don’t think this is a good idea—”
“Hello, dear.” Doris beamed at them when they burst into the hall. “I’m afraid we’re just packing up our supplies.” She motioned to the table where a few embellishments and colorful pieces of cardstock littered the surface.
Janice smiled at them, sitting opposite Doris.
“Yes, the group has finished for the day.” A touch of disapproval laced Virginia’s voice. “You’re too late.”
“Oh, that’s not why we’re here,” Zoe began. Lauren noticed her cousin’s voice sounded the tiniest bit shaky.
“Yes, something’s happened in the parking lot,” Lauren added. “I think you should stay in here for a bit.”
“What is it?” Janice asked.
“Nonsense,” Virginia replied, stuffing the last pieces of colored paper into a tote bag. “We must get going. I have a stew to make for dinner tonight. Somehow Janice just can’t make it properly.”
“You use too much salt, Aunt Virginia,” Janice replied.
“She tries her best,” Doris said mildly. “It’s good of her to cook for us as much as she can.”
“It’s the least I can do,” Janice replied.
“Hmph.” Virginia shook her head. “She gets off work early, and I’ve even offered to pay for cooking lessons for her. I’ve tried to teach her myself, but she says my way is too old-fashioned. Yet my food always tastes better than hers.”
“Everyone has different tastes,” Janice protested mildly.
“Being a school teacher isn’t easy these days,” Doris commented. “And I like her cooking.” She smiled at her granddaughter. “I was enjoying myself cutting out these cute pictures,” she told Lauren and Zoe. She rifled through her bag. “Want to see?”
“I don’t think we have time for that now,” Virginia told her.
“Is that your car parked out there?” Lauren asked.
“Yes, it is,” Doris replied. “Why?”
“Mine’s there, too,” Janice said. “I came here after school finished for the day.”
“Just checking,” Zoe said.
> “What was that?” Virginia leaned forward.
“Her hearing aids aren’t working properly,” Doris informed them.
“Just had them serviced last week.” Virginia frowned. “And they’re worse than ever.”
“So, you didn’t hear anything a while ago?” Zoe asked.
“Like what?” Doris asked.
“Like a noisy car or ...”
“A loud thump?” Lauren winced.
“I didn’t hear anything.” Doris turned to Virginia, and then Janice. “Did you two?”
“No, but I wouldn’t with these darned things.” Virginia pointed to her ear. Short, white-gray hair brushed against her lobe.
Lauren could just see an almost translucent wire going into her ear.
“I’m afraid I didn’t notice anything,” Janice said. “I was busy telling Grandma and Aunt Virginia about my day.”
“Was Gavin here?” Lauren asked.
“No,” Doris replied. “Just me, Virginia, and Janice.”
The hall door opened and Mitch appeared, along with a uniformed officer.
Lauren’s shoulders relaxed.
“Are you okay?” Mitch strode toward her.
“Yes,” she replied.
“Good.” Mitch gave her a relieved smile. “Fill me in.” He drew her away from the others.
She did so, aware of Doris and Virginia’s curious gazes.
He turned to the others. “I’ve got an officer out there documenting the scene, but at the moment it looks like a hit and run.”
There was an audible gasp.
“A hit and run?” Doris said faintly.
“Who?” Janice looked shocked.
“Yes, who was it?” Virginia asked testily. “Out with it, man.”
Lauren bristled at the way she’d spoken to Mitch. She thought Zoe did, too.
“Going on Lauren’s information, it seems to be the supply priest – Gavin,” Mitch replied reluctantly. “Of course, we won’t know for sure until he’s been formally identified.”
“Stuff and nonsense,” Virginia tutted. “I’ve met the man, I can identify him.”
“I couldn’t ask you to do that at this stage,” Mitch began. “The victim needs to be examined properly, and—”
“Out of my way.” Virginia shooed away the uniformed officer and walked out of the hall.