“Burt, I purposely made this dinner to cut down on our carbs. Better for your health, dear,” April admonished.
“Pass the bread,” Burt said as he munched away. “And the butter.”
Ashley and Sean burst into laughter.
“What? Can you imagine life without bread and butter?” Burt asked.
Sean piped in. “Not me.”
“Well, Ashley, your mom invited us so we could give you some input into Bob Hartman’s murder. I’ve come to the conclusion that his son did it. I based that on all that I’ve heard on the news and the backstory I got from your parents after they came home from the party at the dealership,” Mary said triumphantly.
“And I’ve deduced that the secretary did it. We heard that she got called out for having an affair with Hartman by his wife at the party and confronted him. He probably told her he couldn’t leave his wife, and bam! There you go,” Amelia said.
“Wrong. It was that general manager, Laughlin. He was exactly like Hartman, out for only himself and money. He got mad that Hartman wasn’t going to retire and turn the business over to him to run. Frustrated guy. You should have seen him at the party. Mad as a hornet,” Burt added.
“Well, dear, they all sound likely to me. What has the detective come up with?” April asked.
“Honestly, Mom, nothing. And even if he had, he wouldn’t be divulging it just yet. There are a lot of loopholes still. Not to mention a lot of questions,” Ashley stated.
She hoped that would quash the decoupage group from speculation, but she really knew it would probably only entice them to speculate more.
Mary piped up. “Well, I’m sticking with my theory.”
“I don’t know; maybe we should look at another suspect,” Betsy said.
“No need to look anywhere else but Laughlin,” Burt added.
“Why are you so sure of that, Dad?” Ashley questioned.
“Because they’ve had a beef for years. Everyone knew about it. And a twenty-year-long feud can build up some real frustration,” Burt mused.
April agreed. “Well, that could be, dear. You have a good point. Frustration and pent-up anger is just no good for you.”
“I’m getting frustrated sitting here waiting for dessert. Who’s with me?” Burt asked.
“Oh, goodness, we’ve barely finished dinner, Burt. Hold your horses,” April said.
Sean smiled. “No problem, Mrs. C, I’ll get the cannolis.”
“Oh, yay, I love cannolis,” Mary squealed.
“I’m having two,” Burt said.
“Wait a minute, dear. Keeping the carbs at a limit, remember? I’ll go make some coffee,” April said.
Burt whispered to Ashley as April left the room. “I’ll take one, and then you take another one for me and hide it, okay?”
Ashley laughed. “Dad, you’re trying to make me a partner in crime.”
“We’re already partners in crime. Don’t break your part of the bargain,” Burt said.
Mary piped in. “That’s okay, Burt. I’ll snatch one for you.”
“Wow, you’re all acting like a bunch of kids around these desserts,” Amelia said.
“Because we are all kids when it comes to sweets,” Sean said.
He put a plate of his fresh cannolis on the table and beamed at everyone. They were amazing to look at. Hands darted out, and everyone grabbed one and gasped with pleasure as they bit into them. Burt quickly looked at Ashley.
“Now!” he urged.
April was walking back in with the coffee.
Mary reached out and grabbed another cannoli and put it in her napkin on her lap. She winked at Burt.
Burt sighed. “You find out real quick who’s in your corner.”
He glared at Ashley. Ashley tried not to laugh and looked at Sean, who was trying to stifle a laugh as well.
“Here you go,” April said as she passed the coffee around. She reached for a cannoli, and her eyes lit up as she bit into it.
“Sean, these are the very best ever. I might have two,” she said.
“Remember the carbs,” Burt replied.
“Don’t be silly, dear. Sometimes you have to break the rules. And these are worth it,” she said as she reached for another one.
Burt chuckled. “Glad to see you’ve come to your senses.”
He took another one too. He gave Mary a look that meant he would eat the third one later as well. Ashley and Sean laughed at the shenanigans.
April smiled at her husband. “Time to make our announcement, don’t you think, dear?”
“You said you were going to tell everyone,” Burt said.
“Okay, I will then,” April exclaimed. “Your father and I are going on a cruise for our anniversary!”
Everyone gasped. Mary clapped her hands excitedly. Amelia smiled. Sean grinned and high fived April and Burt. Ashley looked shocked for a minute then jumped up and hugged her parents.
Ashley smiled. “Mom, Dad, you deserve it. You haven’t been away together for ages.”
“Thank you, honey; we’re so excited. We can’t wait to go!”
“Where are you going?” Ashley asked.
“Alaska!” April shouted.
“Alaska? I thought it would be some romantic beach destination with a carnival or something. You know, like you see in all the ads,” Mary said.
“Yeah, like Hawaii and aloha and sunsets,” Betsy said.
Amelia sighed. “With umbrella drinks.”
“Alaska has been on our bucket list, and with all the ice caps melting, we better see it before it’s gone,” April said.
Burt mumbled as he munched away, “I’m sure there will be plenty of ice left when we get there, dear.”
“Are you going to dogsled on a tour while you’re there? Or go on a fishing excursion?” Sean asked.
“Everything!” April gushed.
“That’s what she plans to do, anyway,” Burt said. “I’m going to sit on the ship and enjoy the endless buffets and cocktail hour.”
“Now Burt, if you don’t get off the boat every now and then, you’ll get antsy,” April admonished.
“You can get off the boat whenever you want. I’m finding a comfortable seat and sitting in it with a drink in my hand. Just as soon stay on the boat for what we’re paying for it,” Burt groused.
Ashley’s face lit up. “That’s so cool. I’m so happy you’re getting away. Can’t wait to hear all about it when you get back. And you have to send lots of photos.”
“And eat lots of salmon,” Mary said.
“It will be a whole week of eating and drinking and sleeping. Just my type of cruise,” Burt said. He got up with a smile on his face.
“When are you going?” Ashley asked.
“In a month. Just enough time to give me a chance to pack.”
“It’s a cruise, dear, not a trip to Paris,” Burt said. “I’m packing pajamas and a bathing suit, that’s it.”
“Burt, I hardly think you’ll be using the pool on an Alaskan getaway,” April said.
“Hey, they promised a heated pool on the deck of this big boat, and I’m going to sit in it every chance I get,” he replied. “Mary, I want to show you the project I’m working on in the garage.”
Mary knew he just wanted to eat the hidden cannoli, but she dutifully got up and followed him. April stood up to clear the dishes, and the other decoupage ladies and Ashley and Sean helped. They all talked about the cruise. Ashley hadn’t seen her parents that excited in a long time. The getaway would do them both good. She knew they needed the break to rekindle and have a change of scenery. They also needed time away from the present troubles of Comfortville. With all that was going on, it was nice to know that they would be safely away from the hometown drama. Hopefully, the murder case would be resolved by the time they got back.
***
When Ashley left, Sean and her dad walked her out together. Burt noticed the cop car sitting on the street. He frowned.
“You didn’t tell me there would be anoth
er cop car on us,” he grumbled.
“Dad, it’s not on you and Mom, it’s on me. With all that’s going on, Detective Thompson just wanted me to be safe.”
“You haven’t mentioned all that’s going on. Is there something you’re not telling us?” he asked.
Ashley hadn’t told them that they got rammed by a car the night of the party, nor that someone might have gotten into her apartment. They were still unsettled about the last case, and she hadn’t wanted to upset them any more than they already were after her dad had found Hartman lying on the ground murdered. His heart couldn’t take it.
Burt grilled her. “Ashley?”
“Dad, there is a lot of speculation at this point about Hartman’s murder, and I’m helping the detective. Not much else I can tell you right now, but I feel fine. Everyone is on it. Now I’ve got the car following me as well. So relax, okay?”
“Maybe your mom and I should cancel our trip,” he said.
“No! Don’t do that. Please. I’ll be okay. I know you’re worried, but everything will be fine,” she insisted.
“And I’m here to look after her, Mr. C,” Sean said. He put a protective arm around Ashley.
She hugged her father. “Yeah, Dad, I’m okay, really.”
“Okay, but don’t just try and rush us out of here if you don’t feel safe,” Burt insisted.
“I won’t,” she said. “You need to get away and have a great time. See you soon.”
Sean walked Ashley to her car. It had stopped raining, and the night air was fresh. He gave her a hug and quick kiss before she got in. Then he gave her a concerned look.
“You really mean that you are okay, right? You didn’t just say that to keep your dad from worrying, did you?”
She smiled up at him. “I’m fine. I’ve got the detective’s eyes on me and a car on me, and everyone is working hard on the case.”
Ashley watched him get into his car and sighed to herself. It was clear that she had reached a fork in the road. Her feelings about him were clearer than ever tonight. She thought of her parents’ anniversary coming up and how they were going away on the cruise. They had been together a long time and had always been there for one another.
Indecision could ruin something wonderful if she didn’t make a commitment. She tried to focus on why she had been so indecisive. Her last relationship had ended badly, but that couldn’t preclude her future relationships. She had been stalled, but something stirred in her. It was time to make a life decision.
I’m not getting any younger, she thought. But hopefully, a bit wiser.
Just then, her cell rang.
The lights from the cop car flashed once in her rear view mirror. She knew the cop was waiting to get her safely back.
Ashley answered the call on speaker phone as she drove to her apartment.
“Hi, Lara. You missed a great meal. Everyone sends their love.”
“I’m sure it was great, but it was meant to be that I didn’t come. Josh came over to be with me and brought roses and wine,” Lara said.
“Oh, I’m so glad he was there for you,” Ashley said.
Lara let out a big sigh. “Yeah, it really helped. He comforted me about Will and told me everything would be okay. And…then he proposed.”
Ashley thought she had heard her friend wrong. “Proposed?”
“Can you believe it? First all this mess with my brother then my boyfriend proposes.”
“Lara, you don’t sound excited. And this is exciting! What did you say?”
“I said yes, of course, but it’s a tough time for me, so excuse me if I don’t sound excited. It’s just crazy to have all this going on in our family and then have someone ask you to marry him,” Lara said.
“Yes, I can understand that. He must really love you to want to get married despite the problems with Will. That means he’s willing to take that on. You’re lucky.”
“That’s what my mom said. She said Josh is a keeper. Dad said he has guts,” Lara replied.
“They’re right. What a great guy. Hey, I’m so happy for you. We have to celebrate,” Ashley said.
Lara sighed again. “We will. But not just yet. This mess with Will needs to get worked out first. Right now, I think I just want to absorb everything and have a good night’s sleep.”
“Hey, you deserve it. Talk soon. Night night.”
“Wait, Ash, are we still on for lunch tomorrow to talk about your new catering gig?”
“Sure thing. Call you tomorrow. Get some sleep.”
Ashley hung up the phone and let her head spin off in a million directions. She was ecstatic for her friend. Lara deserved a good man, and now she could look forward to a future with one. Hopefully, everything with Will would get worked out soon, and Lara could start planning a wedding.
Then she thought about Sean again. Just maybe he’d propose to her, too. Then the murder case could get solved, and there would be peace again. If all that happened, they could all live happily forever in their homey small town. She laughed ruefully.
Ashley didn’t expect life to be wrapped up in pretty bows, but it would sure be nice to realize her dreams. She felt a little silly for thinking along those lines. This wasn’t some goofy romance story. It was real life, and of course everything wouldn’t go smoothly all the time. You had to work for your happiness. You had to reach for it. And you could never take anything for granted.
***
Ashley parked at her apartment and waved to the officer. He nodded and drove off. The complex was quiet, and Mrs. Norris’s lights were off. She had started upstairs when Mary Gilden opened her door and poked her head out.
“Good evening, Ashley,” she smiled.
“Good evening,” Ashley said. “How are you?”
“Sleepy,” Mary said. “I’m heading off to bed soon but was hoping to catch you.”
“Okay, well, here I am,” Ashley said.
“Are you doing all right?” Mary asked.
“Sort of. Lots going on,” Ashley said.
She smiled at Mary without giving away any of her troubles. Mary had that knack for understanding things, even when one thought they could put on a game face.
Mary peered at Ashley’s face. “Well, you seem troubled lately. If you ever want to talk about anything, let me know.”
“Thanks, I’ll remember that. Good night, Mary,” Ashley said.
“Remember what I said about looking out in left field. Look near the big fence by the tree line too,” Mary added.
She closed her door.
Ashley shook her head. What was that supposed to mean? Mary Gilden always had that psychic thing about her. Ashley couldn’t figure out what she was trying to say. At the moment, she was too tired to give it any more thought anyway. She trudged upstairs.
***
The second she opened up the door, she saw that the kitchen floor had kibble strewn all over it again. The cat toys had been batted all over. The water bowl had been overturned again.
Ugh.
She wasn’t up to cleaning up any mess tonight, but she sighed and got out the broom and mop and got to work. When she finished, she turned to go to bed and noticed the living room looked out of place. One pillow from the couch was on the floor, another one was laid back at the end of the couch as if someone had been sleeping on it, and the throw blanket was rolled up. Ashley stared for a minute and went to straighten it out.
“The cats couldn’t have done this,” she thought. “Not even that little doggie Charlie.”
Come to think of it, where was Charlie? And Susie Q? Normally they would have been at the door waiting for her the second she got in. She called them as she started straightening out the couch. The pillow and blanket and bed of the couch were warm, and not just in a little spot from a cat’s body.
“Charlie? Susie?”
Ashley walked into her bedroom. No sight of the cats, but her bedroom window was open. She distinctly remembered shutting it before she left. Her screen had been pushed back into place, but th
e frame was bent.
Ashley froze. Then she heard a loud thump.
Chapter Eleven
Charlie had jumped down from her cabinet in the bathroom onto the floor. He came running up to her with his tail puffed. His eyes were wide. He stood at her feet as still as a statue. She picked him up and hugged him.
“Charlie! I wish you could talk. What happened? Where’s Susie Q?”
Charlie struggled to be put down and then walked slowly into the bedroom. He went over to the bed and yowled. Ashley dropped to the floor and saw Susie hiding under the bed. She reached in and pulled her out and hugged her too.
Who had been in her place? She started to shake. The nightmare was happening all over again. As soon as she could, she was going to move out of here.
She called Detective Thompson with shaky hands.
“Nate? Hi. Sorry to call you at this hour. I came home, and everything seemed fine at first, but it’s obvious I scared an intruder, as my couch had been slept on and my bedroom window was open, and the screen was bent. Whoever it was must’ve gone out of it in a hurry and then dropped to the ground and took off.”
“I’ll be right over to dust for fingerprints. Anything stolen that you know of?” Nate asked.
“I don’t know; I haven’t had time to look. My cats are pretty scared too. They were hiding.”
“Okay, I’m on my way,” Thompson said.
Even though the detective was on his way, Ashley called Sean. She needed him.
Sean and Detective Thompson arrived at almost the same time. She looked out her window and heard them both walking up the stairs. Mrs. Norris’s lights went on, and Ashley could see her peering out up at Ashley’s unit. Mary Gilden had wandered out of her apartment and was standing in the courtyard looking up as well. Ashley hoped that no other neighbors were going to come out and stare too. The last thing she needed was everyone standing around gossiping.
“Ashley? Are you okay?” Sean asked, nervously. He put his arms around her. Ashley put her head on his shoulder.
Ashley Crane Cozy Mystery Boxed Set Page 27