by Rosie Sams
“So, how did things go?” Kerry asked Melody.
“What things?”
Rolling her eyes, Kerry pushed her bowl of cake batter aside. “Oh, come on, Mel, don’t play coy. Either you left to have an afternoon rendezvous with your boyfriend, or you were meddling in police business. So, how did it go?”
Hands on her hips, Melody tried her best to look stern. “First of all, Alvin is not my boyfriend.” Not that she would mind if they did make things official. “Second, you know me well. I did, in fact, leave to meddle in police business.”
“And? Has the murderer been discovered?” Kerry’s eyes lit up at the prospect of juicy town gossip. “It was Dorinda, wasn’t it? She probably caught Robin with another woman.”
Melody held up a hand. “Slow down. No, the murderer wasn’t caught, and all I can say is that the police thought they found the murder weapon, but it turned out that it wasn’t. Now, the search is on for the real weapon. That’s all I’m at liberty to say.” If she mentioned anything about her encounter with Ambrose Mitchum, chances are the entire town would know about it before nightfall. Melody wouldn’t do that to the Mitchums. She still thought they were good people.
Plus, her suspicion that Ambrose was innocent was back full force after discovering the weapon he’d claimed to have killed Robin with wasn’t the murder weapon. Both she and Alvin knew he was covering for someone. Dorinda perhaps? The thought of the sweet, bubbly Dorinda being capable of murder was mind-blowing. Plus, Dorinda had sworn up and down that she didn’t kill Robin. Was the woman that good of a liar?
Melody’s thoughts were interrupted by Kerry. She held up a finger. “I think I know who killed Robin.”
Both Melody’s and Leslie’s head snapped to her. “Who?” they chorused.
With a dramatic pause and a teasing smirk, Kerry announced, “I think it was... Leslie.”
“Excuse me?” An outraged Leslie rounded on Kerry, knife still in hand.
“Kerry,” Melody warned, “That’s enough of your outlandish theories. This is no joking matter.”
“Who says I’m joking? Think about it, Leslie was awfully irritated when she recounted how Robin had made a pass at her. Plus, she was the first to arrive at the venue for the wedding, she could have done it then. Let’s not forget the case of our missing cake knife. There you have it, motive and means. So, Les, do you have a confession to make? Could you be the knife-wielding maniac?”
“Why, I'll show you knife-wielding maniac,” Leslie fumed and stormed toward Kerry.
Melody stepped between them, sending Kerry a reprimanding scowl. “Leslie, calm down, I’m sure Kerry doesn’t really think you committed murder.”
“But think about it, Melody. Leslie could have stolen the knife and gotten her revenge on Robin, the rake.”
“How could you even think me capable of such a thing?” There was a sliver of hurt hidden behind Leslie’s anger and annoyance.
“Everyone's a suspect at this point,” Kerry shrugged.
“That’s right, so you could have killed Robin. You had an opportunity to steal the cake knife from the shop.”
Melody groaned. “Enough you two. Bickering about every little thing like school children is bad enough, but I draw the line at throwing around murder accusations. Now is not the time to turn on each other. I’m sure neither of you had anything to do with Robin’s murder.
There was a series of barks and huffs from Smudge as if she too was disappointed in Melody’s employees. Just then, Melody’s phone pinged, and she dug it out of her purse. She felt a rush of excitement when she saw Alvin’s message. He was going to talk to Ambrose and wanted her to come along. The thought that she was spending way too much time investigating a murder instead of doing her actual job occurred to her, but she brushed it off.
She was enjoying her time out of the shop, and most of all, she liked seeing Alvin as much as possible. “Well, ladies, I have to run.”
“Again?” came a chorus from Kerry and Leslie. Both women stared at her with amazement.
“Why did you even bother coming in today, Melody?” Kerry asked, shaking her head.
“Hey, I’m the boss,” Melody asserted. “Besides, I’m so confident in the two of you that I feel comfortable leaving things up to you ladies.” That comment awarded her two proud mega-watt smiles.
With a satisfied grin, Melody shuffled to the back door. “Smudge, you stay here and make sure those two plays nice.”
Smudge whined her protest and watched with big sad eyes as Melody disappeared out the door.
Chapter Twelve
Melody pulled into the parking lot of Ambrose’s office, where Alvin was already waiting. She took a second to admire his tall, lean frame leaned against his sheriff’s cruiser with his hands shoved into his pockets. Jumping out of her car, she strolled toward him with a smile.
“Al, I was surprised to get your text.”
He shrugged. “Well, at the rate you’re going, this is pretty much your case. I couldn’t question a suspect without the lead detective.”
Pursing her lips, Melody fought hard to hold back her giggle and failed. “Very funny. Are you sure you don’t moonlight as a comedian?”
With a deep chuckle, Alvin pushed away from his pick-up. “In all seriousness, I thought I could get more out of Mitchum with you present. He did feel comfortable confessing everything to you and handing you the weapon he claimed to have used.”
“Makes sense,” she smiled.
As they walked to the office’s entrance, Alvin said. “I hope I didn’t take you away from anything important.” He held the door open, and she stepped into the lobby.
“Not at all. I didn’t get into any work when I got back to the shop. I just chatted with the girls.”
“I see you left your trusty companion. Where’s Smudge?”
“At the shop, babysitting Kerry and Leslie.”
That got another hearty laugh from Alvin, and she grinned broadly. Their amusement faded, however, as they neared Ambrose’s office door. “I saw his vehicle still in the lot, I hope he’s still here.”
“I think he took leaving town off of his mind when I last saw him. I think he’s still holed up in there.”
Melody was right. Ambrose’s office door swung open when Alvin twisted the knob, and there was Ambrose sitting calmly behind his desk.
“What took you so long, Sheriff?” Ambrose asked nonchalantly. “Good to see you again, Melody.”
Melody and Alvin exchanged glances. “Dr. Mitchum… you’re still here. How are you doing?” Melody inquired.
“As good as I can be considering the circumstances. So, Sheriff, I assume you’re here to arrest me.” Ambrose rose and offered his wrists. “I’m ready when you are.”
Alvin’s brows rose. “The thing is, Ambrose, I have no grounds to arrest you.”
“Wha-what?” Ambrose’s shocked gaze swung to Melody. “I thought you gave him the knife!”
“I did, but it wasn’t the murder weapon,” she confirmed softly.
A series of emotions flickered across Ambrose’s face, confusion, disbelief, relief, and then disappointment. With a groan he sank into his wingback chair. “How is that possible?” he whispered more to himself than his guests.
Alvin stepped forward, his tone gentle. “Ambrose, I think it’s time you tell the truth. Are you covering for someone? Your daughter, perhaps?”
All color seeped from the older man’s face, and Melody feared he’d pass out. His eyes swung from Alvin to Melody and back again. Finally, fearful eyes landed on Melody. “You know my Dorinda, Melody. She’s a good girl.”
Melody glanced at Alvin, who nodded his encouragement. He’d been right to take her along. Apparently, Ambrose found it easier to talk to her. She took a seat in front of the desk, her expression sympathetic and her eyes filled with compassion.
“I do, Dr. Mitchum. I’ve gotten to know Dorinda over the course of planning her wedding. She is a sweet woman. That’s why you need to tell the truth so w
e can help her. Keeping secrets and trying to cover things up will only make the situation worse in the long run, especially for her.”
The doctor’s eyes gleamed with unshed tears. “The truth is... I think Dorinda is responsible for Robin’s death.”
“So you’re not sure?” Alvin drew closer and perched on the edge of the desk.
“Go on, Dr. Mitchum tell us what happened,” Melody encouraged.
Ambrose scrubbed a hand over his face. “I found Dorinda over Robin’s body and fearing that she killed him, I went in search of the weapon, hoping to get rid of it before the police arrived. I mean, she appeared grief-stricken but the thought that she had killed him and was experiencing remorse crossed my mind. My first instinct was to protect my daughter. I found the cake knife. There was no blood on it, but I thought she could have wiped it clean. So, I took it and wiped it down. I ensured that only my prints were on that knife.”
Alvin and Melody gawked at Ambrose. Alvin sighed and began to rub his temple. “And the plot thickens,” he muttered. “Ambrose, did your daughter kill Robin or not?”
“I don’t know.” Ambrose threw his hands up. “I honestly don’t know, but when I walked in on her kneeling over his body that was my first fear.” Hope flickered in the man’s eyes. “But now that there’s no murder weapon, there’s nothing linking my daughter to the crime except suspicion. She’s free.”
“If Dorinda is guilty, evidence could turn up,” Melody voiced.
“Well, prosecute me! I confessed. Leave Dorinda out of this.”
Alvin stifled a groan. “I’m afraid that isn’t how the justice system works, Ambrose. “All right, I’ll have to take you in. Let’s go,” he sighed.
Melody could hear Alvin’s reluctance. She watched, feeling horrible as the doctor was marched out of the office and placed in the back of the police cruiser. Fortunately, there was no one around to see the doctor in such a compromising and undignified spot. Although, it wouldn’t be long before word spread like wildfire when someone spotted him at the station.
“Oh, Alvin, what a mess,” Melody sighed. “Thanks for not cuffing him. He really is a good man.”
“I know. Ambrose is harmless. Unfortunately, I have to do my job and charge him with obstruction of justice.”
Melody nodded her understanding. “What now?”
“Now, you go home and get some rest. Detective,” Alvin teased. “You’ve been working this case more than my officers.
Melody stood by her car and watched Alvin drive off. For a while, she just stood there, going over everything she knew about the case in her mind. It was even harder to picture Dorinda as a killer than it was to picture her father as one. Something was definitely amiss, and she intended on finding out what.
Resolute that she would stay on the case regardless of it not being her job, she got into her car and headed back to the shop.
Chapter Thirteen
The next day, as soon as she got the chance, Melody went to the police station. Of course, it was almost dusk because she’d had to make a few deliveries for scheduled events, and then she decided to walk to the station so both she and Smudge could get a good workout.
The instant she walked through the door, she was greeted by a few officers.
“Hey, Melody, you sure have become a frequent visitor at this place,” Rick Myers said. “Not that I’m complaining. You’re easy on the eyes,” he added with a wink.
“Watch it, Myers, That’s the sheriff’s woman,” Jane, the secretary, declared.
Melody felt heat creep up her neck and spread to her face. She was sure she resembled a fire engine by the time the teasing was over.
“Hi, Melody, how’s it going?” That was Abe Sinclair, a burly, sweet-natured man. “Why don’t I see a box in your hand? Each time you visit, you should bring treats. I thought we’d established that.” He smiled to let her know he was only teasing, but hopeful.
“You’re the last person who should be demanding treats, Abe,” Jane said, eyeing the man’s round, protruding belly.
Melody smothered her laughter. “I’m here to see Alvin. Is he in?”
“He sure is. Go on around back,” Jane permitted.
Melody found Alvin leaned over his desk, pouring over documents. “Knock knock.”
He swung around and realizing who it was smiled. “Hi.”
“Hi, Al.”
Smudge sprang toward Alvin, tongue lolling as she was treated with a nice rub between the ears. “Hey there, Smudge. Good to see you too.”
Melody watched man and dog interact with satisfaction. She loved that Smudge adored the man she hoped to get more involved with.
Alvin straightened. “I knew you wouldn’t stay away for long. Come for an update on the case, detective?”
“Maybe I just came to see you,” Melody challenged.
“Uh-huh.”
Alvin laughed when she huffed and admitted, “All right, I was curious about the Mitchums’ fate, and I did want to see you as well.” She’d spent another sleepless night thinking about Dorinda and Ambrose.
“Well, the good doctor is still in custody… but we’ve got nothing on the daughter yet.” Alvin shrugged. “I wish I had more than that to tell you. I’d really love to solve this case.”
Leaning against the door, Melody harrumphed. “You know what I’ve been thinking?”
Giving her his full attention, Alvin perched on his desk and folded his arms. “That we should have dinner soon?”
Taken aback but pleasantly surprised, Melody flushed. “Sounds to me like you’re asking me out.”
“I am. Unfortunately, I’m bogged down with a murder case. I just thought I’d put it out there for you to consider.”
Melody tucked a lock of hair behind her ear and smiled timidly. “I’ll most certainly consider it.” She didn’t bother verbalizing that there was nothing to consider. She’d like nothing more than to have an official first date, since their original first date, the wedding, had ended with a murder.
Alvin’s lips kicked up into a small smile. “So, what were you really thinking?”
“Well, I was thinking about Dorinda and how happy she was before her wedding. I honestly don’t think she’s guilty, Al. I think everyone was right, Dorinda was completely blinded by love, and whenever she talked about Robin, she made him sound like her white knight in shining armor, for goodness sake. And I was thinking about the knife that disappeared from my shop. I’ve had so many people come in, it’s impossible to pinpoint…”
She paused when two big hands came down on each of her shoulders.
“Mel, I think you’re way too stressed over this entire thing. Let me worry about it.”
She sighed. “It’s just that…”
“You care about the parties involved, and you’re the sweetest woman I’ve ever met.” Alvin finished with a smile.
Melody smiled back and staring up at him, she said, “Thank you for understanding and thanks for the compliment.”
“We’ll get to the bottom of this, Melody. I promise.”
“All right. I should get going. Smudge and I walked here to get some exercise. I want to get home before it gets too late.”
“I can give you a lift.”
“No, I’d hate to take you away from work. You were obviously in the middle of something when I arrived.” She nodded to the files spread across his desk. “Besides, Smudge and I didn’t burn nearly enough calories. The walk back will do us good. Come on, girl, we’re heading home.”
Peeking out from the spot she’d found under Alvin’s desk, Smudge stretched and sauntered to her owner.
“See you two later,” Alvin said.
Melody enjoyed the cool night breeze as she and her dog slowly made their way home. It was one of those nights when the temperature was just right, and the streets were quiet. They only passed a few other pedestrians who offered quick greetings and smiles.
The only sounds were the soft whisper of the wind and the jiggling of the tiny bell around smudge�
��s collar. “It’s a lovely night for a walk, isn’t it, girl?”
Smudge woofed and continued her trotting ahead of Melody.
When they neared the site that Dorinda’s wedding was supposed to take place, a wave of sadness rolled through Melody. She stopped to stare at the building, lamenting on how what was supposed to be a joyful day ended in tragedy. If Dorinda and Robin had made it down the aisle, they’d be on their honeymoon now.
Melody’s frown deepened as she contemplated what Dorinda’s life would have been like being married to Robin. If he was capable of sleeping with her friend while they were engaged, Dorinda would have been in for a world of heartache. Still, as callous and unfaithful as Robin was, the man didn’t deserve to die… and certainly not so horribly.
Just as she was about to continue walking, the sound of a bottle shattering on the pavement echoed. Melody’s heart leaped as she surveyed her surroundings. Other than the gruesome stabbing that occurred days before, the town was fairly safe. Peering into several dark alleys was daunting, however.
Smudge’s low growl was even more cause for alarm. Melody followed the dog’s gaze as she continued to growl. A figure, shrouded in darkness emerged from around a corner, and Melody’s breath hitched in her throat. The figure advanced toward the streetlight until Melody could make out who it was. She let out a breath, relieved that she wasn’t about to get mugged. It was Laurel Bauer, the woman who had acted as Dorinda’s unenthusiastic maid of honor.
“Laurel?”
The woman glanced up and squinted. “Yeah. Who’s there?” She swayed, causing Melody to approach her.
“It’s Melody Marshall. I made the cake for Dorinda’s wedding.”
“Oh, right. You’re that nice baker lady. How’s it going?” Laurel’s words were slurred, and the closer Melody got, the stronger the scent of alcohol became. Clearly, Laurel was wasted.
“Are you all right, Laurel? What are you doing out here alone?”
“Just out for a walk like you and your four-legged friend there.”
Smudge sat on her haunches, her eyes trained on Laurel, following her every move. It wasn’t the fact that Laurel was heavily intoxicated that interested Melody. It was the fact that the woman’s eyes kept darting to the street gutter parallel to where they stood.