Caked in Murder
Page 7
“You know what? Fine. I did leave the window open, and it did have something to do with Amelia. But it’s not what you think. I knew all about the trouble Amelia was having with Janet. I left the window open, so I could go in and mess with her. I don’t like people I care about being upset. I thought I’d be helping Amelia.”
“So, you killed her?” Yvette stammered.
“No! I couldn’t bring myself to go into her house. I wanted to but then I realized how foolish that was. I barely knew Amelia and at that point, we didn’t even know if it was for sure Janet doing it. I’m glad I decided against going back to the house since it wasn’t her at all.”
“Then if you didn’t kill her, who did?” Nate asked.
“How do I know? The only people I know in this town are Della and Amelia. I’d never have admitted my plan to Amelia, in fear that she’d think I was a freak.”
“Did you tell Della?” Yvette questioned.
Tom was silent.
“You told her you left the window open?” Nate demanded to know.
“Yes.”
“She never showed up at the Town Hall the day of the murder because she was too busy climbing in the window you left open and killing Janet,” Yvette exclaimed, realizing she’d just solved the crime.
“Using my splicing knife….” Tom trailed off. “She came to my house after the sale, telling me she needed an extra remote for her cable box. I gave her the keys to my van and told her to go grab one because I was cooking on the grill and couldn’t get away. I can’t believe I was so dumb,” Tom put his head in his hands. “Della hated everything about Janet. It all makes so much sense now. She must have seen it and thought it’d be a good weapon, Or… could she have been trying to frame me?” Tom was frantic.
“Don’t get ahead of yourself. You’re right, though. Della felt like Janet was pushing her out and didn’t want her around,” Yvette agreed.
“All she ever did was complain about how Janet acted like she wasn’t even there. Della was harsh sometimes when it came to what she wanted but I can’t believe she’d stoop this low,” Tom muttered.
“We need to call the police,” Yvette said.
“I texted my dad already, he’s on his way.”
“Am I in trouble?” Tom lifted his head.
“I’m not sure, but Della is,” Nate answered.
16
Della had admitted to Officer Montgomery that she’d planned on framing Tom for the murder of Janet Moran. She realized how easy it would have been for her to steal a weapon from Tom and then, knowing his good nature, she’d be able to eventually guilt him into admitting that he left the window open. If the police were able to associate the two, she knew that they’d find Tom to blame, but she’d been too late.
“This is wonderful,” Heath said, still surprised that everyone had come together to celebrate his 60th birthday even after everything that had happened that week.
“This town wouldn’t be what it is without you,” Audrey said to her husband.
“I’m really thankful to have each and every one of you in my life,” he said, looking around the Lockhart’s porch.
“Happy Birthday, Dad!” Nate said. “I’m so glad that I was able to be here for this. I’ve had a great time all week, so while what happened was a tragedy, I’m lucky that I got to spend as much time here as I did.”
“We’re happy to have you home, Nate,” Abigail told him.
“Speaking of home”… he looked to Yvette, “I need to make an announcement.” Nate said before finally admitting the truth to his parents and everyone else about his divorce from Bridget.
Mark’s phone rang, and he excused himself from the room, so that he could take the call.
“I also have an announcement to make,” Amelia said. “Monica has stepped down from the Neighborhood Association and we’ve made the decision to merge the Downtown Branch with the Cottage and Pine Branch.” Amelia turned to face Yvette’s mom. “I’d like to ask you if you’d be interested in being the Chairperson of the merged branches.”
Abigail hesitated while everyone whooped and hollered their excitement. “I’d love to,” she beamed. “But, only on one condition. I’d like to appoint a co-chair.”
“Who?” everyone asked in unison.
“Eddie Moran. I think he’d be great to work with and he certainly has put in the effort over the years. He’s knowledgeable and kind, and I won’t do it without him. As long as he agrees, of course,” Abigail said, matter-of-factly.
“I think that’s a great idea,” Amelia said. “We can ask him together first thing tomorrow morning.”
“My turn,” Heath took the attention of the room. “I’d like to say thank you to Yvette. She might drive me crazy with all her investigation shenanigans but once again, she helped solve a murder. Next time, stay out of it! I don’t want you getting hurt.” He waggled his finger at her.
“I wasn’t finished,” Nate said, trying not to laugh.
“Oh no! I’m so sorry for interrupting you,” Amelia put her hand over her mouth.
“What is it?” Audrey asked her son.
“I’ve made the decision to stick around Heritage for a while. I saw that Whittaker Steakhouse was hiring a Head Chef, and I applied for the job. They offered it to me right away and I accepted. I’ll be starting at the end of next week,” Nate said, proudly.
“What did I miss?” Mark asked when he returned from his phone call and saw the mood of the room.
Charlie explained everything that had gone on to Mark while he was gone.
“Well, I have some good news too,” Mark said, looking directly at Yvette. “That was Emma on the phone and they accepted her offer. The fourth Sundae Afternoon is officially going to be in St. Alders Florida!”
Yvette couldn’t put into words what she was feeling. Not only was everyone closest to her healthy and safe, but they were also all happy. Mark and Amelia had worked out their differences and reconciled. The Briggs were able to celebrate Heath’s 60th birthday by learning their son was coming home and Yvette herself would get the chance to spend more time with Nate. Emma was growing her business and the stability of Sundae Afternoon was something Yvette knew she could always count on.
There wasn’t anything better than this.
Also by Gretchen Allen
Sundae Afternoon Series
Book 1: Triple Dipped Murder
Book 2: Melt Down Murder
Book 3: A Twist of Murder