by Jinty James
“Like what?” Suzanne crinkled her brow.
“Did you have a reason to hate Veronica? I know she was encroaching on your territory.”
“Claudine was also trying to,” Maddie told him.
“But we put a stop to it,” Suzanne said. Her mouth dropped open as she realized what she’d said and she paled. “Not like that,” she said hastily.
“Suzanne wouldn’t harm a fly,” Maddie said loyally. “After Claudine set up her iced coffee stand, the mayor stopped by and said he’d received a complaint – not by us–”
“Although we were about to complain to him,” Suzanne interrupted.
“The mayor told Claudine she couldn’t set up outside her café,” Maddie continued. “And then Veronica tried to set up next to us and that’s when Claudine came over to tell her to pull down her stand.”
“And that’s all the interaction we’ve had with Veronica,” Suzanne said.
“That tallies with what you told me yesterday.” The detective tucked his notebook back in his pocket.
“So Veronica was killed at seven a.m.?” Maddie asked.
“Around that time, it looks like,” he agreed.
“Claudine’s café isn’t open that early,” Suzanne said thoughtfully.
“Mmm.” He nodded. “So I’ve been told.”
After advising them once more to stay focused on their own business and not Veronica’s murder, he departed.
“Phew! I think he believes our alibis,” Suzanne said.
“I hope so.” Maddie nibbled her lip.
“Mrrow,” Trixie said quietly.
“He has to – because they’re true,” Suzanne declared. “I think I need an iced mocha. Want me to make you one too?”
“I’ll make them,” Maddie replied.
Suzanne knew how to work the coffee machine, and she made a decent coffee, but her friend was the first to admit that Maddie had far better barista skills.
“I’ll squirt the cream on them.” Suzanne smiled, then sobered. “I feel guilty even smiling. I can’t believe Claudine threw us under the espresso machine like that.”
“She probably thinks we did that to her,” Maddie said thoughtfully as she turned her attention to the machine. The familiar hissing and grinding soothed her nerves.
“We didn’t tell Detective Edgewater anything that wasn’t public knowledge – if members of the public were out in the town square and overheard what happened with Veronica and the coffee stand.”
“I know,” Maddie agreed. “But Claudine probably doesn’t see it that way.”
“Mrrow,” Trixie agreed.
“Are you okay, Trix?” Suzanne gently stroked the Persian. “You’ve been very quiet this morning.”
“Mrrow.” Trixie seemed to nod. Then she curled up in a ball, tucked her nose to her tail and closed her eyes.
“Maybe she’s thinking about things,” Maddie suggested as she handed over two icy concoctions to Suzanne.
Suzanne picked up the stainless-steel canister and squirted a mound of cream on each drink.
“Suzanne!” Maddie’s mouth parted as she stared at the huge pile of cream on top of the beverages. “Is there any cream left for the customers?”
“Yep.” Suzanne opened the refrigerator door. Three cartons of cream stared at them. “Plenty. And it’s not so hot today, so we might sell more hot drinks than cold. Ooh! Maybe we could offer whipped cream on top of the hot coffees.”
“In this weather?” Maddie wrinkled her brow. “It might appeal in winter, but in summer ...?”
“We can make it a special.” Suzanne stuck two straws in the iced mochas and handed one to Maddie. “Drink up before we get any customers and I’ll write it up on the specials board, under our new iced mochas.”
The rest of the morning went smoothly. Word must have gotten around about the two new additions to the menu, because by mid-afternoon they were out of whipped cream.
“I’d better run to the store and grab some more cream.” Suzanne grinned. “I think we’re making more money with these two new drinks than with health balls!”
“But people love your healthy treats,” Maddie said. “Someone usually asks at least once per day about them.”
“I know.” Suzanne sobered. “And I’ll get back to making them when the weather is cooler. In the meantime, I’m going to think up some new variations.”
“Good idea.” Maddie smiled at her bestie.
Since they didn’t have any customers at the moment, Suzanne dashed off to the grocery store. A lot of their regulars had spoken about the murder, still curious as to who could have done such a terrible thing. Maddie had wanted to ask a couple of them some questions, but had held back, mindful of Detective Edgewater’s warning. Surely the sheriff’s department could handle the investigation?
CHAPTER 11
On Sunday, Luke picked up Maddie and Trixie. They drove to a small park on the edge of town. Tall green pine trees guarded the perimeter, while picnic benches and green grass – still lush even in the warm weather – invited one to sit and relax and enjoy an alfresco meal.
Maddie had brought a large blanket and Luke helped her smooth it over the grass. They had a spot all to themselves. In the distance children played on the swings, and an occasional bird chirped.
Maddie felt the weight of the events of last week lift off her shoulders. Trixie wore her turquoise harness and settled down on the red-checked blanket, rolling on her back and exposing her white tummy to the sun.
“She’s cute.” Luke smiled at the Persian.
“And I think she knows it.” Maddie stifled a giggle.
“You’re cute too.” Luke sat down next to her and traced his finger along her cheekbone.
“So are you,” Maddie whispered, before his mouth met hers.
After a couple of minutes, a loud “Mrrow!” interrupted them.
“I think Trixie’s saying she’s hungry,” Maddie said ruefully as they broke apart, the imprint of Luke’s lips on hers sending a tingle down her spine.
“Here you go, Trixie.” She reached into the cooler and opened a container containing chicken in gravy.
Trixie bunted Maddie’s arm in thanks, then delicately licked off the gravy as if it were the finest meal she’d ever eaten.
“I guess we’d better eat too,” Luke said wryly, helping Maddie take the rest of the food out of the cooler.
They lunched on cold fried chicken, coleslaw, and fresh bread rolls. Maddie had packed strawberries for dessert, as well as water and freshly squeezed lemonade. After all the coffee she’d drunk last week, she thought she’d have a caffeine-free day. She hadn’t counted on Luke’s kisses having a similar effect.
After Trixie finished her lunch, she lay down on the blanket again, a contented look on her face.
“We should do this more often,” Luke commented once they’d eaten the last of the strawberries.
“Definitely,” Maddie agreed.
“Mrrow,” Trixie said softly, before closing her eyes and dozing.
Maddie and Luke spoke quietly about their plans for the next few weeks, then somehow the talk turned to Veronica’s murder.
“I’m glad you and Suzanne aren’t considered suspects,” he said.
“Me too.”
“Veronica returning to Estherville obviously stirred up some deep-seated resentment,” he continued.
Maddie stared at him. “You think so?”
He nodded. “I had a customer grumbling to me about it a couple of days ago.”
“What did he say?”
“Not much.” He shrugged. “Just that he was surprised she was back after the way she’d burned people in high school.”
“Has Detective Edgewater spoken to him?” Maddie asked.
“I don’t know.” He scrutinized her. “You’re not going to get involved in this, are you?”
“I don’t want to, but ...” How could she explain to him what she could barely put into words to herself? There was a certain satisfaction in bringin
g a killer to justice, and in the past, she and Suzanne – and Trixie – had helped to do just that. But Detective Edgewater’s warning rang in her mind. After a few close calls in the past, did she really want to involve herself in someone else’s business – murderous business – again?
“Promise me you’ll be careful,” Luke told her. “I don’t want anything happening to you or my sister. Or Trixie.” He glanced fondly at the stretched-out feline, snoozing contentedly in the sun.
As if she heard her name, Trixie blinked and slowly opened her eyes. She rolled over, this time angling her body into a spot of shade provided by the large branches of a pine tree nearby, before closing her eyes and dozing once more.
Maddie envied her the ability to do that. Her familiar looked like she didn’t have a care in the world.
“I promise,” she said softly, glad that somehow Luke seemed to understand her dilemma.
“What about this Ramon guy?” he asked. “Do you trust him?”
“Yes.” She nodded. “We’ve known him for a while now. And Trixie likes him.”
Luke smiled as he looked over at the cat. “Then maybe my sister is safe with him.”
“I think Suzanne can look after herself,” Maddie tried to reassure him.
Suzanne had called her late yesterday afternoon, bubbling over about her lunch date with Ramon. Maddie had found it difficult to get a word in, until her friend finally ran out of breath – and voice.
“I hope so.” Luke grew serious. “I know she’s a grown woman, but she’s my sister and always will be.”
“Maybe if you meet him ...?” Maddie suggested slowly, an idea forming in her mind. “What if you’re at Brewed from the Bean at the same time as Ramon? He usually stops by a few times per week to grab a coffee.”
“You’re a genius.” Luke pressed a swift kiss on her lips.
“I’ll text you next time he’s at the truck,” Maddie replied, a soft smile on her face.
A couple of hours later, Luke drove Maddie and Trixie home. The Persian scampered inside the house, curling up on the sofa, (Wytchcraft for the Chosen out of sight) while Maddie made Luke a latte. Instead of caffeine, she enjoyed some lemonade left over from lunch.
After confirming plans for dinner on Tuesday, Luke left.
Maddie sighed after him as she watched him get into his tan SUV. She felt like echoing Suzanne when she spoke about Ramon at times.
I’m so going to marry that man one day.
Before or after she told him she was a witch?
CHAPTER 12
To keep her mind off Luke, all Sunday evening Maddie thought about the murder. She didn’t know if that was better or worse.
Disquiet began to gnaw at her when she realized she and Suzanne hadn’t done anything to investigate Veronica’s death.
Would they really put themselves in danger if they asked a few discreet questions? Surely just doing that wouldn’t hinder Detective Edgewater’s investigation – would it?
“Mrrow,” Trixie said softly as Maddie stroked her. They sat on the sofa in the living room.
“Do you think it’s a good idea to look into Veronica’s death?” Maddie asked her.
“Mrrow.” Trixie sounded serious.
Was that a yes or a no? Sometimes she was sure she could decipher Trixie’s meows but right now, her familiar’s answer had her puzzled.
Perhaps it was up to Maddie to decide what it meant. And right now, it meant Yes.
As Maddie brushed her teeth and got into her summer pjs, there was only one thing on her mind. Tomorrow she’d tell Suzanne that they needed to investigate Veronica’s murder.
“AND THEN I ORDERED chicken marsala, and Ramon said I had to try a little of his beef burgundy.” Suzanne’s face sparkled as Maddie turned on the espresso machine Monday morning.
“I know.” Maddie grinned. “You told me on the phone Saturday.”
“But now I’m telling you in person!” Suzanne bounced on the balls of her feet. “Oh, Mads, I had such a wonderful time! Ramon is so awesome – even more awesome than I first thought!”
“Did he kiss you?” Maddie asked curiously. That was the one detail Suzanne hadn’t mentioned. Instantly, she regretted asking. “Sorry. Forget I asked.” Some things were private. That was how she’d felt when Luke had first kissed her.
“You know I’d tell you if he did,” Suzanne told her. Her expression dimmed a little. “No, he hasn’t yet. But that’s okay. It means when he does, it’s going to be – oh, I can’t even think of the words to describe what it will be like!”
Wow. Maddie couldn’t remember the last time she’d heard Suzanne rave about a guy like this. She just hoped everything worked out between her friend and Ramon. She didn’t want her friend to be crushed if it didn’t.
Trixie had been listening intently to Suzanne, her ears pricked and her expression alert.
“Mrrow!” She now chimed in, as if agreeing with Suzanne’s last sentence.
“I’m so glad you agree, Trix.” Suzanne giggled as she shared a look of understanding with the cat.
Did Trixie have some magical intuition going on about Suzanne’s and Ramon fledgling romantic relationship? Maddie hoped so.
Just then, an influx of sweaty joggers claimed their attention. After their customers departed, Maddie turned to her friend.
“I’ve been thinking,” she said. “I don’t see how it could hurt if we asked a few careful questions – about Veronica.”
“Me too!” Suzanne high-fived her. “I think it’s wrong if we don’t do something to help. What does Trixie say?”
Maddie looked at her familiar. Trixie looked back at her, an inscrutable expression on her face.
“I think Trixie will agree with whatever we decide,” she said, feeling her way.
“Mrrow.” Trixie seemed to nod.
“Oh good.” Suzanne grinned. “Now, let’s get started. Who should we interview first?”
“It’s more a few discreet questions instead of an interview,” Maddie cautioned.
“Oh, pooh.” Suzanne waved a hand in the air. “If we’re going to solve this murder, I think we’ll have to do more than just a couple of questions. Don’t you agree, Trix?”
“Mrrow.” Trixie seemed to agree.
“We still need to be careful.” Maddie voiced her concern.
“We will be,” Suzanne promised. “But if we don’t ask enough questions, we won’t get enough answers. And one of those answers could lead us to the killer!”
JUST BEFORE LUNCH, Maddie and Suzanne sat down during a lull and discussed who to question first.
Suzanne pulled out her phone. “Let me make some notes.” She pressed some buttons on her cell. “Okay. Go.”
“Who had a grudge against Veronica?” Maddie mused.
“Grace. Veronica stole her boyfriend thirty-two years ago.” Suzanne made a note. “And Pamela. Veronica stole her spot on the cheerleading squad in high school.”
“There seems to be a theme,” Maddie said wryly.
“And Amy!” Suzanne made another note on her phone. “Veronica got her expelled from school so—”
“She could steal Amy’s college scholarship.”
“Veronica was not a nice person,” Suzanne stated. “Not then, anyway.”
“And she didn’t seem very nice when we met her,” Maddie replied, disliking having to say such a thing. Even if it were true.
“Who else?” Suzanne drummed her fingertips on her phone screen.
“Oh.” Maddie straightened. “Luke told me yesterday that one of his customers spoke about Veronica last week.”
“What did he say?”
“Only that he was surprised Veronica had returned to Estherville after what she got up to in high school.”
“Anything else?”
“No.” Maddie sighed.
“I’ll put that in as Unknown male who seemed to know her in high school, ask Luke for more info.” Suzanne punched the buttons on her phone.
“So who should we st
art with?” Maddie asked. “There are four people to talk to.”
“Amy, who works at the supermarket, is the closest,” Suzanne replied. “I know!” She snapped her fingers. “When we run out of cream today, I’ll go to the grocery store and see if I can grab her for a few minutes and ask her some questions.”
“Maybe we should both go,” Maddie suggested, aware that sometimes Suzanne’s enthusiastic questioning could get a little out of hand.
“Okay.” Suzanne’s ponytail bobbed. “It won’t hurt to close the truck for a few minutes when it’s quiet.”
“Mrrow,” Trixie agreed.
“I hope we run out of cream.” Maddie stared through the serving hatch. No customers.
“Maybe we should eat our lunch while we can.” Suzanne retrieved her sandwich from the fridge.
“Good idea,” Maddie replied as her stomach gurgled.
After giving Trixie crunchy chicken flavored kibble, Maddie unwrapped her turkey and lettuce sandwich. She’d just taken a bite when she spied Detective Edgewater walking toward the truck.
“Look!” She put down her lunch. “We can tell the detective about Luke’s customer who was complaining—”
“—about Veronica,” Suzanne finished for her.
“Hi, detective,” Suzanne greeted him. “What can we get you?”
“Got any health balls?” He looked hopefully at the counter, but it was empty apart from the little specials blackboard and an array of condiments, such as straws.
“Not right now,” Suzanne replied. “But you haven’t tried our new specials!” She gestured to the blackboard as if she were a game show presenter. “Everyone’s raving about the iced mocha and the whipped cream topping for the usual coffees.”
“Hmm.” He narrowed his eyes, as if he couldn’t make up his mind. “Since it’s summer, I’ll try the iced mocha.”
“Coming right up,” Maddie promised, preparing an espresso shot.
“I’m glad you’re here,” Suzanne told him. “We’ve got some information for you.”