Ashley Crane Cozy Mystery Collection

by Laurie Anne Marie

  Then there was poor Will, charged with murder. Ashley knew she had to start poking around more than ever now. Time was running out and whoever actually committed the murder could be leaving town at any minute.

  Ashley immediately called Lara and got no answer. She left a voicemail and hoped her friend would get back to her soon. She knew that Lara couldn’t meet for lunch considering the latest news, but at least she wanted to check in with her and see how she was holding up.

  Ashley saw some construction up ahead on the street, and the cars in front of her were already slowing to a crawl, so she decided to turn left on Willow Lane, then go around the back way to her folks.

  She drove about ten minutes, then made a right into the street just before per parents. She passed in front of a small little house with a nice front yard. Coming out of the door was Noel White. He paused on the porch and picked up a bag, the started walking out to his car.

  Ashley hit the gas and ducked down. She pulled ahead and parked, still keeping her head down but just enough to peek into her rear view mirror. Noel got into his car and drove off.

  Ashley called Detective Thompson. It went to voice mail. She left a message and drove the next street over to her parents. Her mind raced with all the possibilities of what could be going on. First Noel White runs out of the bakery; then he’s taking off with a large bag in his car. It could be nothing, but Ashley’s instincts told her something didn’t look right.

  Just then, she saw a cop car pull behind her and follow her to her parents. Why now? And where had it been before? She put her hand out the window and waved. No response from the cop.

  Ashley parked in her parent’s driveway and got out. Before she went in, she gave a slight wave to the policeman who had just followed her and parked across the street. He nodded quickly, then got on his cell phone.

  She thought for a minute about talking to him, then decided not to. He must have had a good reason for not being there when she left the bakery. There was clearly a lot going on. Then again, how did he know where she was going to be after her detour and just be able to pull out behind her a few minutes go? She shook her head.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Ashley walked into the house, and her mother was on the phone to decoupage Betsy.

  “Yes, thanks, I’ll tell her,” April said.

  Ashley gave her mom a little wave and motioned that she would be in the living room. She sat down and called Thompson again. It went to voicemail. She left another message. Her dad must be at work in the garden shop.

  April rushed into the living room.

  “Ashley dear, how nice to see you! I was just on the phone with Betsy and have got some interesting news.”

  “What is it? Good news, I hope,” Ashley sighed.

  “More like funny news. Betsy saw Mark Laughlin with Donna Hartman at Tuttle’s coffee shop this morning. She said they had their heads together and were really going back and forth about something,” April exclaimed.

  “Well, he could be comforting her about the death of her husband. Or, he could be going over business for the future of the dealership. It could be anything,” Ashley said.

  “Now Ashley, don’t you think it’s strange that two of the suspects in the murder case are cozying up at the coffee shop? Donna Hartman must know how strained the relationship was between Mark and her husband,” April noted.

  “Maybe she did, if Bob Hartman told her, but perhaps he never discussed that with her and Mark and Bob kept their bitterness simmering on the back of the stove,” Ashley speculated.

  “Ashley, you helped solve the last case. I can’t believe that you don’t find something funny about this,” April said.

  “Well mom, you and Betsy could be right. I’ll talk to Detective Thompson about it and get his take on it. Thanks for the info.”

  “You seem distracted, honey. Upset too. What’s wrong?”

  “Did you hear that Will was arrested for the murder? It’s been all over the news today,” Ashley stated.

  April gasped. “Oh no, I’ve been packing for the trip, and my mind has been all over the place. I never turned on the news. How awful. I have to call his parents. Those poor people.”

  “Don’t you find that strange? Will couldn’t murder anyone,” Ashley said.

  “Of course not. They’ll exonerate him soon; I’m sure. This is a terrible mistake.”

  “I’m going to head out for lunch and give the detective another call. When is dad coming home?”

  “He’ll be home in a couple of hours, why?”

  “Just wondering. Keep the doors locked. I’ll call you after my interview,” Ashley said.

  She gave her mom a hug and headed out to her car. The cop car was gone again. Had he been called in?

  ***

  Ashley called Thompson again as she got behind the wheel.

  “Nate? Hi. I’ve been calling you all morning. Have to tell you a few important things,” she said.

  “Can I call you right back? This place is jumping after Will’s arrest,” he said.

  “Ok, but please make it soon. A lot is going on that you need to know about.”

  She headed to the food truck for lunch. Then she called Lara’s cell. Still no answer.

  “Hey Lara, it’s me again. I understand if you can’t make lunch. But please call me soon. I want to know how you’re doing,” Ashley said.

  There was a long line at the truck Good Eats. Boy, this place was popular. She parked and got in line. This time, she’d have the fried chicken instead of salad. She’d take the biscuits, too.

  People in line were talking about what they were going to eat, but they were talking about Will’s arrest too.

  “I always knew he was a dumb kid,” one townsfolk said.

  “Yeah, me too, but I never figured him for a murderer,” another added.

  “Just goes to show that taking drugs is a slippery slope,” a third person said.

  A fourth person scoffed. “Taking drugs doesn’t mean you’re going to kill someone.”

  “Yeah, well, let’s just say that this town is going in the crapper,” an old man grumbled.

  “You got that right. You never know who’s going to get involved next.”

  “Bet old man Hartman didn’t see it coming,” a woman said.

  “Sorry he bit the bullet, but can’t say I miss him,” the woman’s husband added.

  “Shame on you,” scolded a woman. “Be respectful.”

  “Can we change the subject? You all are spoiling my appetite,” the old man grumbled.

  Ashley silently agreed. All this speculating and gossip was upsetting her. Will was not the murderer! She wanted to shout it out to all the busybodies, but she understood their frustration. Another crime in their hometown and the revelation that the drugs hadn’t dried up. It was enough to make you want to run away. But to where? Even paradise had its problems.

  Ashley looked around at the pretty meadow the food truck was in and listened to the people laughing in line. The barbecue was kicking up some amazing smells, and the sun was shining at the moment. It was a picture-perfect day, but one with a troubled underbelly. Her stomach was upset, but not from hunger. It was something else entirely.

  When she got up to the front of the line, the server let her know that the fried chicken would be a few more minutes to cook as it was selling fast. She took a number, a soda, and two biscuits and went to find a seat.

  ***

  Just then, Lara called.

  “Hey, guess what? I’m having the fried chicken and biscuits and skipping the salad this time,” Ashley joked. She was trying to lighten the moment.

  Her friend exhaled. “Might as well. Life is short. Look, sorry, I can’t be there. Mom, dad, and I are heading over to meet with the police. It’s been a bad day, as you can imagine.”

  “I understand. I just wanted to see how you are. I know that Will didn’t do it Lara, and I’m going to prove it. I won’t stop until I help find the real killer, I promise.”

&nb
sp; Lara sighed. “Thank Ash. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it. My parents, too. I’ll give you a call soon.”

  “Bye, my love to everyone,” Ashley said.

  Lara hung up, and Ashley heard her number being called. She walked up to the truck and got her plate of the crispy chicken and a side of cole slaw. Heaven on earth.

  She bit into the chicken, and it crunched. So good. The slaw was fresh and crisp, with just the right amount of vinegar tang. Not soggy and too sweet like some places served you. This food was down home Americana at its finest. Ashley made a note to try the barbecue next time. The food was perfect.

  ***

  Ashley was just finishing up her meal when she got an idea. She would go talk to Will.

  She had enough time before her interview. She had to hear him out. She called Lara back.

  “Hi, I have to meet with Will too. Please Lara. Maybe he’ll tell me something that will help us find out who the real murderer is. I’ll meet you there.”

  “Ok, I’ll let mom and dad know.”

  He snorted. “What’s that about? Investigating is what it’s about.”

  She drove as fast as she legally could to the police station. She would go in with the family so no one would question her. Why hadn’t Thompson called back by now? She had a little over an hour before she had to go to her catering appointment. She had to talk to Will.

  ***

  When Ashley arrived at the police station, it was clear why her calls had gone unanswered. Reporters, townies, police officers, and the news media were vying for news bites and answers to questions. Another moment of infamy for Comfortville.

  She parked, and someone caught her eye. It was Noel White. What was he doing here? Time to ask him a few questions. She approached him cautiously.

  “Hello, Mr. White,” she said. She extended her hand.

  Noel stared at her. “Do I know you?”

  “We’ve only met once, at the party for Bob Hartman. I was the caterer.”

  His face went paler than usual, and he shot her a nervous glance. “Sorry, I really don’t remember you that well. It was a stressful night.”

  Ashley shot back. “But you do remember the bartender, don’t you? Will Longley, the person who is charged with Bob Hartman’s murder. Isn’t that why you’re here?”

  “I don’t know what you mean. I’m here for the same reason most of these people are. To check out what’s happening. That was my boss who was killed, and I’m glad they’ve got someone in custody for his murder.”

  “How well did you know Will Longley?” she asked.

  “I didn’t know him at all. I just remember him bartending at the party that night. He seemed like a screwy kid,” Noel said.

  “So, if you didn’t know him at all, how come you were exchanging envelopes with him that night? Did the envelopes have drugs in them?”

  “What are you getting at? Are you crazy? The police have already questioned me. I don’t have to answer you at all.”

  Ashley stood calmly staring him down. “No, you don’t. You also can’t hide from the truth. Another witness saw you exchanging envelopes with Will. You must have known him to do that. Or, are you in the habit of accepting things from total strangers? Aren’t you just here to make sure that Will is put in prison for a crime he didn’t commit?”

  “Get away from me! Leave me alone.” Noel strode off and disappeared into the crowd.

  Ashley scanned the crowd, but he was gone. Detective Thompson came out of a door and was headed through the crowd. She ran up to him, but he saw her and gave her a hopeless look as another microphone was shoved in his face. She made a phone gesture to her ear, and he nodded back.

  Lara and her parents were walking in from the left side of the station. Ashley ran up to them, and they all embraced.

  “Hey Ash, we’ll just say you’re with the family. We decided you can talk to him first.”

  “Great. Let’s hurry up and go while the detective is occupied,” Ashley said.

  As soon as they got ushered over to Will’s cell, Ashley wasted no time in getting down to business. Will was sitting with that same catatonic look on his face that he had the night of the party.

  “Will, I need you to pay attention to what I have to say. And I need you to tell me the truth. Your family is waiting to talk to you. But I’m trying my hardest to prove your innocence.”

  Will looked up at her and sniffled. “You can’t do that Ashley. I killed Bob Hartman.”

  “Will, I know you. You couldn’t have killed him. Why are you confessing?

  “I did it Ashley; I killed him! I got in a fight with him, and I killed him. He was real mad at me cause of the drugs and he hit me. I hit him back, and he fell. I didn’t mean to hit him that hard! And now I’ve ruined my life and my family’s life. It’s all over Ashley. I was always a loser, and now I’ll be locked up for life. Oh God, what have I done?”

  He put his head in his hands and began to weep. Ashley put her arms around him. He looked so young and helpless. His cries were pathetic, and his facial expressions looked so confused. As if he couldn’t believe it himself. Something was terribly out of step here.

  This just wasn’t in his character. Ashley was more convinced than ever that he hadn’t committed the crime, and the real killer was still out there.

  “Hey Will, I have to go. Your family is coming in to be with you, ok? And then your lawyer will be meeting with you today too. I want you to be strong. I’m going to help you, ok?”

  “Ok Ashley. Thanks for coming. Even though there’s nothing you can do.”

  Ashley gave him another hug before she left, and then Lara and her parents came into see him.

  “Thanks for everything Ash,” Lara said. She hugged her friend.

  “Of course. I’ll talk to all of you later. Bye,” Ashley said.

  She hurried out of the station. She glanced over at the large crowd and saw Thompson still busy with everyone asking him questions. She’d talk to him later. Time for her catering meeting.

  Chapter Fourteen

  The ride to Meeter’s Inn where the wedding reception was going to be was on a lovely stretch of road going up the mountain. The inn was in between Comfortville and Nashua, a little town deeper into the forests. The entrance went up the hill, and after she had parked her car, she took in the panoramic vistas. What a great place for an event. The view was breathtaking.

  Ashley hadn’t been up here in many years, and could see that quite a renovation had taken place. It was very modern now, with full glass windows overlooking the valley and woods. When she stepped inside the lobby, she could see that the antiques had been replaced with new furniture, and bright colors abounded in the fabrics on the couches and pillows.

  A fireplace was on even though it wasn’t cold and there were bowls of fruit and small o’bjets d’art everywhere. Very trendy. Yet she missed the old comfy rocking chairs and comfortable look of the place. Change was what people wanted. The hipster look was in, and that was important to attract the wedding business.

  She checked in at the front desk and took a seat. Copies of “Modern Hip” and “Cool and Modern” were on the glass coffee table. She flipped through them.

  A lovely middle-aged woman gave her a smile and extended her hand. “Miss Crane? I’m Stephanie Hearst. Come with me.”

  ***

  Ashley smiled and followed her to a small and cute little office.

  It was the same modern theme as the lobby.

  “I remember when this place looked like a western Rockies lodge,” Ashley said.

  Stephanie laughed. “Yes, that was quite some time ago. I saw the pictures.”

  “Not quite as ritzy as this, but comfy,” Ashley said.

  “I’m sure. But everything changes,” Stephanie replied.

  “How long have you been here?”

  “Oh, I started my job here just three months ago. So far, so good. I like the people and the town. Nice change of pace from a big city. Your resume says that you’re a
local.”

  “Not of Nassau. I live the town over, in Comfortville.”

  “Oh, that’s lovely over there too. Well, it’s nice to have a local cater this wedding. Can I see your menus?”

  Ashley smiled and handed her two different menus. She narrowed it down from the usual three as this was supposed to be a simple affair. Stephanie read them and occasionally made a delighted sound and repeated some of the items out loud.

  “Lemon sole fillet with almonds and dill. Very nice. And chicken breasts with goat cheese and sun-dried tomatoes. Love that too. Good thing I finished lunch already. Even so, I’m getting hungry!” Stephanie said.

  “Glad you like them. I put a pasta dish on there too for the vegetarians. I’ll use some of our farmer’s market fresh vegetables in it,” Ashley smiled. “And the second menu has beef on it.”

  “Let’s go with the lighter version. The lemon sole with almonds and the chicken sound terrific. The bride to be wanted to make sure that the food wasn’t heavy. And I really like your vegetable sides on the menus as well.”

  “Do you want me to tweak anything?” Ashley asked.

  “I’ll follow up with the bride and call you if she wants to change anything. Now, let me show you the room and you can let me know if you have any questions.”

  They walked through the lobby to one of the old meeting rooms. Ashley had never been back there, but Stephanie told her they had converted a conference room into a reception area. It turned out they had done a great job. They had opened up the front wall, and the view was spectacular. The glass gleamed, and the added sunroofs really brought in the light. There was a fireplace at one end of the room and plenty of space for tables and a dance floor. The lighting was perfect as well. It was a great place for a party.