A Corpse at the Polls: An Ella Sweeting Aromatherapy Magic Cozy Mystery (Ella Sweeting: Witch Aromatherapist Cozies Book 3)

by Lisbeth Reade

  We decided to walk to town hall since it was only two blocks over. The town hall looked like a birthday cake that someone had iced in red, white and blue bunting. People were rushing in and out with posters, signs, pins, and buttons. Election Day was two weeks away and everyone was feeling the pressure. The only depressing part was seeing Dan Felder and Amy Penta packing up Helen's posters.

  Ruby led me there first.

  "Hi Dan, Amy. I can't tell you how sorry I am about Helen," I said, meaning it. Judging from Dan's tired smile and Amy's red-ringed eyes, I wasn't the only one feeling the loss.

  "Thanks, Ella," Amy said. "It's just so frustrating. Helen was light years ahead of these other candidates. She would have really changed the town for the better. Now we're stuck with them," she said, tossing a look over her shoulder at the other campaigns. "Who's going to refurbish the old theater now? My group has been meeting there. Not to mention she was such a lovely person. So kind." Amy sniffled and Dan put an arm around her.

  "Any luck in catching the killer? Bet it's one of them," he said, pointing around at the other candidates. "They couldn't stand to let a good woman win. Crooks all of them."

  "We don't comment on ongoing investigations, you know that, Dan. Did you think about what I asked you?" Ruby asked in her 'on the job cop' voice.

  Dan nodded. "I got you a copy of her basic biography. I still couldn't think of anyone who would want to kill her. In fact, she and Mike Hutchinson actually used to date. It ended well, and they still talked regularly. Here, I have the calls I logged, too."

  My ears perked up. "Mike dated Helen?"

  "Years and years ago," Amy said with a snort. "Helen hasn't been on a date in two years. I've been her shadow."

  Ruby flipped through the file Dan had made. "This is helpful Dan, thanks. Do either of you know if Helen was taking any pills? Ruby asked.

  "No," Amy answered. "Nothing that I'm aware of. Helen didn't like taking pills."

  "Mostly because she choked on them," Dan reminded Amy. "When she had a cold last year she made me get all liquid medications."

  "No, not just liquids," Amy argued. "She said most things could be cured with chicken soup and aromatherapy."

  I grinned and Amy winked at me. I missed Helen so much already.

  "Just get whoever did it, okay?" Dan ran a hand through his close-cropped brown hair. "Just make sure they pay. She was honestly the nicest person."

  I pulled Ruby away from them. "I want a copy," I whispered in her ear. She nodded. Wait until Rory got a load of that file. He loved the little juicy bits. A love affair? That could lead to a murder. We knew that well enough.

  I felt like it was a good working theory until I saw Marina. She waved us over to her table. She had put out apple bread and chocolate chip cookies with her buttons and pins. "Hello, Ella," she said with a sweet smile.

  Flushing with guilt, I shyly returned her stare. I had just mentally accused her husband of cheating. Rude. My mother would tell me to mind my own. She pressed a piece of bread into my hands on a patriotic napkin. "Thanks," I said with a grin.

  "Does your mother love the roses?" she asked. Ruby gave me a dark look.

  "Yes, she loves them. She was trying to get me to roll around in the mud with her to admire their beauty, but duty calls."

  Marina's girlish laughter filled the air.

  "Marina," I asked, "Does Mike own a maroon scarf?"

  "Yes, several," she responded easily. "It's his color."

  I bit my lip, chewing on it a bit. To stop myself I shoved a bit of the bread into my mouth and was almost blown away by the moist apple and cinnamon taste. Oh, that gave me an idea for a calming bath bomb.

  "Why, you think he looks better in blue?" Marina asked.

  "Don't all mayoral candidates look good in patriotic colors?" Ruby added quickly, covering for me.

  Marina beamed. She really was a sweetheart.

  "Dan over there said that Mike and Helen were friends," Ruby said questioningly.

  "Oh yes," Marina agreed. "Since high school. Or was it college? Might have been both. They still get— oh um— got together once a month for coffee...." She trailed off helplessly.

  "Did he get together with Helen this month?" I asked.

  Marina shook her head. "No. They have both been too busy to socialize. My husband takes politics very seriously. They were going to have the winner buy the loser dinner when this was all over. Now..." Marina trailed off, eyes watery.

  "Did they ever argue or fight about anything?" I asked.

  "Oh yes, often. They shouted at one another a lot about policies. They couldn't agree about budgets and gardens and, oh all sorts of things. But they always stayed friends."

  "How did Mike feel about Helen leading in the polls by a full ten points?" Ruby asked.

  "He was worried about which restaurant Helen would choose for her victory dinner, I think. I'm not really sure. Except for this, I try to stay out of politics. Unsavory elements, you know."

  "Where is Mike?" I asked.

  "He was talking to Mayor Strous." She pointed vaguely over to the right of the town hall.

  Ruby pulled me along behind her. "Are you friends with them or something?" she hissed in my ear.

  "There's like six hundred people in this town and my father does business with most of them and I handle the rest." I told her. "But no. I just met them last night when my mother was picking up roses."

  Ruby nodded, still pulling me along to another table where Caitlyn Jones was standing surrounded by her people. She had long, walnut-colored hair and fierce brown eyes that seemed to see everything. In front of her was a tall reedy man with a large nose and deep-set green eyes. They were arguing over index cards.

  "Ah, the police," she said with relief. "Liam, do something useful and steal some of the apple bread from Marina, won't you?"

  She turned to face us, putting on a bright white smile with her perfect teeth. She could star in toothpaste ads, she was so smiley. I found myself grinning back.

  "Hello," she said. "You've just rescued me from a very boring speech. For that I am feeling incredibly charitable and perhaps even a bit chatty."

  "We are here about a murder," Ruby reminded her.

  I watched her smile slip off her face and be replaced by a calm neutral expression that was brilliant. "Yes, Helen and I... we knew each other well," she said sadly. "Her death was a shock. We're the same age, you know. Strange to know she's gone now. How can I help you, officer? And...?" She looked at me questioningly.

  "Ella Sweeting, aromatherapist," I said, offering her my hand. She took it with a puzzled frown. I didn't take it personally. I get that look a lot.

  "How well did you know Helen?" Ruby asked.

  "Well enough, we were in college together," she said. "I was surprised to be running against her in the mayoral race. Haven't seen her in ages and ages. Oh, Officer, thank you for the extra security! Liam and I feel much safer now."

  "You're welcome. We want this election to go off without another hitch," Ruby answered. "Is there anything you think you can tell us about Helen that might help us catch her killer?"

  "No," Caitlyn said, "not offhand. She was always a winner. Got whatever she wanted with a smile and I can't see how that would make her any enemies. Did you ask Mike Hutchinson? They did used to date in college. He might know her quite a bit better than me. Now if you'll excuse me, I am going to get back to rewriting this awful speech."

  "We'll be in touch," Ruby told her.

  Caitlyn Jones gave us another toothpaste ad smile. Wow, she was photogenic. Too bad she was trailing dead last in this thing. Oh, ugh, bad pun. Bad Ella. Too much time with the Aunts, I think.

  "Over there Ruby, there's Mayor Strous and..."

  "Max!" Ruby called, beaming. Ugh.

  The mayor was a portly man with a balding pate and gray eyes. He and Max had been deep in discussion— that is, until Ruby shouted. Now Max had eyes only for her. It would have been cute, had I liked him. The mayor looked a bit sn
ubbed by it, but noticing me, he schooled his features into polite interest.

  He was also surreptitiously stuffing a wad of papers into his briefcase. I move in for the kill, trying to get a look, but he turned away too fast. All I could see is that they looked like a purchase order or contracts from the legalese. I saw the words 'heretofore' and 'claimant' before the papers disappeared into an expensive leather laptop bag. My fingers twitched, wanting to take it away from him and shuffle through it.

  Max stepped back so Ruby could talk to the mayor.

  "Mayor Strous, can I have a word?"

  "No, not just now. I'm very busy. Please make an appointment with Sierra," he said and turned to leave.

  Ruby taped her badge.

  The mayor pursed his lips, annoyed. "Fine. Ask away."

  "Where were you yesterday morning between the hours of 6 and 11am?"

  "I'm sure I don't know. Sierra would. I'm not a good time keeper. I'm not a crook or a murderer either. This town reads too many pulp novels. Helen was a nice lady. Her death is a tragedy that I don't have time to talk about right now. Make an appointment with Sierra. She's around here somewhere." He spoke in a bored, harried tone as he started walking away, beckoning Max to follow him.

  Max shot Ruby an apologetic look and mimed calling her.

  "One more question," I sang out.

  Mayor Strous paused. "Yes?"

  "Do you wear scarves?" I asked.

  Confused at my weird question, his fingers plucked at his jacked pulling it back to reveal a navy silk scarf just draped over him. "What are you? A tailor?"

  "No, not me," I said, grinning. "I'm just an aromatherapist."

  Well, it looked like Max's friend was definitely moving up on my suspect list. I glanced down at my shoes to keep from laughing at the affronted look Max shot my way, just in time to see a white piece of paper slip from the mayor's case.

  I scooted forward and grabbed it. It was a business card on fine white linen cardstock. Max's card. I flipped it over and scrawled in blue ink it said, Get him to take care of it.

  I wondered what that could mean. I'd have to think about it later, in private. In the meantime, I stuffed it in my pocket before Ruby could see it.

  Chapter 7

  Two days of picnics! Ruby had ordered us a pizza and we picked it up on the way to the park, where Rory was meeting us for lunch. Rory was already sitting on the blanket when we arrived, with bottles of water and bags of chips surrounding him. He grinned. For once there were no dark circles under his eyes. He had the day off and probably had slept in.

  "Hello, beautiful girls!" he called.

  Ruby laughed and rolled her eyes. "You only think I'm beautiful because I have a pizza."

  "No, you really are lovely. But your pizza is lovelier," he teased. "How's the investigation?"

  She snorted. "We have no murder weapon. We have too many suspects. So... good, I guess? It's better than no suspects. Got any hot leads?"

  I sat down next to Rory. He tugged me closer and I ended up half in his lap. I laughed, righting myself. Ruby handed out paper plates and napkins. We each took a slice. Ah, how I loved pizza. My mother would never understand the simple joy of hot, melty cheese.

  "Who wants to spill first?" Rory asked.

  "I'm not supposed to comment on ongoing investigations," Ruby reminded him. "So Ella will tell you all the details and I will pretend to have no opinion but use my eyebrows to indicate whether or not I agree."

  "What, seriously?" Rory asked. He looked shocked.

  "No," Ruby said, laughing. "That would be ridiculous. But I can't remind you enough that this stays between us. I don't want to compromise my case."

  "I have information," Rory offered. My ears perked up. "Rumors at the post office are that Stewart Inc. stands to get an amazing contract if Mayor Strous is reelected. They were short-listed for several promotional events and for supplying the mayor's house with paper products."

  "I've heard that before," Ruby said, looking away from me. I'm assuming she had heard it from Max then.

  "Yes but what everybody doesn't know is that Helen was dead set against giving the contract to Max and George. She doesn't like them." Rory added. I tried to warn him off but Ruby was glaring at him.

  "I don't think I even know what Max's company does," I said trying to distract one or both of them.

  Rory took the bait. "Well, it's actually several businesses under one umbrella. George runs a hedge fund company, but his grandfather started the company with a stationary business. He did really well, years ago. My dad has mentioned them once or twice... But along with the stationary, Max also runs a small promotional company for corporate events and, ah, the company his sister ran had been involved with catering sometimes."

  Max's sister was a sore subject. She had tried to kill me after killing her own mother. Definitely not the prodigal daughter. Ruby tugged on a strand of her hair. She was listening to Rory but stewing. I could tell she thought we suspected Max. I fingered the card I'd slipped into my pocket. It certainly lent credence to the idea that Max may have made some arrangements to get rid of Helen.

  We ate in silence for a few moments. Ruby announced, "I'm leaning towards Mike Hutchinson."

  "Why?" I asked, curious.

  "Jilted ex-lover? Oldest motive ever." Ruby said. I nodded, seeing it, but thinking Max was a more viable candidate. No way I was going to say that to her, though.

  "I like Mayor Strous for it. But doubt he'd do it himself," Rory said. I squeezed his hand in warning. "I'd hire someone. What did you learn from the candidates?" he asked.

  Ruby sighed. "We learned that Helen's team is off the table. I checked on alibi's yesterday and they seem genuinely depressed about her loss."

  "I don't think it was any of the campaign people," I muttered. "I did call Sierra and set up an appointment with her. I want to get more information on the current mayor. But Amy, Dan, and Liam all seem like normal people."

  "I'm running alibis for Liam and Sierra now," Ruby added. "For the record, I agree with Ella. I don't think it was any of them."

  "No?" Rory asked.

  "No," I told him. "I am definitely leaning towards a candidate. I want to look harder at them. And maybe Max's company too."

  "Oh, Ella, not this again!" Ruby growled.

  "What again?" I asked.

  "Max told me how horrible you were to him during his mother's murder investigation. And here you are, once again accusing him of being involved. When will you give him a chance?" Ruby asked, exasperated.

  "Ruby, now hold on," Rory began. "Max was acting incredibly suspicious and he's not a saint... Ella was just working with the clues."

  "Well, you would defend her," Ruby huffed.

  "I don't need defending," I said sharply, shooting Rory an apologetic glance. "And for the record I did not say he was a suspect. I just need more information to eliminate him."

  "He's innocent. And the only reason you're doing this is because you don't like him!"

  I slapped the pizza box shut. "Well, you are right about that, Ruby! I don't like him. I've lived next door to him for ages and ages and he has never given me any reason to like him. I think he gets into bad situations and I don't want him ruining your career."

  Ruby stood up, eyes flashing. "You let me worry about my career. For all you know, it could be Caitlyn, and you are just being horrible!"

  I opened my mouth to argue but Rory grabbed my hand to stop me and then Ruby's phone shocked us all to silence. Ruby glared at both of us as she pulled her phone free and answered it. "Officer Ruby Walker... what? Yes. Yeah, I'm in the park across the street. I'll be right there."

  She hung up the phone and bounced to her feet. "Caitlyn Jones was attacked!"

  Rory hopped up and grabbed my hand to help me to my feet. He grabbed the blanket and pizza box to toss in his car on the way. Ruby switched her radio on and listened to her officers report in. Caitlyn had left the main campaign area to get some air with her bodyguards. Now all three had b
een attacked.

  We raced around the back of the building as the ambulance roared up. Two paramedics jumped out and removed a gurney. Ruby took charge of them and led them to the side, where two officers were helping the candidate to her feet.

  "What happened?" Ruby asked Caitlyn.

  "Came outside to take a break," Caitlyn said breathlessly. "I heard a shout and turned in time to see my bodyguards hit the ground. Whoever it was must have gotten behind me because then they hit me. Oh," she moaned. "My head hurts!"

  The paramedics took charge of her. Ruby followed them, still asking questions. "Did you see who did it? Or anyone nearby?"

  "No, no one." Caitlyn answered as the men helped her up onto the gurney. There was no blood, but she did look like she might have a lump. "I didn't see anything officer, I'm sorry. My men?"

  "Breathing," Rory said. He had made his way over to one of the guards and was helping him sit up.

  "Thank goodness," Caitlyn breathed.

  "Ma'am, we need to take you to the hospital and get you checked out." the paramedic said.

  "Fine, fine." Caitlyn's tone was regal. "Just don't drop me!"

  The paramedics smiled and strapped her in for safety. I made my way over to where Rory was, standing next to a police officer.

  As I got closer, I realized he looked familiar. It was Andy Daniels, and he looked rather perplexed. What was he doing on the job, I wondered.

  "Hey, Andy. Shouldn't you be resting?" I asked.

  He gave me a sweet smile. Rory grabbed for my hand and gave Andy a pointed look. Andy laughed. "I can't stand desk duty. But I was resting! I was just supposed to stand around and drink coffee. Make sure the candidates stayed out of trouble."

  "Did a great job," Rory teased. "There's no marks on this guy but he's out cold."

  "That's weird," Andy remarked and then said, "In my defense, everyone under my purview is fine. They're all inside where they're supposed to be. This candidate went rogue."

  "Uh huh," Rory said with a grin.