by Lynn Cahoon
Esmeralda was at the front desk on the phone when I came in. “Mrs. Davis, you know we can’t arrest a five-year-old for peeing on your bushes.” I grinned and pointed to Greg’s office. Esmeralda nodded, then returned to her phone conversation. “Look, I know it was a lot quieter on your street before the Jacksons moved in, but having kids isn’t a crime.”
“Well, it should be.”
I could hear the elderly woman’s answer from across the room.
Greg was sitting at his desk, working at his computer. “Hey, didn’t I just see you? What’s the occasion?”
“Did Watson ask Sherlock Holmes what he wanted when he showed up at his work?” I plopped down on the couch and sat my tote bag next to me.
“As I recall, both Sherlock and Watson were men of means and didn’t have a dreaded day job.” He came over and sat next to me on the couch. “So no. He didn’t.”
“You’re wrong, Watson was a doctor. Maybe I should have used the couple from Bones, they both have real jobs.” I tried to remember the woman’s name, but then gave it up. “Look, I’m here to ask you a question.”
“Shoot. But I’m knee deep in approving time sheets and duty logs so I can’t spend long with you.” His cell started to ring and he looked at the number. “I’ll let that go to voice mail.”
“Your girlfriend?”
He chuckled. “Kind of. Mrs. Davis. Esmeralda has been screening her calls. Now, when she doesn’t like the answer she gives her, she calls my cell. I’ll go out and talk to her on my way home. She’s been in a tizzy ever since her neighbor went into the retirement center and sold her house to the Jacksons.”
“Because they have kids?”
He shook his head. “I hate to say it, but I think it’s the color of their skin. They moved here from Spain as the husband’s family lives in Palo Alto, but she thinks they’re Mexican. Of course, she won’t go over and talk to them. The Jacksons are pretty cool. You’d like the wife. She’s an attorney at some big firm in the city.”
“Maybe we should have a dinner party soon and introduce them to the gang.” Although if I had a big party or one with my aunt, I’d have to invite Bill and Mary since they were best friends. With the way he was acting today, I’d rather not spend much time with the guy.
“Anyway, you have ten minutes before my next meeting. What’s up?” He moved my tote to the table and moved closer to me, brushing my hair back away from my face.
I could feel the heat of his breath on my neck and a shiver ran down my back. “Definitely not that.”
He laughed and moved away, holding his hands up. “Sorry, I know that was totally unfair. Really, what’s up?”
“I need to ask you a question without you getting angry or asking me why I’m asking. I just want you to be honest, then I’ll tell you what I know.” I turned my body toward him so we were facing each other on the couch.
“Does this have anything to do with Levi?” His face turned a little pink.
I didn’t know if he could do this, but I guess it was a good test of our relationship. “Seriously, you have to just follow my lead. Just answer the question.”
He didn’t say anything for a long minute. Then he nodded. “What do you want to ask me?”
I knew he was taking me seriously then. I took a deep breath and dove in. “Did you know anything about a deal that Levi had kept Butch out of? Did either of them talk about something that was supposed to be a sure thing?”
Greg scratched behind his ear, a sure sign that he was trying to remember something. “They were always talking about money making schemes. Butch did whatever Levi told him to do, from investing in a certain stock to taking on a new client. I don’t think the guy did anything with his money if Levi hadn’t told him to do it.”
“So you think Butch might have hurt Levi?”
“I didn’t accuse him of anything.” He held up a hand. “And before you go off on me for a technicality, neither is Terrance over at Bakerstown. He’s as stumped in the list of suspects as I am. Especially now that we knew he was strangled rather than just falling into the pool and hitting his head on the concrete.”
“Lois says she didn’t know anything about the other deal or Levi’s chance at some quick money. Would Butch really hold something that important a secret from his wife?”
Greg thought about his answer. “Honestly, the boys have some sort of pact. What happens in the group, stays in the group. Butch and Levi go way back. I wouldn’t be surprised if there was something he held back from Lois.”
“Did you keep the group’s secrets from Sherry?” What I really wanted to ask if he held something back in our relationship, but I didn’t know if I was ready for that level of honesty.
Greg shook his head. “I always seemed to be on the outside with the group. I mean, they liked me, and included me in the parties and the weekends, but I always felt like there was some subtext I didn’t understand. Especially once I started working in law enforcement. I guess I always was the rule follower.”
“You don’t think they were into anything illegal, do you?”
He laughed. “That group? No. If anything, Levi was getting Butch into some risky investments and they didn’t want Lois to gripe. Most of the time, Levi’s business strategies were spot on, but it didn’t mean he didn’t lose money now and then.”
A knock on the door caused us to look up. Esmeralda poked her head inside. “They’re ready for you in the conference room.”
He stood and kissed me quickly on the lips. “Time to make the monthly report to the executive committee. Did you know South Cove has had no breakins for the last two months? It’s a freaking record.”
I grabbed my purse and followed him out of the office. “I’ll see you at home.”
As I walked home, I realized the last break in or attempted break in must have been at my house in late summer. Emma had stopped the guy from getting inside and had even kept a piece of his suit pants as evidence.
I decided to curl up with a book on the porch. I wasn’t getting anywhere with this fully Greg sanctioned investigation so it was time to let my mind chill. Maybe things would be clearer after I read a book or two. Or I’d just feel calmer.
As I passed by Russian Collectibles, Alana ran out of the building and grabbed my legs. She grinned up at me and asked, “Do you want to see my dolls again?”
I reached down and stroked her long curly hair that hung loose around her shoulders. “I would but I’m on my way home to check on my dog. Are you feeling better?”
She stepped back and clapped her hands in glee. “You have a dog? Is he named Rover? I want a dog, but Papa says they are too much work for a little girl.”
“He’s right about that. You have to feed them, and walk them, and give them baths.” I knelt down to her level. The kid didn’t look sick, but what did I know about kids. “My dog is a girl. Her name is Emma and she loves to run.”
“Alana, come back inside.” Vladimir’s voice boomed through the doorway. “You know you’re not allowed outside alone.”
“I’m not alone Papa, my new friend is here and her dog’s name is Emma. Isn’t that a pretty name?”
Vladimir stepped outside and paled as he realized who his daughter was talking to. “Miss Gardner, so nice to see you.” He took Alana’s hand and scooted her toward the doorway. “Go inside now, you don’t want your cold to worsen.”
“But Papa, I’m …”
“Alana, I said go inside, now.” Vladimir didn’t raise his voice, but the tone changed and the little girl nodded and disappeared.
I was certain she had been about to say she wasn’t feeling sick at all. Of course, the doll-store owner could have had a dozen reasons that he didn’t want to attend the Business-to-Business meeting that morning, but one thing was clear. The reason he’d given Bill for his absence was a complete and total fib.
CHAPTER 10
“Can you come down? I need to talk to you.” I called my aunt the next morning after an evening spent alone. Greg ha
d some sort of meeting with the Bakerstown police. I’d been asleep when he’d come in and when I got up for work, he looked at the clock and rolled over. He didn’t have to go into the station before eight. I on the other hand, had to open the shop at six. I had one commuter who was on the early shift at her job but she didn’t want to leave town without a hazelnut coffee. I’d told her that I’d sell her a batch of coffee to make at home, but apparently Julia didn’t own a coffeepot. She was one of the reasons I’d fought with Aunt Jackie for keeping the early opening times.
I knew catering to one customer probably wasn’t the best business practice but for now, I wanted to be available when we were needed. Today, after Julie left, I had a full hour of steady traffic to keep me busy. I go by the motto, if we’re open, they will come.
Aunt Jackie broke into my thoughts. “I’m sure we could just talk about this over the phone.”
I looked at the clock. The meeting started in less than an hour. I needed her down here and invested in the committee before Darla showed up with the rest of the team and I was stuck as part of the committee. “Please? I really need a favor.”
A pause at the end of the line let me know she was actually considering my request. “Okay, but I hope that this won’t take too long. Harrold and I are having a quick lunch at Diamond Lille’s before my shift starts.”
“What time?” Darla had said the committee meeting would be over in an hour.
“We’re meeting at noon.” A sliver of hesitation went through the line. “Don’t tell me Deek called in sick already. That boy feels a little unreliable.”
“He hasn’t missed a day yet.” I opened a box of books that had delivered yesterday from last week’s order. “Just come down. I’ve got an assignment for you.”
I hung up the phone, not letting her ask more questions. If Sasha had still been here, I would have thrown her to the planning wolves. But she was off in the city, learning all about marketing for a big computer search company. Even as an intern, she was making more money working part time than I could have paid her on a full time shift. I felt proud of her accomplishment, but that didn’t mean that there wasn’t a hole in the Coffee, Books, and More work family.
I’d already finished my morning prep and had settled onto the couch with a recent thriller release when I heard her voice over my shoulder. “I hope you’re ready to talk about setting different hours for your morning shift. I don’t see why we should pay you for your reading time.”
“One, you aren’t paying me for my shifts. As the owner, I get a salary, no matter how many hours I work in the shop. And two, no, we aren’t changing the open time. The commuters would riot and set fire to the building.” I set the book down and patted the couch next to me. “Come sit down. I’d like you to take on a new assignment.”
Gingerly, she sat next to me, turning her body to match my own in posture. “What is this new assignment?”
“Are you okay? Your arthritis isn’t flaring again, is it?” I’d been really worried about her health all last summer. But with the fall’s arrival, Aunt Jackie had seemed to bounce back. I was also sure that her increased mobility was due to the new drug her doctor had prescribed for her to try.
“We’re not talking about my health,” Jackie snapped at me. “Tell me what you need or I’m going back upstairs. My game shows are on.”
“Coffee, Books, and More needs a representative on Darla’s holiday planning committee. This is more up your alley than any of the other staff members and I’m starting school next week. Can you be our representative?” I looked up at her, hope filling my eyes. She looked at me, a little suspicious at my request.
“That’s it? You want me to be on some city committee?” When I nodded, she went on. “Fine, I can do that, I guess. When’s the first meeting?”
“Today at ten.” I grinned at her. “I appreciate this so much.”
Aunt Jackie consulted her watch. “I guess I can make it. It’s really short notice though.”
“I know, I’m so sorry. I just found out that we needed a rep.” I shrugged. I didn’t want to throw Darla under the bus, but a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s got to do.
“Well, I guess I better go get ready. I’ll be back down a few minutes before ten.” Aunt Jackie stood and looked down at me. “How is your investigation going?”
“What investigation?” I decided to play dumb but I didn’t raise my gaze to meet her eyes.
“The one where you figure out who killed the dead guy. What do you think I’m talking about?” She sighed. “No matter, I get better rumors outside my own family.”
“Fine, I am trying to find some stuff out, but I don’t know much.” I leaned back against the couch. “Except Greg’s friends are all psychos.”
“Could be true, but that’s not a very nice thing for you to say. Especially since you might be joining him in his future, which includes his friends.”
I thought about what Jackie had said long after she’d left the dining room to return to her apartment. Apparently the dressy kakis weren’t dressy enough for a meeting with other South Cove businesses.
Deek showed up thirty minutes early and I asked him to get a couple of carafes filled. I explained that these sub committees could get free coffee while they were meeting there. However, no free treats, no exceptions.
As I watched Deek set up for the committee, Butch came into the shop. He had a backpack and headed toward me and the counter. “Can I get a large coffee to go?”
“Sure, how are you and Lois doing? She came in a few days ago for some reading material. Did you get released to leave the area? Or are you still stuck here?” I poured the coffee as I peppered him with questions.
He handed me a five. “No such luck there. I thought I’d come in and check in with my boss. You have Wi-Fi, right? Lois gets all bent out of shape if she thinks I’m working off the clock. So let’s just say I came in for coffee.”
I gave him his change and watched as he set up near the door. He took out a pile of papers, groaned, and wadded them into a ball, making a rim shot into a nearby trash can. I’d planned to leave as soon as Deek got here, but now I was curious. What had Butch thrown away? In a few minutes, he closed up his laptop and shoved it into his back pack. He waved at me and disappeared out the door. When I saw him walk out of view, I causally walked toward the trash can and scooped up the wad of papers. I could see Butch’s back as he made his way back toward The Castle.
Turning around, I found Deek’s gaze on me. He waited until I returned to the counter to ask: “Something interesting?”
I did a noncommittal, I hoped, shrug. “Nothing really. We should be recycling paper, not just throwing it away.”
Deek seemed to accept my response or he knew when to stop asking questions. The bell over the door rang and pointed toward the new arrivals. “These ladies love to visit with Toby. Maybe you can win them over to your side as well.”
He shook his head. “Girls like that don’t go for guys like me.”
I laughed as I made my way to the back office. “Don’t sell yourself short. Girls like bad boys just as much as too-hot guys.”
“You think I’m a bad boy?” Joy filled Deek’s voice. I guess I’d hit the look he was comfortable with.
I decided to bring him down a notch. “A bad boy that still lives with his mother. At least you have one thing going for you.”
As I closed the door, I heard the first of Toby’s girls order a double shot, soy latte, no whip. Then she said in a voice loud enough to carry to the back room. “You’re no Toby, but you’ll do in a pinch.”
I sat down at the desk and smoothed out the pages.
“What are you doing?”
Aunt Jackie stood in front of me. She’d made her way down the stairs without hitting even one of the squeaky stairs that typically warned me of her approach.
“Just following a hunch.” I sat a folder on top of the pages, hoping to keep her from reading them.
Just then Deek poked his head inside the
office. “Hey, glad you’re down. Your committee chair is here.”
“Darla? How did you know she was committee chair?”
Deek shrugged. “You can tell with those types. Their aura’s scream power. And anyway, that’s what she told me.”
“I guess you better get out there.” I smiled sweetly and sat my arms down on the table, trying to hide the pages. After the room was empty, I read over them. It was an outline of what the new corporation intended to do to The Castle to make it more commercial. “Holy crap.”
Greg needed to see these and now. Butch might not have been included in the deal, he knew all about it and what Levi’s plans had been. I shoved them into my purse and looked out the back office door. I waved Deek toward me.
“Hey, I’m calling it a day. If anyone’s looking for me, tell them I had to make a run into Bakerstown. I can be reached on my cell.” I glanced around the dining room. Only Darla and Aunt Jackie sat at the committee table. The other table was filled with students from the cosmetology school. “You okay now?”
“If I can’t handle six customers by now, you need to fire me.” Deek waved me toward the back door. “Fly little bird, the nest will be fine without you
As I headed out to my car, I turned over his words. The kid had sayings as good, or better, than the ancient truth-tellers. I needed to learn from my new part-timer. His mother, Rory, was one of the leading fortune-tellers in the central California area.
I took the small walkway between my building and the one housing Antiques by Thomas. Josh lived in one of the apartments over the building and rented the second one out to his assistant, Kyle. As I came back out onto Main Street, I was almost flattened by a rushing Josh. “Hold your horses, big guy.”
He waved me off as he opened the door to Coffee, Books, and More, and disappeared inside. Josh and I had a love-hate relationship. He loved to hate me. I loved making him crazy. He was always coming up with the most stupid ideas to present to the Business-to-Business council. Last year, he’d wanted to cancel our summer festival because it brought in the wrong types. Luckily, everyone else voted him down due to the fact the festival was our biggest money making week of the season. Josh liked his customers rich and old, unlike most of the festival attendees. Mostly because then he already had an in when the estate came up for bid after his customer had gone to the great antique sale in the sky.