Welcome to Sweetwater (Annie Parker Mystery Shorts Box Set)

by A. J. Bromley

  “Do either of you know of any of Eric’s girl friends from the past? We should probably look into the more serious ones.” Annie looked at both Kate and Darla for answers.

  “I know of two girls that were dating him. I have been tailoring their clothes since they have lost weight at the gym. Each of them had private sessions with Eric. I’ll give them a call. I want to let them know about the shop and the new material I’m getting. I’m sure I can find out how they are reacting to Eric’s death.” Darla was pleased to be contributing to the group.

  “Kate can you check with Vicky and see what she was doing yesterday? Sam took her report today so I don’t have any clues.” Annie didn’t want to ask Sam.

  “I saw Vicky standing outside the gym this morning. It looked like she was handing her cards advertising her training classes. She didn’t waste any time. Maybe I will talk to her about taking a class.”

  “Everyone in the posse knows the rules. Never put yourself in danger. Remember safety first. Darla do you have any questions?” Annie always worried about her friends.

  “No. It all sounds like common sense. And I want to thank you again for letting me be a part of the group.”

  “I don’t know about the rest of you but I’m ready to call it a day. Let me know if you run into any problems. I’ll be at the café tomorrow and I thought I would come by your shop Sunday morning to help you with painting. Maybe we’ll all have news.” Annie said good night to her friends at the door. They both thanked her for a great meal.

  Annie was about to fall asleep when Sam called. “Hi, sweetheart. Sorry I’m so late calling. It has been quite a night. Did you have a nice dinner with your friends?”

  “I don’t remember telling you about having my friends over.” Annie felt like Sam had her on radar.

  “Only common sense deduction, Annie. I knew you would be rounding up your posse to solve this case. Did you come up with any brilliant ideas?”

  “Not yet Sam but we’re working on it. I feel so sorry for that young woman from Seattle. She must be devastated.” Annie wondered if the seed that she was planting would produce anything.

  “Oh you’re talking about the Dunbar woman. I’m not even going to ask how you know about her. Her brother came in and gave a statement. He doesn’t seem like the killer.”

  “Well Sam, I’m about to fall asleep. I hope to see you in the morning at the café. Love you.”

  “Love you too Annie. Sweet dreams.”

  Chapter 7

  Saturdays at the café were more relaxed. No one was dashing in for a caffeine fix while trying not to be late for work. Customers took the time to chat with their neighbors and laugh at a few jokes. This was Annie’s family and she loved them.

  “You and your posse getting together to solve this crime, Annie?” Annie turned around to see Joe Havers. He was a cranky old man. Nothing ever seemed to please him. He was tall and lean with a thick head of gray hair and a very loud voice. The locals generally ignored him.

  “Good morning, Joe. Can I give you a refill on your coffee?” She took the coffee pot to his table.

  “Forget the sweet talk and answer my question. Are you?” Annie resisted the urge to brush a few toast crumbs off his dark brown sweater as she sat down across from him.

  “It could be a possibility, Joe.” Annie was hoping that would satisfy him for the moment.

  “You better keep me posted on your progress. I’ll be checking with you.” Joe went back to eating his breakfast.

  Returning to the counter, Annie saw Angela Meyers from Templeton Realty coming in the front door. She was a tall attractive woman with a mature figure and beautiful white hair, styled in a short sleek cut.

  “Angela you’re out early for a Saturday. You can sit anywhere.” Annie found an empty table by the window and asked how that worked.

  “Actually Annie I’m here to meet with a client. Any chance of a back booth where we won’t be disturbed?” Angela didn’t want to open up her office for a short get together. This place offered a warm homey atmosphere.

  “Take the empty booth in the back corner and I will get it set up. Coffee?” Gathering up silverware, coffee and cups, Annie headed to the back.

  “Coffee would be great, thanks.” The realtor slid across the smooth red vinyl booth.

  “I’m so glad you have never gone modern in here. The café has an old time diner appeal. I remember coming here long before you owned it.”

  “We do paint and replace anything worn-out but I’ve always liked the theme that Maude and Clarence had originally. It was my lucky day when they retired to Florida and sold the place to me. Well, I had better get back to work. Good chatting with you Angela.”

  Annie was surprised to see Brad waiting. Boy, did she want to set him straight about those flowers. She started to talk to him but then the Finleys showed up. Why is everyone early today? It was only 8:30.

  “I’m here to meet with a realtor.” Taking out a business card, he read Angela Meyers name aloud. “Is she here yet?”

  Bradley Westin was a handsome looking attorney from the Brooks Brother crowd. He was tall at 6 feet with brown hair and eyes. His smile warmed the hearts of women. Playing handball four times a week, kept him in terrific shape. Wearing top-of-the-line casual clothing, Brad stood out. The pale blue cashmere sweater worn over a white turtleneck with designer jeans he didn’t blend in with the well-worn clothing of the locals.

  Something had changed through the years. He wasn’t the man she first knew. She didn’t trust him now.

  “Angela is waiting in the back. I want a word with you before you leave today.” Her unfriendly tone didn’t register with him.

  He started to put his arm around her shoulders for a hug, when Annie turned away dodging his embrace.

  At that very moment, Sam came in the front door. “Tell me, I didn’t see your old boyfriend trying to give you a hug.” Sam couldn’t decide if he was jealous or only ticked off by this preppy dude.

  Annie ignored Sam’s comment about Brad.

  “I’ll take a coffee to go. When I get outside, I’m going to look for his vehicle. Probably drives some sports job. Maybe he’s parked illegally and I will have the satisfaction of giving him a ticket.” Sam chuckled as he paid for his coffee.

  “I put in a sweet roll to go with your coffee. Have a good day Sam.” He had a way of irritating her and then making her feel like laughing.

  Annie went to chat with the Finleys before they got away.

  “Good morning, Mary Beth, George. How is everything?” She noticed they had ordered Roy’s Saturday breakfast special of two pancakes, two eggs any style and two sausage patties. It was a big seller.

  The Finleys were an odd-looking couple. Mary Beth was tall and slim, while George was short and heavy. Mary Beth picked up her coffee cup and then set it back down. “We came early today because of Eric’s death. The police want to talk with us.”

  “My friend, Kate, found him. It is so sad about that young man. Do you mind if I visit with you both?” Annie didn’t wait for an answer but sat down at their table.

  “We are headed over to the gym shortly; Sam said that we can reopen today.” George helped himself to his wife’s sausage. Annie guessed that he didn’t let any food go to waste.

  This couple didn’t look like health buffs. What a strange business to be investing in for their retirement.

  “I won’t keep you long but I do have a favor to ask. Can you tell me who your employees are now and who has left since you opened up?” Annie hoped she didn’t sound pushy.

  “Well, let me think, there are the two trainers, Eric and Vicky and Amy is the receptionist. Nicole left to open her own massage therapy place here in town. She and Eric had a thing for each other but I don’t know what happened there. The Robertsons teach a dance class in the evenings. Now a few trainers stayed a short time but then moved on. They said that the town was too dull for them.”

  “I tell you what. I’m going to hire the next trainer.” Annie
had never seen George so animated. “Eric did some sweet talking to my wife and she bought it.” Annie noticed that Mary Beth was blushing and looking uncomfortable.

  “Well, didn’t you send him to a week’s training session when he was first hired? Then you found out that he didn’t stay for even a day. You only smiled and passed it off as a joke. An expensive joke.” Mary Beth started getting out her wallet to pay the bill.

  “I’m not going to stand here and discuss this, George. The man is dead. Show a little respect.” Leaving a tip for Caitlyn, the couple went to the cash register.

  Mary Beth came back to where Annie was standing. “I almost forgot to tell you that we are holding a memorial service for Eric tomorrow at 3:00 at the gym. Please let people know. I’ll be sending out an email to all the members shortly.”

  Mission accomplished but Annie was surprised at the Finleys behavior. Annie thought it interesting that Eric and Nicole were together at one time. She was keeping a mental list of the employees. Now to get Brad squared away. Checking the back booth, she found it empty. When did he slip out? Probably a good thing he left, saving her an awkward moment in front of the customers.

  Annie’s phone rang when she was finishing for the day. “Hi Annie, this is Molly. Polly and I heard about the death of the trainer. One of the kids got a text from her friend. Are you working the case?”

  Annie filled Molly in on the details, starting with Kate finding the body and ending with Darla joining the posse. “We miss having the two of you working with us.”

  “Good luck Annie. We’ll be home next Thursday. Now we need to round up our group of teenagers. We have a full schedule. Fortunately, they are too tired at the end of the day to sneak out for any nightlife. See you next week Annie.”

  Chapter 8

  Thank goodness, the Saturday crowd had left. Annie got some chicken noodle soup out of the freezer and zapped it in the microwave. This was the perfect remedy for the grieving girlfriend. Collecting silverware, napkins and some fluffy biscuits left over from lunch, Annie packed everything in her insulated tartan colored bag.

  Leaving Roy and Caitlyn to finish cleaning up, Annie walked down the street to the Pine Tree Inn. She hoped that Marissa would welcome a stranger. The crisp dry air made a striking contrast to the warm café. Annie loved her town with the small shops and friendly people. It was hard to believe that there was a killer among them.

  Joy was busy cleaning the lobby and adding an aspen log to the large stone fireplace. She was working for her parents who owned the inn. Annie knew that her goal was to attend college next year.

  “Hey, Annie can I help you?”

  “Joy, how’s business?” Annie looked around the cozy room and took in the smell of the fire and the aroma of freshly baked apple pie that was coming from the potpourri that was set around the room.

  “It’s a little slow right now but then we’re booked solid after next week.” Joy finished sweeping around the fireplace. “Are you here to see someone?”

  “I have some soup for Marissa Dunbar. Sam told me how upset she was about the trainer’s death.” Annie put her bag on a side table.

  “Marissa is a wreck. One day she was all smiles and excited and now she doesn’t want to leave her room. Her brother brings her meals that she doesn’t eat.” Joy sat down in a rocking chair with a weary sigh. “You might be what she needs, Annie. Her room is upstairs, first door on your left.”

  Annie went up the stairs to see the young woman. Hope she’s not napping. Softly knocking on her door, Annie heard a weak voice call out. “Come in.”

  Marissa was getting out of bed when Annie came in the room. “Who are you? I thought it was my brother checking up on me.”

  “I’m Annie Parker; I own the Snowflake Bakery and Café. I brought you some lunch and friendly conversation. First, I want you to know how very sorry I am about Eric’s death. The chief of police told me how you came here to see him. I think you could use a friend and I have appointed myself.” Annie smiled and started setting out the warm soup and biscuits. “Why don’t we sit down and I’ll chat while you eat.”

  The aroma of the chicken soup with a subtle hint of ginger reached Marissa and she was suddenly hungry. “TJ has been bringing heavy meals that turn my stomach.” She smiled as she thought about her brother’s tender care through this whole ordeal. “He is a dear sweet man and so supportive.”

  Marissa sat across from Annie and started eating. “Chicken soup really is a cure for everything.” Then she buttered a biscuit and took a bite. “Thanks Annie. Everyone has been so friendly. I like your town and the people. I went out exploring my first day here. TJ had taken off on business. I want to go back to Cory’s gift shop. I saw some very cute starter sets.”

  “I don’t have any children, but I can remember when my niece Taylor was born. I had a grand time buying girlie clothes, you know with ruffles and smocking. Now all she wears are jeans and tank tops.”

  “I hope my mom will get excited about her grandchild when I tell her. My parents are so preoccupied with the business that they never noticed the changes in me. TJ knew immediately.” Marissa finished her soup and two biscuits. She laughed as she patted her stomach. “The two of us enjoyed that.”

  Standing outside his sister’s room, TJ couldn’t believe that he was hearing laughter. He knocked and walked in to see Marissa with a pleasant woman.

  “TJ, I’m glad you’re back. I want you to meet my friend, Annie.” Marissa got up to hug her brother then turning to Annie, she said. “This is TJ, the best brother in the world.”

  Annie stood up to shake hands with TJ. “I believe you come into my café for breakfast.”

  “Roy and I have become good buddies. I sit at the counter and he comes out and chats with me. I don’t think he has ever met a stranger. You are usually working in the bakery when I get there.” TJ felt comfortable with his sister’s new friend. Her easy manner and openness seemed genuine.

  “Well I’ll leave you two. I have some calls to make.” Then turning to Annie, he said.

  “I want to thank you for spending time with my sister.”

  When they were alone again, Marissa asked Annie if the police had found the killer.

  “I don’t think so. They had been talking to several people but no real clues yet. My friends and I are checking out a few things. We have gotten good at helping solve some cases. The police chief is my boyfriend. He has a fit whenever we meddle in his cases.”

  “I want to tell you something that has been bothering me. I don’t dare tell TJ. I have given him enough trouble.” Marissa started pacing around the room as she thought about the visit to Nicole’s shop. “On Wednesday afternoon I went out shopping. Joy had told me about a shop that sold special lotions for dry skin. I had quite a visit with the owner. Let me tell you what happened.”

  Chapter 9

  Marissa thought back to that afternoon. Tranquil Moments was warm and inviting. The windows had painted flowers and herbs around the border. In colorful printing, it stated that the owner was Nicole Pearson. Massages by appointment only. Special lotions and herbal supplements for a healthy lifestyle.

  The small shop had a soothing feel to Marissa. She first saw the lavender walls with the pink trim. Glass shelves held decorative bottles and jars. A handwritten sign in calligraphy stated Specialty Lotions. Another wall had an array of herbs in fancy containers.

  A small sofa covered in a soft print of spring flowers was on the wall near the front door. Several glossy magazines were on a nearby table. Marissa started to sit down when a woman came from the back. She came in to greet Marissa. She moved gracefully but with an aura of strength.

  “I’m Nicole. How may I help you?”

  “I love your shop. It has a relaxing feel.”

  “Thank you. That was my goal. I have lotions that are soothing and will nourish your skin.” Nicole took down a bottle to show her new customer.

  “I’m here for a short visit. Joy at the Inn told me about your shop. She t
hought that my skin was suddenly going to go dry and flakey.” Marissa was laughing as she told about Joy.

  “Let me have a look at your skin. I have several different lotions but this is my best seller. It is a blend of lavender and chamomile. You might like it.”

  Marissa pulled up the sleeve of her sweater, showing a very pale arm. “My skin hasn’t seen sunshine since last summer. Some of my friends go to a tanning booth but I have never tried it.” Marissa was looking at the woman’s tanned muscular arms. “I did have a great tan when I went on vacation to Mexico last summer.”

  Nicole opened a bottle of lotion for the young woman to try. “Oh, it has a pleasant scent and is so soothing. Did you say that you make the lotions?” Marissa continued to rub the thick lotion on her arm.