Welcome to Sweetwater (Annie Parker Mystery Shorts Box Set)

by A. J. Bromley

A pleased Nicole smiled. “It does feel good, doesn’t it?”

  “I’ll take two bottles for now. I see that you sell herbal supplements. You don’t happen to have any prenatal vitamins, do you? I packed quickly and forgot to bring mine.”

  “Oh, congratulations. You are hiding it well.” Nicole noticed that the woman was suddenly blushing.

  “I’ve kept my pregnancy a secret until this week. My brother discovered when he got back from a business trip.”

  “Your brother! What happened to the baby’s father? Don’t tell me that he left you?” Nicole guided the woman the sofa, as she was looking a little pale. Normally Nicole didn’t get involved in other people’s problems but this was different.

  Marissa found the shop owner was very understanding and sympathetic. TJ had been supportive but Nicole had a woman’s perspective that put Marissa at ease.

  “I don’t sell prenatal vitamins. You might try the pharmacy in Carl’s Groceries on Main Street. Now tell me about the slime ball that got you pregnant.” Nicole was ready to do battle with the male species.

  “Well, I met him on vacation. I was there with my girlfriends and he charmed all of us. He and I spent a lot of time together. He kept saying how much he loved me.”

  Nicole gave a wicked laugh. “That’s what they all say.”

  “He promised to call when he got back home. He was starting a new job as a gym trainer. In fact, he was supposed to be at a seminar instead of relaxing around the pool in Cabo.”

  Nicole was suddenly on the alert. “Are you saying that he is a trainer here in Sweetwater?” She tried to keep her suspicions to herself.

  “Oh yes. That’s why my brother and I are here.” After glancing at her watch, she continued. “In fact, he was to meet Eric at 3:00. TJ is not happy about this whole situation. Hope my brother doesn’t beat him up.”

  Nicole was having difficulty keeping her temper from exploding. She was remembering how Eric talked her in to loaning him money for the seminar. Like a fool, she gave him $500 and she was still waiting for him to repay it. They did have a brief affair but then he dropped her. She was too hurt to stay on at the gym, so she opened her own shop.

  Marissa shuttered and felt a chill in the air. The shop owner was looking at her with cold hard eyes. She almost felt threatened by this woman.

  “Let me tell you something. You are better off without Eric. When he first arrived in town, all the women thought he was a super stud. He charmed me out of $500 for that seminar. Guess what, after that he dropped me and started dating other women. Take my advice and get out of town.”

  Marissa was too upset to discuss this any further. She quickly paid for her lotion and returned to her room at the inn.

  . . .

  “I’m starting to realize what a fool I have been, Annie. I don’t think Eric would have made good father material. My brother was not the least bit impressed with him. Thankfully, TJ has a good alibi for Thursday afternoon. Nicole must have been very bitter about their breakup.”

  “I have heard rumors that he was quite the Romeo. Oh, I almost forgot, the owners of the gym are having a memorial service tomorrow afternoon at 3:00. Do you think you would want to go? I would be glad to pick you up.”

  “Thank you Annie I would appreciate that. I don’t want to get up and say anything but I would like to be there.” Then Marissa looked at her new friend with a slight smile on her face. “Are you thinking that the killer might attend the service?”

  “It has happened before. My friends and I will be checking out everybody. Well, I have stayed long enough. You need to get your rest. I’ll see you tomorrow about 2:30.” Annie started gathering up her things.

  “I can’t thank you enough for what you have done for me. I know my brother thanks you too. He’s getting a little weary of my tears and carrying on.” Marissa said goodbye to Annie at the door and then went to take a nap.

  Chapter 10

  Kate and Darla arrived at their shop A Stitch in Time early Saturday morning. They had a busy morning planned. First, they were going to cover the two large display windows in the front with paper. That would keep everyone guessing. They were planning a soft opening the Monday before Thanksgiving followed by a grand opening on Black Friday.

  This business had been a long time in the making. Darla had always enjoyed sewing and doing alterations. Kate was interested in vintage clothing and developing a consignment outlet. Teaming up together had worked well for both of them. Polly Peterson was their business manager. What a godsend she was.

  “Kate, after we put the paper up I want to arrange my window with that old treadle sewing machine and some of the new material I have. I do have a few alterations to this morning for my customers and then I’m going to make those calls to Eric’s old girlfriends.”

  “I’m going to drag out that dress form that Sylvia gave me and then find the perfect dress. Sylvia is so relieved to be able to slow down and not worry with the vintage clothing at Second Chance. After I get my window done, I want to go see Vicky.”

  Both Kate and Darla worked together to carry the sewing machine from the back room. “This is one heavy piece. How did you ever get it in here Darla?” Even with all her exercising Kate was a little breathless.

  “Oh a couple of big guys brought it in. I think they were the grandsons of the lady that sold it to me.” Darla could only smile as she looked at her old machine. “This is so perfect for our shop.”

  Kate found a beautiful rose-colored silk evening gown with an ivory lace collar and cuffs among all her treasures. She then brought out the dress form. “I think this is a 20s dress. It’s beautiful, don’t you think Darla?”

  “I’m sure someone will love it, Kate. You have a good eye for quality and style. Well, I have to get busy and make some money.” Darla got out a pair of pants that needed fixing. Everyone in town seemed to be losing weight.

  “I’ll be on my way now. I shouldn’t be too long. I’ll stop and pick up a couple of sandwiches for lunch okay?”

  “Sounds good. I’ll have a turkey on rye.”

  Kate took off walking at a brisk pace. The morning air felt so refreshing. Approaching the front of the gym, she saw Vicky talking to some of the members. They left after a few minutes.

  “Hi Kate. What are you doing here? I don’t think the gym is open yet.” Vicky had always been friendly to Kate.

  “I’ve been busy working in my shop and suddenly felt a need for some fresh air. Have you heard anything new about Eric?”

  “Not a word. I have been talking to some of the members and they are shocked. I’m the only trainer now. I was handing out some of my cards.” Vicky did seem a bit self-conscious as Kate noticed the pink flush to her face.

  “I’ll take one of your cards. Maybe you could help me tone up my muscles. I got all out of breath helping Darla carry a sewing machine.” Kate could tell by her big smile that she was happy to help.

  “I’m curious Vicky. Where were you Thursday afternoon?” Kate tried to act casually as she looked at the young trainer.

  “Kate can you keep a secret?” Then she went on to tell about being at Just Desserts.

  “It’s a wonder that the chief didn’t burst out laughing when I told him. I pop in there every afternoon for my chocolate fix.” Vicky then said how much she was going to miss Eric. “He was a good trainer and we worked well together. A bit of a womanizer but he was harmless.”

  Kate didn’t bother to comment on this. “I better get back to work. I’ll be in touch with you about signing up.” Kate turned and walked back to the shop after picking up their lunch.

  In the meantime, Darla made her calls. “Hi Jeanette, this is Darla. I wanted to tell you about my new shop. I got in several beautiful bolts of material. Didn’t you say you wanted a new outfit for a Christmas party?”

  “Darla, I’m so glad you called. I need something special. I’ve been dating a new coworker and he asked me to the office party.” Darla could hear the excitement in her voice.

 
“I’m going to set aside the soft pink fabric for you. Oh, isn’t it terrible about the trainer? Wasn’t he your boyfriend at one time?”

  “Holly and I found out about his death when we got home from work that night. I can’t imagine who would have killed him. Yes, I did like him once. Then I found out that he was never going to get serious.”

  “Well Jeanette, let me know when you want to look at the material.” Darla ended the call with a feeling of accomplishment. Both girls had an alibi, but Holly might add something helpful.”

  “Holly, how are you? This is Darla. I was talking to Jeanette about my new shop and the great material I have.” Before Darla could continue, Holly started talking.

  “Oh, Darla I’m really not up to thinking about anything.”

  “Are you okay Holly?”

  “I’m so upset about Eric’s death. We were in love and planning a trip at Christmas time. I think he was going to propose. The police better find out who did this.” With that, Holly ended the call.

  Darla was beginning to realize what a louse Eric had been.

  Chapter 11

  Annie drove her SUV to A Stitch in Time Sunday morning. It had snowed during the night but not enough to bring out the snowplows. The town tried to limit plowing to during the week when people needed to get to work and kids to school. Most everyone in town owned a four-wheel-drive vehicle.

  Dressed in old worn-out jeans, a stained T-shirt and a heavy denim jacket Annie was ready. She brought a scarf to wear; you never know where the paint would land.

  Opening the door to the shop, Annie was happy to see drop cloths, a ladder and paint cans. Best of all was the shiny new coffee pot on a side table with all the fixings. Kate and Darla were enjoying a cup of coffee.

  “It’s about time you showed up.” Kate was dressed in faded jeans with frayed bottoms and a washed out purple sweatshirt. There was a cap covering most of her thick red hair. The smile on her face brightened the whole outfit.

  “Can I start off with a cup of coffee? Oh, Molly called me yesterday. She and Polly heard about Eric. I gave them a short report. They get home next Thursday.”

  “We’ll have the case solved by then.” Kate spoke like an experienced detective.

  Taking the offered cup of coffee from Darla, Annie noticed what she was wearing. “Nice outfit, Darla.” She was dressed in pale green paint splattered pants and an old black shirt with missing rhinestones.

  “You like it? Victor bought this shirt for me we first got married. I know it has seen better days.”

  “How is Victor doing Darla? Do you hear from him?” Annie didn’t really know Darla’s husband very well but the reports were not good. Caught for swindling old folks, Victor Franconi was sent away to prison for five years. What a dramatic change in Darla after this happened. She was more self-assured; she didn’t stand in Victor’s shadow anymore.

  “I got some good news this week. Victor is going to train service dogs. It’s a program at his minimum-security facility. They found that he is very patient and caring with the animals.” Darla had a silly grin on her face when talking about her husband. “He sounded happy. I was so worried that he would start gambling with the other inmates.”

  “Victor should be proud of you too, Darla. You have managed so well on your own by starting a new business.” Kate blessed the day she asked Darla to go into this shop with her. It has been a positive experience.

  “Have you told Victor about all of this?” Annie made a sweeping gesture with her right arm.

  Blushing slightly, Darla said. “I haven’t gone into any detail. He might want to manage it from prison. I have told him about fixing up our home. Annie, you should see it now. The trailer has a new coat of paint inside and out. All the trash is gone and Sadie helped me plant my flowerbeds last summer. She is a gem.”

  “Before we start work let’s discuss the case. How did your meeting go with Vicky, Kate?”

  “I found her outside the gym handing out her cards. She is not wasting any time. I did take one, giving her the idea that I might sign up for private sessions. Now wait till you hear this.” Kate went to get refill on her coffee before continuing. “Can you believe that Vicky goes to Just Desserts every afternoon? She has a chocolate addiction. That’s where she was that afternoon.”

  Darla couldn’t help laughing. “I can’t believe it. She is always preaching about good eating habits. I’ve seen the window displays at that shop and they are downright sinful.”

  “I remember when the owner, Lisa Romero, first opened her shop. She brought a tray of fancy decorated desserts to the Chamber of Commerce meeting. They were quite delicious. So far she hasn’t hurt my business.”

  Kate was chuckling as she told about Vicky’s visit to the police station. “Vicky was surprised that Sam was able to keep a straight face when she told him.”

  “Okay now that mystery is solved. Darla did you call the girlfriends?” Annie was making some notes on the pad keeping everything in order.

  Darla reported about her phone calls to Jeanette and Holly. Since they both had been at work when the crime was committed, Annie took out her pad with the list of suspects. Then she crossed off the names of Vicky, Jeanette and Holly.

  Darla went on to say how sad it was about Holly expecting to marry to Eric. “I never realized what a shallow and self-centered person Eric was.”

  “You’re right about that Darla. Let me tell you about my visit with Marissa. She’s the young woman from Seattle who came here to tell Eric that she was having his baby. They met on vacation in June and as the saying goes, the rest is history. Personally, I think she’s better off without him. I really doubt that he would have married her.

  “I’m sure you all know about the memorial service today. I’m going to bring Marissa. Shall we see what we can get done here before then?” Annie tied her scarf on her head and looked around at her friends. “Well, shall we?”

  The three women got busy transforming the walls. After painting for two hours, everyone was ready for a break. Kate was laughing at Darla’s paint speckled face and hair. “Didn’t I tell you to wear something on your head?”

  “What are the lunch plans?” Annie was standing back and admiring their painting efforts. The mauve colored walls gave the shop a fresh look. Darla and Kate would be painting the trim white the next day.

  “I’m going out to get lunch at Jerry’s Pizzeria. He has added healthy subs and soups along with his pizza. Since the gym became so popular, he’s trying to improve his image. I’ve got a menu.”

  Getting her purse, Darla found the menu. They each picked a different sub along with tomato bisque soup. Annie and Kate gave her money that she tried to refuse at first. “Someday I’ll hope to be able to treat everyone.” Putting on her second-hand camel hair coat, Darla left.

  While they waited for lunch, Kate showed Annie some of her items for sale. After putting an ad in the local paper, she had gotten a good response. People were bringing in quality used clothing for sale. “I am amazed at all the beautiful timeless outfits I have received.”

  Darla showed up about 20 minutes later loaded down with bags of food. “That place was sure busy. A lot of football fans ordering pizza. I hope it was okay that I got extra stuff on our subs. I had them put on lettuce, tomato and red onion. There are little cups of dressings on the side. You can take off what you don’t want.” Darla set out the subs while Kate took out the soup. As she removed the lids, the tomato aroma filled the air. The three women were soon devouring their subs and the soup.

  “Jerry was smart to come up with this idea. I had better check our menu at the café. I know we are into more comfort food.” Annie wiped some dressing off her lips. “Let me help you clean up and then I need to get home. I’m picking Marissa up at 2:30”

  “You go on home, Annie. Darla and I will finish. You were sweet to give up your day off to help us.” Kate and Darla started putting away all the painting supplies.

  “Okay then I’ll see you both at the service.
I’m anxious to see who shows up.” Annie headed home to get ready.

  Chapter 12

  The classroom was crowded with mourners. The Finleys had done a remarkable job of putting it all together so quickly. A single large bouquet of flowers was on a table near the podium. The simple display only added to the tragedy of a life lost in its prime.

  The posse was sitting together along with Marissa. Annie had thoughtfully brought a box of tissues to handout to everyone. Marissa had used several before the service even got started.

  Looking around the room, Annie noticed several women were weeping. Eric went through women like a steamroller, crushing hearts everywhere. She knew darn well some of the women were married. Promptly at 3:00, George and Mary Beth went to the front and spoke quietly about the trainer, as they knew him.