Welcome to Sweetwater (Annie Parker Mystery Shorts Box Set)

by A. J. Bromley

  “Eric came here from the east coast where he had been training athletes. He was looking for a slower pace and Sweetwater was a perfect fit.” George stopped and looked around the room. In an emotional gesture, he gave a big sweep of his right arm he said. “I know that by the outpouring of sympathy, that he touched each and every one of you.” Suddenly there were a few giggles and muffled laughter at his remark. Mary Beth, with a dismissing look on her face, immediately took over speaking.

  “I had the sad task of talking to Eric’s father. He is a widower who lives in Buffalo, New York. Mr. Chapman has been in ill health; this was a tragic blow to him. ‘Why would anyone want to kill my son?’ Believe me it breaks my heart. Now if anyone would like to say a few words.” George escorted Mary Beth to a nearby chair. He handed her a handkerchief for her tears.

  Annie was making a list of all those attending. Kate and Darla supplied the names of the ones she didn’t know. Would the killer be brazen enough to show up today?

  Marissa sat with a stoic look on her face. This was her baby’s father that they were eulogizing. Very few people knew who she was and that was okay. She and TJ were leaving for home in the morning.

  A few of the members spoke about their friendship with Eric. “He was a good sport.”

  “Always helpful.” “He will be missed by all.” Many of the women spoke about his encouragement with a weight loss program.

  When the service ended, Nicole stopped to chat with Amy and Vicky. “Do they have any clues yet? I haven’t heard anything.”

  “Not that I know. Tell me why you were at the police station Friday?” Amy couldn’t help asking.

  “I had to let someone know that there was a man in town who was out for Eric’s blood.” Nicole looked around at Marissa as she spoke. She regretted being so harsh with her the other day. The whole Mexico debacle had shaken her usual disciplined behavior.

  The crowd slowly thinned out. Annie invited Marissa along with Kate and Darla back to her house. “I know you and your brother are leaving early in the morning. This will be our last time to visit.”

  Marissa was glad to be included with Annie’s friends. She was feeling sad and lonely. Oh, the plans she had made. She had been excited about raising a family in this lovely town.

  Once at Annie’s house, they all relaxed and talked about the ceremony. They tried hard not to say anything that would reflect badly on Eric.

  Kate was sitting next to Marissa on the sofa. Annie and Darla were fixing tea for everyone. “Marissa, I love that scent that you are wearing. It is subtle but pleasant.”

  “I’m not wearing any perfume. Oh, wait you must mean the lotion I’m using for my skin.”

  “Well, I know that wonderful smell from somewhere recently but can’t remember where.”

  “Nicole at Tranquil Moments makes this lotion, it is lavender and chamomile. She has the neatest shop.”

  Annie wheeled everything in on her newly acquired antique teacart. “I saw this in Sylvia’s window this week. Second Chance has the best bargains.”

  “I bought a silver baby cup there on Wednesday.” Trying to hold back a sob, Marissa wiped away some tears. “I was anxious to show it to Eric when we met.”

  Annie reached over to pat Marissa’s hand. “Why don’t you tell us about your home in Seattle?”

  Marissa was suddenly missing her parents. Sitting up straighter, she went on to tell about her plans. “My condo will be perfect for the two of us. Now I can put a playpen in my office at work. Mom and dad will get used to the idea of eventually. I don’t want strangers taking care of my baby.”

  “You have to stay in touch with us. We want to be part of your extended family.” Annie passed around a plate of brownies.

  Marissa was enjoying her friends when her cell phone rang. TJ wondered when she would be back. “I’m having tea with Annie and her friends. Would you come to pick me up? I have lots to do before we leave.”

  “I’ll be right there after I get directions.” After Annie gave him directions, she packed up a few brownies to send along with Marissa.

  TJ was there in a matter of minutes and Marissa said her goodbyes.

  The posse then set down to discuss the case. “My list of suspects is getting smaller all the time. I honestly don’t know several of the members or their spouses. Kate you look troubled.” Annie wondered what was bothering Kate.

  “It’s that lotion that Marissa was wearing. I’m trying to think when I smelled it before. Tomorrow I’m going to Nicole’s shop and buy some. Sorry Annie didn’t mean to get off track here.”

  Darla started laughing as she looked around Kate and Annie. “Wasn’t that awful how the women reacted to George’s comment? Obviously Eric had touched the women in many places.”

  “On that high note let’s call it a night. Tomorrow will be here too soon. I have a feeling in my tired bones that we are going to have a red-letter day.”

  Later that night Sam called while Annie was getting ready for bed. “How was the memorial service?”

  Annie went on to tell Sam briefly about the service. She left him laughing over George Finley’s unfortunate remark.

  Chapter 13

  It was still dark out when Annie took off walking to work on Monday morning. The streetlamps were on, giving the sidewalk patches of light. The snow that fell during the night made a crunchy sound when she walked. Her flashlight was a comfort. After unlocking the front door, Annie turned on the lights then went to make the coffee. Roy would be here soon and that was always the first thing he looked for.

  She was up to her elbows in flour, kneading dough, when Roy came and with his usual winning smile. “How’s it going Annie?” Roy went to grab a cup of coffee.

  “So far so good Roy, but it’s only Monday.”

  “Better get breakfast started. People will be coming in for the latest news. I know this has been tragic but it sure brings in the business.” Roy quickly went to his kitchen when he saw Annie’s shocked expression.

  The locals came early and stayed late. Caitlyn and Annie were busy taking orders, refilling coffee and answering many questions.

  Joe Havers was sitting in his usual spot but he was not alone today. May Woolsey was sitting across from him. They were laughing and enjoying a pleasant conversation. May’s husband died about five years ago. This is what Joe needed in his life. Annie was happy for him. Maybe he would get off her back now.

  It was 10 o’clock before Annie could take her break. She was relaxing with her cup of coffee while sitting at the counter. Roy came out to join her. Caitlyn was finishing up in the kitchen.

  “Crime is good for business. I have been cooking up a storm this morning. There are more rumors going around about the killer.” Roy got refills for the two of them. This was the quiet time before they had to prepare for the lunch crowd.

  “Anything new about the case?” Roy tried to ignore all the local gossip from the customers. He knew Annie had inside information.

  Annie told him about the memorial service. “The Finleys did a tasteful service in the short time they had.” Annie started to talk about the Dunbars when her cell phone rang.

  Answering her phone, Annie heard Darla’s anxious voice. “Annie I’m terribly worried about Kate.”

  “Darla slow down. Why are you worried about her? Where is Kate?

  “I came to work early this morning to finish a few alterations. Kate was late; someone had stopped at her house with clothes for consignment. I think some women are self-conscious about coming to the shop.”

  Annie could hear Darla taking a deep breath and then sighing. “What happened when Kate got there?”

  “I told her about Nicole bringing in a jacket. She lost a button and wanted to replace all of them. Kate offered to take the jacket to Nicole since she wanted to buy some lotion that Marissa raved about.

  “While I went to get the jacket, Kate poked around my button box. ‘You have a great selection of old buttons, Darla.’ I returned to find a quiet and pale Kate si
tting at my worktable starring at her cell phone and some wooden buttons. She asked me where the buttons came from. I told her they were from Nicole’s jacket.

  “Then she did the strangest thing. She grabbed the jacket and ran out of the shop without her usual cheery ‘goodbye’. Do you think I am overreacting, Annie?”

  “No Darla. You did the right thing by calling me. I’ll take care of everything.”

  Heading to the front door, Annie hesitated and then turned to Roy, “Call Sam. Tell him to meet me at Tranquil Moments right away.”

  Chapter 14

  After leaving Darla, Kate began shaking all over. It was quite a shock seeing those buttons. Now she needed to see Nicole face to face. Entering Tranquil Moments, Kate looked around and was surprised at the beautiful shop.

  Nicole came from the back room wiping her hands on a white towel. She was dressed casually in black jeans and a raspberry sweater. “Hi, Kate. I see you have my jacket. Tell Darla I will be by to pay her.”

  Kate was looking at the display of lotions. “Marissa Dunbar told me about the lotion that you sold her.” Then Kate suddenly remembered where she had first noticed that certain smell. “Is there any chance that men would use this?”

  “I really doubt it.” Nicole thought that that was an odd question.

  Kate hoped that she wouldn’t regret her next question. “Isn’t it strange, but I remember that smell from when I found Eric’s body.”

  “I don’t have a clue what you’re talking about.” Nicole started looking at Kate with an uneasy feeling.

  “I also saw your missing button under the bench. Were you one of Eric’s many girlfriends?”

  Nicole gave a wicked laugh. “Oh yes, we had a steamy affair.” Then bitterness crept into her voice. “I even got hair extensions and Botox for that man.”

  Kate started heading toward the door, when Nicole quickly blocked her escape. “Where do you think you are going? You have ruined everything.” Pushing Kate, Nicole’s rage was building to a dangerous level.

  “Why you redheaded bitch! All right, I killed Eric and for good reason. He took my money to romance that little twit from Seattle. Of course, I killed him. I crushed his windpipe till he was dead.”

  Suddenly Annie burst through the door, out of breath from running the last block. “Kate are you are okay?”

  “Oh, Annie, thank goodness you’re here.” Kate tried to compose herself. “Nicole killed Eric.”

  Annie gave a big sigh when Sam arrived. She quickly gave him the facts. “Nicole confessed to Kate that she killed Eric. She’s all yours, Sam.”

  Leaving the chief to deal with Nicole, Annie and Kate went to tell Darla everything.

  Chapter 15

  Annie, Kate and Darla arrived to the café after the lunch crowd had left. She had to finish a few things and then she was going home. Annie briefly told Roy and Caitlyn what had happened.

  As she was eating, Angela Meyers came in. “Hi, Annie. I called in my lunch order. I hope it’s ready.”

  “Business must be picking up. By the way, I had forgotten about your meeting with Brad on Saturday. What was that all about?”

  “What a nice man. I showed Brad around town. He is going to commute to his office in Denver, after falling in love with our town. He likes the Fitzgerald place on Apple Blossom Lane. Oh, here’s my order. Thanks Caitlyn.” Annie stood there in disbelief while Caitlyn took Angela’s money.

  Annie only had one thought going through her mind. “I could just KILL HIM!”

  Spinach and Sausage Penne

  Spinach Pesto

  2 C Spinach

  2 Garlic Cloves

  2 T Sundried Tomatoes

  2 T Olive Oil

  1 lb. Italian Sausage

  12 oz Penne

  ½ - ¾ C Pasta Cooking Water

  ½ Grated Parmesan Cheese

  Makes 6 servings.

  Make the Spinach Pesto; it can be frozen. In a food processor, put the spinach, garlic, and sundried tomatoes. Pulse until everything is finely chopped. Slowly add in olive oil as the processor is running.

  Crumble and cook the sausage; then set aside. Cook the pasta and save ¾ C of the cooking water. Drain the pasta. Heat the pesto in the pasta pan. Add in the pasta cooking water in small amounts to make a sauce. Add in the cooked pasta and Parmesan cheese. Mix in the sausage and heat through.

  Afternoon Delight

  An Annie Parker Mystery Short

  A.J. Bromley

  Prologue

  Sam’s phone rang while he and Annie were sitting comfortably on the sofa. Friday night was their time together; it had been for a few years. Taking the phone from his pocket, Sam noticed the caller. “This better be good, Dennis.” Sam listened to his deputy for a few minutes without interruption. “I’ll be right there.”

  Slowly removing his long legs from the coffee table and putting on his shoes, Sam stood up to leave. He changed from a relaxed, off duty officer into an alert, on duty chief of police.

  “Annie, I’ve got to leave. I’ll call you later.” With a quick kiss, Sam was out the front door.

  Something was wrong if Dennis needed Sam’s help at this time of night. Annie tried to get into the movie that Sam had brought but couldn’t. The French Connection was his favorite. She switched it out to her personal choice, Sleepless in Seattle. She had been looking forward to being with Sam; it was the highlight of her week.

  The movie was almost over, when her phone rang. About time Sam, Annie thought to herself.

  “I need you to come down to the station, Annie. Dennis will come by to pick you up.”

  “What’s this all about Sam?”

  “I can’t go into it right now. Please do as I ask.”

  Annie heard sadness in his voice. “Okay, give me time to get dressed.” Hanging up, Annie went to her bedroom to change from her nightgown that she had put on earlier to jeans and a blue t-shirt. Hearing a knock at her door, she quickly brushed her hair and grabbed a light sweater. June nights were still cool.

  Dennis usually had a silly grin on his face but tonight he was very serious. “Guess Sam told you I’d be coming?”

  “Do you know what this is all about, Dennis?” Annie’s anxiety level was slowly increasing. Taking her keys from the side table, she locked her front door.

  “Sorry Annie, I’m not free to comment. Sam will explain everything. Let’s go.”

  The short ride to the station seemed like an eternity with the uncomfortable silence in the squad car. The parking lot was crowded with vehicles; the station was lit up. Something big was happening in this usually quiet mountain town in Colorado. Annie knew that she was involved somehow. Feeling a chill in the air, she put on her sweater as she walked to the front door. Dennis grabbed her arm when she almost stumbled on the steps.

  Bill Keyes, the night deputy, was the first person Annie recognized. She knew that Bill’s shift usually started at 11 and it was only 10 o’clock now.

  “Annie, Sam is waiting for you in his office.” Bill’s usual warm, friendly smile appeared forced and artificial.

  Taking a deep breath and standing up straighter, Annie gave a little laugh. “I wish I had remembered to bring treats to this party.” When Bill didn’t react, Annie got serious. “You better take me to Sam.”

  Sam looked out of place in his casual off duty clothes but his demeanor was all business. “Take a seat Annie. I have a few questions that I need you to answer.”

  “My heavens Sam, what is this all about? No one will talk to me.”

  “Tell me what you did today, starting with this morning. I have asked Bill to sit in on the conversation.”

  Annie looked from Sam to Bill and back still not believing what was happening. Clearing her throat, Annie told about her day.

  “I got to work about 5 AM. I normally don’t get there that early but I have a special two-week sale called Afternoon Delight. Every year at this time, I bake strawberry- rhubarb pies. People look forward to this; some even place orders weeks ahea
d.” Annie stopped talking and looked at the two men. They showed no reaction. Bill was busy making notes on a large yellow pad.

  “It was a typical Friday morning; customers talking about their weekend plans. I worked in the bakery all day; there were several orders for pies along with my regular baking. By mid-afternoon, I was ready to go home. Being the last day of the sale, I had set aside some extra pies that I will probably sell tomorrow.”

  Sam suddenly felt very uncomfortable as he went on to report. “We are going to be shutting down your bakery, Annie.”