“Annie, are you being treated okay?” Bill felt uncomfortable seeing her behind bars.
“I could really get accustomed to being waited on. Have you learned anything new?” Looking from Bill to Sam, she felt uneasy seeing their solemn faces.
Sam had to resist the urge to embrace his sweetheart. “We have to ask you about Brad’s allergy.”
“Oh that. Brad has been allergic to peanuts since childhood. When we first started going together, he explained the whole thing to me. As a child, he had a bad reaction and almost died. He always kept his epipen nearby.” Annie looked at Sam waiting for an explanation.
“Someone is setting you up as Brad’s killer. We are having the pie analyzed.”
“I will never make another strawberry-rhubarb pie again; Afternoon Delight is no more.”
Chapter 5
“Hey, sis, I’m here.” Sue tried not to get too emotional when she saw Annie sitting on a cot in the cell.
“Wow Sue, you made good time.” Glancing at her watch, Annie said, “It’s only 2:30. Thanks for coming so quickly.”
Annie went to greet her older sister. She had a wholesome look of a woman who loved to garden. “Bet you would rather be playing in the dirt this weekend.”
“Not to worry. The weeds will keep until I get back.” Annie always enjoyed Sue’s dry sense of humor.
Sue sat in the one lonely chair near Annie’s cot. “My, oh, my, what have you done to your hair? I love that style on you.”
Annie gave a hearty laugh and hugged her sister. “Leave it to you to find a bright spot. Here I am on death row and you compliment me on my hair! I have your daughter to thank for my new look. Taylor and I had a girls’ day out about two months ago. She insisted that I go to Sherri’s in Boulder. The highlights help cover up some of the gray that keeps popping up in my brown hair.”
“You look ten years younger. Speaking of Taylor, she will be here tonight. We’re going to meet at your house. What can I do to help right now?”
Annie got her pad and went over everything. “First you need to see Roy at the café; he’s expecting you. I want him to hire Caitlyn’s cousin, Ashley. She had been looking for a summertime job. Kate was here this morning and is getting the posse ready to meet here at 10 in the morning. Taylor will be a big help. I made a quick list of what’s in my freezer for you. There’s enough to get you and Taylor through the weekend.” Annie let out a big sigh. “Thanks again for coming to my rescue.”
“Do you ever take time to breathe? Try to relax. Taylor and I will bring dinner for the three of us. You can fill me in on your old boyfriend.”
Sue was hoping to get a quick shower after the long drive. Her crisp neat outfit was now wrinkled and damp. Glancing at her watch, she decided to go the café first. She didn’t want to keep Roy waiting any longer.
It felt like old times when she entered the front door. Everything was neat and tidy. All the chairs were upside down on the tables and someone had recently mopped the black and white tile floor.
A man in jeans and a white t-shirt was sitting on a stool at the counter doing paperwork. “Hi, there, I’m Roy. You must be Annie’s sister. We met a few years ago. How’s she doing?”
“Annie is as spunky as ever and trying to be in charge.” Sue went to say that Annie wanted Roy to hire more help.
Roy chuckled. “I have everything under control. We can really use the extra help. When you talk to Annie, tell her that all the locals are rooting for her. Joe Havers called me out to his table this morning. ‘Tell Annie to get her posse on this immediately. I’ve got more faith in them than I do that Police Department.’ She’ll get a kick out of that.”
After leaving the café, Sue drove to Annie’s house. Pulling into the driveway, she saw Taylor’s SUV. She found her daughter in the kitchen fixing a snack.
“Hi, Mom. Want a burrito? I forgot to eat lunch and I knew Aunt Annie always has a freezer full of good stuff.”
“Come here and give your mother a hug. I’m so glad you could get away.” After quick hugs, Sue asked Taylor how she was able to get in the house.
Taylor took a quick bite of her snack. “Aunt Annie showed me ages ago where she keeps the spare key. It’s under that old beat up turquoise frog on the front porch. All her friends know where she hides it.” Sue could only roll her eyes at that remark. “How is Aunt Annie doing?”
“I stopped to see her first thing and she is still very much in charge. I told her that we would bring dinner tonight. She told me that the posse is meeting in her cell tomorrow morning. Then I went to see Roy at the café. Right now, I’m going to go shower and change. I feel so grimy from the drive. Then I could eat a snack. Do me a favor and call your dad. Let him know that I got here safely and I’ll call him later tonight.”
Taking a list out of her purse, Sue handed it to her daughter. “Your aunt wrote out what is in the freezer; see what looks good for tonight.”
Reading the list, Taylor found one of her favorites. “Spaghetti casserole. That is so yummy. I’ll put together a salad to go with it.”
Taylor was looking forward to seeing Annie and her posse friends. She had yet to meet their new member, Darla Franconi. She was surprised that her mother was being so helpful and even treating her like an adult. She really must be focusing on helping prove Annie’s innocence.
Chapter 6
Sarah was in a nostalgic mood as she drove north on Interstate 25 out of Colorado Springs. She had not been home since her niece, Cindy, was born and she was three years old now. Sarah’s sister, Jenny, was happy with her two children. Corbin Junior, nicknamed Cory, was five and had his dad’s dark features while Cindy had her mother’s likeness. Jenny was always posting photos online of her children.
Downshifting, Sarah easily overtook and passed an 18 wheeler hauling bales of hay. It felt good to be out on the highway in her 67 Firebird. It was quite a change from driving around on the city streets. This car was her pride and joy. She never left her condo without her 9 mm Glock and her classic wheels.
When traffic thinned out after Denver, Sarah’s thoughts turned to Bill Keyes’ call about the death of an attorney. She didn’t know how this tied into Annie Parker. One call to her superior and Sarah got the needed time off.
When she was packing earlier this morning, Sarah called Jenny. “Hey, Jen, guess what? I have been asked to consult on a case in Sweetwater.” Jenny gave a happy response, wanting to know how long she would be staying. “As long as it takes I guess. I will be helping my old department. Well, I’m ready to leave.” Sarah had been walking back and forth to her closet gathering up work clothes and casual wear. Her toiletries took about five minutes to collect. Makeup had never been a big issue even with moving to the city; moisturizer, eyeliner and lip-gloss were as far as she went.
“I’ll be staying at the Pine Tree Inn. Hope there is time to see you and your two adorable kids. Bye, Jen.”
She and her sister were not real close probably because they were direct opposites. Sarah wanted much more than the small town had to offer. Jenny, on the other hand, loved having a family and her small circle of friends.
. . .
Sarah pulled into the police station in the afternoon. She was eager to meet with Bill and review the case. Dressed casually in jeans, a white long sleeved shirt and low-cut boots, Sarah entered the front door. Her long wavy strawberry blonde hair always got everyone’s attention along with her trim build.
“Well, look who’s here; big-time city gal.” Julie was all smiles as she went to hug Sarah. “We are so happy you came to help.”
“Now, Julie I only made detective not sainthood, but thanks for the warm welcome.” Looking around the room, she noticed many upgrades. “Sam has given this place a face lift. I stopped in here first to see Bill and read over any reports. I’ll be staying at the Inn.”
Sam and Bill were coming down the hallway when they heard the two women talking. “Sarah King, you are one beautiful sight.” Bill was laughing as he shook her hand. �
��Sam, you remember Sarah.”
“I sure do. We appreciate you coming so quickly. I’ll leave you with Bill for now. I’m heading home. Call if you need me.” Sam wanted to give his deputy time to meet with Sarah on the case.
“See you, Sam.” Then turning to Sarah, Bill said, “I have assigned you a place over here.” Bill headed to the empty desk and chair by the back wall. “Hope this is far enough away from the traffic. Let me get the file from Sam’s office.”
Sarah grabbed a cup coffee then went to check out her workspace. Bill came back shortly with a file. “This has the report of the crime scene; the photos are posted in the conference room.”
After reading the report, Sarah went to see Annie. She found her resting on the cot. “Hey, Annie Parker, remember me, Sarah King? Do you still make those delicious apple turnovers?”
“Sarah, I’m so glad that you came to help. Get me out of here and I’ll bake you dozens of turnovers.” Annie got up and went to give her a hug. “It always amazed me how you kept your slim figure.”
“Believe me, it wasn’t easy.” Sarah laughed as she thought about the old days in Sweetwater. “Well I’m off to see what room Joy gave me; hope it’s the corner one facing the morning sun. Keep a good thought, Annie.”
Collecting her purse and taking out her keys, Sarah suddenly found herself face to face with her brother-in-law. “Corbin what are you doing here?”
“I was in town to pick up a few things for Jenny and I spotted your car in the parking lot.” He went on to say, “She wanted to invite you to dinner tonight. She was caught by surprise when you called earlier.”
“I’m going to be pretty busy here.” Sarah replied.
“You do have to eat somewhere. Cory is all excited about seeing you. I know you wouldn’t want to disappoint him.” He knew that would clinch the deal.
“Okay you got me by playing the Cory card. I’m on my way to check in at the Pine Tree Inn. I’ll be out about 5:30 okay. Tell Jen not to fuss.”
“According to my list I bet she will be making your favorite meatloaf and mashed potatoes.” The last remark he said over his shoulder as he walked away.
. . .
Taylor found a picnic basket in the hall closet and started packing the food. The casserole gave off a delicious aroma of tomato and garlic. The fresh salad and sliced melon completed the meal. Sue had collected a few items that Kate had forgotten, a hairdryer and styling brush.
When they got to the station, Julie was clearing off her desk and getting ready to go home. Bill had returned earlier after checking out Annie’s bakery. He was on the phone to Sam. “I didn’t find any peanut products there.”
“I knew that you wouldn’t. Annie has always kept the bakery peanut-free.” Sam was sitting on his back porch watching his neighbor and his little boy build a fort; lots of laughter and giggling. “I’ll tell Annie tonight that she can re-open the bakery. Go home, Bill. You have put in a long day.” Hanging up, Sam went to shower and change.
Chapter 7
“I’m here to see Annie Parker. I heard you have her locked up.” A tall elderly woman dressed in an eclectic looking outfit and carrying a cookie tin, came into the police station.
“Morning, Sadie. What a pleasure to see you on this fine summer day.” Sam was standing by Julie’s desk.
“Enough with the small talk, Sam Sparks. I’m here to offer help.” Giving him a smug look, she said, “Sam, would you please fix hot water for Annie and me? I brought my own tea. Now show me to the prisoner’s cell.”
Sam always felt like a misbehaving schoolchild in Sadie’s presence. He secretly admired this no nonsense widow. Her husband left her financially secure but her lifestyle remained very modest. “Annie, you have company.” Sam showed Sadie into the cell and moved a chair over near the cot. Then he went to heat the requested tea water.
“This place is a dump. Can’t you get your boyfriend to jazz it up a bit? You don’t even know if the sun is out or if it’s raining. Now that,” Sadie was pointing to the bare bulb hanging from the ceiling, “I have flashlights that give off more light.”
Annie bent over with laughter at her friend’s description. “Sadie, what a nice surprise and you brought goodies. How did you even know that I was in here?” Annie sat up, straightened her shirt and tried to neaten her hair. Thankfully, her jeans always managed to stay wrinkle free.
“Darla keeps me ‘in the loop’. She came over yesterday afternoon bursting to tell all the gory details. Now we will be having hot tea as soon as Sam brings the water.” Setting the cookies on the small wobbly table, Sadie got right down to business. Taking a moment to find a card in her purse, Sadie continued. “If you are charged and need an attorney, I have contacted Donald Vickers, who can take your case. Several of my friends in Denver recommend him.” After handing Annie a card with the information, Sadie sat down with a satisfied look on her face.
Annie sat quietly, trying to process the offer. “Oh Sadie, I think I’m going to be released tomorrow. I am only being held for questioning.”
Before Sadie could reply, Sam came with two Styrofoam cups of hot water. “Sorry ladies, we don’t have any fine china.”
“Thanks Sam. Wait while I put a magazine under one of these table legs. When I get out of here, I’m going to donate a better table and maybe a thicker mattress.” Annie couldn’t help laughing at Sadie’s grim expression. “Now, I want one of your cookies.”
“These are dromars, an old family recipe that I’ll gladly share with you. It’s chewy short bread with a dab of chocolate frosting.”
Annie finished eating her cookie. “Sadie, these are delicious. I definitely would like to make these for my bakery. First, I need to get out of here and find the killer.”
“Well, Annie I better go. I know that your posse is due here shortly. That group will really thrill Sam.” Sadie laughed all the way down the hall.
Annie was busy clearing away the cups when she heard a quiet voice. “Is the coast clear?” Annie turned to see Sam standing in the doorway.
“Sadie’s gone Sam. You know what I love about her. She wasted no time finding a lawyer if I were to need one.”
. . .
The posse arrived promptly at 10. Everyone yelled a cheery “Good Morning” to Sam. “Good morning ladies.” Then turning to Sarah who was at her desk, he added, “Visitors will have to start making reservations to see Annie. It’s like Grand Central Station around here.”
“Is that you, Sarah King?” Polly walked over to the detective. “Molly, come see who’s here.” The Peterson twins were beaming as they greeted their former student.
Sarah was pleased to see two of her favorite high school teachers. It was moments like this that she missed this small town.
While the twins were reminiscing with Sarah, the rest of the posse went to Annie’s cell. Several chairs were crammed in the small space. “Sam was very helpful.” Annie smiled at her group. “Where are Molly and Polly?”
“They are chatting with Sarah. Oh, here they come.” Kate heard them walking down the hall, laughing about a long ago memory.
Sam smiled to himself, pleased to see this small army of women. He begrudgingly admitted the posse had been helpful in the past.
Annie was ready to get things rolling. “Since I’ve been stuck in this charming place, I have had plenty of time to think. I want to start checking into Brad’s time he spent in Denver. Why did he suddenly leave? Someone should talk to the receptionist here in Sweetwater. She might have some insight into his personal life. Lastly check out his ex-wife. I don’t know what happened to that marriage.”
The women all sat back quietly. They were happy to have their leader taking charge. Molly spoke first. “Polly and I haven’t been to Denver in ages; we would be happy to go down there and do some snooping around. Okay?”
“I appreciate that.” Then turning to Kate and Darla, Annie said, “Could the two of you question the receptionist, Lindsey Turner?”
“We know Lindsay. She bri
ngs her mother into our shop to have outfits made.” Turning to Kate, Darla went on. “You found Lindsey easy to talk with haven’t you?”
“Oh, yes. I’m sure she would be happy to help us.” Kate replied.
Sue spoke up. “That leaves the ex-wife.” She was amazed how things were falling into place. It was no wonder Annie and Taylor raved about the posse. “Let me see what I can find out about Penelope. Taylor can help me with an internet search.”
“Taylor what are your plans?” Kate didn’t want her young friend to feel left out of the planning.
Welcome to Sweetwater (Annie Parker Mystery Shorts Box Set) Page 19