Welcome to Sweetwater (Annie Parker Mystery Shorts Box Set)

by A. J. Bromley

  “I’m going home to help Dad with the business. I’ll be leaving in the morning. The two of us have been planning a fishing trip for next weekend. Mom will be my stand-in here.”

  “Thank goodness Taylor enjoys the outdoors. When we first got married, Dave took me on a camping adventure. It was a disaster.” Sue looked fondly at her daughter.

  “You need to tell us what is happening with your friend, Alex. Have you been seeing him, Taylor?” Molly asked.

  Taylor smiled as she looked around the group. “We date occasionally but we both are too busy with school. Alex is taking night classes to finish his degree.”

  Annie liked Alex, the young police officer, who had befriended Taylor. The tragic death of her employer in Boulder had brought the two young people together.

  “That is about all I have for now. I did save my good news for last. I will be getting out of here tomorrow morning. I don’t think I could spend many more nights on this lumpy old cot.”

  Molly and Polly stayed to chat with Annie. “I’m glad that Sarah is here to help.” Molly went on to talk about old times when Sarah was in high school. “I remember how close she and that Spencer boy were; think it was college that changed that relationship.”

  Polly spoke up. “They both matured and found that their dreams were no longer the same. Well, Annie we need to go and make our plans for Denver. We may drop by the library to find material on the new trip we’re planning.”

  “It’s been a while. Where are you two going now?” Annie enjoyed living vicariously through the retired teachers.

  “We are thinking about hiking part of the Appalachia Trail. Do you think we need to be committed?” Molly said.

  “I bet you two can do anything you decide on. Have fun in the big city.” Annie started stacking up all the chairs from the meeting as the twins left.

  Chapter 8

  Sarah went to the conference room; she wanted another look at the photos taken at the scene. When she opened the door, she saw a casually dressed man standing in front of the board looking at the pictures. “Excuse me, who are you and what are you doing here?” Sarah confronted the man who started laughing.

  “You must be the detective that Bill called. Relax. I’m Dennis James the deputy who took these.” Dennis made a sweeping gesture with his right arm. “I was on duty that night.”

  “Deputy James. I want to compliment you on your detailed report and these photos.” Sarah had a natural talent for connecting with law enforcement people.

  Dennis gave her a firm handshake while trying to act cool. “I bet that’s your black Firebird in the parking lot. Man, wouldn’t I like to drive something like that. Bet I could attract the babes.” Dennis suddenly blushed and stammered. “Sorry about that remark.” Sarah shrugged her shoulders and smiled. She liked this friendly, slightly overweight man.

  “So, why are you here? You should be home sleeping.” She knew that he had been assigned Bill’s night shifts.

  “Yeah, well I’m off tonight. Something has been bothering me about this pie. I have eaten plenty of Annie’s.” Dennis patted his abdomen. “This isn’t her style. See the fancy latticework on the top crust and the edges are all wrong. I know my baked goods.”

  Reaching for the photo of the pie, Sarah removed the pins holding it in place. “I’m going to show this to Annie. Thanks Deputy James, this may prove helpful.”

  Sarah found Annie eating her lunch from Jerry’s Pizzeria. Sam had ordered her favorite sausage and pepperoni pizza.

  “Hi, Sarah, would you like a slice? There’s plenty.” Sarah only smiled and shook her head no. Annie took time to lick some sauce off her fingers before asking, “Any new developments?”

  “Bill and I went over the crime scene this morning and did find the epipen in back of a file drawer. Hopefully we will find some fingerprints.”

  “Oh, Sarah, Brad never would have found it in time to save his life.”

  Sitting down, Sarah took out her folder where she had jotted down a few questions. “Why would someone want to frame you?”

  “I have no idea. I didn’t think I had any enemies. Now a few years ago the newer members of the chamber wanted to modernize the look of the town. I campaigned and won to keep the small town feel. I did encourage the shop owners to keep their storefronts painted and in good repair.” Reaching for a second slice of pizza, Annie waited for Sarah to continue.

  Sarah showed Annie the picture of the strawberry-rhubarb pie that was in Brad’s office. “That isn’t anything I made. Look at this.” Annie pointed to the pie. “Someone used a fluted pastry wheel to do the lattice and I use a knife. I also use a fork to crimp the edges.”

  A slow smile came across Sarah face. “I don’t think this pie came from your bakery, Annie. I need to do some more checking. You enjoy your pizza.” Sarah started to leave the cell humming a little tune but returned to ask about the meeting with the posse. “That is a very enthusiastic group of women.”

  “We have worked together for a long time. I know that Sam hates to admit it but we do get results.”

  Chapter 9

  Lindsey couldn’t get her Monday morning started with all the interruptions. She had been up since five trying to console her mother after she had an anxiety episode. Now the two women were sitting in the kitchen having breakfast. Darla had called asking Lindsey to come by the shop. Then Bill left a message while she was in the shower. He said that the police investigation was complete and she was free to return to the office at any time.

  “Are you feeling better Mom?”

  “Yes dear. I’m only sorry you have to go back to the office.”

  Lindsey knew she had told her mother too many details about finding her boss. “I need to get Brad’s files in order. The police department wants to review some cases. Then I will be notifying Brad’s associate in Denver to close out the office.”

  “You run along Lin. I’ll clean up here.” The older woman started stacking dishes. Then looking at her daughter said, “I know that Brad was not the easiest person to work for. But I can’t imagine why someone killed him.”

  “I know Mom. The police are working on it. I need to get going; check on you later.” Giving her mother a quick peck on the cheek, Lindsey left.

  A Stitch in Time located off Main Street, was a pleasant addition to the town. Darla did alterations and made new outfits. Kate sold vintage clothing and consignment goods. Lindsey always enjoyed chatting with Kate while Darla was sewing her mother some new outfits. Today was not a good day for visiting. She hoped that Darla wouldn’t keep her too long.

  Lindsey entered the shop. “I’m here Darla. You wanted to see me?”

  Darla set down the pants she was repairing. “Kate and I wanted to see you about Brad Westin’s death.”

  Kate came from the back room carrying an elegant silk dress. “Good morning, Lindsey.” Then holding up the lavender colored dress, Kate said, “Isn’t this beautiful? It’s for Lillian Walker, the mother of the bride. Her daughter, Cindy is getting married this month.”

  “What fun it must be finding all these treasures. Don’t mean to rush but I have a busy day. What did you need Darla?” Lindsey didn’t take time to sit down.

  “We both needed to ask you a question about Brad’s personal life. Did he ever have any girlfriends here in town? Darla and I have been talking about his death.”

  “Of course you know he was Annie Parker’s old boyfriend. When Brad was depressed, he would tell me about their time together years ago. He blamed his parents for breaking them up. His marriage was a disaster.” Lindsey decided to sit down before continuing.

  “He told me about Rachel, the decorator. She was always stopping by his house with some small item, a table lamp or knickknacks for the living room. Then when she did the office, she managed to time her visits for late in the day. Brad was happy when she gave him the final bill. He never wanted to date her. Now, Lisa Romero, you know the owner of Just Desserts, was in the office all the time.

  “I t
hink that she went home after work to shower and change before stopping by. I complimented her once on her gorgeous hair and Lisa let me know that she goes to some fancy salon in Denver. Then she has to tell me that she shops at Nordstrom for her outfits. I was jealous of her but lately she has developed a harsh attitude that is not attractive. I think this is because her business isn’t doing well.

  “The kids are spending the summer with their dad. Lisa was in recently asking Brad to some outdoor concert at Red Rocks. He told me that she was furious when he refused her invitation.” Then Lindsey went on to tell about the only date Lisa did have with him. It was the Spring Fling where he ignored her all evening.

  Kate spoke up. “I remember that night. He had his eyes glued on Annie the whole time.” She blushed as she remembered her first official date with Hank that night. “I on the other hand, had a marvelous time.” Kate told Lindsey about her neighbor, a widower with a young son.

  “It’s no wonder you are always so cheerful and happy. Well, I need to get to the office. I have so much to get organized. Don’t know if I was any help. Would this be part of the posse’s investigation? I have heard stories about you work. Good luck.” Lindsey left the two women with more unanswered questions.

  Chapter 10

  Annie was up with the sun on Monday morning. She had her things packed and was waiting impatiently for someone to release her. Sam had stopped by the night before. He warned her to be careful, “A killer is still out there.” Sue was expecting her call at any time. Suddenly Bill was standing in the doorway of her cell.

  “Not too anxious are we?” Bill was happy to be able to send Annie home. “Don’t bother calling your sister; she’s parked out front. Let me help you with that.” Bill picked up the overnight bag while Annie carried her extra clothes and her purse.

  “Thanks Bill. The posse is doing some checking. I’ll call if we get any new information.”

  “That’s fine, Annie, but remember to be careful. We still don’t know who killed Brad.”

  “Bill, I got the same lecture from Sam last night. My sister will be staying with me this week. I’m going home and relax. I plan to be back at work tomorrow.”

  Walking Annie out to Sue’s vehicle, Bill put her bag in the backseat. “Try to stay of trouble, you two.” Then he returned to the station.

  Annie took a few deep breaths of fresh air. “It feels so great to be out of that dungeon. Thanks for being here so early, Sue. Now home and a long soak in the tub and then to get working on solving this crime. Oh, did Taylor get off early this morning?”

  “She was on the road by six, but not before giving me more tips on how to help the posse. She was able to search for Brad’s ex-wife online. Penelope remarried after the divorce. They now have three children.” Sue glanced briefly at her sister. “Maybe if the families had stayed out of everything, you and Brad would be living happily together.” Sue pulled into Annie’s driveway but didn’t get out; she was waiting for her sister’s reply.

  “We will never know. When Brad showed up last summer, I only felt extremely irritated with him.”

  “I certainly was shocked when I heard about his living here. Why didn’t you mention it to me?” Sue had trouble hiding her hurt feelings.

  “You never did like Brad. Do you remember that time you came to visit us? You thought he was an arrogant stuffed shirt.”

  “Well, he was. I wasn’t sorry when you two broke up.”

  “See, now that’s why I didn’t let you know he was here.” Annie spoke softly as she told Sue about the many times Brad wanted to renew their old life together. “I never was comfortable in his presence. I have a solid relationship with Sam and Brad tried to wreck everything.”

  “Oh, Annie, I didn’t mean to upset you. Let’s go in and I’ll get breakfast started while you soak.”

  The two women were soon enjoying a breakfast of sliced cantaloupe, granola with yogurt and freshly brewed coffee. “This is a great change and the atmosphere is so much better.”

  After breakfast, Sue gathered up the dishes and took them to the sink.

  Annie poured them each a second cup of coffee. “I’ll meet you in the living room.”

  The two sisters spent the rest of the morning talking and laughing about old times. It felt good to forget all about Brad for a while.

  Chapter 11

  That same day in another part of town, a woman was on the phone trying to calm Rachel down. The decorator had called her several times seeking reassurance that Brad’s death was all a big mistake. “You said that we were only playing a joke on him, but now he’s dead.”

  “I know, Rachel. What a terrible tragedy.” The woman wanted to keep things under control. It wouldn’t help to have her blabbing all over town.

  Rachel started to cry. “Someone named Darla has called here several times today, she wanted information about Brad.” Trying to compose herself, Rachel went on. “I’m going into the police station in the morning and tell them everything.”

  “That’s not a good idea.” The woman’s voice had lost its friendly tone. Rachel felt the coldness over the phone. “You will only cause trouble for us.”

  Rachel tried to reason with her but soon realized she had hung up. If anything, Rachel felt more distraught after the conversation. A good night’s rest was what she needed. Maybe one more glass of wine will help.

  Chapter 12

  Annie was happy to be back in her bakery rolling out dough for cinnamon buns. Coffee was brewing; Roy would be in shortly. Things were semi-normal in her life. She needed to keep busy. The posse was to meet tonight at seven; they might have some answers.

  “Welcome home boss. How was life in the big house?” Annie could always count on her cook to make her laugh. Roy got them each a cup of coffee. “You don’t have to worry about anything but baking today. Caitlyn and Ashley can handle the customers.”

  “How is Ashley working out?” Annie joined Roy at the counter.

  “She fits right in here. Knows the customers and is a hard worker.”

  “We can sure use her with the summer tourists here.” Annie asked about supplies and menu changes. She and Roy always spent time going over business at the start of the day.

  The morning flew by with Annie baking cookies and turnovers to fill the empty display cases. Customers waved and shouted greetings from their tables. Naturally, Joe had to come over and personally speak to her. “About time you got back here. This place was starting to go downhill.” Having said his piece, Joe went back to his breakfast with a satisfied look on his face.

  Sam came in for a late coffee break. “You look happy.”

  “It feels so good to be back at work. I want you to thank Bill for me. He didn’t wreck the place when he searched it. I couldn’t even tell someone had been here.”

  “I’ll let him know. Now I’m going to regret asking this but has your posse come up with any new information?”

  Annie smiled at Sam’s discomfort. “Everyone got assignments Sunday morning. We are meeting tonight; I’ll let you know what progress we’ve made?” Sam’s phone rang before she had to defend her friends.

  “Thanks, Julie. I’ll be there shortly.” Putting away his phone and getting up, Sam said that he needed to get back to the station. “I’ll call you later tonight.”

  . . .

  Julie had been answering phone calls since she arrived on Tuesday morning. Most were everyday inquiries but one call got her attention. “This is Rachel Sandifer. I live outside Boulder. I want to see the deputy working on Mr. Westin’s case; I’m leaving now.” She spoke in a hurried and frightened voice. The caller hung up before Julie could get Bill.

  “What was that all about Julie?” Bill was coming down the hall when he noticed Julie trying to get his attention.

  “Some woman is coming in and wants to talk to a deputy about Brad Westin.” Looking at her notes, she gave him the caller’s name and described how she acted on the phone.”

  “That’s the decorator. Maybe this is th
e break we need. Thanks Julie. When Sarah gets here send her to Sam’s office.”

  It wasn’t long before Sarah showed up. She and Bill were discussing the new development. Both were hopeful and anxious for Ms. Sandifer to arrive.

  Shortly after 9:30, the phone rang on Sam’s desk. “Bill, I have the Boulder Police on the line, a Harold Watkins.”

  “This is Deputy Bill Keyes. How can I help you?”

  “This is Officer Watkins. I’m in the ER at Boulder Community Hospital. Rachel

  Sandifer has been in an accident. She asked me to call before she goes into surgery.”

  “Tell her that we are on our way.” Bill didn’t wait for details. “Sarah, sounds like the decorator is in trouble.”