by J. D. Shaw
“Hello,” Kathy replied back in an equally cold manner, “and you’re most welcome.”
“What is your concern?” Mona locked eyes with her.
“Is it true that you’re using this issue as a springboard to launch your campaign to run for mayor after your husband’s term ends?”
There was a collective gasp in the room. Mona cocked her head to the side. “Whatever gave you that idea?”
Kathy reached into her purse and pulled out some papers. “I have copies of an interview you did with an online magazine, A Byte of Upstate, about running for office in a small town.”
“I was referring to my husband running for office.” Mona was quick on her defense. “The magazine misquoted me and I tried to get them to print a follow up to clarify that.”
Kathy quoted from the paper in her hand. “I feel that as a woman running for office, you need to do something beyond mere campaign promises to convince voters you are serious about the job. The truth is that the voting public often gets things wrong and it’s the job of elected officials to make them think they’re right.”
Mona rolled her eyes. “I never said that.”
“It’s right here in print.” Kathy shook the paper.
“It’s nothing more than slander by a zealous media outlet to get attention.” She gripped the edge of the podium so tight the color drained from her hands. “I’ve hired a lawyer to pursue legal action if needed.”
“Convenient.” Kathy nodded and turned to face the crowd. “I’ve posted a link to the magazine article on Social Butterfly for those of you who want to read it for yourselves.”
A general murmur broke out as Kathy stood at the microphone. She began passing out her printed copies of the article to eager hands nearby.
“As there are no more relevant concerns about this project, I move for a vote to go forward with phase one of the proposal.” Mona raised her voice.
“What’s phase one again?” Suzette asked the board.
“The historic commission has the power to re-zone parking to prevent obstructed views of historic buildings.” Mary Ellen reminded everyone. “Main Street will be re-zoned with one hour parking in front of all businesses.”
There were several angry shouts from the apartment tenants in the audience.
“All in favor of phase one?” Mona asked.
“Aye.” Victoria was first to answer.
“Aye.” Mary Ellen added her approval.
Suzette looked nervously around the room. She wrung her hands together for a moment. “Aye,” she stammered meekly.
“Opposed.” Cassandra spoke with extra emphasis, which brought a cheer and a few whistles from the apartment tenants.
“I vote yes.” Mona slammed her gavel down. “Motion passes and will be given to town officials tomorrow morning.” She motioned to the police officers at the back of the room who moved forward and stood at each side of the long table. “Our next session will convene two weeks from tonight. This meeting is adjourned.” She tapped her gavel again and sat down as the crowd reacted to the event.
The officers kept watch on the crowd as they began to argue with each other about who was right and who was wrong. “This isn’t good at all.” Joshua spoke up from behind Vivienne. He extended his arm to escort her from the meeting.
“I’ve never seen anything like it.” Vivienne gave him her arm and said a polite goodbye to Clara.
They left the library and stepped out into the air which had grown quite a bit colder since the sun set. “I wish Kathy hadn’t done that.”
“I’m actually kind of glad she did.” Joshua smiled.
“I guess I was raised to believe there is a time and place to bring things up.” Vivienne watched as her breath condensed and floated upwards toward the stars above.
“If Mona Clarke wants to get into politics, she better get used to it.” Joshua walked beside her on the sidewalk along Main Street. “It’s a dirty game.”
“That’s why I never want to be a part of it.” Vivienne replied. “Give me cakes and cookies and recipes any day.”
“Speaking of the bakery,” Joshua thought aloud, “I should have some officers on standby at the grand opening.”
“Who’d want to hurt me?” Vivienne asked.
“Mona Clarke.” Joshua replied. “Given the mood tonight I think it might be a wise idea.”
Vivienne balled her hands into fists and shook them in the air. “This is just what I needed for publicity and I have my good friend to thank for that.”
They arrived in front of the Sweet Dreams Bakery. Joshua gestured at the display window that was filled with decorated cakes and cookies. “Once everyone sees this they’ll forget all about tonight.”
She reached around his waist with her arms. “You think so?”
“I never lie.” He looked into her eyes.
“That’s good to know.” She replied as he pulled her closer and then kissed her fully on the lips.
“I hope that wasn’t too forward.” He whispered in her ear.
“Not in the slightest.” She reached up and ran her fingers through his thick head of hair.
They kissed once more, only this time it was longer. He nibbled slightly on her right ear. “I better let you get back to setting up your store.”
She let out a sigh. “I suppose you’re right.” She fished around in her pants pocket and pulled out her keys. “I made something special for you earlier tonight.”
“Oh?” He raised his eyebrows.
“But it tastes better warmed in the oven, so you’ll have to come back tomorrow to try it.” She stuck the key into the lock and turned the brass tumbler.
“I can’t wait. Goodnight Vivienne.”
She pulled the door open which caused the little bell to ring. “Goodnight Joshua.”
He waved goodbye and disappeared into the night. She shut the door and let her heart slow down from its frenzied beats.
Chapter 7
Despite burning the midnight oil once again, Vivienne had started her day a full hour before her alarm had gone off. Her mind had been working overtime creating lists and checking items off as she got dressed in one of her better outfits she had purchased from Kathy’s store. It was a navy blue A-lined sleeveless dress, paired with a tailored jacket and a faux croc belt. It would be fancy enough for the media at the ribbon cutting ceremony, yet she could lose the jacket and slip her logoed apron on to work comfortably through the rest of the day. Heels, of course, would be impractical so she packed a pair of basic black flats to change into after the grand opening.
As she was about to leave, the telephone rang and a quick glance at the display showed Nora’s cell number. She shook her head and grabbed her car keys off the hanging wooden rack. “Not this morning, Mother.”
The gorgeous sunny mornings she had grown used to, failed to repeat today. Thick gray clouds shrouded the light and threatened rain. As long as it held off for the ceremony she wasn’t going to complain. She backed down the small driveway of her little home and hummed along with one of those catchy pop songs that played on the radio as she started the ten minute drive to work.
As she drove along Spruce Street, she passed Clara’s Diner and the usual morning regulars that assembled inside. She wondered who would become a regular at her bakery. Who would claim one of the bistro tables and regale her with town gossip each morning?
Making a right at the red light, she turned onto Main Street and accelerated past the post office and county courthouse. Both buildings had bundled corn stalks and some pumpkins placed as decorations and it made her smile that her favorite time of year was coming once again.
Since it was just after seven-thirty in the morning, most of the businesses on the street were still dark. However, there were a few exceptions. The lights at Weiss Chocolatier were on as two employees busied themselves with stringing leaf-shaped garland inside the display window of homemade boxed chocolates and fudge. Hummingbird Floral was open for business as the owner, Brian Amberry, w
atered the rows of hardy mums that lined the sidewalk area in front of his store. He waved to her as she drove by, giving her horn a little toot. Vivienne made a mental note to stop by and pick up a few pots to put in her store for some dazzling fall color.
Passing the darkened storefront of The Leaning Tower of Pizza, she put on her turn signal to pull into the alley when she noticed Joshua’s deputy cruiser in front of her store along with several other police cars and an ambulance. ‘He certainly is true to his word about keeping things secure.’ She thought before braking suddenly as her eyes spied the bright yellow ribbon around her store and one of those wooden barriers which blocked all entrance to the alley. Her heart dropped in her chest when she realized it was crime scene tape.
With nowhere to park, she had to swing an awkward ‘u’ turn and park where Mona had received a ticket, directly in front of the fire hydrant. She hurriedly jumped out of car and dashed across the street as fast as her high heels could carry her. She no sooner reached the edge of the yellow tape, where a few curious onlookers were observing the commotion, when Joshua appeared from the alley. “What happened?” She asked breathlessly as the onlookers murmured to each other.
“Vivienne, you’ll have to stay outside the crime scene for now.” Joshua’s voice was low and professional.
“Is it my Mother?” She felt tears welling up in her eyes as she recalled ignoring the phone call. “Did something happen to her?”
“It’s not Nora.” Joshua assured her.
Without thinking she fell into his embrace. “Oh thank God. I’d have never forgiven myself if something had happened.”
He kept her in his embrace for a moment as she caught her breath. “I didn’t mean to scare you like that.”
She pulled her face away from the black leather jacket that he wore over his brown uniform. “It wasn’t you. I scared myself.”
“I’m sorry this had to happen on your special day.” Joshua tried to comfort her.
She could hear the voices of emergency responders talking to each other, radios crackling from the response vehicles. A sudden flash erupted from the back alley and she blinked in surprise. “What happened?”
He looked around for a moment and pulled her out of earshot of the growing crowd that was gathering in front of her store. “It’s Mona Clarke. She was found dead in a dumpster out back.”
Vivienne felt her knees go weak and she grabbed onto the edges of his jacket for support. “Someone killed her?”
“Yes.” He kept his voice low. “But right now we’ve got some of the state troopers on the scene and we’re keeping a lid on the details. Promise me you won’t say anything.”
“I promise.” She replied.
“Vivienne, she was found in your dumpster.”
Her mind flashed to a horror scene of splattered blood and gore. “Has someone told her husband yet?”
“We’ve already sent someone to pick him up.” Joshua’s face was grim. “They need him to verify her identity before they can transport the body up to Rochester for an autopsy.”
Vivienne shook her head in disbelief. “I never thought something like this could happen here. Who would do such a thing?”
“Given the mood at the meeting last night, I’d say there is a long line of suspects.” Joshua added.
Vivienne, once again steady on her feet after the shock, stepped back from Joshua and stared at the crime tape. She couldn’t help but think of Mona talking about those giant novelty scissors used to cut the ceremonial ribbon. “It’s so unreal. She was just in my shop the other day to get a sneak peek.”
“When was this?”
“Yesterday morning.” Vivienne stepped to the side of Joshua as two burly men in medical garb began to wheel a gurney up the alley. A simple black body bag rested on top as the metal frame rattled and echoed between the buildings.
“Don’t be surprised if you get called in for some questions.” Joshua explained as he turned to face the men.
“Am I a suspect?” She asked.
“As someone who was with the victim less than twenty-four hours before her death, you’re going to get questioned.” Joshua replied and went to assist them with loading Mona’s body into the ambulance.
“But it wasn’t anything important.”
Joshua slammed the back doors. He rapped on the window a few times indicating they were good to go and turned to face her as the ambulance pulled slowly away. “Every ounce of information can help to solve a crime. No matter how insignificant it may seem. I’ll be in touch.” He tipped his hat and walked back down the alley where several state troopers were gathered in a tight circle.
With nothing left to do, Vivienne crossed the street only to find the parking enforcement officer sliding a ticket under her wiper blade. “I’m leaving.” She tried to explain.
“There is no parking allowed in a fire zone.” The officer who couldn’t have been more than twenty explained. He had a pencil thin blond mustache that she imagined he had grown in an attempt to look older.
“I’m the owner of Sweet Dreams Bakery.” She pointed across the street. “My parking space wasn’t available this morning due to the emergency.”
“I’m sorry ma’am.” He tapped the little device that created the violations. “But I can’t cancel the ticket once it’s printed.”
Suddenly, Vivienne could understand why Mona had become so upset. She hadn’t been parked more than a few minutes and there certainly wasn’t a fire that required access to the hydrant. “There are never any spaces on the street this early. I was concerned something had happened to my Mother inside my business.”
“I’m going to have to ask you to move your vehicle or it will get towed.” The young officer explained. “The towing and impound fee alone would be a few hundred dollars.”
Vivienne shook her head and removed the ticket. She wanted to scream and yell and stamp her feet, but she couldn’t. Joshua would surely hear of it and worse, she would probably get thrown in jail for obstructing justice or something. “I’m moving it now.”
“Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.” His voice was downright cheerful, as if he wasn’t used to winning so easily without a fuss.
She slid into her car and stuck the ticket inside the armrest where several receipts and other papers had accumulated. She was all dressed up with no place to go. As she put the key in the ignition and turned the engine over, she gave one last look at the crime scene in front of her bakery and sighed. A couple of rain drops splattered onto the windshield. Mother Nature sure could have a rotten sense of timing, she thought as she pulled out onto Main Street and sped away.
By the time she had turned back onto Spruce Street, the rain had become a steady deluge and she found it necessary to turn the wipers up to high. The bright red neon of Clara’s Diner sign called to her like a beacon. With a sharp turn, she pulled into the parking lot and dashed inside.
Clara waved from her post at the front register. “Vivienne, have you been down on Main Street this morning?”
Vivienne ran her hands in an attempt to fix her hair which had become damp and slightly messy from her morning ordeal. “I just came from there.”
“Did you find out what happened? Everyone’s dying to know what’s going on.” Clara inquired as the sound of Harold pounding on the little order bell interrupted her.
“I couldn’t get past the crime tape.” Vivienne took a seat at the first counter stool.
“Did it involve your bakery?” Clara’s eyes widened. “What happened?”
Vivienne wanted to tell her what she knew, but Joshua has asked her to keep quiet until they could make a formal announcement. “I don’t know yet.” She lied. “I saw the ambulance guys loading a body bag.”
“Good heavens.” Clara walked over to the counter and set a coffee mug up in front of her. “No one we know I hope.”
“All I know is that the body was found in my dumpster.” She took a deep breath. “And that it wasn’t Mother.”
“Tha
nk heavens.” Clara grabbed a carafe of fresh coffee and poured it into the mug.
Vivienne poured some cream into her coffee and swirled the liquid with a spoon watching the color change from black to tan. She thought about the standing order for tea that Mona had placed. She wouldn’t require that anymore. Nor would she require cookies or anything else for the committee meetings. Would the committee even stay together after this? Had this been the work of someone to stop the process all together?
“Penny for your thoughts?” Clara asked.
“I could use a penny right now.” Vivienne took a sip of coffee, thankful it chased away the chill from the morning cloudburst. “To offset the loss of all those baked goods that will go unsold.”
Clara reached over and placed her hand on Vivienne’s. “You and your business will survive this.”
“I hope you’re right.” Vivienne gave a little smile but she knew the effort was half-hearted at best. “Who’d have thought Sweet Dreams Bakery could turn into a nightmare?”
Chapter 8
After enjoying a cup of coffee and a sympathetic ear to listen at the diner, Vivienne returned to her home and changed from her damp dress clothes into her comfy gray sweats that were usually reserved for lazy Sunday mornings of clipping coupons from the newspaper. She planted herself in front of the computer and navigated to the Social Butterfly site.
She found the little flower patch icon was highlighted red with the number one above it. She moved the pointer over and clicked. Josh’s picture appeared along with a message that he had accepted her invitation to join his friend garden.
Another click brought up the profile that had been hidden from her and Kathy the other day. Much to her dismay, it didn’t reveal as much as she hoped. There was a column with some basic vital statistics that revealed he was six foot five inches tall and was born on January tenth. He was thirty-three years old and had graduated from the State University in Albany, New York with a degree in criminal justice.
As she further explored the profile, it revealed that his hobbies were kayaking on the Finger Lakes and nature walks. There were only two photos posted in his online album, the close-up cover picture and one of him in uniform that looked like a standard class photo from police school.