“Is that so?” Saffron asked.
David nodded.
“Does that mean you are close to catching the killer?” Saffron asked.
“As a matter of fact, we are,” David said.
Saffron’s nose crinkled. “Then what are you doing here?”
“Ms. Conklin, are you really going to make me do this the hard way?” he asked.
She shrugged. “Do what?”
David groaned. “Why don’t you just come clean?”
“I’m sorry, but I have no idea what you’re talking about,” she said.
“Stop playing games with us. We know what you did,” David said.
“I’m afraid I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Saffron said.
I couldn’t hold my tongue any longer. “You killed Delilah.”
Saffron’s eyes lit up with rage. “How dare you accuse me of something so terrible?”
“No. How dare you murder your own boss?” I asked.
“I don’t know where you got that crazy idea from, but I had nothing to do with Delilah’s death,” Saffron said.
“At least, that’s what you want us to believe. That’s why, when you were done killing your boss, you took her logbook from the shop,” I said. “That way you could try to pin the crime on someone like Matt Tilden.”
“This is ludicrous,” Saffron said.
“Is it?” I asked. I held up an evidence bag that had an old logbook inside of it. “We found this in the trash can beside your house.”
“I don’t know how that got there,” Saffron said. “Besides, what gives you the right to root through my garbage?”
David held up a piece of paper. “This is a search warrant for your property. We had every right to go through your garbage.”
“You finding that logbook doesn’t prove anything. Anyone could have tossed that book in my trash can to try and frame me,” Saffron said.
“That’s not all we have on you, Saffron. You told us that you were home all evening on the night that the murder took place,” David said.
“That’s right,” Saffron said.
“Except that we talked to your neighbors, and they say differently. According to them, your car wasn’t parked in your driveway that night. At least, not until after ten o’clock. Which was after the murder occurred.”
Saffron glared at one of her neighbor’s houses. “Nosy, good-for-nothing busybodies.” She then stared at David. “That still doesn’t prove I killed Delilah.”
“It would certainly go a long way in convincing a jury. Especially when you throw in what happened with Ziggy this morning,” David said.
Saffron grimaced.
I spoke up. “That’s right. We know that you tried to kiss him. And that he turned you away. Just like he had a number of times before. Because the woman that he truly loved was Delilah.”
“You don’t know what you’re talking about,” Saffron said.
“Sure I do. It all makes sense. You’re desperately in love with Ziggy. That’s why you didn’t mention his name as a possible suspect when we first interviewed you. That’s why you tried to kiss him this morning. And that’s why you killed Delilah,” I said. “You knew that you couldn’t compete with Delilah while she was alive. But you figured if she was out of the picture that Ziggy would be as good as yours, didn’t you?”
Saffron remained silent.
“Didn’t you?” I asked.
Saffron was unable to keep a lid on her emotions any longer. “Yes. I did it. I killed her.” She took a deep breath. “I thought that Ziggy would come to his senses. That with Delilah gone, he would finally see the love that was in front of him all along. My love.”
“Only you were dead wrong,” I said. “And now it’s going to cost you the rest of your life in jail.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
Three days later
“Coffee sweet coffee,” I said.
I stood behind the counter at Daley Buzz and took a delicious sip of my drink.
My mother looked up from her cup with a wide-eyed expression on her face. “How could we survive the morning without it?”
I was just about to reply when I heard the sound of a familiar voice speaking up from the entrance of the coffee shop. The voice belonged to Jake Williamson.
“That’s one of life’s great mysteries,” he said.
With Delilah’s killer behind bars, things were finally starting to get back to normal in town. As I turned my focus to Jake at the front of the shop, however, I couldn’t help but wonder if my life was about to be thrown for another loop.
“Jake,” I said. “They finally released you from the hospital, huh?”
He approached the counter. “They actually let me go a few days ago. I have just been trying to keep a low profile.”
My nose crinkled. “That’s not like you at all.”
“Not like the old me, you mean? I’m not the same Jake anymore.”
“Oh yeah? And just how different is the new Jake?”
“I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.”
“Why is that?”
“It turns out when you spend a few days stuck in a hospital bed staring down your own mortality, you end up doing a good amount of soul-searching.”
“I imagine,” I said.
“You also find yourself reexamining some of our life decisions.”
“Any in particular that stand out?”
“I think you know the answer to that one already.”
“I have a few guesses.”
He let out a nervous laugh. “I’ll bet. Well, suffice it to say, I have determined that some change is in order.”
“So, what’s the new Jake going to be like?”
“If the last week has taught me anything, it is that you can have all the money in the world, but if you’re dead, it doesn’t matter.”
“That’s a pretty blunt way to put it,” I said. “But I can’t argue with that.”
“Of course you can’t. The fact is, you were right. People aren’t going to just warm up to me on their own. I need to give them a reason to stop hating my guts.”
“You certainly aren’t mincing words today, are you?”
“Why would I? Life has proven that it is willing to pull the rug out from under me at a moment’s notice, so I don’t see why I shouldn’t just speak my mind.”
“Fair enough. On that note, how are you going to get people to warm up to you?”
“To start, I’m not going to buy up any more businesses in town.”
“Are you serious?”
Jake nodded. “I know I have said it before, but I really mean it this time.”
“You have no idea how much I want to believe you,” I replied.
“I get it. You’ve had every reason to doubt me in the past, but now I see the damage that I have done to this town. That’s why I’m determined to change. And I assure you, things are going to be different from here on out.”
“I like the sound of that.”
“Then you’re going to love this,” he said. “Later today, I’m going to be announcing a brand-new initiative that will provide free training and employment services to anyone who has ever lost their job because of me.”
My eyebrows rose. “Really?”
He held his pointer finger up. “That’s not all. I’m also establishing a million-dollar fund to invest in new businesses started by local entrepreneurs.”
That last bit left me speechless. I stood with my mouth agape, unable to untie my tongue. When a few moments passed without my replying, Jake spoke up.
“So what do you think?”
“Not only have I never seen this side to you,” I said. “But I didn’t even realize that it existed.”
“Until recently, neither did I. It’s amazing what you learn about yourself after having a near-death experience.”
“I guess so.”
“Trust me. It’s very humbling staring down your own mortality and realizing you are lucky to be alive,” Jake said.
“I’m glad you’ve decided to make the best of your second chance at life. Those are some pretty impressive initiatives.”
“I hope the rest of the residents of this town agree with you.”
“I think they will.”
“I guess I’ll find out soon enough. I’m doing everything I can think of to create some goodwill.”
“It’s definitely a nice start.”
“Anyway, I need to be going,” he said. “I have a busy day ahead of me.”
“You sure do.”
“Before I head out, though, I just wanted to thank you again.”
I smiled. “You’re welcome.”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
I thought my conversation with Jake was as surprising as my day was going to get.
I was wrong.
That night, David picked me up and took me out to dinner. At first, I assumed that we would be headed to Home Away From Home Cooking Restaurant. Instead, he brought me to Antonio’s Ristorante.
Thankfully, we managed to make it inside the restaurant without witnessing any violent incidents in the parking lot. I ended up having a delicious order of lobster ravioli while David had some scrumptious chicken parmigiana. As we ate, I could see why people like Jake Williamson loved this restaurant so much. The service was wonderful, the food was top-notch, and the atmosphere was enchanting.
As I finished the last bite of my meal, David cracked a joke. “So you hated your ravioli, then?”
I laughed. “The only thing I hate is that there’s no more left.”
“You could order more, you know.”
“Not at twenty-four dollars a plate.”
He reached out across the table and put his hand over mine.
“Honey, forget the price. If you want more ravioli, order some.”
“That’s okay.”
“Are you sure?”
I nodded. “Yeah. I’d rather have dessert anyway.”
“Good call. I’ll have the waiter bring over a dessert menu,” David said.
“Actually, why don’t we head over to Luigi’s?”
“But they have gelato here at Antonio’s.”
“True, but it’s a lot cheaper at Luigi’s.”
“Sabrina, forget about money.”
“That’s sweet of you to say, but you’ve already splurged by taking me here in the first place.”
“Why wouldn’t I? You’re an amazing woman who deserves an equally amazing evening.”
“You’ve definitely given me one. Thank you so much for bringing me here.”
“Don’t thank me yet. The night isn’t over,” he said.
I stared deep into his eyes. “David, what else do you have planned?”
He took a deep breath but did not reply.
I waited a few more seconds for him to respond. When he didn’t, I spoke up. “David, are you okay?”
“I’m fine,” he replied.
“Really?” I asked. “You could have fooled me.”
He let out a nervous laugh.
“What’s so funny?” I asked.
“I guess I should have known better than to try to get anything by you,” he said.
“Absolutely. Now will you please tell me what’s going on?”
“Sabrina, there’s something I need to tell you.”
“Okay. Well, I’m all ears. What is it?”
His tongue got tied again.
“David, what is it? Is something the matter?”
He shook his head. “No. Just the opposite actually.”
My forehead wrinkled. “Then why are you having so much trouble getting the words out?”
David took a deep breath before replying, “Sabrina, I love you so much. I go to bed every night thinking of you and wake up every morning looking forward to seeing your smiling face. Being with you is without a doubt the best thing that has ever happened to me.”
I blushed. “David, that’s so sweet of you to say. I love you too.”
“I’m not done yet.”
“There’s more?” I asked.
David nodded. “I want to spend the rest of my life with you.” He pulled out a small black box from his pocket then opened it, revealing a diamond ring inside. “Sabrina, I have just one question for you. Will you marry me?”
I stared at the sparkly ring and began to tear up. “Yes. Of course I’ll marry you.”
David smiled wide. He then leaned across the table and gave me a deep kiss.
The End.
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Books in the Daley Buzz Series
Chocolate with a Side of Murder
A missing sister. A spooky abandoned house. A secret meeting. A rogue hypnotherapist. A love triangle. A cute corgi. And chocolate. Plenty of chocolate.
If this is your kind of cozy mystery then you'll love Chocolate with a Side of Murder.
Sabrina Daley is still haunted by the mysterious disappearance of her sister ten years before. Even though the case went cold long ago, she keeps holding out hope that one day she will discover what happened to her sister.
Sabrina's life is turned upside down again when she discovers her friend's dead body in the alley way behind her family's coffee shop. If that isn't bad enough, after a week of investigating, the local police appear to be stumped.
Terrified about a second case going cold in town, Sabrina decides to take matters into her own hands. She sets out on her own, determined not to give up until she has brought her friend's killer to justice.
Caramels with a Side of Murder
Sabrina Daley's world is turned upside down when a local psychic predicts that her missing sister will be found.
Unfortunately, the psychic, Miss Terri, is unable to provide any further details.
Desperate for something more to work with, Sabrina shows up at Miss Terri's house the next day, ready to beg for another psychic reading. Instead, Sabrina finds Miss Terri's lifeless body.
So when the local police have trouble solving Terri's murder, Sabrina sets out to bring the psychic's killer to justice before they strike again.
Apple Pie with a Side of Murder
When coffee shop manager and amateur sleuth Sabrina Daley discovers that murder is on the menu at her favorite restaurant, she sets out to bring the guilty party to justice.
As Sabrina begins investigating, she quickly realizes that catching the killer will not be as easy as pie.
Between a jaded spouse, an affair gone wrong, a spoiled daughter, a bitter employee, and a fired busboy, there's no shortage of suspects or motives to go around.
But was the first murder just an appetizer? Has the killer planned an even deadlier main course?
Lemon Bars with a Side of Murder
When amateur sleuth Sabrina Daley discovers that a local hypnotherapist is giving illegal mind-altering pills to his patients, she becomes desperate to uncover his true intentions. Unfortunately, before she has the chance to confront him, the hypnotherapist is found dead.
But who murdered him? Was it one of his patients? His bitter spouse? His assistant? Or is something more nefarious going on in Sabrina's once-idyllic small town of Treasure Cove?
Cookies with a Side of Murder
Eleven years ago, Sabrina Daley's sister Jessica went missing without a trace. Despite all of Sabrina's searching, she has had no luck in uncovering any clues about what happened to Jessica.
All that is about to change. After an agonizing wait, Sabrina finally gets the answers she has been looking for. But will discovering the truth come at the expense of her own life?
Halloween Candy with a Side of Murder
Halloween is still a week away, but disturbing things are already starting to occur in Sabrina Daley's picturesque hometown of Treasure Cove.
First, a local restaura
nt burns down under strange circumstances.
Next, one of Sabrina's regulars at Daley Buzz Coffee Company is found murdered.
Can Sabrina solve both cases in time to treat herself to some candy, or will her Halloween night end with a deadly trick?
Christmas Cookies with a Side of Murder
Fun-filled parties. Beautiful decorations. Delicious food. Fantastic presents. Joyous family celebration. And murder.
This is shaping up to be a holiday season that Sabrina Daley will never forget.
But if she doesn't act fast, it will be for all the wrong reasons.
Can Sabrina bring a killer to justice before her Christmas is ruined?
Books in the Hope Hadley Series
Fame Is a Killer
Hollywood actress Hope Hadley doesn't think that things can get any worse for her. In the last twenty-four hours, her boyfriend has broken up with her and her long-running police procedural TV show has been canceled.
When a homicide detective shows up at her door the next morning with news that her ex-boyfriend has been murdered, she realizes that her troubles are just beginning. She is shocked--not only to learn of her ex's death, but also to find out that the police consider her to be a suspect in the killing.
Hope soon realizes that the only way to clear her name is by finding the real killer herself.
Fishing for a Murderer
After losing both her job and her boyfriend, actress Hope Hadley trades Hollywood, California, for her hometown of Hollywood, Florida. Before she has a chance to piece her life back together, her best friend's boyfriend is murdered. Even worse, the local police wrongfully suspect that her friend is the killer. Determined to clear her friend's name, Hope sets out to find the real killer herself.
Murder of a Yoga Instructor
Inner peace becomes difficult for Hope Hadley to find when she shows up for her yoga class one morning and discovers the dead body of her handsome male instructor on the ground in the studio. When Hope discovers that her instructor's good looks had caught the attention of a number of his married female students, the pool of suspects becomes surprisingly large. It's going to take more than some deep meditation for Hope to crack this case.
Gelato with a Side of Murder Page 8