by Lyndsey Cole
“Officer Johnson.”
“Tyler, someone just tried to run me over.” She heard the shake in her voice and knew Tyler would notice it, too.
“Annie? Are you all right?”
She couldn’t help but hear worry in Tyler’s voice; the Tyler that would have jumped in front of that truck to save her. She knew he had to put distance between them since she married Jason instead of him but, of course, he would never want anything to happen to her. “Yes, I’m okay, but can you meet me at the hospital? The truck hit John Elmwood instead of me. The ambulance just left.”
“I’ll meet you there.”
Maybe, if she described the truck to Tyler he’d be able to find the driver. The fact that it was parked in the driveway for Cookies ‘n Dreams, made her suspect it was Daryl Hansen. Or was that wishful thinking on her part?
Before she drove off, she left a message for Jason. She didn’t want him to worry, so she didn’t mention her suspicion about who she thought the real target of the truck was.
Leona was waiting when Annie pulled into the parking lot at the hospital.
“What happened?”
“I have a bad feeling that someone was trying to hit me but John got in the way.”
Leona’s eyes opened wide. “Seriously? But how did John know where you were? I didn’t even know where you were going.”
“Remember how I told you I thought John was keeping an eye on me?”
Leona nodded.
“I’m pretty sure I was right. How he does it? I don’t have a clue, but now he’s hurt and there won’t be anyone watching my back.”
Police Chief Tyler Johnson’s cruiser arrived with lights flashing. He screeched to a halt next to Annie and Leona and he jumped out of his car. “I had to see you for myself to be sure you’re not hurt, Annie.” He stepped toward her as if he was going to hug her but he stopped and put his hand on her arm. “What happened?”
Annie blinked back tears. The emotion of what happened hit her like a tidal wave. She crumbled against Leona and blubbered between sniffles. “I think someone was trying to run me over but John rode his bike in between and now he’s hurt and it’s all my fault.”
Annie felt Tyler’s strong hand pat her back. “Take it easy. You’ve had a close call but you’re okay. Shall we see how John is doing before you tell me everything?”
Annie nodded.
Leona supported Annie with her arm around her waist and pulled her close. “Come on. I’ll stay with you, too.”
The emergency room waiting area was busy with a screaming toddler, someone hacking uncontrollably, and others staring blankly as they waited their turn to see a doctor. There was no sign of John.
As soon as Annie and Leona found two seats together, Tyler said, “I’ll find out what I can and be right back.” Before he disappeared behind a door, he turned and winked at Annie. “Don’t go anywhere.”
Annie appreciated his attempt to lighten the mood but it didn’t work. She slouched in the chair. All that ran through her head was a list of what if’s—what if it had been one second earlier that she put herself in front of the truck; what if she was the one lying in an examination room surrounded by doctors; what if there was someone out there who wanted her dead. What if John died?
“Tell me exactly what happened,” Leona said. “What were you doing at Cookies ‘n Dreams, anyway? Going over to the dark side?” Leona raised her perfectly groomed eyebrows but she couldn’t keep a straight face for longer than two seconds.
“Actually, I bought some of Cookie’s apple streusel cupcakes. For Thelma Dodd. It helped to warm Cookie up a little and get her talking.”
“If that worked, she doesn’t have much spine.”
“Oh, it worked all right. I had her eating out of my hands. Especially after I laid out the picture of Nelson putting the move on her. She tried to deny it but without any success. You don’t have to worry about Mrs. Delaney’s Christmas Eve gala anymore.”
Leona put her hands over her cheeks in mock horror. “Did you poison Cookie Snow?”
“No, but she did admit to putting those berries on your cookies to try to discredit you in front of Mrs. Delaney. That strategy backfired big time since the conversation is recorded on my answering machine. She also insisted she didn’t kill Nelson, and I want to believe her.”
“Are you serious? She can lie better than a spy hooked up to a polygraph. At least that’s how it works in the movies. So who did she point her crooked finger at? Me?”
“Charlene. Cookie hinted that Charlene might have a lot to gain with Nelson dead instead of divorcing him.”
Leona shook her head. “How could I miss all that? I thought Charlene was such a good friend and, if what you just said is true, she’s practically ruining me and my business with her deadly scheme. But what about the truck that hit John? Can you give a detailed description of it to the police?”
“I’m hoping John got a good look at the truck. All I saw was a black pick-up.”
“A black pick-up? There’s got to be a dozen people in town driving a black truck. Do you know the make?”
“I wish I could remember more but I was looking at John. It was awful to hear the truck hit his bike, to see him go flying through the air. I hope he’ll be okay or I’ll never get that picture out of my head.”
Leona hugged Annie. Words wouldn’t make a difference at this point. The hardest part was waiting. And wondering.
Jason texted, asking for more details. Annie’s fingers flew over the screen, explaining to Jason how she thought she was the real target but assured him again that she was fine. He texted that he would leave his meeting right away and be home as soon as possible.
Leona’s phone beeped. She checked the message and snickered. “It’s Jason. He told me not to let you out of my sight.”
“Will you two ever stop conspiring behind my back?” Annie asked, trying her hardest to sound annoyed.
“You better hope not.”
The door between the waiting and treatment areas opened. Tyler emerged, accompanied by a young doctor. “Annie? Dr. Marcweld has a few questions for you about John.”
Annie stood. “How is he? Will he be okay?”
Dr. Marcweld cradled Annie’s elbow and guided her to a consult room. Tyler and Leona followed.
“Have a seat Annie.” Dr. Marcweld pulled two chairs close together. He waited for her to sit first. “John will be fine. He kept saying your name until the anesthesia took effect. What happened?”
“John was riding his bike toward me, I jumped out of the way and a truck hit him.”
“Did the truck run over any part of him?”
Annie closed her eyes. She shuddered as she relived the sound of the impact, metal on metal and a dull thud. All she could remember seeing was John flying in one direction and his bike landing about ten feet away. She heard the squeal of tires and the smell of burning rubber as the truck accelerated and disappeared. “I don’t think so.”
“That’s good. It looks like he has a badly broken leg and possibly a concussion. Nothing some good care and rest won’t cure.” Dr. Marcweld placed both hands on Annie’s knees. “And you? Are you okay? I see you’re limping.”
Annie smiled. Of course she wasn’t okay after witnessing that hit and run that might have been intended for her, but whatever was wrong wasn’t going to show up in any x-ray or blood test or anything else the hospital could throw at her. She’d be okay as soon as whoever was responsible for Nelson’s murder and this attempt on John’s life, or hers, was securely behind bars.
She smiled again. “I’m fine. I twisted my ankle yesterday but it’s getting better.”
Dr. Marcweld stood. “John’s in surgery to fix that leg. You might be able to visit him later today.” His buzzer beeped. “I’ve got to run. You can always have me paged if you remember anything else.”
Annie looked at Leona and Tyler. “What? You’re looking at me like I have two heads.”
“You’re fine?” Leona mimicked Anni
e’s self-diagnosis.
“I assumed he meant was I injured. So, yes, I’m fine. The other problems aren’t anything he can fix.”
“You can’t fix them either, Annie. You need to stop trying to solve this murder before someone else ends up dead. Maybe this was a warning and the next time, well, let’s not even go there.” Tyler sat where Dr. Marcweld had been. “Can you describe the truck that hit John?”
“Black. That’s all I can remember but I’m positive John got a good look at it. Did you ask him?”
“I couldn’t. He was already in surgery. It will be hours before I’ll be able to question him. Why did you tell me that someone tried to run you over? Are you thinking this has something to do with Nelson’s murder?”
“That’s exactly what I’m thinking. Tyler, I was right in the path of that truck, but when John rode toward me I jumped out of the way. If he hadn’t been there, I would have been under that truck. I’m positive it was no accident. Why else did the truck speed off instead of stopping to see what happened?”
“You’re right. It looks suspicious. You should go home and try to get some rest,” Tyler said. “I’m going back to the police station. Call me if you think of any more details about that truck.”
Annie nodded.
Leona put her hand out. “Come on. I’m following you home and staying glued to your side until Jason gets home. No more gallivanting around for you.”
“Fine, but then you’ll have to talk to Charlene and find out more about how she’ll benefit from Nelson’s death. You know, your good friend?”
Chapter 21
Leona made sure Annie was comfortable on the recliner with her injured ankle elevated before she checked in the fridge for food. “Don’t you two ever shop? There’s barely anything in here for me to make us an appetizing lunch.”
“I’ve been kind of busy trying to get you off the hook for Nelson’s murder, in case you forgot.”
“I do thank you for your effort but I’m glad Tyler talked some sense into your tunnel vision brain and convinced you to back off.” Leona peeked around the refrigerator door. “You are backing off, right? Or do I need to tell Tyler to come and handcuff you to that recliner?”
Annie laughed. “No need for that drastic action. With you and Jason watching over me like a couple of mother hens, what kind of trouble could I possibly get into?”
“I’m not sure you want an answer to that question.” She pulled a bowl out. “I found something. Leftover grilled chicken with,” she continued to pull out containers, “spinach and sweet onion on,” Annie heard the bread drawer open, “onion rolls. How does that sound?”
“Perfect. Just make a cheese and tomato sandwich for Jason. He won’t eat the chicken.” Smokey jumped in Annie’s lap and made himself comfortable. “Don’t forget that I have those cupcakes to take to Thelma Dodd. I’ll do that after lunch.”
“I suppose that’s safe enough.” Leona shook her finger at Annie. “Only to her house and back. Agreed?”
“Of course.” Annie just got permission from Jailer Leona to make an outing, and whether Leona liked it or not, Annie planned to make the most of her freedom. She wanted to talk to Paul Ames and find out if he knew anything about Charlene’s situation now that Nelson was dead. That didn’t sound at all dangerous, and besides, Roxy had a habit of going where she wanted to go and not where Annie thought was best. If Roxy happened to run from Thelma’s house to Paul’s there was nothing Annie could do about it but follow.
“Here’s your lunch. I hope you get better soon because I’m not crazy about serving you for too many days.” Leona handed Annie a plate with the chicken sandwich and put a glass of water on the coffee table. She sat down on the couch with her own food. “Seriously, Annie, you need to stop asking so many questions about Nelson and poisons. You were lucky this morning that John distracted you and you jumped out of the way of that truck just in time. You might not be so lucky next time.”
“You sound like you think that truck was trying to run me over.”
“Whether that’s the case or not, be extra careful until the police solve the murder.”
“Even if it means all the evidence points to you?”
“Don’t be ridiculous. I didn’t kill Nelson. Something will turn up to take the focus away from me. Anyway, better me in jail than you dead.” Leona took a big bite from her chicken on an onion roll, effectively putting an end to any further discussion on that subject.
Annie enjoyed her lunch. Once she took the first bite, her taste buds went into overdrive and her stomach begged for more. “Delicious sandwich. What secret ingredient did you hide in here?” Annie pulled the top of the roll off to dissect what was left.
“Horseradish. It always adds a nice spicy bite.” Leona huffed. “I couldn’t find anything else.”
Annie wiped her mouth. “I’m going to bring those cupcakes to Thelma now; do you want to come with me?”
“Not really. I know you have that crossword puzzle connection and it’s so not my thing. I’ll clean up and wait for Jason to get home before I leave.”
Annie didn’t let herself smile with satisfaction or Leona might get suspicious. She adjusted the ace bandage on her ankle, slipped into her oversized boot, and bundled the rest of her winter clothes on. “Come on Roxy. I’ll get the box of cupcakes out of my car. I shouldn’t be gone for too long. With any luck, maybe Thelma already finished today’s crossword puzzle.”
“Now, that would be a lucky day for sure. Tell her I say hi.”
Roxy dashed to the Lake Trail as soon as Annie opened the door. Her ankle felt much better already so she didn’t bother grabbing the ski pole. Carrying the box of cupcakes was challenge enough. Roxy ran to the edge of the lake and put her paws on the thin ice. It cracked and shattered under her weight and she managed to get herself a drink.
For December, it was a bright day. The snow sparkled under the mid-afternoon sun. A day to enjoy before the weather changed and a storm moved in which could happen quickly.
They turned up the path to Thelma’s house and knocked on the door.
“Coming,” Thelma’s voice rang out.
Annie could hear the thud, thud, thud of Thelma’s walker as she made her way to the door. A blast of hot air from Thelma’s overheated house hit Annie’s face when the door was opened.
“What a wonderful surprise. Come in.”
“I brought you some cupcakes from Cookies ‘n Dreams. Have you ever been there?”
“No, but my son brings me a surprise from there every once in a while. I like Cookie Snow all right, but I’m not fond of her boyfriend. He’s not very friendly. What were you doing in Cookie’s shop instead of bringing me something from Leona?” Thelma’s tone made Annie feel like a naughty little girl searching for her Christmas presents before the holiday.
“The Black Cat Café is closed because of the murder.” Annie thought that was the easiest answer, and it was true.
“Poor Leona. I hope it doesn’t last too long. Make yourself some tea, Annie. I have mine by my chair.”
Annie chose lemon ginger from Thelma’s big selection, poured the hot water, and carried her tea and the box of cupcakes into Thelma’s living room, placing them on the table next to her chair, on top of the finished crossword puzzle, Annie happily noted.
“First things first, right, Roxy? Here’s your treat and then I’ll see what’s in this box.”
Roxy wagged her tail and very gently took the offered dog cookie.
Thelma placed the bakery box on her lap and breathed in deeply. “I smell cinnamon and apples. Two of my favorite things at this time of year.” She carefully removed the tape. “Oh my. Such beautiful cupcakes. She handed one to Annie. “You have to join me or I won’t be able to enjoy it as much. Mind you, I didn’t say I wouldn’t enjoy it,” her eyes twinkled, “but sharing with someone else doubles the gratification.”
Annie couldn’t say no to that, and besides, it would be good to compare Cookie’s baking to Leona’s. For marketin
g purposes, of course.
While they both enjoyed the moist from the apple pieces, sweet from the brown sugar, and crunch from the streusel topping, Annie noticed Daryl walk by quickly. He looked up at Thelma’s house and hastened his pace. What was he up to?
Annie licked her fingers to get every last crumb and sipped her tea. “What do you think? As good as something from the Black Cat Café?” Annie knew it wasn’t really a fair question but she did want the feedback.
“A little too sweet, even for my taste buds,” Thelma said. “But good. But those Christmas cookies you brought me the other day were about the best I’ve ever had. Ever,” she emphasized.
“You said you don’t really like Cookie’s boyfriend, Daryl. Any particular reason?” Annie asked, changing the subject.
Thelma sighed. “I shouldn’t have said anything. You know I always try to find something good in everyone but, so far, I haven’t seen any redeeming qualities in Daryl. He’s not friendly. He’s mean to that poor boy, John Elmwood, and as a former teacher, I have no patience for a bully. I think Cookie met him after her divorce and, with time, maybe she’ll see him for what he is and move on. I’d love to tell her to do it sooner rather than later, but it’s certainly not my place to give her advice.”
“Advice is tough to give to just about anyone.” Annie pushed herself out of the comfortable chair. “I’ll let you enjoy the rest of your afternoon while Roxy and I finish our walk.”
“Thank you for stopping in, Annie. It does get lonely here, and seeing you and Roxy is always a bright spot in my day.”
Like usual, by the time Annie rinsed the tea cups, Thelma’s head was resting against the back of her chair, her eyes were closed, and a smile was on her face. She was a content and happy woman, Annie thought, finding great pleasure in the small events that brightened her days.
Roxy trotted back toward the Lake Trail and turned right, away from Cobblestone Cottage, giving Annie the perfect excuse for continuing her walk. She started up Paul’s walkway and Roxy ran ahead.