by S. Y. Robins
Everyone started discussing the next chapters of the book, missing Laura’s insightful input but not wanting to dwell on it too much. It was still too fresh in everyone’s hearts to truly talk about it, and so they skirted around it. Susan wasn’t participating much in the discussion, and kept thinking about the watch, trying to think of where she had seen it before. Suddenly Toby started sneezing again, and when he wouldn’t stop Susan apologized before taking him to the hallway. “Sorry Toby, but you can’t be sneezing all over the others. I’ll let you back in when we’re done, alright?”
Susan headed back into the room when suddenly she remembered. The watch. It was the same design as the one she had found under the bed! The discussion on the book seemed to have finished by the time she returned with more wine and appetizers, and Susan tried to think of a way to bring up the watch without being obvious about it. Was it possible Kelly knew Eric?
“You know, I sometimes wonder if I should get out there and date more,” Susan said, knowing it would get Kelly started. She loved playing matchmaker, and maybe the topic of men would get her to mention Eric.
“Really?” Kelly asked, sounding surprised. Susan had no idea why that would surprise her but that was a thought for later. “Well I’m sure we can find you some guys! I know a lot of guys who wouldn’t mind someone a little quieter. I can set you up if you’d like?”
“I don’t know, I don’t want it to be a blind date or anything like that.”
“What if it was a double date with me and Eric?”
“Who is Eric?”
“Oh have I not mentioned him before? I met him a few months ago and we’ve been dating on and off since then. We’ve been a couple for about a month now. He is absolutely amazing, so attentive and sweet, always making sure I’m alright. He opens doors for me and didn’t even try to sleep with me on the first date! He is a true gentleman if I’ve ever seen one. I think you’d like him.”
A month, which means if this is the same Eric then he’s cheated on Kelly and he’s not so much of a gentleman. “I’d love a guy who treats me right.”
“I might be able to hook you up with one of Eric’s friends? He is just perfect, I’ve been so happy! Look, this watch? He got it for me and he has a matching one, isn’t that cute?”
That was proof that it was the same Eric and Susan wondered if Kelly knew Eric had slept with Laura. She also wondered if Laura knew Eric was dating Kelly, but upon further thought she decided there was no way Laura had known as Laura would never do that to a friend. “I like the design on it. It looks expensive.”
“I’m sure it was. It’s so nice to finally find a good guy you know? There are just too many men out there who could care less about the woman they are with or her feelings. I completely understand why some women stay single their entire life.”
“I haven’t had the best experience with men, I’ll admit that. So what’s Eric’s last name?”
“Does it matter? Look, I’ll get a double date, alright? I’m heading to the bathroom, all this wine is going right through me.”
Susan fought back a raised eyebrow when Kelly didn’t want to give his last name, and found it suspicious. She turned her attention to the other conversations in the room, knowing she wouldn’t get more out of Kelly.
Out in the hallway Kelly was muttering away while opening random doors. “Wanting to know Eric’s last name, why would she care? She knows something, she’s getting too close. I have to find a way to end this before she tells that dumb detective she’s been talking to. Now where is this furnace? Get out of the way you stupid dog.”
Toby knew his owner was in trouble if he didn’t do something and he quickly sneezed, knowing it was the easiest way to get attention from Susan without alerting Kelly. He just hoped Susan would come quickly, before Kelly finished whatever she was doing. With the hall closet where the furnace was found, he knew Kelly would be done quickly.
Out in the living room Susan heard Toby sneeze twice and wondered what was going on. She loved Toby and was worried he was coming down with something, so she quickly excused herself before leaving the living room to check on him. The second she walked into the hallway, Kelly froze from where she was now taking the batteries out of the carbon monoxide detector. Toby immediately stopped sneezing and Susan realized Toby had just done that to get her attention.
Susan immediately knew that Toby knew what Kelly had done and she quickly fished her phone out of her pocket and dialed 911, requesting Detective Mason to come to her house immediately. As soon as she hung up, Kelly tried to run past her but Toby jumped in the way and bit into her leg, causing Kelly to scream.
Angela, Rebecca and Robin came running into the hallway after hearing the screams and looked at the scene in front of them in confusion. “What in the world is going on?” Rebecca asked.
“I caught Kelly taking the batteries out of my carbon monoxide detector and the door to the furnace is open. Toby stopped her from leaving. I already called Detective Mason.”
“Kelly? How could you?” Angela asked in shock. Out of everyone she was closest to Kelly and it was clear she couldn’t believe what she was seeing and hearing.
Kelly didn’t respond and they all waited for the police to arrive, which they did ten minutes later. “What is going on?” Detective Mason asked, sounding annoyed at having his evening interrupted.
Susan quickly explained what happened and Detective Mason wrote down her statement immediately. He also took pictures of the open door to the furnace and the batteries still in Kelly’s hand before pulling out his cuffs. “Let’s get down to the station and have a little chat, shall we?”
The others all walked back into the living room, slightly dazed and in complete silence. “Do you think she killed Laura?” Angela asked finally.
“Laura was sleeping with Eric, Kelly’s boyfriend. I doubt Laura knew he was dating Kelly. I just found out and I think she thought I was getting too close to the truth. Toby here saved me, his sneezing caught my attention which is why I walked out into the hallway.”
“Good job Toby,” Rebecca said, running her hand over Toby’s head. “I can’t believe it. You were right, it was murder.”
“Let’s not be too hasty, it could be Eric who did it. I think she knows something even if she didn’t do it,” Susan said after a moment’s silence. “You are welcome to stay until Detective Mason comes back or calls.”
Everyone did just that, none of them talking much but all of them drinking quite a bit of wine. Susan made sure not to drink too much, wanting to keep a level head for when she spoke to Detective Mason. She knew he was interrogating Kelly at the moment, and she wasn’t sure how she would react if Kelly had really killed Laura. Kelly had always been opinionated and strong headed, but she would have never thought her capable of murder.
Detective Mason returned when it was close to midnight, and looked at the women still gathered around the fire. “Ladies. First, Miss Waters, I apologize for not taking you seriously. As it turned out, your friend took the batteries and sabotaged the furnace in a fit of anger after finding out her boyfriend had cheated on her. She found out just before book club last week and it was an impulsive thing, which she seems to regret.”
“Thank you for coming to tell us.”
“You are welcome. It is late, but would you mind coming to the station tomorrow to give an official statement?”
“Absolutely. Thank you Detective.”
“You’re welcome, and I’m sorry about your friend. Goodnight ladies.”
Detective Mason left the home, leaving behind four women who had just lost two friends. “As much as I hate that it was Kelly, I’m glad we saw justice for Laura,” Susan finally said.
Everyone nodded, and everyone had to agree. Laura’s death had been murder, but it was a bittersweet feeling that went with all of them as they parted ways. Susan mused that they did not prepare you for that in the mystery books they had read, and decided they really were fiction after all.
The End
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Murder by Cheesecake
Cozy Mystery
About the Book
At just twenty-nine years old, Allison seemed to have it all, as a successful investigative reporter. However, a mysterious event leaves her broke - and broken - and she is forced to leave the city and return to the town where she grew up - the seaside village of Curtain Bay. It's been twelve years since she was last there, and nothing has changed - least of all the annual Cheesecake Competition. The town's residents take it as seriously as ever, and this year Allison is the star judge.
When Allison crowns an unpopular winner, Cassandra, who then turns up dead the next day, anyone could be to blame. Did one of the runners up kill Cassandra so that they could take her crown? Could Allison be partly to blame? She decides to investigate, as she still has the reporter spirit inside her. Her search for the guilty party brings her closer to her old high school boyfriend Robert, who seems to be hiding something, and Allison is forced to face up to more than one secret from her past.
1
"Home, sweet home," I thought, as the train dragged its way into the old familiar sight of Curtain Bay train station. "Yeah right," I added. Home? Sure. Once upon a time. Sweet? Well, only if you counted the annual Curtain Bay Cheesecake Competition that the town went crazy for every July. But 'home sweet home'? More like a last resort. More like my only option.
I sighed as I pulled my luggage off the train and thanked the ticket collector. At least my parents would be pleased to see me. My old friends, maybe not so much. That's if they even recognise me that is. Twelve years is a long time to be away from your old town. That said; people in Curtain Bay don't forget anything.
"Allison!" I heard a bright cheery voice and turned around in surprise. I hadn't been expecting a welcoming committee. I brought my sunglasses up from my nose and squinted. Mom. Of course. I should have known she wouldn't let me walk all the way back to our old cottage down on the harbour.
I changed my face with a bright smile to mirror hers and walked over to embrace her. "Hey Mum," I said, as she patted my back.
She pulled back and looked up, taking my hands to her face. "So, our little journalist returns! At long last." She pulled a face to pretend she was having trouble remembering something. "How long's it been since you were here?"
"You know it's been twelve years Mom." I pulled my suitcase behind me. "So, where'd you park the car?"
"Car?" She asked.
I stopped. "You did bring the car, right? We're not going to have to walk all the way back to the house."
"I brought transportation all right. But it's not exactly a car."
As we got outside the station, I stopped dead in my tracks when I saw what she meant. "That's a - that's a bus," I said, my jaw dropping. "Mom, why do you have a bus?"
She shrugged. "Times are tough, Allison. You know, we lost the business, so this is my new little earner."
"You're a bus driver?"
"Look, I know it's not exactly the glamorous life you're used to now in the city…"
"It's fine Mom." I reached a hand out and patted her on the arm." I didn't want to talk about my so-called glamorous life in the city. For one thing, Mom didn't know the real reason I'd come back here, to escape from it all. As far as she knew, I was in town to write a story on the upcoming festival. Not that anything interesting EVER took place at Curtain Bay festival.
We climbed up into the bus. "Where am I supposed to sit?" I asked.
"Wherever you like, love."
I took the seat directly behind her. The drive home was bumpy, and I kept a tight grip as we rounded the corners that led to our little harbour cottage.
Mom nodded out at a signpost as we rounded the last corner. "There's a sign up for the festival there! You'll be attending of course, won't you love?"
"I'll have to," I sighed. "For work." Not that I had anything such as a job, or work anymore. But that was my guise for being back in town, so I'd have to feign at least some kind of interest in the festival. Just as long as no one - and I mean no one - dragged me into the Cheesecake Competition. I could take so much of Curtain Bay life, but the Cheesecake Competition was a bridge too far.
The brakes slammed on and I almost went flying through the front window. "You know, buses should really have seat belts in this day and age," I stated as I climbed down the stairs.
There it was. The tiny little two-bedroom cottage I'd grown up in. Strange that even after all these years, it felt like I'd never been away. I almost had the dreaded feeling that I'd have to attend high school the next day. That was silly of course - my last day of high school had been my last day at Curtain Bay.
The last time I'd seen Robert.
A sudden pang in my stomach almost made me double over. Geez - I hadn't thought about that name in years. Shaking my head, I tried to get the memory out of my head.
"Here dear," Mom said, taking the case out of my hands. "I'll get you set up in your old bedroom!" She walked merrily up the driveway, before turning back with a cheeky wink. "After all - you're going to need PLENTY of sleep tonight!"
"Why's that then?" I asked, putting my hands on my hips.
"I've told everyone that I've organised a special guest judge for the Cheesecake Competition tomorrow! My daughter - the big celebrity!"
I groaned.
Anything but that.
"Allison!" A booming voice called out over my head. "Come on, the competition starts at 8am! Sharp! And you'll be expected down at the fairgrounds well before that!"
I groaned and pulled the pillow back over my eyes. "I feel sick. I can't go." Now I really was acting like a teenager trying to get out of going to school.
"Nonsense!" Mom pulled the pillow away and handed me a cup of coffee. "Here, get this into you, then hit the shower! I'll get the bus warmed up for us!"
"Goody," I said, climbing out of bed. "I can't believe you’re making me do this Mom."
"It'll be good for you. You haven't seen all your old friends in twelve years."
Still half asleep, I shuffled towards the door and headed for the bathroom. "Are any of them even still here?"
"A few you'll recognise." Mom followed after me. "Joy - your old friend from school. And Robert O'Conner. He's still here of course."
I stopped. "Robert's still here - he still lives in Curtain Bay?"
Mom nodded. "Yeah, he's never left, the poor dear."
"Did he - did he ever -" I started to say, then stopped. I didn't care if Robert had ever married.
"Ever what?"
"Nothing. I need to get in the shower. I'll see you in the bus."
"See you in the bus!"
"Can't wait."
I cringed as the bus pulled into Curtain Bay fairground, and hoped out, securing my black shades to my face. I was really playing the part of the celebrity - hoping I wouldn't get recognised.
No such luck. "Allison!"
I spun around to see a blonde-haired Joy flinging herself towards me. "What are you doing back here? Oh my God, I can't believe it!" She pulled back and admired my face in her hands, much like Mom had done. "Geez, you hardly look any different."
I cocked my head. Really? Forty pounds lighter and a totally different hair colour. That was a bit weird.
"So what are you doing here?" Joy asked. "You've come to see the festival?" Joy looked like she could barely believe it.
"I've um - I've come to write a story on it."
"Oh, that's right; you're the big celebrity journalist."
"Ha, ha," I tried to laugh. "Something like that." I started to quickly walk towards the centre of the fairground, where the prize attraction was being set up. Joy ran beside me, trying to keep up with the pace. At almost a foot shorter, Joy had trouble keeping step next to me.
"You're writing about the Cheesecake Comp?" Joy asked.
"It's as good an angle as any," I said, stopping. "After all, this town does seem to get criminally invested in the damn thing."
Joy's eyes were wide. "Tell me about it. I'
ve been practising my entry for the last three months."
I turned to her in surprise. "You're entering? I don't remember you being much of a baker, Joy."
"Not much else to do around here, is there?"
Taking a quick glance around the seaside village, I had to concur. "Fair enough." We began walking again. "So, who's the favourite this year?"
"I think I am, actually," Joy continued. "Though there's always Cassandra." She spoke the latter's name like she was speaking the name of a poison.
I had to rack my brains. "Who's Cassandra?"
"I guess she's new in town since you left. She's a real know-it-all. Never made herself popular since she arrived here six years ago. Got a bit of a reputation, as well, if you know what I mean. Anyway, she's the favourite after me to win, but people would NOT be pleased if she won, believe me."
I had the sudden suspicion that Joy was trying to get inside my head. I placed one hand on my hip and raised my glasses with my other hand. "You do know I'm judging this year, don't you?"
"Oh, no," Joy replied, mouth open with innocence. "Honest Allison, I had no idea." She pulled a face. "I hope you don't take to heart what I said about Cassandra. I don't want it to influence your decision."
I snapped my glasses back down and turned away. "It certainly won't, don't worry about that."
"I am pleased to announce-" I began, taking my place on the podium, as 300 of Curtain Bay's eager residents looked up at me, hanging on my announcement as though I were about to announce the results of a presidential victory, not a local cheesecake comp. “- That the winner of this year's Curtain Bay Cheesecake Competition is... Cassandra Templeton!"
The automatic applause tailored off almost immediately as the announcement sunk in and people realised what I had said. There were cries of "What!" and "But how could she!" I spotted Joy's stricken face in the crowd. She pushed her way through and marched over to me.