Mrs. Fix It Mysteries: The Complete 15-Books Cozy Mystery Series

by Belle Knudson

  “Macaroni and cheese bites?”

  “Those haven’t made it out to the big city? They are practically a delicacy here.”

  “Sounds like a cholesterol nightmare. Does it come with a defibrillator on the side?” Scott said.

  Kate laughed. “It’s good.”

  She didn’t even pick up her menu. She knew she was having the special—maybe even some pie for desert. She’d been good all week.

  “You having the special?” he said.

  “Of course.”

  He closed his menu and put it on top of hers. “I will, too.”

  “You’re going to risk a heart attack?”

  “I’ll run an extra mile tonight.”

  She laughed. So that’s how he kept in shape. Her work kept her from gaining too much weight. If she had an office job, she would be the size of a house.

  A harried waitress came by.

  “Hey, Mrs. Flaherty.”

  “Hello, Caitlin.”

  Caitlin attended community college and waitressed part-time here. Kate knew her because she’d been dating her son Jared before he left for college. She didn’t know if they’d kept in touch, but they’d both agreed there wasn’t any reason to do the long distance thing. Kate had liked Caitlin very much after that.

  “How’s Jared?”

  Kate tried not to chuckle. “He’s good.”

  “Tell him I said ‘hey’ next time you talk to him.”

  “I will,” Kate said.

  She took their orders, gathered the menus and left.

  “A friend of your son’s?” Scott said.

  “Ex-girlfriend. She was always sweet, but I think she liked Jared more than he liked her. He let her down as easily as he could. He didn’t just run off to college,” she said.

  Scott put a hand on his heart. “Ouch. I resent that remark.”

  She laughed. “Ancient history.”

  “Clearly not or you wouldn’t have brought it up.”

  “No, it really is. I’m just busting your chops.”

  He nodded, but she didn’t think that he believed her.

  “Tell me about your sons,” Scott said.

  “They are both freshmen at Penn State. Jared wants to major in forensic science. Jason is going for computer science.”

  “Both good majors.”

  “Yes, they can both get jobs. As long as they can support themselves, I’m happy.”

  “Guess that’s what a parent’s job is.”

  “Yes it is.” She put hand on his. “Before we go any further, I need to tell you about the strange thing that happened to me today.”

  He glanced down at her hand on his. She pulled it back.

  “I’m listening.”

  “I had the sense that someone was watching me. I didn’t see anyone when I was at Hazel’s.”

  “By the way, Hazel broke her hip, but she’s going to be fine,” Scott said.

  “Good. Anyway, when I went to my next stop, I felt it again. This time I saw a man in his thirties watching me. He was goth-looking, which I thought was odd for someone that age.”

  “Did he look like a rocker? Have guyliner on?”

  “You know what guyliner is?”

  Scott chuckled. “Yes, I did spend some time patrolling South Street.”

  “Right. Yes, I think he did have guyliner on.”

  “He sounds like Dean Wentworth.”

  “Who is that?”

  “The guy that I caught Jackie with.”

  Kate sat back with her mouth open. “How old was Jackie that she was with this guy?”

  “She was in her early forties. Dean is older than he looks, but she had a decade on him.”

  “Yikes. I didn’t know. Sorry.”

  “No problem. Ancient history.”

  So that’s what had happened. Sad. Scott didn’t deserve that.

  “I tried to confront him, but he ran away,” Kate said.

  “Don’t, Katydid. Don’t put yourself in danger,” Scott said.

  “Is he dangerous?”

  “He could be the killer. I’ll let Ken know the guy’s in town.”

  “You guys kiss and make up?”

  Scott laughed. “We’ve come to a truce. For now. We’ll work it out. We—men—do that.”

  “Right.”

  “Other than your stalker, how was your day?”

  He was asking about her day? How boyfriend-like. “You know about most of my day already.”

  “That’s true. Mine has consisted of catching up on paperwork.”

  “Sounds exciting.”

  Caitlyn brought their meals and drinks.

  “These are macaroni and cheese bites?” He eyed them as if they would nip at him.

  “Yes, try one. It won’t kill you.”

  “No, but a steady diet wouldn’t either.”

  “Probably.”

  He tried one and his eyes fell closed. She remembered that look. It was one of ecstasy. “Wow. You were right. They are good.”

  “Hence this place is packed when the cook makes them. Word spreads around the town.”

  “Yes, I’m getting acquainted with the local grapevine.”

  “Better than social media. The vine will be abuzz after our lunch. We will be the topic, I’m sure.”

  “I’ve had no less than ten people ask me if you and I are going to date,” Scott said. “As if high school were only a few years ago.”

  “Long memories in small towns.”

  “So what should I tell them next time they ask? Should I say we are dating?”

  She almost choked on her meatloaf. “I’ve taken the tack that I’m still married. No one would believe that I’m suddenly going against that.”

  He smiled. “But you just couldn’t resist my charm, so you agreed to date me.”

  “You think people will believe that?”

  “Why not? My charm is still legendary in this town. I’ve had no less than four pies on my desk from eligible women. Might be your last chance to get me. I’m pretty hot property,” Scott said.

  “Modest, too.”

  Celia Johnson chose that moment to stop at their table. “Eating the special, I see. Nice to have you back, Scott. You plan on sticking around?”

  “Yes, I do, Mrs. Johnson.”

  She glanced at Kate then back at Scott. She left shaking her head.

  “I always got the impression that she didn’t like me,” Scott said.

  “You chose me over Carly. That never sat well with her.”

  “These people need to get a life and better things to talk about.”

  “Get used to it if you intend to stick around. There isn’t the anonymity of a big city. They’ll know your shoe size, what ailments you have and who you’ve taken to bed.”

  “Would you be surprised that I haven’t taken anyone to bed since I’ve been here?”

  She put a hand up. “None of my business.”

  ***

  At the end of lunch, Kate received a text from a neighbor of her last customer asking if she could come and power wash their house. She sends a text to Clark, asking him if she can keep the washer until tomorrow since he is closing early.

  He agrees.

  “Where to now?” Scott said. He’d paid the bill and met her outside.

  “I have another power-washing customer. That’s good. I didn’t have any jobs this afternoon,” she said.

  He kissed her on the cheek. “Where?”

  She gave him the address. “Out in the open again.”

  “If you see that guy again, text me. Also, call me before you go home. I’ll have a patrol car meet you out there.”

  “Isn’t that an unofficial use of municipal property?”

  “No. We’re merely serving and protecting.”

  She laughed as he walked away. She watched him go for a moment. He walked as if he owned the place. Long strides with his head high and his eyes forward. He did cut an attractive figure. He was so striking with his white hair that even some of the younger wo
men looked his way.

  The next house she cleaned was bigger than the last and had more windows she had to avoid. She hadn’t broken any in her short career, but she had to admit she was more distracted today than usual.

  The day was hot and she appreciated the moisture from the washer. Sure, she got a little wet but that cooled her down. She was packing up the washer when she saw the man again. She immediately sent a text to Scott.

  Dean, if that was who he was, started to walk away. She loaded the power washer into her truck, and then climbed in to follow him. He walked straight down Main Street. Kate parked her truck and watched him go in between Grayson’s and the consignment shop next to it. That led to the alley. She parked her truck in front of Grayson’s and followed him on foot into the alley.

  Maybe not the smartest thing to do, but she wasn’t going to lose sight of him. If Scott wanted to question him, she needed to stick with him.

  She heard voices as she arrived at the end of the walkway. She stopped, and then peeked around the corner. The man, Dean, was talking with Clark.

  She could hear them clearly, so there was no need to step out of the walkway. She pulled out her phone so that if anyone walked past, they would think she was checking her e-mails. She sent another text to Scott updating him on her position.

  “I want to know why you wanted to talk to Jackie,” Dean said.

  “That’s none of your business. You should just go back to Philly and stay there. Someone might think you killed her.”

  “I didn’t kill her. I loved her. I was going to marry her.”

  “You think she was going to marry you?”

  “We were happy together for years. You know what I do think? I think you killed her. She said you were unhappy with what happened in Philly.”

  Kate’s ears perked up. This guy knew about the deal.

  “That’s the past,” Clark said.

  “You threatened her. I know you did. She told me.”

  His voice was heart wrenching. This man had really loved Jackie. This was the first person who had anything positive to say about her. Every villain is a hero in his own story. It’s all about perspective.

  She leaned against the wall, holding her phone to her chest. Where was Scott? She was surprised he wasn’t there yet since he wanted to speak to this guy. Nor did she see a patrol car. She didn’t want to confront him herself, since he might be dangerous.

  “I loved her and I think you killed her. I’m going to the cops,” the man said. “I’m sure they’ll be interested in hearing what I have to say.”

  “Then I’ll tell them what you’ve been doing for me. You aren’t clean in all of this,” Clark said.

  “All I did was put a note on a car.”

  Note? Had he been the one to threaten her? Or had Clark? Why would Clark threaten her?

  Jackie had ruined him. He now owned a hardware store in a small town. He lived with his bachelor son. That’s a mighty fall for someone who had probably rubbed elbows with the elite in the best restaurants in Philadelphia.

  He’d be bitter.

  On the other hand, Jackie had cheated on Scott with Dean and they had still been together when she’d been killed. Maybe she had cheated on Dean. Had he killed her out of fury?

  Kate was more confused now than ever.

  “I’m leaving, but I’ll be back,” the man said.

  “Don’t come back. I’m done with you.”

  “I’ll be back, but no more dirty work. I’m not doing it. They’ll read Jackie’s will and I’ll be rich.”

  “Not if you’re in jail for killing her,” Clark said.

  So Clark thinks this guy killed Jackie. The more they talked, the more complicated this case was becoming. Where is Scott?

  Then she saw his car in the alley. He stepped out, not acknowledging her in the walkway.

  “Dean,” Scott said.

  “Scott, long time, no see. Chief of police, huh?”

  “Better than a dirty cop like you.”

  Kate gasped. This guy was a cop? Had they worked together in Philly?

  “I wasn’t dirty.”

  “Close enough.”

  This was beginning to get personal, so Kate slinked away. She didn’t want to know anymore. She had to return the power washer and hope that Clark hadn’t seen her truck parked out front the last few minutes.

  Chapter Eleven

  When Kate wheeled the power washer into the hardware store, Clark was back at the register. He was waiting on a customer. Kate wheeled the equipment to the back of the store. She didn’t know where it belonged, so she left it there.

  When she returned with the ramps, Clark was by himself.

  “Glad you made it back. I was about to close up. Sadly, not for fishing. I need to do inventory.”

  “Then let’s get this transaction over with, though I bet you are in no hurry to get to that task,” Kate said.

  His mood was light as if he hadn’t just had the conversation she knew about. She leaned on the counter as he figured out her discount and credited her card.

  “So, who was that guy that was out back?” She couldn’t find a subtler way to do it. “It looked like you were arguing with him.”

  Clark shrugged. “Someone who wasn’t happy with my service. How did you see him?”

  “He was watching me as I power washed the Wilsons’ house. Unnerving, for sure.”

  “He’s probably harmless,” Clark said.

  “Didn’t sound it. Didn’t he threaten you?”

  “You misheard. He was just unhappy about his service.”

  “Haven’t seen him around.”

  Clark eyed her. “You don’t know everyone in town.”

  The bell over the front door jangled and they both turned. Larry sauntered in through the door.

  “Hey, Kate. Saw your truck. You up for a drink?”

  She could use one, but not with Larry. Unfortunately, they had been friends for long enough that she couldn’t turn him down.

  “Sure thing, but nothing fancy.” She indicated her clothes. “Unless you need me to change.”

  “Nah. We’ll go to The Rail. No one cares what you look like there.”

  “Good.”

  The Rail was a blue-collar bar and sat three doors away from the hardware store. Greg wouldn’t have ever had a drink there, but Kate liked the lack of pretension.

  “Let me send a text and then we can go.”

  She sent one to Scott. Having drink with Larry at The Rail.

  He immediately replied: Should I be jealous?

  You have no right to be jealous.

  She tucked the phone in her pocket then smiled at Larry.

  He motioned her out the front door, waving at his father. “You’ve been busy.”

  “Yes, it’s been nice to have jobs. Things are picking up.”

  They found a spot in a booth then ordered beers.

  Larry wasn’t in uniform, so he must have had the day off.

  “How has your day been?” Larry asked.

  He’d been a good guy and a good friend after Greg disappeared. He’d only been making romantic overtures in the last year. She wanted to feel that way about him, but he just didn’t give her the zings like Scott could.

  “My day was busy, like you said. What about yours?”

  “Other than a trash can fire, nothing exciting. I knocked off early, then I saw your truck and figured it was fate. We haven’t just sat and talked for a long time.”

  “I know, Larry. I’m glad you walked in. I would have just gone home.”

  “That would have been a shame.”

  The waitress brought their beers. Kate poured some of the amber liquid down her throat.

  “So, Scott ended up having an alibi for his wife’s murder.”

  She bit her tongue before she corrected him and said ex. “Yes. Have you heard anything?”

  “No, no one’s talking.”

  “By the way, you were in that neighborhood around that time. You didn’t see anything?�
�

  “I don’t remember being there that morning.”

  “Several people saw your truck.”

  “Then I guess I’m remembering the wrong day.”

  “There are no houses for sale on that block. I know you do inspections when there are. I was wondering what you were doing there.”

  “I guess if I was there, I might have been checking someone’s fireplace. I really don’t remember what day I was there.”

  He seemed adamant, but Carly and Celia had seen his truck. But it wasn’t like Larry to lie. The hair on the back of Kate’s neck went up.

  He’d raised his voice a little, so she dropped the subject. Clearly, it was a sore subject for him. Her phone buzzed. She slipped it out of her pocket.

  It was from Scott. He’d sent a text that he was waiting at her house. He sent a picture of himself on her front porch. She smiled.

  “Funny text?” Larry said.

  “Yes, but it’s an inside joke or I’d show it to you,” she said.

  Scott would just have to wait, but the idea that Larry was hiding something couldn’t be shaken. She didn’t want to tip him off and ask more questions, but she had many.

  What did it matter that he was in the neighborhood at that time unless he was the killer? But she doubted that Larry would advertise his presence if he was planning on offing Jackie.

  “I saw your dad talking to a guy from Philadelphia. They seemed to be arguing.”

  Larry frowned. “Dad knows a lot of people from there. Some he never wants to see again.”

  “Maybe you saw him around. Goth-looking, in his thirties.”

  Larry shook his head. “No, doesn’t sound familiar, but I’ve been in my office most of the day. Paperwork.”

  “The bane of everyone. I have to write up invoices for two customers who weren’t home when I came by today.”

  “I would imagine that you have plenty of paperwork, too. I just got backed up because we’ve been running to field fires this week.”

  “The dry weather and all, I bet.”

  She wondered what would make a man want to run into burning buildings. She’d never understand it, but she admired his commitment. During Fire Prevention Week he talked in the school. He held an open house each year so the residents of Rock Ridge could see what their tax dollars bought for the fire company.

  She should like him. She should fall in love with him. He’d be safe and secure. Of course, her heart wanted her husband back, and if not, it wanted Scott.