A Killer Stitch

by Maggie Sefton

  “Me, either. Thanks for the heads-up.”

  “Plus, I needed a break from the crowds, so I’m at the coffeehouse,” she said, admiring the huge version of Van Gogh’s Starry Night adorning the wall in front of her.

  “You’re eating, I can tell.”

  “Yep. Some decadent dessert. The shoppers made me do it. Too many of them. And the traffic.” She took another bite and hummed loudly into the phone.

  Steve laughed. “Sounds like chocolate. You only make that noise when you’re eating chocolate.”

  Kelly stared at the blues and yellows in front of her. Chocolate noises? She didn’t know she had chocolate noises. “You’re right. Good guess.”

  “I don’t guess. I pay attention.”

  Well, he did, she had to admit. She took another bite of decadence then a sip of the rich mint hot chocolate. “Oh, did I mention the mint chocolate hot chocolate?” she tempted.

  Steve chuckled. “That traffic must really be bad, from the sound of it. Why don’t we grab some of that good stuff after dinner tonight? I thought we could try out that new Indian restaurant.”

  Now Kelly was really sorry she had to join Jennifer tonight. Maybe she’d let annoying Jennifer fend for herself. But, then…she’d promised.

  “Darn it, that sounds wonderful, but I can’t tonight. As soon as we get thrashed at the courts, I have to go barhopping with Jennifer.”

  “Excuse me?”

  “I know, I know. Believe me, I’d much rather be having Indian food with you, but I promised her,” Kelly added before she consoled herself with the last Black Forest bite.

  “We really do have to restrict your caffeine. You’re starting to hallucinate.”

  “No, really. Jennifer wants to grill the bartender about some guy who threatened Derek Cooper in the bar one night. I know it sounds crazy, but she’s trying to do everything she can to help Diane.”

  “Yeah, it does sound crazy. Why does she need you?”

  “To keep her company, I guess. Help her flirt with the bartender, whatever.” She took another sip of hot chocolate. The sugar had kicked in and a general lethargy seeped into her veins now. The shop was so cozy and comfortable and filled with tempting goodies, just like the knitting shop. Except there was food, not yarn, tempting her here.

  “Since when does Jennifer need help flirting? Never mind, I don’t want to go there,” Steve said with a sigh. “In fact, I think I’ll go holiday shopping after the match. With luck, I can get something for everyone before the stores close.”

  “Men. I don’t understand how you can shop like that.”

  “It’s called efficiency.”

  “Yeah, yeah, yeah.”

  “You’d better have some coffee. You’re getting drunk on that chocolate. We’ve gotta play a few hours from now.”

  “I’ll get coffee after this. Uh, after the spiced latte, that is. I’m taking that to go.” Kelly drained the cup, licking the rim.

  “Sugar high, if I ever heard one. We’d better forfeit tonight.”

  “Naw, I’ll be fine,” she promised, wondering again how Steve could tell so much from the sound of her voice. He really did pay attention. A stray thought swam through the sugar to the surface. “Hey, Steve, let me ask you something. Am I coy?”

  “How’s that again?”

  “Jennifer says I’m coy with you. She says I flirt by being coy. I told her she was nuts, but I wanted to check with you.”

  “Coy, huh?”

  “Yeah. I don’t think I’d know how to be coy if I tried. But, you know Jennifer.”

  “Yeah, I know Jennifer. Coy, hmmmm. Let me think.”

  He was teasing her, Kelly could tell. But she was so mellow with chocolate, she didn’t even care. “C’mon, stop teasing. Tell the truth. Am I coy?”

  Steve laughed softly. “No. You’re Kelly. You’re you. You’re unique.”

  Kelly pondered that. She wasn’t coy. She was unique. She liked that. See? Steve knew her. Jennifer was off base.

  “Unique, huh? Good. I like that,” Kelly said, admiring the imitation Van Gogh.

  “Listen, forget that latte and order some espresso right now, or you’ll still be sitting there looking at Starry Night when we’re supposed to be playing.”

  Whoa. Kelly sat up. “How’d you know I was looking at the painting?”

  “I told you, I pay attention. Go get some espresso, and I’ll see you at the courts later,” he said amiably before clicking off.

  Kelly stared at the phone. Boy, he really did pay attention. Glancing toward the counter, she was just about to get up and order the espresso when her cell phone rang again. She sank back down in the comfy chair’s embrace. Clearly, she was meant to be here for a while.

  Eugene Tolliver’s voice came on the line. “Kelly, your scarf arrived yesterday, and it’s lovely. In fact I’m wearing it now. How thoughtful of you to make that for me. And with your own little hands.”

  Kelly heard the sound of laughter and responded in kind. “You’re welcome, Eugene. Even though my own little hands aren’t as adept as Jennifer’s. I do hope you didn’t compare your scarf to Ronnie’s.”

  “Don’t be silly. Your scarf is absolutely beautiful. My scarf, now, thank you very much. And that’s the other reason I’m calling. Ronnie and I will be driving up to Fort Connor this weekend, and we’d love to take you and Jennifer to lunch. That way we can thank you in person.”

  “Eugene, you don’t have to drive all the way here in that awful holiday traffic to thank us.”

  “It is awful, isn’t it? I swear, it gets worse every year. It almost makes me yearn for those earlier days when Denver was still dusty and undiscovered. Ah, well, we cannot impede progress, I suppose.”

  “Well, you can certainly stay out of it. No need to drive in for lunch—”

  “Actually, my dear, lunch would only be part of the reason we’re coming. Ronnie was absolutely captivated by the yarns Jennifer used in the scarf, and now he’s simply consumed with fiber fever, I believe you called it. He’s intent upon taking a class with your mentor and shop owner, Mimi.”

  “Really? That’s great,” Kelly enthused. “Mimi’s a wonderful teacher. Sounds like Ronnie got hooked like I did.”

  Eugene gave a dramatic sigh. “Hooked doesn’t begin to describe it, my dear. He’s been fixated ever since Jennifer’s scarf arrived. He must have bought at least a dozen books with instructions, but nothing has captured his fancy. Until I suggested we visit the shop. I recalled how Jennifer had raved about the teachers.”

  “A wise decision, Eugene. Mimi is the best.”

  “I certainly hope so, because there’ll be no living with him if not. You and Jennifer will be available for luncheon then? I do recall mention of a café attached to the shop. It sounds intriguing.”

  “As a matter of fact, Eugene, we won’t need to have lunch at all,” Kelly said, remembering. “The Lambspun holiday party is this Sunday. The shop will be open, and there will be plenty of food. Lots of people will be there. All the Lambspun regulars.”

  “Regulars? Hmmmm,” Eugene pondered aloud. “Including that interesting young man you mentioned?”

  Kelly smiled, hearing the tease in Eugene’s tone. “Jennifer mentioned him, I didn’t, and yes, he’ll be there. Steve’s his name. Along with lots of others.”

  “How can we resist, then? We’ll be there. Ahhh, another call is coming in, Kelly. I simply must take this one. A pushy gallery owner I’ve been avoiding. Take care,” he said, clicking off.

  Remembering that she’d missed an earlier call from Jayleen, Kelly checked through her message directory. Indeed, there was one. Unfortunately, Kelly could barely make out what Jayleen was saying because of static and noise. Outside interference, Kelly surmised, as she nodded a thank-you to the barista, who brought a gingerbread spiced latte to go.

  Taking that as her cue to leave, Kelly grabbed her coat and scarf and relinquished the comfy chair to someone else. Heading toward the counter, she flipped through her cell d
irectory for Jayleen’s phone number, only to watch the cell phone choose that moment to die.

  Damn, Kelly thought in aggravation. That always happened when she was super busy. She’d have to call Jayleen later, after she charged her phone. Catching the young blonde barista’s attention, she handed over her credit card. “An espresso to go,” she said, then took a sip of the spiced latte. Another rush of sugar, spicy and sweet, raced through her. “Uhhh, better make that a double espresso.”

  “So you and Steve left Megan with Marty yesterday?” Jennifer asked as she steered around a corner. “Good thinking. Let’s see what happens.”

  “Yeah, Marty’s been real clever so far. Let’s hope he doesn’t blow it.”

  “Or trip over the tennis net,” Jennifer joked.

  Kelly shook her head, watching the headlights of oncoming traffic. “I don’t think there’s much chance of that as long as he stays out of the house. I swear, he really was poetry in motion on the court. He played the baseline like a pro. It looked like he was dancing out there. And when he rushed the net, look out. You never saw it coming. And his serve? Forget about it. It blew right past you.”

  “Whoa, that’s high praise coming from a jock like you.”

  “Well, he’s that good. Steve’s thinking of trying to recruit him for his softball team.”

  “Oh, yeah, I wanted to tell you something before we get to the bar—”

  “I know, I know. Don’t snarl. Don’t bark. And don’t bite,” Kelly quipped. “No promises.”

  “Actually, that wasn’t what I was about to say, but it is good advice. Seriously, I wanted to tell you something I heard at the office today. Geri Norbert’s canyon property is going back on the market. In fact, it came on this afternoon. The woman who bought it is selling it again. Dumping it, from what her agent whispered to me.”

  Kelly stared at Jennifer’s profile in the darkened car. “You’re kidding. Really?”

  “Really,” Jennifer said with a solemn nod. “I dunno, Kelly. I’m telling you because I’m your agent, and I promised to let you know whenever canyon property comes on the market. But I swear, there’s something going on with this place. Two owners have both dumped it back on the market after buying it. All within the last two months, too. Something’s up with this property. I can feel it. Maybe it’s haunted.”

  Kelly laughed. “More likely their financing fell through. That doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with the property.”

  “I hear you, but my antennae are buzzing. Let me check into it tomorrow and get back to you, okay?”

  The image of Geri Norbert’s beautiful canyon ranch shimmered in Kelly’s brain. “Jennifer, if that ranch is back on the market, I want to make another offer. A higher one, if necessary. I don’t want to miss out again.”

  Jennifer sighed. “I know you do. But let me ask some questions first, okay? I’ll draw up the contract tomorrow afternoon, and I’ll bring it over to your place tomorrow night. How’s that? By then, I should have learned something.”

  “Sounds good.”

  “Okay, real estate business over, bar business begins,” Jennifer said as she pulled into a parking lot. The bar anchored the end of a shopping mall, beside a popular restaurant.

  “Let’s make this quick, Jen,” Kelly instructed as she slammed her door. “I want to get back and check my bank accounts again. The mortgage lender will want another statement.”

  “One hour, no more, I promise,” Jennifer said as she held the door open for Kelly.

  Kelly was actually surprised when she stepped inside. She’d pictured Diane’s favorite drinking establishment as a rowdy, slightly disreputable sort of place. Instead, she found an upscale, vintage décor. Warm golden light from the hanging chandeliers and brass fixtures reflected off the long expanse of polished wood bar. Burgundy leather chairs and bar stools clustered around tables along dark wood-paneled walls. Kelly reminded herself that it was the people, not the establishment, that set the tone.

  Alcohol did different things to different people. Some became boisterous and loud. Some used it as an excuse to release all inhibitions. Others turned belligerent and surly. Some simply fell asleep.

  “Hey, Jennifer, where you been?” a guy called from the end of the bar. “We missed you.”

  “My ass,” Jennifer muttered to Kelly before sending the guy a bright smile. “Been super busy, Chuck,” she said, steering Kelly to the other end of the bar and two empty chairs. She signaled the handsome, blond bartender and said to Kelly, “Okay, you’re my new client, and we’ve been looking at canyon properties. Bellevue Canyon in particular. That will give us the opening to talk about Derek’s place. Then we’ll take it from there. Just follow my lead.”

  “Gotcha,” Kelly said, watching the bartender approach, blond ponytail hanging down his back. He looked to be in his late twenties. White shirtsleeves rolled up.

  “What’s up, Jennifer?” he asked as he leaned on the polished wooden bar. “We haven’t seen you for a while.”

  “Well, Ted, you can blame it all on Kelly here,” Jennifer said with an engaging smile. “She’s been keeping me super busy looking for mountain properties. Especially canyon places.”

  “Lucky you,” Ted said to Kelly. “I’d like one of those myself, but my bank account says not yet.”

  “Well, I’m not sure my bank account is in better shape, either,” Kelly joked. “But I’ve got an insane streak.”

  Ted laughed as he poured a glass of Kelly’s favorite mountain amber ale. “What can I get for you ladies?”

  Kelly pointed to the glass in his hand. “I’ll have one of those, thanks.”

  “You got it, Kelly. How about you, Jennifer? The usual, extra-strong margarita, double shot?”

  Jennifer paused. “No, I’ll take the same as Kelly.”

  Kelly couldn’t help but notice Ted’s look of surprise at Jennifer’s order. He placed the tall glasses on coasters in front of them. “Diane hasn’t been around for a while. How’s she doing? Is she all right?”

  Jennifer sipped her beer. “Yeah, she’s okay. She’s just keeping a low profile since Derek’s death. Besides, she’s not really comfortable coming here anymore, and you can’t really blame her. I mean, with the police interviewing everyone at the bar, asking questions about her.” Jennifer frowned.

  “Friend of yours?” Kelly asked, playing along.

  “Yeah, and she’s in a lot of trouble.”

  “Sounds like it. I mean, if the police are involved,” Kelly continued. “What happened?”

  “Her boyfriend was murdered up at his ranch in the canyon. You know, the canyon you like so much. Bellevue.”

  Kelly deliberately affected a surprised look. “Whoa! That’s scary.”

  “Got that right,” Ted agreed, wiping a glass with his white towel.

  “Now, that property has everything you want, Kelly.” Jennifer cleverly changed direction. “Stables, corrals, plenty of pasture. He even had alpaca, like you. And the house looks gorgeous.”

  “You been up there with Derek?” Ted teased.

  Jennifer shot him an exquisite look of scorn. “In his dreams. Hell, no. I wouldn’t cross the street with that bastard.”

  “Whoa! Strong words. The guy’s dead.”

  “Yeah, and he was a scumbag when he was alive.” She shook her head. “No, Diane told me all about his place.”

  Ted kept wiping. “Damn shame about Diane. Everybody here gave statements. I swear, the police must have taken ten statements. They came back twice.” He wagged his head. “I like Diane, I really do, Jennifer, but I don’t know…it doesn’t look good.”

  Jennifer took another leisurely sip. “Diane couldn’t kill Derek. I know she couldn’t.” She paused. “Did the police take a statement from that guy, Gary? You know, the one that nearly attacked Derek here in the bar one night? He lost a lot of money in some business deal with Derek. Got burned pretty bad, to hear him tell it.”

  Ted glanced up. “No, he wasn’t here when the police came
. Matter of fact, I haven’t seen Gary around much for a while.”

  “Neither have I,” a woman’s voice announced.

  A pretty, slightly plump brunette slipped into the chair beside Kelly, sipping a strawberry-colored concoction Kelly took to be a margarita. Her flushed cheeks indicated it might not be her first of the evening.

  “Hey, Nina, how are you?” Jennifer smiled. “You been looking for that Gary guy or something?”

  Nina gave a disgusted snort. “Not anymore, I’m not. He runs hot and cold. I’ve had it with him. He calls up, almost panting on the phone, I swear to God. We hook up, then I don’t hear a word for weeks.”

  “That’s just normal for a guy,” Jennifer said. “You know guys don’t call back when we want them to.”

  Nina screwed up her pretty features. “I don’t understand guys. I mean, if you like someone, you’re gonna want to be with them, right? I mean, like, why don’t they call?”

  “They do call. When they think of it,” Jennifer continued sagely. “You’ve gotta understand guys. The next day, when you’re thinking about him, he’s thinking about food. Or what game’s on television that night. Whatever. It has nothing to do with you. In fact, he may actually be crazy about you.”

  “You think?” Nina stared at Jennifer incredulously.

  “Who knows?” Jennifer shrugged. “Give it a little more time.”

  “The doctor is in,” Ted said with a chuckle as he moved toward another customer. “Damn, Jennifer, I’ve missed you. Come back more often.”

  “Doctor of Love, huh?” Kelly teased, sipping her ale.

  “Okay, doc, if you say so,” Nina said.

  “How long’s it been, anyway? Since you two were together?” Jennifer asked.

  Nina closed her eyes as if counting. “Uh, it’s been about two weeks or so.” She nodded. “For a while I thought he’d stayed away because the cops were all over here, asking questions. You know, about Derek Cooper and all. And, you know, he hated Derek’s guts. I thought maybe he didn’t want to take the chance of the cops asking him questions.”