Seams Like Murder

by Betty Hechtman

  “I didn’t want to be connected with the dead woman. Next thing you know I’d be a suspect. Besides, you asked who took it in the yarn exchange.” Rhoda seemed obstinate.

  I had a sudden memory of her quickly putting away some felted items right after I’d brought up the yarn. “That’s why you put away that pouch purse so quickly. Not that I could recognize the yarn once it had been felted. So did you make the vest Delaney was wearing?”

  Rhoda nodded. “I know what’s coming next. How is it Delaney Tanner had it?” Rhoda seemed to come undone. “I didn’t want to tell anyone, but my daughter is getting a divorce. She moved back home with no job and two kids. Plus, Hal got laid off. So, I started selling things I made to bring in some extra money. I was too embarrassed to say anything after making such a point that I gave away the things I made. When I set up a business account at the Bank of Tarzana, I dealt with Delaney. I showed her the vest I’d made as an example of my work, and she bought it.”

  “Rhoda, you don’t have to keep anything from us. We’re family, remember?” Rhoda answered with a slow nod.

  “It’s a relief to have everything out in the open,” she said.

  We were distracted from Rhoda when we saw Adele coming toward us, clutching onto Eric, who was in his motor officer uniform. They whispered to each other for a moment, then Eric broke away.

  “I have an announcement,” he said. Everyone stopped talking and listened. “I want you all to know that I was not trying to back out of our wedding by not agreeing to a date and place. There’s something I have to run past Adele first.” He turned to his intended. “Cutchykins, my mother gave up her place in San Diego, and she’s moved in with me. That means she will be living with us.”

  Poor Adele. She looked like she didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. But in the end, she just said, “Okay.”

  We all offered our congratulations, and I turned back to Dinah. “What about you?” I asked. “Any more thoughts on your wedding plans?”

  “Actually, yes,” my friend said. She took a deep breath and began to talk. “I figured out the problem. This is so lame, but I think I’m addicted to difficult men. You know, the ups, the downs, the breakups, the makeups. But with Commander, it’s more like a straight line.”

  “You mean, as in dull?” I asked.

  “Yes, but in a nice way,” she said.

  “So, what are you going to do?”

  “What I should have done in the first place,” she said. “Tell him the truth about why I’m still thinking about it.”

  “Poor guy gets in trouble for being too nice,” I said.

  Sheila had just arrived and was saying hello to everyone. She stopped next to us, but before I could suggest that it was a perfect time for her to do a practice class, she shook her head.

  “No, Molly, no more practice classes,” Sheila said firmly. “I am not doing another practice class, ever.”

  I started to argue my case, but she interrupted.

  “Don’t you get it?” Sheila said, seeming more in command of herself than I was used to. “I dealt with a dead woman at CeeCee’s and cops rushing in to arrest Tony. If I could get through that, I can do anything. A class of people who are just there to crochet will be a snap.”

  I think I believed her.

  The get-together ended with us all talking about Yarn University and planning to meet at our regular spot the next day at Happy Hour. After, Dinah went home and I headed to Mason’s. I used my key to let myself in and was surprised to see that he was waiting for me with a huge smile. His knee was resting on the scooter, but he quickly lifted it and set his foot on the ground. I was staring, with my mouth wide open. “When did this happen?”

  “This afternoon. The doctor gave me the all clear on everything. Walking, driving, dancing.” He did a little cha-cha. “I can go back to work!” Brooklyn walked into the hall from the wing of bedrooms. I expected her usual scowl, but she gave me a one-armed hug.

  “Thanks for saving my mother,” she said before heading to the kitchen.

  This was the first time I’d seen Mason since the episode with Todd. We’d talked on the phone briefly, but I could tell that he was overwhelmed dealing with his daughters and Jaimee. The truth was, I was more used to dealing with that kind of chaos and I recovered faster.

  When Barry had brought me home after the incident at Jaimee’s house, we’d sat drinking peppery chai tea until he was satisfied that I was okay. When he got up to go, I’d walked him to the door.

  “Thank you for everything,” I’d said as we stood in the entrance hall. At that moment, Samuel came in the front door with his suitcase and locked gazes with Barry.

  “What’s going on?” my son asked.

  “Your mother will tell you all about it. She had quite a day.” Just before he went out the door, Barry had turned back. “I’m glad I could be there for you.”

  I didn’t bring up anything about Barry to Mason now, but I did mention that my mother’s tour had ended and my son Samuel was home, so at last I’d have some help with the animals.

  Mason walked over and put his arms around me. “I am so glad you’re all right. Even when you try to stay out of things, you end up in the middle of them.”

  “About that,” I said. “You need to know that I didn’t take your suggestion to stay out of the investigation. I understand where your head is. You’re just about getting your client off.” I paused for a moment, knowing he probably wasn’t going to like what I was about to say. “And I am all about getting the bad guy caught, no matter who he is.”

  Mason grinned. “I think we’re going to have some interesting conversations in our future. Speaking of which, I have something to tell you.” He leaned close and then looked to make sure no one was in earshot. “I found out why Brooklyn left San Diego in such a hurry to take care of me. Her life fell apart when she lost both her job and her boyfriend within a week. The good news is, she has a new plan. She liked working with me for those couple of days that Tony was a client, and she’s decided to go to law school here,” he said. I nodded in acknowledgment.

  “I don’t think you understand,” Mason said. “She wants to go to school here in the Valley and stay here with me.”

  “Oh,” I said.

  “There’s more,” Mason said. He paused just like I had, and I had a feeling it was for the same reason. He knew I wasn’t going to be happy with what he had to say. “Jaimee says she’s a changed person after yesterday. She doesn’t want to go back to that house, ever. The Housewives people were on the phone with her this morning, rolling out the red carpet for her to come back—they didn’t even care when she said she wasn’t going to be living on Mulholland Drive anymore. Jaimee had out-drama-ed them all.”

  “So, you’re trying to tell me she’s going to be staying here for the moment—or a lot of moments.” Mason nodded and watched as my expression wilted.

  “Ah, but I saved the best for last. They’re here, but we can go somewhere else, for the weekend, anyway.” He kicked his leg out and shook it to show he had full use. “I was thinking a villa at the Del Coronado hotel. It’s the off-season, so we’ll have the island to ourselves. We can walk on the beach and finally watch a sunset.”

  “That sounds great. It’ll be the calm before the storm of Yarn University next week,” I said. “When do we leave?”

  Mason called Spike and grabbed his car keys. “How about right now? Before anything can happen to stop us.”

  Sheila’s Hug

  Easy to make

  SUPPLIES:

  2 skeins Louisa Harding La Salute, dark blue, 79% kid mohair, 21% nylon (115 yds, 105 mtrs, 25 g)

  1 skein Knit One Crochet Too Douceur et Soie, dark blue, 70% baby mohair, 30% silk (225 yd, 205 mtrs, 25 g)

  1 skein Trendsetter Super Kid Seta, shade, 70% super kid mohair, 30% seta silk (230 yds, 212 m, 25 g)

  Croche
t hook P-15/10.00 mm

  Tapestry needle

  Stitch markers (optional)

  Gauge is not important to this project.

  Dimensions before sewn together are approximately 10 inches by 44 inches.

  Note: Three strands of yarn are crocheted together throughout. It is easier to see the stitches on either end if they are marked with stitch markers.

  Chain 21 using all three yarns.

  Row 1: Single crochet in the 2nd chain from hook. Single crochet across. 20 stitches.

  Row 2: Chain 1, turn. Single crochet across. 20 stitches.

  Repeat Row 2 until piece is approximately 44 inches long, fasten off and weave in ends.

  Finishing:

  Lay flat and fold so that the A and B on the side match the A and B on the bottom. Use tapestry needle with all three strands of yarn to sew the matched A to B together. Weave in ends.

  To wear, slip over head and arrange so point is in the middle.

  Adele’s Hug

  Easy to make

  SUPPLIES:

  1 skein Lion Brand Homespun, Windsor, bulky weight, 98% acrylic, 2% polyester (185 yd, 169 m, 6 oz, 170 g)

  Hook P-15/10.00 mm

  Tapestry needle

  Stitch markers (optional)

  Gauge is not important to this project.

  Dimensions before sewn together are approximately 10 inches by 44 inches.

  Note: It is easier to see the stitches on either end if they are marked with stitch markers.

  Chain 23

  Row 1: Double crochet in 4th chain from hook (counts as 2 double crochets). Double crochet across. 21 stitches made.

  Row 2: Chain 3 (counts as first double crochet). Double crochet across. 21 stitches.

  Repeat Row 2 until the piece is approximately 44 inches long, fasten off and weave in the ends.

  Finishing:

  Lay flat and fold so that the A and B on the side match the A and B on the bottom. Use tapestry needle with yarn to sew the matched A to B together. Weave in ends.

  To wear, slip over head and arrange so point is in the middle.

  Vegetable Stew

  Package of Lawry’s Beef Stew Spices & Seasonings mix

  2 tablespoons olive oil

  12-ounce bag frozen pearl onions

  ½ cup sliced leeks

  1 cup celery hearts, cut into 1-inch pieces

  2 cups mushrooms, sliced

  1 cup baby carrots

  2 cups gold potatoes, cut in quarters

  8 half cobs of corn

  6 cups water

  10-ounce bag frozen baby peas

  Sour cream for garnish

  In a large pot or Dutch oven, mix the seasoning mix, oil, onions, leeks, celery and mushrooms. Cook, stirring often, for approximately 10 minutes. Add the carrots, potatoes, corn and water. Bring to a boil then simmer for about 30 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. Turn off the heat and add the baby peas. Cover the pan and let sit for 10 minutes. Add a generous tablespoon of sour cream as garnish. Serves 8.

  Molly’s Delicious Drop Biscuits

  2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour

  4 teaspoons non-aluminum baking powder

  1 teaspoon salt

  4 tablespoons butter

  1 cup buttermilk

  Sift the dry ingredients together. Work the butter into the flour mixture until crumbly using a pastry cutter, fingers or food processor. Make a well in center. Pour in buttermilk all at once. Stir until the flour is just moistened. Drop by spoonfuls into muffin tin. Preheat oven to 450 degrees and bake for approximately 10 minutes. Makes 12 biscuits.

  Turn the page for a preview of Betty Hechtman’s next Yarn Retreat Mystery . . .

  GONE WITH THE WOOL

  Coming in July 2016 from Berkley Prime Crime

  Why hadn’t I realized this problem before? The bright red tote bag with Yarn To Go emblazoned on the front fell over as I tried to cram in the long knitting loom for my upcoming yarn retreat. My selection of round looms rolled across the floor before falling flat on the floor. The other long looms scattered at my feet. Julius, my black cat, watched from his spot on the leather love seat in the room I called my office as I gathered up the odd-looking pieces of equipment.

  I might be able to get them into the bag for my meeting, but it would simply not work to hand out such ungainly and heavy bags to my retreaters as they registered.

  Julius blinked his yellow eyes at me. “I know what you’re thinking,” I said. “This is the fourth retreat I’m putting on and I should have figured this out already.” The plan had been that after my meeting, I was going to pick up the boxes of looms and stuff the bags for the retreaters.

  I looked around the small room, as if there might be an answer for me. There were reminders of my aunt’s handiwork with yarn everywhere. My favorite was the crocheted lion who patrolled from the desk, though his face was too amusing to appear threatening. And then there was the sample of my handiwork that I was the most proud of. It had taken me a while, but I’d finished making the Worry Doll from the last retreat. I loved the doll and the concept. You were supposed to give her your worries and she would take care of them. I’d given mine a face with an attitude, which made her appear up for the job.

  “Worry Doll, how about some help with this?” I pointed at the bag, which I had smartly propped up at my feet when I’d refilled it. It fell over on its side anyway.

  “I’m talking to cats and dolls,” I said, shaking my head in disbelief as I grabbed the handles and lugged the bag out of the room.

  Julius followed me to the kitchen, making a last play for a serving of stink fish. I started to ignore it, but such a little effort made him so happy, and eventually I gave in. The can of smelly cat food was wrapped in plastic and then in three layers of plastic bags, yet somehow the strong smell still got through. I held my nose before giving him a dainty portion and then starting the involved job of rewrapping and resealing it. He was busily chewing as I went out the back door.

  Julius and I had only been companions for a short time and he was the first pet I had ever had—though I was beginning to think he viewed me as the pet. He had definitely chosen me, and he seemed to be doing a good job of training me to give him the care he desired. I’d wanted him to stay inside initially, but he’d had no intention of being strictly an indoor cat and had pushed open a window to show me how to leave it open just enough so that he could come and go as he pleased.

  Outside, the sky was a flat white. That was the average weather here on the tip of the Monterey Peninsula. White sky, cool weather, no matter the month. It just happened to be October, though you couldn’t tell by looking around. There were no trees with golden leaves—mostly, there were Monterey pines and Monterey cypress, which never lost their foliage and stayed a dark green year round. The cypress tree on the small strip of land in front of my house had a typical horizontal shape from the constant wind. Somehow it made me think of someone running away with their hair flowing behind them. It seemed funny, since I had run here to Cadbury by the Sea, California.

  My name is Casey Feldstein and to make a long story short, I’d relocated to my aunt’s guest house in Cadbury when I was faced with moving back in with my high achieving parents (both doctors) because I was once again out of a job. Sadly, my aunt had been killed in a hit and run several months after I moved in. She’d left me everything—a house, a yarn retreat business and, as it was turning out, a life.

  I might have moved almost two thousand miles away from Chicago, but that didn’t mean I had severed my ties with my parents or, I was sorry to admit, my need for their approval. It still stung when my mother ended our conversations with her usual, “When I was your age I was a wife, a doctor, and a mother, and you’re what?”

  So, maybe I was thirty-five and it’s true that I’ve had a rather spott
y career history that, until recently, seemed to be headed nowhere. Of all the things I had done, my two favorites were the temp work at the detective agency, where I was either an assistant detective or a detective’s assistant, depending on who you talked to, and my position as a dessert chef at a small bistro. I would have never left either of those jobs—they left me.

  Though my mother had a hard time acknowledging it, these days I did have an answer for her usual comment. I had taken over my aunt’s yarn retreat business, even though I hadn’t known a knitting needle from a crochet hook when I’d started. And I’d turned my baking skills into a regular job as the dessert chef at the Blue Door restaurant, plus I baked muffins for the assorted coffee spots in Cadbury.

  I started to walk past the converted garage that had been my home when I’d first moved here and then made a last-minute decision to go inside and check the supply of tote bags, as if the new ones I’d had made up might somehow be bigger than the one I was carrying.

  The flat light that made it through the cloud cover was coming in the windows and illuminating the interior. The stack of bags sat on the counter that served as a divider between the tiny kitchen area and living space. I folded one out and measured it against my stuffed one. No surprise, they were the same size. As I flattened the bag and put it back, I noticed the worn manila envelope that had been sitting there for months. I still hadn’t figured out what to do about its contents.

  I hadn’t told anyone about the information the envelope contained, not even my best friend Lucinda Thornkill, who owned the Blue Door with her husband Tag, so there was no one to go to for advice.

  There was no reason to deal with it now, except to procrastinate from dealing with the bag issue. I guess there was one person I could go to for advice. It was two hours later in Chicago and, even though it was Saturday, my ex-boss at the detective agency was probably leaning back in his office chair considering his lunch options, which meant it was a good time to call.