Cozy Creek

by K M Morgan

  “You think you have everything figured out, don’t you?”

  “I’ve figured out a lot more than you think. Now, put your weapon down,” Chloe said.

  Danielle didn’t respond to Chloe. Nor did she drop her weapon. She just remained quiet for a few seconds.

  Chloe became impatient. “I said, put down your weapon. I’m not going to ask again.”

  Danielle let out a groan and then dropped her weapon.

  “Good call,” Chloe said. She then addressed her boyfriend. “Dylan, you can turn on the lights now.”

  Dylan flipped a switch and the lights went on in the living room.

  “You can also phone Detective Thicke,” Chloe said.

  “Will do,” Dylan said.

  Dylan pulled out his phone and dialed the detective’s number.

  Meanwhile, Chloe turned her attention back to Danielle.

  “The police will be here in a few minutes. Before they arrive, is there anything you want to say for yourself?” Chloe asked.

  Danielle didn’t reply.

  “Really? You have nothing to say?” Chloe asked.

  Danielle sneered. “You think you’re so smart, don’t you?”

  “The way I see it, you’re the one who overestimated your intelligence. You thought you could outsmart me, right from the beginning,” Chloe said.

  “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “Is that so? Are you saying that you didn’t sense trouble from the moment I showed up at the scene of the crime? I know what you were thinking. That if you left me to my own devices, I would eventually discover that you were the one who killed Richard. In your mind, your only option was to try and join forces with me. Then you could try to point the finger of suspicion at someone else. If you got lucky, maybe you could pin the crime on one of the other suspects.”

  “You have a very active imagination, you know that?”

  “It’s more than just an imagination. I also know that as the day went on, you became more desperate. Especially when I followed you to Michael’s house. After your confrontation with me, you realized that I was onto something. That it was only a matter of time before I brought you down. So, when I drove away, you came up with this plan to break into my house and kill me. What you didn’t realize was that I would be waiting for you. And that I’d be prepared.”

  “You sure talk a lot.”

  “I’m not done. You’re a despicable woman. Not just for coming after me, but also for killing Richard. All because he didn’t love you.”

  “Is that what you think this was all about?”

  “I know this is what it’s about. You’ve always had a thing for Richard. You wanted him all to yourself. But he was really in love with Jennifer. He only slept with you a few times because he was weak. Your affair wasn’t ever destined to last. He was always going to try to win Jennifer back,” Chloe said. “You couldn’t accept that. So, you killed him.”

  Danielle gritted her teeth. “I hate you.”

  “Why? Because I didn’t let you get away with murder?” Chloe shook her head in disgust. “You’re more despicable than I even thought.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  It took Detective Thicke a little less than ten minutes to get to Chloe’s house. When he arrived, he arrested Danielle.

  He then hauled Danielle back to the police station. Danielle was booked on two different charges. One was the murder of Richard Gilbertson. The second was the attempted murder of Chloe Cook.

  Of all of the cases that Chloe had solved, this one was the most satisfying to wrap up. Things had gotten very personal. Danielle hadn’t just tried to get away with Richard’s murder. By targeting Chloe as well, Danielle had taken things to an entirely different level of insanity.

  Without a doubt, this had been the most dangerous case that Chloe had ever investigated. She didn’t want to spend too much time focusing on it, but there was a very real chance that things could have played out far differently. In all honesty, Chloe was lucky to be alive. That fact was not lost on her.

  As a matter of fact, she was incredibly relieved to get out of there with her life. That wasn’t her only lucky break, however. She somehow managed to escape that encounter without a single scratch on her.

  As she reflected on the events of the evening, one thing became abundantly clear. She had a lot to thank God for. She would do that later.

  Meanwhile, there were some things that she needed to talk about with the detective.

  “I was so happy to see your car pull up to my house,” Chloe said.

  “You have nerves of steel, you know that?” Detective Thicke replied.

  Chloe chuckled. “I don’t know where you got that idea.”

  “Ms. Cook, do you have any idea what rarified air you are breathing?”

  Chloe squinted. “What are you talking about?”

  “There’s only a select group of people in the world who would set a risky trap like that for a killer. Most of those people work in law enforcement. Not you, though.”

  “I’m not sure if that makes me bold or foolish.”

  “If you would have asked me before you set the trap, I would have said foolish. But since you succeeded, I’m going to say bold.”

  “It’s amazing what a fine line there is between the two.”

  “Oh yeah. That line is razor thin. Even so, I have to admit, you certainly have a knack for investigating. You continue to surprise me. I’ve never seen such sharp instincts in a civilian before.”

  “Wow. A rare compliment from the detective.”

  “You earned it.”

  “I sure did.” Chloe stared out into the distance. “You know that I’m usually a pretty confident person, but I can’t shake off the feeling that I used up the last of my good luck tonight.”

  “I wouldn’t doubt that.”

  Chloe took a deep breath before replying, “Talk about getting away by the skin of my teeth.”

  “You know, during moments like this, it’s common to take stock of your life. To reexamine what you want your future to look like.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “After a close call like this, maybe you should think about giving up investigating.”

  “I feel like you’ve been telling me that for years.”

  “I have. But like you said, you got really lucky this time. What if that isn’t the case next time?”

  “I don’t want to think about next time.”

  “Neither do I. But it’s a smart thing to consider. After all, you can’t keep doing this forever. None of us can. Eventually, we all end up calling it quits.”

  “Wait a minute. Why do I get the feeling that your last statement was directed as much at yourself as it was at me?”

  “Believe it or not, I have given some thought to retirement.”

  Chloe put her hands on her hips. “Really?”

  “Of course. I’m not saying it’s going to happen tomorrow, but at some point I’m going to turn in my badge.”

  “I guess I never thought of that.”

  “Don’t get me wrong. I don’t let it dominate my day, but I’ll think about it every once in a while. And you should too.”

  “Hey, I’d love to call it quits. I never wanted to be a sleuth in the first place. But if I’m going to stop investigating, things are going to need to change around here.”

  “Like what?”

  “For example, is the crime rate around here planning on quieting down?”

  “I don’t have an answer for you.”

  “Because if things keep going like this, I’m not just going to remain on the sidelines.”

  “Even if your life is threatened?”

  “This topic is a little too heavy for me right now. I want to dial back the speculation.”

  “Fair enough.”

  “Fair is the last way that I would describe things.”

  “I suppose you’re right.”

  “I still can’t believe what a crazy few days th
is has been.”

  Detective Thicke nodded. “This is the kind of case that sticks with someone. That you can’t just shake off.”

  “For a number of reasons. Remember, I only got involved in this case because you wrongfully arrested my friend.”

  “I’m sorry about that. I was wrong. In my defense, there was some incredibly strong evidence against her.”

  “Detective, it’s refreshing to see you admit your mistake.”

  “I’m not too proud to admit when I messed up. Or that you saved the day.”

  “I have to say, I’m seeing a much different side to you this evening. It’s a refreshing change of pace.”

  “The truth is, even though your methods are unconventional, they are effective. I owe you a big debt of gratitude.”

  “Thank you,” Chloe said. “Since we’re being honest, this case pushed me to my limit. More than ever before.”

  “I know. But you still deserve kudos for coming up with that plan. It was ingenious.”

  “Forget about kudos. What I want is a vacation.”

  “Unfortunately, I can’t help you there.”

  “Probably not. There’s one thing you can help me with, though. Freeing Jennifer.”

  “That is actually happening as we speak. One of my deputy’s is releasing her from her cell right now.”

  “Good. She’s been through so much. What a terrible ordeal this has been for her.”

  “It really has. But it’s all over now. Thanks to you.”

  “You know me. I don’t care about taking credit,” Chloe said. “I’m just glad that this is over with.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  The moment Jennifer spotted Chloe, she gave her friend a big hug. From there, they both headed outside.

  When Jennifer exited the police station, she headed over to the sidewalk and then stopped.

  At first, Chloe wondered why. A few seconds later, it became apparent. Jennifer was busy looking out into the distance. There was a great deal of appreciation in her eyes.

  “It feels good to be breathing fresh air, doesn’t it?” Chloe asked.

  “I’m never going to take my freedom for granted again, that’s for sure,” Jennifer said.

  “I’ll bet you won’t.”

  “Not even for a second.”

  “Those two days in jail really changed your perspective on life, didn’t they?”

  Jennifer’s eyebrows rose. “Wait a minute. Was I really only in there for two days?”

  Chloe nodded. “Yeah. Why?”

  “It just seemed like so much longer. Maybe because I was so petrified.”

  “It was quite the harrowing experience.”

  “Honestly, it was more than that. I thought my life was over.”

  “Well, you don’t have to worry about that now. You are completely in the clear.”

  “Make no mistake. I’m relieved about that. But it’s going to take me a long time to get over this experience. There’s a chance that I’ll never truly be the same.”

  “I hope you’re wrong about that. Although, it wouldn’t surprise me if you’re correct.”

  “I guess time will tell. One thing is quite clear, though. If I ever see the inside of the police station again, it will be too soon.”

  Chloe gave her friend a hug. “I’m so sorry you had to go through this.”

  “So am I. I’m glad it’s over.”

  “Speaking of which, now that you have your freedom back, what’s the first thing you want to do? Do you want to head straight home?”

  Jennifer bit the corner of her lip. “Actually, I’m having a craving.”

  “All right. For what?”

  “It’s going to sound random, but I really want some salt water taffy.”

  “That’s not random at all. We all get cravings for different sweets.”

  Jennifer scratched her chin. “Come to think of it, I could also go for some cotton candy.”

  “Wow, your sweet tooth is really coming on strong. So, which is it going to be, taffy or cotton candy?”

  “Why should I have to choose just one?”

  “I suppose you’re right. We can easily get both. Come on. It’s my treat.”

  Jennifer shook her head. “Oh no you don’t.”

  Chloe shrugged. “What are you talking about?”

  “I’m the one who is going to be treating you. And it’s going to be like that for a very long time. I owe you everything.”

  “Jennifer, you don’t owe me a thing.”

  “Don’t be ridiculous. Of course, I do. The question is, will I ever be able to do enough to pay you back?”

  “Seriously. I’m just happy the case is closed.”

  “Let me tell you something. There’s a time and a place for humility, but it’s not here. And it’s not now. After what you did, you deserve all the credit in the world. In fact, they should put up a statue of you in the town square.”

  Chloe chuckled. “You’re going a little overboard now.”

  “That’s where you’re wrong. I thought I was going to spend the rest of my life in jail. I couldn’t get the detective to listen to me. You were my only hope. As far as I’m concerned, you can never be showered with enough praise.”

  “Thank you for the appreciation,” Chloe said. “Instead of lingering on that point any longer, why don’t we get you those treats?”

  “That sounds good to me,” Jennifer replied. “I am going to pay you back, though. Even if it takes the rest of my life.”

  “You’re such a sweetie.”

  “You know what’s really going to be sweet? That taffy,” Jennifer said.

  Chloe smiled. “I couldn’t agree more.”

  The End.

  Death, Divorce, and Dessert

  Chapter One

  “Here’s to forty years of marriage,” Robert Cook said.

  It was a momentous evening at the Cook house. An anniversary like this didn’t come around often. So, Robert was determined to make the most of this moment. He gazed into his wife’s eyes and spoke from his heart.

  “I’m the luckiest man in the world,” he said.

  Amanda Cook blushed as she looked across the dinner table at her husband. “That’s so sweet.”

  In the first decade of their marriage, Robert and Amanda always celebrated their anniversary at an upscale restaurant. As time went on, however, they became far less formal with their celebrations. To the point where they began treating their anniversary like a family gathering.

  With this latest anniversary, the entire Cook family was present. That included their daughter, Chloe. She was joined by her boyfriend, Dylan Robertson. In addition, Chloe’s grandmother, Betty, was also at the table. Finally, Robert and Amanda’s pet corgi sat under the table wagging his tail.

  As Robert held his wine glass up, he gazed at his wife again and continued his toast. “I’m just being honest. I’m amazed that you’ve put up with me this long.”

  “Honey, I don’t think you give yourself enough credit,” Amanda said.

  “And here I thought you were going to say that I give myself too much credit,” Robert joked. “Go figure. Sometimes being wrong isn’t such a bad thing.”

  Amanda gave her husband a playful smile. “I wish I had caught that on video.”

  Robert chuckled. “I’m sure you do. But it’s too late for that now.”

  Amanda pulled her smart phone out of her purse. “I disagree,” she said. “How about you repeat your statement again? For posterity.”

  “I’m the luckiest man in the world,” Robert said.

  Amanda’s nose scrunched. “How about the part where you mentioned that being wrong isn’t such a bad thing?”

  “Why don’t we focus on what’s truly important?” Robert said.

  “I suppose you’re right. Forty years of marriage is a pretty incredible feat.”

  “It certainly is. That said, I believe we’re just getting started,” Robert declared. “Here’s to forty more.”

  Amanda’s eye
s widened. “Do you really mean that?”

  Robert nodded. “Of course. Falling in love with you was the best thing to ever happen to me.”

  Amanda blushed. “That’s so sweet.”

  While Robert and Amanda were gushing about how deeply in love they still were, a different type of event was unfolding just a few feet away. The entire time that Robert was delivered his toast, Grandma Betty was distracted by the sight of the pie that was sitting on the dining room table. The octogenarian had done her best to keep her taste buds in check, but right then, she couldn’t keep her cravings bottled up any longer.

  Betty let her tongue slip. “What would be sweet is digging into that pie.”

  When Betty realized that she had said that aloud, she became embarrassed.

  Betty soon became the center of attention. Robert, Amanda, Chloe, and Dylan all turned to her at the same time.

  “Sorry,” Betty said. “My stomach got the best of me.”

  “That’s okay. It has happened to us all at one time or another,” Robert said.

  “Besides, that pie does look delicious,” Amanda added.

  Betty rubbed her stomach. “That’s an understatement. It is to die for.”

  Chloe squinted. “I’m not sure that’s the best phrasing to go with.”

  Betty threw out her arms. “Why? Because of all the murders that have taken place recently?”

  Chloe nodded. “And because I don’t like hearing my grandmother referencing death.”

  “You don’t have to worry about me. I don’t feel a day over seventy-two,” Betty said.

  Chloe’s brow furrowed. “That’s oddly specific.”

  “It seemed like a good number to go with,” Betty said. “The point is, I feel much younger than my actual age.”

  “And you look great too. If I didn’t know your birthdate, I’d never guess that you were in your eighties,” Chloe said.

  “Thanks for flattering me, dear,” Betty said.

  “It’s the truth. Honestly, I hope I look as good as you do when I get to be your age,” Chloe said.

  Grandma Betty looked at Chloe, then at Dylan. “And I hope you two will be celebrating your forty-fifth wedding anniversary by the time you are both my age.”