I Scream, You Scream (A Willow Crier Cozy Mystery Book 2) (Willow Crier Cozy Mysteries)

by Lilly York

  Martha Claremont put her hand to her chin length hair and touched it. “I go to the Red Robin in the city. I’ve been going for years.”

  Willow made a mental note to remember that name.

  Martha leaned forward and whispered, “Is it true? Is Mr. Rune dead?”

  She sobered. “Yes, it’s true. We found him in the walk-in freezer.”

  “Was he three sheets to the wind?”

  Willow hadn’t thought of that. Perhaps the man had a tolerance for alcohol that gave the impression he was sober when in fact, he was unable to function with all his faculties in order. She had heard of people who put on a real good show when they were drunk out of their mind. “I don’t know. I suppose that could be the case. I hadn’t really considered it. I think Chief Grice will make sure they run a full toxicology report on him.”

  Willow changed the subject. “How is your book club going?”

  Martha mumbled something unintelligible then turned to leave.

  Willow called out after her. “Martha, did you want your tea?” She held the cup out to her.

  Martha took the cup without a word then walked out the front door.

  “Huh, wonder what her problem is?”

  Janie spoke over her shoulder. “I think she tried to get Huxley to participate in one of their club meetings and he refused. At least that’s the rumor going around. She wasn’t too happy about it.”

  “I bet not.”

  Willow waited until the line of nosy patrons had been taken care of and ventured away. She wanted to talk to Vick once more, to see if he admitted to making the shelving unit around Mr. Rune’s fireplace. If not, she wondered what he had to hide.

  The crowd was gathering, even with the untimely passing of their resident writer. It wasn’t as if anyone from town really knew him. He was a loner and he was new to the area. He hadn’t made any real friends that she knew of. No wonder people didn’t seem to be affected by his death. Besides Gloria, that is. And Martha. She seemed stunned by the news.

  “Hi there. I see you’re back. Change your mind about the shelves?”

  Willow waved. “Maybe. I’ll have to save for a bit, but it might be workable. I would love to have some made for the coffee shop.” She didn’t have to pretend to be interested. They were absolutely beautiful and she really would love to have them for her shop. “Did you hear the bad news?”

  “Oh, yeah. About that writer dying? I overheard a lady talking about it.”

  “Did you know him? The writer, that is?”

  He shook his head. “No, I don’t think so. What was his name?”

  “Huxley Rune.” She watched him carefully for any sign he was lying but saw nothing. Either the guy really didn’t know Huxley or he was an excellent liar. She couldn’t tell which.

  “No, I can’t say that I’ve heard of him. Do you know what he’s written?”

  Willow shook head. “He writes mysteries. I know that much.”

  Deciding not to push her luck, Willow wished him well and continued walking. The carnival rides were piping music throughout the park and people were wandering around eating cotton candy, caramel apples, and funnel cakes. Others were eating barbecue on picnic tables. Every now and again she noticed a couple with a blanket and a picnic basket. Everyone was eating. Except her.

  “Hey. Want a bite?” She turned around to see Steve holding out chicken on a stick for her to sample.

  “Are you eating again?” She took a bite of the moist chicken.

  “What do you mean, again? My coffee got interrupted and I never received my cinnamon roll. This is my breakfast and lunch. He stretched his neck trying to get a better view of the pile of nachos passing him by. “Oh, that looks good.”

  She agreed with him although she didn’t let him know that. “We have a murder to solve. And tomorrow, if my walk in freezer is still a crime scene, I’m going to need a new one and a lot more ice cream. I’ve got other things to think of besides my stomach.

  A large walking ice cream sundae stopped in front of them and waved. Both Steve and Willow waved back and walked around it.

  “Hey, my stomach doesn’t talk, it shouts. And I’ve got no choice but to listen. Besides, who says I’m not working? A man has to eat.” He took another bite. “I stopped by Clyde’s. His mom hasn’t seen him all day. My men are watching for him. Do you think he took off?”

  She considered his question. “No. Where would he go?”

  The ice cream sundae was following them. Willow looked over her shoulder and waved once more. “Have you noticed the creepy ice cream dude following us?” She whispered.

  I’m trying to ignore it. Thanks.” He upped his pace. “I came to the same conclusion. He has nowhere else to go. He’s probably at the carnival.

  She took the stick from him and kept walking while she ate. “He doesn’t have anyone besides his mom. And he’s not capable of making it on his own. She stopped walking and turned in a slow circle, looking for Clyde. The ice cream person was still watching her.

  Steve looked from his empty hand to Willow’s chewing mouth and started leading her toward the food trucks. “What if he wasn’t trying to kill him? What if he was trying to shut him up? Or put him in a time out? I heard his mom still uses that method of discipline with him. Could be he was doing the same thing.”

  “I don’t know. You should have heard him at the shop yesterday evening. He was mad. Then he took it out on those poor high school girls. They were so embarrassed. Sort of took the fun out of the whole evening.” She stopped walking and pointed at the walking ice cream sundae. “I think he’s fully capable of murder. I don’t think people give him enough credit and I think he’s smarter than he lets on. She started pursuing the waddling suited dish. “And who do you think might be in that ice cream suit?”

  “No, it can’t be. I’ve walked by that guy at least a dozen times. He’s been following us around like a lost puppy.”

  “Let’s find out, shall we?”

  Willow fell into step behind the scurrying ice cream. The cherry topping from the costume covered the costume wearer’s head and since the fleeing sundae was avoiding confrontation, Willow reached up and pulled the top off.

  “Willow, what’d you do that for?” Clyde whined.

  “Clyde, I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”

  “That’s dumb. I’ve been here the whole time.”

  “Police Chief Grice has been trying to find you. He wants to ask you a few questions about Mr. Rune.”

  Clyde took the top of his costume from Willow. “You’re gonna get me in trouble. I’m supposed to be walking around and having my picture taken with the little kids.”

  “This is important, Clyde. And it will only take a few minutes. I promise.”

  “Oh, all right, fine. What do you want?”

  Steve cleared his throat. “Clyde, I need to ask you about the other night in the coffee shop, when you got into an argument with Mr. Rune.”

  “Okay.”

  “What were you arguing about?”

  “He didn’t pay me. That’s not nice. If you want someone to do work for you, then you have to pay. That’s how it works. My mama told me that.”

  “Yes, that is correct. You said something that night to Willow. You said Earl Rune had to die. Do you remember saying that?”

  Clyde became visibly agitated. “I have to go back to work now. I can’t talk about that. I can’t talk about that. I have to go to work.”

  Chief Grice tried to calm him down. “Clyde. It’s okay. Let’s sit down, okay? Do you want a soda?” Clyde grinned. “I’m awfully hot in this ice cream suit. Can I have a soda?”

  Steve nodded and caught one of the mobile vendors with a tray of soft drinks. “Here you go. Take a drink and that will help you cool down.” He waited for Clyde to drink half the cup before proceeding. “Now, can you tell me about last night? What did you see?”

  “I didn’t see Mr. Rune get hurt. I didn’t see him fall to the ground. I promise.”

 
Willow handed him another soda. “Clyde, who hurt Mr. Rune? Who made him fall to the ground?”

  “My mama didn’t do it. She didn’t do it. She didn’t hurt Mr. Rune.” Clyde ran for the carnival forgetting that his legs were confined by the odd shape of the costume he was wearing. He tumbled, rolled, and then came to a stop face down. A couple of bystanders helped him to his feet and he waddled as fast as he was able , leaving both Willow and Police Chief Grice speechless.

  Chapter 6

  Willow woke to Clover barking her head off.

  “I’m up. I’m up.” She plodded to the door and let the dog outside then she turned the coffee pot on. No climbing back into bed today. Not with the ice cream festival in full swing.

  Clover liked to roam outside while Willow readied herself. It had become something of a ritual. She poured herself a cup of the strong brew and took it to the bathroom with her. Twenty minutes later, she was dressed and ready for another blistering day.

  “Clover.” She yelled out the back door. “Come on.” She had converted part of her utility room into a dog zone. Clover loved the freedom and she hadn’t gotten into too much trouble. At least not yet.

  Willow closed the door then started for her truck. Halfway there, she stepped in a hole the size of Texas. “Clover!” Ugh. That dog has been digging holes again. She stretched and rotated her ankle, hoping she didn’t sprain it. She had too much to do to be down. That darn dog.

  She hobbled the remaining distance to her truck and promised herself she would figure out how to keep Clover from digging. First, she had a festival to get underway. The new freezer rental was supposed to be delivered by the time she got to the shop. The ice cream factory was sending over all new drums of ice cream as well. The old one was a crime scene. What the police thought they were going to do with all that ice cream she didn’t know, but it was their problem now. As long as Steve didn’t try to pawn it off on her after they were finished with it, she was all good.

  The new freezer was a thing of beauty. Willow sighed a breath of relief as she pulled in behind her shop and saw the new one all set up. She glanced at her watch. She had an hour before the ice cream would be delivered. The back door was already open. Of course Janie beat her to work. She probably had all the cinnamon rolls made too. Willow could smell the sweet bread from her car door.

  She put her purse in the office and let out a grunt. Sitting on her desk was a small pint of pistachio ice cream, make that melted ice cream that had found its way to her desk calendar, and the invoices she had left sitting out.

  Willow followed her nose to the kitchen. “Hey, did you put a container of ice cream on my desk?”

  “Well, good morning to you too. And no, I didn’t.”

  “Huh, that’s weird. I wonder who did. It isn’t even the brand we use.”

  “What flavor is it?”

  “Pistachio.” Willow put her hand to her mouth.

  Janie nodded. “Wasn’t that the flavor Mr. Rune was sitting on in the freezer?”

  “It sure was. You don’t think…”

  “I do. Someone is trying to send you a message. And I don’t think it’s a love letter either.”

  She shook her head then called Steve. He didn’t answer.

  A few minutes later Steve arrived. He sat at down at a table as Janie approached with the coffee pot.

  “Your usual?”

  “No, I think I’m going to have one of those cinnamon bran muffins Willow was telling me about. Perhaps I should start eating healthier.”

  “Ya know, I didn’t think I’d like them, but they’re really good. Of course, I do smother them with butter. Want it warmed up?”

  He grinned. “Baby steps.”

  She laughed and went for his muffin.

  Willow sat down beside him. “Janie getting your cinnamon roll?”

  “Nope. Not having one today.”

  She gave him an odd look. A few weeks ago she thought there might be something developing between them, something more than friendship. Now, while his dimple still caused her to catch her breath, he was more like a good friend, or an older brother. Not that she would be hard to convince otherwise. She was simply taking her cues from him.

  “Then what are you having?”

  “I’m trying that new muffin you told me about. The bran one.”

  “Good for you.” She went and poured herself a cup of coffee then returned. “What have you found out about Huxley Rune? Any exes out for revenge? Anyone in his past that would rise up to bite him?”

  Steve raised his eyebrows. “Well, apparently he moved because of that stalker situation out east, or at least that is what his agent said. He has never been married and he has no children. He had filed several complaints on a woman named Mary Jo Johnson. When he moved away she seemed to vanish into thin air. According to his journal, she followed him here. The only thing is, I haven’t heard of a Mary Jo living in the area. Have you?”

  “Nope, not a word.”

  Willow grew silent as Gloria dropped off their muffins. “Janie said to make sure you got these.” She set the small plates down along with a small cup of butter then refilled their coffee cups. Afterward, she unlocked the front door for the coffee seekers standing outside.

  “Looks like you’ve got quite the crowd. Murder hasn’t been too bad for business this time around.”

  She scowled then moved behind the counter to help out. “Why don’t you make yourself useful and go check out the gift someone left for me on my desk.”

  It was his turn to scowl. “What gift?”

  “Come on, I’ll show you.”

  After leaving Steve to examine the soggy ice cream container, Willow started helping Gloria make specialty coffees. “Hey, Gloria, did you already make the mocha?” Willow watched the woman next to her work. “Gloria? Hello? Gloria?” Finally she looked up.

  “Oh, goodness. I’m so sorry. I was in my own little world. I didn’t hear you.”

  Willow held up the ticket. “Did you already make the mocha? I can give you a hand.”

  Willow was surprised Gloria showed up for work. Especially after how she reacted to Mr. Rune’s death the day before. She was thankful though. Business was going to be crazy busy. She needed every hand she could get. Embry was already taking orders and putting them out as fast as the rest of them could make the coffee. Their skills were going to be sorely tested.

  Once the crowd was under control, Willow joined Steve who had already bagged the liquid ice cream and the container it came in.

  “Are you sure one of your employees didn’t put it there by accident? I would hate to waste tax payer’s money.”

  “I’m sure. Janie was the only one here before me and I was the last one to leave last night. She didn’t do it and I sure didn’t do it. Nor is it the brand we sell.” She pointed to the evidence bag in Steve’s hand. “This can’t be coincidence. Someone is trying to warn me away. I just know it.”

  “You’ve been watching too much Murder She Wrote. I take it you subscribe to Netflix?”

  “What does that have to do with anything? And for the record, I happen to love Murder She Wrote.”

  She crossed her arms. The immediate crowd had been taken care of and everyone was scurrying around the kitchen getting ready for the next wave of customers. After lunch, Embry would need to leave and take her newly made ice cream to be judged. She wasn’t too happy about having to do another batch since her first batch got confiscated with the crime scene.

  Willow watched as Steve left with the melted ice cream then motioned for Embry to follow her. She caught Janie’s eye and let her know they were stepping out. She had an idea and didn’t want to alert too many people, especially Gloria. Steve would never approve of her tactics so she was glad he had a job to do. What he didn’t know, wouldn’t hurt him. And if she found anything, getting his forgiveness would be easier than getting his permission. At least she hoped he would see it that way.

  She climbed behind the wheel of her truck and waited on Embry.<
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  “Mom, where are we going?” She glanced at the time on her phone. “The ice cream contest starts in a couple of hours. I don’t want to be late or I can’t enter.”

  “Oh, you’ll be back in plenty of time. Quit being a worry wart.”

  Embry rolled her eyes. “Can you at least tell me where we’re going?”

  “We’re on a mission. I have a feeling someone isn’t who they say they are.”

  Willow dialed her phone and left a voice mail. “Steve, can you do me a favor. Would you ask the police station back in New Jersey to fax you a picture of the woman who was stalking Huxley? Thanks.”

  “Mom, you don’t have him on speed dial yet?”

  “Hush. We have work to do.”

  She parked her truck a few houses down from the rental she knew to be Gloria’s. “Come on. Let’s go see exactly who Gloria is, shall we?” Willow led the way around the back of the house then tested the back door knob. “Darn. I was hoping it would be unlocked.”

  “You’re breaking into someone’s house? Seriously? What is your boyfriend going to think when he has to put you in jail?”

  Willow made some inscrutable sound and used her elbow to break the glass.

  Embry’s mouth dropped. “I can’t believe you just did that. I’ve only seen that done in the movies.” She followed Willow into the house. “I’m going to go to jail too. I’m an accomplice.”

  “Would you stop whining and look around. Hurry up. Most of the town is at the festival but someone could have seen us and called the cops. I want to be out of here before they get here. Especially if it’s Steve.”

  Willow took hold of Embry’s hand and made her walk down the hall. “You take the door on the left, I’ll get the one on the right. Look for anything obvious first, then, if need be we’ll start rummaging through drawers.”

  Willow seemed to be in the master. Or at least the bedroom Gloria slept in. She heard her daughter call for her.

  “Mom, you’re gonna want to see this.”

  Willow crossed the hall and let out a whistle. The entire southern wall was covered in pictures of Huxley Rune. Coming. Going. Eating. Drinking. Shopping. There were even pictures of him in the shop. She never once saw Gloria go near him. Not once. Come to think of it, she had always made herself scarce when he was around. Her phone vibrated.