by Lucy Quinn
Hale let out a disgusted snort as he turned and reached for the front door. “This entire conversation is pointless. I know what I saw. I should just go.”
“Hale!” Rain cried. “Swan was—”
The door slammed behind Hale, and all that could be heard was the sound of his boots clattering on the front steps as he took off for his delivery truck parked at the end of the circular drive.
“—dead,” Rain finished, her tone sad and dejected. Tears welled in her big wide eyes. “Now I’ve done it. I’ve gone and lost the best man I’ve ever had all because I accidentally killed a man.” She sniffled. “And when I say best, I really mean best. The things that man can do—”
“Mom, you didn’t kill Swan,” Cookie insisted again. “He died of natural causes.”
Hunter cleared his throat. “I think maybe I’ll head on up and get a shower.”
“Good plan,” Cookie said and moved to put an arm around her mother as Hunter escaped up the stairs. “I’m sure not all hope is lost, Mom.”
“It doesn’t matter. I’ll probably be in jail soon anyway.” She stared at the floor, her voice dejected. When she glanced back up, her expression was mournful. “Winter told me moving Swan was a bad idea. But then we came up with that plan, and how was I to know a dead man was going to feel me up?”
“You’re not going to jail,” Cookie said, squeezing her mother’s hand. “Hunter has already explained to Watkins that we had the body moved to Swan’s office until the Coast Guard could come for him since the ferry wasn’t operating. It was a logistical discussion.”
Rain’s eyes widened then narrowed with mischief. “Agent Hunter O’Neill told the sheriff that?”
“Yes. You can thank him later.”
“Don’t worry. I plan on it.” Rain pumped her eyebrows, but then worry flashed in her eyes again and all her amusement vanished. “None of that changes the fact that Hale just stormed out of here.”
Cookie led Rain over to the couch. “He just needs to cool down a little. Then you can explain… uh, well, you can tell him you were just helping with Winter’s case. I’d leave out the part about Swan already being dead, though.”
“Why?” Rain asked, wiping her eyes. “Shouldn’t I just be honest with him? You know I can’t keep a secret like that for long. Especially if I bring him some of those special brownies he likes so much.” Her eyes lit up. “Yes, that will definitely help. Maybe caramel and chocolate chip brownies.” Rain turned and moved quickly toward the kitchen. “I’ll have to hurry if I’m going to take them to him tonight.”
“Mother!” Cookie called, exasperated.
Scarlett laughed and walked over to Cookie, linking arms with her friend. “Come on. Let’s go help her make her brownies.”
“Help her?” Cookie asked, raising an eyebrow.
Scarlett shrugged one shoulder. “She’s just needs a little support. She did get groped by a dead guy.”
Cookie snorted out a huff of laughter. “That is never going to get old.”
“Then her boyfriend left in a huff on Valentine’s Day,” Scarlett continued. “She’s had a rough one.”
Who hasn’t? Cookie thought as she pulled out her phone, checking once again for messages from Dylan. Nothing. She bit back a frown and followed Scarlett into the kitchen where her mother was standing at the top of a four-foot ladder, leaning over to grab something from the far right shelf.
“Rain!” Scarlett ran over and raised her hands in the air as if that would save the older woman from toppling head first off the rickety contraption.
“I’m fine. Just need to grab my stash.” She stretched a little farther and wrapped her fingers around an old tin container that had Flower Power and a daisy stamped on the front.
“I did not need to know where she keeps her happy herbs,” Cookie mumbled.
“Please. Like it was so hard to figure out.” Rain climbed down from the ladder and took her place at the butcher block island, all the brownie ingredients spread out before her. “Do you think brownies are good enough? Maybe I should make him my special psychedelic mushrooms instead. Herb crusted, lobster stuffed mushrooms. The last time I made those he kept me up for hours. With that man’s flexibility, imagination, and stamina—”
“No mushrooms,” Scarlett said as Cookie closed her eyes and tried to shake the disturbing images of her mother and Hale from her mind. “The brownies will be orgasmic enough.”
“True. He gets the same look on his face when he dives into one of these babies as he does when he’s frosting my muffin.”
Cookie groaned and started to back up, intending to ditch the conversation. She didn’t really need to be here for this, did she?
“Stop being such a prude,” Scarlett gently admonished. “It’s not like you haven’t caught her in the act enough times. It’s no secret your mom enjoys her male company.”
“But I don’t need to hear about it on a daily basis,” Cookie insisted.
“Here.” Scarlett grabbed a large chocolate chip cookie off a nearby tray and handed it over. “Eat this. It’ll help.”
Cookie eyed the treat and narrowed her eyes at her mother. “Is this safe? No special herbs or other additives?”
“Of course it is, sweetie,” Rain said, rolling her eyes. “I don’t leave the good stuff out where just anyone can get to it.”
“Of course not. What was I thinking?” Cookie bit into the chocolate-filled dessert and moaned in pleasure.
“If you did more of that, I bet you and Dylan would get through these little bumps in the road faster,” her mother said with a sly wink.
“Like you and Hale?” Cookie asked, leaning against the counter with her arms crossed over her chest. “Looked to me like all the moaning you seem to be doing hasn’t helped in that department.”
Rain averted her gaze back to her brownie mixture and bit down on her lower lip. “I messed up really bad this time, didn’t I?” She jammed the whisk into the metal bowl and beat furiously at the contents. “If he had his face in some dead woman’s cleavage, I wouldn’t be happy either.”
“You’d forgive him once you knew the circumstances, though,” Scarlett said as she dipped her finger into the bowl to sample some of the batter.
“Sure. But I’m easy-going.” Rain passed a bag of caramels to Cookie. “Would you unwrap these for me?”
“Sure, Mom.” Cookie stepped up to the butcher block island and went to work.
“Listen, Rain,” Scarlett said, helping Cookie with the caramels. “Here’s what you do. Get your brownies made. Then go get all dolled up. Wear his favorite lingerie—”
“He prefers my rhinestone-studded G-string,” Rain clarified. “Says he likes knowing my kitty’s dressed and ready to party.”
Cookie popped a couple of caramels in her mouth just to distract herself.
Scarlett chuckled. “Okay, then put on his favorite outfit and a pair of sexy heels, then bring him the brownies and whatever else you make and tell him you two are having a bedroom picnic. Naked.”
Rain’s eyes lit up. “Oh, I can be the dessert after the dessert.”
“Sure. And if he gives you any pushback, just take your dress off right there in the doorway.” Scarlett winked. “That one works every time.”
“Scarlett!” Cookie cried. “Do not tell my mother to flash anyone in public.”
“Oh, Cookie. Relax,” Rain said. “It wouldn’t be the first time.”
“I know. Why do you think I’m telling her not to encourage you?”
Rain patted her daughter’s hand. “Don’t worry about a thing. Scarlett’s right. All I need is a little seduction and I can fix this.” Then she eyed Cookie for a moment. “Are you all right? You seem a little stressed. Want me to leave you some of my brownies?”
“She has a point, Cookie,” Scarlett said. “You do look a little distraught.”
“I’m fine. I just have a date to get ready for.” At least she hoped she still had a date. Dylan hadn’t called, but that wasn’t going to s
top her from showing up at his place. “I’m going to shower. Do not leave me any special brownies.”
“Don’t forget to shave your legs!” Rain called after her. “Or do a little gardening. You wouldn’t want Dylan to get lost in the bushes.”
Cookie couldn’t help a small chuckle as she escaped upstairs, leaving her mother and best friend giggling like school girls in the kitchen.
Chapter 24
Wrapped in a thick terrycloth robe, Cookie stood in just her wool socks, staring at her closet. Four rejected outfits had been discarded on her bed, including the red dress she owned. Unfortunately while she could claim she had a red dress, it was hardly date material. It was better suited for… well, nothing Cookie could think of, which was why there was still a price tag attached to the garment with a high neckline and lack of tailoring. So now her only choices were jeans and some sort of top to hopefully show off her curves.
Too bad the sexiest thing she could find was a white button-down shirt that sported a spaghetti stain on the left side of the chest. For a brief moment she considered her mother’s closet. But then she imagined the horrors she would find. “Gah! I really need to go shopping,” she muttered to herself as she tossed the blouse on the bed with the other rejected clothes.
A light knock sounded on her door.
Cookie pulled her robe tightly closed, expecting her visitor to be Hunter since his room was right across the hall. But when she opened the door, she found Scarlett leaning against the doorjamb, smiling at her. “Hey. What’s up?”
Scarlett scanned her friend from head to toe and nodded as if she were confirming something to herself. “I came to save you from your sorry wardrobe.” Her always-put-together friend suddenly produced a silky red dress that seemingly came from nowhere. “This is what you’re wearing on your date.”
Cookie stared at the slinky thing then shook her head. “No. No way am I going to fit into that.”
Scarlett pushed past her into the room and stopped dead in her tracks when she saw the pile of clothes on Cookie’s bed. “You’ve got to be kidding me. Were these the clothes you were considering wearing tonight?”
Cookie sighed. “It’s awful, isn’t it?”
“Girl, we need a shopping day, STAT.”
Hadn’t she just been thinking the same thing? If she took Scarlett with her, there was no doubt she’d end up with a number of respectable outfits. But would her credit card survive?
Scarlett grabbed a hanger and hung up the red dress she’d brought then moved over to the bed. She picked up a pair of dress pants and gave Cookie a look of despair. “These look like something you’d wear in a courtroom.”
Cookie winced. “They are. I used to wear them when I was called to testify.”
“Out.” Scarlett tossed them to the floor and picked up the stained white shirt. She dropped it on the pants without comment. She made a very audible sound of disgust when she found Cookie’s version of a red dress, and if it were easier to tear fabric, Cookie had no doubt Scarlett would have ripped the dress to shreds before she added it to the reject pile. After soundly labeling the four other dresses as blasts from the past, Scarlett grabbed her red dress, thrust it at Cookie and said, “Put it on. That’s an order. No way am I letting you out of the house in anything else on Valentine’s Day.”
Knowing she wasn’t going to win this fight, Cookie dropped her robe and quickly stepped into the dress. Scarlett stepped behind her and helped her get the zipper in place.
“I don’t know,” Cookie said, pressing a hand to her abdomen. “It’s really clinging to everything.”
“That’s the point.” Scarlett gently pulled Cookie over to the full-length mirror hanging on the back of the door. “Damn, girl. Look at you. This dress is hugging all the right curves.” She licked her finger and pretended to touch Cookie’s butt before she flinched back dramatically. Hot!”
“And showing enough cleavage to tempt a blind man,” Cookie added as she shook her head at her best friend.
Scarlett grinned. “Dylan isn’t going to know what hit him. I bet he tries to get you out of this this thing the minute you walk through his front door.”
Cookie highly doubted that scenario, but she certainly hoped he’d get there sooner rather than later. And she had to admit, as she stared at herself in the mirror, if anything was going to help her cause, it was Scarlett’s red dress. The thing made her look like she was straight off a pinup poster.
“Here.” Scarlett moved behind her friend once more and with deft hands, she fixed Cookie’s long auburn hair into a fancy twist that showed off her long neck. “Now we’re talking. All you need are a pair of eff me heels and you’ll be all set.”
“Heels?” Cookie glanced at her fur-lined boots with longing. It was still February in Maine, after all.
Scarlett followed her gaze and shook her head. “No. Absolutely not. I forbid it. The heels are what you’re wearing. I’ll even go out and warm up the inn’s new truck before you go.” Now that the inn was busier, Rain had insisted they get a vehicle for carting groceries and supplies to the inn from the ferry.
Cookie took one last look at her boots then sighed in resignation. “Okay. But don’t think this is a going to be a regular situation.”
Scarlett chuckled. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”
After Cookie squeezed her feet into four-inch heels, she and Scarlett made their way down the two flights of stairs. By the time Cookie reached the last step, her toes were already screaming to be released from the torture devices.
“Stop grimacing,” Scarlett said. “It makes you look constipated.”
“Gee thanks.”
A low whistle came from across the room, and Cookie spun to find Hunter rising from his spot on the couch. He’d cleaned up and was wearing black wool pants, a midnight blue sweater, and a blazer.
“You look nice,” Cookie said, giving him a warm smile. “Plans tonight?”
“I was hoping to entice my former partner.” His appreciative gaze swept over her, and when she frowned he quickly added, “As friends I mean. After what happened this morning, I wasn’t sure what your plans were, and I didn’t want you to be on your own for Valentine’s Day.” He glanced at Scarlett. “I thought we could all go together, maybe.”
“I’d love to,” Scarlett said without hesitation. “But Cookie has plans. How about we go get a drink and stuff ourselves with lobster and crème brulee?”
Hunter turned his amused, dark gaze on Scarlett. “Crème brulee?”
“Definitely. Maybe some flourless chocolate cake too. If we don’t have dates, we might as well indulge where we can.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
“Good.” Scarlett turned to Cookie. “I’m going to go warm up that truck now. Give me about fifteen minutes.”
“Thanks,” Cookie said and smoothed the red dress, trying and failing to not fidget. She wasn’t used to showing off so many assets, and definitely not when Hunter was around.
Scarlett grabbed the keys off the hook at the checkin desk and disappeared out the front door.
An uncomfortable silence fell between Hunter and Cookie, and after a moment Cookie moved to the desk and started rummaging around in the top drawer for the card she’d purchased for Dylan.
“Looking for this?” Hunter held up the small plastic bag that contained the two cards they’d grabbed at Andy’s store earlier.
She tilted her head to the side, eyeing him. What was he up to? She crossed over to him and took the bag, finding the card she’d purchased for Dylan. “Where’s the other one you forced me to buy?”
He chuckled. “I didn’t force you to do anything. But since you asked, it’s right there in the in-basket.”
Cookie turned and glanced at the basket on the checkin desk, the one her mother took care of every morning. The red envelope stood out like a beacon, and Cookie was surprised she hadn’t noticed it sooner. Familiar handwriting had Rain’s name scrawled across the front. She picked up the envelope and turned it over
, noting it wasn’t sealed.
“You’ll probably want to sign it,” Hunter suggested.
“You had me get this for my mother?” she asked, astonished he’d thought of her.
He shrugged. “It seemed like something she might like.”
Cookie grinned, her heart swelling with the knowledge that Hunter cared enough to think of Rain. “Thank you. That was really thoughtful.”
“Open it up.”
Her brow furrowed as she pulled the card out of the envelope. “What are you—oh!” The irritating music filled the room as Cookie stared down at the card, noting there were half a dozen messages scribbled inside. Every guest they’d had over the last few days had signed it along with Scarlett and Hunter. “She’s going to love this.”
Hunter’s lips curved into a small smile. “She does a lot for everyone here. She deserves it.”
Cookie quickly scribbled a message to her mother, stuffed the card back in the envelope, and dropped it back in the basket. Then she launched herself at Hunter, giving him a fierce hug. “You’re the best, you know that Agent O’Neill?”
His arms wrapped around her and he held her close as he whispered, “Don’t you forget it, Charlie. And if things go south with your handyman, you know where to find me.”
Before she could say anything else, he released her and headed for the front door. But just as he reached for the handle, the door burst open and Winter strode inside with Blake right behind her. Hunter quickly backed up, making room for them.
“Blake! It’s good to see you,” Cookie said warmly, moving to shake his hand. But the man opened his arms wide and embraced her in a hug.
“I don’t think I can thank you enough for all you’ve done over the last few days.” He pulled back and added, “Winter told me how hard you and your partner worked.”
“There’s no need to thank us,” Cookie said, a huge smile claiming her lips. “We’re just happy the right man was apprehended.”
“Thank you anyway,” Blake said and turned to Hunter, holding his hand out.
Hunter clasped his hand. “I’m sort of surprised you made it back to the island tonight. Did the ferry open back up?”