The Sweet Taste of Murder: An Angel Lake Mystery

by CeeCee James

  “Brad Carter, we’ve known each other since we were both knee high to a grasshopper. Why are you acting so formal? Pull up a chair and sit for a while.” Lavina smiled.

  Brad scratched the back of his neck before flipping open a notebook. “Just cooperate with me, Lavina. You were always so talkative before. Did you know you were in line to inherit over a million dollars of Mr. McMahon’s estate?”

  “Oh, poo. I don’t care about that. But, if it’s talking you want, there’s a place I know that would be just perfect to talk with you.” Lavina lifted an eyebrow provocatively.

  Brad cut his gaze to Elise again. “Focus, Lavina. Where were you on the night of the 27th?”

  Lavina’s mouth dropped open, and Elise’s did too. What was Brad suggesting? And why?

  CHAPTER 10

  Elise balanced herself against the porch railing outside Mrs. Campbell’s house and stretched her legs. “Another day, another dollar,” she murmured. She’d just collected all three dogs who were now tugging in different ways. “Y'all hold your horses. Just a sec.” She stepped on all three leashes to free up her hands so she could scoop her hair into a ponytail. A vision of Wilma Rudolph—the amazing athlete who overcame polio to become the world’s fastest runner— swept through her mind. She nodded grimly. If she can do that, I can definitely get this 5k done.

  Just then, Frodo tugged hard on the lead, knocking her off balance. She staggered forward trying to stay afoot as the dog darted behind her. Across the street, the neighbor stared at her curiously.

  Elise gave the neighbor a quick wave to let him know she was okay. Her face flushed. Curly from the Three Stooges replaced her daydream.

  Shaking her head, she pulled up the music list on her phone and hit play. After jamming in the earbuds, she hit the sidewalk with a smooth stride that somewhat saved her dignity.

  She was going to Ford Park.

  It was her first time back since the train accident. The dogs jogged by her side with tails wagging. In only a few minutes, her muscles had warmed up and her stride became more natural.

  There was something hypnotic about running. Each step felt like a heartbeat. One more, one more, one more, as her ponytail flipped back and forth. She took a deep breath in and reached into her pocket to thumb up the music volume.

  The morning air felt cool against her face and smelled like clover. She’d missed this, all those years living in New Hampshire with her husband. Mark’s face swam in her mind, and she squashed it down with a shudder. Instead, she let her memories draw her back to a time when she was a little girl, running out the door to Lavina’s house. Every morning, they’d meet and walk to school together, and every weekend found them exploring this very park.

  She was going to get Vi off the hook. Thinking back to Brad’s questioning, she’d seen Vi’s face flash the same broken look as back when her mother died when she was a little girl. So confused and hurt.

  Elise’s mouth tightened with determination. There was no way she’d let her friend be the fall-guy.

  How could anyone really think Lavina could have killed Cameron anyway? All throughout her school years she’d garnered a reputation being the first to take up for the underdog. Everyone liked Lavina.

  The question echoed over and over with the drum of her feet on the sidewalk.

  Up ahead was the park sign, complete with its hand painted bear done in the early 50’s. The dogs strained even harder on their leads at the smell of the water. Even the Pekinese was pulling ahead.

  Considering how early it was, she was surprised by the number of people already at the park. One walked his boxer, who growled as they ran by. A little further, a man cast his fishing line into the water dotted with white reflections from the clouds above. Neither person looked up as she passed.

  Her pulse thumped in her neck, and she unzipped the front of her jacket to cool down. Her thigh muscles burned. The halfway song began on the iPod and spurred her to pick up the pace. She needed to press on just a little bit more, and she’d pass the first point of fatigue. Just push through.

  Barely visible up ahead was the car lot and the train tracks.

  Where Cameron died.

  Her forehead broke out in sweat.

  Now, the edge of the parking lot was in view. First a busted curb and then faded white lines marking out parking stalls. A row of used cars still waiting for their turn to be run through the service station sat by the end of the building.

  Most likely all trade-ins.

  Elise slowed to a stop, ostensibly to give the dogs a break. She linked her hands behind her head to catch her breath and stared up at the sky. It was going to be another hot day. The dogs flopped down in the shade of a large maple tree with their tongues hanging out.

  Finally, heart rate slowing a bit, her gaze traveled to the line of cars. All of them were dirty, some marked with painted numbers on the windows.

  Something felt off, and she looked again.

  One of the cars had its trunk popped open.

  She glanced around to see if anyone was nearby. “Come on, pups,” she called. The dogs stood panting, then the four of them entered the lot. Frodo’s nose immediately went to the ground sniffing.

  Her footsteps crunched loudly on the gravel, making her shiver. It was creepy being here with it so empty and quiet. She hurried her way over to the car.

  It was a newer Ford Taurus. Fresh scrapes in the blue paint dug down to the silver on the outside of the trunk. The lid now sat half-cocked, unable to be shut completely.

  She peered inside and could just see a puddle of water darkening the carpet from where the rain had leaked in.

  Who did this? Did someone want their old car back, or did they leave something behind in it?

  Leaning in closer, she saw the corner of what looked like a rippled, wet stack of papers just to the side of the puddle.

  If only the trunk were open just a bit more.

  She covered her hand with a corner of her shirt and tried to lift the trunk. Despite the damage, the latch held firm and refused to budge.

  Sighing, she released it and brushed her fingertips on her leg. A flutter and caw overhead from a crow made her flinch. Warily, she looked around the lot. Still no one around. She turned back to the path and scanned the area to locate where Cameron had been hit by the train.

  It was unmistakable. All the debris had been cleaned up, but nothing could hide the long, black gash marring the bank from where the Mercedes had been pushed by the train.

  Did Frank do this? Somehow, in a fit of jealousy, did he poison Cameron, strapped him in the driver’s side of his car and parked it across the tracks? But, how could a skinny man like Frank force Cameron to ingest poison? Elise frowned, unable to see that happening. She pulled out her phone again and groaned to see that the playlist was almost over.

  Biting the inside of her lip, she scrolled for Brad’s name. She had to tell him about the trunk.

  He answered on the first ring. “Hello?”

  “Hi, Brad. It’s Elise.”

  A pause for a second, then, “Oh, hey there. What’s going on? Need an emergency Lucky Charms run?”

  “Oh, you’re so funny. Listen, I’m just out jogging and came across something weird. You have a minute?”

  “I’m filling out some paperwork right now, but I can swing by your place in about twenty.”

  “You know where I live?”

  He laughed. “Hey, it’s a small town. When a big city girl comes home, word gets around.”

  “Whatever. I’ll see you then.” She hung up and realized she was smiling. “Come on kiddos,” she called to the dogs. “First one back gets two doggy treats.”

  CHAPTER 11

  Elise brought the three dogs in through the gate into her backyard. Once released from their leashes, they all made a beeline for the water tub she’d already set out under the old tulip poplar. She hurried inside for the promised dog treats. On her return trip, she nearly tripped over the orange tabby who’d suddenly appeared at her
ankles.

  “Back again? Where’d you come from?” She sat on the bottom step to scratch the cat’s back, frowning as he felt thinner still. “You’re a good boy. Aren’t you?”

  The cat rubbed his cheek against her hand before standing up with its front paws on her knee. He stretched his nose toward hers. Automatically, Elise bent closer, and they touched noses. His whiskers tickled her cheek. “You are a sweetie pie. I have a treat for you.” She carried him into the house, the screen door squeaking as it closed behind her.

  After a mad search through the cupboards, she located where she’d stashed the cans of cat food. Stacked them right with the tuna fish. She shook her head as she set the can on the floor. “That would have been a nasty surprise for me, let me tell you,” she assured the cat.

  He sniffed the food and moved away.

  “Oh, that’s right. You like to eat alone.” She rinsed her fingers and moved into the bedroom to check her hair. Just outside the doorway, she took a backward peek.

  The cat had his face buried in the can.

  Smiling, she redid her ponytail, frazzled from the earlier jog. Then she drummed up the Key Center half-marathon on her phone.

  Her heart pounded as she read the description. Thirteen miles through the city. Could she do it? Could she really do it? When had she last really done something for herself? Spurred on by adrenaline, she scrolled for the application and quickly filled it out. Her thumb wavered over the “submit” key.

  Elise jumped at the sound of a car in the driveway. She ran to the window and caught sight of Brad walking up the steps. Wimping out, she backed out of the marathon page.

  Outside on the porch, he paused for a second. Then knocked soundly.

  She opened the door with a smile. “Hi, there.”

  “Hi. Sorry, I’m late.” He smiled as his hand tracked through his hair. “This investigation is taking more time than I expected.”

  “Sorry to bother you. You know, I could have just told you over the phone.”

  He cleared his throat. “After seeing you at Lavina’s, and running into you earlier, I felt like we needed to catch up. Really, I just wanted to see you again. I can’t believe how you still look the same. Wow. This is getting awkward isn’t it?” He half-heartedly laughed and took a step back.

  Elise laughed too and held the door open. “Come on in. I’ll make some coffee. You hungry?”

  “I mean if you’re not busy.” His gaze fell to her yoga pants and lingered.

  “No. I have stuff to tell you, remember?” The cat, snubbed by her inattention, stood up and stretched against her leg. Elise’s eyes flew open as he sank his nails in a tiny bit. “Ow! Cat!” She shooed him away and stepped back so that Brad could come in.

  “Nice place,” he murmured, looking around the living room. He walked to the couch and touched the pink afghan she’d left over the arm. “You make this?”

  “I did, but don’t be too impressed. It took me like two years.” She chuckled as she tucked her hair around her ear. “Anyway, this house has been a good place for me. I’ve always loved this neighborhood. It’s funny how Miss Alice still lives down the street.”

  “Yeah, she does. Not a lot changes around here.” He squatted and reached out a hand to the orange tabby. The cat narrowed his eyes before stalking off with his tail in the air.

  “Don’t take that personally,” Elise hollered as she made her way to the kitchen. She waved him to follow her. The dark wood floors reflected the sun from the many windows, making the room feel light and airy. “He keeps appearing on my doorstep night after night.”

  The cat jumped up on the desk and watched her closely. She went over and scratched his head. Satisfied, the cat curled up and shut his eyes.

  “Looks like he adopted you,” Brad said.

  “Maybe. I could use the company.” Elise grinned, realizing how that sounded. She pushed over a mug of coffee. “Cream or sugar?”

  “Nah, black is fine. So, what did you want to tell me?” He blew on it to cool it down and took a sip.

  “I found something weird today. On my jog. It was at the back of the car lot—”

  “You went to the car lot?” He interrupted as his eyebrows raised in surprise at her.

  “Well, I was jogging around the lake.”

  “You have to leave the trail to get to the lot.”

  “There is a path there you know. It’s well beaten down through the grass.”

  He looked up at the ceiling and sighed. “There’s the Elise I remember. Continue.”

  “Well, one of the cars looked like the trunk had been forced open.”

  “Tell me you didn’t touch it.”

  “Not with my hands.” She held them out as if to prove they were clean.

  “Elise.” He sighed again. “We’ll probably have to take you down to the station and fingerprint you so we can eliminate your prints.”

  “I didn’t touch anything! I used my shirt!” she insisted.

  He rolled his eyes. “You’re not exactly helping here.”

  She marched toward the fridge and yanked open the door. She pulled out the mayonnaise and lunch meat, giving him a guarded look as she slapped them on the counter. “You want something to eat or not?”

  His gun holster made a leather squeak as he sat on the bar stool. “Yeah, sure. Listen, I’m not trying to give you a hard time, but this is serious stuff. I know you care about Lavina and want to help her, but you can’t go running off and get yourself involved.”

  “I was careful. It was very strange.”

  “What made you curious about it?”

  “There was a fresh scrape from where the paint was scratched off. And one corner of the trunk was still pretzeled up.” She spread mayonnaise on the bread and folded on the pastrami. “This is from Lavina’s Deli. You want mustard?”

  He shook his head. She ripped off a paper towel and slid the sandwich over to him. Humming, she began to make a new one.

  Brad took a bite with a thoughtful look. “I went over that car lot with a fine tooth comb, and didn’t see anything like that.”

  “I guess somebody wanted something in there, and they wanted it bad. Something important.”

  “How do you know it wasn’t a random car thief?”

  Elise bit the inside of her cheek, thinking. “There were more expensive cars on the lot. Why wouldn’t the thief had gone for them? And who breaks into a car, but leaves it? They had to be looking for something.”

  He finished off his sandwich and wiped his mouth on the paper towel. “Thanks for lunch. And for giving me more work to do.”

  “You leaving now? Where are you going?”

  “Out to the dealership. Maybe a rain check for another coffee?”

  She nodded.

  “And I’m serious about maybe having to fingerprint you. Do me a favor and stay out of trouble.”

  She followed him to the door and waved as he got into his car.

  Back inside, the cat yawned, ending with a meow. Elise dropped a torn corner of lunch meat for him. Quickly, she packed the fridge back up. “Maybe I’ll just head over there,” she told the cat. “He might need help finding the car.”

  He blinked coolly at her and jumped down from the desk to sniff the meat.

  She bit her lip, thinking, before snatching her keys.

  Stooping to give the cat another scratch, she whispered, “And you, my friend, really need a name.”

  As she was putting her key in to lock the door, she caught sight of her neighbor hauling his lawnmower out of his garage.

  “Hey!” she yelled.

  He pushed his hat back and looked around.

  “Over here!”

  Spotting her, he walked over. “You our new neighbor?”

  “Yes.” She stuck out a hand. “Name’s Elise. Do you know anything about an orange tabby? He’s been hanging out at my back door since I moved in.”

  “My name’s Thomas.” He inspected his hand for dirt and brushed it off before shaking hers. “I gue
ss you’ve met Max.”

  “Oh, I was wondering what his name was. Who does he belong to?”

  “He used to belong to the people who lived here. They must have dumped him when they moved.”

  Elise felt her face heat with fury. Swallowing hard, she answered, “Some people…. Wow. I guess he doesn’t have to worry about that anymore. He’s got a home now.”

  “Don’t get me started. Anyway, welcome to the neighborhood.”

  “Thanks. And, don’t worry about all those dogs in my yard. I’m just dog-sitting.”

  “Fine by me.” He grinned, half-turning back towards the garage.

  She gave him a wave and got into her car.

  CHAPTER 12

  Elise exhaled deeply as she pulled in next to the police car and climbed out. A quick glance at her Fitbit showed her heart rate was elevated. She imagined Brad’s face when she showed up—butting in again?

  But she had to know what was in the trunk. It really felt like it was her clue.

  The dealership had remained closed since Cameron’s death. Row after row of brand new cars glinted like marbles in the sun. When were they planning to open again? Surely a business this big couldn’t handle the financial loss of long-term closure.

  She walked around the outside of the dark showroom. The windows—painted in screaming red letters ‘SALE’— already looked like they could use a cleaning in just the twelve days since it had been closed. Angel Lake was known for its dust storms, and they’d had a few in the interim.

  Elise rounded the back corner of the building and headed over to where the garage was. Here, the cars weren’t so pretty. Several had their hoods up, waiting to be fixed, like time had been set to pause.

  Still further back was the used car lot, and then the row where she’d seen the Ford with the jimmied trunk. She could just make out a dark figure standing at the rear of the vehicle.

  Brad looked up at the sound of her footsteps. He raised his hands beseechingly. “You really can’t stay out of trouble, can you?” he called.

  Elise shrugged and smiled as she came up beside him. “I told you I didn’t touch the trunk. I just want to know what’s inside.”