Noah grunts, “Here we are indeed. Everett, you know damn well you interfered with Lottie and me, and I’ll make sure you pay.”
“Noah.” I shake my head his way. “I would have done the same for you. Everett didn’t have a handle on it until it was all but too late. And besides, Everett didn’t ask me to marry him. He was going to marry Cressida, for Pete’s sake. I volunteered myself.”
Noah’s cheeks flex as he sheds a dry smile. “No offense to Cressida, but he wouldn’t have gone through with it if it was her standing at the end of the aisle. The only reason he went ahead was because it was you waiting for him.” Noah clasps the back of his neck and closes his eyes a moment too long. “I bet you were stunning, Lot.” He nods over to Everett. “And you lost ahold of your good senses.” He lets out a heavy breath. “I’m not thrilled with you, Everett, but I can see how it could happen. I’d give anything if it didn’t. Because I would have proposed to her a couple months later. I was planning it for a while. Valentine’s Day.” He gives a hard sniff while looking my way. “We were strong then, too. I would like to think you would have said yes.”
I suck in a quick breath.
My God, I would have.
My heart grieves for Noah, for what almost was.
His phone buzzes and he pulls it out of his pocket and glances at it.
“I—uh, have to run to Ashford.” He shakes his head. “It looks as if there’s been a break in Peter Green’s case.” His dimples dig in deep as he looks my way. “I know you mentioned you had something you wanted to discuss. Could it wait about an hour? I’m going to head back and speak to Ivy and see where this leaves Peter.”
I glance out the door of the kitchen and spot Kent speaking to Ridge out by the reception counter. I think I can keep an eye out on Kent for the afternoon.
“Yes, for sure,” I say. “I hope everything works out for Peter. Please let us know.” My eyes drift back to Everett as I give a forlorn smile. “And don’t worry about anything, Everett. Nothing changes between us. We’ll talk about all of this another time. Why don’t you get cleaned up? I have Ethel with me. I’ll be fine.” I quickly pull the small black leather backpack off the counter and strap it over my shoulders. “And please hurry back,” I tell him. “I want you here.”
Everett nods. “I’ll be back.” He leans in and offers a tender kiss to my cheek. “I love you, Lemon. We still have a lot to talk about, but I’m glad you’re still speaking to me.”
“Just try to get me to stop.”
Noah steps up. “I’m glad you’re not upset, Lottie. It’s not good for the baby.” He pulls me in and dots my other cheek with a kiss as the two of them take off.
“The real question is”—I whisper to myself—“will they be speaking to me after I spill my deep, dark secret.”
I place my hand over my stomach absentmindedly.
A part of me doesn’t want to speak to myself.
Chapter 17
Everett’s revelation clings to my mind as I step out into the foyer of my mother’s B&B. The dark paneled walls and the thick carpeting give it all a homey appeal.
And just as I’m about to head over to babysit Kent Noble, aka the killer, I spot a curious sight—Sammy Brewer and Jade Archibald having what looks to be an amicable conversation.
Collette Jenner gasps as she spots them. “Oh, Lottie, I bet they’re going to exchange fists next. Although Essex didn’t throw a single punch, I think on some level he thought he deserved it.”
I nod over to her. “I think you’re right. But that’s not true. I’m sure he felt terrible keeping this a secret for so long.”
“What are you going to do?”
“I don’t know. But nothing at the moment.” I tick my head to the giggling girls as we head their way.
“Excuse me,” I say and both Sammy and Jade turn my way. “So glad you both could make it. Is everything all right?”
Jade takes a breath as she looks to the blonde dressed in a bright blue dress and matching heels.
“I think we’re okay.” Jade nods. “I’m not thrilled with the past, but I’ve come to terms that it takes two to tango. Dane wasn’t all that big on monogamy. And I’m moving past it. Before I get into another relationship, I’m going to make sure the man has a track record I can approve of.”
Sammy shrugs. “And I’m all through with being the other woman. The men always say they’re going to leave their wives or girlfriends, and I always seem to get the short end of the deal. I came by to apologize to Jade, and she actually said she thinks we can be friends.”
Jade nods. “Sammy can use a positive influence.”
“Couldn’t we all.” I glance to Collette Jenner when I say it, and she inches back.
“Wait a minute.” Collette attempts to swat me. “Is that a dig at my past?”
“What? No!” I say before landing my fingers over my lips when I realize both Sammy and Jade are looking at me, wide-eyed. “I mean—what? No, don’t tell me you haven’t made your way to the dessert spread I’ve set up in the conservatory,” I say, navigating them in that direction. “Every good friendship should begin with a tasty bite of my peach cobbler.”
Jade laughs. “You don’t have to tell me twice.”
Both she and Sammy head for the conservatory just as Carlotta and my frazzled mother jog my way.
“Oh, Lottie, I’m so glad you’re here.” Mom does an odd little tap-dance. “Lainey was put on bedrest this morning.”
“What?” I howl. “Is she okay? Is the baby all right?”
“Oh yes, they’re fine.” Her blonde curls bob as she nods. “She assured me that the doctor simply wants her off her feet for a few days. They’ve been swelling severely. Anyway, she asked if I would make a quick trip with some of your sweet treats, and you know I can’t deny your sister a thing. Would you keep an eye on everything while I’m gone? I’ll only be ten minutes.”
“Yeah, sure,” I say. “Take my bakery van.” I dig the keys out of my purse and hand them to her. “I’ve still got six full boxes of sweet treats in the back. Give her whatever you want.”
“Ooh.” Mom shimmies her shoulders as she dangles the keys in front of Carlotta. “I’ve got the keys to the delicious kingdom. Be right back, girls.” She takes off, and Carlotta makes a face.
“What’s the matter?” I ask this surly older version of me.
“I asked Ridge Porter out for a date and he turned me down flat.”
A tiny giggle rides in my throat. “Don’t feel bad, Carlotta. You still have Harry. He’s crazy about you.”
“That’s the whole point. It’s my job to go out and find other men in order to make Harry just that, crazy. How do you think we keep the spice alive?”
“Jealousy?”
“Darn tootin’. It’s the secret sauce we revert to time and time again.” She cranes her neck past me. “Wait a minute. Who is the blonde that Harry is talking to?”
I turn in time to see them sharing a laugh.
“Excuse me, Lot. I’ve got a homicide to tend to.” She takes off just as Kent walks by.
No problem, Carlotta. I’ve got a homicide to tend to as well.
Collette Jenner leans her ghostly self in. “There he is. Get your gun ready to take him down.”
“I think I’ll wait to do the big serial killer reveal until Noah gets back. But I guess it doesn’t mean I can’t have a conversation with him.”
Collette emits a ghostly moan. “I don’t know, Lottie. I’d have the gun ready anyway.”
“Excuse me,” I call out as Kent passes the area in the foyer where a million stagehands are prepping the lights and adjusting the spot where Ridge will stand while he looks into the camera and dissects each of his old cases for the viewers.
Kent looks much more formal today with a suit on, a pressed white shirt, and a black tie that runs down his chest like the blade of a very sharp knife.
“Excuse me?” I call out again as I step over to him. He’s just pulled out his phone as if he were
about to make a call as he turns my way.
“Lottie.” He sheds an easy smile.
Collette leans in and whispers, “There is definitely a likability factor about him.”
I try to nod discreetly.
Collette swirls around him like a mist. “I would definitely let this tall, dark, and handsome beefcake lead me into a dark alley.”
What beefcake, I want to ask, but bite my tongue for now.
Although, she’s right. There is definitely something about him that makes me like him, and oddly enough, trust him, too.
His smile widens. “What can I do for you?”
“Uh, I was.” I hitch my thumb back toward the conservatory, unsure of how to broach any subject with this man, this killer.
He offers a knowing smile. “If it’s regarding the fantastic desserts you’ve provided, let me tell you, I’ve already attacked.” He gives his stomach a hearty pat and laughs. “And if you must know, as soon as I finish up some work, I’m heading back in here to refuel. I think filming is going to head well into the evening. I hope your mother won’t mind the disruption.”
“Are you kidding? She’s more than happy to have you. And I’m thrilled you’re enjoying the dessert. Please, have as much as you like.”
“Yeah, hot stuff.” Collette coils herself around him like a snake. “Have as much as you like of me, too.”
He shudders. “I just felt a cool breeze.”
I shrug over at him. “My mother does have the AC pumped up all the way. It’s been a long, hot summer.”
He ticks his head to the ceiling. “You’re telling me.”
“I’m sorry about Dane.”
Kent’s expression falls flat and quickly morphs to grief. “I can’t believe he’s gone. It all feels so surreal. A part of me wants to believe he’s off on vacation. It’s like it’s not possible he’s truly gone. I was just standing with the guy at that awards ceremony.”
“It must be very difficult for you. I’m sure the sheriff’s department will track down the killer soon enough and land him behind bars, for life.” The words come out a little curter than I intended.
Kent gives a disbelieving look as he shakes his head. “I’d like to think you’re right, but I was just talking to Detective Fairbanks. She said the security cameras malfunctioned the night of the murder. Whoever did this doesn’t plan on getting caught.”
I lift my chin. “That must be very disheartening for you.”
“It is.” He fiddles with his phone and holds it out for me to see. “Ridge snapped this picture of Dane, Jade, and me that night. I keep looking at it, unable to wrap my head around the fact that was the very last time I would see him alive.”
Both Collette and I lean in to get a better look.
There they are, Dane with his arms around both of their shoulders. Jade doesn’t look too happy about it, but Kent is grinning from ear to ear.
“Look at that smile, Lottie,” Collette whispers as if there was a chance Kent could hear her. “This man is a lover, not a fighter. Are you sure we’ve got the right serial killer?”
She of all people should know; she was there with me last night.
Something in the picture catches my eye.
“Kent, can I hold this closer?” I ask while gently taking the phone from him and expanding the screen. Dane Gannon looks back at me with that winning smile, those clear eyes that had no idea this was the last picture he would be taking. “Oh my God,” I whisper as I expand the screen further to see a navy cloth with tiny gold triangles hanging sloppily out of the pocket of Dane’s suit jacket. The mysterious cloth we found last night in that chest. It belonged to Dane.
“Lottie!” Collette all but screams. “Do you see it?” She points down to the screen just as Kent takes the phone back.
“Whoa.” Kent dips down in an effort to lock eyes with me. “Are you okay? I get it, this is hard to see. I shouldn’t have shown you the picture. Do you want me to get you a glass of cold water? A chair maybe?”
“No.” I back away slowly. “Kent”—a thought comes to me, a way in which Noah can enter into Kent’s office without a search warrant—“Jade mentioned something about the fact you have a special award in your office. Noah, my boyfriend, he’s about to come back. If you tell him where it is, he could get it and bring it here. I think Ridge wanted a shot of it or something for the scene.” Okay, so that was all a bit of a stretch, but I have got to get Noah access to that sickening box of trophies Kent is harboring.
He juts his head forward. “What office? I don’t have an office.”
Collette shakes her head. “There’s nothing I hate more than a man trying to weasel out of the truth.”
I nod. “Yes, you do,” I say directly to Kent. I’m half-moved to mention that I’ve been there myself. “I’m sure a man of your importance has a space to do business in—like, say, in your home?”
He glances to the ceiling. “Nope. I don’t need one. All I’ve got is a filing cabinet in a spare closet. But I do have an office in my home, bookshelves, big desk, the whole nine yards, courtesy of Ridge Porter.”
“Ridge decorated your office?”
“He decorated his office. A couple of years ago he lost his lease and asked if he could rent space out of my home. And never being one to miss a dollar, I took him up on the offer.”
Collette and I exchange a glance.
“Kent, are you telling me you don’t use the office in your own home at all?”
He shakes his head. “And you want to hear something?”
I lean in with wide-eyed anticipation.
“I’m not making it cheap for him.” He chuckles. “I’ve got that loon paying half my mortgage because of it.”
“Why wouldn’t Ridge keep an office in his own home?”
He waves it off. “Something to do with keeping the authorities at bay.”
I suck in a quick breath. “The sheriff’s department?”
Kent looks momentarily thrown for a loop.
He leans in. “I’m pretty sure he meant the IRS.” He gives a quick wink. “I’m off to get another one of those mini peach cobblers. Tastes exactly how my mother used to make it. You’re a great baker, Lottie Lemon.” He takes off and I make a face at Collette.
“I’m not such a hot detective, though, am I?”
Collette huffs a dull laugh. “Are you kidding? You’re about to bust a serial killer. You’re one baker who is about to make history. Shall we go and find him?”
I scan the room until I come upon him and nod.
“Let’s have a chat with what could be the most notorious serial killer Vermont has ever seen.”
Chapter 18
My mother’s haunted B&B is filled to capacity this afternoon and teeming with crew members from Caper Productions.
Collette Jenner’s ghost floats up near the ceiling of the vast registration area where most of the bodies are congregating.
“He’s headed to the library, Lottie,” she shouts and her voice echoes off the walls as if it were warranted. “Quick, call Noah.”
I give the strap of my tiny leather backpack a tug.
Noah is down at Ashford, but he said he’d be back soon. Everett went home to change and clean up. He shouldn’t be more than a few minutes himself. But I have Ethel with me—that has to count for something.
I thread my way through the crowd until it thins out, and I head into my mother’s sitting room with its rows and rows of bookshelves. There’s a set of French doors that lead to a small patio out in the rear where my mother has furnished it with a wicker sofa and a small fountain and dubbed it the reading nook.
The faint scent of a man’s cologne lights up my senses, and I follow it over to where the French doors sit open to find Ridge, tall and handsome in a jet-black suit, fiddling with his phone.
Collette appears next to me with a sprinkling of bright red stars glittering all around her.
“Whatever you do, don’t confront him, Lottie. He’s dangerous.”
I
nod and whisper, “I agree.”
Ridge turns around, his eyes slightly widened with surprise as a smile curves on his lips.
“Lottie,” he says my name with a lilt in his inflection. “I hope it’s okay that I’m out here. I usually like to take a minute to reflect and meditate before the madness ensues.”
Collette moans. “Say goodbye and run, Lot. If I’ve learned anything, it’s don’t entertain dangerous men.”
“No, you’re fine,” I say, stepping out into the serene landscape and taking in a breath of fresh Honey Hollow air. A wall of evergreens sits to the right and a fuchsia bougainvillea sheds its papery flowers from up against the far wall. “It’s beautiful out here. This is one of my favorite spots to just get lost in. Nature seems to be shouting its glory.” I nod to the pink climbing vine.
“That it does,” he says. “And while I have you here, I must thank you for those delicious desserts. I’ll confess, I haven’t had many, but as soon as we wrap it up, I’m vacuuming up whatever is left.”
“Not to worry. I have many more platters that have yet to be brought out. In fact, I’ll save one just for you. I’m a big fan of your show. Can I ask you something?”
Collette gasps. “I knew you weren’t right in the head, Lottie Lemon. You’re going to get yourself killed out here if you keep yapping. I bet he’ll make sure you disappear and turn you into an episode of his sick show!”
Ridge tips his head my way. “Ask anything at all.”
“Your shows are so great. You investigate a lot of disappearances. By chance, did you know any of those people who disappeared?”
Any trace of a smile evaporates from his face as his expression contorts to slight confusion.
“I…”—he glances to the evergreens a moment—“why would I know them?” He casts a suspicious glance my way.
My shoulders give a little bounce. “I seem to run into a few investigations myself, and oddly, I always somehow happen to meet the victim just before they perish.”
His eyes narrow in on mine. A crooked grin struggles to slide up his cheek.
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