Toxic Apple Turnovers: MURDER IN THE MIX 13

by Moore, Addison

  “Sounds like a date,” I say, taking off my apron and tossing it to Lily.

  Lily catches it midair. “While you’re there, reserve the church for Alex and me. I’m hearing wedding bells!”

  Keelie belts out a laugh. “And Bear and me! I can’t wait to get me some wedding bells!”

  “Wedding bells,” I mutter under my breath as Noah and I take off into the icy arms of autumn.

  Something tells me the last thing we’ll be discussing is marriage.

  * * *

  All of Vermont is bathed in orange and gold. Autumn has hit hard, turning our green belt of a state into a virtual playground for every citrine color. The lush fields and pines remain true to their verdant color, but every leaf has transformed into a thing of beauty as it masters the art of dying.

  Noah and I park just outside the offices of Honey Hollow Covenant Church and head on in where it’s toasty and warm. The office is light and bright—and surprisingly, it’s Hazel Wellington here to greet us. She’s sitting behind a desk, her red hair in a ponytail as she smiles up at us as we head her way. She’s donned a cranberry sweater and a matching scarf, and she looks like fall personified.

  “Hello, you two. Can you believe how chilly it is out there?” Her expression dims a notch. “Are you here because you have news on my sister’s killer?”

  “No.” I wince because I can only assume the torture she’s going through while she waits.

  “Oh.” Her shoulders droop with disappointment. “Then what can we do for you? I’m covering for the secretary.”

  Noah wraps an arm around my shoulder. “We’re here to get married.”

  We share a warm laugh. “Yes, a quickie wedding without a stitch of friends or family to witness the event.” I avert my eyes at the thought. Although, the more I think about it, the more romantic it sounds.

  “All right.” She thumbs around the desk until she procures a clipboard. “Sign here and here and Pastor Gaines will see you soon enough.”

  About ten minutes go by before a couple exits his office and we’re ushered inside in their place.

  “A marriage, Hazel tells me,” he teases with those smiling eyes.

  “Yes,” I say equally sarcastically. “And a few questions if you don’t mind.”

  “Not one bit. I always suspected it would be the two of you in the end. You have what they call chemistry. A wedding was bound to happen.” He hands me a basket of dried flowers no bigger than a paperback. “It never hurts to give it a go.”

  A shy smile comes to me as I look to Noah. “I suppose not.”

  His dimples press in as he links his arm with mine. “I couldn’t think of a soul I’d rather do this with.”

  “Sure wish I had Amanda here for the big day.” I shoot the words right to Pastor Gaines to see if he’s biting.

  That perma-smile contorts into something shy of agony. “How I wish dear sweet Amanda were with us as well. Any luck with the killer? Your mother says you’re the best, Lottie.”

  “None.” Great. No wonder his defenses are up. He knows we’re investigating. I’ll have to play up the wedding angle. I’m about to do just that when a swirl of stars spray up above and Owlbert Einstein materializes in his ghostly form.

  “Well, I’m anxious to marry this big strong man,” I say to Pastor Gaines, but I’m looking right into Noah’s deep green eyes.

  Owlbert squawks, “What did I miss? Oh, a wedding! A wedding? I’ll have to call the others, Lottie. Oh, they’ll never forgive me.”

  Noah threads his fingers through mine and kisses the back of my hand. “Our wedding will be the happiest day of my life, Lottie.”

  A breath hitches in my throat, my stomach bisects with heat, and my insides explode with butterflies all at once. This, right here, is the very best feeling. A part of me wants to believe this is all real.

  I clear my throat. It’s a struggle to break my gaze from Noah’s. “Pastor Gaines? Did Amanda ever confide in you about her life? You mentioned her relationship with Mark Russo was rocky. Do you think her fiancé would hurt her?”

  “Heavens.” His eerie smile expands. “I’m afraid I can’t answer that, but a man with that much money should be severely scrutinized in my opinion.”

  “I suppose it would hurt his ego if Amanda left him. But a man with money is never short on women.”

  Noah lifts a brow. “That’s true, but maybe Amanda had something on him.” He looks to Pastor Gaines. “Or on someone else?”

  The smile depletes from him momentarily, and he’s nearly unrecognizable. “Perhaps. A man like Mark Russo must have a secret or two. I suppose a man with money could make arrangements for that secret not to get out.”

  I glance to Noah. Both Janelle and Slater mentioned that she was threatening to go the police over something.

  “Strange, though.” I shrug over at Pastor Gaines. “You wouldn’t think a man like that would resort to poisoning someone. It’s such a horrible way to die.”

  “It was quick.” His lids widen a notch. “I had just spoken to her, and no sooner did a few minutes go by than you had discovered the body. The thought of the poor girl suffering pains me so.” His lips quiver as if this were truly the case.

  “She didn’t suffer long,” Noah offers. “The coroner confirmed she went quickly. Most likely passed out before she ever figured out what was happening. Her airways were constricting, and that might be why she went outside.”

  Unless the killer lured her out there, but I keep that tidbit to myself.

  Pastor Gaines tips his head to the side. “Come to think of it, I did see the man who was with her fiancé that night head out the door shortly after she left.”

  “Chrissy?” I look to Noah. Could Chrissy be hiding under our radar this entire time?

  Pastor Gaines picks up a small black Bible off his desk and opens it by way of a thin crimson ribbon.

  “I’ve done more weddings than funerals, and for that I’m thankful. Shall we proceed?”

  “Please,” I say as I turn to look at Noah. This is all in fun, all in the name of the investigation, but a tiny part of my heart wants this to be real.

  Pastor Gaines produces that infamous smile of his as he looks to the two of us. “Lottie, Detective Fox, you are about to embark on the most wonderful journey of your lives.”

  Noah gives my hand a squeeze. He’s so painfully handsome, I really could buy the fact he cleaned up just for our wedding day. His gaze penetrates mine so deeply that it feels as if he’s touching my very soul.

  “Noah, do you take Lottie to be your wedded wife? To care for in sickness and in health, to comfort and honor her, forsaking all others so long as you both shall live?”

  Noah’s eyes grow glassy as if his emotions were getting the better of him. “I do.”

  Pastor Gaines takes a breath. “And, Lottie, do you promise to love this man as your wedded husband and forsake all others through the good times and the bad?”

  My throat is so dry it burns. “Of course, I do.” I love Noah. This is easy. It almost feels as if this is what we were destined to do all along.

  “Do you have a ring for the bride?” He looks to Noah.

  “Actually.” Noah pats his pocket and frowns as if he meant it. “I think figurative rings will have to suffice for now.”

  Pastor Gaines chuckles. “That is not a problem. Let these figurative rings act as a token to represent this union between the two of you for as long as you both shall live. I now pronounce you Mr. and Mrs. Noah Fox. Detective, you may kiss your bride.”

  Noah leans in hesitantly, pausing as his lips curve with joy. Noah bows down and kisses me, slowly at first, then with something just this side of all-out passion.

  The sound of riotous applause breaks out, and my mouth falls open as I see all of the dead surrounding the two of us: the orange tabby, the quivering squirrel, Everett’s father, Dutch, the ornery bear up on its hind legs—its head nearly touching the ceiling—the sweet herd of paperwhite Chihuahuas, Macon, Greer, Winslo
w, and little Lea sitting on Beastie’s back, Max, Cookie, Owlbert, and, of course, Nell.

  Nell offers a heartfelt smile. “Congratulations, Lottie. I love you so.”

  And just like that, they’re gone. It’s just Pastor Gaines and that smile that never ceases.

  We thank him and show ourselves out.

  “Oh, I forgot to give back the flowers.” I make a face as the door clicks shut.

  “I’ll take them,” a small female voice calls out from the desk, and it looks as if the secretary is back. A woman in a red cardigan and yellow scarf waves us over. She has a heart-shaped face and short curly hair that clings to her scalp.

  There’s no sign of Hazel around.

  Noah warms my back with his hand. “We were just visiting. It’s a shame what happened to Amanda. I hear she was a staple around here.”

  She averts her eyes. “That she was.” She takes the flowers from me and plops them on her desk as if they weren’t just a part of one of the most special days of my life. “She would come in, and they’d lock themselves in there for hours on end doing God knows what.” She shudders before her eyes spring wide as she looks to us. “Counseling, of course. Pastor Gaines is a great counselor.” Her lips harden. “Especially with the women,” she says that last bit under her breath.

  My mouth falls open at the implication. “My mother is seeing him,” I utter without meaning to, and Noah mercifully navigates us out. We make our way into the chilled air, the sun quickly setting. “Noah, she implied—”

  Noah touches my lips softly with his finger. “I know what she implied.” There’s a pained look in his eyes as he presses his gaze to mine. “I just want to take a moment to enjoy looking at my beautiful wife.”

  Every last part of me melts. “That was kind of fun, wasn’t it?”

  “It was the best.” Noah swallows hard. “How about a kiss for the road?”

  I bite down hard over my lower lip and nod.

  Noah blesses me with a kiss that says I love you today, tomorrow, and forever. Noah kisses me in the exact way that I’ve always dreamed my husband would.

  That little wedding of ours might not have been real, but it sure felt official right down to my bones.

  Maybe Noah and I aren’t destined to have closure. Maybe we’re destined to have a future?

  Chapter 15

  Thursday shows up like an eager groom at the altar—okay, so an eager bride as well.

  I still can’t believe Noah and I exchanged I dos. Of course, it was all in fun—even though I meant every last word—but I didn’t dare mention it to Everett last night at dinner. And I’ve been artfully avoiding Noah—lest he lay another one of those red-hot kisses on me and it leads to an all-out wedding night.

  I’m supposed to be exploring my heart, not his body. Although, in all fairness, I explored Everett in a moment of weakness a few weeks back. But who in their right mind could blame me? Technically, we’re still together, I think. Oh, never mind. I have no clue where I stand with anyone but my cats these days.

  The Ashford County Courthouse stands proud, wrapped in creamy glory with its stately stone exterior and stunningly tall columns. Inside, its polished floors and dark paneled halls lead us straight to the proper courtroom we’re due to arrive in. My mother is here with me, as well as Carlotta, Lainey, Meg, Becca, Keelie, and Naomi.

  Everett strides up, looking dangerous in his sharp navy suit, and stops my heart cold with those stormy blue eyes.

  “Hello, beautiful.” He lands a soft kiss to my lips, and it feels completely easy and natural, and yet a twinge horrific because I happened to have kissed Noah with these same lips and I feel terrible about it. “You ready to do this?”

  “Yes. Are you coming in?”

  “I cleared my schedule. I wouldn’t miss it.”

  Everett escorts us inside where we find Will and his attorney already whispering amongst themselves and stealing a moment to glower at us.

  Will looks just like Becca, same reddish-blonde hair, same seemingly serene disposition. His three daughters are seated behind him, looking weirdly identical with their strawberry-blonde hair, their noncommittal smiles. They’re all a touch younger than me. They seem sweet, but you never know. My family has surprised me before.

  Becca urges me to take a seat beside our attorney, and it feels terrifying. The last time I was in front of a judge it was Everett who was taking the stand, and it was a menacing sight. Wait, that’s not right. The very last time I was in a courtroom Everett was presiding over someone else’s case, and I dropped a box of cookies as if it were a piñata. Which led Everett to bring me right back to his chambers and teach me one delicious lesson. A spiral of warmth rides through me just thinking about it.

  The judge finally takes the stand, a woman who happens to look at Everett with a genuine surprise. She wears her hair in a medium-length bob, each strand a stunning silver streak. Her eyes are bright and light, and there’s a general radiance about her.

  She quickly goes over the facts and sighs heavily, taking a moment to contemplate them.

  A swirl of incandescent light fills the space to my right and slowly Nell forms before me. She offers an affable smile. The look of knowing is sharp in her eyes.

  “How is the bride?” she muses playfully, and I shoot her a look that says not funny—but my cheeks are blushing because I rather like the idea. “I take it I haven’t missed much. Will still looks reasonably happy.” Her own expression sours at the thought of it.

  The judge clears her throat, and you could hear a pin drop. “It’s matters like these I wish would never reach my courtroom.” Her crimson lips pull down hard. “I’ve seen this scenario play out many times. I have dismantled estates against the deceased’s wishes. I’ve seen family homes forced to go to market—despite the fact the widow still resides there—just to please a disenfranchised child. However, I do have a heart for disenfranchised children.” She glowers over at Will a moment. “Ms. Lemon.” Her head snaps my way. “You were newly grafted into the family, I see. I understand that’s why Mr. Sawyer saw fit to fight you on the terms of his mother’s will.” She peruses the papers before her once again. “Mr. Sawyer, it seems your mother left you and your siblings, your children and theirs, a sizable amount that would allow you to live very comfortably.” Her lips twist as she scans the document further. “And to you, Carlotta Kenzie Lemon, she has left the Honey Pot Diner, the land under the Cutie Pie Bakery and Cakery, and all of her remaining real estate holdings, which include her primary residence in Honey Hollow, her summer home in Nantucket, as well as her beloved cat, Waffles.”

  Nell’s entire person brightens like a star at the mention of that wily Himalayan.

  “I have Waffles,” I say it low, and the judge glances my way, clearly unimpressed with the questionable outburst.

  “Good,” she muses. “Because I’m awarding you the rest of the things your grandmother desired to give you. Motion to dissolve the will, denied.” She slams her gavel over the granite, and my uncle Will jumps up in protest.

  “This can’t be the end,” he cries after her as she rises from her seat.

  “I assure you it is,” she says as she disappears down the stairs and out the door on the side of the room.

  The attorney next to me offers a handshake, and soon we’re all on our feet and everyone is showering me in congratulations.

  Carlotta smacks me on the arm. “Now that Nell’s house is free and clear, you’re going to let me live in it, right?”

  My mother waves her off. “Don’t you dare, Lottie.” She winks my way. “Carlotta is a treasure at the B&B.”

  Becca shakes her head. “I trust you’ll listen to wise counsel. If I were you, I wouldn’t make a move in any direction for at least a year.” That’s exactly the advice Everett gave me. “And we should all discuss this together.”

  Keelie scoffs at her own mother. “Lottie doesn’t have to run a thing by anybody. She’s a businesswoman. She has a level head. It’s not like she’s going t
o up and sell the Honey Pot. Right, Lottie? Right?” She sharpens her eyes over me, and I shudder.

  “No, heavens no.” I look to Nell, and she nods my way before disappearing in a sparkle of miniature stars.

  Will bounds over, his three sulking daughters flanking him from behind.

  “Becca, Carlotta, I hope you’re happy.” Judging by his tight lips and that pomegranate hue taking over his face, he’s certainly not. “I’ll have you know our father and mother worked very hard for every nickel they had, and you’ve up and turned it over to a virtual stranger.”

  Everett steps in. “They didn’t turn it over to her. Nell did.” His voice is low and curt and has every female’s undivided attention. “And she’s not a virtual stranger. She’s blood. But even if she were a stranger, your mother would have retained the right to do so. If I were you, I would be very pleased with the outcome, because your mother could have legally given it all away to virtual strangers if she pleased.”

  Will stiffens before charging to the exit, and his girls follow along in a fury like three angry ducks.

  Becca sniffs. “There’s that. How about lunch, ladies?”

  We give a wild cheer as my mother and Carlotta lead the way out of the room.

  Naomi leans my way. “Don’t think this is going to change how I feel about you.”

  “I should hope not,” I say as she takes off to catch up with the rest of them.

  “I’ll be right there.” It’s just Everett, the bailiff, and me left in this dark cavernous room.

  “Congratulations, Lemon.” He wraps his arms around me and warms me with his body.

  “Come to lunch with us,” I say, locking my wrists behind his neck. “And just so you know, I will be relying heavily on your sound counsel to get me through this real estate bonanza I seemed to have acquired.”

  “I will give you whatever counsel you desire, but I can’t do lunch. I’ve got a case in just a bit. Rain check?”

  “You bet.”

  “How about I come over tonight? I’ll bring champagne.”

  “Ooh! I’ll bring apple turnovers.” I shrug up at him. “I have a serious surplus.”