Lavender and Larceny (Treehouse Hotel Mysteries Book 6)

by Sue Hollowell

  Max tapped my arm. I looked at him, and he opened his mouth. One of these days, I wouldn’t be surprised if words actually came out. He made a motion like he had when he brought me the cuff link.

  “Oh, yeah. Thanks Max.” I noted that on our clues sheet. Onward to more circles. The next couple were hard to draw. But Oliver was found on Zoe’s farm and she had a previous conflict with him. I just needed to find a way to clear her as soon as possible. Next up was Caroline. Same story. Oliver was badgering her to join business forces. Was he a man who couldn’t take no for an answer?

  Max patted my arm again. A signal to continue. I looked back at my paper and drew another circle with Andrew in the middle. He was one of the last people to see Oliver before the murder. I had no idea what relationship they had that might provide a motive. A blank spot to fill in.

  I sighed and closed the notebook. Max rested his head on my thigh. I placed my arm on his back, feeling the comforting warmth. My mind drifted to thoughts of Paul. I really enjoyed our current relationship. The newness, the getting-to-know-you phase was exciting. I tried not to let my questions head too far down the road, but my logical, planning brain was always thinking ahead. It was both a blessing and a curse.

  What would it be like to be married to Paul? From everything I knew about him, we would be great together. And a bonus score was that he was amazing with my mom. I envisioned us having a house together, perhaps somewhat near Mom so that I could help her as she continued to age. The treehouse was a perfect place to land in this transition of my life, but it was not a permanent location. And living with Mom was out of the question. For both of us.

  I hadn’t even allowed myself to think about getting married again. After Frank passed away, never in my wildest dreams did I think I would have a boyfriend, let alone marry someone. Frank and I had our dream life. Having a new love complicated my feelings toward that. I knew Paul would never feel slighted about my relationship with Frank.

  Max rolled to his side and looked back at me over his shoulder. He continued that wide grin. How he knew what I was thinking and feeling at any moment baffled my mind. I truly believed he was sent to me as a blessing for my time alone. However the universe managed that, I was grateful. I needed to honor Paul and his part of our relationship as well. It wouldn’t be fair to keep him guessing. And, truly, I was done guessing myself.

  Max leapt up and began jumping around. He plunged in and licked my face. If I had any doubt, I only had to look to my bestie. I wrapped him up in a big bear hug and he continued to squirm and lick my face. Life was good.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  My heart hurt for my dear friend Caroline. The last time I saw her concerned me because of the level of dejection she was feeling. I hoped she was able to take some action to get herself out of this funk. It was a beautiful day for a stroll, and I loved experiencing the small-town ambiance as Max and I took a leisurely route to Caroline’s Confections and Coffee Shop.

  Main street shops had retained the look and feel of the original construction from the 1950s: small, cute, and colorful awnings and large windows to display your wares overlooking the sidewalk. Small planters scattered along the path were courtesy of the town’s garden club. Along with the hub for gossip, their mission was to beautify the town and provide scholarships to students who chose to pursue agriculture in their course of study. I think the second and third mission were a cover for the first.

  Max trotted alongside me. I was pretty sure he knew our destination: the source of his favorite gingersnap treats. A slight wind blew my hair, bringing the freshest of breezes in this wonderful oasis of a small community. Both Max and I drew a deep breath. As we approached my friend Buzz’s barber shop, I saw his door open. I decided to dart in for a quick minute to get an update on the progress of Oliver’s murder. I would somehow have to nudge out of him any details he may know about Oliver and Andrew’s relationship. Second to the garden club, Buzz’s shop was a nexus for gossip. He would never admit it. And perhaps it was a reckoning back to his days on the force, but he liked to be in the know with the town happenings.

  As Max and I rounded the corner into his shop, we both stopped short, not realizing he had company. Sitting in the guest chairs like they were inhabiting a man cave, Buzz and Patrick were yucking it up.

  Buzz had two recliners in his small shop, just enough space to fit those along with a mini-fridge for his beer. I held up a hand. “Sorry, Buzz. I didn’t know you had a customer.”

  Next to my leg I felt Max rumble a growl. He was best buds with Buzz, so it must be Patrick setting off that trigger. Buzz was the husband of Pearl, the owner of Pearl’s Pooch Pampering. Max’s second favorite place after Caroline’s.

  Buzz lowered the footrest of the recliner, stood, and placed his bottle of beer on the side table. “Nah, no customer. Just an old golfing buddy, Patrick.” He tilted his head back, laughing, his protruding belly jiggling.

  Patrick followed Buzz’s lead and got out of the chair, straightening up his suit. Max took another step closer to me, just the slightest movement bumping my leg.

  “Hi, Chloe. Impressive showing at the lavender festival. I think you’ve got a winner on your hands.” I moved further into the shop. I had hoped to see Buzz alone. No way could I quiz him with Patrick here.

  “I guess for the first one, it was OK,” I said. I crossed my arms. Was there any way to get something out of Buzz? I resigned myself to returning after my visit to Caroline’s.

  Buzz stepped closer to me and gestured toward his vacant recliner. “Here, Chloe. Sit and have a beer with us.”

  I shook my head. “I can’t stay long. I’m on my way to see Caroline.” I looked at Patrick.

  He shook his head. “Darn shame for her. I had high hopes for our business venture. But without those recipes for the formulas? My hands are tied.” He wiped his hands together like he was cleaning them off.

  I stared Patrick down. There was just something about him that didn’t sit right with Max and me. But there was nothing specific I could put my finger on. Maybe it was just his smarmy ways and the fact that he always dressed in a suit and tie like he was better than all of us small-town hicks. I guess to be in the golf crew you didn’t have that strong of personal standards, as long as you could make the tee time.

  I shrugged, keeping a nonchalant manner. “I’m sure she’ll be fine.” I turned toward Buzz. “Any news? I’m trying to keep up so that Zoe knows what’s going on. She’s incredibly upset, as you can imagine.”

  Patrick stepped closer. Max emitted an audible growl. Patrick quickly moved away, holding out his arms for protection. “Whoa, killer. Simmer down there.”

  Buzz called Max over and crouched down to give him a good scratching. “He’s harmless. See?”

  Max gave Patrick a smug look of victory.

  Buzz stood. “Well, not much yet. Other than the obvious that you and Zoe probably saw at the scene. Farm tools, knock on the head. This is likely going to be a circumstantial case. I’ll keep on it and let you know. Give Zoe a hug from me.”

  I called Max to my side. On his return trip he didn’t take his eyes from Patrick. He walked deliberately slow, staring the man down. The message was not lost. Patrick took two more steps back.

  “Chloe, if you ever want to talk business ventures, let’s do it. I’ve got a lot I can offer. And I’m sure with my resources your business will go through the roof.” Patrick looked down and smoothed an invisible wrinkle on his jacket. “Let’s set up a meeting.”

  I took a step toward the door. I couldn’t get away fast enough from him. I waved to Buzz. “Well, I’ll have to talk to Mom. It’s really her business. I’m just managing it for her. And she’s got her own thing going with the garden gnomes.” I inched my way further toward the exit.

  “I’ll be in touch,” Patrick said. That guy didn’t take no for an answer. How could Caroline even consider going into business with him? Ick. He must have offered an amount of money that she just couldn’t refuse. But still. Wa
s it worth it?

  “Buzz, let Pearl know I’ll be in soon with Max. He’s been missing her wonderful massages and the huckleberry scrub therapy.” Max yipped and panted, in full agreement. “Well, I have to go.” I waved and bolted to the sidewalk. I let out a huge breath, releasing the tension in my diaphragm.

  “Max. Remind me to ask Caroline for double treats. You couldn’t be more on point with your assessment of Patrick.” We continued our jaunt down the street to Caroline’s. I hoped by the time we arrived that my heartrate would return to normal. I took another deep breath. If I never saw Patrick again, it would be too soon.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  My head reeled from that interaction at Buzz’s. I shook out my arms to flick off the feeling of being slimed. I took another deep breath as Max and I approached Caroline’s, stopping for a second to gather myself. I needed to portray positivity and encouragement for Caroline. After a short pause, Max and I entered her shop. I halted in my tracks, and Max bumped into me, causing me to stumble.

  Seated at a table near the window, Caroline and Andrew had their heads together. Why would she be entertaining her rival? They appeared deep in conversation, and I hesitated to interrupt them. Not shy at all about getting his treats, Max pranced up to the table and gave Caroline the eye. She turned and gave a little wave. Saying something to Andrew, she got up and headed to the counter for what I assumed were Max’s goodies.

  I approached her and whispered, “Caroline. What’s Andrew doing here?”

  She got up from behind the counter with a handful of gingersnaps and set them on the floor for Max. “Well, that’s kind of a long story. Come sit with us.” She led the return to the table with Andrew.

  I wasn’t sure this was a good idea. Caroline sat back down in her chair, straightening some papers in front of her.

  “Hi Chloe. Glad you can join us,” Andrew said.

  I pondered my next move, but settled on joining them. My curiosity got the best of me. Caroline seemed a bit more upbeat today. She sat taller in her seat. Every now and then she smiled. And she had more energy. Maybe she was adjusting to the reality of her situation. If her business continued, it might be a lot different than it was.

  “Andrew was telling me about some poor choices he made.” Caroline held an arm out toward Andrew. “Go ahead, Andrew.”

  He bowed his head. His jowls drooped. “This is really hard.”

  “Chloe’s my friend. She’s also really good at puzzles and problem-solving. Just start with the story you were telling me,” Caroline said.

  Andrew lifted his chin and looked at me, then at Caroline. He swallowed and his Adam’s apple bobbed in his throat. “Caroline’s right. I made poor choices. I let my ambitions for big money get the best of me. I should have stuck with my passion for baking.”

  I mulled over my next move. If I interrupted I might cut short his description. Instead, I mumbled, “Mm-hmm.”

  He continued, looking back and forth between Caroline and me. He inhaled and blurted out, “Oliver told me he would go into business with me. He knew I was struggling, so maybe he thought I was an easy target.” Andrew swiveled his head toward Caroline and softly said, “Oliver told me he could get Caroline’s recipes for the secret lavender formulas. I mortgaged everything and paid him for it.” He sniffled and reached for a napkin to dry his eyes.

  Caroline extended her arm across the table. She appeared much more forgiving than I would be. “Go on, Andrew.” She nudged him.

  Andrew stuttered a shallow breath. “I felt like I owed him. His family took me in when I was younger and had nowhere else to go. I believed he had my best interest at heart. But he double-crossed me and I never got the recipes. I’m going to have to close my business.”

  Caroline sat back in her chair. I was stunned. How was she even allowing him to stay in her store? She looked at me and said, “Chloe, I know what you’re thinking. We need to call the police. But hear us out.”

  What could they possibly say to make this OK? And if Andrew was angry enough at Oliver going back on his word so that his business went under, could he be the killer? Caroline sat nonchalant at this table, having coffee and cookies with a possible murderer. Maybe she wasn’t thinking clearly after all.

  I had to interject and end this for her safety. “Caroline.”

  She held her hand up. “I’ve made up my mind, Chloe.” What had gotten into her to embolden this stubborn streak? If I got her away from Andrew, I could talk some sense into her.

  “Caroline, I should speak for myself,” Andrew interjected. “Chloe, I have a lot to make up for. I lied and tried to cheat my way to the top. Yeah, Oliver suckered me, but I went along with it. I own that. But know that I did not have anything to do with his death.”

  I shook my head. Max stood and placed his chin on my knee. What was my boy trying to tell me? My heart raced. I wiped my sweaty palms on my pants and picked up my coffee, hoping to stall long enough for a coherent thought to form. I took a sip and set the cup down.

  “You’re lucky Caroline is a forgiving person.” I couldn’t go there yet. There were more questions about Oliver’s death after hearing Andrew’s story. And it did not look good for him. Going on the offense and crying poor me to Caroline might have worked with her, but there was an unsolved murder in our town. And in my book, Andrew jumped up near the top of the list of suspects. The perplexing factor was why wasn’t Max indicating some angst toward Andrew? Was my boy slipping? Was Andrew that good that he could fool even the best of them? I feared Caroline was falling into a trap.

  I looked at Caroline. She had a relaxed smile and looked at peace. I just didn’t get it. I looked at Andrew to gauge his response as I carefully asked my next question, “If you don’t have the recipes, where are they?” I tried not to blink so I wouldn’t miss any subtle reaction on his face.

  Andrew looked me dead in the eye, not blinking himself, and said, “I wish I knew. I would do anything to get them back to Caroline.”

  I felt the pressure of Max’s chin remaining on my knee. That boy was a canine lie detector and he hadn’t flinched. I was more confused than ever. I migrated my gaze to Caroline. Her smile remained.

  “I’ve agreed to have Andrew join as my apprentice on a six-month trial basis,” Caroline said. Her voice was firm. Her tone was clear that the decision was final. This wasn’t the place to have any further conversation with her about it. But later, I had to grill her. I was convinced she wasn’t thinking clearly and was making rash decisions in her desperation to save her business. And if Andrew was the killer, what might he do to Caroline to get what he wanted after all? This could be part of his grand plan.

  Andrew jumped in and said, “I know I have a lot to atone for. I’m willing to work hard and learn, starting at the bottom. This is the opportunity of a lifetime for me. And I’m determined not to screw this up.”

  He could say all he wanted. I wasn’t buying it. With nothing else to add to the topic, I had to extricate myself to ponder this drastic development. “Caroline, are we still on for our meeting tomorrow?” I couldn’t take my eyes off Andrew. I took one last chance to examine his expression for clues.

  “Of course. I’ll see you then, Chloe,” Caroline said.

  I slowly stood, stunned from speaking much further. “Bye,” I muttered, walking away, my head now completely cluttered with the twists and turns of the mystery of Oliver’s death.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  The quiet of Main Street at this hour lulled me into a false sense of peace and calm. If my hunch was correct, the day was about to get very complicated. I had to keep Caroline in the dark for my plan to work. I knocked loudly on the door to Caroline’s Confections and Coffee Shop. At this early hour before opening, Caroline and her employees would be crazy busy in the back, starting their baking for the day. Thankfully, I didn’t have a job that required me to arrive at o’dark thirty. No amount of coffee could prepare me for that.

  The light in the lobby clicked on, and Caroline came to unlock
the door for Max and me to enter. She had flour on her cheek and chocolate smudges on her apron. She smiled as she greeted us. This business really was her happy place. I hoped I could be some small part of saving it for her and Haley.

  “Hi guys. Come on in.”

  Max and I entered, his nose high in the air. “You must be making a fresh batch of gingersnaps,” I said.

  Max looked at me and smiled.

  “Of course. First things first for this guy.” Caroline bent to scratch Max’s ears. This was definitely one of his happy places too. “Why don’t you grab a seat and I’ll be right there.”

  Max trotted behind Caroline, not wanting to miss out on the treats. A small amount of drool dropped from his lips. If you didn’t know better, you would think I never fed the guy. But, like us humans, sometimes he was ruled by his vices.

  Caroline returned to the table with a notepad, pen, and plate of warm gingersnaps. Max dutifully sat next to her, ready for his reward.

  “I’m pretty sure you could get him to do anything you wanted,” I said. “Thanks for meeting me so early. We have a lot going on at the hotel today, and it was the best time.”

  Caroline handed Max another treat. “No problem.” She turned toward me. “We’ve been here for hours, anyway. I don’t have much time, though. We’re opening soon.”

  I gazed out the front window of the shop, daylight waking the small town. “What would you think about carrying some of Mabel’s gnomes in your store? Just to see how they sell?”

  Caroline tipped her head and squinted. “I guess I could try a few,” she said.

  “Mom and Paul have quite the production going in her garage. She did well at the festival. But people usually buy whatever is available at those events. She wants to see how they sell on a regular basis in a store.”