Mission to Murder (13 page)

“I bet you made some salesman’s day, walking in with a cash sale.” Greg leaned against the car. “You want to take me out to dinner to celebrate? That little place down on the highway overlooking the ocean?”

“You want me to buy you dinner after spending this kind of money today?” I held my hands out in mock surprise.

“Sure, then you can tell me what you were looking for during the tour.” He tapped my nose with his finger. “And your theories about the killing. I know you’ve come up with at least a few.”

I opened my mouth to deny it, but then thought better. If Greg was asking to hear me out, I would lay my cards on the table. He could tell me to stop after I gave him the piece of information that worried me the most. The one giving me clear motive to kill.

T
he world seemed brighter as I walked down the road the next morning to open the shop. Birds chirping in the trees, the sun warm on my back, I felt like skipping instead of my usual fast-paced stroll. Too many princess movies growing up, I guess. As long as I didn’t start chatting up the birds, I’d be okay.

Greg had listened to everything I said, even asking me to repeat a couple of things. When I’d showed him the journal map picture on my phone, he’d shaken his head. But he hadn’t told me to stop investigating or trying to prove the journal was a fake. I’d even told him about Amy’s friend who was coming into town and he’d asked to be in on the meeting.

When he’d walked me to my door, he surprised me with a quick hug before saying, “You’re something else, you know that?” Then he’d walked back to his truck, calling back at me, “Be sure to lock up.”

I’d followed his instructions. Locking the door was overkill. As a tourist town, South Cove was more likely to see problems with the day visitors hitting the winery for a few drinks and coming up a little too tipsy to drive home. Break-ins were rare, unless you called the kids swimming in the pool at The Castle a break-in. And even then, the worst that happened was the trash they left behind. Now, with Craig’s murder, the town felt on edge.

But today was glorious. Greg believed me and hadn’t immediately arrested me as he examined the journal. Or maybe he liked his women on the wrong side of the law? That was me, a rebel coffee shop/bookstore owner with an unused law degree. And a brand-new Jeep.

Maybe the Jeep was my real source of happiness. I didn’t care. Today would be a great day.

As I came into town, I saw the cruisers parked near my shop. My heart sank. Aunt Jackie? I started running.

Toby saw me coming and stepped up to meet me. “He’s all right. Kind of shaken up, but alive. The ambulance is taking him to County over in Bakerstown for a look-over. But seriously, I think he’s overreacting.”

“Greg?” I felt confused.

Toby laughed. “No. Josh. Someone broke into his shop. From what I can see, they must have waited for him to come in this morning, then attacked and robbed him. Josh says they only got his petty cash and an antique necklace and tiara set. They probably thought it had real rubies.”

“Why would they rob an antique store?” This didn’t make any sense.

Toby stared at the brick building. “I hate to say it, but it could have been kids, tired of Josh always dogging them.”

“Kids wouldn’t do this. Especially not our kids.” I paused. “Did you get the call?”

Toby grinned. “The guy set up a security system. Did you know he carried a radio button in his pocket at all times? He pushes the button, the security team calls us. Usually, I get here to listen to him grump about trash or vandalism. This time, I saw the door, announced myself, and the rats scurried out the back. I heard a bike take off before I got to the parking lot.”

“A bike? You mean a motorcycle?”

Toby nodded. “I’ve got Esmeralda pulling video feed from the traffic cams. We might be able to see something, even with that cheap system the mayor approved.”

Just then, the EMTs wheeled Josh out onto the street, the stretcher groaning under his weight. His eyes met mine and he waved me over.

I looked at Toby for approval, and when he nodded, stepped over to Josh. He’d stopped the EMTs from loading him up so we could talk. “Hey, I’m sure you’ll be just fine.” I gave my best health pep talk.

“Look, don’t tell your aunt about this. And we’re still on for Friday.” Josh grabbed my arm, his grip surprisingly strong for someone in his shape. “You owe me.”

“We’re on for Friday, but if you have to reschedule, that’s okay, too.”

“No. I’ll be there.” The EMTs pushed the stretcher into the ambulance, forcing Josh to let go of me.

Toby nodded at the retreating ambulance. “What was that all about?”

I smiled. “I do believe that Mr. Thomas is smitten with our Miss Jackie.”

Toby barked a laugh. “Man, I did not need that image in my head. Thanks, Jill.”

I glanced over at my shop. “Do you think someone broke in there, too?”

“I already checked. The alarm is still set, no signs of a break-in, but maybe I should walk through, just in case.”

I considered his offer then shook my head. “No. I’m just being paranoid. See you this afternoon.” I glanced up at the busted door on Josh’s store and winced.

I unlocked the door to the shop and picked up the mail that had been dropped through the slot in the door yesterday. Setting the envelopes on the counter, I went to start coffee. Regulars would be popping in for their morning fix on their way to work. I checked the dessert case and put out a new coffee cake, blueberry crumble, and a few slices of a chocolate marble cheesecake. Aunt Jackie must have restocked the display last night after our delivery guys arrived.

I was about to sort through the mail when Bill Simmons came through the door. “Hey, Bill, large black to go?” I grabbed a cup. “Hear about all the excitement this morning?”

I heard him step closer. “Crazy stuff. Is Josh all right?”

Nodding, I said, “I think so.”

Bill glanced around the shop. “Is your aunt working?”

“No, she’s off today. I’m taking her shift later.” Probably more than he wanted to know. I cocked my head, noticing the worried look on the bed-and-breakfast owner’s face. “Why?”

Bill nodded at the coffeepot. “I’ll take a large hazelnut to go.” He slipped into a stool near the barista bar I’d built. After pouring Bill’s coffee, I poured a cup for myself and came around the bar to sit next to him.

“What did she do now?” I sipped my coffee, grateful for the dark blend. With Aunt Jackie around town, things were never dull.

“It’s this whole Cloaked in Mystery thing. She said the author wants to stay for a week after the reveal. He’s apparently on a deadline for another book, so his publisher has given him a week in between signings to finish and then he’s back on the road.” Bill sighed and took a sip of his own coffee.

I shrugged. “I don’t understand. Isn’t that a good thing? To have a week’s booking? I would think he’d be a perfect guest, quiet, in his room writing most of the time.”

Bill leaned into the chair. “That’s true, if he’s real. I have this gut feeling we’re going to show up the night of the launch and there will be your aunt, like some giant surprise party. No author, no launch, no weeklong booking.”

“I don’t think that will happen.” Okay, the thought had crossed my mind, too. Aunt Jackie was all about the marketing. And if she could string us along, she’d figure out a way to do it and try to make everyone happy in the meantime.

Bill stared at me. “You don’t even believe what you’re saying.”

“Okay, say this is a joke, what’s the harm?” I glanced at the clock.
Please let another customer stop in.
I didn’t like where this conversation was heading at all.

“The harm is, we’re deep into tourist season. I don’t want to have a room booked without having some method of payment to guarantee the costs if he doesn’t appear.” He stared at me. “Are you willing to put up a night’s guarantee in case this thing goes south? Do you trust your aunt that much?”

I sighed, not answering Bill’s question.

“I thought so.” He pulled out a five and left it on the counter. “I’m going to leave the booking off. If there’s an author, he can take his chances when he shows up.”

“Wait. What if I get you a name? Then you can contact the guy directly and get his credit card information. That way you know you’re covered.”

Bill stood and nodded. “You have a week. If I don’t hear from you before next Monday with his contact information or your own credit card number, I’ll release the hold on the room.”

“Thanks. Look, I know she can be pushy and I appreciate you working with her on the event.” I stood and walked him to the door.

“Your aunt has great ideas.” He smiled. “I just don’t trust her execution.”

You and me both
, I thought, as Bill waved and left. If I had to pay for a night at Bill’s bed-and-breakfast because of her overpromising, there was going to be a problem. I glanced at the clock—7:00
A.M.
No way would she be awake yet. I’d go visit with her when Toby came in for his shift at noon. My bright and shiny mood was quickly fading away. I started dusting the bookshelves, losing myself in the titles I hadn’t read and promising myself some time for a good long read soon.

The morning flew by after Bill’s visit. I almost suspected people purposely stayed away while we talked, except that was impossible. When Toby showed up at noon, both sides of the shop—book and coffee sales—had been brisk and steady. I turned the register over to him and went up the inside stairs to my old apartment. I knocked on the side door.

No answer. I glanced out the hallway window overlooking the back parking lot. Her car was gone. Apparently my aunt had decided to run errands. I scribbled a “call me” note and shoved it under the door. Then I walked back to the house to let Emma out, eat lunch, and fulfill my promise to myself for some reading time.

I’d finished the mystery when the alarm went off on my phone. Time to head back into town to relieve Toby. I glanced at my phone, no missed calls. Where was she? Even if she’d gone into Bakerstown shopping, she should have been home by now. I dialed her cell but my call went straight to voice mail.

Maybe she’d seen Bill and me talking and was ignoring my attempts to contact her. Wouldn’t be the first time she’d dodged a touchy issue.

I filled Emma’s food and water dishes, gave the mutt a kiss on the head, and left her outside for the rest of the afternoon. “We’ll run when I get off work,” I promised.
Unless I get a chance to talk to Jackie,
I silently amended.

Walking back into town this time, my mood wasn’t quite as light as it had been that morning. The late afternoon wind whipped my unrestrained hair into my face. I walked faster.

Main Street was crowded for a Tuesday. A tour bus sat parked across the street to my shop and I dodged curious visitors as I raced to the store. When I opened the door, the line to the register was up to the edge of the door.

“Excuse me.” I weaved through the crowd. Toby was brewing a new pot of hazelnut and had two espressos running along with five to-go orders of pie on the counter. I washed my hands, and sliding an apron over my head, I asked, “Where do you want me?”

“Finish that order. Five apple, two espressos, and three hot chocolates.” He nodded to the group over at the mystery bookshelf. “The lady in blue ordered. I’ve already taken their money. I’ll run the register and call out orders.”

For the next thirty minutes, the line never seemed to end. I’d pulled out the last of the cheesecake and Sadie’s pies from the back. We were going to have to restock for the morning. “Who are these people?” I whispered to Toby.

“A church group out of Southern Oregon. They’re heading to a gathering in Santa Barbara from what I’ve heard. We’re their midafternoon break.”

I glanced at Toby, who should have been off at four. “You okay staying longer?”

He smiled. “I’ve already talked to Esmeralda and she’s let Greg know. As soon as it slows enough for you to take over, I’ll leave. I’m not expected until six.”

“You may want to eat dinner or shower or something,” I teased. Toby worked harder than anyone. Most everyone here worked a couple of jobs, trying to stay afloat financially, but Toby seemed to feed on the energy it took.

“I’ll order to-go from Lille’s. It’s Philly-cheese night.” He grinned. “Hey, you don’t think I actually cook when I’m home anyway, do you?”

“Honey, looking as good as you do, you shouldn’t have to cook a meal in your life,” replied the woman standing at the counter waiting for her coffee. “I’m sure I could scare up one or two young women from our congregation who’d be more than willing to let you court them.”

I laughed. “Believe me, Toby has no trouble finding women.”

“Then the boy needs to pick one and settle down. Men aren’t meant to walk alone on this earth. Adam and Eve were the first couple and see how that turned out.” The woman took the coffee I handed her. She waved and walked out the door.

I glanced over at Toby and noticed a grin on his face. Shaking my head slightly, I warned him not to comment, and we pushed through the last of the tour bus customers. Finally the door closed on the last person and I watched the bus driver load up his charges and then slowly ease the lumbering bus down Main Street to the highway. I poured a cup of coffee and headed to the closest table. “Oh my God. That was unexpected.”

Toby grabbed a tray and started cleaning the next table. “I think you sold out of the Central California guide books and the history section on South Cove. Bill’s going to be ecstatic we unloaded all of the copies he brought over last week.”

I waved him over to the table. “Come sit for a second. We can clean up later.”

Toby loaded the tray and nodded. “I’ll be right back with my own cup.”

He returned a few minutes later with another tray. He sat a carafe of coffee and two pieces of the chocolate cheesecake on the table. “Time for a true coffee break. What do people who work at factories do for their break? It must be boring getting junk food out of a vending machine.”

“When I worked at the law office, we had catered coffee and pastries brought in each day. Kind of like here.” I smiled. “I guess I’ve always been luckier than most.”

Toby smiled. “You should try the coffee Esmeralda makes at the station. I swear it could cut engine grease.”

I laughed and took a bite of the cheesecake. “Heaven.”

“You okay?” Toby set his fork down. “I’ve been worried about you. It’s been kind of crazy around here lately.”

“Seeing Josh like that, it was kind of a shock. I hate to think anyone would do that.” I sighed and took another bite. “I moved here for the peace and quiet. Between this and everyone thinking I hated Craig enough to kill him . . . the guy was a pain in my butt. But I don’t wish anyone dead. You know that, right?”

Toby put his hand on my arm. “There is no way you could have killed Craig. I know it and Greg knows it. Now we have to find out who did the deed.”