Copyright © Leena Clover, Author 2020

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the author.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, organizations and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, places, organizations or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Blueberry Chai Frenzy – Dolphin Bay Cozy Mystery Series Book 5

By Leena Clover

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Chapter 1

Anna Butler bit her lip and furrowed her brow in concentration as she frosted the latest batch of her blueberry chai cupcakes.

“Why aren’t you ready yet, Mom?” Her daughter Cassie entered the kitchen and reprimanded her primly. “I like to get an early start.”

“Hold your horses, Cassie,” Anna grunted. “My day started two hours ago. You know I can’t leave until I finish my baking.”

Cassie rolled her eyes and pulled out a pitcher of orange juice from the refrigerator.

“You’re the one who wanted to go with me, Mom. If you ask me, you get enough exercise running around at the café. You’re on your feet almost all day.”

“But it’s not enough,” Anna groaned, patting her ample middle. “My doctor said I need to do some dedicated exercise and get my heart rate up.”

In her late fifties, Anna was a dynamo who rarely sat still. She had weathered a lot in the recent past. First, she lost her beloved husband John. She had barely recovered from her grief when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. A long battle with the dreaded disease had followed, with endless treatments and visits to the doctor. Anna was finally beginning to feel like her old self.

Her daughter Cassie had been her crutch during her illness. A Hollywood star of repute, Cassie had set aside her flagging career to come back to Dolphin Bay and nurse her mother. Now she was at a loose end, trying to land the perfect role that would offer her a big comeback.

“Where’s Meg?” Cassie asked, standing on her toes and stretching her arms over her head. “Is she coming with us too?”

Meg was Cassie’s twenty year old daughter and a recent member of the Butler household. Her life story had enough drama to rival a telenovela.

“She’s taking a shower.” Anna pulled off her apron and promised Cassie she would be back in a jiffy.

Anna came out of her room ten minutes later, dressed in a new pair of yoga pants she had bought recently. Meg was eating cereal in the kitchen.

“Do you want pancakes?” Anna asked her, eliciting a groan from Cassie. “I can whip up a batch real quick.”

“I’m fine, Anna,” Meg assured her. “You better get going before Cassie throws a hissy fit.”

“Mind what you say, you imp!” Cassie said fondly.

Anna laced her sneakers and the two women finally stepped out of the house. The spring morning was chilly and a fine curtain of mist swirled around them.

“Do you think she’ll ever call me Grandma?” Anna sounded wistful.

“What about calling me Mom?” Cassie shot back.

Anna hid her surprise. She wondered if the legions of Cassie Butler fans were ready to accept her as a mother figure.

“Where are we going?” She changed the subject.

“My usual route. Down the Coastal Walk toward the Castle Beach Resort and back. I’m going to run. You can walk at your own pace. Don’t try to do too much at once, Mom.”

“Aye, aye, Captain!” Anna grinned.

Cassie broke into a run and Anna followed at a sedate pace, thinking of the numerous chores she needed to get done that day. She almost crashed into Cassie without realizing her daughter had come to an abrupt stop.

Anna’s protests died on her lips when she beheld the group of people huddled together in the botanical garden that straddled part of the Coastal Walk. Most of the people were dressed in exercise gear and Anna spotted a few familiar faces. A shiver of apprehension ran down her back when she saw an ambulance and two deputies from the local police force.

“What is it, Cassie?” she asked urgently. “Has someone taken ill?”

“I think it’s worse than that, Mom.” Cassie waved at a young, broad shouldered man wearing a sweatshirt with Dolphin Bay Police printed on the back. “Teddy Fowler is here. You know what that means.”

Before Anna could say anything, her daughter jogged up to the man and tapped him on the shoulder.

“What’s going on here, Teddy? Has someone died?”

“I’m just getting here, Cassie.” The man scrolled his phone for messages. “I thought you were going to miss your morning run today.”

Teddy Fowler was a homicide detective on the Dolphin Bay police force. He had gone to school with Cassie. He and his wife were both huge fans of hers and always made her feel welcome in town.

“Mom came with me,” Cassie explained shortly. “We got held up.”

Anna had looked around curiously while Cassie spoke to the detective. She realized the people were pointing toward a man seated on a bench facing the ocean. Anna couldn’t tell much about him other than he had gray hair and wasn’t too tall. She wondered if he was anyone she knew. Crossing her fingers, she hoped he was going to be okay.

Anna got her answer soon enough when a black unmarked van arrived with Medical Examiner painted along the sides. A tall, red haired Scot jumped out and started walking toward the bench.

“Cassie!” Anna whispered urgently. “Rory Cunningham’s here. That’s not good, is it?”

Teddy Fowler greeted Anna and shook his head sadly.

“Why don’t you head on home, Mrs. Butler? I wish I could have warned you about this.” He turned to Cassie. “Take your mother home and give her a shot of brandy or something.”

“You don’t need to coddle me, Detective.” Anna brushed off his concern. “Do we know who that is?”

“Not yet,” Teddy sighed. “I have to go now.”

“Must be a heart attack or something,” Cassie said, watching Teddy as he conferred with the medical examiner. “Look at that gray hair.”

“People don’t die because they have gray hair, Cassie.” Anna patted her own salt and pepper bob. “Don’t be ridiculous.”

“I just meant he looked old.”

“Was it anyone we know?”

“I didn’t get a look at his face, Mom. And it’s too early to pump Teddy for information. Maybe the Chronicle will print something about it?”

“I’m going to call Mary as soon as we get home.” Anna’s eyes gleamed. “She better start baking that banana cream pie Rory Cunningham likes so much.”

Mary Sullivan was Anna’s special friend, along with Julie Walsh. The three women had known each other since before Cassie was born and called themselves the Firecrackers. They had weathered a lot of storms over four decades of friendship.

“When is Aunt Julie coming back from her business trip?”

“She was supposed to get back late last night. I’m looking forward to meeting her at the café later.”

Meg was loading the van with trays of baked goods when they reached home. She ran up to Anna and gave her a hug.

“Are you alright? Leo called.”

Leo Mancini was a young rookie on the local police force. He and Meg were friends, although the ladies hoped they would be much more.

“We don’t even know who it was,” Cassie explained. “Or what happened to him. No need to worry yet.”

Meg offered to go open the café. She urged Anna to eat something hearty and take the morning off.

“Don’t be silly, child.” Anna patted her back. “I’m perfectly fine. I do feel a bit lightheaded though. I might linger a bit over breakfast.”

“I’m going to make you a special breakfast smoothie,” Cassie promised with a gleam in her eye.

Anna was craving avocado toast. Her face lit up when she found Meg had set aside a plate just for her. She climbed up on a stool, doused her toast with hot sauce and took a hearty bite.

Cassie had started dumping a curious combination of fruits and vegetables into a blender. Her mouth was set in a frown.

“Stop sulking, Cassie. I’ll taste whatever vile concoction you are making.”

“You need to put my green smoothies on the café menu,” Cassie huffed. “Gino agrees with me.”

Anna colored at the mention of Gino Mancini. John had been the only man in her life until he died. Gino had become special to her in the past few months. Anna wasn’t sure what the next step in their relationship would be. She was sure he cared for her too. And the girls seemed to get along with him. But John had only been gone two years. Was she being hasty in getting involved with another man? What would people say?

“Don’t overthink it, Mom.” Cassie read her mind. “Gino’s a good man. You have to stop comparing him to Dad.”

“I’m not. They couldn’t be more different.”

Cassie slid a glass of frozen green slush across the counter. Anna made a face and took a sip.

“Not bad,” she admitted grudgingly. “What is this called?”

“It’s just something I threw together, Mom. Why don’t you think of a name?”

“How about Spring Sunrise?” Anna drained a glass. “And I can think of a few tweaks to the recipe.”

Chapter 2

The café was packed when Anna arrived an hour later. It was barely 9 AM and it looked like news of the dead man in the garden had spread across town.

Anna waved at Meg through the large bay windows and walked around the corner to her bookstore. The magnolia tree that guarded the entrance had started blooming. Anna breathed in the lemony scent, smiling at the pretty white and pink blooms. She had owned Bayside Books for twenty years and had finally realized her dream of opening her own café next door.

Anna’s Café soon become popular among dessert lovers. She had knocked down the wall between the stores so people could easily come and go through a connecting arch. Many customers liked to get a coffee and lounge in the bookstore, browsing through old favorites or reading magazines or newspapers.

A tall, statuesque woman wearing capri pants and a plaid shirt was placing some books in the window display.

“Is that your latest book?” Anna greeted her friend Julie. “I thought it’s releasing next Tuesday.”

“These are just advanced copies I ordered for myself,” Julie Walsh admitted. “But doesn’t hurt to start getting some eyeballs on them.”

Julie Walsh was a well known romance writer. Her books always got prime placement at Bayside Books. Anna didn’t mind. She was a staunch supporter of Julie’s work.

The two friends walked into the café, Julie chattering nonstop about her meeting with her publisher. Mary was sitting at their favorite table by the window, enjoying the view. The Coastal Walk meandered past and the dark blue waters of the bay shimmered in the distance. The sun had come out and was bathing everything in a golden light.

Meg came over with a fresh pot of coffee and a tray of blueberry chai cupcakes.

“Have you thought about the spring menu?” Julie asked Anna. “It’s almost May, Anna.”

“I guess it will have to be the summer menu,” Anna said sheepishly. “I’m open to ideas, Julie. Clearly, you have given this a lot of thought.”

Mary sipped her coffee and interrupted gently. “What about the spring fling dance?”

“What about it?” Anna and Julie chorused.

“You know it’s not my thing,” Julie spoke between bites of cake. “But Anna here is looking forward to it. She has a new man to flaunt this year.”

“It’s not like that, Julie.” Anna’s face fell.

Julie put an arm around her friend and gave her a quick hug.

“I know you still miss John. But it’s time to move on, Anna. I’m sure John would want you to be happy.”

“Girls, have you forgotten what the dance entails?” Mary butted in. “The crown for Spring Fling Queen is up for grabs.”

She tipped her head toward Meg.

“You think Meg has a chance?” Anna was curious.

“She’s the perfect age,” Mary nodded. “And she’s got a big heart. Our Meg’s beautiful inside out, girls.”

“Are you talking about me?” Meg had arrived with a fresh pot of coffee.

Her smile froze on her lips when Mary told her about the festival.

“This is a big tradition in Dolphin Bay, Meg. I can picture you wearing that crown.”

Meg tapped her toe absently and looked morose.

“Please don’t put my name in, Mary. You know how busy I am at the café.”

“Lame excuse!” Julie scoffed. “The dance is on a Saturday evening. The café will be closed at that time.”

“Every young lady between the age of 18 and 21 is automatically entered,” Mary explained. “That’s just how it has always been.”

“Leo Mancini was crowned Spring Fling King three years in a row,” Julie winked. “How’s that for motivation?”

Meg turned red and whirled around. Anna watched in dismay as Meg stalked back to the kitchen.

“Did I say something wrong?” Julie looked bewildered. “I thought those two are sweet on each other.”

“She just broke up with Phoenix,” Anna sighed. “She’s taking it hard.”

“You mean that college kid she hung out with over Christmas?” Julie dismissed. “She was never into him.”

“A breakup is a breakup,” Mary said wisely. “Maybe her ego is bruised more than her heart.”

“She’ll be fine!” Julie dismissed. “I remember being her age. Everything is a crisis. Every setback is like the end of the world.”

“You’re making me feel old!” Anna grumbled.

“Enough of this chitchat.” Julie drank deeply from her mug. “We need to catch up on John. How’s your investigation going, Anna? You haven’t given up, have you?”

Anna’s eyes filled up.

“I would never do that. John deserves justice. But it’s been more than two years, girls. What are the chances of finding out anything now? The trail is cold.”

“You do believe he was murdered?” Mary asked. “You are sure you don’t believe it was an accident?”

“It may have looked like that,” Anna admitted. “But I don’t think so.”

“How can you say that?” Julie questioned. “You weren’t home at the time. He might have missed a step and tumbled down the stairs.”

“Is that what you’ve been thinking all this time?” Anna looked stricken. “Why didn’t you say so, Julie?”

Julie munched on a cupcake and shook her head.

“I’m just playing Devil’s Advocate. How sure are you that someone hurt John?”

Anna pursed her lips.

“I have considered that myself … several times. John had a tendency to be lost in thought, especially when he was engrossed in something related to his research. So it’s possible he just fell down the stairs.”

“But you don’t really believe it.” Julie narrowed her eyes.

“My gut instinct says otherwise.”

“What does the evidence say?” Mary asked the tough question. “Was there anything that indicated foul play?”

“His neck was broken.” Anna had read the autopsy report too many times. “And there was a wound on his head. It could have been caused by the fall. But it’s also possible he was hit on the head by something heavy.”

“But they didn’t find any weapon in your house,” Julie reminded her softly.

“That was the only reason they didn’t arrest me,” Anna sighed. “But it was enough to spark all those rumors.”

“I thought Lara Crawford was just being nasty,” Mary said.

Anna had been the victim of a big smear campaign. Many people in town had thought she was guilty of her husband’s murder. Lara Crawford, the mayor, had been instrumental in spreading those rumors.

“I thought so too, at first.” Anna massaged her temples with her fingers. She was beginning to get a headache. “She and John had been friends for a long time. Maybe it was her way of honoring his memory.”

“She didn’t have to sully your name for that, Anna.” Julie breathed fire.

“I have learned to ignore her,” Anna gave a shrug.

“What about Gino?” Mary asked. “What does he say about all this?”

Gino Mancini had been the chief of police in Dolphin Bay for several years. John Butler’s death was the last case of his career.

“You know he retired from the police force,” Anna reminded them. “The winery keeps him busy enough.”

“He’s been helping you deal with Lara.” Julie shook her head. “And he knows every little detail about John’s case. Gino always believed you were innocent, Anna.”

“And he likes you,” Mary smiled. “What bigger vote of confidence do you need?”

Anna was lost in thought.

“Why would anyone want to hurt my John?” she asked suddenly. “Do you think it was a scorned woman?”

Anna and John had been happily married for over thirty five years. But Anna had recently learned about his infidelity. It had shaken her to the core.

“That was twenty years ago, Anna.” Mary had accidentally found out about John’s affair. He had apologized and begged her to keep his secret. She had finally admitted everything to Anna a few months ago but she still felt guilty.

“A leopard doesn’t change its spots,” Julie scowled. “How do we know John didn’t have any more affairs? Or that he wasn’t having one when he died?”

She gave Anna an apologetic look.

“It’s possible.” Anna nodded. “I have to be objective if I’m going to do this. I can’t start bawling every time I learn something bad about John.”

“You won’t have to,” Mary stressed. “He was a good man, Anna. And he loved you. Always remember that.”

“What choice do I have?” Anna’s eyes welled up. “But you’re right, Mary. I’m going to take a positive approach. Assume he was exactly the man I thought him to be. Loving husband and father, indulgent professor, pillar of the community …”

“What about the foster kids?” Julie’s eyes were wide.

She sat up in her seat and began moving the sugar dispenser around.

“You had some tough ones, didn’t you? Could one of them have come back for some revenge?”

“We had to be harsh with some of them,” Anna agreed. “But it was our job to discipline them. All our kids are doing well, Julie. They loved John. Really looked up to him.”

The ladies had talked themselves out when Meg came by an hour later.

“Why don’t you go have some lunch? It’s a beautiful day.”

“I’ve been craving Mrs. Chang’s Orange Chicken since last night,” Anna admitted sheepishly. “I’ll bring some back for you, Meg.”

Chapter 3

Cassie tied her sneakers and slipped out of the front door. She had spent a restless night, tossing and turning in bed, thinking about her future. The vodka infused stupor had worn off around midnight, leaving her with a nasty headache.

She had tiptoed to the kitchen to make some herbal tea. Her daughter Meg was snoring lightly in her room. Anna’s bed hadn’t been slept in, meaning she was still out on her date with Gino.

Cassie sat at the kitchen table, sipping her chamomile tea, wondering for the umpteenth time what life had in store for her. She had returned to Dolphin Bay with the sole purpose of taking care of her mother. It had been a difficult time for both of them.

Readjusting to small town life had been a challenge in itself. So had living with her mother. Cassie felt like Anna was waiting for a chance to criticize every little thing she did. But she got used to it after a while. Now she couldn’t lift a finger without discussing it with Anna.

And then there was Meg.

Cassie’s wildest dream had come true. She was reunited with the child she had given up for adoption. Meg was almost twenty and fully grown, and Cassie rued all the important milestones she had missed. Now she wanted to hold on to Meg as long as possible and make some happy memories.

Did her Hollywood career even have a place in her life anymore? Maybe she should just chuck it all up and resign herself to helping Anna at the bookstore.

Cassie raised the volume of her music player, trying to drown the clamor and clangor of her thoughts. The sun had risen over the bay in a cloudless sky, promising a warm spring day. Wildflowers had started blooming on the plains sloping down to the cliffs. Cassie slowed down as she reached one end of the Coastal Walk, marked by her favorite bench.

Teddy Fowler was already there, doing jumping jacks.

“Hey Cassie! Rough night?”

Cassie gave him a sour look.

“What did I do?” Teddy laughed. “Let me know when you’re ready to go to a meeting.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“No rush.” Teddy placed his arms above his head and stretched deeply. “Unfortunately, I’ve been there.”

Cassie tried to hide her surprise. Teddy always came across as the perfect family man with his loving wife and two kids.

“Do you know anything about that dead guy?”

“Ian Samuels is all over it. Read today’s Chronicle.”

“But I’m asking you.” Cassie settled into a warrior pose.

“Lou Harding.” Teddy collapsed on the bench and began guzzling water from a steel bottle. “Was a retired driver, I think. Anna might have known him.”

“I hope not. She’s busy enough at the café. I don’t want her playing amateur sleuth again.”

“You know about the Spring Fling dance?” Teddy asked. “I almost forgot. My wife wants you to help her with the choreography.”

“No way!” Cassie exclaimed.

“That’s what I told her. It’s beneath you. Can’t expect Cassie Butler to spend her time teaching gawky country girls how to dance the waltz.”

Cassie turned red.

“Of course I’ll do it. I think Meg’s going to be in it.”

“Figures,” Teddy nodded. “I bet she’ll be Spring Fling Queen. She has my vote.”

Cassie and Teddy jogged back into town. She waved goodbye to him at the corner of Main Street and walked home slowly.

Anna was sprinkling hot sauce on her avocado toast, reading the Dolphin Bay Chronicle.

“They identified the old man on that garden bench.”

“Teddy told me about him.” Cassie started peeling a banana for her smoothie. “Did you know him, Mom?”

“Not really. I might have heard the name somewhere but I can’t think of a face to match it.”

Meg joined them and began taking trays of cupcakes out to the van. Cassie headed to the shower, reminding Anna she wouldn’t come to the store until noon. She was expecting a call from her agent.

Cassie had barely finished her smoothie when her phone rang. Her agent finally had some good news for her. Cassie couldn’t wait to tell Anna and Meg about it.

Half an hour later, she sailed out of the door to her old Mercedes convertible, dressed in designer jeans and a white shirt, wearing one of her Hermes scarves and her favorite Joy perfume.

Anna sat at a table with Gino, deep in conversation.

“Hello lovebirds!” Cassie sat down next to Anna. “You’re worse than teenagers.” She narrowed her eyes at Gino. “I know you kept her out late last night. She needs to follow her curfew.”

Gino Mancini was nothing if not amiable. But he barely cracked a smile.

“Let me know what you think, Anna. I can use your help.”

“What’s going on?” Cassie asked her mother. “Why did he leave so suddenly? Was it something I said?”

Anna sighed and picked up her coffee cup. It was empty. Meg came over with a fresh pot of coffee.

“Sit down, Meg.” Anna warmed her hands around the mug.

Cassie and Meg exchanged worried glances.

“What is it, Mom? You’re not sick again, are you?”

“Did you get the reports of your lab work?” Meg pressed.

“There’s nothing wrong with my health,” Anna assured them. “It’s about Gino.”

“Was he breaking up with you?” Cassie’s eyebrows shot up. “He looked pretty serious.”

“Don’t be ridiculous, Cassie!” Anna cleared her throat and stirred some sugar into her coffee. “You know Gino has sources in the police department.”

“Of course he does,” Cassie rolled her eyes. “He was the police chief for several years.”

“Well, it looks like Lou Harding didn’t die a natural death. The police suspect foul play.”

“Who is Lou Harding?” Meg was bewildered.

“The old man who died on the park bench,” Cassie explained. “Teddy told me his name earlier but he didn’t say anything about how he died.”

“He wouldn’t.” Anna sipped her coffee. “It’s not public information yet.”

“How does that affect us, Anna?” Meg asked.

“Gino knows the old man’s son. He engaged him to find out who murdered his father.”

“Let me guess,” Cassie pouted. “He wants you to put on a red wig and play Nancy Drew again.”

Anna tried to be facetious.

“He didn’t say anything about the wig, but it’s not a bad idea.”

“Come on, Mom! Surely you said no?” Cassie was quick to give her opinion.

“I’m thinking about it.”

“But why?” Cassie was relentless. “You have a lot on your plate right now. And you need to find out what happened to Dad.”

“I’m going to,” Anna promised.

“But you need to make it a priority, Mom.” Cassie slapped her hand on the table. “At least think about Meg. Do you want Lara Crawford to start harassing her too?”

“Don’t worry about me, Anna.” Meg spoke up. “I have a thick hide. I’m not going to let a few nasty remarks worry me.”

Cassie stood up in a huff.

“Did you love Dad at all? How can you sit still when his killer is roaming free somewhere out there?”

Anna looked stricken. Meg took her hand in hers and squeezed it reassuringly.

“Dial it down, Cassie,” she begged.

“Gino’s always had my back, girls,” Anna explained. “How can I refuse to help him now?”

Cassie sat down again.

“I’m sorry, Mom. I didn’t mean to fly off the handle. It’s just … I miss Dad. Just the thought of someone deliberately hurting him gives me the willies. What if it’s someone we know, someone around us? Does he have a grudge against all of us? What if he’s just lying in wait to hurt the whole family?” Tears welled up in her eyes. “I couldn’t take it if anything happened to you or Meg.”

“Calm down, Cassie.” Anna was alarmed. “I didn’t know you thought like that.”

Cassie hugged her mother and motioned Meg to join in.

“Motherhood is making me emotional.”

Meg rolled her eyes.

“Nothing’s happening to us, Cassie! Get a grip.”

Anna dabbed her eyes with a tissue.

“She’s right, Cass. I’ve never seen you like this.”

“Why is Gino taking this case?” Cassie asked. “Has he started some kind of investigation business?”

“Scott Harding asked for his help,” Anna told her. “That’s the old man’s son. He has some kind of tech business. He takes care of the winery’s website for Gino.”

“I didn’t know Mystic Hill had a website,” Cassie admitted. “There’s dozens of wineries like it up and down the coast.”

“Scott Harding changed all that,” Anna began. “He built some kind of online ordering system for Gino. Now you can order Mystic Hill wine from anywhere in the world. Gino said profits were up 18% with it.”

“And Gino doesn’t say no to anyone, I guess,” Cassie sighed.

“He’s a good guy, Cassie.” Anna pressed her lips together.

“How do we know Scott isn’t guilty?” Meg asked. “What if he’s the one who killed the poor old man?”

Chapter 4

Anna was making pancakes for breakfast the next morning. Meg came in and squealed with delight.

“Yum! Pancakes! Thanks, Anna.”

Anna placed a stack of fluffy buttermilk pancakes studded with strawberries and slivered almonds before Meg. She poured homemade strawberry syrup on the hot cakes and added a dollop of mascarpone cream on top.

Meg was ready with knife and fork.

“Something smells good.” Cassie came in, stifling a yawn.

“Take a plate and start eating,” Anna ordered.

“Do you know how many calories this has, Mom?” Cassie wailed. “Bobby will have a fit if he sees me eating this.”

Cassie’s best friend Bobby was fitness trainer to the stars in Hollywood.

“He won’t know unless you tell him,” Anna grinned. “This is wholesome food. Much better than that sugary cereal you eat.”

“I gave that up months ago!” Cassie protested. “I’m strictly off white sugar.”

Anna sat down with her own plate and started eating. Meg was already on to her second helping.

“Are you going to help me find out more about Lou Harding?” she asked Cassie.

“What do you need?” Cassie made a show of cutting into her pancakes.

“Why don’t you go talk to Ian Samuels over at the Chronicle? Try to see what he has.”

“He’s not going to share his scoop with me, Mom.”

“You were his favorite student, remember? I don’t think he can say no to you, Cassie.”

“Why don’t I go to the Chronicle and check their archives?” Meg suggested. “I’ve done it before.”

“Thanks, sweetie.” Anna beamed. “Sounds like a good idea.”

“I thought you knew most people in town, Mom.” Cassie poured some more syrup on her pancakes. “How do you not know this old man? He must be around your age?”

“Must be new in town.” Anna shrugged. “I don’t remember growing up with him.” Anna pushed her plate away and patted her stomach. “I’m ready for a nap.”

“You think he moved here after he retired?” Meg asked.

“I’m going to find out,” Anna told them. “I am planning to go visit the family today, bring them a casserole and give my condolences.”

“Is that who the pan of lasagna is for?” Cassie grumbled. “I thought that was our dinner.”

“Don’t be a glutton, Cassie. You just demolished half a dozen hot cakes. I think you should have salad for dinner.”

Meg burst out laughing.

“Give it a rest, you two. Is Gino going with you, Anna?”

“Of course he is!” Cassie butted in before Anna could answer. “They can’t stay away from each other. I think wedding bells will be ringing soon, Meg.”

“Nonsense!” Anna rolled her eyes. “Julie’s coming with me. Gino has to go out of town to meet a supplier. Also, Gino wants to get my impartial opinion.”

Anna sat in her garden while Meg and Cassie cleared the table and loaded the dishwasher. Daffodils bloomed along a border and an early rose perfumed the air with its fragrance. Anna closed her eyes and took a few deep breaths, preparing herself for the day ahead.

The café rush kept Anna busy. Julie and Mary came in just as the antique grandmother clock that stood by the entrance chimed ten. Anna breathed a sigh of relief, ready to take a break.

The ladies caught up over steaming cups of coffee and a batch of the blueberry chai cupcakes Anna had saved for them.

“Can we leave now?” Julie asked. “I need to put down some words this afternoon. I’m hoping there will be enough time to grab a quick lunch.”

Mary headed to the Paradise Market with a big shopping list. She promised to meet them at the Yellow Tulip Diner for lunch.

Julie followed the directions spit out by the navigation system and pulled up her big SUV before a sprawling Tudor house.

“Are you sure this is the address?” she asked Anna.

Anna double checked Gino’s message and nodded.

“Old man must have been loaded,” Julie remarked. “The Hardings are certainly not hurting for money.”

The gray house sat on a large lot and had a three car attached garage. The front lawn was meticulously maintained and the flower beds looked like they had been recently put in. Anna rang the doorbell while Julie tapped her foot impatiently.

A tall, attractive woman with vivid green eyes opened the door. Her face and arms were deeply freckled and she wore a plaid shirt exactly like Julie’s. Anna stifled a smile and introduced herself.

“Come in, come in,” the woman said grudgingly.

Anna handed over the casserole dish she had been lugging and stepped into a spacious foyer. A rich Oriental rug covered the polished hardwood floor.

“I’m Wendy!” the woman offered. “Scott was on the phone with Mr. Mancini. He told us to expect you.”

Anna peered at the array of photographs lining the wall. Many of them showed a short, plump man with gray hair and a wide smile. He was accompanied by an older woman with a pretty face and two kids in a variety of ages.

Wendy ushered them into a bright and cozy sun room with another plush carpet. An electric fire warmed the room. Julie sat in a deep armchair and looked around.

“Is that him?” Anna nodded toward the pictures.

“Yep!” Wendy sighed. “Dad loved posing for pictures. The whole house is full of them. Scott’s the exact opposite.”

A younger man with bushy eyebrows walked in and sat down next to Wendy. He began pulling at his lower lip. Anna didn’t like the piqued expression he wore.

“Let’s get this over with soon.” He began without preamble. “We are running out of time.”

“I’m sorry.” Anna humored him. “I didn’t realize you had to go somewhere. We can come back another time.”

Wendy placed a hand on her husband’s knee and patted it suggestively.

“Oh no, Mrs. Butler. There’s no rush. Why don’t I get you some lemonade?”

Wendy left the room to get the drinks. Scott fidgeted and seemed to grow impatient.

“I’m sorry about your loss, Mr. Harding.” Anna watched the young man curiously. “I didn’t know your father but I’m sure he was a good man.”

“Actually, that’s kind of puzzling.” Julie spoke up. “Anna and I know pretty much everyone in town.”

Scott stared moodily into the fireplace.

“He must have been a loner.” Anna hazarded a guess. “Nothing wrong with that.”

“Selfish,” Scott blurted out.

Wendy came in with a tray of drinks. A small plate contained a tray of store bought sandwich cookies.

“You were saying?” Julie prompted as she sipped her cool drink.

“Why couldn’t he die in his sleep like any regular old man?” Scott fumed. “Oh no, he had to drop dead on a park bench.”

Julie cleared her throat and quirked an eyebrow at Anna. Wendy hastened to explain.

“What Scott means is we are grieving. We loved Dad so much.”

Scott ignored her.

“He’s done it again, hasn’t he? Foiled all our plans. We’re going to be stuck here until the police figure out what happened to him.”

“Are you going somewhere?” Anna asked, bewildered.

“I’ve been trying to get out of this dump for years,” Scott snapped. “I have a buyer for the house and a job offer in the city. Thought we would pack up and leave as soon as we buried the old man. But no! He’s laughing at us from the other side.”

“Do you think your father wasn’t murdered?”

“How does it matter?” Scott pulled at his lip again. “He’s gone. I’m free to decide where to live now.”

“Then why did you ask for Gino’s help?” Julie bristled. “We thought you wanted to find out who hurt him.”

“I just want this business wrapped up so …”

“So you can leave.” Anna finished his sentence. “We got that.”

Scott’s fancy watch beeped. He sprang up and put his hands in his pockets.

“I have a work thing. Wendy will see you out.”

Wendy looked apologetic as she walked them to the door. She thanked Anna once again for bringing the casserole.

“It was nice meeting you.” Anna gave her a quick hug. “Don’t worry about the dish. Just drop it off at my café when you’re done.”

“That was a colossal waste of time,” Julie fumed as she drove back to town. “How can Gino ask you to help that scoundrel?”

“He sounded callous,” Anna admitted. “Gino’s very impressed with his work but I don’t think he knows him personally.”

“If you want my opinion, Scott Harding had a big motive to bump off the old man. I won’t be surprised if the police arrest him.”

Chapter 5

Cassie picked up a burst of speed as she neared the last stretch of the Coastal Walk. Teddy Fowler was stretching his hamstring on the bench.

“Good Morning!” Cassie greeted him cheerfully. “I know, I know. I’m late again.”

“You’re quite chipper today.” Teddy finally sat down. “Looks like you got some good news.”

“You’re quite the detective,” Cassie grinned. “I am this close to landing a role. It’s just a cameo but it’s for a big producer. My agent thinks it’s going to be good for me.”

“Does that mean you’re leaving us already?” Teddy frowned. “You are supposed to bring Meg over for dinner.”

“I’m not moving back to Hollywood. At least not yet. I’ll be gone for a week at most for the shooting.”

“So you’ll be here for the spring fling dance?”

“I won’t know that until I get the dates,” Cassie admitted reluctantly. “But I’m going to try my best not to miss it.”

Teddy gulped some water from his steel bottle.

“Thanks for meeting my wife. She’s super excited about this dance you are going to help her with.”

“Don’t expect too much, okay?” Cassie warned. “I’m not that good at choreo. Things are different on a film set. There’s a dedicated dance coach to teach us the steps.”

Teddy shook his head and laughed.

“You’ll be fine, Cassie.”

Cassie stood up and stretched her arms above her head.

“How’s your latest case coming along, Teddy?”

The detective’s mouth fell and his ears turned red.

“I’m not working on anything particular at the moment.”

“Are you kidding? I’m talking about that old man who was found dead on the garden bench.”

“They don’t need me.” Teddy shrugged. “The department has decided to bring the old chief in as a consultant.” His eyes narrowed as he looked up at Cassie. “You should know! You Butler ladies hang out with him all the time.”

“Scott Harding asked for Gino’s help. That’s all I know. I don’t think he’s rejoining the police force.”

Teddy didn’t look convinced.

“Gino’s busy taking care of his winery. He’s not going after your job, Teddy. I’m sure you’re one of the most valued detectives on the Dolphin Bay police force.”

That mollified Teddy a bit.

“Who do you think did it?” Cassie asked.

“I can’t share confidential information, Cassie,” Teddy said pompously. “Not even with you.”

“You must have some suspects? Surely you don’t believe the son is guilty?”

Teddy spilled the beans as usual.

“Scott Harding and his wife are top on our list. Their story doesn’t add up. And frankly, Cassie, we haven’t come up with any other suspects.”

“Wow!”

Cassie wondered what Anna would think of that. Teddy left while Cassie stayed to do some breathing exercises Bobby had added to her routine.

Anna and Meg were already in the van when Cassie reached home.

“I made an egg white omelet for you,” Anna told her. “Don’t skip breakfast.”

Cassie rushed through her shower and jumped into her car, feeling perky. The gray skies couldn’t dampen her mood. A light drizzle started by the time she reached Bayside Books. She had almost forgotten her conversation with Teddy when Meg peeped in to ask if she wanted coffee.

Cassie looked around the store and made sure everyone was taken care of. She followed Meg through the arch into Anna’s Café, ready for a boost.

Julie was holding court over the table by the window, narrating the plot of her upcoming novel. Cassie slid in next to her and picked up a cupcake. Meg poured coffee and stood behind Cassie, placing her arms around her neck.

Mary interrupted Julie after a while.

“I think Cassie’s bursting to tell us something.”

“You know me too well, Aunt Mary!” Cassie leaned forward eagerly. “I spoke to Teddy this morning. Guess what?”

“Stop quizzing us and come to the point,” Anna grumbled goodnaturedly.

“Scott Harding is the top suspect of the police. Him and his wife both.”

“Why am I not surprised?” Julie smirked. “Scott Harding is an ogre. If you told me he was a serial killer, I would believe it.”

“That’s an exaggeration, Julie.” Anna rushed to the boy’s defense. “I agree he is a bit tactless.”

“Heartless is more like it,” Julie snapped. “That Wendy I’m not sure about. He probably terrorizes her into doing his bidding.”

“They are both under scrutiny,” Cassie told them. “Teddy clammed up before I could ask anything more, but I think their alibi doesn’t check out.”

“Who else have the police talked to?” Anna asked.

“You know how they work, Anna.” Julie gave a big yawn. “They probably haven’t looked too hard.”

“That should be our next step, then.” Anna sighed. “We need to learn more about Lou Harding. Find out if someone other than Scott and Wendy had anything to gain by harming the old man.”

“I thought Gino just wanted to pick your brain, Mom.” Cassie didn’t sound pleased. “You know, help him analyze different scenarios. But looks like you are doing all the running around yourself.”

“So what if she is?” Julie snapped. “Stop giving your mother a hard time, Cassie. What are you up to these days?”

Cassie crossed her fingers behind her back and told them about her latest audition.

“That’s wonderful!” Anna beamed. “We should celebrate.”

“Not until the ink dries on the contract, Mom,” Cassie warned. “That’s why I wanted to wait until everything was final.”

Meg’s face had clouded.

“Will you have to go back to Hollywood, Cassie?”

Cassie slid in further and patted the spot next to her. Meg sat down. Cassie put an arm around her daughter and gave her a reassuring look.

“It’s just a cameo, Meg. Barely five minutes on screen. I will be done in a week at the most.”

“So you’ll be here for the spring fling dance?” Mary asked.

“I’m doing my best to be. I want to see my baby crowned Spring Fling Queen.”

“It’s no big deal, Cassie,” Meg blushed. “I won’t mind. I know how hard you’re trying to get back to acting.”

Cassie read the uncertainty in Meg’s eyes. She realized Meg was trying to act noncommittal. Would Meg really care if she missed the dance?

“You don’t worry about that, Meg. Let’s talk about your date for the dance.”

“She’s right,” Julie nodded. “Has Leo asked you yet?”

“Why do I need a date?” Meg was defiant. “I’m going with Cassie.”

“How do you know Cassie won’t have a date for the dance?” Julie guffawed.

“We can go together, Meg,” Cassie said quickly. “I’m sure there will be a line of young men wanting to dance with you once we get there.”

“She doesn’t need a date,” Mary spoke up. “All the girls and boys vying for the crown are paired up randomly. They kick off the evening with the first dance, generally a waltz. That’s the one you are going to help Teddy’s wife with, Cassie.”

“But they can still have a date for the evening?” Julie wouldn’t take a hint.

“Yes, Julie,” Mary agreed reluctantly. “Many of these youngsters are in a relationship.”

“If Leo Mancini has a shred of sense, he won’t waste much time before asking you, Meg,” Julie said sagely. “Promise me you’ll say yes.”

Meg was turning red as a tomato.

“Leo and I are just friends, Julie. You know he’s a lot older than me.”

“He’s barely twenty four.” Anna decided to jump in. “Four years is nothing, Meg.”

“It’s just a dance, Meg,” Cassie said softly. “You’re not betraying anyone by having fun for one evening.”

Cassie wondered if Meg was still yearning for the boy she had met over Christmas.

“Just think about prom night. This will be a lot low key than that.”

“I didn’t go to prom.” Meg traced a pattern on the table, refusing to look up.

“Neither did I!” Cassie cried. “I’ve always wondered about it.”

Julie, Mary and Anna started talking at once.

“Did your parents forbid you to go?” Anna asked.

She was mentally doing some math. Meg had been adopted by a loving couple when she was sixteen. They had been good to her. Anna wondered why they might have been against a school dance.

“Mom and Dad were all for it, Anna.” Meg gave a tiny shrug. “They got me a nice dress. But my date stood me up.”

“What a jerk!” Cassie was indignant. “I hope you gave him a piece of your mind.”

“Relax, Cassie,” Meg laughed. “He got the stomach flu on prom night. Poor guy! He apologized the next morning.”

“That settles it.” Julie rapped her palm on the table. “Think of the spring fling dance as your prom. I’m going to be your fairy godmother and make sure everything is perfect.”

“She’s already got a mother, Aunt Julie,” Cassie argued.

“And a grandmother,” Anna piped up.

“But I can always use a godmother or two,” Meg giggled.

Cassie secretly vowed to have a word with Leo Mancini. He needed to step up and make her daughter feel special.

Chapter 6

Anna placed a steaming pot of pasta on the table. Cassie was pulling garlic bread out of the oven. They were having a simple dinner of cacio-e-pepe pasta with a garden salad.

“I’ve never had this kind of pasta before, Anna.” Meg licked her lips in anticipation as Anna fixed a plate for her.

“It’s just cheese and pepper, Meg.” Anna smiled. “Your Nana always made this when she was too tired to cook something elaborate.”

Meg wolfed down a few forkfuls of the hot spaghetti and gave Anna a thumbs up.

“I love it!”

“Doesn’t anyone want my garlic bread?” Cassie asked with a pout.

Meg responded by picking up a big slice off the platter Cassie was holding. The kitchen phone trilled as Anna opened her mouth to respond.

“We were just about to have dinner, Mary.”

Her face turned ashen and she let out a small gasp.

“What is it, Mom?” Cassie hastened to take the phone from her.

Mary had already hung up.

“There was an accident at the school gym. The roof fell in.”

“Was anyone hurt?” Meg asked with concern. “Don’t they have band practice there in the evenings?”

Anna nodded. “You’re right, Meg. A few sprains and bruises but thankfully, nothing serious.”

“But how did this happen, Mom?”

“The roof wasn’t exactly in tip top shape,” Anna sighed. “And that rotting oak outside finally collapsed.”

“What did Aunt Mary want? Is she looking for any volunteers to help?”

“Not right now, Cassie.” Anna absently picked up a leaf of lettuce and chewed on it. “The fire department has cordoned off the area. They won’t let anyone in until a building inspector comes in and checks everything out.”

“I think it’s time the school built a new gym,” Cassie remarked. “Maybe this will help the school petition for some funds.”

Dinner progressed smoothly after that. Anna wanted to have dessert in the living room. She sat in her favorite chair, eating chocolate gelato and reminiscing about all the events the gym had hosted over the years.

The next morning, Anna baked an extra batch or two of her cupcakes, anticipating a rush at the café. Her hunch paid off. There was a line outside even before they opened. People streamed in all morning, eager to get their sweet fix while they gossiped about the latest calamity to hit the town.

The Firecrackers arrived at 10. Anna was ready to get off her feet for a while.

“How’s the spring menu coming along, Anna?” Julie asked. “Do you see all these people coming in? I’m sure many of them would grab a quick bite if you had more to offer.”

“Cassie wants me to put that green smoothie on the menu,” Anna began. “Frankly, I’m not sure what kind of food I should offer. I promised Murphy I won’t be making any sandwiches. I’m not going to take business away from the Tipsy Whale.”

“If you follow that logic, you can’t do Chinese food either,” Mary noted. “Don’t paint yourself into a corner, Anna.”

“That’s not how I look at it,” Anna protested. “These people have been doing business on Main Street for years. And they are my friends. How can I compete with them?”

“Actually, this might be a good thing,” Julie said brightly. “What is it that the others are not doing? Run with it.”

“Salads and smoothies, Aunt Julie.” Cassie walked in through the connecting arch. “I’ve already tried to convince Mom. I’m sure there are plenty of health conscious people who want something other than biscuits and gravy in their diet.”

“Why don’t you start with one or two items at a time?” Julie suggested. “Get some feedback from people.”

“That’s a great idea,” Anna brightened. “I think I might just give out samples for a few days. And I will put a suggestion box out here and ask people to tell me what they think.”

Anna felt relieved. She had really struggled with the café menu. She had been going back and forth in her mind with several options. Now she felt she had a plan. She promised herself to start working on some recipes later that night.

She took a deep breath and looked around the table, finally noticing Mary seemed preoccupied.

“What’s the matter, Mary?”

“Are you alright?” Julie joined in. “You haven’t said a word all morning.”

“I’ve been thinking about the school gym,” Mary admitted. “You realize what this means, don’t you?”

“No gym class?” Cassie made a face.

“No spring fling dance!” Mary stared at them, distraught. “At least not until we find a new venue.”

A collective sigh went around the table.

“I never thought of that,” Anna admitted. “I guess I have a lot of things on my mind.”

Meg had come over with a fresh pot of coffee.

“Does this mean I don’t have to go that dance?”

“Don’t look too happy, young lady!” Julie admonished. “We’ll think of something.”

“Yeah, Aunt Mary!” Cassie echoed. “I know it’s tradition to have the spring fling event at the school gym. But we can make an exception this time, can’t we? We don’t have a choice.”

“Where are we going to find a place big enough?” Mary groaned. “This is Dolphin Bay, not the big city.”

Anna and Julie spent some time consoling her. Mary finally calmed down.

“What’s the update on Lou Harding?” Julie asked Anna. “Does Gino have any new information?”

Anna shook her head.

“We’ll have to go back and talk to Scott, I guess.”

“What was Lou Harding doing at the park, Anna?” Mary asked. “Did he go there every morning?”

“That’s right. When did he leave his house?”

“I must have fog on my brain,” Anna clucked. “I never thought of that. When did Lou Harding go to the garden? Did he go alone? Did anyone see him? We have plenty of unanswered questions.”

“I think we need to retrace his steps, Anna,” Julie suggested.

“Do you think the police have all this information?” Anna looked at Cassie.

“You can find out for yourself, Mom! Teddy’s already mad at me.”

Anna picked up her phone from the table and sent Gino a message. She stared at the screen for a few seconds, hoping he would reply immediately.

“What about their neighbors?” Julie added. “I know someone who lives a block away. Why don’t I ask around and get some scoop about the family?”

“That will be a big help, Julie.” Anna looked relieved. “Thanks.”

Anna’s phone beeped. Gino had responded to her message.

“It says he just spoke with Scott Harding,” Anna informed them. “We are going to meet him this evening.”

“Don’t go easy on that twerp, Anna.” Julie was vicious. “I don’t like him.”

“He could use a lesson in humility,” Anna agreed. “But being disagreeable doesn’t automatically make him guilty.”

“Unfortunately!” Julie rolled her eyes. “Do you know how Lou Harding died? Why do the police find his death suspicious?”

“The autopsy report should tell us that.” Anna looked at Mary. “I completely forgot! Can you ask Rory Sullivan?”

Mary was flustered.

“I don’t like to bother him.”

“Oh please!” Julie laughed. “Give him some credit, Mary. I’m sure he has caught on by now. I bet he’s waiting for you to turn up with that banana cream pie he likes so much.”

“We need to know what’s in that report,” Anna stressed. “It can help us establish the time of death and also how he died.”

“He’s coming over tonight for the weekly poker game,” Mary admitted. “I will try to talk to him.”

“Atta girl!” Julie patted her back.

“Aren’t you on the spring fling committee, Aunt Mary?” Cassie asked. “Do you really think there will be a dance now?”

“We are going to try our best.” Mary looked determined. “Everything hinges on finding a venue that is big enough.”

“What about Mystic Hill?” Anna asked suddenly, referring to Gino’s big estate. “Let me talk to Gino about it.”

“That will be a big help, Anna.” Mary’s face broke into a smile. “We are willing to consider all suggestions at this point. So if any of you have any ideas, please let me know.”

“When are you going to meet the Hardings, Mom?” Cassie asked. “Are you going to be home for dinner? Or is this going to be another date night.”

Anna gave her daughter a withering look.

“Gino is picking me up at 7 PM. So you’re stuck with me for dinner.”

“Cassie’s cooking tonight, Anna.” Meg laughed. “She’s making her special fried rice.”

“Yeah, Mom,” Cassie grinned. “You’re ordered to take a nice hot bath and wear that new dress we ordered from the spring catalog.”

“But I’m not going on a date,” Anna protested.

“Doesn’t hurt to look good for your man,” Julie piped up.

“I can’t disagree with that,” Mary added.

“Okay, okay.”Anna blushed furiously.

She wondered when she would stop feeling guilty about having a new man in her life.

Chapter 7

Anna checked herself in the mirror for the third time, feeling a bit foolish.

“You look pretty, Anna,” Meg assured her.

She was lounging on the bed in Anna’s room, watching her scurry around. She sensed how nervous she was.

“Why are you so jittery, Mom?” Cassie lay sprawled in an old armchair with her feet up on the ottoman. “It’s not like you’ve never met him before. This is Gino we’re talking about.”

Anna turned around and sighed.

“I don’t know, girls. And this is not even a date.”

“Why don’t you wear those new earrings you got us for Christmas?” Meg asked eagerly.

Anna hesitated, then complied. Cassie picked up a bottle of Chanel from Anna’s dresser and spritzed it around her.

“That’s enough!” Anna sucked in a breath at the sound of the doorbell.

Gino’s eyes widened when Anna opened the door.

“You look beautiful, Anna.”

He gave her a quick hug and ushered her out to his car, a luxury sedan instead of the usual 4x4 he drove.

“I thought we might go for a drive later,” Gino whispered. “I wanted you to be comfortable.”

“That’s very considerate of you.” Anna patted his arm and thanked him.

Gino chatted about his day and before they knew it, they were pulling up outside the Hardings’ house.

Wendy greeted them at the door. Two pajama clad cherubs hid behind her.

“Scott’s in the living room, waiting for you. I’ll be right there, soon as I put these tykes to bed.”

She propelled the kids up the stairs.

Scott Harding stood up when he saw Gino and shook his hand heartily. He seemed to be on his best behavior. Anna wasn’t convinced.

Wendy came in with a plate of cookies. She set them on the table and asked if they wanted a drink. Anna and Gino both declined.

Wendy sat next to her husband, her hand on his knee.

“How are you coping with your loss?” Anna asked. “You must be used to having your father around.”

“The kids are asking about him,” Wendy admitted. “Lou spent a lot of time with them. Drove them to school and Little League.”

“He was a doting grandfather, then,” Anna said kindly.

“Yeah, yeah!” Scott exclaimed. “But he’s left us in the lurch. The police are asking questions. They think we did it. We killed the old man.”

“Calm down, honey.” Wendy patted her husband’s knee.

“It’s natural to feel concerned,” Gino assured her. “But I don’t think you should worry, Scott. The police are just following procedure. Whenever something like this happens, it is normal to question the people connected to the victim.”

“That’s what I told him,” Wendy beamed. “As long as we answer them, we should be fine, right?”

Gino nodded.

“I would like to retrace your father’s actions. Can you tell me what happened before he went out that morning?”

“Lou didn’t go out that morning!” Wendy exclaimed.

Scott was looking a bit shamefaced.

Anna leaned forward with interest. She sensed they were about to learn something important.

“Lou went for a walk most evenings,” Wendy explained. “Sometimes he just strolled along the Coastal Walk. Sometimes, he took the kids to the botanical garden. They played catch, threw a ball around.”

“Were the kids with him that day?” Anna asked with alarm.

She didn’t remember seeing any kids in the park that morning.

“Oh no!” Wendy carried on.

Scott seemed content letting her tell the story.

“We were having a date night after several months. Lou hadn’t come back by the time we got ready to leave.”

“Hold on a second,” Anna interrupted. “Did you say evening? But it was morning when they found your father on the bench. I was there myself.”

“Are you getting your days mixed up?” Gino prompted.

“Wendy’s right,” Scott spoke up. “Dad went out that night. We had warned him to come back early because we wanted to go out. But the old coot never listens!”

“In the end, we left before he came back,” Wendy summed up. “It was past midnight when we got home, so we just assumed he was sleeping in his room. We didn’t want to wake him up.”

“You mean he never came back?” Gino asked.

Anna knew he hadn’t seen the autopsy report either. They didn’t know what time Lou Harding had taken his last breath.

“We don’t know!” Scott pulled at his shaggy eyebrows. “Does that make us look bad?”

“What about the kids?” Anna burst out.

“Oh!” Wendy crumbled a cookie in her palm. “The kids had a sleepover. I dropped them off earlier that evening.”

“That’s why we planned the date,” Scott muttered. “It was a big mistake!”

“Don’t blame yourself, son,” Gino said kindly. “It won’t bring him back.”

“So Lou went for a walk every evening?” Anna asked again. “Was he always late getting back?”

Wendy looked thoughtful.

“We eat at 6:30. He was always back before that.”

Anna was feeling a bit chilly. The central heating in the house didn’t seem to be working. She wished she had worn a sweater.

“I wouldn’t mind a cup of coffee, Wendy. If it’s not too much trouble.”

“Of course!” Wendy stood up. “I’ll make a fresh pot.”

Scott didn’t look too pleased.

Anna stared out of the tall glass windows at the pine trees she knew grew outside. It was pitch black and nothing was visible.

“This is a newer subdivision, isn’t it?” she asked casually. “It wasn’t around when I was younger.”

“New?” Scott gave a rude snort. “We’ve been living here for twenty years! That’s twenty years too many, if you ask me.”

“Your family’s not from around here, then?” Anna kept her tone light.

“We are from up north,” Scott smirked. “I was born and raised in the city. But one fine day, Dad decided he wanted to live in a small beach town. And here we are!”

Anna surmised Scott was in his forties. Why had he not stayed on in the city?

“I was an only child,” Scott offered sullenly, unwittingly answering her unspoken question. “My Mama wanted me to find a job here in Dolphin Bay.”

“You must have loved her a lot,” Anna murmured, remembering the woman she had noticed in some of the pictures that hung around the house.

“Mama was special.” Scott’s voice dropped an octave. “She passed five years after we came to live here.”

“We had just started dating at the time.” Wendy came in with the coffee. “Lou provided the capital for Scott’s business. We got married.”

“And I’ve been stuck here ever since,” Scott added bitterly. “But nothing’s stopping me now.”

Wendy said nothing but Anna thought she didn’t look happy.

“You never got a place of your own?” Anna asked Wendy.

“Lou wouldn’t hear of it.” Wendy was emotional. “He was a sweet man. He said he bought this house so we could all be together. He wanted to be with his grandkids, watch them grow up.”

“That’s rot!” Scott was incensed. “We couldn’t afford a place of our own.”

Anna guessed the old man had paid the bills. The coffee had warmed her up. She gave Gino a slight nod.

“Did you tell the police where you went that day?” Gino asked Scott.

The couple nodded.

“Well then, you’ll be in the clear soon enough. They will just verify the details. It helps if one or two people can confirm your whereabouts.”

“We saw a movie,” Wendy explained. “Plenty of people must have seen us.”

“Excellent!” Gino sprang up and nodded at the couple.

They said goodbye to the Hardings and walked out.

“Where to?” Gino asked Anna after they got into the car. “Long drive, walk on the beach, dessert?”

“It’s kind of chilly, isn’t it?”

“Leave it to me,” Gino smiled mysteriously.

Anna guessed their destination as the car started climbing up a hill. They reached the Castle Beach Resort in a few minutes. Gino handed over the keys to a valet and came around to open Anna’s door.

They sat at a table overlooking the bay. It offered a spectacular view of the water during the day. A tiny sliver of moon hung in the sky over the inky black bay. The stars shone brightly. Gino had a beatific smile on his face. Anna appreciated his efforts to show her a good time but her heart wasn’t in it.

The server brought out warm bread pudding soaked in maple syrup and bourbon and studded with plump raisins. Gino requested two balloons of cognac to go with it. He took Anna’s hand in his and looked into her eyes.

“What’s the matter, cara? You seem lost.”

Anna was thinking about her late husband John. She hadn’t told Gino about some new information that had come up. That wasn’t sitting well with her.

She trusted Gino completely but her instincts were telling her to hold back.

Chapter 8

Anna put four slices of bread in the toaster and waited for it to pop. She had been up for three hours, baking her blueberry chai cupcakes for the café. Meg had been helping her. Anna’s mind was racing with all the coffee she had consumed. One cup too many, she thought regrettably. She was actually craving one of Cassie’s green smoothies.

The object of her thoughts sailed in and started peeling fruit.

“Can I have one of those?” Anna asked.

“What?” Cassie laughed. “Are you kidding, Mom?”

Anna assured her she really wanted a green smoothie. The toast popped and Anna eagerly spread it with the fresh avocado mash she had prepared. She doused it with hot sauce and took a big bite.

“You look tired, Mom.” Cassie poured the smoothie out in three glasses and handed one to Anna. “Didn’t your date go well?”

Anna didn’t respond. She took a big sip of the smoothie and nodded approvingly.

“Aren’t you going to say anything?” Cassie asked crossly as Meg came out of the room.

Meg sipped her smoothie and watched silently as Cassie bombarded her mother with one question after another. Anna finished her breakfast without a word and went to her room.

“What’s the matter with her, Meg?” Cassie cried and stomped off to her own room.

Meg kept an eye on Anna as they loaded the van a few minutes later. She eased the van into gear and spoke gently.

“You’re thinking about Grandpa John, aren’t you?”

“Is it that obvious?” Anna asked.

“I think I know what’s bothering you. Maybe it’s time to try a different approach.”

“What do you mean, Meg?” Anna asked curiously.

“You’re thinking he had an affair.” Meg sighed. “But you only have Lara Crawford’s word for it. Do you really trust her that much?”

“It’s not just Lara. Mary told me what he did all those years ago.”

“I know that,” Meg nodded. “So he slipped once. I’m not defending him or condoning his actions, Anna. From what I’ve heard, he felt guilty about it. We have to assume he didn’t stray again.”

“What if he’d been seeing other women behind my back?” Anna asked hoarsely. “He might have been fooling me all these years, Meg. And I thought he loved me.”

She broke into a sob.

“I thought we were happy.”

“Why don’t we assume you were?” Meg spoke firmly. “Let’s assume he was not having an affair at the time of his death.”

Anna suddenly looked hopeful.

“How I wish that were true, sweetie!”

“It’s kind of logical too. Someone would have come forward in all this time, or the police would have found something.”

“You might have a point.”

It was a cold, foggy day and people huddled on the sidewalk outside Anna’s Café. Anna set aside her melancholy mood and got busy serving the customers. A couple of hours passed quickly and Anna looked up to see Mary come in clutching a bag of groceries. The grandmother clock started chiming the hour.

“Just a second, Mary.” Anna greeted her friend with a hug. “I need a word with Cassie.”

Anna walked through the arch into the bookstore and looked around. Cassie sat at the cash register, reading a script.

“I came to say sorry.”Anna hesitated.

“No need.” Cassie looked up with a smile. “We all have our cranky days. I was just concerned.”

“How did I ever manage without you?” Anna planted a quick kiss on Cassie’s forehead and told her it was time for their coffee break.

“So that’s where mother and daughter are hiding!” Julie’s voice boomed from the arch.

She was dressed in her usual garb of capris and plaid shirt but her hair was mussed and her eyes were swollen. Anna presumed she had been up all night working on her book.

“I was up till midnight doing research.” Julie confirmed her suspicion. “Then I couldn’t sleep.”

“Why didn’t you call me?” Anna took her friend’s arm and followed her to their usual table.

Meg had already supplied them with a fresh pot of coffee and a plate full of cupcakes. They each picked one up and complimented Anna.

“I don’t know what I like more, the berries or the spice,” Julie spoke between bites. “The spice stays in the background, making it warm and mellow.”

Cassie boasted the chai spice had been her idea.

“Stop being a glutton, Julie!” Mary looked at Anna. “Did you go meet the Hardings?”

Anna told them what she had learnt the previous night.

“So they knew their father had gone out and they didn’t even check on him when they got back?” Mary was aghast. “That’s not nice.”

“How old was Lou Harding?” Julie asked.

“Mid sixties,” Anna shrugged.

“But he wasn’t infirm, was he?” Julie countered. “He was a vibrant, healthy man by all accounts.”

“Are you saying he wasn’t old enough to deserve some basic care from his family?” Mary frowned.

“That son’s a bad penny,” Julie scowled. “I got a read on him in the first couple of minutes. I don’t think he got along with his father. Maybe they had separate lives inspite of living under the same roof.”

“I don’t think so.” Anna shook her head. “Wendy said Lou adored the kids.”

“The kids they sent out of the house?” Julie pointed out. “Doesn’t that seem too convenient?”

“But Lou Harding didn’t die in his house,” Anna reminded them. “He was found on a park bench a mile away from it.”

“If Scott and Wendy have an alibi, someone else must have hurt the old man, Mom.” Cassie offered her two cents.

“Thanks for pointing out the obvious,” Anna smirked. “You’re particularly sharp today, Cassie.”

“We do need to think of other suspects.” Julie sided with Cassie.

“Don’t hold back, Julie,” Mary chuckled. “I can see you are bursting to tell us something.”

Julie looked around the table and made sure every eye was on her.

“I told you I knew someone who lived on that block, remember?”

They all nodded obediently.

“Lou Harding didn’t get along with his neighbor.”

“Is that all?” Anna was disappointed.

“I’m not done.” Julie held up her hand. “His name is Terry Morris and he’s as crotchety as they come. The two old men fought a lot. It seems Terry’s grandson bullied Lou’s grandkids in the park. Lou thrashed him once, drew blood. Terry’s declared a vendetta against Lou since then.”

“When did this happen?” Mary asked.

“Two or three years ago.” Julie shrugged.

“You’re saying this Terry Morris was just biding his time, waiting for the right opportunity to take some kind of revenge?” Anna mused. “I don’t know, Julie. It seems a bit farfetched.”

“Why didn’t he go to the police?” Cassie asked. “Bully or not, Lou Harding should not have touched another kid.”

“This Terry Morris is famous for losing his temper,” Julie told them. “And for engaging in some arm twisting when it suits him. It would be a matter of pride for him.”

“No wonder his grandson is a bully,” Meg spoke up. “Kids often emulate the behavior their parents exhibit.”

Anna’s eyes flew to Cassie’s. They were both wondering the same thing. Had Meg suffered any physical violence in one of her foster homes? There wasn’t much they could do about it now. Anna just hoped it hadn’t left any lasting emotional scars.

“How often did Lou Harding and Terry Morris come across each other?” Mary asked them.

“They were neighbors.” Julie rubbed her eyes. “I’m sure they ran into each other often enough.”

“This is Dolphin Bay, Aunt Mary,” Cassie added. “Everyone goes to the same fish monger or grocery store. They wouldn’t be able to avoid each other, even if they tried.”

“Where are you going with this?” Julie asked.

“They might have fought again,” Mary explained. “This resentment they had for each other could have escalated any time.”

“We’ll have to go talk to this guy, Anna.” Julie yawned. “Not today, though. I’m completely exhausted. I plan to go home and take a long nap after lunch.”

They began discussing what to do for lunch.

“Let’s go to the Yellow Tulip,” Anna suggested. “We haven’t been there since Lou Harding was found in that garden.”

“Can you bring me a cheeseburger, Mom?” Cassie asked. “I’d rather stay in and go over my script.”

Meg wanted the same, with a double order of fries.

“Have you made any progress with the café menu?” Julie asked Anna.

She admitted she had started working on some recipes.

“We are going to offer the green smoothie too. It’s called Spring Sunrise and is guaranteed to brighten your spirits like a sunny spring day.”

“Welcome to the 21st century, Mom.” Cassie and Meg broke into applause. “You won’t be sorry.”

“How old is the kid Lou Harding beat up?” Mary asked. “Could he have hurt the old man?”

Chapter 9

Anna ladled vegetable broth into the big pan. She was making risotto. Her mother Sophia called it a labor of love.

“Is this Nana’s recipe?” Meg asked, taking a deep whiff of the steam rising from the pan. “Smells really fresh, Anna.”

“My mama made a different risotto every season. This is the spring version.”

“Is that why it’s green?” Meg asked curiously.

“Dylan brought over fresh asparagus and peas today, along with some ricotta. And there’s some baby spinach from our own garden.”

“Cassie said she’s making a special type of garlic bread,” Meg beamed. “I’m eating like a queen since coming here.”

“Did you ever have to go without, child?” Anna asked hesitantly.

“Not really.” Meg was evasive. “There was a lot of soup with bread.”

Watered down broth and stale bread probably, Anna thought.

“You must be tired of soups then.”

“They were nothing like your minestrone soup, Anna,” Meg laughed. “I love everything you cook.”

“Talking about me?” Cassie came in, freshly scrubbed and pink from her shower.

She had lost the haughty look she had sported when she first came back to Dolphin Bay. Her face was unlined and glowed with good health. Anna had forgotten how beautiful her daughter was.

“You look gorgeous, dear.”

“Are you feeling well, Mom?” Cassie pulled on some oven mitts and checked on the oven. “I don’t even have any makeup on.”

“Anna’s right.” Meg’s eyes gleamed with admiration as she observed her mother. “You’re stunning, Cassie. No wonder you are such a big star in Hollywood.”

“You too, Meg?” Cassie rolled her eyes. “What’s wrong with you two?”

Anna switched off the stove and added two generous handfuls of parmesan cheese to her risotto. Cassie took that as a cue and pulled the bread out of the oven.

“This is pull apart cheese bread, Meg,” she said. “Tell me how you like it.”

They talked about the school gym and the spring dance. Mary and her committee were already scouting for new locations.

“Did you talk to Gino about doing it at Mystic Hill?” Cassie asked Anna.

“Not yet.” Anna hesitated, then took a third helping of the risotto, feeling like a glutton.

“I’ll have more too, Anna.” Meg pushed her bowl forward. “Without any of that guilt plastered on your face.”

They all burst out laughing.

“You can always skip dessert, Mom.”

“Gino’s bringing dessert,” she said.

“And of course you won’t be able to refuse him anything.” Meg winked.

“That’s no way to talk to your grandma, you scamp!”

The doorbell chimed and Cassie rushed out. She came back with Gino in tow. He was followed by his nephew Leo who was clutching a big foil wrapped glass dish.

Anna welcomed them.

“I just came off duty, Mrs. Butler.” Leo handed her the dish and looked at Meg. “I hope you don’t mind I tagged along with Uncle Gino.”

Meg gave him a shy smile.

Cassie was already tearing the foil off the baking dish.

“Berry cobbler!” she exclaimed. “And it’s still warm.”

Gino had an excellent cook. He explained how she was using up all the frozen berries from the previous year.

Cassie pulled a container of vanilla ice cream out of the freezer. Anna fixed a plate for Leo when she learned he had skipped dinner.

“This risotto is amazing!” Leo smacked his lips. “You have to taste this, Uncle Gino.”

Anna promised to send some home with him.

Cassie had served dessert for the rest of them. They took their bowls out to the living room. Anna waited until everyone settled down and broached the subject of the spring fling dance.

“I have no problem hosting the event at the vineyard,” Gino said thoughtfully. “I’ve been looking forward to the dance myself.”

“But …” Anna sensed a slight hesitation.

“There’s a chill in the air, especially in the evenings. And you know how unpredictable our spring weather can be, Anna. What if it rains?”

“Rain would be a problem,” Anna agreed. “What if they erected some kind of tent or marquee?”

“I don’t mind,” Gino assured her. “I know everyone’s been looking forward to the spring fling event, especially after the long winter we’ve had.”

“Meg and I both missed our senior prom,” Cassie spoke up. “So we’re going all out. We’re going to the city to get some gorgeous dresses.”

“What about your dates?” Leo asked.

“I know who I’m asking to the dance.” Gino smiled in his mustache.

“Are you sure she will say yes?” Anna quirked an eyebrow.

“A man can hope.” Gino gave a shrug.

“I want to know what Leo thinks,” Anna said. “Who are you going to ask to the dance, young man?”

“I’ll let you know when she says yes, Mrs. Butler. I don’t want to jinx it.”

“I would hurry if I were you,” Gino advised Leo. “Many of the younger girls will be going with their fathers.”

“Why is that?” Cassie asked.

“It’s tradition!” Gino exclaimed. “I thought you would know. All girls between 18 and 21 are entered for the title of spring fling queen. And their fathers escort them to the dance.”

“And the mothers escort their sons,” Leo added.

“The spring fling festival started after Cassie left town,” Anna explained. “My John always missed her during the father-daughter dance.”

“And now it’s too late.” Cassie’s eyes filled up suddenly.

Gino cleared his throat.

“I’m not your father, Cassie, but I would be honored if you saved a dance for me.”

Meg slammed her bowl on the coffee table and shot up.

“But what about my father?” she demanded angrily.

Meg’s tiny body shook with emotion as she glared at Cassie. Anna could imagine the pain her granddaughter felt but there wasn’t much she could do about it.

“What?” Cassie looked flustered. “Meg, we talked about this.”

“You mean you talked about it!” Meg’s chest heaved with emotion. “I still don’t know who my dad is.”

She stomped out of the room, leaving everyone speechless.

“She’s a firebrand, isn’t she?” Leo muttered after a while.

Anna was worried. She caught Cassie’s eye and gave her a meaningful look.

“Go after her, sweetie.”

“But Mom!” Cassie looked helpless. “What can I do? I can’t answer her questions.”

“Just hug her tight and tell her you love her,” Anna advised. “Who knows what hell she’s been through, Cassie. You need to convince her she’s not alone anymore.”

Cassie took a deep breath and nodded. She hurried after Meg.

“I’m sorry for causing all this trouble.” Leo was contrite. “Will she be alright?”

“No need to apologize, Leo.” Anna patted him on the back. “It’s not your fault. And Meg will be fine, dear. Don’t you worry about her.”

“I guess this is not the best time to ask her to be my date for the dance,” Leo muttered.

He thanked Anna for the food and took their leave.

“Why don’t I help you with the dishes?” Gino asked Anna.

He picked up all the empty bowls and followed her into the kitchen. Anna was barely keeping it together. Gino held her by the shoulders and looked into her eyes.

“How can I help?”

“You’ve already done a lot for us, Gino,” Anna sighed. “It seems there is no answer to Meg’s question. She will have to accept it sooner or later.”

“Does Cassie have no idea?”

Anna bit her lip and hesitated.

“There is one remote possibility … but it’s just wishful thinking on my part.”

Gino didn’t press her any further. He started scrubbing the dishes, ignoring Anna’s protests. She gave in after a while and started a fresh pot of coffee.

“What do you think of Scott Harding?” he asked her. “Do you think he could be guilty?”

“He didn’t seem too fond of his father,” Anna noted. “To be honest, Scott doesn’t come across as a very nice person.”

“But is he capable of killing someone?” Gino mused. “That’s the question, isn’t it? I think I might regret offering to help him.”

Anna had no doubt what Gino would do if he found Scott was guilty.

“Do you know a Terry Morris?”

“Where have I heard that name before?” Gino thought for a minute. “Is he a veteran?”

“I don’t know much about his background,” Anna admitted. “He lives on the same block as the Hardings. Apparently, he and Lou didn’t get along at all.”

Anna told him the incident about the grandkids.

“That’s great work, Anna,” Gino complimented. “I vaguely remember meeting someone called Morris at a Veteran’s Day function a few years ago.”

“Did he seem the violent type?”

“I don’t know, Anna. I think that’s a flimsy motive. You’re saying Harding got killed because he spanked a truant child?”

Anna picked up a dishcloth and started drying a plate.

“People have been killed for less, Gino. You should know.”

“I won’t argue with that,” Gino sighed deeply. “Let me look into this, Anna.”

Chapter 10

Anna woke up half an hour early the next day. She rushed through her daily baking so she could have enough time to make something special for breakfast.

“Good morning, sweetie!” she greeted brightly as Meg came in and buried herself into a mug of coffee.

Anna guessed the poor girl hadn’t slept much.

“Western omelets and chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast,” she announced. “I hope you brought your appetite, Meg.”

“I’m not really hungry, Anna,” Meg grunted, refusing to look up.

“You’re saying no to my chocolate chip pancakes?” Anna played along. “I use three kinds of chocolate and plenty of walnuts, just the way you like them.”

Meg finally looked up.

“I guess I can try one. Just for a taste.”

Anna hid a smile as Meg demolished a stack of hot cakes. She moved on to omelet and toast but didn’t say anything. Anna let her be.

“Can we leave a bit early, Anna?” Meg finally spoke up. “I want to rearrange the display case.”

“Good idea, sweetie. I’m almost done here.”

Anna guessed Meg wanted to be out of the house before Cassie came back from her run. She wasn’t sure how long the two could avoid each other, living in the same house. Anna was curious to see how her girls were going to handle this latest crisis.

Meg didn’t say much on the way to the café. Anna stopped making small talk after a while. They both got busy serving the customers.

Ian Samuels, the editor of the Dolphin Bay Chronicle, stopped to chat with her.

“Is it true, Anna? Are you looking into Lou Harding’s death?”

“Are you sniffing for information, Ian?” Anna handed over his latte and cupcake. “I’m just helping Gino.”

“So you’re working with the police then,” Ian nodded. “You would be an asset to our local force.”

“Gino’s not the police chief anymore, Ian. He’s looking out for one of his business associates.”

“Interesting!” Ian harrumphed and took his food to a table.

The Firecrackers arrived at 10. Mary was looking pretty in a yellow peasant top.

“Is that new?” Anna fingered the silky material.

“Did that stingy husband of yours finally get you a gift, Mary?” Julie thundered.

Meg poured their coffee and set a plate of cupcakes down with a thud.

“What’s up with her?” Julie asked Anna when Meg turned around and went back to the counter without a word.

“She and Cassie had words.” Anna gave a brief account of what had happened the previous evening.

“Let her take it out on Cassie, then,” Julie grumbled. “Why’s she giving us the silent treatment?”

“Can’t you see the poor child is hurting?” Mary looked pained.

“I’m not sure how I can help her this time, girls.” Anna felt helpless.

Cassie came over from the bookstore. She picked up a cupcake and glanced surreptitiously in Meg’s direction.

“Has she said anything, Mom?”

Anna shook her head.

“Just give her space, Cassie. She’ll come around.”

“Any update on the spring fling dance?” Julie tactfully changed the subject.

Anna told them about Gino’s concerns.

“He’s right.” Mary was thoughtful. “We have more rainy days than fine in spring. But I’m not sure we have enough funds to build a proper marquee.”

“Don’t you have any other options?” Julie asked.

“Actually, we do,” Mary said eagerly. “We are going to Daisy Hollow Farms after lunch. Dylan offered his barn for the dance.”

“That old, stinky barn?” Cassie crinkled her nose. “Bad idea, Aunt Mary!”

“We don’t have too many options, Cassie,” Mary told her. “Would you rather we cancel the dance?”

“Are you talking about Dylan?” Meg chirped. “He’s cool.”

She stood behind Anna’s chair, holding a fresh pot of coffee in her hand. None of them had noticed her come over.

“Stay away from him, Meg!” Cassie burst out. “I’m warning you.”

Meg slammed the coffee pot on the table and stalked away.

“What was that?” Julie cried. “Why did you yell at her, Cassie?”

Anna spoke up.

“Cassie has this crazy idea that Meg has a crush on Dylan.”

“Crazy is right,” Mary snorted. “What made you think that, Cassie?”

“You should see them together,” Cassie said sullenly. “She hangs on to every word he says. And he dotes on her.”

“He’s just being nice!” Anna chided. “Dylan is old enough to be …”

“Don’t say it, Mom,” Cassie whispered. “Don’t even think it.”

Julie and Mary exchanged a knowing look. They all knew Dylan had been Cassie’s boyfriend in high school. The two made a handsome couple. None of them had expected they would ever break up. Meg had been born eight months later, far away from Dolphin Bay in a little known home run by Catholic nuns. Cassie had come back to town but left soon after.

“Why don’t you come with us to Daisy Hollow?” Mary asked Cassie. “You can check out the barn first hand. Dylan has done some work on it over the years so it may not be as bad as you remember.”

Cassie agreed reluctantly, only after learning Dylan wasn’t going to be around that afternoon.

“Do you have a date for the dance?” Julie asked Cassie. “What about going with me?”

“I’m not dead yet, Aunt Julie,” Cassie rolled her eyes. “I can’t go with my spinster aunt. What if the tabloids got hold of it?  It would be the end of whatever cred I have left.”

“That’s a nice way to treat your ‘spinster aunt’!” Julie sniffed. “Does my ego a lot of good.”

“Please, Aunt Julie,” Cassie wheedled. “You know how the media blows everything out of proportion.”

“All those nasty diapers I changed were for nothing!” Julie sighed dramatically. “When I bounced you on my knee all those years ago, little did I know you would grow up and shun me like this.”

Anna and Mary threw their heads back and laughed. They knew Julie and Cassie were just playing with each other.

“Stop that drama, Julie!” Mary finally got a word in. “I promised to bring sandwiches from the Tipsy Whale for lunch. I need to go home, eat and come back here. I’m meeting the other ladies at the gazebo before we head out to the farm.”

“I could use a sandwich,” Julie said. “Let’s go, Mary.”

“Don’t you want to know how Lou Harding died?”

That got everyone’s attention.

“You should have started with that, Mary,” Anna grumbled.

Mary told them she had called Rory Sullivan two days ago and started making some small talk. He saw through her immediately and told her he wasn’t done with the autopsy yet. Mary had agreed to visit him at the office with a banana cream pie.

“And?” Anna prompted.

“He died of an overdose of sleeping pills.”

“And the time?” Julie asked.

“Rory said it’s hard to pinpoint. Sometime between 9 and midnight is his best guess for now.”

“Wow!” Cassie exclaimed.

“What does that mean for us?” Anna voiced what everyone was thinking. “Where did he ingest the pills? At home before going for a stroll? Could he have taken them himself?”

“Wouldn’t he have fallen asleep at once?” Julie mused.

“What if he took a doctored drink with him and sipped it on the bench?” Anna wondered. “Did the police find any cup or container near him?”

Cassie told them Teddy hadn’t mentioned any such thing.

“What if someone transported him to that garden bench?” Julie asked.

“Remember what Scott and Wendy said?” Anna scratched a spot above her eyebrow. “Lou left the house before they went out. So he was fine until then.”

“That is assuming you believe Scott Harding,” Julie protested. “I don’t know why you are taking him at his word.”

“You said they went to a movie, didn’t they?” Mary asked. “That should be easy to verify.”

“What if they drugged the old man at home, let him fall asleep and put him in the car?” Julie asked. “They could have dumped him on that park bench and then gone on to the movie.”

“That’s really cold blooded, Aunt Julie.” Cassie shivered.

“As horrific as it sounds, Julie’s right.” Anna started taking a sip of coffee and realized her mug was empty. “We do need to consider all scenarios.”

“Lou Harding must have known other people?” Julie wondered. “Other than Scott, Wendy and Terry, that is.”

“We have to retrace his steps, girls.” Anna banged her fist on the table. “See if he encountered anyone on his way to the park.”

“How do you propose to do that?” Mary asked. “Talk to everyone living on his street?”

“Not a bad idea.” Anna was thoughtful. “Why don’t we go to that botanical garden in the evening? We might come across people who go there regularly.”

“You think anyone saw something suspicious?” Cassie asked her mother. “Wouldn’t they have come forward by now?”

“Most people are not eager to get involved in an investigation.” Anna shrugged. “And they might have seen something perfectly ordinary, not knowing what it meant.”

“What are you saying, Anna?” Julie’s eyebrows shot up. “Someone actually witnessed the murder?”

Chapter 11

Cassie gazed out of her bedroom window the next morning, hugging her arms around herself. A light drizzle had started some time after midnight and everything was wet and shrouded in mist. Setting aside her urge to get back into bed, she went into her closet and began pulling out her rain proof gear. A little rain never hurt anyone, she told herself. It might be cold outside but it would still be warmer than the chilly treatment she was getting at home.

Meg was freezing her out. Cassie didn’t blame her. She couldn’t imagine how it would feel to not know where you came from. A part of her selfishly wanted Meg to forget about her father. She had Cassie and Anna now. Why couldn’t they be enough? She had no choice but to let Meg sulk for a while. She would have to come around eventually. The truth was, she had no answer to Meg’s question.

Cassie felt the room close in on her. She jammed her headphones into her ears, zipped up her hoodie and stepped out of her room. She barely glanced into the kitchen. She wanted to run so hard she would forget all her troubles.

“Wait up, Cassie!” Anna called after her. “I’m going with you.”

“It’s too wet outside, Mom.”

Cassie decided she would face Anna’s wrath later.

The Coastal Walk was less crowded than usual. Some hardy souls were out braving the rain, sporting neon colored outfits and umbrellas. Cassie set a pace and started jogging toward the Castle Beach Resort. The rain had stopped by the time she reached the end. She sat on her favorite bench and tried to meditate. She gave it up after a while and turned to go back.

Teddy Fowler arrived just then, pink with exertion and completely out of breath.

“Good Morning, Cassie. I didn’t think you’d venture outside today.”

“What’s a little rain?” she shrugged.

“I don’t suppose you’re used to wet weather after living in the south for so long.”

“It’s certainly hot and dry there,” Cassie nodded. “But I’m a local girl, Teddy. Born and raised right here in Dolphin Bay. Have you forgotten?”

“Of course not.” Teddy sat down on the bench and took deep breaths. “You were barely sixteen when you left, Cass. How much do you really remember?”

Cassie thought of a stormy night and a wild party on the outskirts of town. She had snuck out of the house and hitched a ride with one of her friends, feeling triumphant for breaking the rules. Anna and John had grounded her that day after she failed math for the second time. She was just lashing out.

That party had changed Cassie’s life forever. Had Teddy come to that party?

She felt a tap on her shoulder and snapped out of her thoughts.

“You haven’t heard a word I said,” Teddy accused. “Are you going to be free for rehearsals this evening?”

“What are you talking about, Ted?”

“You’re not hung over, are you?” Teddy sniffed the air around her. “Sampled some hair of the dog?”

“Watch your mouth, Teddy Fowler.” Cassie punched him hard in the arm and glared at him.

“Do you remember you promised to help my wife choreograph the dance?” Teddy had a smirk on his face. “For the spring fling festival?”

“Oh that!” Cassie dismissed. “There may not even be a dance.”

“Wanna bet?” Teddy laughed. “You don’t know the old biddies in this town. They are nothing if not determined. I’m sure they have already thought of a few places other than the school gym to hold the festival.”

Cassie couldn’t argue with that. She knew exactly which places were being considered for the dance.

“Tell your wife I’ll be there,” she sighed. “Unless something urgent comes up and Mom wants my help. She’s got her hands full with running the café and helping Gino.”

“Don’t worry about Anna,” Teddy smiled indulgently. “She won’t have to work with Chief Mancini anymore.”

“Why is that?” Cassie was curious.

“We have a solid case against the Hardings. We’ll be arresting them soon, once we finish the paperwork.”

“Are you serious? You think Scott Harding is guilty?”

“He had motive.” Teddy counted on his fingers. “He had opportunity.”

“But what about their alibi? Scott and Wendy had gone out for a movie, right? I would think they had an iron clad alibi.”

“Not true.” Teddy smiled gleefully. “The alibi doesn’t check out.”

“When were you going to tell me that?” Cassie cried. “Wait till my Mom hears about this.”

“Tell her we have an airtight case. She can spend her time doing something fun for a change.”

“What’s the motive?” Cassie ploughed on. “Do you think father and son didn’t get along? Aunt Julie wouldn’t be surprised. Scott Harding was pretty nasty with her.”

“Most common motive,” Teddy said in a matter of fact voice. “Money.”

“Was Lou Harding rich?”

“Scott wanted the old man to sell his house and move to the city with them. They fought over it a lot.”

“He could have taken his family and gone to the city,” Cassie pointed out. “Why did he need the old man?”

“Money again,” Teddy grinned. “They wanted to use the money from the sale to invest in something in the city.”

“Who told you all this?”

“I can’t reveal my sources, Cassie.” Teddy was imperious. “I shouldn’t be discussing this with you, actually. But I thought I would give a heads up and save your mother some effort.”

“That’s nice of you.” Cassie knew Teddy was sincere. “But she has a mind of her own, unfortunately. She will want to verify everything on her own.”

“I’m telling you. We got our man.”

Cassie knew the police had been wrong before. Anna had always followed her gut and found the real culprit through sheer persistence.

The drizzle started again. Cassie and Teddy jogged back to town and said goodbye when they reached Main Street. Cassie walked home the rest of the way, eager to get home and warm up.

Meg and Anna were loading the van. Cassie waved at them and rushed inside, peeling her wet clothes off on the way to the shower. The hot water felt like pins and needles on her frozen skin. She stood there for a long time, feeling drained, her head finally devoid of any thought.

Cassie dressed quickly, choosing a bright floral shirt instead of her usual white. She needed cheering up. The phone rang and her friend Bobby’s mug flashed on the screen. Cassie grabbed it like a lifeline.

“Hola sweetie!” Bobby was doing bicep curls.

“Can you stop pumping iron for a minute and pay attention to me, Bobbykins?”

“Stop pouting at once. You don’t have the money to Botox those fine lines.”

Bobby had stuck with Cassie through two husbands, a cheating manager and a nonexistent career. He always had her best interests at heart.

“Meg wants to know who her father is.”

Cassie flopped down on the bed and propped up the phone by her pillow.

“What am I going to do? She hasn’t spoken a word with me in two days.”

“I thought you already handled this.” Bobby was sympathetic. “Didn’t you tell her about that party, sweetie?”

“I did.”

“What about …?”

“Don’t even think about it, Bobby,” Cassie warned. “I don’t want her to get the slightest hint.”

“But why?” Bobby wanted to know. “A simple test will give you the answer.”

“He doesn’t even have a civil word for me,” Cassie fumed. “How do you think he’ll react if I ask for a test?”

“He doesn’t have to talk to you,” Bobby said seriously. “And he gets along with Meg, right? You told me so yourself.”

“I don’t think so, Bobby.”

“Hasn’t Anna said anything about this?”

“She doesn’t have a clue, fortunately.”

Bobby gave her a pitying look.

“Give your mother some credit, sweetie. She’s smarter than anyone I know. Didn’t she know about the two of you?”

“The whole town knew, Bobby,” Cassie sighed. “That’s exactly why I want to stay away from Dylan. It doesn’t take any time to set the tongues wagging in this town.”

“Has Meg met him yet?”

“They get along really well, Bobby.” Cassie hung her head. “I don’t know what to do.”

“What if he’s the one?” Bobby asked bluntly. “Do you really want to keep Meg away from him?”

Cassie’s eyes welled with tears. She blew a kiss to Bobby and hung up.

Anna had made a spinach and egg white omelet for her. Another plate held French toast stuffed with cream cheese and dried fruit. Cassie dutifully finished the omelet first and decided to allow herself a small taste of the toast.

Cinnamon, vanilla and maple exploded in her mouth, perfectly complemented by the rich filling and buttery crust. A feeling of warmth engulfed her and Cassie decided it was exactly the kind of defense she needed on that rainy day.

She picked up her knife and fork and resolved to meet the day head on.

Chapter 12

Anna was animated as she looked around the table. She was finally ready to present the spring menu to her friends.

“Don’t keep us waiting,” Julie complained. “Get on with it, Anna.”

“It’s nothing much right now.” Anna played it down. “I thought we would start with the smoothie and salads. They feel more appropriate for spring and summer anyway.”

“What about your minestrone soup?” Mary frowned. “You can’t not put that on the menu, Anna. It’s the star at every potluck in town.”

“I thought I would have soups in the fall,” Anna explained. “People will be more inclined to sit here and linger by the fire.”

“Good point,” Julie agreed. “A grab and go salad makes more sense now, especially for tourists. They can go ride their bikes or have a picnic somewhere on the Coastal Walk or in the redwood forest outside town.”

“We don’t lack scenic places,” Anna said brightly. “So I have a roasted beet and feta salad, brown rice and berry salad and a spring onion caprese.”

She held her breath, waiting for her friends to say something.

“Those are just names,” Julie smirked. “We need to taste this stuff.”

“I’ll be doing test batches as soon as Dylan gets me all the produce. I’m using fresh organic ingredients from Daisy Hollow farms.”

Mary’s face clouded.

“Cassie won’t like that. She’s going to think you are deliberately putting her in that boy’s path.”

“I’m doing no such thing.” Anna was perturbed. “I have been buying produce from Daisy Hollow since I married John. Dylan’s father ran the farm at that time.”

“She can’t avoid him forever,” Julie said sharply. “They’ll have to find a way to tolerate each other.”

Meg came over and sat down next to Anna. She looked eager to say something.

“What is it, sweetie?” Anna smiled at her.

“Leo asked me out,” Meg said in a rush. “He’s taking me to dinner tonight.”

“Finally!” Julie cried. “Gino must have drilled some sense into that boy.”

Anna gave her a warning look.

“I hope you said yes, Meg?” She turned to face her granddaughter.

Meg nodded shyly. Then her eyes widened.

“You don’t mind, do you? Should I have said no?”

“Of course I don’t mind.” Anna tried to sound cool. “I don’t mind either way, Meg. It’s your call. I just hope you didn’t say yes on my account.”

Meg stared down at the table and shook her head.

“Where’s he taking you?” Julie asked imperiously. “Not the Yellow Tulip, I hope?”

“He didn’t say,” Meg shrugged. “I don’t mind the Yellow Tulip.”

They talked about what she was going to wear. Anna was pleased to see Meg excited about the date. A bunch of customers swept in suddenly and Meg got up to take care of them.

“Is he going to ask her to the dance?” Mary’s eyes followed Meg as she pranced around, chatting and laughing with the customers.

“I hope so.” Anna beamed. “It was my idea. Sort of like that promposal thing the kids do nowadays.”

“We’re going to make sure this year’s spring fling event is the best ever,” Mary promised.

“It already is!” Anna’s eyes were bright.

“Tell me when you’re done being sappy.” Julie folded her arms and puffed her cheeks out. “Have you forgotten there’s a murder to be solved?”

“Get off your high horse, Julie.” Mary surprised them by speaking up. “Do you have something to tell us?”

“Do I?” Julie’s eyes gleamed. “You know my students do all kinds of jobs, right?”

Julie taught a creative writing course at the local university. She was lenient with grades and made the syllabus interesting so it was popular with the students.

Anna and Mary nodded impatiently.

“One of them runs the ticket booth at that cinema Scott told us about. Guess what? He was working that night and they didn’t come in.”

Anna didn’t look convinced. “How does he know Scott Harding?”

“Why does that matter?” Julie argued. “Maybe he’s got a crush on Wendy? She’s hard to forget.”

“Wendy must be in her late thirties,” Anna wondered loudly. “Are you suggesting she’s having an affair with this young student?”

“Don’t put words in my mouth, Anna.” Julie sounded frustrated. “All I’m saying is Scott and Wendy never went to that movie.”

“You mean they lied to the police?” Mary summed up. “It may not be as farfetched as you think, Anna.”

“Why? Have you been snooping around too, Mary?”

Mary volunteered at the local senior center twice a week. She baked brownies for them or brought them a casserole sometimes, just so they could have a home cooked meal.

“I thought you stopped going there after your Aunt Millie passed,” Julie said.

“Why didn’t you tell us?” Anna asked. “I would have loved to go with you.”

“You’ve been busy.” Mary avoided mentioning Anna’s illness. “You had your own worries.”

“Well, I’m doing much better now. And I’m going with you next time.”

Mary agreed impatiently and steered the conversation back on track.

“I know a few ladies there. They were my aunt’s friends and they have become used to my visits. We play bridge.”

Anna and Julie finally settled down and waited for Mary to go on.

“Lou Harding also went there, although I never came across him. We must have gone there on different days.”

“He was a volunteer too?” Julie fidgeted.

“The ladies think he was lonely. He didn’t seem to have many friends in town. Just needed someone to talk to.”

“And what did he say?” Anna’s pulse sped up in anticipation.

“Father and son didn’t get along at all.” Mary tucked an errant strand of hair behind her ear. “Scott Harding doesn’t like living in Dolphin Bay.”

“And he makes it pretty obvious,” Julie prompted.

“He was after Lou to sell the house and move to the city. Said they didn’t have a lot of opportunities for growth here. Nothing compared to the city, anyway.”

“He’s right about that,” Anna said grudgingly.

“We all grew up here, Anna.” Julie defended her hometown. “We’re doing fine.”

“Calm down, Julie.” Anna placed a finger on her lips. “Let her go on.”

“That’s the gist of it,” Mary told them. “The ladies said Lou talked about it every time he came there. It seems Scott had become quite pushy lately. Lou was devastated. He didn’t want to go live in the city at his age, but he couldn’t imagine being separated from his grandkids either.”

“Now that the old man’s gone, Scott Harding is free to sell the house and take the money. He can go live in any city of his choice.”

“That does give him a strong motive,” Anna conceded. “This just reinforces what we knew.”

Cassie came in through the connecting arch.

“Your latest book is a hit, Aunt Julie.” She beamed at the older woman. “We already sold out. I just ordered two dozen more copies.”

Julie blushed furiously while everyone praised her work.

“You’ll never guess what I learned from Teddy.” Cassie paused dramatically until everyone was looking at her. “Scott and Wendy are lying. They never went to the movies!”

“We know that, Cassie,” Anna told her.

“And Scott was fighting with his father,” Cassie said in a rush. “He had an eye on the property. Wanted to sell up and move to the city.”

“Mary told us,” Julie nodded.

Cassie looked deflated.

“Doesn’t matter how or where we got the information,” Anna soothed. “The burning question is, if Scott is guilty, how did he do it?”

“How did he kill his old man?” Julie prompted.

“I think they planned everything well.” Mary tried to outline the steps Scott Harding had taken. “They sent the kids out of the house. Sleepovers generally don’t happen on the spur of the moment. So they must have chosen the day based on their kids’ schedule.”

“They drugged him,” Julie reminded. “So Scott must have arranged for the drugs somehow. Either he used someone’s prescription medicine or he stockpiled over the counter drugs.” She looked at Anna. “Do you know exactly what drug was found in his system?”

“That’s Mary’s thing,” Anna said with a shrug. “Did you ask Rory Cunningham?”

“He didn’t know,” Mary supplied. “They are still waiting on some reports.”

“Okay,” Anna herded them back to the point. “Say they drugged his coffee. They must have carried him to their car. I saw they had an attached garage so they could have easily done it without anyone looking.”

“What about the park, Mom?” Cassie stepped in. “How did they carry him from their car to the park bench?”

“Hold on a minute,” Julie interrupted. “I hate to rain on your parade but there’s a tiny snag in that theory.”

Anna, Mary and Cassie sighed collectively and waited for Julie to enlighten them.

“Terry Morris saw Lou Harding going for a walk that evening.”

Chapter 13

The next few days were a blur. Anna got up early to do her baking and spent her mornings at the café. She went home after lunch and churned out different versions of the salads she was going to put on the café menu. Cassie and Meg tasted them in the evening, with Julie and Mary joining in some time. Finally, the recipes were ready and Anna was set to start handing out samples.

The police department hadn’t been idle either. Further reports revealed the drug that had been administered to Lou Harding. In addition to a common sleeping aid, alcohol had also been found in his blood. Anna wondered if Lou Harding had already been drinking when he ingested the drugs. Was he in the habit of having a sundowner every day?

Scott and Wendy Harding arranged a memorial service for the old man. They had already cremated Lou’s remains according to his wishes. The service was going to be conducted at the clubhouse in their subdivision. Anna was surprised to receive a call from Wendy, inviting her to the event.

“But why do we have to go?” Cassie grumbled at the breakfast table.

She held her green smoothie in one hand and forked large bites of her egg white omelet into her mouth with the other.

“You’ve got Gino.” Cassie took a big sip of her smoothie. “We’ll just be in the way. Right Meg?”

Meg took a bite of avocado toast. “I don’t mind going there, Cassie.”

“Can’t you spare an hour?” Anna was acerbic. “It’s the polite thing to do.”

“Why? We never met Lou Harding.” Cassie pouted moodily.

“Do what you want.” Anna shrugged. “Julie and Mary are meeting me there. So is Gino.”

“I’m going with you, Anna,” Meg said loyally.

Cassie muttered under her breath and carried her dishes to the sink. She began loading the dishwasher. She had come a long way in the past two years. Used to a luxurious lifestyle, she had been coddled by housekeepers and maids. Doing menial tasks around the house had never been her lot before coming back to Dolphin Bay.

The day passed quickly. Anna and Meg went home to change.

“I feel sober all of a sudden,” Meg told her as they waited for Gino to come pick them up. “I didn’t even know the man.”

They were both wearing dark dresses in deference to the memorial.

“Death is always grim, Meg.” Anna patted her arm. “And you have a soft heart.”

The clubhouse was packed. Anna couldn’t hide her surprise. She nudged Gino after they had found a seat.

“I had no idea so many people knew Lou Harding. How did I never come across him?”

“Did you look closely, Anna? Most of these people are not known to us.”

Anna turned around surreptitiously and rove an eye over the crowd.

“You’re right, Gino. Are there so many new people in town? I haven’t seen them at the café either.”

“My guess is they are not locals.”

Anna’s reaction died on her lips. Scott Harding walked to the podium and thanked everyone for coming. He introduced his wife Wendy.

Wendy Harding read a brief eulogy from some notes she was clutching in her hand. She invited people to partake of the food.

Anna had arrived with a casserole as per Dolphin Bay tradition. You didn’t go empty handed to a wake. Wendy handed it over to a young girl in a caterer’s uniform. Evidently, the Hardings hadn’t spared any expense.

Julie hissed at Anna as the service ended. She and Mary were sitting in the row behind Anna.

“Have you seen the food here? Shrimp cocktail and lobster puffs! Let’s grab some before it’s gone.”

“Shouldn’t we offer our condolences first?” Anna craned her neck, trying to spot Scott and Wendy.

They were both surrounded by a healthy crowd of people probably doing the same. Anna grudgingly followed Julie to one end of the spacious room. A buffet had been set up with a cheese board, more fancy tidbits in dainty shot glasses or dishes and an assortment of desserts. Anna chose a chocolate éclair and a couple of macarons, noting that the cupcakes had certainly not come from her café. Scott and Wendy had obviously hired some hot shot caterer from the city.

“Are those your famous stuffed shells?” Mary asked, tipping her head toward a foil wrapped dish placed at the end of the buffet, close to a big trash can.

Anna felt embarrassed. Julie was about to blow a gasket.

“That ungrateful turd …” she hissed.

Meg and Gino joined them before Anna could respond, their plates loaded with tiny sandwiches and sliders.

“Have you tried these mini burgers, Anna?” Meg dabbed her mouth with a napkin. “They are delicious.”

Julie gave them a furious glare, flung off the foil from Anna’s casserole and served herself a hefty portion of the homemade pasta. Mary followed suit.

Meg and Gino looked bewildered.

“Is something wrong, Anna?” Meg asked innocently.

A commotion drew their attention before Anna could reply. Gino set his plate aside and strode toward the source of the noise. The crowd parted to reveal Scott Harding at another man’s throat.

“What’s going on here?” Gino boomed.

He was in full cop mode.

Scott landed a punch on the other man before pushing him away. He stumbled, lost his balance and crashed to the floor. Gino rushed to give him a hand.

Anna noticed the young man’s lip was bleeding.

“Stay away from us, you leech!” Scott Harding thundered. “You’re not getting a dime of the old man’s money.”

Scott’s target had brown hair and eyes the color of coffee. Anna noticed a strawberry below his left eye and decided it must be a birthmark.

“I don’t want your money.” The man stood his ground. “Listen to me, brother.”

Scott leapt toward him and lifted a hand to punch him again. Gino blocked him.

“That’s enough, Scott!”

A couple of able bodied men from the crowd finally stirred. They held Scott and dragged him away from the brown haired man.

“Take one more step toward this man and I will have you arrested for assault,” Gino warned Scott.

Wendy arrived, looking worried. Gino advised her to take Scott away. He walked toward Anna and the Firecrackers with the young, bruised man in tow.

“I’m going to drive this young man to the emergency room. My guess is he’s going to need a couple of stitches.”

Anna assured him she and Meg could catch a ride home with Julie. Gino promised to catch up with her later.

“Are you ready to blow this joint?” Julie asked her.

Anna nodded. She had tried hard to be unbiased toward Scott Harding. But she had just seen firsthand how violent he could be. She wondered if Gino would still want to help him out.

Julie and Mary accepted Anna’s impromptu invitation to dinner. Cassie’s mouth dropped open when she listened to Meg’s account of the memorial service.

“You should’ve come with us.” Anna sneaked in a rebuke.

Cassie opened a bottle of wine and Anna started setting out a tray of munchies. They were all eagerly waiting for Gino to arrive and give them the scoop. Anna wondered if he would bring the brown haired man along with him.

The bell chimed just as Cassie started uncorking a second bottle of wine. They had already worked their way through a bowl of tapenade and crackers. Gino stood at the door, weighed down with takeout bags. His nephew Leo stood behind him, carrying more bags.

“Something smells wonderful!” Cassie took a deep breath and ushered them in.

“Those toy burgers made me crave a real, juicy cheeseburger,” Gino admitted guiltily. “So I got double cheeseburgers for everyone, with grilled onions and mushrooms and that hot mustard Anna loves so much.”

Leo held up his purchases. “We’re making our own banana splits for dessert.”

They devoted their attention to the steaming burgers. Anna finally came up for air and saw Gino watching her with a smile. She opened her mouth to ask him about the man with that odd mark on his cheek.

“His name is Ben Martin and he is claiming to be Lou Harding’s son.”

“What?” Anna exclaimed loudly.

Everyone stared at Gino, willing him to continue.

“He was born out of wedlock so he is illegitimate. He told me so himself.”

“Poor boy!” Anna muttered. “He must have come to pay his respects.”

“Lou Harding came to Dolphin Bay two decades ago.” Gino twirled his mustache thoughtfully. “Scott was in his early twenties at that time. My guess is this kid was born several years after Scott. How old did he seem to you, Anna?”

“Thirtyish?” Julie answered him. “Early thirties at the most.”

“Did you see all those pictures of Lou and his wife?” Anna reminded them about the photos that adorned the walls of Lou’s house. “They seemed happy together.”

“We know nothing about Lou Harding’s life in the city,” Gino pointed out. “I think it’s high time we looked into his background.”

Chapter 14

The next two days brought rain to Dolphin Bay. Fog hung over the bay and the air was chilly. Anna thought it was the worst time to offer samples of salad at the café. But the customers accepted the tiny cups she set out eagerly and were full of praise.

“I’ve been dying for a decent smoothie place to open up here,” one woman dressed in the new fangled yoga pants squealed.

“Are you going to offer more options?” her friend asked, bouncing a baby on her hip.

Anna assured them she would think about it.

Cassie went around with a permanent smirk.

“What’d I tell you, Mom, huh?”

The spring fling committee was becoming restless. Dylan had agreed to offer his barn for the dance. They needed to go out and inspect it again before they could make a formal announcement. Mary had roped in Cassie to go with them.

“You can tell us if the space is big enough, dear. You are so knowledgeable about such things.”

“Cassie doesn’t like going to Daisy Hollow,” Anna reminded Mary.

Mary’s face fell. Cassie relented and promised to give it some thought.

When the sun finally peeped out of the clouds, the whole town came out to rejoice. The café was packed and Anna and Meg were rushed off their feet. People stood around in groups, drinking their coffee and gorging on the blueberry chai cupcakes Anna had made double batches of. Some of them drifted into the bookstore. Others took their coffee outside and sat on the sidewalk, enjoying the fresh breezes perfumed with a mixture of spring flowers and salt water.

Mary and the ladies from her committee were meeting at the café to discuss their plans. Cassie came over and put a hand on Mary’s shoulder.

“Do you still want me to go with you, Aunt Mary?”

“That would be lovely.” Mary brightened.

Two hours later, Anna was seated at the China Garden restaurant with Meg. Julie was already there. Mary and Cassie were on their way. Anna ordered her favorite orange chicken with shrimp fried rice. Meg ordered a big portion of lo mein noodles.

“Oh, oh!” Anna looked up as Cassie and Mary came in.

Cassie’s cheeks were flaming red and her eyes were breathing fire.

“I know that expression!” Julie sighed.

Cassie sat down with a thud and folded her arms.

“Take deep breaths, sweetie,” Anna said lightly. “That’s what Bobby would tell you.”

“Dylan Woods is insufferable.” Cassie picked up the tiny bottle of soy sauce from the table and slammed it down.

“What’s he done now?” Julie stifled a giggle.

“How can you tolerate him, Mom?” Cassie attacked Anna. “I say we stop dealing with him completely. You can order your supplies from someone else.”

“Daisy Hollow Farms has the best organic produce in town,” Anna said calmly. “And Dylan is a sweet boy. I’m not going to sever ties with him just because you can’t act like an adult, Cassie.”

“You should’ve seen him, Mom, strutting around like he owned the place.”

Mary cleared her throat. “Actually, he does own it.”

“He was lording it over us!” Cassie continued her tirade. “As if that stinky barn is the only option we have for the dance. Gino’s vineyard is much better.”

“But what if it rains?” Mary wailed. “The spring weather is never predictable. You saw how the last two days were. We don’t have a choice, Cassie. The committee has decided to hold the dance at the barn.”

“When did you decide that?” Cassie pounced on her. “Doesn’t my opinion mean anything? Why did you take me there, Aunt Mary?”

“Of course we value your opinion.” Mary was diplomatic. “You agree the barn is big enough to hold all of us?”

Cassie nodded grudgingly.

“There’s more than enough room for a dozen tables at the south end. We can put the buffet tables by the west wall. The band will set up in the east corner. That still leaves plenty of space for the dance floor.”

“You’re so good at this!” Mary beamed. “Sally Davis texted me on the way back. We want you on the committee as a special consultant. You can help us get the barn in shape.”

“You mean, we are allowed to spruce it up?” Cassie’s eyes gleamed.

“Oh yes!” Mary agreed readily. “As long as you stay within the budget.”

“I’m going to transform that old shed into a hall we can all be proud of. It will rival the finest ballrooms, you’ll see.”

Their food arrived. Anna had ordered cashew chicken for Cassie. Meg spoke up half way into the meal.

“Dylan is not that bad, Cassie. I think he likes you.”

Cassie ignored her. Anna caught Meg’s eye and gave a quick shake of her head, warning her to stay quiet.

Gino called just as the Butlers were getting home. Anna wondered if he had any news about Lou Harding.

“I’m on my way back into town,” he told her. “Can we talk over dinner?”

Anna agreed, trying to keep her eagerness out of her voice. She hadn’t seen Gino for three days and it seemed like three days too many. She was getting used to having him around all the time. Anna wondered how wise that was. Did Gino feel the same way?

“What are you thinking about, Mom?” Cassie came into the kitchen to grab a bottle of water.

Anna realized she had been standing at the sink, washing tomatoes. She picked up the colander and shook it to drain any excess water.

“Can you open a bottle of white?” she asked Cassie. “I need it for my sauce. We can drink the rest later.”

“What are you making?” Cassie asked with interest. “I can make garlic bread if you like.”

“That will go great with my dish. I’m going to poach fish in a puttanesca sauce.”

Gino arrived on time with a bunch of daisies. Anna handed him a glass of wine and made sure they had something to munch on.

“What did you find out?” she asked impatiently. “Don’t leave anything out.”

Gino spread some tapenade on a cracker and popped it in his mouth.

“Lou Harding lived in the city before he came here,” he began. “He worked as a security guard at a bank.”

“What brought him here?”

“Hold on,” Gino smiled. “I’m coming to it. So Scott was barely twenty when he came to Dolphin Bay. He grew up in the heart of a metro area.”

“No wonder he hates this town,” Anna murmured.

“Lou Harding lost his city job. He had been wanting a slower pace of life for a while. The family moved to Dolphin Bay.”

“How did we never come across this person?” Anna mused. “Twenty years is a long time, Gino.”

“I think I can guess. Lou got a job in Blueberry Falls, working for a security company. He drove over every day.”

“Why didn’t he live there?” Anna countered. “Why commute every day?”

“You will have to ask Scott about that.” Gino exhaled. “They had just moved here from the city and bought a house. Maybe they didn’t want to move again. Blueberry Falls is twenty minutes away, thirty at most.”

Anna went in and added the fish to the sauce.

“Dinner in ten minutes, girls!” she called out.

Gino was full of praise for the fish and the orzo salad Anna had made to go with it.

“I love this sauce, Anna.” He licked his spoon and served himself some more sauce. “And the fish is so soft and flaky.”

“So you like it?” Anna asked shyly.

“He already took two helpings, Mom!” Cassie rolled her eyes.

Meg had been eating quietly with her head down.

“Leo’s on duty tonight,” Gino told her. “He wanted to come.”

“He’s taking me to the spring fling dance,” she blurted.

“What?” Cassie shrieked. “When did that happen? You need to keep me informed, Meg.”

Meg turned red.

“We had dinner at the Castle Beach Resort. Leo asked if he could be my date for the dance.”

Anna caught Gino’s eye and they shared a secret smile. So Leo had stepped up.

“Lou Harding was at odds with his neighbor,” Gino continued.

“You mean Terry Morris?” Anna asked. “Julie told me how the Morris kid is a bully. But I’m not sure if spanking that kid was the right thing to do. Times have changed, Gino. Surely Lou Harding could have taken a diplomatic approach.”

“I guess I can understand his concern.” Gino shrugged. “Like you said, Anna. It’s easy to preach ideal conduct, but there’s no telling what a man will do if someone hurts his kids.”

Anna guessed there was more.

“Apparently, Lou lodged a complaint against the Morris kid. Now Morris went to the senior center and threatened Lou. They almost came to blows. Some of the attendants at the center stepped in.”

“Did anyone actually see Terry Morris do this?”

“There were plenty of witnesses, Anna.”

“Terry Morris saw Lou Harding going for a walk that evening, didn’t he?” Anna mused. “All this time we thought Scott and Wendy might be lying about it. But what if Morris is lying?”

“You mean he didn’t see Lou that day?”

“Say Lou went over to Terry’s house to apologize. Terry saw an opportunity and drugged him. He could have driven him to the park and dumped him on that bench later.”

“You think he had any help?” Gino pondered Anna’s theory.

“Terry Morris is a giant. He could easily carry a fully grown man without any help.”

“I think this is all too fantastic.” Gino shook his head. “It defies belief, Anna. So Terry Morris was lying in wait all this time, waiting for a chance to poison his neighbor?”

“It might have been a spur of moment thing,” Anna argued. “They say he was drugged with regular sleeping pills. Terry might have had them on hand.”

“But Lou went for a walk to the garden, remember?” Gino was back to square one. “Is it possible Terry followed him there, handed him a drink and made a fake apology?

“I need dessert.” Anna clutched her head and stared at Gino. “We are going around in circles.”

Gino stood up and gathered the dirty plates. He rinsed them and stacked the dishwasher while Anna scooped ice cream into big bowls.

Meg and Cassie had been quiet all this time.

“So what’s next, Mom?” Cassie asked.

“We need to retrace their steps,” Anna said thoughtfully. “Find other people who walk along that route.”

Gino agreed with her.

“If Terry and Lou were both out on that road that evening, someone must have seen them.”

Chapter 15

Anna yawned widely as she mixed a batch of frosting. When she started the café, the girls had come up with the idea of having a cupcake of the month. The idea was a hit with the customers and everyone eagerly looked forward to what the next offering would be. Anna had managed to whet their appetites by introducing flavors like orange thyme and cranberry sage. Now she had to come up with some exotic combination every month. Thankfully, she had a flourishing herb garden which made impromptu experiments really easy.

Cassie came into the kitchen. Anna was surprised to find her dressed for the day.

“Are you skipping your run today?”

“I’m coming with you, of course.” Cassie poured her favorite sugary cereal in a bowl, making Anna’s eyes pop.

“What are you doing, Cassie?”

“I’ve been good for a long time. Bobby said I could enjoy my cereal today. He knows I’ll break if I don’t get my sugary fix once in a while.”

Anna decided Bobby knew her daughter really well. He was a good man and she was glad Cassie had him in her corner.

“So what are you wearing?” Cassie chomped her cereal noisily. “Today’s the big day, Mom.”

“Am I missing something?” Anna tasted the frosting she had mixed. It had a weird aftertaste. She chucked the bowl into the sink and exclaimed when she checked the time.

“We are launching the spring menu today,” Cassie reminded her. “How could you forget?”

“Oh right. It’s not that big a deal, Cassie.”

“Of course it is.” Meg came into the kitchen. “You worked so hard to get everything right.”

Cassie and Meg had surprised Anna by printing flyers announcing the new menu. They had posted them all over town. They were offering a special coupon too.

The toaster popped and Anna pulled out four slices of perfectly toasted brown bread. She schmeared one with her favorite avocado mash and sprinkled hot sauce on top.

“When are you going to Daisy Hollow?” Anna asked Cassie. “Can you promise to be civil to Dylan? I really need him, Cassie. The whole spring menu depends on a regular supply of produce from his farm.”

“I’m an adult, Mom.” Cassie got up to rinse her cereal bowl. “I know how to handle myself.”

Anna crossed her fingers as they headed to the café. She was surprised to see a banner strung over the shop door, announcing the new menu. Cassie and Meg beamed at her.

“Do you like the surprise?” Meg asked.

“We’re not done yet.” Cassie brought out a chalkboard and placed it on the sidewalk. “What do you think, Mom?”

The spring menu was listed on the chalkboard in Meg’s handwriting. Anna felt her tears well up.

“Thank you so much, you two.”

Anna didn’t expect people to get salads in the morning but some customers surprised her by grabbing them for lunch. When the Firecrackers arrived at 10, most of the salads were gone.

Julie and Mary handed Anna a bunch of wildflowers. There were hugs all around.

The three friends settled down at their favorite table. Meg brought fresh coffee and left them alone.

“So what’s the most popular item?” Julie asked eagerly. “Is it the hummus and pita chips?”

“You were right, Julie.” Anna nodded happily. “We already ran out of it.”

Mary wanted to know if she and Gino had progressed any further in their investigation. Anna brought them up to speed.

“So we need to know if anyone saw Terry Morris going for a walk that fateful evening?” Mary asked.

“Not just Terry Morris,” Julie stepped in. “Lou Harding too.”

“We don’t know if Lou actually went for a walk,” Anna argued. “We only have Terry’s word for it.”

“But won’t it help if someone spotted Lou Harding?” Julie stuck to her point. “If Lou was seen, it means Terry Morris is not lying.”

Anna massaged her forehead with her fingers.

“This is giving me a headache. Nothing about the Hardings makes sense to me.”

“Don’t bother then.” Julie’s response was cut and dried. “Tell Gino you can’t help him.”

“That would be rude,” Mary chided her. “But Anna can relax and take the back seat for a while. We can do some of the leg work for her.”

“That sounds wonderful.” Anna patted Mary’s hand. “What would I do without you?”

“You’ll never find out.” Julie rallied around. “Now, what about that kid who got beat up that day?”

“Lou Harding’s other son?” Anna asked. “I don’t even know where he lives.”

“Why don’t you ask him?” Julie’s eyes had widened and she was staring over Anna’s head.

Anna turned around to see what had caused Julie’s reaction. Meg stood at the counter, taking orders. There were only two people in the line. She gasped when she spotted the brown haired young man from Lou’s memorial service.

“That’s him, isn’t it?” Julie hissed.

Anna nodded silently.

“Go and talk to him, Anna.” Julie hadn’t taken her eyes off the man. “Ask him what he’s doing in Dolphin Bay.”

Meg handed over the man’s coffee while Anna hesitated. He turned around and walked out of the door.

Julie waved at Meg and summoned her.

“Who was that?” Meg asked.

“Didn’t you recognize him?” Julie glowered. “He was that kid Scott Harding beat up.”

“Ohhh.” A flash of recognition appeared in Meg’s eyes. “That’s why he looked familiar.”

“Did he say anything, dear?” Mary asked her.

Meg was generally very friendly with the customers. People, especially young men, tended to linger and chat with her.

“His name is Ben Martin. He’s new in town.”

“What does he do here?” Julie pounced. “Where does he live?”

“Is that all he said?” Anna asked at the same time.

“Let the poor dear breathe, girls.” Mary patted the seat next to her. “Why don’t you sit down for a minute, Meg?”

Meg had no answer for any of their questions. Cassie came in just then and overheard a part of their conversation.

“Why are you giving my child the third degree, Aunt Julie?” She glared at the women.

Anna gave her a brief account.

“We need to find out more about him.”

“Is that all?” Cassie snorted. “Leave it to me, Mom.”

Anna was surprised by Cassie’s offer. She decided to have some faith in her daughter. Julie proposed going to the diner for lunch.

“It’s pot pie day at the Yellow Tulip,” Julie reminded them. “I’m treating you to lunch, Anna. You need some comfort food to chase that headache away.”

“Go ahead, Mom,” Cassie nodded. “And don’t worry about dinner. I’m making my special fried rice tonight.”

Anna was already feeling better. She put on a fresh coat of lipstick at Cassie’s urging and left for lunch.

Later that evening, Anna stood at her kitchen window, watching her plants sway in the gentle evening breeze. Ribbons of pink and mauve painted an intricate mosaic across the sky. Anna had enjoyed a long nap after lunch. Now she planned to relax in the hot tub outside.

Cassie brought her a glass of wine some time later.

“Dinner in an hour, Mom.”

“What about dessert?” Anna was hopeful.

“Banana fritters, of course. Meg won’t let me forget.”

“I guess you didn’t have time to go looking for Ben Martin. Julie and I can make a few calls tomorrow.”

Cassie’s eyes gleamed with mischief.

“Why don’t we talk about it over dinner?”

Anna took a quick shower and dressed in her softest flannel pajamas. The pot pie was a distant memory and she was looking forward to the fried rice.

Cassie pulled out a pan of spring rolls from the oven.  The crispy shell crackled as Anna bit into one.

“Enough of the suspense, Cass,” she grumbled.

“You haven’t told her yet?” Meg laughed.

She took a bite of her rice and giggled.

“Ben Martin came to Dolphin Bay three months ago. He works at the Castle Beach Resort.”

Anna stopped chewing and stared at Cassie.

“That’s very precise. What does he do there?”

“I don’t know for sure,” Cassie admitted. “But my guess is he’s a server or something. They are always looking for wait staff.”

Anna didn’t look convinced.

“And how do you know all this? Did you just go and talk to that young man?”

“Of course I didn’t, Mom.” Cassie pouted. “I went to Paradise Market to shop for dinner. You know I need really fresh scallions for my rice. And I wanted some jumbo shrimp.”

Cassie had limited dishes in her arsenal, but when she cooked, she was very particular about the ingredients she wanted.

“Yeah, yeah. We all know how finicky you are. And for the record, Daisy Hollow Farms has the best scallions. Not Paradise Market.”

“Why bring Dylan into this, Mom?”

Anna rolled her eyes.

“Anyway,” Cassie continued with a frown. “I ran into Sally Davis at the market. We got talking about our visit to the farm and she mentioned she was renting a room in her house.”

Sally Davis was a local school teacher. Anna knew she lived alone. She wondered if Sally was having financial troubles. She had never taken a boarder before. Sally had staunchly supported Anna in the past few years, refusing to listen to the scandal mongers. Anna vowed to help her out if needed.

“Are you listening?” Cassie knocked on the table.

“Go on.” Anna waved a hand in the air. “Tell me the whole story.”

“Ben Martin is her renter,” Cassie said smugly. “That’s all.”

Anna was disappointed.

“I’m not done, Mom.” Cassie took a second helping of fried rice. “Meg and I will go to Castle Beach tomorrow and meet him.”

“Maybe you’ll get a confession out of him,” Anna joked.

“You never know,” Meg piped up. “At the very least, we might learn something new, Anna.”

Chapter 16

Cassie ran an extra loop around the Coastal Walk the next morning, trying to compensate for all the extra carbs she had consumed the previous day. She forced herself to ignore the stack of pancakes Meg was working on when she got home and made herself a green smoothie.

“Say Hello to Charlie for me,” Anna told her.

Charlie Robinson was the owner of the Castle Beach Resort, a premium property that hosted celebrities and wealthy people. He had a tendre for Anna. Julie thought the man was a crook. Anna thought her friend was prejudiced. Julie’s bias came from the Robinson family’s dubious reputation. Charlie’s ancestors had been rum runners and smugglers and he was known to bend the rules when it suited him.

Gino agreed with Julie and warned Anna to stay away from Charlie.

“Sure we will, Mom,” Cassie smiled knowingly. “And we won’t tell Gino anything about it, don’t worry.”

“Gino doesn’t run my life.” Anna was acerbic. “I don’t know where you get these ideas, Cassie.”

“But he doesn’t like Charlie,” Meg pointed out. “Why poke the bear?”

Cassie saw Anna roll her eyes at that.

“I’m gonna grab a shower, Meg. Why don’t I pick you up in an hour?”

“Sounds good, Cassie.” Meg nodded. “Mary will be there by then. She’s going to pitch in and help Anna.”

Cassie dressed in her usual outfit of white shirt and faded blue jeans. She chose a pink paisley Hermes scarf from her collection and wound it around her neck in a stylish knot. Meg was waiting outside the café when Cassie reached Main Street. A few minutes later, they pulled up in the fancy porte cochere of the Castle Beach Resort.

Cassie handed over her keys to a valet and swung her arm through Meg’s. Charlie was talking to some guests in the lobby. He came forward as soon as he spotted Cassie.

“Good Morning, girls! And to what do I owe this pleasure?”

Cassie beamed at Charlie while Meg surprised him with a hug.

“How are you, Uncle Charlie?” Cassie took his hand. “We are here on a mission.”

“That sounds ominous,” Charlie smiled. “But first tell me, have you two had breakfast yet?”

The girls assured him they had eaten well that morning.

“We can have coffee though, can’t we?”

“Of course we can,” Cassie assured him. “And we wouldn’t mind anything the pastry chef rustles up. Right Meg?”

“Aren’t you off sugar, Cassie?” Meg asked precociously.

Charlie told them about the recent renovations at the resort. He insisted on taking them around to a new wing.

“These are for our special guests,” he told Cassie proudly. “People who don’t count their pennies. I would love to get your opinion, Cassie.”

Cassie was impressed by the room she had just entered. It was three times the size of any regular hotel room. All the furniture was gilded. Cassie glanced at the super soft Egyptian cotton sheets and the towels in the bathroom.

“This is amazing! You haven’t spared any expense, Uncle Charlie!”

“How’s your mother?” Charlie asked coyly. “I hear she’s looking into a murder again.”

“You know Mom!” Cassie said airily. “Always helping someone.”

“I have an idea,” Charlie said as he led them to his office. “Why don’t you ladies come and spend a weekend here? Test drive this new floor for me? Every room is supposed to have a special butler and a personal chef.”

“That sounds awesome!” Meg’s eyes shone.

“I’ll talk to Mom about it, Uncle Charlie,” Cassie promised.

They went back to Charlie’s office. A server had just arrived with their coffee. Cassie spotted the three tiered stand holding scones and chocolate éclairs. She couldn’t resist.

“So what really brings you here?” Charlie asked after they had chosen a few dainty confections.

Cassie mentioned Ben Martin and asked if he knew him.

“I know the young man,” Charlie nodded. “He’s filling in on a supervisor in housekeeping. She went on maternity leave last week.”

Cassie told him how Ben was related to Lou Harding.

“Can we talk to him?”

“Just promise you won’t drive him away,” Charlie said grudgingly. “He’s a good worker and I’m short staffed.”

Cassie discussed her cover story and Charlie agreed to let her use his office for the interview. He stepped out, promising to send Ben Martin in soon.

Cassie sat behind the big desk and tried to look imposing. Meg took up a pen and legal pad, ready to take notes. Soon, there was a knock on the door and Ben Martin entered.

“Have a seat, please.” Cassie was courteous but formal. “I have some questions for you, Mr. Martin.”

“Who are you?” he asked, glancing at Meg. “Mr. Robinson didn’t say.”

“I’m here for staff audit,” Cassie fibbed. “Every year, our company interviews the employees here and asks them a few questions about their job. The Castle Beach Resort tries to maintain a happy workplace. You are very fortunate to be working here, Mr. Martin. Of course, we are here to determine if you believe that.”

“This place is okay.” Ben shrugged. “Do I have to fill out a form?”

“Just answer our questions,” Meg said and wrote something down on her pad.

Cassie started by asking his name and address and asked how long he had been at the job. Ben was quite open with his answers until Cassie asked why he had chosen to get a job in Dolphin Bay.

“Why not get a job in the city?” she asked. “Wouldn’t you have better opportunities over there?”

“I was tired of the rat race.” Ben hesitated. “I wanted a change of scene.”

“Did you know anyone in town?” Cassie pressed. “Why choose Dolphin Bay? Why not any other town on the coast? Monterey has much more to offer.”

“I like this town,” Ben told them earnestly. “And I like working at this resort. Isn’t that what you wanted to know?”

“What about your future plans?” Cassie quizzed. “Planning to settle down here and raise a family?”

“That’s kind of personal.” Ben stirred in his seat. “Are you allowed to ask that?”

Cassie decided to drop the pretense.

“Actually, there is no audit.”

“What?” Ben’s eyes narrowed and he sprang up. “Is this some kind of prank? Who are you people?”

“Why don’t you sit down, Ben?” Meg spoke up. “We’ll tell you everything.”

Ben’s eyes grew wide as Cassie explained everything.

“You want to know how well I knew Lou Harding? I didn’t know him at all.”

“But I thought he was your father?” Meg interjected.

“He was my biological father. Yes.” Ben’s ears had turned red. “But my mother raised me alone. Lou abandoned us right after I was born.”

“Did you have a difficult childhood?” Meg asked.

“She means you must have grown up poor.” Cassie realized she was being insensitive but she wanted to get the truth out of Ben Martin.

“We didn’t lack money,” Ben sighed. “The old man saw to that. But he never came to see me once. Never asked after me. I grew up longing for a father.”

“You must have hated him a lot,” Cassie goaded. “Enough to poison him?”

“How dare you!” He leapt to his feet and glowered at Cassie. “I think you’re crazy.”

He crossed the room in two strides and slammed the door behind him.

“Was I too harsh?” Cassie asked Meg.

“Did you expect him to say yes?” Meg didn’t hide her amusement.

Charlie wasn’t around when they went out so they left a note for him at the front desk. Anna had sent a message asking them to pick up sandwiches for lunch. They went to the Tipsy Whale and ordered the day’s special, grilled Portobello mushrooms in Madeira sauce with melted mozzarella, roasted sweet peppers and arugula on ciabatta rolls.

“How was it?” Anna asked as soon as they entered the café.

Meg narrated what had happened that morning while Cassie ate her lunch. She was meeting the spring fling committee at the Daisy Hollow Farm. They were going to decide how they could spruce the barn up.

“I gotta go!” Cassie handed over half her sandwich to Meg and rushed to her car.

Daisy Hollow Farm was situated on a tiny hillock on the outskirts of town. It was a scenic fifteen minute drive from downtown. Sally Davis and a couple of other committee women were already there. Cassie’s heart skipped a beat as she spotted the tall, muscular man standing with them. She was transported back to her fifteen year old self in an instant.

She hurried out of her car and scowled as her stilettos sank into mud.

“Hello, Princess!” Dylan drawled.

Cassie ignored him and greeted Sally.

“I hope I’m not late.”

“It’s okay, Cassie,” Sally said eagerly. “Dylan was just about to take us to the barn.”

Cassie had barely walked a couple of steps before her other foot sunk into the mud.

“What’s with all this slush?” she complained. “It hasn’t rained in two days.”

“You’re on a farm, Princess!” Dylan reminded her. “What did you expect?”

“Stop being so superior and help me,” she growled. “Please?”

“Nothing much I can do, other than lift you up and carry you in my arms.”

“In your dreams!” Cassie hissed.

Sally Davis and the women had already reached the barn. She turned around and asked Cassie to hurry up.

“Admit it,” Dylan said under his breath. “You came here because you were longing to see me.”

“Are you on crack?” Cassie laughed. “You could be the last man on earth, Dylan. I still wouldn’t give you a second glance.”

Cassie saw Dylan turn ashen and wondered if she’d gone too far. Sally pulled her into the barn and started outlining a dozen things they could do. Cassie barely heard her, all her attention focused on Dylan.

“We can round up some volunteers to help with the paint,” Sally said. “Don’t you agree, Cassie?”

“Huh?” Cassie snapped to attention. “Key lime is perfect for spring. We should paint the barn a fresh green. And maybe the students can paint flowers on it.”

“A border of daisies …” Sally’s eyes gleamed. “Or wildflowers. A colorful border of flowers to go around. What a brilliant idea, Cassie.”

“Bad idea!” Dylan interrupted. “Our barn will always be red. It’s tradition.”

Sally’s shoulders drooped.

“I know barns are red, Dylan,” Cassie said coldly. “We are talking about the inside.”

Dylan gave her a mock salute.

“Key lime it is, Princess!”

Chapter 17

Anna was making chicken parmesan. It was Cassie’s favorite dinner and she had specially requested it that night. When Cassie was in school, she used to ask for chicken parmesan when she had a bad day. For a teenager, it generally meant a fight with her boyfriend or bad grades. Anna’s brain clicked as she connected the dots. The spring fling committee had planned to visit Dylan’s farm that afternoon and Cassie was supposed to go with them.

“Do we have something to munch on?” Meg began foraging in the pantry.

“Dinner in ten minutes, girls,” Anna told them.

“I can help you set the table,” Meg offered.

Anna accepted with a smile. Cassie had chosen a bottle of Anna’s favorite merlot. She uncorked the bottle and set it out to breathe.

Anna forced herself to be patient as they started dinner. She let Cassie get a second portion of the chicken before she ventured forth.

“Did something happen today?”

“What do you mean, Mom?” Cassie stopped cutting her chicken breast and looked up at Anna.

“What are you hinting at, Anna?” Meg smiled as she twirled spaghetti on her fork.

“You asked for chicken parmesan …” Anna sounded lame even to herself.

“So?” Cassie was mystified. “You know it’s my favorite. It’s been a while since you made it, Mom. We’ve been eating the stuff you were trying out for the spring menu.”

“Is that all?” Anna hesitated.

“Now you’re becoming tiresome.” Cassie rolled her eyes. “Is there something on your mind?”

Meg drank orange juice and observed them with a twinkle in her eyes.

“Did you pick a fight with Dylan?”

“That arrogant snitch! He ratted me out, didn’t he?”

Anna shook her head in defeat.

“He did nothing of that sort. I haven’t talked to Dylan in a while.”

Cassie was incensed.

“How did you find out then? Did Sally Davis call you? Or some of the other ladies?”

“Tell us what happened, Cassie,” Meg urged. “Did you two get into a fight?”

Cassie gave them a high level account of her visit to the farm.

“He had the gall to suggest I was trying to get close to him. Cassie Butler sweet on Dylan Woods. Ha!”

“There was a time when you liked him,” Anna reminded her. “You had his photo pinned to your mirror and you had drawn a heart around it.”

“Mom!” Cassie shrieked, stealing a glance at Meg. “That’s ancient history. We broke up, didn’t we?”

“So you won’t be going back to the farm?” Meg asked seriously.

Anna watched Cassie’s face closely. She was a good actress but her guard was down. Cassie’s conflict was clearly visible on her face.

“We are painting the barn for the dance. I guess I will have to supervise the project, since I was the one who suggested it.”

“You can’t let the spring fling committee down, Cassie.” Anna was curt. “You’ll have to see this through.”

“Count on it.” Cassie was resolute. “Dylan or no Dylan, Dolphin Bay is going to have the best spring fling festival this year. I’m gonna make sure of it.”

Anna brought out a pan of tiramisu. It was an integral part of their chicken parmesan night.

“Don’t you want to know what happened at the resort, Anna?” Meg accepted a big slice of the cake from Anna.

“I’m all ears,” she nodded and took a bite of her own dessert.

Cassie gave her a detailed account of their time at the Castle Beach Resort.

“So Ben Martin is an angry man,” Anna summed up.

“Lou Harding wronged him, Mom,” Cassie said. “He’s got a bee in his bonnet about it.”

“You think that gives him a motive for murder?” Anna asked. “Would he kill his own father, a man he has yearned to meet all his life?”

Anna saw Cassie steal a glance at Meg. She wondered if Meg had ever wanted to hurt Cassie.

“The answer is no.” Meg folded her arms and sat back in her chair. “I was curious about my family. But I never thought about harming them.”

“Didn’t you want to lash out?” Cassie asked. “You can probably empathize with Ben Martin, Meg.”

“Lou Harding knew who he was and where he lived,” Meg pointed out. “But he still chose to stay away. That’s not what happened with us, Cassie.”

“I should have made sure you were okay,” Cassie murmured.

“We all should have,” Anna added. “So what are you saying, Meg? Ben couldn’t hurt Lou?”

“There’s no way I can answer that, Anna.” Meg was sincere. “Every individual is different. I don’t know what Ben’s life was like.”

“Nothing like yours, by all accounts,” Cassie sniffed. “He wanted for nothing.”

She told Anna how Ben had grown up in relative comfort.

“So Lou Harding gave them money?” Anna was thoughtful. “Wonder how he managed that.”

“You saw his house, Mom. Didn’t you say it’s in one of those pricey neighborhoods?”

“Gino told me Lou worked as a security guard in the city. How could he afford to support two families and buy such a big house?”

“Maybe he wasn’t an ordinary guard,” Cassie guessed. “He might have worked in some hotshot security firm, in management.”

“I’m going to tell Gino he needs to dig deeper into Lou’s background.”

Meg wanted some more tiramisu. Anna dished out a second helping for everyone.

“So where was Ben that evening when Lou Harding went to the park?”

Cassie bit her lip.

“We never got a chance to ask him that, Mom. He cleared out when he learned who we were.”

“I don’t like this,” Anna sighed. “There are so many things we don’t know. We have barely made any progress since I started looking into this.”

“Are you thinking of giving up?” Meg asked, wide eyed.

“On the contrary, I was thinking I need to ramp up my efforts.”

Cassie wanted to know if Julie or Mary had found anything new.

“Nothing much,” Anna clucked. “None of the people they talked to saw Lou Harding go back home.”

“Does that confirm he went for a walk that evening?” Meg asked.

“He did, according to Scott and Wendy,” Anna reminded her.

Cassie steered her back to what Julie and Mary had reported.

“Terry Morris was seen going to the park that evening,” Anna told them.

“You think he did it, don’t you?” Meg asked. “Is that your gut feel?”

Anna considered Meg’s question.

“I don’t know why I am biased against him. It’s time I went and talked to him.”

Cassie warned her not to meet the man alone.

“When am I alone, Cassie? One or more of you girls is always with me. Or Gino is.”

Meg giggled at the mention of Gino’s name.

“And we know who you prefer, Anna.”

Anna frowned as Meg and Cassie high fived each other.

“There’s no contest,” she began earnestly. “Gino has become dear to me but he is still an outsider. You’re my flesh and blood, girls. Nothing or no one can come between us. I hope you know that.”

A tear slid down Anna’s cheek.

Meg jumped up and ran around the table. She put her arms around Anna and hugged her fiercely.

“We know that, Anna. Cassie and I were just kidding.”

“Yeah, Mom,” Cassie rasped. “What’s with the waterworks?”

Anna wiped her tears quickly and smiled.

“I wish your Dad were here, Cassie. He talked about you all the time. He was so proud of you.”

Cassie’s eyed filled up next.

“You’re determined to make me cry, aren’t you?”

Meg pulled Anna up from her chair and offered a hand to Cassie.

“Why don’t we stay up and watch Casablanca?”

Anna groaned and Cassie let out a whoop of delight. She could never say no to Casablanca.

Chapter 18

Anna stood in her garden, oblivious to the drizzle. The early morning fog made it difficult to see the house next door. She had tried to meditate without much luck. Then she had talked to the plants for a while. The rain intensified and Anna finally went inside, bracing herself for the task that lay ahead.

Anna hesitated for a minute before entering John’s study. She had barely spent any time there since John died, other than to dust or vacuum. But that had to end. She needed answers and she had a feeling she would find them in that room.

She sat at his desk, in the deep brown leather chair he had loved so much. It had cost big bucks and had been custom designed, a 50th birthday gift from Anna to her beloved husband.

Anna leaned back in the chair and looked around, her eyes settling on the floor to ceiling book cases crammed with tomes old and new. The chaise before the window took Anna back. She used to sit there, sipping tea, watching John work. The garden outside was beginning to turn green as spring made its arrival known. Anna stood up and sat down on the chaise, wondering what it would be like to have John with her now.

Fifteen, twenty minutes passed. Anna shook herself out of her daze and walked toward the window. The next instant she was prone on the floor, cursing the offensive box she had stumbled on.

Anna rubbed her elbow and sat up. She vaguely remembered that box. Blowing vigorously on the thick dust coating the cardboard, she opened it with great anticipation. A stack of old Christmas cards lay on top of stacks of papers. Anna grabbed the cards and rifled through them, smiling at names she hadn’t thought of in a while. One of them particularly stood out, John’s old mentor at the university. He had retired a few years ago but still had offices as an emeritus professor.

Anna knew what her next step was going to be.

The weather cleared suddenly and a sunny day dawned in Dolphin Bay. The café and the investigation kept Anna busy. But she hadn’t forgotten what she had decided in John’s study.

Anna carried a box of her blueberry chai cupcakes under her arm. She walked under a canopy of flowering cherry trees on her way to the history department at Dolphin Bay University. She had chosen to go for the element of surprise, deciding against taking an appointment. If she remembered correctly, Professor Jack McDowell had quite a sweet tooth.

The campus was beautiful, with lush green landscaped lawns and colorful flower beds everywhere. It had been John’s favorite time of the year.

The ancient secretary at the department remembered Anna very well. Anna realized she should have brought some cupcakes for the staff too. The professor was in and he came out of his office himself, booming a loud welcome.

Anna found herself enveloped in a bear hug.

“How are you, my dear?” He ushered her into his office and relieved her of the box of cupcakes. “What made you think of this old man today?”

Coffee was brought in and Anna realized she was genuinely enjoying chatting with the professor. She wondered how to bring up the purpose of her visit.

Professor McDowell bit into a cupcake and pronounced it delicious.

“I just got back from Scotland,” he informed Anna. “Was there for almost two years, so I had no idea what was going on here.”

Anna let him continue.

“All that nonsense about you having a hand in John’s murder!” His cheeks were pink with indignation. “I call it ridiculous.”

“Many people believed it,” Anna said mutely. “Lara Crawford can be pretty convincing.”

“Never liked the woman.” The professor dismissed her. “Too full of herself, if you ask me. Don’t know how John got along with her.”

“You knew they were friends?” Anna was surprised.

“I groomed your husband from the day he was an eager freshman, Anna. There wasn’t much I didn’t know about him, both good and bad.”

Anna got her opening.

“I’ve decided to look into John’s death.”

Jack McDowell nodded vigorously.

“It’s about time. I hear you have earned quite a reputation as a sleuth. It’s time to use your smarts to clear your name, girl.”

“Will you help me?”

“With my very life!” The professor was dramatic. “Ask me anything.”

“The police didn’t find any concrete evidence at the time,” Anna told him. “But someone came forward recently.”

She told him about the local wine shop owner who had overheard a suspicious conversation in his shop two years ago.

“This man didn’t say anything at the time?”

“He didn’t give it a second thought,” Anna shrugged. “Until recently, that is.”

Anna didn’t disclose how the man had traded the information to seek Anna’s help in solving a local murder.

“So you think these kids were serious?” The professor looked alarmed. “They really meant to harm John?”

“It sounds farfetched, I know.” Anna nodded. “But it made me realize how little I know about John’s last days. What was he working on, for instance?”

“And that’s where I come in.” Jack McDowell pursed his lips.

“He rarely did anything without your blessing.”

“John never gave me cause to complain.” The professor stood up and walked to the big window facing the gardens.

Anna felt she was close. She tried to be patient as he stared over the lawns, a distant expression in his eyes.

“There were a few minor research projects, of course.” He cleared his throat. “But John spent most of his time studying the Blue Hill ruins.”

Anna couldn’t hide her surprise.

“But the Blue Hill project shut down ten years ago! John told me the department cut off his funding.”

“John was popular,” Jack McDowell sighed. “You know that. But very few people supported him on this one. They thought he was on a fool’s errand.”

“Did something change?” Anna narrowed her eyes.

“John never stopped his research. He did it on his own time. Then he found someone to back him a year before he passed. Work proceeded full swing.”

Anna suddenly remembered the muddy boots John came home in and the long hours he locked himself in his study, burning the midnight oil.

“He told me everything.” She took a deep breath. “How did I not know about this?”

“John learned his lesson last time. He wanted to keep it quiet.”

“But you knew!” Anna whispered.

“Only because I sign off on everything that goes on here. John was very confident this time, Anna. I’m sure he wanted to give you the big news himself.”

Anna smiled and asked him about his time in Scotland. The professor regaled her with the highlights of his trip. Anna didn’t leave until he promised to visit the café.

Anna spent the rest of the day feeling hurt. John had kept things from her again, lied by omission. She finally talked herself into looking at the big picture. She needed to find out more about the Blue Hill project.

Chapter 19

Anna sat before Scott and Wendy in their living room. She had arrived there with Gino a few minutes ago. Wendy was cordial while Scott sulked.

Anna sipped the coffee Wendy had offered them and picked up a cookie.

“We’re still eating stuff people brought over,” Wendy told her.

“Any new updates?” Scott cut her off. “I hope you are close to proving that we had nothing to do with the old man’s death.”

Gino pinned Scott with a razor sharp look.

“You haven’t been honest with me, young man. I warned you about this.”

Wendy’s eyes flew to Scott’s and a look of dread flashed across her face. Scott grasped his wife’s hand and glared at Gino.

“What do you mean by that?” His tone was defensive.

Anna decided to let Gino do the talking.

“The police tried to verify your alibi,” Gino began. “It’s standard procedure. It doesn’t check out.”

Scott swore under his breath.

“It’s not just the police, Scott,” Anna said. “I have another reliable source at the movie hall. You and Wendy never went there that night.”

“Tell them,” Wendy whispered loudly enough for everyone to hear.

“Shut up, Wendy.” Scott didn’t lower his voice. “That doesn’t mean we were not there,” he told Gino.

“Do you have a ticket stub or anything that proves you went to that movie?” Anna asked.

“We didn’t go to the movies,” Wendy blurted out. “But we did go somewhere.”

“I need details, Wendy,” Gino told her gently.

Wendy popped a cookie in her mouth and chewed ferociously.

“Now look what you’ve done,” Scott muttered angrily.

“How bad can it be?” Anna was philosophical. “It can’t be worse than murder.”

The couple looked at each other and seemed to come to a decision. Wendy took the lead.

“Scott’s been unhappy. Very unhappy.” She patted her husband’s knee. “It’s not his fault.”

“Did Lou know?” Anna asked.

“He knew what I wanted and he refused to budge.” Scott was petulant.

“Scott’s always wanted to live in the city,” Wendy told them. “We needed Dad to sell this house so we could afford something decent in the city. But he didn’t want to leave this place.”

“It does grow on you,” Anna said proudly. “Dolphin Bay is one of the most coveted small towns in Northern California. People from the city want to come here.”

“Scott was angry about a lot of things,” Wendy resumed. “And the kids are a handful.” She hesitated before saying the next words. “We grew apart, Scott and I.”

Wendy told them how they had come on the brink of divorce. Scott was depressed and disinterested. Someone suggested counseling. The therapist had advised them to try and spice up their life. Wendy’s friend suggested a date at an exotic club.

“You mean a strip club?” Anna asked outright.

Wendy gave a barely perceptible nod.

“Now you see?” Scott spoke up suddenly. “I couldn’t tell the cops we went to a strip club. What would people say?”

Gino and Anna shared a glance.

“Tell me where you went, Scott. I can talk to one of my contacts at the police department. We will request them to keep this hush hush.”

“There’s no shame in going to a dance club,” Anna told them. “Anyway, what you do in your private life is nobody’s business.”

Scott finally let down his guard and chatted with them for a while. He saw them out.

“We never finished talking about that woman!” Anna exclaimed as they drove away from the Harding residence.

“What woman?”

“Wendy suspected some woman was stalking Lou. She said he refused to talk about it.”

“How did I miss that?” Gino muttered. “Must have been when I got up to use the bathroom.”

“Lots of people need to be checked out now, Gino. Ben Martin, this mysterious woman Wendy mentioned and Lou Harding, of course. We don’t know how he got enough money to maintain two families in such luxury.”

“I have my hands full,” Gino nodded. “Maybe we’ll get lucky and one of these suspects will turn out to be the killer.”

“You don’t want Scott to be guilty,” Anna said flatly. “I wonder why. He’s not the most likeable.”

“He’s a shy young man,” Gino argued. “Not very well mannered, but that doesn’t mean he would hurt his own father.”

Anna was shaking her head in disbelief.

“Actually, Anna. You’re right. I thought I had a read on this guy. That is why I agreed to help him. But now I’m not so sure.”

“You just don’t want to be wrong,” Anna nodded. “But you are only human.”

Gino suggested having lunch at the diner. The Yellow Tulip was packed. Anna decided there was no point in talking about the Hardings while they ate.

It was Friday and the diner was running a fish and chips special. Anna sipped her iced tea while they waited for their food.

“So Leo finally asked Meg to the dance,” Anna spoke. “And Cassie’s at loggerheads with Dylan Woods.”

She wondered if Gino would ask her to the spring fling dance. The whole town had an open invite to the dance and none of the locals missed it. Was she expecting too much?

The beer battered fish arrived and chased her melancholy thoughts away. They enjoyed the big, crunchy fillets of perfectly cooked white fish. Anna handed over half her seasoned fries to Gino. By the time they finished sharing a slice of cherry pie, Anna was trying hard not to yawn.

“Fancy a drive?” Gino asked after they stepped outside the diner.

“As long as you don’t mind if I doze off.”

Anna was true to her word. She had barely closed her eyes when Gino was shaking her awake.

“Where are we?” She sat up in her seat and rubbed her eyes, feeling a bit disoriented.

“Blueberry Falls.”

Gino pointed to a squat building ahead of them.

“Clark’s Security.” Anna looked around. “Looks like a decent operation.”

“Clark’s has an impeccable reputation in the security services sector,” Gino told her as they went inside. “Now let’s see if we can talk to someone here.”

The receptionist asked them to wait. Anna had barely sat down when a young woman dressed in a short pencil skirt arrived to usher them in.

“Lou Harding was one of our best employees. Mr. Clark will see you himself.”

Eddie Clark was nothing like Anna expected. The dense mop of snowy white hair that covered his head fell to his shoulders. Shaggy eyebrows framed hooded eyes and a pudgy frame gave no evidence of any muscle. Anna placed his age at around seventy.

Gino told him the purpose of their visit.

“Did he get along with his coworkers? Any recent fights or grudges?”

“Lou was the model employee,” Clark told them. “We are already feeling his loss.”

“What was his role here?” Anna asked.

“He started out as a cash van driver. He headed all the cash crews now. It was a management position but he still went out in the field as needed.”

“How long had he been working here?” Gino asked.

“We hired him a little over twenty years ago,” Clark told them. “He wasn’t local but his references checked out. He just got his twenty year service medal. We had a nice little party here for him.”

“So you have no idea who might have wanted to hurt him?” Gino pressed.

Clark shook his head vehemently.

“Not a clue. Wait a minute. A young kid came around asking about him. Maybe a couple of months ago?”

“Did Lou meet him?” Anna was curious.

Clark shrugged. “I don’t know, lady. He told me he would take care of him.”

Gino and Anna told him to get in touch if he thought of anything else.

Anna stifled a yawn as they came out of the office building.

“Can we grab a coffee somewhere?” she pleaded. “That lunch was quite heavy, I’m afraid.”

They drove to the picturesque downtown and walked to a diner. The area was very similar to Dolphin Bay but instead of the cliffs and Coastal Walk, a sandy beach ran along the main street.

“Do you think that boy Clark was talking about was Ben Martin?” Anna mused. “Why would he come looking for Lou Harding here?”

“Didn’t the girls say he wanted to be part of Lou’s life? I think he was desperate, Anna.”

“Desperate to spend time with his estranged father or desperate for revenge?”

“That’s a good question. We need to go meet this kid.” Gino sipped his coffee thoughtfully. “I feel we are just getting started, Anna. I’ve got my work cut out.”

“What’s next? A trip to the city?”

Chapter 20

Anna chatted with the Firecrackers over coffee. Julie was giving her a hard time about spending the previous day with Gino.

“Is he taking you to the spring fling dance?” Mary inquired.

“You mean, has he asked her, don’t you?” Julie chided her. “He can’t just assume she’ll go with him.”

“Who else is there?” Mary was puzzled. “Not Charlie Robinson?”

“Don’t even mention that scoundrel, Mary,” Julie snapped. “Gino’s supposed to be better than him.”

There followed a long discussion about who was more courteous, Charlie or Gino. Cassie’s arrival halted the discussion. She had gone to the Tipsy Whale to pick up sandwiches for everyone.

“Gino’s picking me up in thirty minutes,” Anna reminded them. “I better hurry.”

“Where are you going today, Mom?” Cassie bit into her sandwich with relish.

It was inspired by a Vietnamese Bahn Mi and Anna loved it.

“We are meeting Ben Martin. The plan is to meet him at Sally’s before he leaves for work.”

Gino arrived as planned and they set off.

“Did you talk to Sally about our visit? Won’t she wonder why we are meeting this kid?”

“He lives in a separate apartment over the garage. And it’s a detached garage, just like Mary’s. She may not even realize we are there.”

Gino didn’t look convinced.

Ben Martin saw them park the car. He flung open his door and came out to greet them. Gino made sure Anna was fine with the wooden stairs leading up to Ben’s place.

Anna looked around the apartment, expecting a mess of some kind. The room was almost squeaky clean with not a thing out of place. It was a spacious studio, very similar to what Mary had over her garage. Anna guessed the same contractor had probably built them both.

Ben ushered them to a small seating area around a fireplace. There was a love seat and two comfortable chairs. A flat paneled TV reposed on a stand.

Anna asked for some water. Ben pulled some bottles out of a small refrigerator and handed one to Anna. He finally settled down and looked at them expectantly, inviting them to begin.

Gino introduced himself and told Ben Martin why they were there.

“Do you have any idea who might have wanted to harm your father?”

“Lou Harding was my biological father,” Ben replied. “But he never gave me a second glance. I wouldn’t know what was going on in his life.”

“But you wanted to change that?” Anna encouraged him.

Ben nodded dejectedly.

“It’s too late now. I will never be able to spend time with him.”

“Any idea why he didn’t want to see you?” Gino asked. “Did he get along with your mother?”

“They never contacted each other as far as I know. He abandoned us long before I was born. Mom told me he didn’t even visit her when she gave birth. He never held me in his arms, even as a baby.”

“She must have been bitter,” Anna clucked.

“My mother didn’t care. She told me Lou would never be a part of our lives. And she was fine with that.”

“She never shared what happened between them?” Anna dug deeper.

Ben shook his head.

“She didn’t want to see him again. But she understood my need. She just warned me not to expect any kind of attention from him.”

“Are you sure your mother didn’t nurse a grudge against Lou?” Gino cut to the chase. “She might have hid it from you.”

Ben straightened.

“Do you know something I don’t?”

“Scott said some woman in the city was harassing Lou. Chances are, your mother finally released her pent up anger.”

“When did this happen?” Ben twisted the cap off a bottle of water and drank from it.

“It started nine months ago,” Gino told him. “I don’t think you had arrived in Dolphin Bay at that time.”

“I hadn’t,” Ben confirmed. “I came here three months ago. And this woman you speak of can’t be my mother. She died a few years ago.”

Anna’s mouth dropped open. So unless Ben had other relatives, he was all alone.

“I’m sorry, dear.” She was sincere. “Do you have any other family? Wife, cousins?”

Ben smiled and shook his head.

“My mother was an orphan. I never married. So Lou was the only family I had. And Scott and his kids by extension.”

“That’s why you are eager to know them,” Anna said softly.

Ben nodded vigorously.

“I have been lonely since my mom passed. If that makes me weak, so be it. I swallowed my pride and came to live here. Got a menial job at that hotel. All in hopes of getting close to Lou.”

In that moment, Anna felt an intense dislike for Lou Harding. How could he have closed his heart to his own child?

“What were you doing the night Lou died?” Gino asked outright.

“I was at work,” Ben answered immediately. “You can talk to my supervisor.”

Anna thought his answer sounded rehearsed.

“I had no reason to kill him,” Ben volunteered. “I wanted to be part of his life.”

“What now?” Anna wanted to know. “What if Scott doesn’t accept you either?”

“Looks unlikely he will.” Ben pointed at his bruised cheek. “He planted a facer on me at the memorial. I guess he’s a chip off the old block.”

“How long do you plan to stay in town?” Gino asked him.

Ben confessed he hadn’t thought that far yet. But he would have to make a decision at some point of time.

“Do you believe him?” Anna asked Gino after they got into his truck.

“He seems well mannered,” Gino mused. “And he sounds educated. I’m ready to bet he went to college and has some kind of professional job.”

“So why work at the Castle Beach Resort?”

Gino shrugged.

“Let’s go check out his alibi.”

“I’m assuming you have access to the latest autopsy results?” Anna probed. “Do you know when Lou died?”

“We are working with a very wide window here,” Gino told her. “The drugs could have been administered some time in the late evening. The theory is that he was knocked out long before he actually lost his life.”

Charlie Robinson was chatting with some guests in the reception area when they arrived at the resort. He brightened when he saw Anna.

“How are you, my dear?” he asked. “Have the girls told you about my little proposition?”

Gino was looking mutinous.

“They did,” Anna said warmly. “Meg is excited but are you sure it’s not an imposition?”

“Of course not!” Charlie was solicitous, as usual. “The idea is to have a test run. In fact, why don’t you bring your friends too? It will be a nice little getaway for you. The chef is working on some spring specials and would love your input.”

“It sounds very tempting,” Anna admitted. “Let me talk to the girls and get back to you.”

Charlie gave her a little bow. He barely spared a glance at Gino who was growing redder by the minute.

“Now what brings you here today? Something to do with that young man Cassie wanted to meet?”

Anna explained what they were after.

“Can we talk to his supervisor?”

“Why don’t you relax on the terrace and have a glass of wine? I will send the man to you.”

They had barely been seated at a table when a waiter arrived with two glasses of chilled pinot grigio.

“Isn’t it early for wine?” Gino frowned and pulled at his mustache.

Anna closed her eyes and let the cool breeze flow over her. The sky had cleared up, offering a clear view of the bay. The stone terrace was warm from the sun and Anna sighed in pleasure.

“Don’t sulk, dear. It doesn’t suit you.”

She picked up her wine glass and took a sip.

A man dressed in the resort’s uniform arrived and informed them he was Ben’s supervisor. He didn’t look much older than Ben.

Gino asked if Ben had been at work on that particular day. The man nodded.

“If I remember correctly, he worked a double shift that day. Came in at 8 in the morning and didn’t leave until late.”

“So he was here till midnight?”Gino asked.

“Not quite,” the man answered. “Girl he was subbing for decided to come in and work the night. So he left around 7.”

“7 PM in the evening?” Gino stressed.

“Give or take a few minutes,” the man replied. “If you want the exact time, you will have to ask Mr. Robinson to check when he clocked out.”

“This is good enough.” Gino thanked the man.

Anna wanted to linger but Gino pleaded exhaustion. She tried to hide her disappointment. The sunny afternoon, pretty view and the wine had seemed like an ideal setting to ask someone on a date. She figured Gino had other things on his mind.

“So Ben is not in the clear?” Anna asked on the drive back.

“Given the timeframe, no.” Gino sighed. “I know you feel for the kid, Anna. But he has motive. Maybe he got tired of being rejected again and again and decided to take revenge?”

Chapter 21

Anna’s phone rang just after Gino dropped her home. It was Charlie Robinson.

“Hello?” Anna didn’t hide her surprise. “Did I leave something there, Charlie?”

Charlie managed to surprise her.

“I should have thought of this before, Anna. I would like to invite you for dinner. The chef is trying out some new recipes. Maybe it will give you a taste of our hospitality, convince you to spend a weekend at the resort.”

“I’m no stranger to Castle Beach, Charlie,” Anna laughed. “This is a very generous offer.”

“Think about it. Cassie and Meg are also invited.”

Anna made a quick decision.

“We’ll be there. Is 7 PM okay?”

She hung up and went in, happy to take a break from the kitchen for once. Cassie and Meg perked up when she told them about Charlie’s invite.

“It’s been a while since we got to dress up.” Cassie pulled Meg up from the couch. “Let’s pick out something to wear, Meg.”

The winter had been long and dreary and the thought of a nice evening out was very welcome. Anna took a bath and wore a new dress she had bought during the Christmas sale. Cassie had convinced Meg to try on one of her designer numbers.

“The days of my being size zero are long gone,” Cassie sighed dramatically. “But this dress is perfect for you, Meg. You look gorgeous.”

They drove up the hill to the resort. Anna wasn’t sure if Charlie was going to join them for dinner. He wasn’t around when they arrived but he had left specific instructions.

The hostess seated them at the best table out on the terrace. A candle flickered in a hurricane glass placed in the center of their table. A bunch of wildflowers sat next to it. The cool breeze coming off the bay had a salty tang. There were space heaters placed around the tables in case anyone felt cold.

“I wonder what the menu is.” Meg was enthusiastic. “Nothing too fancy, I hope.”

The chef arrived and told them he was trying out some Spanish dishes. Tapas would be provided as appetizers. He told them to save plenty of room for the main dish, paella.

Anna and Cassie sipped the sangria they had been served and exclaimed in delight as an array of tiny dishes were placed before them. There were roasted potato wedges with garlic aioli, stuffed olives, marinated feta cheese, tiny pieces of Spanish omelet and so on. Anna lost count after a while.

Meg kept up with everything placed before her. “This garlic shrimp is the best. So good, Anna.” She licked her fingers lustily.

The paella arrived in a huge circular platter and bowled them over. Bold flavors of garlic, saffron and paprika exploded in Anna’s mouth, a perfect complement to the variety of seafood in the dish.

“I wonder what’s for dessert.” Meg licked her lips. “Do you think we can take some of this home?”

“Don’t be greedy, child.” Anna laughed. She was pleased to see Meg so uninhibited.

Meg laughed when the server placed three desserts before them. There was caramel flan, churros with a thick melted chocolate sauce and an apple tart.

Anna had managed to forget Lou Harding for a few hours. But her mind started churning with all kinds of theories on the way back home.

“How many suspects do we have right now?” she spoke out loud.

“Scott and Wendy, Ben Martin and Terry Morris,” Meg replied obligingly.

“Terry’s the neighbor,” Anna murmured to herself. “I just realized we never talked to him.”

“Are you sure?” Meg asked. “Didn’t you say he went for a walk that evening?”

“Someone said that,” Anna nodded. “But I don’t know who.”

“Go meet him yourself, Mom,” Cassie advised. “I can go with you tomorrow morning.”

Cassie was true to her word. She and Anna set off to meet Terry Morris after the morning rush at the café. Julie was working on a deadline and Mary was out of town. Anna crossed her fingers and hoped Terry Morris wouldn’t throw them out.

Terry Morris ushered them in with no sign of trepidation in his clear blue eyes.

“I know who you are,” he told Anna when she introduced herself. “Wife’s been coming to your bookstore for years.”

Anna asked if they could talk about Lou Harding.

“I was expecting someone long ago, to tell you the truth. Lou and I weren’t on the best of terms.”

Anna was surprised by Terry’s hearty manner.

“You seem to have quite a reputation,” she hinted. “Folks at the senior center are still talking about your latest visit.”

Terry looked sheepish.

“I’ve got a bit of a problem,” he admitted. “It’s a hangover from being in a commanding position.”

He told them about his long army career which began with the Vietnam War.

“I’ve done my bit for the country,” Terry said sternly. “Now I live for my family. They are everything to me.”

Anna asked about his grandson.

“He takes after his grandpa,” Terry beamed proudly. “I don’t condone his behavior, mind you.”

“We heard about that,” Cassie interjected. “Apparently he beat up the neighbor’s kid.”

Terry’s blue eyes bulged as he pursed his lips.

“They beat each other up. And they were both grounded for it. Lou had no business spanking my grandson.”

“Did you go punch him in retaliation?” Anna wanted to know.

“I did no such thing!” Terry curled a fist and banged it on the coffee table. “But I couldn’t just let it slide. I went over next door and warned Lou not to do it again.”

“What did he say?”

“He admitted he lost his temper. We had a drink together and shook hands.”

“That’s it?” Anna wasn’t convinced. “Why did you go manhandle him at the senior center?”

Terry hesitated.

“I guess I shouldn’t have done that. We had agreed we wouldn’t interfere in the kids’ fights. Then Lou goes and lodges a complaint. My grandson got suspended from school. Can you believe that?”

“So you went and gave him a piece of your mind, huh!” Cassie giggled. “Macho man!”

“Didn’t I say I lost my temper?” Terry’s voice went up a pitch. “I even said sorry for it later. Lou accepted my apology.”

Anna sat up.

“He did?”

Terry wrung a hand through his lush brown hair.

“How was I to know I would never see him again?”

“You mean you saw him the day he died?” Anna couldn’t curb her excitement.

“Met him that same evening.” Terry looked sad. “I was walking my dog just like always. We do a few rounds around the block until he does his business. Lou was walking in the opposite direction, toward the botanical garden.”

“And you said sorry?” Cassie prompted. “Just like that?”

“I know when I’m wrong.” Terry shrugged. “Lou said it was water under the bridge.”

“How do you know where he was going?” Anna asked.

“He goes to that park three times a week,” Terry Morris informed her. “Monday, Wednesday and Friday.”

“Did you happen to see Scott and Wendy go out?” Anna took a chance.

“They drove out half an hour later. Saw them from my kitchen window. I was doing the dishes.”

Anna couldn’t think of anything else. She thanked Terry Morris and stepped out with Cassie.

“People say you’re some kind of Nancy Drew,” Terry Morris called out after her. “I hope you find the bounder who killed Lou.”

“Do you believe him, Mom?” Cassie asked on the drive back.

“He’s a bit rough around the edges but he seemed honest.”

Anna thought about what Terry Morris had told them.

“So we now know that Lou Harding actually did go for a walk. He sat on that bench and just went to sleep.”

“The question is, who drugged him?” Cassie reminded her. “Had he already ingested those sleeping pills at home or did he meet someone on the way?”

“That means we are back where we started!” Anna sighed in frustration. “Scott or Wendy could still have done it. And so could Terry Morris. How do we know he didn’t invite Lou in for a drink?”

“By way of an apology, you mean?” Cassie’s eyes widened. “They did that before, didn’t they? Shook hands and had a drink.”

“And Terry knew about Lou’s habits. He could have prepared a doctored drink and gone for a walk with his dog.”

Cassie continued Anna’s line of thought.

“Terry pretended to run into Lou, gave a fake apology and asked him in for a drink. Then he just handed the doctored drink to Lou.”

“This is all conjecture, Cassie. Circumstantial. There is no real proof.”

“But don’t you see, Mom? If this theory is true, we have just been chatting with a murderer.”

Chapter 22

Anna was ready to admit failure. She had never felt so lost during the course of an investigation. Would Gino be disappointed in her?

Meg nudged her after she finished serving coffee to a harried young mother.

“What’s on your mind, Anna?”

Anna shook her head and sighed. A glance at the grandmother clock standing at the entrance of the café told her it was almost time for Julie and Mary to arrive. The door swung open with a swoosh. Anna’s face tightened when she saw who had entered.

Scott Harding marched to the display case, waving a brown envelope. Wendy hurried after him, her expression inscrutable.

“You wanted a motive?” Scott glared at Anna. “If this doesn’t show a clear intent to harm my father, I don’t know what does.”

Anna led them to a table and asked Scott what he was talking about.

“We found letters,” Wendy nodded. “I think they are from that same woman we told you about.”

“She’s threatening him.” Scott jabbed a finger on the packet containing the letters.

Anna pulled one out and started reading. Her eyes widened as she took in the contents. Every letter was more or less the same. A woman called Linda Porter blamed Lou Harding for her husband’s death. Some letters railed at him for destroying her life. Others promised some kind of retaliation. Then Anna found a few letters where the woman promised to take him to court again. She wanted justice for her husband. She wasn’t going to rest until she got it.

“What do you say now?” Scott sat with folded arms and gave her a smug smile. “I don’t know why you call yourself a sleuth. We have done your job for you.”

Wendy tried to catch her husband’s eye.

“Don’t give me that look, Wendy!” Scott snapped at her suddenly. “We are handing them everything on a platter. They better know that. I don’t want to get an inflated invoice in my mail for services rendered.”

“We are not charging you anything,” Anna reminded him. “Gino asked me to help because he thinks highly of you.”

“And we are grateful, of course,” Wendy said hurriedly. “What should we do next?”

Anna straightened all the letters and put them back together.

“Can I keep these?”

Scott gave a shrug and stood up. He walked out of the café without a word. Wendy smiled at Anna and thanked her again before rushing out after her husband.

“What’s that?” Julie had come in a few minutes ago.

She sat at their usual table with Mary, sipping coffee.

Anna gave them a brief overview of what had happened.

“Linda Porter?” Mary considered. “She’s not a local, as far as I know. There are no Porters in Dolphin Bay.”

“She lives in the city.” Anna had noticed the postmark on the letters. “Or she mailed these letters from there.”

“Who is she?” Julie wondered out loud. “Do we know nothing about this woman?”

“I think a little research might be in order,” Anna said thoughtfully.

“Can I help?” Meg stood behind Anna as usual with her hands on Anna’s shoulders. “I can start at the Chronicle.”

“I’m not sure the Chronicle will help us this time,” Anna told Meg.

“How can you be sure of that?” Julie asked.

“Look at the dates this woman mentions. Her husband died about twenty five years ago.”

“Long before Lou Harding came to Dolphin Bay.” Julie caught on. “She’s right, Meg. Maybe the public library will be a better resource. You can widen your search radius.”

Anna thought Meg seemed intimidated.

“I can go with you later, sweetie.”

“Let me try first, Anna.” Meg took a deep breath. “I’ll be in college next year. You won’t be around to help me there.”

Anna made her promise she would ask for help if necessary.

Mary started talking about the spring fling dance. The volunteers had finished painting the barn with Cassie’s chosen shade of green. They were going to start on the flower border that afternoon.

“It’s livened the place up,” Mary told them. “Cassie’s been a big help.”

Anna proposed a shopping trip to get dresses for the dance.

“What’s wrong with this?” Julie pointed at her outfit. “It’s just a barn dance.”

“Julie Walsh! You’re not wearing plaid to the annual spring dance!” Mary looked scandalized. “Rory’s easygoing but even he deserves a date who will make a basic effort.”

“Where does Rory figure in all this?” Julie smirked. “Is he taking one of his patients to the dance?”

She laughed at her own attempt at humor.

“No, silly!” Anna shook her head. “He’s taking you.”

“When did I agree to that?” Julie complained. “Shouldn’t he ask me first?”

“I accepted on your behalf,” Mary informed her coolly.

The ladies laughed and argued for the better part of an hour until it was time for lunch. Mary and Julie both had prior engagements so Anna bid them goodbye and walked into the bookstore to check on Cassie.

“I was just about to step out, Mom. Do you want a sandwich from the Tipsy Whale? I have to go to the farm soon as I finish eating.”

Anna ate a solitary lunch and took care of a few stragglers at the café. Cassie peeped in to say goodbye. For a split second, Anna thought of going out to the Daisy Hollow Farm. Then she dismissed the idea. A nap sounded much better to her.

She walked home slowly, savoring the watery sunlight that peeped through the gray clouds. There were two fat packets in the mail for Meg and Anna deduced they were admission letters. She sat on the couch and dozed off, wondering how life would be when Meg went off to college.

The sky had already darkened when Anna stirred. She massaged the crick in her neck and opened her refrigerator, debating what they would have for dinner.

Neither of the girls had come home yet.

Anna was stirring a big pot of minestrone soup when Meg entered through the kitchen door, bringing in a whiff of spring blossoms and rain.

“Is it raining again?” Anna asked. “Dinner in thirty minutes.”

“You won’t believe what I found out, Anna!”

Anna placed a mug of hot chocolate before Meg and told her to settle down.

“You’re freezing! Why don’t you change and warm up a bit? We can talk while we eat.”

“Is my mom back yet?” Meg asked, picking up a tiny marshmallow with her spoon and popping it into her mouth.

Anna’s heart skipped a beat. She turned around so Meg wouldn’t see the wide smile stretched across her face.

“She can’t still be at the farm. Why don’t you call her? Or send her a message.”

Half an hour later, Cassie and Meg sat at the table with giant bowls of minestrone soup before them. Cassie looked thunderous.

Anna took one look at her daughter and shook her head. Cassie opened her mouth to protest.

“Let me guess. This has something to do with Dylan. That poor boy!”

“You are taking his side?” Cassie’s eyebrows shot up.

Meg slurped half her soup with her head down and swallowed a big hunk of garlic bread.

“Do you want to hear my update or not?”

“Go ahead, sweetie.” Anna gave her an encouraging nod.

“I started out by looking at the city papers,” Meg began. “We know Lou Harding didn’t come here until twenty years ago. I worked back from that date.”

“Were you looking for Lou Harding?” Cassie asked curiously.

“I used that woman’s name. Linda Porter. I didn’t find her exactly but I found a Jack Porter.”

“Are they related?” Anna held her breath.

“We can only guess,” Meg warned. “But I strongly believe Jack Porter was this Linda Porter’s husband.”

“Was?” Cassie prompted.

“Jack Porter was killed during a bank robbery.” Meg sat back with a smug smile. “He was survived by his young wife.”

“That poor man!”Anna exclaimed. “Were there any other casualties?”

Meg shook her head.

“Wait till you hear the whole story. Jack Porter was killed by a stray bullet fired by the bank’s security guard. He died on the spot.”

Anna’s mouth fell open.

“Guard? Do you mean Lou Harding killed this woman’s husband?”

“There were no names, but that’s my theory, yes.” Meg ladled more soup into the bowl. “No wonder this woman wrote those letters. Looks like she never forgave Lou.”

Anna found it hard to process Meg’s information. Here was a completely unexpected twist. Suddenly, she had a lot of threads to pursue.

The phone trilled, putting a stop to their conversation. Anna answered the phone half heartedly, assuming Julie or Mary would be on the line. Her gaze sharpened when an unfamiliar voice came through.

“Don’t worry about it, dear.” Her tone was formal. “We are just having dinner.”

She listened for a few more minutes and promised to meet the other person at the café the next morning.

“Was that Aunt Julie?” Cassie asked.

Anna shook her head slightly.

“It was Ben Martin. He says he remembered something. He wants to talk to me about it.”

“Why don’t you call him over right now?” Meg asked, wide eyed. “Could be an important clue.”

“Ben just got off work,” Anna explained. “He sounded tired. So I promised him a cup of coffee on the house tomorrow morning.”

“Did he drop any hints?” Cassie dabbed her mouth with a napkin. “Why is he so forthcoming all of a sudden?”

Anna pulled a warm cherry crumble out of the oven.

“Guess we’ll find out tomorrow morning.”

Chapter 23

Anna bustled around the café, greeting customers and filling orders. She handed a latte and two cupcakes to Ian Samuels, the editor of the Dolphin Bay Chronicle.

“How’s it going, Anna?” he smiled. “Any hot leads?”

“Nothing concrete yet,” Anna confessed. “But I think I might catch a break today.”

“That doesn’t tell me anything,” Ian grumbled with a smile. “The police are equally tight lipped.”

Anna gave a tiny shrug.

“You’ll know soon enough, Ian. Nobody’s going to steal your story.”

The Chronicle was the only newspaper in town. Ian and Anna both knew that.

Anna’s eyes strayed to the clock every few minutes. She had been restlessly awaiting Ben Martin since the café opened that morning. What was taking him so long?

Cassie burst in through the bookstore.

“Mom!”

Anna stared at her daughter’s animated face and prepared herself for something dramatic.

“What has Dylan done now?”

Cassie’s face softened. She took Anna’s hand and led her to a table. Anna grew alarmed, wondering why Cassie was treating her with kid gloves.

“I heard a buzz at the bookstore,” Cassie began. “You know how those people just sit around and gossip?”

Anna nodded impatiently.

“I couldn’t believe what they were saying so I called Teddy.” Cassie took a deep breath and sighed. “He confirmed it, Mom, although he didn’t provide any details. I think …”

“Are you going to spit it out?” Anna cut her off.

“Ben is gone.” Cassie gulped. “I’m sorry, Mom.”

“What do you mean? I’ve been waiting for that kid for hours. How could he just leave without any notice?”

“Ben Martin is dead,” Cassie elaborated. “Murdered, actually. Teddy confirmed it.”

Anna’s hands flew to her mouth. She stared at her daughter, making no attempt to hide her distress.

“Are you sure about this, Cassie? Why, I talked to him last night and he was just fine.”

The café door burst open and Julie marched in, white faced. Her pasty look clashed with her brightly colored plaid shirt, highlighting the contrast. Mary was right behind her.

“Brace yourself, Anna.” Julie’s voice held a warning note.

Mary was wringing her hands, looking worried.

“That poor boy,” Mary cried. “He’s dead, Anna. Ben Martin is dead. Sally called me earlier and I asked Julie to pick me up. We wanted to tell you in person.”

The ladies sat down with Anna, looking as stunned as Anna felt. She hadn’t really known Ben Martin but she mourned his loss.

Cassie stood up and looked around.

“Where’s Meg?”

“Out for a walk, I think,” Anna replied. “She’s taking a break.”

Meg stumbled into the café just then, looking stunned. She walked to their table in a daze. Anna slid in and made room for her.

“I was out on the Coastal Walk,” she murmured. “I ran into Leo.” Her eyes filled up. “Ben’s dead, Anna.”

“We know, sweetie.” Anna enveloped her granddaughter in a hug.

“Leo said he was strangled,” Meg informed them. “They have already ruled it as murder.”

There were a series of exclamations around the table. Cassie came over with a tray loaded with mugs and a fresh pot of coffee.  She had added a plate of chocolate chip cookies.

She poured the coffee and added generous amounts of sugar to all the mugs.

“Drink this, Mom.”

“Where was Scott last night?” Julie asked triumphantly after she had taken a few sips of the hot drink. “He made it clear he hated Ben.”

“He didn’t want to associate with Ben,” Anna nodded. “But that doesn’t mean he would kill him, Julie.”

“Isn’t he a suspect in Lou’s death?” Julie asked. “Or have you cleared him of any involvement.”

Anna shook her head.

“Scott needs money, right?” Julie reminded them. “He wants to move to the city and he needs money to go live there. That’s been his motive all along.”

“You think Ben wanted money from him?” Meg was incensed. “Ben was hungry for some affection. He was all alone after his mother died. He just wanted to connect with his family. That’s why he came to Dolphin Bay.”

Anna tried to console Meg.

“Do you remember when you and Cassie met him at the resort? Did he say anything about his life prior to coming here?”

“What are you hinting at?” Mary asked.

“Yeah, Mom.” Cassie nodded. She had pulled up a chair and sat facing all of them. “What are you saying?”

“We don’t know anything about Ben’s background. Maybe he was running from something?”

“You’re saying someone in Ben’s life did this?” Mary asked.

“Are you that besotted with Scott?” Julie rasped. “You need your head examined, Anna.”

“I’m just trying to be objective,” Anna told them. “And no, Julie, I’m not too fond of Scott either. But that doesn’t mean he is capable of killing someone.”

“I think you’re too kind, Anna.” Meg sniffled.

Anna wondered why she was questioning the obvious. But her instincts told her there was more to the story.

“I hope the police look into Ben’s background,” she sighed. “They should at least consider that Ben’s death may have nothing to do with Lou Harding.”

“So you are not going to look into this?” Julie prompted. “That’s unlike you, Anna.”

Anna was resolute.

“It’s a tough call. But I think I would rather focus on Lou for now. I’m sure the police will be investigating Ben Martin.”

Cassie was looking impatient.

“What was Ben going to tell you, Mom? Didn’t he give you any clue?”

“I guess we’ll never know,” Anna admitted sadly.

Julie and Mary wanted to know what Cassie meant. Anna told them about Ben’s call.

“Aren’t you curious?” Mary asked gently.

Anna told them she didn’t have a choice.

“What about those letters Scott and Wendy brought over?” Julie asked Anna. “Don’t they seem a bit too convenient? I say they are fabricated.”

Meg finally looked up. She had been staring at the floor with her head in her hands. Anna gave her a nod, encouraging her to tell everyone what she had discovered at the library.

“So there’s actually a woman called Linda Porter?” Julie wasn’t convinced.

“The news article didn’t mention a name,” Meg admitted. “I think they were trying to shield her.”

“It depends on the person writing the article,” Cassie offered. “Some of them are sympathetic. This Porter woman might have wanted to stay anonymous for obvious reasons.”

“That’s a lot of speculation,” Julie warned. “So the article mentions neither Linda Porter nor Lou Harding. When did this bank robbery happen?”

“I’m not sure.” Meg looked sheepish. “The article I read was from 1992. It must be around that time.”

“Did it say what happened to the guard?” Anna asked.

Meg shook her head.

“I think he might have been injured too. I didn’t have a chance to dig deeper. I was planning to look up the bank robbery today.”

“Don’t worry about it, Meg.” Anna patted her back gently. “I’m going to hand over all this information to Gino. He can run a background check on this woman and try to locate her.”

“Why hasn’t Gino been around recently?” Julie asked her point blank. “Did you two have a fight?”

Anna colored.

“He’s been busy at the vineyard,” she said evasively, hoping she sounded nonchalant enough.

Gino had seemed a bit distant lately. He still hadn’t asked her to the spring fling dance. She had begun to wonder if he was going with someone else.

“Look at us,” Julie said suddenly. “We are a miserable bunch, aren’t we? I propose we go for a drive.”

“It’s a beautiful day.” Cassie agreed readily. “And there’s not a single cloud in the sky, Mom.”

“It’s almost time for lunch,” Mary pointed out. “Should we go to the diner first?”

“I have a better idea,” Julie told them. “Let’s pack some food and drive to the highway. We can stop at some scenic lookout and have a picnic of sorts.”

Anna expected Meg to oppose the idea. But Meg’s face relaxed into a brief smile.

“We won’t forget Ben,” she told her softly.

“I’ve known Anna longer than you, kid.” Julie patted Meg’s hand. “I don’t care what she says. I’m sure she won’t rest until she finds out what happened to Ben.”

“Do you fancy a sandwich from the Tipsy Whale, Meg?” Cassie was solicitous.

“The China Garden will be much faster,” Mary advised.

“Unless you plan on running into a handsome farm boy at the pub, Cassie,” Julie teased.

“Oh please!” Cassie rolled her eyes. “I’ve had enough of Dylan to last me a lifetime.”

Anna called the China Garden and placed their order. They walked over to pick up the food and piled into Julie’s big SUV a few minutes later. Anna felt a surge of emotion as they drove up the scenic Pacific highway. Ben Martin would never enjoy a sunny day again. Someone had made sure of that.

Chapter 24

Anna stared out of the window, watching the trees flash by. The steady downpour that started around midnight had slowed to a drizzle. Visibility was moderate and fog hung over the road as they drove to the city.

Gino had used his sources to track down Linda Porter. They were going to the city to meet her. After debating the issue for a while, Gino had decided against giving her any prior notice. The plan was to call her after they reached the city.

“Do you think she’ll meet us?” Anna voiced her misgivings. “We don’t really have any official power.”

“Leave it to me, Anna.”

Gino drank deeply from a thermos but didn’t say much. Ben’s death had suddenly brought home the gravity of their investigation.

They reached the fancy coffee shop they had picked out earlier. It was a couple of blocks from the address they had for Linda Porter. Gino and Anna had a quick meal of turkey club sandwiches they spotted in the display case. Anna sipped coffee while Gino stepped out to call Linda. He came back looking grim.

“She’ll be here in thirty minutes.”

“Did you tell her about the letters?” Anna asked and received a quick nod in answer.

A petite, attractive woman walked in twenty minutes later. She was middle aged with large brown eyes set in a heart shaped face. Anna liked her immediately. She saw them and walked to their table.

“Gino Mancini, I presume?” She held out her hand.

Gino introduced Anna and pulled out a chair for the woman. Linda didn’t pull any punches.

“Do you really think I killed Lou Harding?” she began.

Anna saw genuine surprise in the woman’s expression.

“I won’t pretend to be sad at his demise.” Linda smoothed her eyebrow absently. “He was singlehandedly responsible for destroying my life.”

“Why don’t you start at the beginning?” Anna suggested. “Tell us about Jack.”

Linda’s eyes softened at the mention of her late husband.

“Jack and I, we were soul mates. We were going to live until the ripe old age of ninety and have a dozen kids.”

“I’m sorry,” Anna apologized. “Sometimes life takes a turn we never saw coming.”

Linda’s eyes had a faraway look. Gino cleared his throat impatiently. Anna placed her hand over his, silently willing him to be still.

“Jack was everyone’s darling,” Linda told them. “He was a quarterback on the high school football team. They won the state championship and there was no looking back. Scouts lined up outside his house and he had his pick of college scholarships.”

“Was this in 1992?” Gino asked. “Jack Porter, quarterback. I think I remember the name now.”

“He was destined to be a pro player,” Linda sighed. “My parents thought he would stray once he went to college. So we got married. We were kind of young, but we both loved each other.”

“You were still in high school?” Anna prompted.

“It was our senior year,” Linda told them. “We were going to Lake Tahoe for our honeymoon. Jack went to the bank to cash a check.”

Anna saw the younger woman swallow a lump. Her eyes had filled up.

“I’m sorry we are making you relive all this,” she apologized.

“I still think of him every day,” Linda said softly. “He got hit by a stray bullet. Some said it was a fluke. The bullet ricocheted off some surface and hit my Jack.”

Gino took over the conversation.

“And Lou Harding fired this gun?”

“He was the security guard at the bank,” Linda said bitterly. “The police arrested him but he was never tried. He insisted he had fired in self defense.”

“You hold him responsible.” Anna stated the obvious. “Why write those letters now? What changed?”

Linda looked at them frankly.

“I was a flight attendant for twenty years. It kept me busy. I’ve had a lot of time on my hands lately.”

“How did you find Lou Harding?” Gino asked.

“It wasn’t that difficult,” Linda shrugged. “I was going stir crazy and I could never forgive him.”

“What were you hoping to achieve?” Anna was curious. “Did you want money?”

Linda laughed.

“I’m wealthy enough. Money was never my objective. I wanted him to apologize, show some remorse. I wanted to look into Lou Harding’s eyes and believe he was sorry he took my Jack’s life.”

“How far were you willing to go, Ms. Porter?” Gino asked in his policeman’s voice.

“You think I had something to do with his death?” Linda was astonished. “Prove it.”

Linda stood up and started walking out of the café. She turned around at the last minute and came back.

“Let me save you some time. There’s a new police chief in town and he’s thinking of reopening the case. The law would have got Lou Harding this time.”

Linda was gone before Anna had a chance to react to this new bit of information.

“That was interesting!” Gino signaled a waitress and asked for a fresh cup of coffee. “It will be easy enough to check her alibi.”

“You don’t really think she did it?” Anna prodded.

Gino held up a hand as he dialed a number. The coffee arrived just as he finished speaking with Leo.

“He’s going to get us the contact information for the local police chief.”

They chatted about this and that while they waited for a message from Leo. Gino went out again to talk on his phone.

“We should get going. The chief agreed to meet us.”

Anna guessed Gino’s reputation preceded him. He had earned a lot of goodwill as the police chief of Dolphin Bay.

They entered a bustling police station and were ushered into the chief’s office almost immediately. Gino got down to the purpose of their visit.

“So you’re here about the great bank robbery of 1992?” the chief nodded. “It’s baffled a lot of my predecessors.”

“They never found the culprits?” Gino asked.

“Not a whiff.” The chief drummed his fingers on the table. “They had quite a haul. Over a couple of million in those days.”

Anna’s eyes grew wide. She tried to calculate how much two million was worth in current times.

“What’s your theory?” Gino asked the chief.

“I’ve been reviewing the case file. They couldn’t have done it without inside help.” He leaned forward and paused. “My money’s on your man, Lou Harding.”

“You’re saying Lou Harding was a bank robber?” Anna let out a squeak.

She had never expected this.

“He could have shot one of the robbers but he fired in the air. It’s unfortunate that he hit that poor kid.”

Gino waited for the chief to go on.

“A bullet grazed his thigh and he claimed damages. The bank made a big settlement on him. His job was waiting for him whenever he wanted to go back but he skipped town.”

Gino shook hands with the chief.

“You’ve given us a lot to think about.”

Anna followed Gino out of the police station. They were both lost in thought. Gino placed an arm around Anna and gave her a smile.

“Let’s forget all this and have lunch. What do you fancy, sourdough or dim sum?”

Anna chose the sourdough and they headed to Fisherman’s Wharf to sample the soup served in the famous bread bowls. They bought several bags of saltwater taffy to take home. Then it was time to drive back.

Gino tuned the radio to an oldies station and smiled as Anna sang along. The rain had stopped and they made good time.

“Thank you for the delicious meal, Gino. I really needed a break.”

“Too much to take in?” Gino nodded.

Anna admitted her mind was whirling with the avalanche of new information.

“Do you believe the chief’s theory, Anna?”

“About Lou being a bank robber?” Anna chuckled. “We didn’t really know him well. So it’s hard to comment on his character.”

“He had a big payday, judging by what the chief told us. He could have changed after that. Gone straight.”

“Ben told me he never wanted for any material comforts. Lou took care of them.”

“He seemed to have a grand lifestyle,” Gino mused. “He obviously took care of Scott’s family too. Seems like a lot, even on a manager’s salary.”

“What about the insurance settlement the chief mentioned? Maybe Lou invested it wisely and used it to supplement his salary.”

“You don’t want Lou to be the bad guy, do you?”

Chapter 25

Anna sat at the Tipsy Whale, having lunch with her friends. The previous day had been idyllic. Julie and Mary wanted details.

“Don’t you leave the good parts out,” Julie warned.

“I told you everything,” Anna protested. “We drove to the city, met this Linda Porter, then met the police chief.”

“We know all that,” Julie dismissed. “Give us the real scoop. Where did you go after?”

Anna smiled as she talked about the lunch she had shared with Gino and the drive back.

“What about dinner?” Mary smiled knowingly. “Cassie told us you ate out.”

“I went to Mystic Hill,” Anna admitted. “Gino called ahead and told his cook to have everything ready. She made a salad and some fancy herb butter. The potatoes were in the oven when we got home and the steaks were marinating. Gino grilled them on his patio.”

“So?” Julie was impatient. “Did he pop the question?”

“The dance is in two days,” Mary reminded her.

Anna dug her fork in the coleslaw and nodded, trying to fight the blush that stole over her. Gino had insisted she have a second serving of crème Brule, his cook’s specialty. Then just when Anna had given up hope, he had kissed her gently and asked if she would be his date for the spring fling festival.

“That’s it!” Julie whooped. “We have one day to go shopping. I’m going to wrap up my latest book today and send it to my editor. But tomorrow, I’m all yours. We will drive wherever needed to get you the perfect dress. And shoes! Don’t forget shoes.”

“Isn’t it a bit too much?” Anna was uncertain. “It’s just a dance. Happens every year in Dolphin Bay.”

“Yes, but you have a hot date now. And a second chance at love. You need to put your best foot forward.”

Mary’s phone rang while Julie was browbeating Anna. She spoke softly for a couple of minutes and hung up. Anna waited for an update.

“That was Sally Davis,” Mary informed them. “She’s been rounding up Ben’s things. She asked if you wanted to have a look.”

Anna hesitated.

“Come on, Anna,” Julie urged. “This is a golden opportunity. You can’t rule out Ben’s connection to Lou. I say their deaths are connected.”

“He wanted to tell you something,” Mary added. “What if he left some note for you, Anna?”

“Okay, okay.” Anna wolfed down the last bit of her sandwich and pushed her plate away. “We can go now. Let me just make a quick call to Meg.”

When the Firecrackers reached Sally’s house, she was coming down the stairs from Ben’s apartment, lugging a box.

“I put all his things in this,” she told Anna and invited them in for a drink.

“Do you mind if I take a quick look upstairs?” Anna asked her.

Julie had already bounded up the stairs.

“We’re too late, Anna.” Julie shook her head in disgust. “She seems to have run the vacuum here already.”

Anna pulled out drawers and peeped into the tiny closet. Not a trace of Ben Martin remained in the room.

“Sally did have that box,” she said hopefully. “Let’s go check it out.”

Mary sat in Sally’s living room, sipping lemonade.

“He was a good kid,” Sally reminisced. “Of course, he was not that young. I think it was very brave, what he did.”

“And what was that?” Julie asked outright.

“He put his dental practice on hold, of course.” Sally gave them a curious look. “I thought you knew that, Anna. Ben was a well known dentist in the city. He came here to reconnect with his family. I could never understand why he took that silly job at the Castle Beach Resort.”

“So he didn’t want any money from the Hardings?” Anna stressed.

“I don’t think so,” Sally said loyally. “Do you know what a dental surgeon makes in a year? He was much better off than that brother of his.”

“This is news to me,” Anna nodded. “I wonder if this is what he wanted to tell me.”

“He didn’t like to talk about his background,” Sally countered. “He told me because I needed a reference.”

“What’s in the box?” Julie asked. “Can we take a look?”

“It’s all yours,” Sally said willingly. “I packed up his clothes yesterday. This is just little stuff I found lying around. I’m not sure if I should keep it or trash it. Feels a bit premature to throw it all out.”

Anna’s face fell. She began rifling through the box. There were two photo albums. One of them showed a couple holding a baby. Anna guessed the man was a young Lou Harding. So there was no doubt he knew about Baby Ben.

“Look at this one,” Julie pointed at some photos of a grown up Ben with a beautiful older woman. “Must be his mother, huh?”

“This looks like a journal.” Mary handed over a leather bound notebook to Anna.

She seized it eagerly and began rifling through the pages. Mary was right. It was a journal of sorts. Ben had written about how he longed to meet his father and connect with his older brother. He had noted when he tried to meet Lou, how he tried to reason with him, what he felt when Lou rejected him again. There was an account of Lou’s funeral and the fight with Scott. Anna felt like a voyeur as she skimmed through the book. She barely noticed when a folded piece of paper fell out.

“We should get going,” she told Sally. “Thank you so much for letting me come over.”

“You’re so smart, Anna.” Sally was sincere. “Ben was a good guy. He deserves justice.”

Anna was about to step on the piece of paper when Mary held her off. She picked it up and unfolded it.

“What is it, Mary?” Anna asked.

“Looks like this came from a brochure.” Mary handed it over.

Anna saw a picture of an armored truck emblazoned across the glossy page. A familiar logo caught her eye.

“I know these people,” she murmured and absently put it in her bag.

“Can you please elaborate?” Julie rolled her eyes.

“That’s the security company where Lou worked. It’s in Blueberry Falls.”

“Why does Ben have that flyer?” Mary asked.

“We met Lou’s boss,” Anna explained. “He told us Ben had visited them. I think he was looking for Lou.”

“So why keep it in that journal?” Julie quipped. “Was he going to forget the name?”

“I don’t know, girls!” Anna sighed.

She thought back to the time she had visited the security company with Gino. There had been a stack of brochures at the reception. The girl manning the desk had encouraged them to take one. She guessed the same thing had happened with Ben.

“He must have used it as a bookmark. It was just tucked in between the pages, right?”

“You look exhausted,” Julie clucked. “Why don’t I drop you off? It’s back to work for me, unfortunately.”

Anna was nodding off by the time she got home. She took a nap and woke up feeling restless. Cassie and Meg sat in the living room, giving each other manicures.

“Aunt Julie texted me,” Cassie called out. “We are all going shopping tomorrow, Mom.”

Anna went into the kitchen and made herbal tea for all of them.

“You look like a cat on hot bricks, Anna.” Meg peered at her. “What’s bothering you?”

“Aunt Julie’s on a deadline,” Cassie spoke up. “I asked her to dinner.”

Anna had an epiphany.

“I’m going to make pasta!”

Anna made pasta whenever she felt out of sorts. There was something therapeutic about kneading the dough and rolling it out. She went out to the garden to get some fresh spinach. The kitchen was soon redolent with the aromas of garlic and olive oil. Anna spooned the ricotta stuffing on long ribbons of pasta and cut out perfect squares. She popped the pasta into boiling water.

“Are you making vodka sauce to go with it?” Cassie pleaded when she came into the kitchen. “I’ll make the garlic bread.”

“Was Dylan here?” Anna asked her daughter. “I found a carton of fresh ricotta in the refrigerator.”

“Dylan is just impossible!” Cassie fumed. “He could have given me that carton, right? I spent the whole afternoon at Daisy Hollow. But no! He followed me all the way here in that crummy truck of his. Said he didn’t want to be obliged to me for anything.”

Anna tried to hide her smile.

“You haven’t exactly been friendly with him.”

“And I never will be.”

Cassie dumped some chopped parsley into softened butter and began whipping it ferociously.

“There was a time when you loved him.” Anna reminded her. “Can’t you at least be friends now?”

“Not on your life!” Cassie declared before stomping out of the kitchen.

Chapter 26

Anna stood outside the red barn at Daisy Hollow Farms, flanked by Cassie and Meg on either side. Gino had pleaded to let him pick her up but she had chosen to meet him directly at the farm.

The ladies had spent the previous day shopping for the perfect outfits. Cassie and Meg both wore prom dresses. Meg looked beautiful in a pale pink dress which hugged her lithe frame. Cassie wore an emerald green dress that accentuated her curves and her rich golden hair. Anna thought the extra pounds made her daughter more attractive. Anna herself wore a peasant style dress in peach and lavender floral print.

Gino and Leo were waiting for them near the entrance. Gino came forward and kissed Anna. Leo hesitated a bit and offered his arm to Meg. They had brought corsages for the three Butler women.

Julie had grudgingly agreed to go to the dance with Rory Cunningham, the medical examiner. They were already inside, sipping punch with Mary and her husband.

Anna looked around the inside of the barn and exclaimed in delight. The volunteers had done a fantastic job with the paint. The bright wildflowers on the walls jived with bunches of the real stuff tucked in mason jars and placed around the room. The California poppies and the wild mustard livened up the atmosphere.

Anna saw Cassie speaking to Dylan and held her breath. There seemed to be an intense field of energy around the couple. Anna wondered how Cassie didn’t feel it.

“Don’t they make a hot couple?” Meg whispered in her ear.

She went over to greet Dylan. Cassie was going around, reminding everyone to vote for Meg. Gino whisked Anna away for a dance and everything faded away.

“You look beautiful tonight, Anna.”

“Just tonight?”

“Stop giving me a hard time.” Gino laughed heartily. “I’m not falling for that.”

The dance ended and they decided to sample the food. Row after row of gingham covered tables groaned with enough dishes to feed an army. Everyone went overboard for the spring dance. Anna herself had brought a few dozen cupcakes along with two pans of her stuffed shells.

She loaded her plate with her favorites and looked around for a place to sit.

“Over here, Anna.” Teddy Fowler called out to her.

He sat at a table with his three young kids.

“I’m on dinner duty.” He wiped a smear off a little girl’s face. “Their mom is making sure everything is ready for the big dance.”

Anna and Gino clapped as all the wannabe spring fling queens presented the dance Cassie had choreographed for them. Anna thought Meg was the prettiest among them.

“She’s come a long way,” Gino observed. “All thanks to you and Cassie.”

“I never imagined Meg would come back in my life.” Anna wiped a tear quickly. “Never in my wildest dreams …”

Gino squeezed her hand and smiled.

“Are the Hardings here, you think?” Anna looked around the room. “Scott doesn’t seem too fond of anything in Dolphin Bay.”

“They did live here for twenty years,” Gino pointed out. “Wendy might be here with the kids.”

They spotted her at that very moment, standing in a corner sipping punch. Anna waved her over.

“How are you, Wendy? I didn’t know if you’d be here.”

“Oh, I would never miss the spring fling dance. I’m a small town girl myself. Scott wouldn’t be caught dead here though. He’s home with the kids.”

“Are you all packed?” Anna asked. “When are you leaving for the city?”

“Not anytime soon, thanks to the police,” Wendy said lightly. “Personally, I prefer living here. I grew up on this coast in a town like this, you see. Scott’s the one who’s hung up on a city job. It’s almost like an obsession with him.”

Wendy saw someone she wanted to talk to and moved away. Anna watched her thoughtfully. Was it possible Scott had managed to sneak past his wife? Or had he confessed after the fact and Wendy was protecting him for the sake of the family?

“I can hear those wheels turning.” Gino wagged a finger at her. “You promised you were going to relax tonight, Anna. Let me show you a good time.”

Anna assured him she was enjoying herself. She got up and excused herself on the pretext of powdering her nose. Cassie was eating pie, looking at Meg dance with Leo.

“Isn’t she beautiful, Mom?”

“She takes after you,” Anna said softly. “Have you seen that detective friend of yours?”

“Dancing with his wife,” Cassie mumbled with her mouth full.

Anna rushed ahead and waylaid him with a smile.

“Got a minute?”

“Anything for you, Mrs. Butler. Except work. I’m off duty and I promised my wife …”

“Do you still suspect Scott and Wendy?” Anna forged ahead. “See, all this time I thought they must be in it together but now I don’t think so.”

“How do you mean?” Teddy couldn’t resist.

“Wendy’s not in cahoots with her husband,” Anna explained. “She doesn’t have a motive because she likes living in Dolphin Bay.”

Teddy cleared his throat and looked around frantically. Anna grabbed his arm and led him to a small table tucked away in a nook.

“We verified their alibi,” Teddy said hurriedly. “It checks out. My money’s on them but there is no evidence, Mrs. Butler.”

“Call me Anna, dear.”

“My wife must be looking for me. We need to go home and put the younger two kids to bed.”

“What about Ben Martin?” Anna was grasping at straws, anything to make Ted Fowler listen to her. “Do you think his death is linked with Lou Harding’s?”

“Err …could be.”

Anna poured out Ben’s story, beginning with his job at the Castle Beach Resort and everything they had discovered thanks to Sally Davis.

“What do you think he wanted to tell me?”

“It’s hard to guess now, Anna. Maybe he wanted an update from you.”

“So you don’t think that journal means anything?” Anna pulled out the crumpled brochure from her bag. “What about this? Gino and I went to meet this man, you know.”

Ted stood up suddenly and waved at his wife.

“I have to go now.”

Anna spotted Gino coming toward her and sighed.

“Have you finished powdering your nose?” He smiled in his mustache. “They are about to crown the king and queen. Cassie said you promised to take pictures.”

“Of course!” Anna tapped her phone and walked toward the makeshift stage with Gino.

Meg stood there with two girls and three boys. They were all smiling broadly, looking excited.

“She’s a finalist!” Anna crowed. “I think she can win this, Gino.”

Anna switched on the camera on her phone and furiously clicked pictures from different angles.

“I think you got a few dozen,” Gino teased. “Time to live in the moment, Anna.”

Anna worried she hadn’t got the perfect shot. Most of her pictures tended to be blurred or had heads cut off.

After some fanfare and cheers from the assembled people, Meg was crowned spring fling queen. Cassie put two fingers in her mouth and let out a wolf whistle. They rushed to the stage to greet Meg. Leo was already helping her down.

Anna pulled her granddaughter into a tight hug. Cassie wrapped them both in her arms and the three women clung together, hearts full and eyes moist.

“You looked so beautiful up there,” Anna told Meg, wiping the tears from her eyes. “You take after Cassie, no doubt about it.”

Leo and Gino extended their congratulations.

“You looked awesome, Meg,” a hearty voice interrupted them. “How does it feel to be spring fling queen?”

Meg was blushing happily. Anna saw Cassie freeze at the sound of the voice.

“Thank you, Dylan.” Meg let him hug her. “It’s okay, I guess. The barn looks great.”

Dylan looked around proudly.

“Your mom’s idea, kid.”

“Don’t you have somewhere to be?” Cassie asked imperiously.

“Where are your manners, girl?” Anna was scandalized. “Have you forgotten Dylan is our host?” She patted his arm. “Thanks for letting us have this festival here. The whole town is grateful.”

Meg was giving Cassie a puzzled look.

“Anna!” Ted Fowler waded through the crowd, hailing her. “Anna!” he panted. “Do you have that brochure you showed me earlier? The one with that armored van?”

“Why, sure I do.” Anna pulled the crumpled paper out of her bag.

“I was halfway home when I remembered. We interviewed some people when Lou Harding was found in the park. Regular walkers who frequent the park, you know. One of the women mentioned seeing a van parked down the road that evening.”

“Do you know who it was?” Gino asked seriously.

“Agnes.” Ted nodded. “I think she’s around here somewhere. Can I show her that picture?”

“There she is!” Anna pointed. “Let’s go ask her.”

Agnes lived on Anna’s street and they hadn’t been on good terms for a while. Anna ignored the woman’s frosty manner and stood by as the detective talked to her.

“That’s it. That’s the van I saw. Clark’s Security. I’m 100% sure.”

Chapter 27

Anna pulled out a breakfast pizza studded with Italian sausage and oozing with melted mozzarella cheese. She placed it on the kitchen counter, next to a pan of hash.

“Aunt Julie’s on her way,” Cassie informed her as she walked into the kitchen.

“Do we have enough food?” Anna looked around worriedly. “People expect more at brunch.”

The previous evening had turned frantic after Anna’s neighbor Agnes identified the security van. Ted Fowler had rushed to the police station to run a background check on Eddie Clark. He wanted to have all his ducks in a row before he questioned the man.

Anna had stayed on at the barn for a couple of hours, letting Meg bask in her glory. They finally went home, eager for some kind of update on the situation. Gino called around midnight and told Anna to sleep tight. He couldn’t give her any details about what the police had planned. He just assured her that it was going to be critical.

“Why don’t you come here for brunch? It’s a sort of celebration for Meg. Bring Leo too.”

She called Julie and Mary right away and invited them over.

“I should’ve thought of this before. It’s a surprise for Meg.”

Anna woke early as usual even though it was Sunday. When she opened the café, the Firecrackers had insisted she keep it closed one day of the week. For once, Anna was glad she had listened to them.

“Relax, Mom.” Cassie poured champagne into freshly squeezed orange juice. “These mimosas will make them happy no matter what.”

The kitchen door opened and Julie rushed in, brandishing a box of donuts from the Yellow Tulip.

“These just came out of the fryer.”

“Thanks Julie.” Anna began transferring the donuts to a platter. “You didn’t have to.”

Meg walked into the kitchen, freshly showered and smelling of some fruity soap. Her eyes were sleepy and she let out a big yawn.

“What’s all this?” Her eyes grew wide.

“Surprise!” Cassie cooed. “We are celebrating your win.”

Meg picked up a donut and took a big bite. The kitchen door opened again and Mary came in, carrying two pans.

“Good morning, everyone!” She had brought a peach cobbler and a cheesy vegetable spread with crusty sourdough bread.

“Can we eat now?” Meg asked eagerly.

Anna’s phone rang just then. She answered the call, listened for a while and hung up.

“Gino says he and Leo can’t get away right now. We are to start without them”

They loaded their plates and took them to the dining room.

“What else did he say, Anna?” Julie ate her pizza and moaned in delight.

“They just picked up Eddie Clark. He’s being questioned now.”

“What’s going to happen now?” Meg slathered a bagel with the cheesy vegetable spread. “Do you think he’s involved, Anna?”

“Well, he’s the owner of that security company and we know for sure that the van was spotted near the garden.” Anna sprinkled hot sauce on her hash and speared a crunchy potato.

“You said it was a fair sized outfit, didn’t you?” Cassie shot back. “Anyone could have been driving it.”

“What motive does Eddie Clark have against Lou?” Julie put in. “Were they at odds with each other?”

Anna tried to remember her visit to Clark’s.

“If they were, he hid it well. Lou was working there for several years. He got some kind of award recently.”

“That could be just eyewash,” Julie shrugged.

“Let’s not forget why we are here.” Cassie tapped her champagne flute with a spoon. “This special brunch is to celebrate our very own Spring Fling Queen.”

“To Meg,” Mary nodded with a smile.

“Thanks, all of you.” Meg’s cheeks had turned pink. “You didn’t have to do this.”

She slapped two slices of pizza on her plate and buried herself in it. Cassie had picked up her second donut and was looking at it woefully.

Finally, none of them could eat any more. Gino had sent another message saying he would be late. Julie proposed watching a movie and they all settled into the living room with a fresh round of coffee.

They dozed off one by one in front of the television. Anna stirred a couple of hours later when the doorbell rang. Gino stood outside with Leo in tow.

“Did he do it?” Anna asked urgently. “Eddie Clark?”

Gino smiled in his mustache and gave a nod.

“What does a man have to do to get some food around here?”

Mary had followed Anna to the front door. She offered to fix a plate for the men.

“Just don’t start till I come back with your food,” she warned.

Cassie and Meg sat up on the couch and stifled yawns. Julie was snoring with her mouth open.

“Let’s all take five,” Anna said. “Look lively, all of you. Get some fresh coffee from the kitchen.”

They sat in the dining room again. Gino and Leo had started working on the mound of food before them.

“What did Eddie have against Lou Harding?” Anna cut to the chase. “I got the impression he thought very highly of the man.”

“You’ll never guess, Anna.” Gino sipped the fresh mimosa Cassie had rustled up for the men. “I’m still trying to process it myself.”

“Was it a woman?” Julie asked.

Gino ate some cobbler and dabbed his mouth with a napkin.

“The answer to this crime lies in the past.”

Anna’s mind started churning with different scenarios.

“Does this have anything to do with Lou’s job in the city?”

Gino reminded her of their meeting with the police chief.

“Remember the cold case he mentioned, the big bank robbery of 1992?”

Cassie and Mary were looking puzzled.

“That’s the one where that woman lost her husband,” Anna explained. “Lou fired the shot that killed him.”

“You mean that letter writer?” Cassie connected the dots. “What was her name … Linda something?”

“Linda Porter,” Meg supplied.

“That’s right,” Gino nodded. “Lou was injured himself, remember? He was recuperating for a long time and got a big settlement from the bank.”

“The robbers got away without a trace,” Anna clucked. “The police always believed they had an inside man. Lou Harding. But they never had any proof.”

“Eddie Clark was the mastermind,” Gino revealed. “He moved to Blueberry Falls and started the security firm with his share of the loot. His brother was also an accomplice and was a partner in the business. And there was a third guy who bought a boat and went sailing across the world.”

“How did Lou reconnect with Eddie?” Anna was curious.

“It was pure coincidence,” Gino told them. “Lou Harding was sitting pretty. He had a double payout, one was the insurance settlement from the bank and the other was his share of the loot.”

“Ben said he was always generous with money,” Anna observed. “At least he took care of his family.”

“It was a one time thing for all of them.” Gino gave a shrug. “The bank loot set them all up, gave them a jumpstart. And they even got away with it.”

“How did Lou get the job?” Cassie prompted.

“Lou decided a change of scene was in order. He wanted to be far away from the scene of his crimes. So he moved to Dolphin Bay and began looking for a job. He answered a job ad and went for an interview like any regular candidate. Imagine his surprise when he came face to face with Eddie Clark.”

“Eddie had to entertain him, I suppose?” Anna nodded.

“Lou was hired on the spot, of course,” Gino laughed. “Eddie said he was a good worker. I believe they lived a very normal life all these years. They must have convinced themselves the bank robbery never happened.”

“What changed?” Anna folded her arms. “Did Linda’s letters stir up a hornet’s nest?”

“I don’t think Eddie knew about the letters,” Gino replied. “The new chief of police in the city declared he was reopening the bank robbery case. Eddie panicked.”

“What about the other partners?” Cassie asked. “Did he bump them off too?”

“There was no need,” Leo spoke up. “Eddie’s brother died last year. The guy on the boat was lost at sea ten years ago. Lou’s fate was sealed because he was the only loose end.”

“So Eddie planned everything in advance?” Anna was aghast.

“It was all premeditated,” Gino agreed grimly. “Eddie was quite familiar with Lou’s routine. He knew he walked to that garden most evenings. Lou liked to watch the sunset from that bench.”

“How did he do it?” Julie asked in a hushed voice.

“Eddie brought Lou’s favorite coffee and sat down to chat with him. It was getting dark and he stayed just long enough to make sure Lou drank it.”

“He took a big risk.” Anna’s eyes were wide. “What if someone had seen him?”

“Someone did.” Gino sighed. “He stumbled into a young man that evening.”

“Ben!” Anna exclaimed. “Did Ben recognize him?”

“Maybe he didn’t at that time but remembered later.” Gino gave a shrug. “We will never know that.”

“But Ben had met Eddie Clark at his office,” Anna cried. “Eddie told us that.”

“That’s why Eddie wasn’t taking any chances,” Leo cut in. “He found out where Ben lived and silenced him forever.”

There was a hushed silence around the room.

“So Lou Harding was a criminal,” Meg spoke up after a while. “Do you think he got what he deserved?”

“We can argue about it till the cows come home and we’ll never reach an agreement,” Anna said.

Epilogue

Anna sat on the couch with a cushion in her lap, sipping a glass of wine. Cassie and Meg lounged on either side of her. It was a lazy Saturday evening and Anna had invited the Firecrackers for a ladies only night. Mary and Julie had agreed on the condition that Anna wouldn’t spend the evening slaving in the kitchen. They had quickly agreed on ordering Chinese food.

“It’s not like you have a lot of choices in Dolphin Bay,” Cassie had shrugged nonchalantly.

Meg was put in charge of the ordering and Cassie advised her to go overboard. They sat munching on steamed shrimp dumplings, crab wontons and spring rolls.

“I think Meg and I are Firecrackers now, Aunt Julie. It’s time you officially crowned us.”

“Not so fast, young lady.” Mary had a twinkle in her eye. “We need to have an executive board meeting to vote on this.”

“Mary’s right, Cass,” Anna joined in. “We never discussed adding more members.”

“But they are family,” Julie argued. “I agree with both of you and I have the perfect solution. We need to have an induction period.”

Meg’s eyes darted between the women as she followed their conversation but she didn’t say a word. Anna thought she looked preoccupied.

“What’s the matter, Meg? Are you coming down with something?”

Cassie placed a hand on her daughter’s forehead and shook her head.

“She’s fine, Mom. Aren’t you, kid?”

Meg squirmed as all eyes in the room were trained on her.

“Don’t be afraid, sweetie.” Anna patted her knee. “Say what’s on your mind.”

Meg took a deep breath and sighed.

“I was thinking about Grandpa John.”

Anna’s face fell.

“I’m sorry, Anna. I didn’t mean to spoil your mood.” She stared at the floor for a minute. “You’ve been so busy helping Gino with the Hardings …”

“That I put John’s case on the back burner,” Anna finished for her. “Yes and no.”

“Have you been working on Dad’s case all this time?” Cassie asked, astonished.

“I followed a couple of clues,” Anna admitted, “but I haven’t devoted as much time as I should have.”

“You never said anything about this,” Julie huffed.

“She will tell us now,” Mary said gently. “Let her speak, girls.”

Anna gave them a brief account of her visit to the university and her meeting with Professor McDowell.”

“Dad’s old mentor?” Cassie exclaimed. “That giant bear like man with the long beard and furry eyebrows? I didn’t know he was still alive.”

“Alive and kicking,” Anna smiled. “And he’s not that old, Cass.”

“You believe John was working on the Blue Hill project again?” Julie couldn’t hide her surprise. “I thought he abandoned it a long time ago.”

“According to Jack McDowell, he revived it a year before he died. I have a strong hunch John’s death was related to something he was working on.”

“And this Blue Hill thing is your next clue?” Cassie asked. “Do you know anything about it, Mom?”

Mary was shaking her head in disbelief.

“Blue Hill is just a legend, Anna. An obsession. You know better than to run after it.”

“Care to elaborate?” Meg asked, trying to pick up a dumpling with her chopsticks.

Cassie had been teaching her how to use them.

“It’s a long story!” Anna topped up her wine.

“We’re not going anywhere, Mom.” Cassie raised her eyebrows.

“I’m a bit rusty on the details, myself, Anna.” Julie crunched on a wonton. “Why don’t you start at the beginning?”

Anna clutched the cushion closer to her chest and began.

“This is the story of a man called George Martin. George was a 49er.”

“She’s not talking about the football team,” Julie told Meg.

“I read about them in my history books, Julie,” Meg assured her. “You mean he came out west to look for gold in the 1840s.”

Anna continued her story.

“George Martin was a lawyer’s clerk in Maine. The oldest of six, he was the only son in the family. He was in a rut and craved adventure. Stories of the gold rush reached the east coast. George pooled all his savings and sold his grandmother’s wedding ring to buy passage to the west coast.”

“A man after my own heart,” Cassie sighed dreamily. “Except I never sold Nana’s ring.”

Anna ignored her and went on. “George Martin landed in San Francisco on a blustery morning in September 1849. On his third day in the city, he ran into a man dying from consumption. This man sold him his stake in a mine fifty miles north east in a small canyon not known to many. The man’s eyes shone when he told George about the nuggets he had found in the stream that ran through it. He had sold them for a lot of money, then gambled it all away.”

“His loss was about to be George’s gain, I guess,” Meg interrupted.

Anna smiled. “George Martin spent his last few pennies on supplies and set off for the canyon with stars in his eyes. Three months later, he had dug around many spots that matched the description the consumptive miner gave him but found no gold.”

She paused to sip some wine and ate a spring roll. Cassie nudged her to go on.

“Weakened by dysentery and raging with fever, George stubbornly refused to give up. He had almost passed out at the edge of yet another stream when a flash flood arrived suddenly and swept him away. When he came to several hours later, he was sitting in the water, a glittering yellow rock at his feet. Summoning what strength he had, George pulled it loose. It was a nugget of gold weighing more than him. George waded into the stream and looked around, unable to believe his fortune. He had finally found the place the old dying miner had told him about.”

Julie sprang up and flung her arms in the air.

“And the rest, as they say, is history!”

“Who’s telling this story?” Anna chided.

“Tell us what happened next, Anna,” Meg piped up, her eyes shining in wonder.

“George went back to town and bought a few other claims. He became rich very soon and bought a house. He sent for his family from the east. The dry goods store he bought his supplies from was owned by a man from New York. His youngest daughter was blonde and blue eyed and George fell for her. They got engaged, George refusing to tie the knot until his family was by his side.”

“And they lived happily ever after?”  Cassie asked in a bored voice.

Anna shook her head.

“George’s fortune changed again. The stagecoach his family was traveling in was attacked by robbers. None of them survived. His young woman died of cholera.

George had made millions in gold but he was all alone.

He saddled his horse and rode north without any specific plan in mind. Several days later, he reached an area with giant trees that towered over him. Exhausted at last, he made camp at the top of a bluff overlooking the ocean.”

There was total silence in the room now. Everyone was listening to Anna with rapt attention.

“When George awoke the next morning, he felt at peace after a long time. A gurgling brook reminded him of the stream where he had found gold. The craggy cliffs and the ocean waves crashing far below reminded him of the rocky coast of Maine. His mind was made up. He would make a fresh start in this spot that reminded him of home.”

“Please say something good happened this time,” Meg pleaded.

“At least for a while.” Anna gave a tiny shrug. “George bought the land and built a mansion worthy of his wealth. Now he needed a family. Wary of falling in love again, he sent for a mail order bride.

George Martin got married and looked forward to raising a family. But it was not to be. His bride suffered one miscarriage after another. One of their babies was stillborn. Then fortune finally seemed to smile on George Martin. His wife Ruth gave birth to a healthy boy.”

“He spoilt him so much the kid became a wastrel?” Cassie prompted.

“If only …” Anna clucked. “George went overboard trying to do everything for the child. The small settlement near his estate had flourished over the years. George had the reputation of being an eccentric rich man. The town folk talked behind his back and called him crazy.

When George’s son was seven, he hired a tutor and started a school for the whole town. The boy was kind and intelligent. George started dreaming of sending him east to study law.”

“East where?” Meg asked. “Back to Maine?”

“Didn’t matter,” Anna told them sadly. “Disaster struck again in the form of cholera. George’s wife and son perished. There was no consoling him now. He became a recluse and was seen wandering the cliffs at night, muttering to himself.”

“This is worse than a Hollywood tragedy,” Cassie moaned. “You should have warned us.”

“Kind of heavy for a Saturday evening,” Julie agreed wholeheartedly. “But we’ve come too far to abandon the story now, Cass.”

They looked at Anna expectantly, silently urging her to continue.

“In 1887, George Martin died without an heir. The locals buried him on his land and left. No one ventured there again. Blue Hill was jinxed and unlucky and people thought anyone who set foot on the land would die a horrible death.

The legend grew and not even the promise of gold could lure anyone there.

Exposed to the elements and the moist sea air, the house started to crumble and fall down. It soon became a ruin.”

“That’s where I’ve heard that name.” Cassie slapped her knee. “Is this that rundown mansion Dad took us to when I was in fifth grade, Mom? We took a picnic there one Sunday.”

Meg interrupted before Anna could answer.

“What do you mean, the promise of gold? Did George hide gold in that house?”

“That’s where the legend begins,” Mary told her. “Only, your Grandpa believed it was true.”

Anna spoke up. “A hundred years later, one of the locals found some mention of hidden gold in some old family archives. He decided to go look for the treasure. A deluge of treasure hunters descended on the property, armed with all kinds of gadgets and gizmos. They found old pottery and some knick knacks but no gold.”

“You mean, there never was any gold?” Cassie’s mouth popped open.

“That’s the big question, Cassie,” Anna muttered. “John was fascinated by the ruins since he was a child. It might have sparked his interest in history. When he became a professor, he taught a special class around the California Gold Rush. George Martin and his story were a big part of it. Every year, he took a new batch of eager students out to the ruins and let them dig around.”

“Did they ever find anything?” Meg’s eyes were wide.

“Some old pottery and a couple of gold coins,” Anna told them. “They were over a hundred years old so they did have some historic value. John managed to get some funding and Project Blue Hill was born.”

“He worked on it most of his life, didn’t he?” Cassie reminisced.

“Until the university shut it down,” Anna told her.

“And according to Professor McDowell, he got new funding and managed to revive it,” Cassie summed up.

“I know how the university works,” Julie said thoughtfully. “The funding would not resume unless he had something concrete to show them.”

“John never stopped working on Blue Hill,” Anna said. “He did it on his own time but he never gave up.”

“I still think it was a fool’s errand,” Mary said glumly.

“Maybe not!” Meg jumped up and began pacing around the room. “What if Grandpa John was right all along, Anna? What if he found the hidden gold?”

The atmosphere in the room had suddenly become tense. Anna felt goosebumps on her arms.

“Wait, what are you saying, girls?”

Meg voiced what was going on in every mind.

“What if Grandpa John was killed for the Blue Hill treasure?”

***

What’s next for Anna, Cassie and Meg?

The Butlers are on a cruise to the Mexican Riviera, attending Cassie’s friend’s wedding. But when the bride goes missing just before the wedding, mayhem ensues.

Continue reading the Dolphin Bay series with Mango Chili Cruiser, Book 6 in the series.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08XY1D5Q2

***

Thank you for reading this book. If you enjoyed this book, please consider leaving a brief review. Even a few words or a line or two will do.

As an indie author, I rely on reviews to spread the word about my book. Your assistance will be very helpful and greatly appreciated.

I would also really appreciate it if you tell your friends and family about the book. Word of mouth is an author’s best friend, and it will be of immense help to me.

Many Thanks!

Author Leena Clover

http://leenaclover.com

leenaclover@gmail.com

https://www.facebook.com/leenaclovercozymysterybooks

**

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Acknowledgements

This book was written during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020. Lockdown and quarantine became the norm across the world. Many of us witnessed something unprecedented, something we had never dreamed we would experience in our lifetime.

I admit writing this book was a struggle for several reasons. Hopefully, it will allow readers a few hours of respite and provide a dubious escape into an imaginary world.

I would like to dedicate this book to all healthcare workers across the globe, the nameless, faceless warriors who selflessly toil night and day to bring relief to others. The world salutes you!

Thanks to all my readers, beta readers and ARC team for their support and encouragement. Many thanks to the online author community for keeping morale up in these trying times.

I am grateful for my loving family and friends who continue to cheer me on every single day.

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