Copyright © Leena Clover, Author 2021

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.

Strawberry Vanilla Peril – Dolphin Bay Cozy Mystery Series Book 7

By Leena Clover

Chapter 1

Anna Butler snuggled in her favorite chair, sipping a glass of wine, enjoying the warmth of the fire crackling in the hearth. The sunny spring day had turned chilly in the evening, prompting her to make a hearty minestrone soup to go with the carbonara pasta they had for dinner.

Her daughter Cassie was sprawled on the couch, engrossed in talking to her friend Bobby. She let out a tiny shriek and swung her phone toward Anna.

“Did you hear that, Mom? My new show is a hit.”

Bobby nodded emphatically from the screen. He lived in Los Angeles and was a fitness trainer of repute. Cassie was a former Hollywood star who had taken a brief sabbatical to nurse her mother when she got sick. Now she was trying to get back in the game. Her latest cameo in a web series was being hailed as memorable. Her fans were waiting with bated breath for a big comeback.

“She’ll be back with you soon.” Anna pasted a smile on her face, ignoring a sudden wave of panic. She had grown used to having her daughter at home.

“Why don’t you all come here?” Bobby crooned. “This town could use a dose of the Butler beauties.”

Anna couldn’t hide a smile.

“Flattery will get you a slice of my tiramisu.” She looked around her cozy living room and sighed. “Dolphin Bay is my home, Bobby. I’m too old to start a new life somewhere else. But you can come take Cassie off my hands any time.”

“What about me?” Meg stepped in, her cheeks rosy from the heat of the fire.

Her petite frame had filled out over the past year. Anna had been on a mission to fatten her up over the winter. Meg had a happy disposition and she had settled in well with Anna and Cassie. No one looking at her would have guessed her turbulent past.

Bobby gave them an impromptu tour of the new house he had bought on the outskirts of Beverly Hills. He wanted them to come visit.

“We’ll plan something after the spring festival,” Anna promised him. “You’re coming, aren’t you?”

Cassie finally wrapped up her call and stretched languidly.

“How’s your lover boy, Meg? Heard from him lately?”

Meg folded her arms and huffed.

“You like teasing me, don’t you? Drake has been busy at the gallery and my course load is heavy this semester. We make plans to meet but keep having to put them off.”

“Haven’t you met any young men at college?” Anna was curious.

“What’s wrong with Drake?” Meg pounced.

Lately, she had become sensitive about him. Cassie and Anna shared a look. They both felt that Drake had been blowing Meg off.

“He’s a bit old for you, sweetie,” Cassie mumbled. “Admit it. You’d never have met him normally.”

She was referring to a cruise they had taken the previous October. It had been a last minute thing. They had run into Cassie’s old friend while they were visiting Los Angeles. She insisted they attend her wedding. They boarded a luxury liner, excited about the ceremony at sea. Drake Benson had been one of the guests.

“Did you think he would forget me once we got off the ship?” Meg asked innocently. “Drake’s not like that.”

“What is he like?” Anna mused. “We didn’t talk much on the ship. And I’m still waiting for him to come and have dinner with us.”

“I don’t want you to give him the third degree, Grandma,” Meg frowned. “And can we please not have Gino around when he comes?”

“What’s wrong with Gino?” Cassie spoke up. “Drake’s not afraid of him, is he?”

Gino Mancini was Anna’s special friend. He had been Dolphin Bay’s police chief for several years. He had retired to take care of the family business, a small local winery.

Anna defended Gino. He had an open and friendly personality and he rarely brought up his old job.

“Once a cop …” Meg clucked. “He can’t stop evaluating people. I think he suspects everyone.”

“Don’t be silly.” Anna laughed. “I thought you got along with him. He loves you like his own, Meg.”

Meg colored a bit.

“Gino’s alright. And he’s family, of course. Forget I said anything.”

Anna wisely decided to change the subject.

“Are we all set for the race tomorrow?”

“You might meet someone, Meg,” Cassie needled. “No harm in being open minded.”

Anna saw Meg roll her eyes.

“Is that why we’re setting up a lemonade stall?”

“The California Wildflower Mega Tour is a tradition around here, Meg!” Anna exclaimed. “Only three Main Street shop owners are allowed to put up stalls each year. I’ve been waiting for this opportunity for a long time.”

“I remember the California Tour,” Cassie offered. “There used to be a parade of sorts with the school band. Right, Mom?”

“That was twenty years ago,” Anna told her. “There have been a few changes since then. We don’t do the parade now. And this is not an official pit stop. But many riders like to get a drink or pick up a snack.”

“Good luck with that, Mom.” Cassie shook her head. “I don’t think a professional cyclist is going to stop to eat your cupcakes.”

“You never know,” Anna defended herself. “They’re human, Cassie. And it’s not like they need to worry about the calories.”

“How many miles will they ride?” Meg was wide eyed. “It must be a thrilling experience.”

Anna told her what she knew about the famous cycle race. The contestants would be flagged off from a point in the local redwood forest, a few miles outside Dolphin Bay. They would ride south along the coast, traveling roughly a hundred miles every day. The route turned around somewhere near Big Sur and went north up to Mendocino and the Avenue of Giants. They came south again, ending the loop in Dolphin Bay.

“It’s a 7 or 8 day race. I’m not exactly sure.”

Meg couldn’t wait to meet the cyclists.

“Are we allowed to talk to them?” she asked Anna.

“Sure! As long as you don’t expect too much.” She didn’t want Meg to be disappointed. “The pros are generally eager to get going.”

“But there are some recreational riders too,” Cassie joined in. “They are doing it for fun. This is one of the most scenic routes in the country, more so since the wild flowers are blooming.”

The state of California was experiencing a super bloom. It was a rare event and the cliffs and the hillsides around Dolphin Bay were blanketed with vibrant fields of poppies and lupine.

Meg’s eyes shone with excitement.

“Let’s hope it doesn’t rain tomorrow.”

“The race won’t stop,” Anna told her. “They are prepared to ride in all kinds of weather. That’s part of the thrill.”

Cassie told them she was going to sleep in. She had no wish to gawk at a bunch of cyclists wearing body hugging neon clothing.

“And you don’t have to make me any breakfast, Mom. I can survive on cereal for one day.”

“You mean you will go rogue and binge on those frosted flakes,” Anna laughed out loud and Meg joined her.

“Are you getting up early to bake?” Cassie asked her. “Or is your new lackey actually going to earn her keep?”

Anna sighed deeply.

“Her name is MJ and she is our employee. She deserves some respect, Cass.”

“What do we know about her, Mom? She might be an axe murderer for all you know.”

“Have you tasted her carrot cake?” Meg butted in before Anna could answer. “She’s a whiz at baking, Mom. Just the kind of baker we need at Anna’s Cafe.”

“No, we don’t,” Cassie argued. “Mom’s a good enough cook and the whole town loves her cupcakes.”

Anna cleared her throat loudly.

“We’ll still have our cupcake of the month. But I’m not getting any younger and I need someone to do the heavy lifting at the café. MJ’s eager to learn and she has a gift. You know I was going to hire someone, Cassie. That’s why I spent a bundle putting in a professional kitchen.”

“I thought you would be more discerning,” Cassie grumbled. “You didn’t even run a background check on this girl, Mom.”

“Gino vouched for her and that’s good enough,” Anna retorted stoutly.

“But what does he know about her?” Cassie demanded. “Did he tell you that? Why does he care so much for this Molly Jones? Sounds like a fake name to me.”

“Mom!” Meg cried. “Stop being so dramatic!”

Anna watched her granddaughter defend the new woman who had recently become part of their lives. Meg always rooted for the underdog because she had been one most of her life. Cassie had an inclination to doubt everyone. She had been burnt too many times.

Anna sipped her wine and listened to her girls argue lustily. She didn’t mind. Two years ago, Anna hadn’t been sure she would survive. Now she was actually looking ahead and planning her future.

A tiny sliver of doubt crept into her mind. Was Cassie right to worry about their new employee?

Chapter 2

Meg woke up early the next day, excited about the race. She had showered and made coffee by the time Anna stumbled into the kitchen, bleary eyed.

“What’re you doing up so early?” she yawned. “We don’t have to set up our table until 10 AM.”

“I’m going to help you with the cupcakes.” Meg poured herself a second cup of coffee.

She had set out all the ingredients on the kitchen counter. The butter and cream cheese needed to soften to room temperature. Anna liked mixing the frosting by hand and Meg was ready to put some muscle in it.

“We better have a hearty breakfast, sweetie.” Anna started cracking eggs into a bowl. “Lunch could be late.”

“MJ won’t let us starve, Grandma,” Meg laughed. “Aren’t you glad she’s here?”

Meg’s life had changed since she came to Dolphin Bay. She herself had changed. Most of her life had been highly traumatic, being shuffled from one foster home to another. She found some solace when a kind couple adopted her at sixteen. By then, she had begun to wonder about her biological parents. She travelled across the country, looking for Cassie. Being reunited with her family was the best thing that had happened to her.

Meg felt a strange kinship with Molly Jones, the new girl. Anna hadn’t asked her much about her previous life but MJ had a haunted look in her eyes. Meg knew it well. It came from always being on your guard, ready to cower in a split second. The gaunt lines on her face hinted at years of hunger, of never having enough to eat. Meg knew that Anna and Cassie would scoff at the notion, call it fantastic. But Meg had a sixth sense about these things.

“Are you going to start the frosting?” Anna’s voice filtered through her jumbled thoughts.

Meg nodded and started measuring out the butter and cheese. She added fresh strawberry syrup made with local organic strawberries and a pinch of Anna’s secret ingredient.

The first batch of cupcakes was already cooling on a wire rack. Anna slid a loaded plate before Meg and commanded her to eat.

“Mushroom omelet and fried potatoes!” Meg picked up a fork and speared a crispy tuber. “This is perfect. Thanks Anna.”

Cassie walked in, wearing bunny slippers and ratty flannel pajamas. She grabbed an empty coffee mug, her eyes half closed.

“You’re making quite a racket.”

Meg and Anna giggled like school girls. Meg took pity on her mother and poured some coffee in her mug.

“You should get ready and come with us, Mom.”

“No way …” Cassie muttered.

Meg filled a piping bag with the pink frosting and started icing the cupcakes. She had practiced for hours to get the perfect swirl. Anna placed a sliced strawberry on top.

“Couldn’t you have chosen some other cupcake?” Cassie wrinkled her nose. “These are so pink!”

“This is our cupcake of the month, Mom. Strawberry Vanilla Peril. You named it yourself, remember? It’s the highlight of our spring menu.”

Cassie stuck to her point.

“Cyclists are athletes. Somehow I can’t picture them eating something pink.”

Meg’s face fell. If her mom was right, maybe the cyclists would steer clear of their stall. What if she didn’t get a chance to talk to any of them?

“I’m writing a paper about the race. It won’t be as good without actual quotes from the cyclists themselves.”

“Don’t listen to her.” Anna glared at her daughter. “We’ll run out of those cupcakes in an hour.”

Soon it was time to head to the café. Meg dressed in a new outfit, the latest in exercise gear. One of Bobby’s clients was launching a new garment business and had offered him a bunch of samples. The tights were trendy with a blue stripe running down them and there was a matching jacket.

MJ greeted them at the café. She had already stocked the display case with fresh scones and finished baking the energy bars they were going to set out.

Meg helped her line up three tables on the sidewalk. Anna covered them with a tablecloth the race organizers had provided. Bottles of water and energy drinks were placed at one end. The trays of cupcakes and other snacks followed.

Meg went in the kitchen and started squeezing lemons. The fresh lemonade had been her idea. The race organizers were fine with it as long as they used bottled water.

The café was packed to the gills that morning. Their usual customers had grabbed a table by the windows, a prime spot for viewing the race.

Meg saw Anna chatting with her friends Julie and Mary. They had known each other for years and their friendship had survived many hurdles. Although Mary was the quiet one compared to the others, Meg thought the moniker of Firecrackers suited them very well. They didn’t take any nonsense from anyone.

MJ had already served them coffee while Meg made the lemonade. She took the pitcher of lemonade out and put it on the table along with some paper cups. The air was perfumed with the citrusy scent of magnolia blossoms. Meg looked up at the tree and breathed in the fresh air. The weather was good and sunlight shimmered over the blue waters of the bay. Meg counted everything again, hoping they had enough. A fruit stall had been set up outside Paradise Market on the other side of the street. The woman standing there gave her a friendly wave. Meg skipped across the street and talked with her for a few minutes before going back in.

MJ pressed a cappuccino in her hands and put a plate of biscotti before her.

“You’re awesome, MJ!” Meg smiled at her. “I don’t know how we managed without you.”

Someone peeped in and announced the cyclists were coming. Support vehicles had been spotted at the outskirts of town. A welcome committee lined the road, headed by the mayor.

Meg applied a fresh coat of lip gloss and rushed out. The grandmother clock guarding the café entrance showed it was three minutes to eleven.

Anna and the Firecrackers joined her outside. The next half hour passed in a blur. Mary handed out bottles of water and energy drinks while Julie took charge of the energy bars. Meg hopped with excitement as she poured lemonade and told the cyclists about the special cupcakes. Most of them were quite friendly, posing for photos with the locals, signing autographs and chatting about the race.

Meg had memorized the questions she planned to ask. Some of the cyclists gave noncommittal answers while one or two actually listened and took the time to talk to her. The street emptied suddenly as the peloton took off.

“We ran out of cupcakes!” Anna beamed. “Call your mother, Meg.”

“Do you think they liked the lemonade?” Meg asked shyly. “I can make more.”

Anna’s phone chirped with a message.

“The next lot is expected in half an hour. I think we can all use a break.”

Julie sat down with a thud.

“My feet are sore, Anna. I could use a spot of lunch.”

Meg asked if they wanted her to get something from the Tipsy Whale. The local pub was famous for their gourmet sandwiches and was favored by the Firecrackers.

MJ beckoned her from inside. She had grilled some chicken and assembled hearty salads for all of them. Julie started working on hers immediately.

“This is delicious, MJ.” Anna dunked a piece of chicken in some dressing. “You should join us.”

Another bunch of cyclists and staff arrived a few minutes later, keeping them busy.

“How many more behind you?” Meg asked one of them.

“Not a lot, I think,” one of the van drivers shrugged. “We’ll be rounding up the stragglers soon.”

Meg looked at the bike propped against the café wall and glanced at her watch. Had she lost her opportunity?

“Julie and I can handle things here, Meg.” Anna gave her an encouraging smile. “Why don’t you go on? Don’t forget we are going to Freddie’s later though.”

Meg didn’t waste a minute. She blew a kiss to Anna and was off.

Three hours later, Meg emerged from her room, freshly showered and wearing a new dress Cassie had bought for her in L. A.

“Aren’t you exhausted?” Anna frowned. “You can stay home if you want.”

“I’m fine,” Meg assured her. “As long as we order some pizza when we get home. Extra cheese!”

Cassie drove them to the outskirts of town to Freddie’s Tire Shop. Freddie Lowry was another one of Gino’s friends from the force. He had recently moved to Dolphin Bay, longing for a slower pace of life. The tire shop was his way of staying busy.

The three Butler women were welcomed by their host. Bald and pot bellied, Freddie was a compulsive hugger. Meg let him squeeze her tight and congratulated him. Generous to the core, Freddie had hired a catering company and there were plenty of appetizers to nosh on.

Meg was accosted by a dozen people who wanted to know how she was doing in college. She felt she belonged and she liked the feeling.

Cassie walked up to her, sipping champagne.

“I think we’ve done our duty. You ready to head home, kiddo?”

A sudden hush fell over the crowd and people started murmuring.

“This could be the one,” Anna whispered, biting into a cracker.

“What’s going on, Grandma?” Meg was bewildered.

Anna explained they were waiting for the first customer. Freddie was hoping someone other than the guests would walk into the store that evening.

Meg noticed an old clunker had shuddered to a stop just before the balloon canopy. A blonde woman stepped out and looked around. Freddie rushed ahead with a flute of champagne, his face wreathed in smiles.

“She’s not one of us,” a woman murmured.

“I think Freddie got his customer,” Anna nodded. “We’ll let him sort her out and say our goodbyes.”

Meg gave the new arrival a onceover. She had picked up her mother’s habit of checking out a woman’s outfit.

“Department store brand,” she rattled off. “Not couture but pricey. That rock on her finger is at least three carats. And look at her eyes. She’s got some work done.”

Cassie patted her back.

“I’m training you well.”

“But wait a minute …” Meg halted in her perusal. “She’s wearing flip flops.”

That got Cassie’s attention.

“I think she’s a maid, playing hooky with someone else’s clothes. Or she could be an actress, on her way to a dress rehearsal.”

Meg’s attention wandered. She spotted some sliders on a tray and her stomach growled, signaling she needed to eat.

“Let’s go home, Mom. Freddie knows we came.”

Meg dozed in the car on their way back, dreaming about her day. It had exceeded her wildest expectations.

Chapter 3

Anna woke early the next morning. She fixed herself a steaming mug of coffee and went out into the garden. This was her favorite time of the day.

The sun had barely come up but the golden daffodils swaying in the early morning breeze put Anna in a good mood. After a few minutes of deep breathing exercises, she went in, ready to face her day.

Anna was frosting some cupcakes when Meg walked in, freshly showered and wearing a perky blue dress sprigged with daisies.

“You can’t stop yourself, can you?” she asked cheekily. “This is why we hired MJ.”

“I’m just tweaking my recipe. You be nice if you want a taste.”

Anna had made poached eggs to go with her favorite avocado toast. She spiked it with a generous drizzle of hot sauce and asked after Cassie.

“Is your mother sleeping in today?”

Meg nodded and walked to her room, munching on a piece of toast. She came back with a leather satchel and started pulling books out of it.

“How’s college this semester?” Anna was worried how Meg would fit in.

“It’s a breeze.” Meg’s eyes shone brightly. “I should’ve taken a couple of advanced courses, I guess. But I’m getting some core stuff out of the way. Professor Macdonald will be back in the fall. I already wrote and applied for his course. There’s a big waiting list.”

“Are you planning to major in history?” Anna was curious. “Your Grandpa John was a great authority on the subject.”

Anna’s husband John had been a history professor at the local university. His death had been unexpected and a bit suspicious.

“I wish I’d met him,” Meg sighed wistfully. “Drake thinks history is okay as a hobby but it rarely pays a good wage.”

“He would know, of course,” Anna huffed.

Meg’s new boyfriend had been a history student at Dolphin Bay University. He believed it didn’t provide a lot of career options and he was very vocal about it.

“Drake was lucky to get that art internship,” Meg parroted. “He would’ve been flipping burgers at minimum wage otherwise.”

“So history is not an option then,” Anna summed up. “What about law or medicine?”

“That’s heavy duty.” Meg picked up a freshly frosted cupcake and took a big bite. “I want a job that will allow me to travel the world.”

They discussed some options for a few minutes. Anna advised her to keep an open mind. Meg helped her clear up and they loaded the trays of cupcakes in the van.

The café was redolent with the aromas of MJ’s baking. She greeted them with a smile and started placing Anna’s cupcakes in the display case.

Customers had already started trickling in. Anna greeted some of the regulars and went through the connecting arch into her bookstore. When Cassie left home at sixteen, the store had helped Anna hang on to her sanity.

Anna spied an older man sitting by the tall glass windows, engrossed in reading. Steam rose from a frothy mug of coffee next to him.

“I see MJ’s taking care of you, Ian.”

Ian Samuels turned around sharply, greeting her with a sunny smile.

“You hired a gem, Anna. That young woman is already an asset.”

Anna’s face lit up.

“But looks like you’re slacking off. Why aren’t you slogging at your desk at the Chronicle?”

Ian Samuels had been Cassie’s English teacher in high school. He was bored out of his mind after retirement. That’s when he started working as the editor of the Dolphin Bay Chronicle.

Ian’s smile froze.

“So you haven’t heard? There was a mishap at the cycle race yesterday.”

Anna sat down, feeling apprehensive.

“Was anyone hurt?”

Ian gave a tiny shrug. According to his sources, one of the cyclists had died the previous evening. There wasn’t a lot of information coming through so he was going to drive down the coast himself when he finished his coffee.

“I think I can catch up with them somewhere around Santa Cruz.”

Anna offered to pack some pastries for him. Ian accepted readily.

“If there’s any substance to the rumor, there will be a special edition of the Chronicle.”

Anna bid him goodbye, wondering what might have happened. By the time the Firecrackers arrived for their daily coffee fix, her mind was buzzing with several scenarios.

Julie’s eyes were bloodshot and there were circles under her eyes. Mary had a cold. Meg brought over a plate of brownies and sat with them.

“You look miserable, all of you,” she frowned. “What’s wrong with you, Grandma? You were fine when we got here.”

Anna told them what she had been thinking.

Julie took a big, noisy sip of her coffee and nodded her head.

“That race isn’t easy, girls. Those men ride their bike for eight or nine hours each day. I couldn’t dream of doing it.”

“But they train for years,” Meg argued. “They wouldn’t qualify for the California Wildflower Mega Tour otherwise.”

Mary blew her nose and crumpled another tissue. Her allergies were acting up.

“It could have been one of those people riding just for fun.”

Anna thought that was more likely.

“You think one of those recreational riders overdid it?”

Julie yawned widely and folded her arms on the table. She wanted to know where they were going for lunch.

“I skipped eating last night. Let’s go to the Yellow Tulip diner. I need something hearty, like meatloaf or a double cheese burger.”

Mary wanted chicken soup.

“Diner it is,” Anna agreed, knowing the place was a hotbed of gossip. “We might pick up some buzz about the race.”

Meg brought up the spring menu. They needed to finalize it soon.

“We don’t have a lot of choice, since we can’t do sandwiches or burgers.”

A tall, stocky man walked into the café and looked around. His bright blue eyes matched the shirt he was wearing and the shaggy brown hair draping his neck was the same shade as his leather jacket.

His gaze landed on Meg and their eyes met. Anna smiled as Meg leapt from her chair and rushed into the man’s arms.

Julie was trying to hide a frown.

“Come and meet Grandma’s friends, Drake!” Meg chortled happily. “You already know Julie.”

Mary blew her nose in a fresh tissue and smiled up at Drake Benson.

“You must be Meg’s young man. She can’t stop talking about you.”

“Something good, I hope.” Drake turned on his charm. “Am I in the esteemed company of the Firecrackers?”

“You better believe it,” Julie grumbled. “Treat our girl right or we’ll rip you apart.”

“Julie!” Anna widened her eyes. “Let the poor boy sit.”

She knew her friend was tough and she was secretly glad of it. Julie didn’t take crap from anyone.

“What’re you doing here?” Meg’s eyes shone as she held hands with Drake. “Don’t you have to be at the gallery?”

“One of the advantages of being your own boss,” Drake winked. “I can play hooky any time.”

Drake explained he was meeting a client in the city that evening.

“I thought I would steal you away for lunch. Unless you’d rather sit in a stuffy classroom and watch some boring professor flip slides on a screen.”

Anna bit her tongue when Meg told him she was free that afternoon.

“I know a nice taco joint outside town,” she beamed. “We can leave right away.”

Anna plied Drake with her strawberry cake while Meg went inside to freshen up.

“He’s quite dishy, isn’t he?” Mary croaked as the couple stepped out. “No wonder Meg’s smitten.”

“She’s too young to be serious about anyone,” Anna muttered.

“You told me he doesn’t believe in the Blue Hill treasure,” Mary spoke up. “That means he’s got some good sense.”

Anna and Julie both started talking at once. Mary was soft spoken as a rule but she was vehement about one thing. According to her, the local legend of Blue Hill was a myth. She thought Anna’s husband had been a fool to go after it.

“My John devoted his life to Blue Hill,” Anna bristled. “I’m sure he had a valid reason for it.”

“He had gold fever, that’s all.” Mary sneezed.

Julie slapped her hand on the table.

“Stop arguing, you two. Have you made any progress in your search, Anna? It’s been months since we got back from the cruise.”

Anna’s face fell. The holiday season had passed in a blur. Between Cassie’s work schedule, Meg’s college and her mother’s visit, she had never had an opportunity to pursue her investigation into John’s death.

“I need to set everything aside and go through John’s things again.”

The bright sunlight warmed them as they walked to the Yellow Tulip diner half an hour later. The place was packed and they waited outside for a table to be free. A harried waitress took their orders, promising the food would be ready by the time they went in.

The girl was true to her word. Anna took a hefty bite of her steaming cheeseburger and tried to make sense of the hum of conversation around them. Julie was busy shoving alternate bites of meatloaf and mashed potatoes into her mouth.

“This is worse than I thought.” Anna set her half eaten burger down and leaned toward Julie. “They are saying that cyclist was murdered.”

Chapter 4

Anna stood in her kitchen later that evening, chopping tomatoes for a sauce. Cassie was out shopping for their dinner and Meg still hadn’t surfaced from her lunch date with Drake.

The kitchen door flew open and Cassie struggled in, her arms loaded with two large grocery bags. She brought a gust of cold air along with her, laced with the scent of the daffodils in the garden.

Anna rushed to shut the door behind her daughter.

Cassie dumped the bags on the center island and pulled something out.

“Have you seen this, Mom?” She waved a rolled up newspaper in the air, her eyes bright with excitement. “It’s a special edition of the Chronicle.”

Anna wiped her hands on a kitchen towel and grabbed the paper. She had finished skimming it by the time Cassie put the kettle on the burner.

“Ian talked about this earlier,” she murmured.

“You knew about this?” Cassie exclaimed. “Why didn’t you say something?”

Anna clucked and started pulling out the groceries. She set the halibut fillets she had asked for aside, along with a packet of orzo pasta.

“Not all of this,” Anna elaborated. “Ian just mentioned one of the cyclists had died and promised to print something if there was foul play.”

The kettle started whistling, prompting Cassie to root around in a big box of assorted herbal tea bags.

“Well …” Cassie dumped a teabag each in two mugs and poured hot water in them. “Now you know for sure.”

The door flew open again and Meg breezed in, bringing another gust of frigid air along with her. The temperature was dropping rapidly.

“What happened to our sunny day?” Meg grinned. “Do we have something to eat, Grandma? I’m starving!”

“I thought you were at lunch!” Anna shot back. “How can you be hungry again?”

Meg took the bait.

“Lunch was hours ago!”

She bit her tongue and looked at them sheepishly.

“Okay, okay, I know I skipped class and was gone the whole day. Did you need me at the café?”

Anna took her to task.

“You can drop the act, young lady. MJ is more than capable of handling the café. But you have been gone for hours!”

“She’s right,” Cassie butted in. “You could’ve sent me a text, kid. We were worried about you.”

Meg peeped into the pantry and pulled out a bag of chips. She put her hand in, hesitated, and poured them out in a bowl.

“I lost track of time,” she admitted, munching on the chips noisily. “I told Drake he had to see the wildflowers so we took an impromptu hike.”

“You’re a smart young woman who can take care of herself,” Anna sighed. “We know that. But it doesn’t hurt to be careful. You don’t really know this man.”

Meg set the bowl of chips aside and licked the salt off her fingers.

“You were living on your own in the big bad world when you were my age, Mom.”

“Bad being the operative word, Meg.” She waved the copy of the Chronicle in her face. “This proves you can never be too careful.”

Meg’s mouth hung open as she read the paper.

“So our guess was right? Do you think the race was too much for him?”

Cassie tapped her finger on a paragraph.

“This implies it was deliberate. The man fell off into a small gorge. That number thingie he wore was gone so they couldn’t tell who he was.”

Meg was bursting to tell them something.

“That’s a bib, Mom. And they don’t need it. Nowadays, they have microchips in their helmet. It records all kinds of data like their location, time taken etc.”

“His helmet was missing too,” Cassie informed them. “What are the odds? You think it just fell off?”

Meg folded her arms and paced the kitchen.

“Who was he? Anyone we know?”

Cassie pulled out some herbs from the shopping bags and began tearing leaves off the parsley.

“I ran into Agnes and Sally on my way back. The town’s buzzing with the news. Everyone’s speculating about who the dead cyclist is.”

“That’s going to be tough if they don’t have his bib and helmet, Mom.”

Anna had finished washing the halibut fillets and was patting them dry with some paper towels.

“You kids!” she laughed. “Isn’t this a multi day race? I suppose they take a count of people who checked in at the end of the day? They will know who didn’t turn up.”

Meg slapped her forehead and conceded Anna’s point.

“The Garden Club called for an emergency meeting,” Cassie informed them.

She had made small piles of parsley, basil and cilantro and started washing them in the sink.

“Are you making your Goddess dressing?” Meg asked brightly. “Yum!”

“Gino likes it,” Cassie shrugged. “He’s still coming for dinner, isn’t he, Mom?”

Anna’s eyes flew to a clock on the wall.

“I almost forgot, girls. I better start making my sauce.”

Meg offered to help and Anna told her to get a few items from the pantry.

“Aunt Mary will be calling you later, Mom.” Cassie kept up the conversation as she chopped lettuce for the salad. “The Garden Club is worried about the spring festival. They think this cyclist’s death is going to be bad for the town.”

“I hope not.” Anna stirred in some olives and capers in the rustic sauce. “This is the beginning of the tourist season. You know the wildflowers don’t last long.”

“So we should just ditch the spring menu?” Meg asked cheekily.

The doorbell chimed and Cassie volunteered to get it. She came back with Gino in tow. He handed Anna a bottle of wine and pecked her on the cheek.

“Poached halibut with tomato caper sauce?” he beamed. “I could smell that sauce down the drive, Anna.”

Anna ran a quick hand through her pixie cut, feeling a bit flustered. She had wanted to get ready before Gino got there.

“Why don’t you go powder your nose, Mom?” Cassie winked. “I’ll get the salad and garlic bread and I’m sure Gino can open the wine.”

Twenty minutes later, they were sitting down to a delicious meal.

Anna asked Gino if he had read the Chronicle yet.

“How will this affect the spring festival, Gino? I know Mystic Hill was counting on it.”

Gino took a bite of his creamy salad and complimented Cassie on the dressing. He thought over Anna’s question.

“I heard about the Garden Club meeting. All their worries are premature. Just a knee jerk reaction, in my opinion.”

“So you don’t think we should panic?” Anna pressed.

“Absolutely not.” Gino dunked a piece of garlic bread in the fragrant tomato sauce. “I’m sure the spring festival will bring us hundreds of visitors like every year. Mystic Hill Winery will offer free wine tasting like usual and we fully expect to sell a few barrels worth of it.”

“Do you know something we don’t?” Anna arched an eyebrow.

Cassie waved her salad fork in the air.

“Have they already arrested anyone? I’m sure Leo gave you the inside scoop, Gino.”

Leo Mancini, Gino’s nephew, had followed in his uncle’s footsteps and joined the Dolphin Bay police force.

Meg turned red at the mention of Leo’s name. Anna and the Firecrackers thought the world of him. Meg didn’t disagree. Leo was everything a girl could want in a good friend. Solid, dependable and kind, he made her laugh. Meg admitted he always made her feel special. She knew everyone expected them to be a couple but she felt a bit rushed. What if things didn’t work out with Leo? Meg didn’t think anyone would be good enough after him.

Cassie had guessed how she felt and wisely counseled her to take her time. Leo wasn’t going anywhere.

“Sadly, Leo doesn’t report to me.” Gino smiled in his mustache. “I don’t want him to be in my shadow forever. He needs to build trust and make a name for himself if he’s to be the chief one day.”

“I can’t believe you haven’t formed an opinion on this.” Anna arched her brow.

Gino topped up their wine and gave in.

“We don’t know who the dead man is. I’m sure the authorities have found something out by now though. They just haven’t released the information yet. Regardless, they have confirmed he’s a cyclist.”

“He’s not a local, you mean.” Cassie picked up a piece of garlic bread and put it down.

“Exactly! He’s not from here so there’s a slim chance anyone in town knew him. That means nobody here could be responsible for his death.”

“And he didn’t die in town,” Meg pointed out. “I doubt Dolphin Bay will even be mentioned.”

“Too late for that, dear,” Anna frowned. “Ian Samuels has a lot of connections in the state and national press. This article he wrote is likely to be picked up by the wire services.”

Gino looked alarmed for the first time that evening.

“If that happens, the spring festival is in jeopardy.”

Chapter 5

Anna pulled her beanie lower to cover her ears, wishing she had worn earmuffs. The spring morning was cold and a heavy mist hung over the bay. She could barely see ten feet ahead.

“We should’ve stayed in,” she muttered, trying to match her pace with Cassie.

“What are you afraid of?” Cassie pumped her arms vigorously, walking a few steps ahead of Anna. “I can cross the Coastal Walk blind folded. And so can you, Mom.”

Anna felt silly. Cassie was right. There was plenty of distance between the scenic coastal walkway and the edge of the cliffs. She was sorry she couldn’t feast her eyes on the carpet of wildflowers that extended far as the eye could see. It was one of her favorite spring vistas, when the mist cleared and the weather blessed them with sunshine.

“When does Teddy go for his run?” Anna probed, inquiring after the local police detective Cassie had gone to school with.

“I don’t know, Mom.” Cassie breathed out rhythmically. “Whenever he wakes up, I guess. Why don’t you ask him yourself?”

“You think we’ll meet him today?”

“Why are you asking after Ted?” Cassie stopped suddenly and started jogging on the spot. “Wait a minute, you’re not hoping to pump him for some information, are you?”

Anna came to a standstill and leaned over, trying to catch her breath.

“You do it all the time.”

“Only when you need my help. Wait a minute, Mom. You’re not thinking of getting involved in the cycle race murder?”

Anna wisely chose not to answer.

“I don’t believe it.” Cassie set off at a rapid pace.

“What’s the harm in helping someone?” Anna ventured.

Cassie whirled around and faced her mother, her hands on her hips.

“Who are you helping exactly? That dead cyclist was a stranger. We don’t even know his name. And my guess is he’s beyond help.”

“Don’t be impertinent!”

“Give me one reason why you should get involved in this murder.” Cassie started doing jumping jacks.

Anna felt exhausted just looking at her.

“I’m at a loose end, Cass. MJ’s taken over the café. Meg’s busy with her classes and you’re busy doing your thing.”

Cassie rolled her eyes.

“You have been neglecting Gino for a while, Mom. Why don’t you spend more time with him? He should’ve popped the question by now.”

Anna rubbed her arms and tried to match her pace with Cassie.

“We’re taking it slow. Gino and I are fine with it.”

“What about the Firecrackers?” Cassie prompted. “The spring festival’s coming up and it’s been a while since you took an active part in a town event.”

“In short, I should stay away from what happened at the cycle race,” Anna replied. “Why don’t you just put me out to pasture?”

“And you think I’m the drama queen!”

They walked on in silence for a while, neither willing to back down. Anna heaved a sigh of relief when they reached the end of the Coastal Walk, marked by a bench facing the water. Anna flopped down on it and stared out over the bay. The sun was peeping out of the clouds and the mist was receding.

Cassie began doing stretches.

“What about Dad?” she asked Anna. “Aunt Julie said you needed to go through some of his old stuff?”

Anna flared up.

“Julie has no business talking to you like that.”

Cassie sat down and put an arm around Anna.

“Aunt Julie meant well. And you know we share our concerns. What’s going on with you, Mom?”

Anna’s eyes filled up.

“I’m sorry if I’m acting weird.” Anna chuckled and blinked through her tears. “No wonder you’re worried about me.”

“Just a little,” Cassie smiled. “Does this have anything to do with Dad?”

Anna nodded reluctantly.

“Part of me wants to find out what really happened. But the other part wonders if it’s wiser to leave it alone. Some secrets are better left buried.”

Cassie was thoughtful.

“What are you afraid of?” she asked gently. “Are you worried he was mixed up with the wrong kind of people?”

The police had termed John’s death suspicious. But in the absence of proof or evidence, there had been no way to find the culprit. There had been a lot of rumors, thanks to the odious local mayor who had painted Anna as a murderess. But Gino had stuck by her, believing she was innocent.

Anna had recently learned about John’s extramarital affair. It had happened twenty years ago but her faith had been shattered. Was the thirty four years of wedded bliss all a myth? Anna spent sleepless nights wondering what other secrets John had kept from her.

“He didn’t tell me he was back on the Blue Hill project. We’ve just found Meg, Cassie. We are happy now, aren’t we?”

Cassie patted her knee solemnly.

“You don’t want any more curve balls. But we can’t live like that, Mom. Life will have plenty more pain in store for us.”

“Are you ready to accept the truth, no matter what it is?” Anna asked.

Cassie sprang up and offered Anna a hand.

“I don’t think Ted’s coming, Mom. Or we missed him.”

They started walking back home.

“My father was a good man, Mom. I am sure of that. All of us believe Dad’s death wasn’t natural. So why don’t you work those gray cells and find out who did it.”

Anna was in good spirits that morning. She chatted with Meg over a hearty breakfast of avocado toast and fresh strawberry smoothie.

Meg rushed to a morning class and Anna headed to the café with Cassie.

“I’m wondering if we should hire someone for the bookstore.”

“Are you that eager to see me leave?” Cassie joked. “I’ve been thinking, Mom. Dolphin Bay is my home now.”

“It always was.”

“Home base, I mean,” Cassie added. “I might be gone for a few weeks or months when I’m shooting something, but I don’t want to live anywhere else.”

Anna stood under the magnolia tree that guarded the entrance to her bookstore. She stared up into the soft pink petals and smiled, feeling upbeat. Her talk with Cassie had buoyed her. She was looking forward to coming up with a plan of action with the help of her friends.

Ian Samuels was seated near the windows, scribbling busily on a legal pad. He waved a hand in greeting but didn’t look up. Anna walked through the arch into the café and began greeting her customers.

“How can I help?” she asked MJ a few minutes later. “Meg will be here in an hour.”

MJ wanted her to plan the spring menu.

“I need all the girls for that,” Anna told her. “Why don’t I frost this batch of cupcakes?”

Time flew and Anna didn’t look up until a familiar hearty voice greeted her.

“You ready for a cuppa?” Julie boomed, dressed in a pink plaid shirt, looking well rested and fresh out of the shower.

“You’re chipper this morning.” Anna rubbed her aching neck and followed Julie to their favorite table.

Mary had arrived and started telling them about the Garden Club meeting.

“We can’t let a random incident affect us. The spring festival is going ahead as planned.”

“So you don’t care about the dead guy.” Julie bit into a fresh turnover.

“He wasn’t one of us,” Mary replied calmly. “Now, Anna. Book Club meets tomorrow evening and it’s your turn to pick our next read. Have you given any thought to our next selection?”

Anna glanced at Julie and smiled mischievously.

“I’m going to choose a mystery, of course.”

Meg blew in, clutching a bunch of books and dumped them on their table.

“I thought that class would never end! Some professors can be really boring.”

She picked up a strawberry lemon bar and looked around for the coffee pot. The door opened again, just as MJ arrived with a steaming cappuccino for Meg. Leo Mancini stepped inside, looking imposing in his spotless police uniform.

Anna went over to welcome him with a hug.

“Hello, dear! We haven’t seen you in a while. What can I get you?”

Meg was watching them covertly, using her mug to shield her face.

“I’m sorry, Anna, but this is not a social visit.”

“Huh?” Anna squinted quizzically.

She followed Leo to their table, feeling bewildered. Leo Mancini cleared his throat and heaved a sigh. Anna wondered why he looked apologetic.

“Meg Butler, I have been instructed to bring you in for questioning.”

For the first time, Anna noticed another man in uniform standing just outside the café. She hadn’t given any thought to him, thinking he must be Leo’s partner.

“What have I done, Leo?” Meg smiled impishly. “You don’t have to resort to these games to ask me out.”

Anna saw Leo redden.

“I advise you to take this seriously, Meg,” he pleaded. “We have to go. Now.”

Anna watched Meg’s face crumple as Leo ushered her outside. He promised Anna she would be home soon.

“What the heck was that?” Julie cried.

Cassie had just come in through the arch for a cup of coffee.

“Is Leo playing hooky with Meg?” she laughed. “Where is he taking her?”

Anna felt her knees buckle as Julie poured the whole story out.

“But why Meg?” Cassie’s eyes grew wide. “What has she done, Mom?”

Anna was two steps ahead. Her hand shook as she dialed Gino and waited impatiently for him to answer the phone. He was equally shocked and had no insight to offer.

The hours passed with no news of Meg. Gino had arrived at the café within minutes. He worked the phone constantly, trying to pump his sources at the station for information.

“Did you talk to Leo?” Anna asked.

“He was just following orders,” Gino explained. “All he can tell us is she’s been called in for questioning.”

“About what?” Cassie paced the floor. “Don’t they need to tell us what her crime is?”

Gino shook his head. He reminded them Meg hadn’t been arrested. Based on his experience, he thought she may be a person of interest. The police would talk to her and let her go.

Anna hoped he was right.

The day passed slowly. Mary had to go home to get lunch for her husband. Julie had a conference call with her agent and Anna urged her to leave. Gino stuck around and insisted he take the Butler women out for lunch. They walked to the Tipsy Whale and settled into a booth.

“I hope they feed her.” Anna sipped her soup listlessly. “She hasn’t eaten anything since breakfast.”

Cassie took her home after lunch. Gino headed to the police station to check things out in person.

Two excruciating hours later, the doorbell chimed urgently. Anna had been dozing by the fire in the living room. Meg rushed in, straight into Cassie’s arms. Gino came in behind her.

Anna and Cassie fussed over Meg, making sure she was fine.

“I’m just peachy, Mom!” Meg forced a smile but her eyes looked stricken. “Let me grab a quick shower and I’ll tell you all about it.”

“Why don’t you give us the short version?” Anna stood her ground.

Meg’s eyes flew to Gino. Anna watched him give a tiny shrug.

“It’s about that cyclist,” Meg grunted. “The police think he was poisoned.”

Chapter 6

Anna set a stack of chocolate chip pancakes before Meg the next morning, topped with whipped cream and fresh strawberries. Warm maple syrup sat in a small pitcher, next to a fluffy herb omelet studded with olives and feta cheese.

“What is all this?” Meg picked up her knife and fork and stared at the food, a wide smile lighting up her face. “Is it my birthday?”

Anna sat down with her and cut into her omelet.

“Don’t be cheeky. Why don’t you start eating before the food gets cold, dear?”

Meg didn’t have to be told twice.

Anna made small talk while they ate, biding her time. She didn’t want to question Meg on an empty stomach.

Gino hadn’t stayed for dinner the previous night, pleading some chores at the vineyard. Anna and Cassie had tacitly agreed not to bring up Meg’s harrowing day. Instead, Anna prepared a quick meal of cacio e pepe pasta, adding fresh asparagus and broad beans. Cassie made banana splits for dessert. They watched an old Hollywood movie for some time and turned in early. Anna suspected Meg was too tired to protest.

Meg went for a second helping of the pancakes to Anna’s delight. She sat back after polishing off the stack, sipping coffee.

“Don’t you want to know what happened yesterday, Grandma?”

Anna suddenly felt guilty.

“Not if it’s going to be painful for you.”

“Relax! There’s no need to treat me with kid gloves.” Meg folded her arms and slid lower in her chair. “They were quite polite. And they brought me a ham sandwich from the Yellow Tulip for lunch. I suppose I have to thank Leo for that.”

Anna didn’t interrupt her.

“It was about that cyclist. They wouldn’t tell me how he died but I put two and two together.”

“Didn’t you say he was poisoned?” Anna frowned.

“I did,” Meg nodded. “At least, I think he was. The police didn’t share anything with me.”

Anna listened with her mouth hanging open while Meg proceeded to explain.

“So they think we put poison in our lemonade?”

Meg rubbed her forehead and bit her lip.

“They asked me to go over all my actions that day, especially when I got to the café. I told them I squeezed the lemons myself. They wanted to know what I put in it. I’m smart enough to know that was significant.”

Anna’s agitation increased as Meg continued her story. She had been questioned by different people through the day. All of them asked her the same thing, over and over again.

“They didn’t accuse you of anything?” Anna sucked in a breath.

“Nothing of that sort,” Meg shrugged. “I think they wanted to know how many people had access to the lemonade.”

“You mean how many people might have tampered with it?”

Anna suggested Meg might stay in for the day and take it easy.

“I don’t want to be cooped up inside. A walk sounds good to me right now.”

The day had started out cloudy but the sun had risen fast, bathing everything in a warm glow. Anna offered to accompany Meg.

They cleared up in the kitchen and set off. A blanket of yellow and orange greeted them on the Coastal Walk as the poppies thrived under the sun. Meg chatted about college, making Anna marvel at the resilience of youth. She kept a watchful eye on her granddaughter, nevertheless. Half an hour later, Meg was ready to go back.

The café was jammed and MJ stood at the cash register. Meg pulled on an apron and began helping out.

There was a sudden lull and everyone stopped talking at once. Some of the customers were openly gawking at Meg. A couple of regulars greeted her brightly, telling her not to worry.

The café door burst open, heralding an imposing woman dressed in a dark suit. Anna steeled herself for the impending onslaught and sidled closer to Meg.

“Well, well …” Lara Crawford flashed an oily smile. “What do they say? The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”

“What do you want, Lara?” Anna spat. “Are you picking on kids now?”

Meg had stiffened when she realized the woman’s identity. Lara Crawford was the mayor of Dolphin Bay and Anna’s nemesis. She had openly accused Anna of killing her husband and made her a pariah in the small town. Lara claimed she wanted justice for her friend John.

“I’m looking out for this town,” Lara smirked. “Someone has to reel you Butlers in.”

“And what is it we’ve done exactly?” Meg interrupted. “Think before you speak, Madam.”

Lara ignored her and walked to the counter to order a triple espresso. Anna counted the seconds while MJ prepared the order.

“Let me show you out, Lara.”

Anna welcomed the thunderous voice. She hadn’t noticed when Julie arrived with Mary in tow. Her Amazonian friend took Lara’s elbow and physically walked her to the door.

“Thanks a bunch, Julie.” Anna embraced her. “You’re the only one who can intimidate her.”

“I fear the damage is done,” Mary said softly. “People are talking about Meg’s arrest.”

“But I wasn’t arrested.” Meg was cool. “These gossip hounds can’t hurt me.”

Anna hoped she wasn’t just putting on a brave front.

Meg remembered she had to turn in an assignment and headed to the college library. Anna didn’t stop her. She fully expected to field a number of unpleasant questions all day and it would be best if Meg was out of sight.

The café was bursting at the seams so the Firecrackers moved to the bookstore, convening in Anna’s old office. The space was tiny but it afforded the privacy they needed.

“I thought you had a truce with Lara Crawford.” Julie pulled out a bottle of water from the refrigerator. “That means your whole family is off limits.”

Anna told them about Meg’s day at the police station.

“Lara is the least of my worries. I think we need more information on this cyclist.”

Mary chose the safer option as usual.

“I think it’s best if you don’t meddle. Don’t go looking for trouble.”

Julie seconded her.

“Hundreds of people drank Meg’s lemonade. I don’t see anyone else dropping dead. The police don’t have a leg to stand on.”

Anna wanted to believe her.

“Gino did say it was a routine inquiry.”

“I would listen to him,” Julie advised. “He knows these things.”

“Maybe it’s best if Meg lays low for a while. I don’t want her to be at the butt of any cruel innuendo.”

“On the contrary …” Julie protested. “Absence looks like admission of guilt. She should continue her normal routine, flaunt herself if possible.”

“She’s already volunteered for the spring festival,” Mary told them. “I’ll make sure she stays in the limelight.”

Anna wasn’t convinced it was the right approach but she nodded grudgingly. She wanted Cassie’s opinion on the subject.

“Meg will be fine, Anna.” Julie took her hand. “She’s used to handling a variety of people. I think she’s more street smart than any of us.”

Anna’s phone lit up with an incoming message. Gino wanted to know if she was free for lunch.

“Why are you hesitating?” Julie scowled. “MJ’s got the café covered and Cassie will be here soon.”

Anna gave in and shot off a reply. Gino came to pick her up half an hour later. Anna felt herself relax as the truck wound up the drive and entered Mystic Hill. Gino’s grandfather had started the vineyard with some vines he brought over from Italy. Three generations later, it was a small but well respected winery. Gino had worked hard on marketing since he took over.

“I plan to do so much, Anna.” He confided in her once. He wanted to spend the rest of his days sharing his family’s legacy with people across the world. “I can’t do it without your support.”

Anna pretended to ignore the deeper intent behind his words and told him she would always cheer him on.

Gino came around to help Anna down from the truck. He led her inside to the sunken living room and poured her a glass of wine. Gino employed an excellent cook who was an expert at creating classic comfort food.

“Do I smell chicken pot pie?” Anna picked up a cracker from a snack tray Gino had set out.

Gino told her she was right. Then he turned serious.

“How’s Meg? I spoke to Leo last night.”

Anna assured him she was fine.

“I must talk to Leo. Tell him he shouldn’t feel awkward. We understand he was just doing his job.”

“About that …” Gino cleared his throat. “Leo needs to obey orders, do what he needs to in the line of duty. But I don’t. And I let him know that, just so we are clear.”

Anna wasn’t sure what he meant.

“If things go south, I’m with you. I’ll do everything I can to protect Meg.”

Chapter 7

Cassie headed to the Coastal Walk, feeling as gloomy as the dark clouds that covered the sky. A swirling mist surrounded her, portending something ominous. She had barely slept the previous night, worrying about Meg.

Very few people had ventured out that morning. Cassie waved a greeting to some of the regulars and started jogging toward the other end of the Walk. Her mind cleared as she picked up speed and the rush of endorphins chased away her blues. The music streaming through her headphones was all she focused on.

Before she knew it, Cassie had reached her favorite bench at the Castle Beach end. A familiar figure stood there, doing lunges. Teddy Fowler nodded at Cassie but went on counting his reps.

Teddy was a detective on the local police force. He was happily married with a brood of rambunctious kids and was a big fan of Cassie’s movies. So was his wife. They had been overjoyed when Cassie decided to go back to Hollywood and were sure she would make a big comeback.

“Good Morning, Teddy!” Cassie greeted him. She had become used to their early morning heart to hearts.

They started on a new exercise routine Bobby had designed for the two of them. Ted had met Bobby when he visited Cassie in Dolphin Bay. When Ted pulled a hamstring in the winter, Bobby came up with some advanced stretches that would help him avoid further injury.

“Your new show is trending, Cassie.” Ted was genuinely happy for her. “What’s next for you?”

Cassie told him she was reading a few scripts.

“I don’t know where these people were for the last two years, when they made me an outcast. Suddenly, every new kid on the block wants to send me a script.”

“You can’t hide your light for long.” Teddy was loyal as usual. “But you know how it is, Cass. Out of sight, out of mind. That’s the advantage of these small roles, I guess.”

“My fans won’t forget me that way,” Cassie agreed. “But I’m itching for a good, meaty role, Teddy. Something like old times.”

“Living in Dolphin Bay has its drawbacks.”

“This is my home now.” Cassie was firm. “I was talking about it with Mom yesterday. I might be gone on some shooting schedule but I’ll come back here.” She swallowed a lump. “Meg’s here, you know. Nothing can make up for all those years I missed, of course. But I’m choosing to be with her now.”

“It might mean fewer opportunities for you,” Ted pointed out candidly. “Are you fine with that?”

“Family trumps everything.” Cassie smiled. “Winning an Oscar award was my ultimate ambition, Teddy. I achieved that long ago. It’s all downhill from here.”

She crossed her fingers behind her back, secretly hoping she hadn’t reached her zenith yet.

“You’ll win more awards, girl.” Ted finally sat on the bench and patted the space next to him. “The sky is the limit with all that talent.”

“Are you buttering me up for something?” Cassie joked.

Ted suddenly turned serious.

“I want you to brace yourself, Cassie. The next few days might be tough for the Butlers.”

Cassie’s face clouded.

“Is this about that darn cycle race again?”

“I’m not on the case so I don’t know the details. But I can’t help hearing the buzz around the department.” Teddy looked apologetic. “Meg is their top suspect.”

“What?” Cassie whirled around to face him. “But they just put her through the wringer yesterday and let her go.”

“I think they don’t have a lot of concrete information at this time. Meg’s the only one on their radar. You know how it is.”

“Why would Meg hurt that cyclist? Someone she’s never met before in her life?”

Ted was looking sheepish.

“For what it’s worth, I believe Meg’s innocent. I mean, she’s a sweet kid. There’s no way she set out to deliberately murder someone.”

Cassie’s imagination went rampant on her way home. By the time she got through her shower, she had convinced herself she was being paranoid. It was best she kept all her doom and gloom scenarios to herself.

Anna and Meg had already left by the time she walked into the kitchen. Cassie made herself a green smoothie and gave herself a pep talk. She had a phone meeting with a movie producer that morning.

By the time Cassie made it to the bookstore, Anna had already left for lunch with Gino. She was relieved Meg wasn’t around either. Cassie wasn’t sure she could maintain a poker face in front of her daughter. Meg could be very perceptive.

Cassie peeped into the café and asked MJ if she needed any help. Feeling restless, she decided to get a sandwich from the Tipsy Whale. The pub was running a special on her favorite barbecued chicken sandwich.

Cassie stood in line and fired off a text message to Bobby. It was a couple of minutes before she realized people were staring at her.

“Have you met your mom today?” Murphy, the pub owner, asked as he took her order.

“Not yet. She’s at Mystic Hill this afternoon.”

“That mayor’s up to her tricks again,” Murphy muttered, handing over her sandwich, but he wouldn’t say any more.

Cassie hoped Anna would hurry back. She barely tasted the sandwich, although it was bursting with the sweet, smoky sauce she loved so much.

“Where’s everyone, Aunt Julie?” she exclaimed over the phone. “Has something happened again?”

Julie brought her up to speed, doing what she could to calm her down. Cassie was tapping her foot impatiently when Anna arrived.

“Mom, what are we gonna do?” Cassie sprang up and rushed to take her hand. “That Lara Crawford is a snake. Why can’t she devote her energy to doing something good for the town?”

Anna led Cassie to the office and forced her to take a deep breath.

“Gino and I have been talking. He assured me he’s on our side. I didn’t expect any less from him, of course.”

“We’re taking sides now?”

Anna had invited Leo to dinner at Gino’s urging. She was hoping he would shed some light on what was really going on.

“You think your lasagna will make him talk?” Cassie didn’t hide her scorn.

“Leo won’t be able to refuse me.”

Anna sent Cassie off to Paradise Market to shop for some groceries. Then she called Daisy Hollow farm and put in an order for fresh ricotta cheese. She was glad she had a few vats of her special meat sauce in the freezer. It would have to do.

Meg was dozing on the couch when Anna got home, a half open book on her chest. Anna told her to tidy up.

“We’re expecting company.”

Meg yawned deeply and shuffled to her room, promising to be back after a quick shower. Anna had finished making a pan of tiramisu when there was a knock on the kitchen door. Dylan Woods peeped in, greeting Anna with a wide smile.

“Two big containers of fresh ricotta.”

“Come in for some coffee,” Anna invited him. “I have that pistachio biscotti you like so much.”

Dylan swept his gaze around the driveway, looking torn.

“She’s at the market,” Anna told him with a grin. “You two need to clear the air.”

Dylan was Cassie’s first love. They had dated in high school and had a nasty breakup. Twenty years later, they still had unfinished business.

“How’s Meg?” Dylan asked as he thanked Anna for the coffee. “You know I’m here for you, Anna. Anything you need, just let me know.”

“That’s really kind.” Anna read the sincerity in his warm eyes. “Meg looks up to you.”

Neither of them addressed the elephant in the room.

Cassie arrived five minutes after Dylan left. Anna was glad to have avoided a confrontation. The sky was aglow with the orange hues of the setting sun when Anna finished tossing the salad.

Leo arrived right on time, holding a bunch of flowers for Anna.

“I decided to tag along.” Gino spoke from behind him. “Is that lasagna I smell?”

Leo seemed a bit embarrassed to see Meg but she put him at ease.

“No hard feelings, dude. I know you’re just doing your job.”

Anna wisely avoided talking about the cyclist until the dessert plates had been cleared. They settled in the living room for coffee.

“That was another excellent meal, Anna.” Gino gave her a slight nod.

Leo had relaxed a bit as the meal progressed.

“How serious is this cyclist business, dear?” Anna quizzed. “Surely the worst is behind us?”

Leo blushed furiously and glanced at his uncle.

“I can’t talk about an ongoing investigation.”

“Relax!” Gino slapped him on the back. “I practically wrote the rule book you follow, boy. No harm in setting them at ease.”

Leo gulped his coffee and paused, choosing his words carefully.

“There’s no doubt the man was drugged. Our current theory is he was heavily sedated. Enough that he lost his balance and fell down a rocky incline.”

“So his death was an accident?” Cassie prompted, leaning forward with eyes wide.

“Yes and no.” Leo fidgeted in his seat, making eye contact with Meg for the first time that evening. “I don’t think you’re over the hump yet.”

Chapter 8

Leo’s revelation flustered all of them. But Anna acted nonchalant before Meg. She endured making small talk with the Mancinis until they left.

Cassie and Meg offered to clear up in the kitchen. Anna thanked them and declared she was exhausted.

“Don’t stay up too late, girls.”

Back in her room, Anna summoned the Firecrackers. Julie asked her to hold while she set up a three way call with Mary, asking Anna to use the video feature on her phone.

“You look done in,” Mary observed.

Anna burst into tears. Julie took over and coaxed the whole story out of her.

“You’re worrying prematurely. Leo’s just a rookie. He’s parroting whatever his colleagues talk about.”

“So they are talking about Meg,” Anna sighed.

“Things always sound worse than they are,” Mary soothed. “Especially if Lara and her minions have been spreading their venom. You need to stay calm, Anna. So if things actually go bad, you’re in a position to take action.”

Anna was concerned about Meg.

“How can I shield her from all this? Do you think I should ask Cassie to take her to Los Angeles for a few days? Bobby would love to have them.”

Julie shook her head vigorously.

“That would be a bad move. The police might think she’s fleeing and take that as a sign of guilt. Actually, I’m not sure they will allow her to leave.”

Anna was aghast.

“What do we do, girls? I can’t think straight.”

Mary came up with a sensible suggestion.

“Keep her out front, Anna, so nobody thinks she has something to hide. But keep her busy.”

Mary promised to come up with a list of chores related to the spring festival. Anna agreed it was a sensible plan. She would ask Meg to overhaul the filing system in the bookstore and rearrange all the books. It would keep her occupied.

Anna hung up after promising her friends she wouldn’t fret anymore. Sleep eluded her so she squared her shoulders and decided to tackle something equally important that needed her attention.

The house was quiet. It looked like Cassie and Meg had heeded her advice and gone to bed. Anna hesitated outside her husband’s study, trying to build up courage. Two minutes later, she pushed the door open and went in, determined to take a deep dive in her past.

A big box of John’s stuff lay behind a couch near the window. Anna opened it, ready to face whatever secrets it revealed. She pulled out a few dusty sieves, brushes and trowels, tools of the trade John had used on excavation sites. Some of them still had mud and dirt clinging to them. There was a tiny dust pan with a brush, engraved with John’s name. It had been a birthday gift from her.

She had placed a custom order with a supplier John liked and hidden the tools in her closet. John’s face had glowed when he tore off the wrapping paper.

“You understand me better than anyone, Anna.”

Her eyes filled up at the sweet memory. She almost didn’t notice the bundle of notes through her tears. It was like a stack of index cards, tied with string. Anna read the topmost one, wondering if it was written in a foreign language. John had used a kind of personal shorthand for his research, made up of symbols and acronyms he had created over the years. Although Anna didn’t understand it, she was familiar with it and knew there was a small book with a glossary that explained everything. But this was different. Anna was sure she hadn’t seen those notes before.

She sifted through the pack, skimming over each card, trying to make some sense of the information but she kept drawing a blank. She sat there for a long time, wondering if the cards were significant. Did they indicate something sinister? John hadn’t told her he had resumed the Blue Hill project but it was an open secret. People at the university knew about it. So did his students.

Anna gave up trying to decipher the cards after a while and resumed unloading the box. There was a set of stained overalls and a bunch of books at the bottom. She pulled out the books one by one and read the titles. They were reference books John used frequently. Anna twisted her neck and looked at some built-in bookshelves, trying to figure out where she could stack them.

A piece of paper fluttered out of a book and fell in her lap.

“More notes,” Anna muttered to herself.

She unfolded the note, expecting to see more gibberish. Her mouth fell open in shock. The writing was in a language familiar to her and it couldn’t be clearer.

“This sounds like a threat!”

Anna rifled through the book and shook it. More notes fell out. All of them said something similar. One of them warned John to back off. Another told him to forget Blue Hill. There were orders to stop excavating. The last one stopped her cold. It promised John there would be consequences if he didn’t heed the warnings.

Anna broke out in a cold sweat. She had always suspected John was the victim of foul play. The police had been indecisive due to lack of evidence. Gino couldn’t make an official statement as police chief but he had believed John was murdered. He had also trusted Anna and believed she was innocent of the crime. But a part of Anna had hoped. She didn’t wish a violent death on the man she had loved for thirty five years. Anna hoped she would discover it was all a big mistake and John just fell down the stairs and hit his head.

The threatening notes shattered any chances of John’s death being an accident. Anna sobbed quietly, her body shaking with grief. She realized this was yet another secret John had kept from her. Had he been protecting her or had she been unapproachable, too involved in the bookstore and her friends? How had she not realized her beloved husband was in mortal danger?

Anna placed all the notes in an envelope and sealed it. She put the books away, taking care each one went into its designated spot following John’s system. Then she placed all the tools back in the box.

She snuggled on the tiny couch facing the window, the muddy old overalls clutched to her chest. The pink rays of dawn were dusting the horizon when she finally fell asleep.

Meg was sitting at the kitchen table when Anna walked in the next morning. Her mind was foggy from lack of sleep and she wondered if she had dreamt about the threats to John.

“I made scrambled eggs and avocado toast, Grandma.”

“Why didn’t you wake me up?”

Anna realized Meg was her immediate priority. John would have to wait.

“We need to overhaul the indexing system at the bookstore,” Anna told her. “And rearrange the shelves. Everything’s become haphazard.”

“I don’t have any classes today so I’m all yours.”

Meg assured her she didn’t have any pending assignments either.

They headed out a few minutes later. A cold front had come in overnight and there was a chill in the air. Meg wore a soft chenille sweater in a baby blue color with a matching beanie cap. Anna thought she looked cherubic.

The café was packed again and Anna took Meg’s arm and steered her toward the bookstore entrance.

“We can say Hi to MJ and go in through the arch,” Meg protested.

Anna told her she had used the bookstore entrance for twenty years. She liked to stand below the magnolia tree, especially in spring when it was blooming. Meg laughed and gave her a hug.

“You’re so sentimental!”

Anna waved her hand at a wall of books and told Meg to dust each one and separate them by genre. She wanted her to arrange them alphabetically after that.

Meg plunged into the tasks enthusiastically. Anna finally went into the café, squaring her shoulders to face an onslaught of gossip.

Some customers gave her the cold shoulder, glaring and smirking at her. Some refused to meet her eye. And then there were some who stuck around asking pointed questions.

“How much do you really know about her, Anna?” Agnes, a crotchety woman who lived down Anna’s street asked. “Are you sure she’s yours?”

The antique grandmother clock guarding the café entrance finally chimed the hour and the Firecrackers came in. Julie’s grim expression matched Anna’s.

“Where is she?” Mary looked around.

“I’m keeping her busy rearranging the bookshelves so she stays out of sight.”

“But what about people coming to the bookstore?” Julie asked.

Anna’s hand flew to her forehead.

“I never thought of that!”

Mary suggested she close the bookstore for the day. Anna agreed readily.

“She’ll be done by tomorrow, maybe even tonight if she works fast. How do I keep her busy, girls?”

They threw some ideas back and forth over coffee.

“What about lunch?” Julie said suddenly. “She might slip out and go to the Tipsy Whale or the diner.”

Anna asked her if they could go to the taco stand out of town. Meg agreed readily. Julie drove them out in her SUV.

“You remember all the food we tasted in Mexico?” Meg asked brightly as she demolished her fish tacos.

Julie dropped them off outside the bookstore and Anna followed Meg in. Her brow furrowed when she saw the man sitting at a reading table. Meg’s face split in a grin as she flew in his arms.

“What are you doing here, Drake?”

“I’m on my way back to Monterey.” He looked up at Anna. “Can I steal her away?”

“Don’t get fresh, young man.” Anna couldn’t hide her irritation. “Where are you taking her?”

She knew there was precious little she could actually do. Meg was an adult and was free to go anywhere she wanted.

Drake pointed at the sneakers he was wearing.

“I thought we would take a little hike.”

He turned to Meg.

“Are you up to it?”

Meg had woven her arm through Drake’s.

“I’ll go anywhere you take me. Let me grab some water and snacks for us.”

“No need.” Drake tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. “I already took care of everything. We’re good to go.”

Anna couldn’t sit still after Meg left. She went into the café and helped MJ bake some cookies. Then she reluctantly headed home.

A brief nap settled her nerves a bit. She stood at the kitchen sink, watching the sun hanging low over the bay. Chicken marinated in a spicy Cajun mixture, ready to be fried. Cassie was chopping vegetables for salad, wondering why Meg wasn’t back yet.

“I’m here, I’m back!” Meg sang cheerfully. “What’re you so worried about, Mom?”

Anna and Cassie both whirled around, glad to see her home.

“Drake took me to a secret meadow he knows from his college days. Mom, it was bursting with all kinds of wildflowers. Not just orange poppies. There was something called lupin and a bunch of other names I forgot. It was magical!”

“Lupine,” Anna corrected her.

The doorbell pealed, interrupting them.

“Are we expecting company?” Cassie got up and went outside to get the door.

She came back with a couple of police officers in tow. Her eyes were wide with alarm.

Meg was munching a baby carrot, talking nonstop.

Time stopped as Anna watched the officers say something and surround Meg. They walked her out of the kitchen, Cassie following at their heels. She was back a lifetime later, looking stricken.

“They arrested Meg for that cyclist’s murder.”

Chapter 9

Anna’s legs turned into rubber and she dropped to the floor.

“Mom!” Cassie cried. “Get a hold of yourself.”

Anna hardly felt a thing as Cassie pulled her up and led her to the living room. She couldn’t think straight. Had the police really taken Meg away?

Cassie placed an afghan around her shoulders and went out of sight. Anna barely noticed her return with a glass of wine in her hand.

“Drink this.”

Anna took a few gulps of the wine, trying to figure out what they needed to do. Meg was just a child, a victim of circumstances. She had been wronged most of her life. How could anyone think she would deliberately hurt a stranger?

She heard Cassie talking on the phone but didn’t have the energy to ask about it. Cassie came and held her hand, sitting on the arm of her chair.

“She’s going to be fine, Mom. We’ll go and get her, don’t you worry. We’ll bring her home and order pizza with extra cheese, just the way she likes it and ply her with ice cream.”

Anna realized they weren’t moving.

“What are we waiting for?”

Cassie told her Gino was on the way over. His presence would make a difference.

Anna counted the minutes until the doorbell rang and Gino rushed in. He wrapped Anna in his big arms and held her close.

“Leo’s working the night shift. He’ll look out for her.”

Anna pulled apart from him, bristling with anger.

“Isn’t this all his fault?”

She began pacing the room, her eyes breathing fire.

“Your nephew’s out of hand, Gino. I thought he liked Meg!”

Gino tried to get her to sit down.

“Leo worships her. You know that, Anna.”

“Is that why he’s doing this? Making all these ridiculous allegations because she’s going out with someone else? He’s jealous.”

Anna stopped mid step and glared at Gino.

“When are you going to reel him in? This kind of behavior is just not done. My poor baby!”

She collapsed on the couch and dissolved into tears. Cassie held her by the shoulders and shook her.

“You’re hysterical, Mom! You need to calm down.”

Gino twirled his mustache and held her gaze. His stony countenance didn’t reveal his emotions but Anna guessed he was trying hard to hold on to his temper.

“You are wrong about Leo.”

“Am I?” Anna launched into a tirade. “You’ve never hidden the fact that he’s ambitious. You think I don’t get it? He’s new on the force and wants to make a name for himself. He thinks Meg is a soft target. But she’s not alone anymore. She has her family to stand by her.”

“You amaze me, Anna,” Gino murmured. He was beginning to turn red. “Leo disobeyed a direct order because he couldn’t stand being the one to arrest Meg. He might be facing disciplinary action.”

“What?” Anna was flustered. “You mean Leo’s not behind all this?”

She closed her eyes and rubbed them, trying to ignore the pounding in her head. Cassie stroked her back and told her to take deep breaths. Anna complied reluctantly.

Gino sat in a chair opposite her and folded his arms, waiting for her to speak.

“Am I losing my mind?” Anna began tapping her foot. “When can we go get her?”

Gino’s response shattered her. He told them he had already visited the police station on his way over. Leo had brought him up to speed.

“It’s past 8 PM now, Anna. And it’s the weekend. We cannot apply for bail until Monday morning.”

He launched into a big explanation of how they could hold her for questioning for a certain amount of time without actually charging her with a crime. It was just the way the system worked. He had done it himself many times. But he had never been on the receiving end as he was now.

“Don’t we need a lawyer?” Cassie spoke up. “If my baby girl has to be in there, at least we can make sure she is accompanied by someone who’s thinking in her favor.”

Gino hesitated before giving his opinion. As a former police chief, he wasn’t in favor of lawyering up. It would be in Meg’s interest to come clean.

“But what if the police twist her words and use them against her?” Cassie cried. “It happens all the time.”

Anna was furious again.

“What are you implying, Gino? Do you think Meg is hiding something?”

“It’s not impossible,” he admitted reluctantly. “She might know something about this crime.”

“You’re saying she’s implicit?” Anna pounced. “That’s as good as saying she’s guilty.”

Gino pursed his lips. “I’m not saying she killed that cyclist, Anna. But it’s definitely possible she’s holding back some vital information.”

“You mean it’s like a repressed memory?” Cassie asked. “She witnessed something without being aware of its importance?”

Anna seconded her.

“Kids are so scatterbrained these days. Meg might have completely forgotten what she did that day.”

The two Butler women waited for Gino’s reply.

“That’s not what I meant,” he sighed. “Not exactly, that is. I mean Meg might have done something silly and she’s afraid to own up to it now. It may or may not have had an impact on the crime. But the police won’t be able to determine it until they have all the facts.”

“You’re skating on thin ice, Gino,” Anna warned. “Whose side are you on, anyway?”

Gino looked hurt. He insisted he was trying to help Meg.

“Would you have let her stew in there if she were your child?” Anna swallowed a lump.

“You wound me, Anna.” Gino landed a fist in the sofa cushion. “Meg’s mine too and I’m as worried as you are. I’m trying to consider all the angles here. Unless we think of worst case scenarios, how can we plan to mitigate them?”

“That’s a lot of mumbo jumbo meaning we should assume the worst?” Anna shot back. “I know I’m emotional right now but you’re too clinical, Gino.”

Cassie had been pacing the room, growing more and more frustrated.

“Stop it!” she cried suddenly. “All this bickering is getting us nowhere.”

Anna felt her daughter’s wrath descend on her.

“You think Gino would be here letting you rant and rave if he didn’t care about Meg? Give him a break, Mom.”

Cassie whirled around and faced Gino.

“And you know how much Meg looks up to you, Gino. She would be shattered to know you think she’s guilty.”

There was a stunned silence. None of them spoke for a minute.

“What did Leo say?” Anna asked softly. “Do they have any concrete evidence?”

Gino told them Leo had taken him to the detective handling the case.

“Unfortunately, it’s not Teddy Fowler. This guy’s just come here from the city and he’s big on dotting his I’s and doing everything according to the book.”

Anna thought that was more bad luck but she waited for him to continue.

“They established that the sedative was present in something he drank. Based on the approximate time he fell and the time taken for the drug to start working, they calculated it happened when he stopped in town.”

“Could he have procured a drink somewhere else?” Cassie asked hopefully.

Anna bit her lip.

“Our stall was the only one offering drinks. We had bottled water, energy drinks and the lemonade. The Paradise Market stall only had fruits and the Yellow Tulip was offering egg and sausage sandwiches.”

The fresh squeezed lemonade had been a last minute addition. Meg thought the bottled drinks were impersonal. She wanted to do something memorable for the cyclists. Her act of kindness had come back to haunt her.

“Meg doesn’t have a motive,” Anna stressed. “She had no reason to harm a perfect stranger.”

“Who is he anyway?” Cassie asked Gino. “Have they released his name?”

“Not yet.” Gino looked mortified. “Normally, one of the men I know would have told me but …”

Leo had promised to share the information as soon as possible.

“I will start digging around once I learn his identity, Anna. That should tell us who might have wanted him dead.”

Anna watched Cassie go to the coat closet and pull a couple of jackets out.

“Let’s go see our girl, Mom.”

Anna’s eyes filled up. She pulled on her coat and buttoned it, daring Gino to stop her from going. He went inside without a word and came out holding a brown paper bag.

“Cookies!” he muttered.

They climbed into Gino’s sedan and headed out. Anna knew it was a long shot. She didn’t have any hopes of actually being able to meet Meg that night. But she wanted her to know she wasn’t alone.

“Leo fed her dinner.” Gino took Anna’s hand in his. “He’ll get us in.”

Chapter 10

Anna didn’t have the courage to face the day the next morning. She lay in bed even after she woke, staring at the sliver of garden that was visible through the sheer curtains hanging at her window. Watery sunlight streamed in, lighting the room. Dust motes danced in the light, seeming out of place and inappropriate.

The day should have been darker, with heavy mist and storm clouds threatening to burst any time. She didn’t want her granddaughter to miss even an ounce of sunshine more than necessary.

They had managed to meet Meg for a couple of minutes the previous night. It hadn’t been easy. She and Cassie hung around in the waiting area for hours. Leo had tried hard to get them an audience with Meg, but the new detective made sure that didn’t happen. Meg was off limits. She was being treated like a criminal.

Leo got off duty at ten and Anna told him to go home with Gino. She thought he could be of more help if went home and started digging around in the dead man’s profile. It was just Cassie and her after that. The police station emptied gradually until only an older man remained at the front desk. He took pity on them around midnight.

“Just one minute, okay? My job’s on the line.”

Meg seemed calm and collected. She assured them she was well and was looking forward to some shut eye.

“Leo got me a burger and the guy on duty got me coffee once. I’m good, really.”

She blew them a kiss and said goodnight with a smile on her face.

“Meg’s tough,” Cassie commented on the way back home. “I would’ve been bawling my eyes out.”

Anna warmed milk after going home and grated in a bit of nutmeg. Cassie surprised her by asking for some. Neither of them said much as they turned in for the night. They were all talked out.

Anna slept soundly but her mind started raging the moment her eyes opened. Was it too early to call Gino?

Cassie shuffled into her room, holding a loaded tray.

“I brought you breakfast, Mom.”

Anna sat up, letting Cassie plump the pillows behind her. She picked up the mug of steaming, freshly brewed coffee and took a sip. There was a pitcher of orange juice and avocado toast with her favorite seed mix and hot sauce.

“Thanks for doing this, honey.”

Mother and daughter ate quickly, wondering how Meg was faring at the police station.

“Aunt Julie called.” Cassie picked up the empty tray. “They should be here soon.”

Anna walked into the shower with a burst of energy. Julie and Mary had been with her through every crisis in her life. She couldn’t imagine facing this latest one without them.

Cassie was making more coffee when Anna walked into the kitchen.

“I need to let MJ know we’re not coming in today.”

“Already taken care of,” Cassie replied. “Aunt Julie stopped at the café on her way over. She brought MJ up to speed.”

Anna felt rather than heard some footsteps outside the kitchen door. Julie barged in, dressed in her usual costume of capri pants and plaid shirt. She wore the same clothes in every season. Mary was right behind her, clutching a casserole wrapped in foil.

Cassie took the pan from her and put it in the refrigerator.

Julie waved a paper bag in the air and set it down. Heady sweet scents of vanilla and sugar wafted out.

“MJ sends her regards, along with strawberry turnovers and fresh chocolate chip scones. Aren’t you glad you finally hired someone?”

“She’s been a blessing,” Anna agreed. “Was she waiting for the cupcakes?”

Julie told her MJ was aware of what they were going through. She had taken the initiative and already baked a batch of Anna’s strawberry vanilla cupcakes.

“She followed your recipe so you are not to worry.”

Cassie arranged all the pastries on a pretty plate and poured the fresh coffee. They trooped out to the living room and settled in their favorite spots.

“I feel so helpless, girls!” Anna wailed. “How can I help my baby?”

“Make use of your strengths,” Mary advised wisely. “And stop agonizing over what you cannot control.”

“Do you mean we shouldn’t try to get Meg out of jail?”

“I hope not!” Julie exclaimed. “That poor kid’s relying on us, Mary.”

Mary explained what she meant.

“We need to find out what happened that day. The best way to help Meg is to get to the bottom of the truth. Luckily, you have some experience in this, Anna.”

“You want me to find out who killed that cyclist.” Anna watched Cassie’s face closely. She expected her daughter to fly out in protest any second.

Cassie surprised her.

“Aunt Mary’s right. You should focus on solving this murder, Mom. I know I didn’t want you to get involved at first but this is different.”

“And you’re not alone, Anna,” Julie reminded her. “We’re all with you and you have Gino.”

Anna’s face clouded. Had she been too harsh with him? Her unease increased as she told the girls how she had treated him.

“You’ve been too goody goody all this time,” Julie grunted. “It’s good you spoke your mind. He’ll think twice before taking you for granted again.”

“Gino didn’t …” Anna told Julie she had misunderstood her.

Mary provided the reasonable approach as usual.

“He’s not going to hold that against you, Anna. Don’t worry. Not when Meg’s in trouble. Give him some credit.” She shook her head at Julie. “Have you lost your mind?”

The doorbell rang insistently, putting an end to their speculation.

Gino came in, bringing the spring air along with him. He took the only empty chair in the room and sat down, resting his right ankle on his left knee.

Anna waited expectantly while he accepted a cup of coffee from Cassie and took a deep sip.

“He’s a Californian, our cyclist. His name is Gil Richards and he lives in a small town north of San Francisco.”

Anna had never heard of him.

“He’s a professional cyclist, of course. But that’s not all. He’s done a lot of social work for environmental causes.”

“So he was a good man,” Anna murmured.

Gino told them Gil Richards had been a popular figure, well liked in his community. He had been married for several years but separated recently. He was a man you could count on.

“What about money?” Cassie spoke up. “It always comes up one way or the other.”

“He wasn’t rolling in money from what I can tell,” Gino replied. “Neither rich nor poor, just comfortable.”

“So he wasn’t a bad sort?” Mary quizzed.

“No police record,” Gino nodded. “Just an ordinary middle aged man with a passion for cycling.”

“He wasn’t that ordinary,” Julie pointed out. “Someone definitely wanted him out of the way. His behavior must have prompted that.”

Anna folded her arms and faced Gino.

“Meg didn’t hurt this man. There must have been someone else here who did it. Maybe it was another cyclist.”

Gino picked up a scone from the pastry plate.

“It’s not going to be easy, Anna. There were hundreds of people in town that day, most of them outsiders. Plenty of tourists came to watch the race.”

“The race organizers should be able to give us a list of the participants,” Julie suggested.

Gino told them there had been a lot of support staff attached to the race. There were coaches, physical therapists, medics and mentors. And then there were the recreational cyclists or folks who were there just for fun. Some of them had their own vehicles that took them to the scenic parts just so they could cycle a short distance to get the cycling experience.

“I don’t care how many people we have to wade through.” Anna’s mouth set in a firm line. “No amount of obstacles will discourage me, Gino. We just have to get it done to vindicate Meg.”

Gino’s eyes spoke volumes. He assured Anna he would be with her every step of the way.

“Did this guy really die because of the sedatives?” Cassie wondered out loud. “I know they think Meg drugged the lemonade but can we be sure that’s what killed him?”

Gino told them the final autopsy report wasn’t ready yet. They needed to contact someone in the medical examiner’s office to get an update.

Mary spoke up.

“Let me handle that. I better go home and start baking a banana cream pie. Rory Cunningham will start singing as soon as he gets a whiff of it.”

Anna hugged her friend, her eyes tearing up. Mary patted her back, trying to pacify her.

“Anything for Meg!”

Chapter 11

Anna sat in her garden later, talking to her plants. She had never had a green thumb but she had started spending more time there in the past few years, since John passed and she got diagnosed with cancer. She barely knew the names of all the flowers or the shrubs but acknowledged they gave her peace.

Gino had left on a mysterious errand. Cassie was putting herself through an exercise routine with Bobby. Julie had to work and Mary was going to tackle the medical examiner. Anna had insisted they carry on with their usual chores.

She finally forced herself to face the questions lurking at the back of her mind. What if Meg had added something to the lemonade? Anna was sure she didn’t mean to hurt anyone but it could have been a prank. Kids could be weird these days and Meg hadn’t been with them for long. Granted, she had been a model of good behavior. But what if she had been playing a part? She might have got tired and wanted to act out.

A part of Anna thought she was being unfair to Meg. But look at what John had done. Even after thirty four years of marriage, he hadn’t found it necessary to confide in her. She understood why he might hide his affair but why had he chosen to keep the Blue Hill project a secret? And what about those threats? They could have affected her too. Actually, they had, because John’s death had an impact on the whole family.

Was Meg trying to get attention? What if her actions were a cry for help? She had read in some magazine that teenagers often did that kind of thing. Although Meg was older, it was natural she would crave notice. She hoped Gil Richards hadn’t become a victim of Meg’s turmoil.

Death was so final. Anna realized she had been hard on Gino and vowed to make it up to him.

Her daffodils nodded in the breeze and the warm sun would have brought a smile to her face on any other day. She hoped she was being ridiculous about Meg but she needed to be ready to face the worst.

Cassie peeped out of the kitchen.

“Mom, you have a visitor.”

Anna took in her daughter’s bright eyes and understood it was someone they weren’t expecting.

A dapper older man dressed in a three piece suit sat in the living room, his back ramrod straight. He clutched a silver handled cane and stood up as soon as he saw Anna and greeted her.

“I have come to offer my support.”

Charlie Robinson was the owner of the Castle Beach Resort, a local five star hotel that was famous up and down the coast. He was rich and prominent and his word held a lot of weight in town.

“You’re so kind, Charlie.” Anna took his hand. “You have always had my back.”

She started telling him what had happened but he held up a hand to interrupt her.

“I’m fond of Meg too. She’s a fine young lady and I’m sure all these allegations are rot. You don’t need to defend her.”

Anna felt a pang of guilt at what she had been thinking just moments ago.

Charlie wanted to take her out to lunch.

“A change of scene might be good for you, my dear. You can’t wage a war on an empty stomach.”

Cassie came out with some coffee and juice on a tray.

“He’s right, Mom. I can stay here and hold the fort down.”

Anna didn’t need much time to get ready. Charlie suggested it was a fine day for a walk and she agreed. They decided to go to the China Garden restaurant. It was as popular as the diner but she hoped it would be less crowded.

Mrs. Chang, the proprietor, greeted them and led them to a patio at the back with one long picnic style table. Two places were set at one end and there was no one around. A vibrant garden rivaling Anna’s own flourished around them, perfuming the air with tiny white blooms.

“I thought this would be more private,” Charlie murmured. “You don’t mind?”

Anna marveled at Charlie’s thoughtfulness. She was aware he had always had a soft spot for her. But she had assumed he would lose interest since she started going out with Gino. According to Julie, the Robinsons were thoroughly crooked and best kept at arm’s length.

Charlie ordered vegetable spring rolls and a pot of jasmine tea and chose Anna’s favorite orange chicken for the meal.

Anna inquired about Charlie’s mother, a crabby old woman who rarely ventured outside the castle. The locals thought she made her son run around her in loops but Charlie had never complained. Anna knew he was a devoted son who took genuine pleasure in caring for his mother.

“Was John really going after the Blue Hill treasure?” Charlie asked after Anna had eaten a spring roll. “Word on the street is he was getting close.”

Anna almost told him about the threatening letters but she held herself back. She needed to share that with her girls first.

The orange chicken was crisp and hot with just the right amount of sticky sweet sauce. Anna ate voraciously, going for a second helping.

“Some of the cyclists were going to stay with us at the resort,” Charlie remarked casually. “We worked out a special discount package for them.”

He had been out of town on a business trip and hadn’t returned until the previous night so he hadn’t run into any of them.

“Was the dead guy staying at your hotel?” Anna sat up.

Charlie placed a call to his manager and spoke for a few minutes. He nodded at Anna as he hung up.

“That man, Gil Richards, was one of our guests. My manager says the police came there a few days ago and looked around. They searched his room and interviewed some of the staff.”

Anna’s phone beeped before she could answer. Her mouth hung open at the message displayed on her screen.

“It’s Cassie from the police station. She says they might release Meg.”

Charlie sprang up and offered his hand to Anna.

“That’s excellent! Let’s go there now.”

“But your lunch …”

Charlie assured her he had eaten all he could. He insisted on accompanying her to the station. His car and driver were waiting outside to whisk them away.

Meg and Cassie stood outside, waiting for her. Anna opened her arms and Meg leapt into them with a sob. Neither cared about the tears streaming down their faces as Anna hugged her tight.

“I didn’t want to stay in there for one more minute,” Meg sniffled.

Charlie’s car proved useful again.

“Stay at home with Meg,” Anna ordered Cassie. “I have to go meet someone.”

She promised to be back soon.

Charlie instructed the driver to take them to Castle Beach.

“I should’ve asked your permission first.” Anna was sheepish.

“No need,” Charlie assured her. “You can speak to as many of my employees as you want. I haven’t forgotten what you did for me, Anna. Meg needs your sleuthing skills to find out what happened to Gil Richards.”

The hotel manager came around to greet them as soon as they entered. Anna was a familiar figure at the resort and the entire staff always gave her special attention. Cassie told her it was all part of the five star experience but Anna suspected Charlie had something to do with it.

He was already telling his manager to give her anything she wanted.

Anna followed the manager into a small office. He told her they had hosted several people who were there for the cycle race.

“The organizers put up a tent city a few miles north of town but their VIPs got a room here. This included big sponsors and star athletes.”

“And this Gil Richards was one of them?”

The manager bobbed his head.

“He was a top three contender and he’d been doing this for a while. The tents are great for making friends and getting the whole big race experience but your back matters more after a while. Most middle aged people prefer a comfy bed after eight hours of cycling.”

“Did you talk to him?” Anna was curious.

“Nothing profound,” the manager shrugged. “I greeted him a few times when I came across him and asked if he needed anything. And I wished him luck.”

“So there was nothing special about him?” Anna asked. “Nothing that stands out?”

The manager hesitated, giving a slight shrug again.

“He got into a big argument with some woman. They were loud enough to draw a crowd.”

Chapter 12

Cassie covered Meg with a small blanket and made sure she was comfortable.

“Stay right there! I am getting hot chocolate for us, with seven marshmallows.”

Meg yawned deeply and gave her a thin smile.

Cassie went through the motions of making her special cocoa, using half and half and a bar of gourmet dark chocolate she kept on hand for emergencies. The seven mini marshmallows were her quirk, something Anna said she had insisted on since she was a first grader.

She poured the chocolate into colorful stoneware mugs they had bought on their recent trip to Mexico. A dash of cinnamon followed, along with all the leftover biscotti.

Meg was half asleep when Cassie took the tray outside.

“Drink up,” she said gently. “You can take a nap after. Aunt Mary brought a casserole for us. We can have that later.”

Meg cupped her hands around the thick mug and smiled at the marshmallows bobbing in the creamy, aromatic brew.

“We never had marshmallows.”

“What?” Cassie looked up. “I didn’t hear you, sweetie.”

Meg stirred the chocolate and stared into it moodily.

“You always ask me how many marshmallows I like in my chocolate,” Meg spoke under her breath. “The truth is, I didn’t know what a marshmallow was until I got adopted.”

Cassie could fill in the blanks. She knew Meg had grown up without things most kids took for granted. She rarely talked about her childhood but sometimes, in an unguarded moment, she let something slip.

“You don’t have to like them.”

Meg dunked biscotti in her chocolate and munched on it, looking a bit perkier.

“Oh, I love them, Mom! What kind of casserole is it? Does it have cheese?”

Cassie assured her it did.

“I’m going to take a long hot shower first.” Meg stood up and stretched. “You better heat up the whole thing.”

Cassie wanted to do something with her hands so she decided to make some garlic bread to go with the chicken broccoli casserole. Twenty minutes later, the kitchen was filled with savory aromas of garlic and herbs.

Her phone rang. It was a call Cassie had been expecting for days. She paced the living room while she discussed a potential new role with a casting director she had worked with before.

“And how long is the production schedule?” Her mouth dropped in dismay as she listened to what was required of her. “Three months in Arizona?”

Meg had come out with a smile on her face, smelling fresh as a spring meadow. Cassie saw her face crumple when she mentioned being away. She wrapped up her call and sat beside Meg, taking her hands in hers.

“Nothing’s confirmed yet, kid. They need an audition. I might not get the role.”

“Please, you’re Cassie Butler. Everyone wants to work with you, especially since you’re trending again.”

Cassie took her daughter by the shoulders and gazed directly into her eyes.

“Meg, I promise you. I’m not leaving you in the middle of this mess.”

“What if this case is never resolved? You can’t put your life on hold forever, Mom.”

The oven dinged, announcing their food was ready. Cassie took Meg’s arm and led her to the dining table.

“Let’s not be so pessimistic. Now, you better tuck in well.”

Cassie brought out their plates, piled high with the creamy casserole and big hunks of garlic bread. Meg began eating the food eagerly, talking between bites.

“Leo was really nice. He brought me food and a soda and he kept my spirits up.”

Cassie didn’t expect any different from him. Like the Firecrackers, she hoped Meg would end up with Leo Mancini one day.

“How did they let you go?”

Meg explained they had Gino to thank for that. He had arrived at the station early that morning and peeped in to greet Meg. One of the guards told her he had been closeted with the chief for over an hour. The new detective who arrested Meg had been called in half way through. Eventually, Gino had managed to convince the chief that the police did not have any definitive proof against Meg.

Cassie’s cheeks blazed as she listened to the story.

“They should never have arrested you. I guess we have that new guy to thank for that. Did he at least apologize?”

Meg rolled her eyes.

“Get real, Mom.”

Cassie went back to the kitchen to get a second helping for Meg.

“You know what I dreamed of last night?” Meg plunged her fork into the cheesy chicken and took a large bite of the bread. “Ice cream. So my neck is on the line and all I could think about was ice cream!”

Cassie assured her they had plenty of it at home.

“His name was Gil Richards,” Cassie told Meg a few minutes later. “Gino said he lived in a town up north.”

Meg nodded. She had picked up a few tidbits at the station herself.

“They say he drank something that made him dizzy. He lost his balance and went hurtling down an incline. They found him in a shallow ravine, his face covered in bruises. One of the guards mentioned he was barely recognizable.”

“So he died because he crashed?” Cassie felt a ray of hope. “That’s nothing to do with you.”

“He wouldn’t have fallen if he was alert.”

Cassie tried to think of other ways the man might have been drugged.

“And just because he stopped at your stall …”

“He didn’t visit anyone else, so the police zeroed in on me.”

Cassie thought the theory had a lot of holes. He might have been carrying a drink with him before he came to Meg’s stall. They didn’t know who gave it to him.

“Do you remember the guy?” she asked. “Tell me what happened that day. Don’t leave anything out.”

Meg mopped up some of the cheese with a last bit of garlic bread. She frowned at Cassie’s question.

“He had an empty flask with him.”

Meg remembered he had refilled it with a bottle of water. She had watched him tear open the seal.

“We talked for a while and then he was gone.”

Cassie wanted to know what had made him so memorable. Meg admitted the man was a bit of a flirt. He had hinted at meeting her for a drink later that evening but he backed off when she mentioned her boyfriend.

Cassie felt disgusted. Based on Gino’s information, Gil Richards had been over forty.

“And you’re sure you didn’t know him? He might have walked into the café sometime.”

Meg paused for a moment before shaking her head firmly.

“Mom, I never saw him before, I swear.”

Cassie decided it was time for dessert. They assembled a jumbo sundae with generous drizzles of chocolate and caramel. Meg added whipped cream and cherries.

“What’s Grandma up to?”

“She just sent a message saying she’ll be late. Now how about a nap?”

Meg didn’t wake up until twilight painted the sky a mellow orange. Anna had come home a few minutes before. The three women squeezed together on the couch, Meg in the center, both Anna and Cassie clutching one of her hands in theirs.

Cassie listened avidly as Anna told them about her visit to the Castle Beach Resort.

“So the police know Gil Richards was staying there?” she asked, disappointed.

“The police haven’t interviewed the night staff yet,” Anna told them. “I talked to Gino and he’s going to make sure they get to it.”

Meg turned toward Anna.

“I never thanked Gino for this morning!”

Cassie told her he was on his way. She would have ample opportunity to express her gratitude.

“What about this woman the cyclist was arguing with, Mom?” she asked Anna.

“Charlie’s going to get some answers for us. We’ll track her down soon.”

Gino arrived with a giant bag and handed it over to Cassie. He had to attend a business meeting but he had instructed his cook to make dinner for them.

“Pot roast, mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables. And there’s a cherry pie in there for dessert.”

Meg sprang up and embraced him.

“Thank you so much for getting me out of there.”

Cassie thought Gino’s eyes looked moist as he hugged her daughter back. He would always be an honorary grandfather to Meg, regardless of what happened between him and Anna.

“The chief agreed they dropped the ball on this investigation,” he told them. “The police will be interviewing the night staff at the resort tonight.”

“But the damage is done,” Anna sighed. “Half this town still holds me accountable for John’s death. I won’t let the same thing happen to Meg.”

Cassie saw Gino give a slight nod.

“I’m with you, Anna. The only way to protect Meg from any insinuation is to find out what happened at that race.”

Chapter 13

Anna woke early again the next morning and sat up in bed, rubbing her eyes. She summoned up the strength to face another difficult day, having no doubt it would pose some new challenge. A silvery dawn bathed her garden in its light and the sky was red in the distance near the horizon.

Meg was scurrying about in the kitchen, wearing a cute apron Anna had bought for her during one of their shopping trips to the factory outlets. A welcome aroma of freshly made coffee lingered in the air.

“I couldn’t sleep,” Meg admitted. “So I thought I would test a new recipe for the spring menu.”

Anna sniffed the air appreciatively.

“Smoked paprika and something herby.”

Meg pulled out a pan from the oven, beaming broadly.

“It’s a spring onion frittata. MJ and I were talking about it the other day. Do you think it’s too zesty?”

Anna waited for her to cut a slice and took a small bite.

“It’s delicious!” she assured Meg. “Very fresh and vibrant. Good job, dear.”

Meg’s cheeks grew pink at the praise and she thanked Anna.

Cassie peeped in, dressed in her workout clothes and told them she was going for a run. They agreed to catch up later.

Anna and Meg ate most of the frittata and packed some for MJ.

“Are you going to the library again?”

Meg shook her head.

“I don’t think I will be able to focus, Grandma. Just keep me busy at the café.”

Anna knew the feeling. She suspected Meg was struggling and thought physical labor was the best way to chase away her blues.

The café was bustling when they arrived and MJ looked like she could use a hand. Meg hurried to her side and took over the cash register.

“Thanks for coming,” MJ breathed. “I need to get the cupcakes out of the oven.”

Anna followed her in and offered to frost the cupcakes when they were cool enough. MJ agreed to let her know when it was time. Anna went out to chat with her customers.

A group of college kids stood around the cash register, bombarding Meg with questions.

“Your cred just went up 100 points, dude.” A skinny boy with unruly hair was leaning close to Meg.

Two girls giggled and elbowed him in jest. They were all waiting for Meg to say something.

Anna watched from afar and let her handle them.

“Is this how it’s going to be?” she asked Anna after the kids had left with their coffees. “I have to just grin and bear it?”

Anna gave a helpless shrug. The kids had been a breeze. Meg would have to develop a tough skin if Lara Crawford and her minions continued to target her.

“Why don’t you go next door and pick out something to read? Something funny maybe? I can recommend Blandings Castle by Wodehouse. Grab a quiet corner and relax.”

“You mean hide,” Meg muttered under her breath but she took Anna’s advice.

Anna took over the cash register, squaring her shoulders as she spotted Agnes, a particularly nasty woman who lived on her street.

The Firecrackers arrived for coffee just as Anna finished frosting the strawberry vanilla cupcakes. She licked some pink cream off her fingers and rushed out, eager to see if Mary had any news.

“Any update from Rory?”

Mary told her he had grabbed the pie and promised to call when he had something significant.

“How is she?” Julie bit into a brownie bite, one of MJ’s creations. “Maybe I should take her out for a long drive, get her mind off things.”

Anna didn’t agree.

“Meg needs to confront these people now. What if the case is never solved? She can’t hide behind us forever.”

Julie and Mary were aware of how Anna had been shunned by people she had known all her life. They had encouraged Anna to be strong and face the poisonous barbs that had followed her anywhere she went.

“So what do you suggest?” Julie was all ears. “How can we put her front and center, Anna?”

Mary had the perfect solution. She reminded them about the upcoming spring festival.

“We’ll give her a task that will require her to go out and talk to everyone. The gossip will die down eventually.”

They huddled together, trying to come up with a list of things Meg could do. Mary told them how they had been having a hard time attracting youngsters to participate in town events.

“Meg didn’t go to school here,” Anna reminded them.

“But she was Spring Fling Queen,” Julie piped up. “She met some high school seniors when they painted the barn at Daisy Hollow.”

Mary told them she wasn’t asking Meg to rustle up volunteers. The moms on the festival committee managed to browbeat their young kids into providing free labor. They needed teenagers to visit the festival and tell their friends about it.

None of them had noticed Meg come in and stand by their table, waiting for them to look up. Anna was surprised to see she was shaking with laughter.

“Are you alright?”

“That book is too funny, Grandma. And there’s a whole lot of them.”

Julie suggested they all go to the Yellow Tulip for lunch.

“You too, young one. We have a big project for you.”

Meg’s face clouded.

“I’d rather stay in and let you bring me a burger.”

“Absolutely not!” Anna was firm. “Butlers don’t cower. You have nothing to be ashamed of, Meg.”

Meg’s smile dimmed but Anna was gratified to see her straighten her spine and stand up taller.

“I almost forgot!” she exclaimed. “Two women came in to pick up your latest bestseller, Aunt Julie.”

Julie made sure Anna’s bookstore always had all her books in stock, signed by her. Many of her fans came into Dolphin Bay just so they could pick up an autographed copy or chat with her.

“Did they say anything about it?” she asked eagerly.

Reader feedback was valuable to her and many of them were too shy to post a review or write in with their comments. Having a bookstore owner for a best friend meant she had access to some genuine observations.

“Nothing about the book.” Meg twisted her mouth in a grimace. “But they did talk about the dead cyclist. Gossip, more like.”

Anna sat up eagerly. At this stage, she would take any morsel of information she could lay her hands on.

Meg sat down at her invitation and shrugged her shoulders.

“He got into a fight with a fellow racer. Apparently, it was nasty. Gil accused this man of using performance drugs and got him suspended. Now he needs to prove he’s clean before he can compete again.”

Anna blew out a big breath. This was big. And it sounded like a possible motive.

“Did they mention a name?” She shook Meg urgently. “You need to find out more about this man.”

Meg’s forehead crinkled and her mouth formed a moue of discontent.

“I think they did but I don’t remember, Grandma.”

Anna tried to curb her frustration.

“My dear girl, do you know what this could mean? A genuine suspect!”

Julie’s hand landed on her arm.

“Let the child breathe, Anna.”

They were interrupted by the arrival of Charlie Robinson. None of them had noticed him enter the café.

Meg stood up and offered him a seat beside Anna. Julie didn’t try to hide her displeasure.

“What are you doing here, Charlie?”

He ignored her, staring directly at Anna. She sensed the urgency in his eyes and raised her eyebrows.

“You have news!”

“Come with me to Castle Beach.” Charlie was abrupt. “You and Meg. My car is waiting outside.”

“Did you consider she might have prior plans?” Julie was furious. “It’s just like you to barge in and start ordering people around.”

Anna quelled Julie with a warning glance and apologized to Charlie.

“We were on our way to the diner for lunch. Can this wait?”

Charlie sighed deeply and fiddled with his cane.

“I’m sorry for being brusque. But I learnt something that might help us and I wanted you to know immediately.”

Meg wove her arm through Charlie’s.

“Lunch at Castle Beach sounds great, Uncle Charlie. You just had to lift a finger to summon us.”

Charlie’s eyes softened. He chucked Meg under the chin and patted her cheek.

“The chef’s making lobster mac and cheese so I hope you’ll bring your appetite.”

He faced Julie and Mary and gave a slight bow.

“You are all invited, of course.”

Anna was shaking her foot impatiently, unable to control her anticipation.

“So spill the beans, Charlie. What’s the big news?”

“My bartender recognized the woman that dead cyclist was arguing with.”

“Go on,” Anna urged.

Charlie’s reply made them all scramble to the door.

“She was his wife.”

Chapter 14

Cassie had spent the day at the bookstore, trying to ignore the gossip that flew around her. She finally flared up when two local women started blaming Meg’s sketchy past.

“Who knows what kind of shenanigans she’s pulled before. She was over 18 by the time she came here and you know they seal minors’ records.”

Cassie reminded them they were talking about her daughter and showed them the door. This was one customer Anna wouldn’t mind losing.

A phone call to her best friend Bobby was just the thing she needed. Bobby repeated his invitation and asked them to spend some time with him in Los Angeles. Cassie told him it wasn’t an option any longer. The police had advised Meg against leaving town.

She walked to the Tipsy Whale for lunch, indulging in the daily special, a blackened fish sandwich with slaw and avocado spread. Back at the store, she waited for Anna and Meg to return. But Anna sent a message saying she was going home. Meg had been dispatched on an important errand for the spring festival.

Cassie decided to do some armchair investigation. She pulled up her tablet and started running searches on Gil Richards. He turned out to be quite well known and time flew as she waded through the variety of information available online, trying to find people who might have held a grudge against him.

The sky had darkened when Cassie looked up and stared out of the tall glass windows. White caps had appeared on the bay in the distance, roiled by a fierce wind. Black clouds hung over the water and the store was empty. MJ peeped in to tell Cassie she was closing up in the café.

“Storm’s coming,” she informed succinctly.

Fat drops of rain began pelting the pavement outside. Cassie decided it was time to go home. She made a quick run to Paradise Market to get some supplies for dinner and remembered she had forgotten to pull up the top of her ancient Mercedes convertible. Cassie was drenched to the bone by the time she got home.

Comforting aromas of garlic and tomato infused the house, signaling Anna was busy cooking something. Cassie trudged to the kitchen and dumped her bags on the kitchen island.

“I was going to make fried rice!”

“Meg requested tiramisu and I felt like soup so I decided to make chicken parmesan to go along with the ribbolita.”

Cassie brightened at the mention of chicken parmesan. It was her favorite meal.

“You know I won’t say no to that.”

“Why don’t you head to the shower before you catch a cold?” Anna sprinkled her special blend of dried herbs over the chicken breasts. “We’ve got an hour until dinner. Will you make your garlic bread?”

Cassie decided to enjoy a hot bath. She poured some wine for herself and Anna and chose the fancy bath bombs Bobby had gifted her for Christmas.

An hour later, she pulled out a pan of garlic bread from the oven and hollered at Meg to come eat. They had a lot of things to talk about.

Anna told her about the bartender. Cassie rushed ahead and told them what she had found out about Gil Richards.

“Gino was right. He seems to be a decent man. And quite famous too. I guess he was a minor celebrity, especially in the cycling circles.”

“Why would anyone want to murder him then?” Meg plucked out the chili flakes from her garlic bread.

“I won’t add them next time,” Cassie promised. “You never mentioned you didn’t like them.”

“Sometimes I do, sometimes I don’t.” Meg shrugged and told Cassie to ignore her.

“There are many facets to a person,” Anna spoke up. “And even a saint can manage to rub someone the wrong way.”

Cassie nodded as she cut into her chicken. It was moist and juicy and bursting with flavor, just as she remembered from childhood.

“Don’t forget his feud with that fellow cyclist, Meg.”

Cassie told them she had come across Gil’s cycling coach, a man called Peter Tang. She had tracked him down and called him.

“He talked to you?” Anna leaned forward in anticipation.

Cassie preened a bit and deliberated over a second piece of bread.

“Peter was eager to talk about Prince. Sheldon Prince is his name. Gil was determined to wipe him out.”

Anna and Meg urged her to tell them more.

“Gil Richards was something of an idealist. He thought doping was the ultimate crime for an athlete. Peter said Gil tried hard to get Prince banned from the game forever. But all Sheldon Prince got was a suspension. Gil was going to make a fresh appeal and present new evidence against him.”

“But that’s excellent!” Anna exclaimed, her fork clanging on her plate. “This means he had a big motive to harm Gil.”

Cassie nodded happily, looking like she had just been handed over another Oscar.

“There are other people who had a strong motive to kill him. The police will have to look into them. You know what this means, Meg?”

“Meg never had a reason to hurt him,” Anna shot back. “I know Gino won’t like me saying it, but I think the police were just too lazy to dig deeper.”

“Blame it on that new detective,” Cassie mumbled.

She noticed Meg had withdrawn into herself so she changed the subject. Anna coaxed Meg to pick a movie while Cassie loaded the dishwasher. They watched An Affair to Remember, another Hollywood classic and ate two helpings of tiramisu.

Cassie patted her stomach the next morning and observed herself in the mirror. The tiramisu hadn’t been part of her eating plan. She vowed to run an extra lap on the Coastal Walk to burn it off. The sky was a brilliant blue with no trace of the storm that had soaked her the previous evening. Everything looked green and fresh and the wet earth combined with the new grass and the flowers blooming everywhere created its own heady scent.

The morning walkers were out in full force. Cassie waved at a few familiar faces, furrowing her brow when some of them didn’t wave back. The Butlers were getting the cold shoulder again. She puffed her cheeks and breathed out, trying to empty her lungs, hoping she would run into Teddy Fowler.

She spotted his familiar form at the end of the Coastal Walk, sitting on the bench doing knee extensions.

“You’re red as a tomato, Cass. I hope you’re not overdoing it.”

“I’ve barely run a mile, Teddy,” she panted. “This is anger!”

Ted Fowler made her sit down and massaged her neck.

“Cool down and tell me what’s wrong. Who’s managed to rile you up so early in the day?”

Cassie spilled her woes. She blamed the traitorous locals first and then moved on to the vengeful mayor. Ted heard her out patiently until she calmed down.

“I almost forgot!” Cassie exclaimed. “We found some potential suspects.”

Finally, she told him about the research they had done on Gil Richards and everything they had discovered.

Teddy didn’t look very encouraging.

“This clears Meg, doesn’t it? The police have to look into these people.”

“Unfortunately, the police don’t have to do anything you suggest, Cass.” Teddy gave her a pained look. “The police just follow evidence. And I’m sorry to say that a lot of it is pointing to Meg.”

“Not that crap about the drugged lemonade again!”

Teddy stared out at the water, refusing to meet her eye.

“Meg was spotted near a scenic lookout, mere yards from where Gil Richards fell to his death.”

“So what?” Cassie sprang up and confronted him, her voice shaking with a mixture of anger and fear. “Are the police saying she pushed him?”

Teddy’s eyebrows sprang up.

“You don’t want to go around saying that.”

His jaw hardened as he asked the next question. “What was she doing there, Cass? Right around the time of his death? We have people who saw her leave the lemonade stand a few minutes after him.”

Cassie was tongue tied. She had known Meg wanted to cycle for a bit, just for fun. She had heard about the recreational cyclists who were doing the whole route and had been very excited. Cassie had completely forgotten about her plans. She had no idea Meg had actually managed to take her bike out for a ride that day.

“That’s ridiculous! Meg’s innocent, Teddy, and I won’t rest until everyone believes it.”

“I wanted to warn you, Cassie.” Teddy Fowler gave a deep sigh. “This is another nail in her coffin.”

Chapter 15

Anna sat in her garden, sipping her first cup of coffee. The morning sun bathed everything in a golden glow, lifting her spirits. Petals lay strewn in the flower beds, a remnant of the storm. But it was a new day and she had things to do.

Meg was whipping butter and sugar when Anna went in. It was time to frost the cupcakes. She allowed Meg to do half the batch, complimenting her.

“You’re getting better every day.”

Neither of them wanted an elaborate breakfast after the big dinner they’d had the previous night. Anna sprinkled hot sauce on her avocado toast and asked Meg about her plans for the day.

“I have a couple of classes this morning, Grandma. I should be back at the café before lunch.”

“Let’s go to the Tipsy Whale,” Anna offered. “It’s been a while. Can’t let Murphy forget about us.”

Cassie hadn’t returned from her run when they headed out.

“I think Mom’s really running three laps today,” Meg sniggered.

They loaded the cupcakes in the van and Anna went to the café after dropping Meg off. MJ came out to unload the cupcakes. The café was busy and Anna took over the cash register. She didn’t realize how late it was until Julie and Mary walked in for coffee.

“Why don’t you take a break now?” MJ coaxed. “I can take it from here.”

Julie was licking a cupcake when Anna finally sat down with them. She picked up her coffee and took a bracing sip.

“Did you come up with something for Meg?” she asked Mary.

Mary was all smiles.

“We told her how we needed more young people to show up. Meg suggested some live music. I wonder why we never did it before.”

“Lack of funds, remember?” Anna frowned. “It’s not exactly an original idea, Mary. She must have caught on to you.”

“Meg’s not easy to fool,” Julie nodded. “I think she was just humoring you, Mary.”

“It wasn’t just me. Sally Davis was there too.” Mary was assertive. “We told her we couldn’t afford the music. That’s when Meg suggested going for an amateur band. She’s heard of some kids who meet in a garage every Saturday.”

“That should draw other kids too,” Anna mused.

Mary beamed at her. “That’s exactly what Meg said. She’s a smart one.”

Time flew as the friends chatted. Anna didn’t realize how late it was until Meg arrived at their table and pointed at the grandmother clock.

“I’m starving, Grandma! I thought we were meeting at the Tipsy Whale.”

Meg had already been to the pub. She placed their lunch order and walked to the café to summon them.

“Mom’s coming too. She just finished giving a video audition.”

The group stepped out in the bright sunlight and walked to the Tipsy Whale. The proprietor Murphy greeted them and pointed at a booth by the window.

“Today’s special is falafel.”

The little pub was famous up and down the coast for its gourmet sandwiches.

Cassie arrived, dressed in her signature outfit of faded jeans and white shirt, a pair of oversized sunglasses wrapped around her eyes. Mary was right behind her. She had stayed behind on the pavement to answer a phone call.

“Who was that?” Anna asked as soon as she sat down. “Was it …”

Mary bobbed her head vigorously.

“That was Rory Cunningham with some news.”

All heads sprung toward her at the mention of the medical examiner.

“He’s found something.”

Mary told them Rory had called it a puncture wound. It was located at a critical spot on the dead man’s neck and was barely visible.

“How is this relevant?” Anna rushed ahead. “Does he think this might have killed him?”

“And what kind of knife was it?” Julie pressed. “Or was it a dagger?”

“He just said it was something pointed, maybe like an ice pick?” Mary shrank back at the onslaught. “He’s not sure, okay? They are still working on their report.”

“So the police don’t know about this?” Anna countered.

Mary told them Rory had called her immediately to give her a heads up. He was still figuring out the repercussions of the wound. Unfortunately, it was too early to rule out the drugs.

“Rory said the drugs were definitely in his system. That much is indisputable.”

Anna told her she would thank Rory herself and make him a whole batch of her strawberry cupcakes.

“His support means a lot, Mary. Especially when …”

She was going to mention the town closing ranks against them but she took in Meg’s pale face and shut up.

Their sandwiches arrived, a welcome distraction. Crispy falafel balls were stuffed in a giant pita bread slathered with creamy tahini sauce, accompanied with plenty of crunchy vegetables, pineapple chunks and Anna’s favorite hot chili sauce.

They had ordered a big platter of fries and onion rings to share.

“I don’t have good news.” Cassie took a big bite of her sandwich while Meg’s head jerked up, her eyes wide with apprehension.

Cassie told them about her talk with Teddy Fowler.

Anna was taken aback when she learnt Meg had gone cycling that day. How had she missed that? She tried to hide her dismay and listened to Cassie.

“We need to find out more about this wound. Maybe there’s a weapon lying around on that hill somewhere.”

“Good luck finding that,” Julie guffawed.

“Rory said it was something pointy.” Mary tapped her arm. “I’m willing to go look for it as long as the police haven’t cordoned off the area.”

Anna sensed an argument coming up.

“Doesn’t matter,” she said hurriedly. “Teddy knows how the department works. As far as they are concerned, Meg is low hanging fruit. They are going to capitalize on her being near the scene of the crime.”

“We have two people who are viable suspects, Mom.” Cassie stuffed a couple of fries in her mouth. “Gil’s wife is one of them and then we have that other cyclist, Sheldon Prince. I say we talk to both of them.”

Anna tried to remember what the bartender at the resort had told them.

“Her name is Erin, I think. Charlie can talk to his bartender and get her address for us.”

Julie offered to accompany Anna. Meg was going to meet the garage band and Mary needed to go home and do some chores.

“Can you stay at the bookstore, Cassie?” Anna decided they would drive up north to meet Gil’s wife.

Murphy came around and offered rhubarb pie for dessert but Anna turned him down politely. She felt their time was running out.

Anna made a brief call to Charlie Robinson. He promised to talk to his employee and send her all the information on Erin.

She told Julie to start driving north, knowing it would be a couple of hours before they crossed the city.

Julie was mercifully quiet on the drive, giving Anna some time to marshal her thoughts. She decided to go on the offense.

“Is this woman a pharmacist?” Julie asked.

Anna wasn’t sure. She could just be a cashier or clerk at the store.

“We’ll find out soon enough. Either way, she has easy access to drugs.”

“That thought did cross my mind,” Julie retorted grimly.

Erin Richards was an attractive redhead with sparkling emerald eyes. Anna couldn’t help but stare at her. Most people were enchanted by Cassie’s beauty but this woman came a close second.

“Who are you?” Erin didn’t mince words.

She had a harried look as she rang up purchases for a customer with one hand. Her other hand was in a sling. Anna wondered how that had happened. It was definitely fishy and worth looking into.

“We are from Dolphin Bay,” Anna told her.

Erin’s expression softened.

“Are you here to offer your condolences? That is so kind of you. I suppose you are from the town committee?”

Anna’s eyes met Julie’s and they both nodded.

Erin summoned another woman to take over from her and declared she was going on a break. She took them out to the parking lot behind the store. Stale smoke hung in the air and Anna realized this must be the unofficial smoking zone. Erin proved her right when she pulled a cigarette out of her pocket.

“I quite three months ago. Well, almost. I just like to roll it between my fingers, you know.”

“We know all about the big fight,” Anna forged ahead. “That’s why you killed him, didn’t you? Because he wouldn’t give you custody of your child?”

Erin’s face contorted and her eyes narrowed.

“What kinda rot is that? Who are you exactly?”

“We are from Dolphin Bay,” Julie answered. “We are trying to find out who killed your husband.”

“And you think you can just barge in here and make wild accusations?” Erin’s hand shook as she pulled out a lighter from her pocket. She slapped the cigarette between her lips and tried to light it.

“I don’t care for passive smoke.” Anna fueled her anger. “Just admit your crime and make it easy for everyone.”

Erin began laughing. She slapped her good hand on her leg and doubled over until tears streamed down her eyes.

“This is hilarious! We never had a child!”

Her eyes hardened suddenly.

“Gil wanted a divorce. I didn’t. I wanted him back.” She put her good hand in her pocket and stared at Anna. “Why would I kill my husband if I wanted him back in my life?”

Chapter 16

Cassie walked to the bookstore after Anna and Julie left to meet the dead man’s wife. Meg accompanied her half way down the street and veered off to go meet the kids in the band.

Cassie dusted the shelves half heartedly, thinking of the audition she had given that morning. It was a good script. The role she was trying for wasn’t exactly the lead role but it offered her plenty of screen time. Her old frustration resurfaced. The cheeky young assistant who recorded her audition had never heard of her. Of course he had no idea she had won the most coveted Oscar award all those years ago. A tap on her shoulder made her snap out of her funk.

“How’re you, my dear?” Ian Samuels inquired. “Thinking about a script?”

Cassie broke into a spontaneous smile at his uncanny observation.

“You know me too well.”

Ian launched into a trip down memory lane, remembering how the 15 year old Cassie had always been acting out some part in her head.

“Can we expect another special edition from the Chronicle?” Cassie probed.

Ian had eyes in places few people were aware of. The Butler women were no match for the resources of a periodical, however rundown it was.

“I was hoping Anna would have some tidbit for me,” he confessed. “The police think it’s all cut and dried.”

Cassie saw the look of concern in his eyes. He was worried about Meg.

“Mom won’t give up so easily.”

Ian sat down at the reading desk near the large bay windows and looked his age.

“I don’t expect anything less from her, Cassie. I just wish I could be of some help. Meg’s in hot water but I believe she’s innocent.”

Cassie’s light mood evaporated quickly. Ian stayed back and chatted with her for a while. He assured her of his support before he left.

She barely had a minute to brood. Gino barreled in through the door a few minutes later, looking thunderous.

“What’s wrong?” Cassie grew alarmed. “Are the police coming for Meg again?”

“I can handle the police.” Gino paced the store. “I’m helpless against malicious gossip.”

Cassie guessed what had happened. Gino must have run into the mayor’s cronies.

“What are they saying now?” She put a hand on her hip, striking an aggressive pose. “My baby’s strong but there’s a limit to how much she can handle.”

Gino cracked a smile.

“Your mom would be so proud right now. Motherhood suits you, Cassie.”

She blushed furiously, refusing to be sidetracked.

“What is it now? Are they going to boycott the café?”

Gino wished it were that simple. It seems the denizens of Dolphin Bay were addicted to Anna’s cupcakes now. Lara Crawford, the mayor, had suggested that Meg should not be allowed near the spring festival. Someone pointed out that she was a volunteer. A bunch of old biddies had gathered at the gazebo in the town square to discuss this.

Cassie thought of her girl who was out meeting the band for the spring festival. She was going to be crushed.

“Aunt Mary must be the only one on Meg’s side,” she murmured. “They won’t listen.”

Gino was looking around.

“Where’s Anna? Let me guess …at Castle Beach, having lunch with Charlie.”

Cassie tried hard not to smile.

“Look at you, going all cave man on Mom. Are you jealous?”

Gino protested strongly but he wouldn’t meet her eye. His cheeks had turned a light shade of red.

“Mom loves you, Gino. And so do we. You have nothing to worry about.”

He cleared his throat, looking embarrassed.

“She’s known him longer.”

Cassie gave him an impromptu hug.

“So what? He was my Dad’s friend. They had a falling out and we didn’t see him for years.” Cassie looked up at him. “It’s not like you to be so insecure.”

Gino never got a chance to respond. Meg burst in, her cheeks flaming and eyes bloodshot. Mascara had run down her face, leaving black streaks.

She ran into Cassie’s arms and whimpered.

“Why are people so mean?”

Cassie took her by the shoulders and stared into her eyes.

“You can’t let this break you, Meg. Stay strong!”

“But what about the band?” Meg cried. “I just spent an hour convincing them to play at the spring festival. They are really good, Mom. I don’t want them to lose this opportunity just because that mayor has a grudge against us.”

Cassie realized the only way to fix things was to solve the crime. She hoped Anna was having better luck with Gil’s wife.

“I almost forgot!” Gino exclaimed, placing an arm around Meg and pulling her close. “The cyclists are back in town, girls. Apparently, the race is over and some of them are spending a few days at Castle Beach to unwind.”

Cassie wasn’t sure how that affected them.

“That’s why I thought Anna was at the resort,” Gino confessed. “How about coming with me to meet some of them, Cassie?”

Meg assured them she had taken enough humiliation for one day and would stick around at the store. She walked through the arch to mooch some cookies from MJ.

Cassie was uncharacteristically quiet on the drive to the resort. Charlie Robinson wasn’t around but the manager welcomed them. Gino asked after the cyclists.

“Some of them are hanging out in the café,” he told them. “Sheldon Prince is there too.”

Cassie clutched Gino’s arm. Prince was one of their suspects.

The manager led them out to the terrace overlooking the water. It boasted a wide view of the horizon and was the perfect spot to watch a flaming sunset. Most tables were occupied by people who must’ve had a similar thought.

Sheldon Prince was blonde and blue eyed and as handsome as they came. The pair of shorts he wore showed off his muscular legs and his polo shirt was the exact shade of his eyes. Gino offered him a hand and introduced himself.

“I hope you are trying hard to find Gil’s killer.”

Gino made it clear he wasn’t working in an official capacity.

“Gil Richards wasn’t local so it’s been a bit challenging. We don’t know much about him.”

Sheldon took the bait.

“Ask me what you want. I knew the guy better than most.”

“Didn’t you two get into a big fight?” Cassie asked.

“Never!” Sheldon crossed her. “We go way back.”

Sheldon told them he and Gil Richards had met at a Star Trek convention in Las Vegas and had been friends ever since. Gil was stuck in a government job with no growth prospects. Sheldon suggested cycling as the perfect escape. Gil took to the sport quickly and decided to go pro. Sheldon helped him every step of the way. There was healthy competition between the two of them and Gil became famous but he was never as good. The two stayed friends for a few years until Gil turned on him out of the blue.

“You mean the doping charges were fake. You weren’t using?” Cassie prompted.

Sheldon smiled, looking nonchalant.

“I made a mistake. It was silly, actually. The board agreed and let me off with a warning. I got suspended, of course. But I was a good sport about it.”

“You mean you got off easy,” Gino summed up. “But you admit you took the drugs.”

Sheldon spread his arms wide and gave a tiny shrug. He asked about the best places to see the wildflowers, clearly signaling an end to their conversation.

Cassie ignored him.

“So if the two of you were best buds, why the big fight?”

Sheldon’s veneer finally showed signs of cracking.

“There was no fight. I don’t know who’s feeding you these lies.” Sheldon tapped his foot in a rhythm. “Gil knew about the whole drugs disaster. I confided in him, of course. And he agreed to keep my secret.”

Cassie mentioned Gil’s coach. According to him, Gil was working to get Sheldon permanently banned from the sport.

“Now that Gil’s gone, it’s all smooth sailing for you.”

“Have you been listening to Peter Tang?” Sheldon’s lip curled. “He’s one to talk.”

Cassie sensed they were about to learn something important.

“Gil was planning to fire Tang after this race because he was trying to come between us. He was the one who talked Gil into reporting me last time. Gil confessed Tang had been badgering him to get me banned for life.”

“Why would a coach do that?” Gino asked.

“To elevate his own profile, of course!” Sheldon’s brow furrowed as he stared at them. “Don’t you see? Gil had a good chance of winning most races with me out of the way.”

“He just had to say no,” Gino remarked. “Why would Gil fire him for that?”

“Gil couldn’t trust him anymore!” Sheldon was insistent. “Don’t you see? The coach is the most important person on a pro athlete’s team. Gil felt he couldn’t rely on Peter Tang.”

“Are you suggesting the coach had a reason to harm Gil?” Cassie asked outright.

Sheldon clapped his hands together.

“In a nutshell! Being fired would be the end of his career. Tang was never going to survive it.”

Chapter 17

Anna shelled peas at her kitchen counter, trying to stay calm as she listened to Cassie. Meg was taking a nap in her room. They talked softly to avoid disturbing her.

Anna’s frown deepened when she heard how the town people had almost made her granddaughter cry.

“We thought the spring festival would distract her.”

“I think it was a really good idea,” Cassie agreed. “You know how Meg likes to take ownership of anything assigned to her. She was really excited about this band. They were going to come up with a special set just for the spring festival.”

“Mary will take her side, of course.”

“So will Sally Davis.” Cassie knew the school teacher had staunchly supported Anna when the mayor tried to blackball her. “But are those two enough?”

“But Meg’s just a child!”

“To us, maybe.” Cassie smiled bitterly. “She’s over twenty, an adult as far as the rest of the world is concerned.”

Anna felt helpless. She bit her lip as she put all the peas in a colander and rinsed them under running water.

“So what should we do, Cass?”

Cassie suggested making small talk in her presence.

“Don’t mention the murder or the spring festival. We can ask her about school or her boyfriend. That should be distracting enough.”

Anna wondered if Drake Benson knew what Meg was going through. Would he stick with her when he learned of her trouble with the police?

“She’ll catch on, Cassie. But so be it.”

Cassie pulled out a bottle of water from the refrigerator and poured it in a tumbler containing thin slices of lemon and cucumber. It was the only way she could get in the ten glasses Bobby had advised her to drink every day.

“When was the last time you went on a date, Mom?”

Anna banged the colander on the counter and turned around to glare at her daughter.

“In case you haven’t noticed, I have more important things going on.”

“Your relationship needs looking after. Gino thinks you’re sweet on Uncle Charlie.”

Anna rolled her eyes.

“Why would he think that? Charlie’s an old friend. Just a friend.”

Cassie laughed shrilly.

“He may be a friend to you, Mom, but you can’t deny he likes you. He’s had a crush on you for years.”

Anna didn’t deign to answer.

“Anyhoo, it’s not me you have to worry about. Gino sounded really hurt today so I invited him and Leo for dinner.”

Anna’s head snapped up.

“What?” she was almost hysterical. “Gino’s coming to dinner! And you’re telling me now?”

Anna pulled open the refrigerator and stared at the shelves, not sure what she was looking for. She had planned to make linguine with peas and pancetta for their dinner but that wasn’t going to be enough.

“We had fish the last time he was here,” she muttered to herself. “Can’t serve fish again.”

Cassie sipped her water and watched her with a twinkle in her eye.

“Stop grinning, girl. I need some help here.”

“I brought plenty of crab dip from the market,” Cassie responded coolly. “We can set that out with crackers. And I got some chicken thighs. You can cook them with Italian sausage and that olive sauce Nana makes. And we’ll have the pasta and salad. That’s enough to feed an army, I think.”

Anna looked at her in wonder.

“Since when did you become a gourmand?”

“I’m going to eat it, Mom, not make it.”

Anna managed to rustle up the meal with some help from Cassie. Meg walked in just as the doorbell chimed. She turned around to go get the door.

Gino came in, holding a bottle of wine. He kissed Anna on the cheek and told her it was her favorite Sauvignon Blanc. Leo stood at the entrance to the kitchen, holding a cake in his hands.

“Cheesecake with fresh strawberry sauce!” he smiled. “Meg’s favorite.”

“Second favorite after tiramisu.” She took the plate from him and flashed a bright smile. “Good to see you, Leo.”

They sat in the living room for a while, sampling the excellent crab dip. Dinner progressed smoothly. Anna was relieved to see them all sticking to mundane topics, as if by silent agreement. She wanted to swap notes with Gino but didn’t know how that was possible in Meg’s presence.

Gino must have given it some thought. The moment they had all worked through a slice of the delicious cheesecake, Leo asked Meg if she wanted to get some fresh air. Meg told him she was all walked out.

“We can just go for a drive,” he told her gently.

Meg said yes and the youngsters left, warning Anna to stay away from the cheesecake. Anna grew serious as soon as the door closed after them.

She told Gino about their meeting with Erin Richards. Gino and Cassie in turn told her about their encounter with Sheldon Prince.

“Neither of these leads panned out!” Anna was dismayed. “I had thought they were both strong suspects.”

Based on what they had learned, neither Sheldon nor Erin had any motive to hurt Gil.

Gino topped up her wine and shook his head.

“That’s where you’re wrong, Anna. I think you’re too wound up.”

Anna flared up.

“What if it was Leo in Meg’s place, huh? I bet you wouldn’t be cool as a cucumber.”

Anna barely noticed when Cassie started clearing up and went into the kitchen.

“I’m worried about Meg too.” Gino took her hand. “All I’m saying is, we don’t need to take these people at face value.”

Anna’s eyebrows shot up.

“You mean they’re lying.”

Gino told her the foundation of detective work was verifying what any suspect said. That’s what the police did.

“Gil’s wife told you she loved him and wanted him back, right? If she’s right, she doesn’t have a motive. But what if she isn’t? We know she was right here in town the day before the race. And she was seen arguing with her husband.”

“Married couples fight all the time.” Anna was dejected. “That doesn’t mean one of them will kill the other.”

Gino took a deep breath. “Look, if Erin was madly in love with Gil, someone will have noticed. Friends, neighbors, other cyclists on that tour. We have to look for these people and ask them what they saw.”

Anna realized her mistake.

“I should’ve realized that myself. What about Sheldon Prince?”

Gino stretched his legs before him and put his arms behind his head.

“The same applies to him, Anna. According to him, they were best friends and all was hunky dory between them. But where was he at the time of Gil’s death?”

“We don’t know,” Anna agreed. “Shouldn’t the police look into that?”

Gino told her he would try and find out. Anna sensed he wasn’t done talking.

“And this coach …” Gino leaned toward her. “If Gil was really going to fire him, he must have discussed it with someone else. Like Sheldon said, the coach is pivotal in a professional athlete’s success. Gil wouldn’t make such a big decision without consulting other experts.”

“So what do we do now?”

“We’re going to divide and conquer.” Gino hollered and asked Cassie to come join them. “We need to move fast, Anna. One of us will go talk to Gil’s neighbors. We also need to dig around and find out more about the coach. The idea is to beat the police and solve this murder before they come after Meg again.”

“Why don’t you and Mom go up north?” Cassie suggested. “I will make the phone calls and talk to as many people as I can.”

The doorbell pealed again, interrupting them.

“Back so soon?” Anna’s eyebrows shot up.

“Meg won’t ring the doorbell,” Cassie frowned.

A series of loud knocks sounded on the door and a deep voice announced the arrival of the police.

Anna’s heart sped up and she couldn’t control the sudden terror that swept through her. Cassie’s arm came around her and Gino walked to the door to let them in.

“Hello Chief!” The two cops greeted Gino in surprise. “We have a warrant to search this place.”

Gino’s protests were of no use. One of the uniforms gently reminded him how the system worked. It was best to let them get it over with.

“What are you looking for?” Anna’s voice quavered as the men came in and started a systematic search.

They lifted couches and rugs and rifled through bookshelves. One of them went into her bathroom. Anna wondered if the sleeping pills her doctor had prescribed during her cancer treatment were going to cause a problem. She should have chucked them long ago.

“New evidence has come to light,” one of the men told Gino. “We are looking for the murder weapon.”

Chapter 18

Cassie and Anna huddled together on the couch while the police turned the house upside down. Gino tried to keep an eye on them but one of the men advised him to stay away. Cassie could hear them move through the kitchen and rifle through the pantry. One of them even went into the garden.

“Do they think we buried a dagger under the roses?” she fumed.

“It’s been done before,” Gino sighed.

Anna told her to keep her mouth shut.

“Don’t give them ideas, Cass.”

The men moved to the garage next. After an agonizing forty five minutes, the police left without saying much.

Cassie thought they looked frustrated because they hadn’t found anything.

“This is good for Meg, isn’t it?” she asked Gino.

“It just means she didn’t hide anything incriminating in the house,” he explained, much to her chagrin.

Anna was looking pale. Cassie got up to make tea. Anna told her to make coffee instead. They needed their wits about them.

Meg and Leo arrived just as they were all sipping the hot brew.

“Did you leave any cake for us?” A hint of mischief lurked in Meg’s eyes.

Cassie saw her smile droop as she sensed the mood in the room.

“What’s going on?” Meg leaned against a chair and stared at Gino. “Did something happen in our absence?”

“Nothing to worry about.” Cassie told her about the search and tried to make light of it. “This is good, Meg. This works in our favor.”

Leo was looking guilty. He swore he hadn’t known anything about the warrant.

“That new detective knows we’re friends. He must have warned the guys to keep this from me.”

“We don’t blame you for this, Leo,” Cassie assured him.

The Mancinis stuck around for some time, trying to console Meg.

“We’re going to hunt down the guilty party, honey,” Gino promised. “You just take it easy and stay positive.”

Meg gave a big yawn and announced she was turning in. Cassie felt helpless as she watched her go.

“She’s afraid, Mom. Who wouldn’t be?”

Anna advised her to follow Meg’s lead so they could tackle their problems with a fresh mind the next day.

Cassie stood at her window in the morning, staring at the mist outside. She had already decided to skip her run so she could be with Meg.

Anna placed a mug of steaming coffee in her hands when she swept into the kitchen. She had peeped into Meg’s room. Her bed was made neatly and the shower was running.

A towering stack of pancakes graced the kitchen counter, studded with chocolate chips. A bowl of sliced strawberries stood next to it, along with a pitcher of melted chocolate. It was Meg’s favorite breakfast and generally brought a smile to her face.

Cassie breathed in the steam rising from her cup and let the caffeine infuse her senses, hoping she had enough courage to face the day.

Meg walked in, freshly scrubbed and glowing with health.

“Chocolate chip pancakes! You didn’t have to do that, Grandma!”

“Eat up!” Anna patted Meg on the back and started fixing her a plate.

Cassie wondered how she could shield her daughter from the gossip and keep her occupied that day. Meg solved her problem by announcing she was going to the college library.

“I have to work on my term paper,” she explained, cutting a big piece of pancake topped with the chocolate sauce and strawberries. “It’s a group assignment with peer review. I don’t want to lose any points because I didn’t turn up for a meeting.”

Cassie felt a burst of pride. She herself had never graduated high school. She hoped Meg would make the best of her college years.

“You like DBU, don’t you?” Her old insecurity surfaced.

Meg had been accepted at several good colleges across the country. She had chosen to stay home and attend Dolphin Bay University, much to their surprise. Neither Cassie nor Anna wanted to be separated from her but they also didn’t want to keep her home at the cost of her future prospects.

“I’m having the time of my life.” Meg poured more chocolate sauce over her pancakes. “Trust me, Mom!”

Cassie ate a pancake to please Anna, dropped Meg off at the college and headed to the bookstore.

Anna stood staring at a bookshelf, feather duster in hand, lost in thought.

“What’re you thinking about, Mom?”

She didn’t wait for a reply. Cassie sat at the computer and resumed her research. She remembered reading that Gil Richards was actively involved in some charity related to the environment. She started reading up on it. Ten minutes later, she picked up her phone and called the number on the screen.

“Mom!” Cassie rushed through the arch and strode into the café. “We need to talk!”

Anna followed Cassie into the tiny office at the back of the bookstore.

“So there’s a big charity gala in the city tonight. Gil worked hard to set it up. You can say it’s his baby.”

“Can we get tickets to this thing?”

“Already taken care of,” Cassie grinned. “We have two guest passes but I don’t think Meg should attend.”

“It’s better to keep her away from anything related to Gil,” Anna agreed. “And I guess you want to be with her.”

Cassie nodded. She was glad Anna understood her.

“Gino and I can go,” Anna offered. “I just hope he doesn’t have any vineyard related business to take care of this evening.”

Cassie was already placing a call. Gino agreed readily. He seemed happy at the thought of an evening out with Anna.

“Think of it as date night, Mom.” Cassie winked.

Anna assured her it was anything but. She wasn’t going to allow herself to be sidetracked.

The Firecrackers arrived for coffee. Mary looked around, trying to spot Meg. She told them the Garden Club had met that morning to discuss Meg’s involvement in the spring festival.

“We took a vote,” she grimaced. “There was a tie. So Meg can carry on for now. But Lara Crawford hung around after the meeting, trying to convince some of the members to change their vote. We can expect more mischief from her.”

The older ladies headed to the China Garden restaurant for lunch. Cassie ordered sandwiches from the Tipsy Whale and stuck around, waiting for Meg.

“We’re having a movie marathon tonight,” she announced as soon as Meg entered the café, looking piqued.

“Just what I need, Mom!”

She bit into the roast beef sandwich waiting for her and launched into a detailed account of her morning, regaling Cassie with the whimsies of her fellow students.

The day passed quickly. Anna was clipping on her favorite diamond and pearl studs when they reached home.

“Are you going out?” Meg asked.

Cassie tried to catch Anna’s eye. They hadn’t discussed whether they should tell Meg about the gala dinner.

“Gino is taking me to the city,” Anna replied smoothly. “One of his friends is throwing a party and he couldn’t get out of it.”

“Have a good time,” Meg urged her. “Don’t worry about anything here. Mom and I are watching a bunch of movies and getting takeout.”

Cassie made a big bowl of popcorn and topped it with real butter. Then she made another with kettle corn and sprinkled it with chili powder. It had been Anna’s favorite for years and now Meg was hooked on it.

They chose a variety of Meg Ryan movies, starting with Sleepless in Seattle. After Meg mentioned she had never seen Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Cassie insisted they watch the Hollywood classic first.

Their pizza arrived when Meg was asking Cassie about the Empire State Building.

“Have you been to the top, Mom? Is it really so romantic?”

Cassie’s mind sped down memory lane, wistfully remembering a winter evening in New York City, wrapped in the arms of her first husband.

“You don’t need to be in a certain place to feel romance, Meg. As long as there’s love in your heart, even a smelly barn will be as pretty as a street in Paris.”

Meg sighed deeply and mentioned a desire to see the world. She had been doing that a lot lately.

The hot, cheesy pie disappeared as Cassie regaled her with stories of some of the obscure countries she had visited. Meg listened, wide eyed, clearly idolizing her mother.

Meg fell asleep with a bowl of ice cream on her chest. Cassie glanced at the clock as the credits rolled on the screen, waiting for Anna. She hoped their trip would provide some clue or a new line of investigation.

It was quite late when Anna returned. Meg had trundled to her room, eyes half closed and was fast asleep. Cassie had been dozing on the couch in the living room, wearing her favorite soft flannel pajamas.

“What took you so long?” she whispered. “I was getting worried, Mom.”

“I had Gino with me.”

They crept into Anna’s room. Cassie flung herself on the bed and waited impatiently while Anna changed.

“So?” she prodded. “Tell me it wasn’t all a big waste.”

“It wasn’t!” Anna smiled, her eyes shining with excitement.

Cassie let her mother settle into bed and pulled the duvet over them.

Anna told her the event had an impressive turnout. Several of Gil’s fellow activists were present, along with other cyclists.

“There was a nasty scene just before we sat down. The waiters were serving the appetizers and people were mingling, I guess. One of Gil’s buddies from the charity accused a business man of murdering him.”

Cassie knew there was more.

“Gino’s heard of this man, Andy Tidwell. He’s a known philanthropist and gives generously to a lot of causes. Apparently, he’s setting up a new factory somewhere north of San Francisco, near Gil’s town. It’s supposed to be a big threat to the ecosystem of the region. Gil found out and he was working to have it shut down.”

“That’s a valid motive, Mom.” Cassie’s mind raced ahead. “Do we know if this man was in Dolphin Bay for the race? Do you remember seeing him?”

Anna told her she would check with Charlie Robinson.

“He could have just stayed at the resort and then followed the race route without coming into town.”

Cassie saw Anna stop and frown, as if she wasn’t sure about something.

“What is it?” she nudged. “Don’t leave anything out, Mom. You know the smallest detail could be significant.”

“There was a woman with Tidwell.” Anna had narrowed her eyes. “At least, I think she was with him. She was definitely hovering around him. I thought she looked familiar.” She gave a tiny shrug after a couple of minutes. “Doesn’t ring a bell now. Maybe I was mistaken.”

Anna gave a deep yawn and set Cassie off. She jumped down from the bed and bid her goodnight, heading to the door. She turned around as another thought struck her.

“You didn’t come across Peter Tang by any chance?”

“Gil’s coach? Some of Gil’s cyclist buddies were talking about him. According to them, Gil worshipped the guy. Gave him the credit for his cycling career. None of them heard of any disagreement between the two.”

Cassie scratched her eyebrow, trying to figure out what that meant.

“So Gil wasn’t going to fire his coach? Why would Sheldon Prince tell us otherwise?”

Chapter 19

Cassie woke up to another misty morning. She ignored the light drizzle and got ready for her run. She decided to let Anna sleep in.

Cassie jogged slowly along the Coastal Walk, oblivious to the beauty around her. The scent of the wet earth mingled with the fragrant flowers and the salty tang of the bay, creating a fresh perfume that rejuvenated the senses. She wondered if anyone had tried to bottle it and smiled to herself. It was something Charlie Robinson could take up, label it Dolphin Bay. He would be successful too, mint more money.

Her mind wandered to Teddy Fowler. She was looking forward to meeting him at their usual spot. Cassie realized she could have messaged him to meet her, but she liked the whole unpredictability of a chance encounter.

Teddy was doing stretches at the end of the walk, one leg flung over the bench. Her temper flared suddenly and she forgot she had been eager to meet him.

“How could you?” She waved a hand in the air, trying to catch her breath. “A word of warning would’ve been appreciated.”

Ted looked guilty. He always tried hard to please her.

“I called you, Cass.” His eyes bore a troubled look. “You didn’t answer the phone.”

Cassie began doing jumping jacks.

“It’s better this way,” Ted wheedled. “They did a thorough search without any intervention and now they are stumped. That new fella was sure they would find something at Anna’s house.”

“You really called me?” Cassie asked, remembering she had been too tense to pay attention to any missed calls. “But there was no voicemail.”

“I couldn’t talk in front of the guys,” Ted reasoned. “Look, they don’t suspect me now, unlike that rookie kid.”

Cassie assumed he was referring to Leo.

“I can keep an ear out.”

Cassie stretched her arms above her head and put one foot on the opposite thigh in a tree pose. Ted placed a hand at the small of her back, offering support in case she lost her balance.

“You know we’re grateful.” She sat down after two minutes. “I’m just lashing out at you, bud. Meg’s in a jam and I feel helpless.”

Teddy wanted to know if Anna and the Firecrackers had dug up anything interesting.

“Your mom’s very good at ferreting out information.”

Cassie told him what they had found so far.

“The problem is, this cyclist wasn’t local. He was a complete stranger to us and so were the people connected to him. Mom’s never dealt with this before.”

Teddy wished her all the best and promised to help where he could. They started back together, setting a medium pace. Cassie waved goodbye to him at the corner of Main Street and walked the rest of the way home.

Anna and Meg sat in the kitchen, having breakfast. Meg’s eyes were mutinous as she cut into her avocado toast.

“Hey, you two!” Cassie started dumping fruits and spinach in her tiny blender. “Is that smoked salmon?” She pointed at Meg’s plate, hoping to divert her from whatever was causing her pain.

Anna sprinkled hot sauce on her avocado toast, topped with smoked salmon and a creamy drizzle. She took a big bite without saying a word.

“Why don’t you just lock me in my room?” Meg flared up.

Cassie poured her smoothie in a tall tumbler and climbed up on the stool next to her daughter.

“I can’t live like this, Mom.” Meg’s eyes filled up. “Why should I, when I’ve done nothing wrong?”

“You’re being dramatic.” Anna set her toast down and wiped her mouth. “All I’m saying is you should avoid running into those nasty old biddies in town. I don’t see why we should give them a chance to insult you.”

“Mom needs your help, kid.” Cassie chose a different tack. “We need to make a list of new books to be ordered, and there’s stuff to be done at the café.”

“Like finalizing the spring menu,” Anna nodded. “MJ’s doing a great job but I want you to be involved in the strategic stuff. We’ll hand out free samples for a week and then vote on which items to keep.”

“You should call it the summer menu now, Grandma,” Meg sighed. “It’s almost May.” She took a bite of her toast and seemed to rediscover her appetite. “I jotted down some ideas in my phone.”

They ate silently for the next few minutes and Meg left to take a quick shower. Cassie was glad to see a spring in her step.

“Are we trying to box her in too much?” she asked Anna.

“It’s our job to protect her, Cass. You know how nasty Lara Crawford can be.”

Cassie wanted to discuss their next steps before Meg returned. She offered to drive up north to check on Gil’s wife.

“Julie might go with you.” Anna looked torn. “I’d rather be here with Meg, don’t you think?”

“I’ll be fine on my own,” Cassie assured her. “Erin hasn’t seen me yet so she won’t recognize who I am in case I run into her.”

Anna and Meg had left for the café by the time Cassie came out of the shower. She dressed in her usual outfit of designer jeans, white shirt and chose one of her numerous Hermes scarves. A spritz of Joy perfume and a quick coat of red Chanel lipstick completed her look. She paused in the kitchen to wrap up the avocado toast Anna had left for her, deciding to nibble on it on the drive up north.

Julie sent her the address of the pharmacy where Erin Richards worked. Cassie crossed her fingers and hoped it was her day off.

The weather had cleared and Cassie enjoyed the drive, listening to her favorite tunes in between calls to Bobby and her agent. Luck was with her when she rode up to the pharmacy. She spied a woman matching Erin’s description get into a car and drive off.

Cassie rushed inside and picked up a few random items from the hygiene section. The cashier turned out to be her fan.

“Cassie Butler?” the large, middle aged woman squealed, her eyes growing wide as she stared at her screen idol. “This can’t be real!” She thrust her hand forward in Cassie’s face. “Quick. Pinch me!”

Cassie obliged with a smile.

The woman danced a little jig, her hands covering her mouth.

“I’m your super fan! And I can’t wait to see you on the big screen again.”

Cassie’s movie star persona kicked in. She chatted with the woman for a while and gently urged her to check her items out.

“There was another girl here last time. Erin, was it? She didn’t recognize me.”

“That sour puss!” The cashier made a face. “She’s a bit hoity toity for us. Doesn’t need the money, she says.”

“She’s not taking away your hours?” Cassie sucked in a breath, sounding annoyed. “Us working girls need to stick together.”

The cashier told her they didn’t know much about Erin. She hadn’t been working there for long. All they knew was she lived in a fancy new housing development at the edge of town. She’d needed someone to take care of her yard and one of the girls at the pharmacy had recommended a cousin who was in the landscaping business.

“What kinda person doesn’t mow their own lawn, tell me?” the cashier demanded, moving so close that Cassie could smell the egg salad she must have had for lunch. “Certainly not a girl working on minimum wage.”

Cassie inquired delicately about Erin’s husband. The cashier had never heard her mention him. It didn’t take long to learn her address. Cassie finally coaxed the cashier to ring up her items, added a fiver to the tip jar and breezed out with a smile on her face.

Ten minutes later, she was driving into the housing development where Erin Richards lived. To her immense relief, it wasn’t a gated community.

The landscaper’s sign made it easy to pinpoint Erin’s house. Cassie didn’t spot a car in the driveway so Erin hadn’t come home. The street was deserted.

Cassie parked on the street outside Erin’s house and got out, unsure what to do next. She hadn’t thought of a cover story and had no idea what she would say if she ran into someone.

The street widened into a cul-de-sac a few houses down. Cassie turned around suddenly and walked into a mail van which had just thudded to a stop.

Chapter 20

“Are you hurt?” The mailman leaped out, his voice laced with concern. “You just did an about turn with no warning.”

Cassie’s hand flew to her forehead, her fingers touching something wet. She was bleeding.

“That was very clumsy of me,” she apologized to the young man. “I’m so sorry!”

His eyes narrowed in concern.

“You’re bleeding.”

“It’s just a scratch,” Cassie dismissed, biting her lip as a tiny drop of blood fell on her white shirt.

The young man took her arm and led her to the porch of the nearest house, ignoring her protests.

“Mrs. Relish is quite friendly. She makes lunch for me every Tuesday and Friday. She’ll have a Band-Aid for you.”

The door opened before they had a chance to ring the bell. A sprightly woman dressed in a velour track suit in a vivid fuchsia color welcomed them. Cassie guessed she was older than Anna but no less energetic.

“You poor dear!” she took Cassie’s hand. “I saw what happened. It’s going to swell up, mark my words.”

The mail carrier bid them a cheerful goodbye.

“Nothing for you today, Mrs. Relish. I trust you’ll take good care of her.”

The woman thrust a wax paper package in his hand and waved him off.

“There you go, Buster! Eat before you rush off somewhere else. And don’t hit any more pretty women.”

The young man blushed, said sorry to Cassie again and shut the door behind him. Mrs. Relish had already gone inside. She came out with a box containing cotton balls, antiseptic and Band-Aids. Ten minutes later, Cassie sported an apple green tape on her right temple, just above her eyebrow.

“You’re lucky you missed your eye,” Mrs. Relish admonished. “Who were you dreaming of, dear?”

Cassie found she didn’t really need to answer when the older woman rattled off a few possibilities. She started assembling a ham and cheese sandwich, adding freshly sliced tomatoes and crisp lettuce with a healthy squirt of mustard. Cassie’s stomach growled when a clock began to chime somewhere. The avocado toast was a distant memory.

She got up and started to leave.

“Where do you think you’re going?” Mrs. Relish cut the stack of sandwiches into triangles. “Have lunch with me. You need to raise that blood sugar.”

“I don’t want to impose,” Cassie muttered weakly.

Her mouth watered at the sight of the food. Mrs. Relish split open a packet of kettle chips and poured them on two plates. She added a pickle spear and two hefty pieces of the sandwich.

“You’ll be doing me a favor.” The woman smiled. “It’s not every day I have a lunch companion. My grandkids will be home later but I’m on my own for most of the day, since my dear Chuck passed.”

“We lost my Dad two years ago,” Cassie shared. “Mom’s friends were a big help.”

“Friends are a blessing, aren’t they?” Mrs. Relish slid the plate of food toward her and pulled out a pitcher of tea from the refrigerator. “And new friends bring such joy into our lives.”

Cassie marveled at how trustworthy the woman was.

“What if …” she couldn’t hold herself back.

“Oh honey! You’re wearing a couple thousand dollars’ worth of clothes and accessories. You’re not going to run off with my old TV.”

“Of course not,” Cassie laughed, picking up a potato chip. “You have an eye for fashion.”

They took a few bites, comfortable in each other’s company.

“Why were you snooping around here?” Mrs. Relish asked with a twinkle in her eye. “Let me guess, this is about a man.”

Cassie took the plunge.

“You caught me!”

She pulled out her phone and brought up a photo of Gil Richards. She flashed it before the older woman.

“Handsome devil,” Mrs. Relish nodded. “But a womanizer, if my instincts are right. You’re the third woman I’ve seen hankering after him.”

Cassie smelt a lead.

“He lives here, doesn’t he?” she asked deliberately.

Mrs. Relish shook her head, draining her glass of tea.

“I don’t think so. But he’s been here to visit that woman Erin.”

Cassie hoped she would share more.

“She’s new here,” Mrs. Relish continued. “Bought that house three doors down a few months ago. I think she lives alone but that man in your photo visited her a few times. It didn’t end well.”

“He doesn’t live with her then.” Cassie tried to sound happy.

“They quarreled a couple of times.” Mrs. Relish picked up the other half of her sandwich. “He had a younger woman with him once, very stylish. Not as pretty as you, dear.”

Cassie chewed with bated breath.

“I think they were fighting about that woman,” Mrs. Relish shrugged. “I asked Erin over for tea a couple of times but she hasn’t taken me up on it yet. Some people are like that, private. I don’t hold it against her.”

“Of course not,” Cassie murmured. “You’re too kind.”

Mrs. Relish pulled out two giant chocolate chip cookies from a rustic earthen jar and wrapped them up for her.

“You’re wise to be circumspect,” she said seriously as she bid goodbye to Cassie. “Better safe than sorry, dear.”

Cassie waved until the kind woman was out of sight and headed home. She picked up a large coffee at a drive-through. Thanks to Mrs. Relish, her belly was full and there was no need to stop anywhere until she reached Dolphin Bay.

Anna was stirring a pot of tomato sauce in the kitchen. Julie sat at the island, munching on a stick of celery. The evening sky was visible through the kitchen window, ablaze in shades of crimson and rose.

“Where’s Meg?” Cassie looked around. “Did you manage to keep her at the café, Mom?”

Anna told her Meg was in her room, working on some assignment.

“So?” she raised her eyebrows. “Was your trip worth the drive?”

Cassie started chopping the salad vegetables Anna had assembled on the island. She gave them a brief account of what she had learned.

Anna added some lemon zest to a bowl of ricotta cheese and grated in some parmesan.

“Let’s talk about what we know. Sheldon Prince said Gil was going to fire his coach but that’s not true. But the coach did try to get Sheldon banned for life.”

“So he wanted his star pupil to win,” Julie gave her opinion. “Nothing wrong with that.”

“What if Gil didn’t agree with that?” Anna mused. “He seems to be some kind of idealist, based on what we learned about him. Is it possible he didn’t like that Peter Tang tried to sabotage Sheldon’s career?”

“So what?” Cassie scoffed. “You’re saying Gil decided to fire his coach for eliminating his competition? That doesn’t make any sense.”

“None of this does,” Julie muttered.

“What about Erin?” Cassie asked. “We just have her word that she wanted Gil back. It looks like Gil was having an affair with this other girl. If he was in love with her, chances are he would never have gone back to his wife.”

“So the wife took revenge on him?” Anna asked. “She seemed smitten, Cassie. And I believed her when she said she wanted her husband back.”

“If I were in her place, I would get rid of the other woman,” Julie guffawed. “That would force my husband to come crawling back to me.”

Cassie suppressed a giggle.

“But that woman, whoever she is, is not the one who died, Aunt Julie. Why are we talking about her?”

Anna pulled out a big casserole dish and started layering noodles, sauce and cheese.

“So do we agree that Erin doesn’t have a motive?”

Julie and Cassie shook their heads.

“We don’t have enough information, Anna.”

“Mrs. Relish mentioned Erin had moved to the neighborhood recently,” Cassie spoke. “It must have been after she separated from Gil. We need to find out where they lived before that, talk to their old neighbors.”

Anna slid the casserole into the oven. Her gaze rested on Cassie’s forehead.

“What happened to you?”

Cassie launched into the whole story, painting a vivid picture of the fuchsia clad Mrs. Relish.

“I wonder if she knew who I was.”

“That’s enough!” Julie rolled her eyes. “One fawning woman a day, Cass. We don’t want to stroke your ego too much.”

Anna and Julie burst into laughter and Cassie joined in goodnaturedly.

“Hold on, Mom. I have a workout session with Bobby tomorrow and then I might have an audition later in the afternoon. That is, if I make the second round.”

Anna told her to settle down.

“Julie and I will drive up tomorrow. You can stay here and make sure Meg stays out of trouble.”

Cassie wondered if the police had made any progress.

“Mary would have called if Rory Cunningham had any update,” Anna told her. “Gino’s been meeting people at the winery all day and it was Leo’s day off.”

That left Teddy Fowler. Cassie checked her phone for missed calls or messages from him.

“Nothing from Teddy either,” she grumbled. “That means the police haven’t found anything new or they haven’t even tried.”

Julie dipped a finger in the Caesar dressing Anna was whipping up and tasted it.

“Let’s hope they haven’t found more to incriminate Meg!”

Chapter 21

Anna streamed strawberry sauce into whipped butter until it was just the right consistency and folded it in gently. She had made a compote with fresh berries, blended it and passed it through a sieve. Filling a pastry bag with the mixture, she started frosting her latest batch of cupcakes.

Meg scrambled eggs for their breakfast.

“What’s the rush?” she asked Anna. “MJ said she made a double batch of turnovers this morning.”

“People come to the café for my cupcakes.” Anna hoped she sounded conceited enough to fool Meg. “And I told you, I have an appointment.”

Meg dumped the eggs on two plates and grabbed two slices of bread from the toaster.

“Why can’t you tell me where you’re going? Is it some kind of rendezvous with Charlie Robinson?”

“Yeah, yeah!” Anna rolled her eyes. “I have a secret assignation with my lover, right in broad daylight.”

Meg stabbed her eggs with a fork.

“I hope you’re not putting yourself in danger because of me, Grandma! This whole thing will blow over when they don’t find evidence. You shouldn’t worry about me.”

Anna looked up and massaged the crick in her neck.

“It’s my job to worry about you, sweetie. Even when I didn’t know where you were, I thought about you.”

“So tell me where you’re off to?” Meg wouldn’t let up.

“Ask Julie. She’s dragging me along with her. Must be something to do with her books.”

“You think she’s going to meet a fan?” Meg’s eyes lit up.

“Maybe!” Anna shrugged and set the pastry bag down.

Half an hour later, she was headed to the café, Meg in tow. Julie was waiting for them, sipping coffee.

“Let’s go, Anna. We have a stop to make before we hit the road.”

Anna dozed off as soon as the car started moving. She hadn’t slept well the previous night, her mind trying to make sense of what they knew. Her eyes sprang open when the car lurched to a stop.

A large signboard loomed before her, snapping her out of her jumbled thoughts.

“What’re we doing at the tire shop?”

Julie told her she wanted to check the pressure in her tires.

“Might as well get an oil change while we’re here.”

“And you couldn’t have done this before?” Anna grumbled. “We’re running late.”

Julie pointed out she was wrong. They didn’t know who they were meeting. Nobody was waiting for them at the other end.

“This won’t take long, Anna. We can chat with Freddie while the car is being serviced.”

True to her words, Freddie Lowry ambled out to greet them.

“Two lovely ladies this early in the morning … it’s going to be a fine day!”

“You’re incorrigible, Freddie.” Julie gave him a hug, letting him pat her on the back with his pudgy hands. “We’re taking a small drive to the city and I thought I’d get the car checked.”

“You came to the right place then,” Freddie sniggered. “Come have coffee in my office.”

Freddie had procured a fancy espresso machine. Anna accepted the frothy drink he handed her, beaming with pride, and clutched it like a lifeline.

“All customers get free coffee but the specialty coffee is for my special friends.”

Anna’s gaze rove around the spacious office and Freddie prattled on. Photos of the inauguration had been blown up, framed and mounted on the walls. Was that just a few days ago, Anna thought. It felt like a lifetime.

Her eyes narrowed as they zeroed in on a close up shot of Freddie with a woman. She looked a bit familiar but Anna was sure she wasn’t a local.

“Who’re you standing next to, Freddie?” she asked.

“That’s my first customer,” Freddie boomed. “Don’t you remember? She drove up on the day of the inauguration.”

“Wasn’t that race day?” Anna asked Julie.

“That’s right!” Julie nodded. “Of course, at the time we had no idea what was coming next.”

Freddie grew sober.

“I hear a lot of gossip because of the customers. Most of them are locals, you see? Gave some of them a piece of my mind.”

Anna felt gratified. Freddie was a relative newcomer to Dolphin Bay. She hadn’t known him long, unlike some of the townsfolk who had known her parents since they were kids.

“I want you to know I’m with you, Anna. Meg’s like my own munchkin. I dare anyone to speak against her in my presence.”

Anna teared up a bit. She thanked Freddie profusely and promised to keep him in the loop if something changed with Meg’s situation.

The car was ready and they set off, wishing Freddie a good day.

“Who was that woman?” Julie pounced as she pulled out of the shop’s lot. “You recognized her, didn’t you?”

Anna told her about the woman at the gala dinner.

“If I’m not wrong, she was hanging on that rich industrialist’s arm.”

“You think he’s involved in the murder?”

The car traveled through the small redwood forest on the outskirts of Dolphin Bay. Anna opened her window, breathing in the fresh spring air, hoping it would clear the cobwebs from her mind.

“Someone mentioned Gil was trying to have that man’s new plant shut down. What if he hired this woman to get rid of Gil?”

Julie remarked the cyclist appeared to have been angry about a lot of things.

“Was he really a good man, Anna, or was he a troublemaker?”

Anna told her she didn’t care, as long as they could figure out who had sent him to an early grave.

Anna dozed off and on while Julie listened to an audio book. Two and a half hours later, they entered the town where Erin and Gil had lived before they separated. Julie drove to the street where they had lived, asking Anna how she was going to approach the neighbors.

“I presume you have a plan?”

Anna looked sheepish. She had completely forgotten to come up with a cover story.

“I can pose to be an estranged aunt, I guess. What if someone’s already living in the house, Julie?”

They were in luck. There was a big For Sale sign on the lawn and a bunch of cars were parked on the street. The front door was wide open and a primly dressed woman wearing a business suit was talking to a young couple, flashing her artificially whitened teeth.

“Open house!” Julie crowed. “The estranged aunt can surface another day.”

The realtor greeted them effusively.

“This is a great option if you’re looking to downsize.”

Anna smelt the fresh baked cookies and made tracks toward them. She had suddenly developed an appetite.

She started walking around the house, munching on the cookie. The house had been professionally cleaned and smelt of pine cleaner. Clutter had been removed and the sparse furniture arranged artfully to make the place look appealing. Anna didn’t know if the furniture had belonged to the Richards family but thankfully, the photos did. Erin and Gil smiled at her from various photos on the mantelpiece and the coffee table. Frames lined the walls in the living room and the small passage. The couple looked happy, making Anna wonder what had gone wrong with them. Then she told herself everyone smiled when they took pictures. That didn’t mean everything was fine.

“Can we talk to the neighbors?” she asked after the realtor had taken them on a tour of the two storied house. “I’d rather know something about the people who lived here before .”

The woman flashed a plastic smile. All she could tell them was that the couple had moved to another town. She had no control over whether the neighbors would talk to them.

“Most people around here are friendly,” she shrugged. “It’s a small town. And I assume they share your concerns. If only we could all interview our neighbors …”

Anna took the realtor’s information and walked outside with Julie.

“That’s a good cover. Let them give a chance to vet us.”

Julie thought the estranged aunt had sounded better.

Anna heard a woman call out to them from the house next door. She was in her forties and wore a colorful smock, the kind worn by nurses.

“Do you have a minute?” the woman sounded timid. “My employer would like a word.”

The employer turned out to be a white haired woman in a wheelchair, a thick rug covering her legs.

“This is Mrs. Mead,” the nurse introduced.

“I can still talk, girl,” the old woman quipped. “Get outta my way.”

The nurse gave them an apologetic look and went inside. Mrs. Mead cackled merrily, like a naughty child pulling a prank on a hapless victim.

“Keeps her in line. I ain’t gonna let some hireling pull a fast one over me.”

Anna beamed broadly and complimented the old lady.

“I bet nothing gets past you.”

Chapter 22

The nurse came out of the kitchen, bearing a tray of frosty glasses of lemonade. Mrs. Mead snapped at her and asked her to bring out the cookies.

“Get the good ones, the one my son bought yesterday.”

She turned toward Anna and Julie and plied them with the drink.

“Fresh squeezed. None of that fake powder stuff for me.”

Anna took a sip and smacked her lips.

“This is delicious, Mrs. Mead. You look like you appreciate quality.”

She praised the neighborhood they were in.

“Have you lived here long? The price they are asking for that unit next door is astronomical.”

Mrs. Mead puffed up, her skin looking papery as her mouth stretched into a smile. Anna was sure she wore dentures.

“Forty five years, give or take. This was a new community when my husband and I bought it. Newlyweds we were, and very much in love. My father gave us the money for a down payment and his mother helped us out with the mortgage many a time. Now I’m sitting on a gold mine.”

Anna let the old woman ramble. She finally got a chance to speak when the nurse arrived with the cookies.

“You must’ve seen a lot of people come and go.”

Mrs. Mead told her that some people on the street had spent most of their adult lives there, just like her.

“The only way they’ll leave is in a casket.”

Her mouth set in a pout.

“But some places have been sold several times, like the one you’re looking at.”

Anna clucked and made some inane comment.

“You can ask us anything,” she said invitingly. “We like the house but we won’t put in an offer unless you approve. Good neighbors are so important.”

Mrs. Mead narrowed her eyes and wheeled herself to a spot by the window.

“You’re wily. I can see we’ll get along.” She gave Julie a onceover. “Will you both be living here then?”

Anna bit her lip and did her best to look embarrassed. “This house is for me. My daughter might visit once in a while.”

Mrs. Mead pointed at the house they were talking about. Her window spot directly looked into the living room of the neighboring house.

“I spend a lot of time right here,” she informed them. “Unless Nurse decides to take me out for a spin. You are going to need thick curtains if you don’t want me peeping in.”

She howled with laughter again and Anna joined in. She had guessed that Mrs. Mead was prone to exaggeration.

“I don’t mind,” Anna shrugged. “I’m on the wrong side of fifty, Mrs. Mead. It’s young couples who are so particular about closing doors.”

Anna hoped the old lady would take the bait and to her immense relief, she did.

“They weren’t bad, you know. That couple that lived in your house. Just didn’t get along.”

“Couples fight!” Julie spoke up. “It’s their natural state, I guess.”

“If you think that, you haven’t met the right man yet,” Mrs. Mead said primly.

“That puts me in my place,” Julie muttered.

“Hush,” Anna quelled her with a glance. “A little squabble now and then is okay, but I hope they were happy, Mrs. Mead? I think a house absorbs bad vibes. I don’t want to spend my sunset years in a place that has seen violence.”

“Nobody died there, I hope?” Julie interrupted.

Mrs. Mead ignored her completely. Anna sensed she had retreated into the past.

“Someone told me they were high school sweethearts. Could’ve fooled me. They fought all the time. I could hear him yell and scream.”

Anna saw her waver.

“Don’t spare my feelings. Did he touch her then?”

Mrs. Mead looked up and stared into her eyes, giving a slight nod.

“He was a monster. I’ve seen him slap her around once too many times. Called the police once but she pretended she walked into a door. Love can be blind and stupid, I tell you.”

Erin had pleaded with the old lady, beseeching her not to contact the cops again. Whatever happened in their house was their private business and she could handle it.

“I was glad when they moved away,” the old lady sighed.

“Did she say why he was such a jerk?” Julie asked.

Mrs. Mead answered her this time.

“Couldn’t handle the responsibility, if you ask me. Young couples often find it hard to cope with the demands of married life. Erin said he was stuck in a thankless job with no prospects. Had big dreams but his life wasn’t going anywhere. That’s when they moved to the coast. If you ask me, their life improved after coming to live here but he was used to striking her by then.”

Anna could sympathize with Gil’s wife.

“Did you ask her to get help?”

“Plenty of times,” Mrs. Mead’s voice was heavy with grief. “She thought he would come around. I told her to get out while she was still alive.” The nurse silently handed her a tissue. “Kept saying it was just a phase.” She dabbed her eyes, balling up the paper in her fist.

Anna wasn’t too keen on carrying on the conversation. But she forced herself to continue for the sake of Meg.

“But they finally decided to separate?”

Mrs. Mead didn’t ask how she knew that.

“He started seeing other women. Had a string of affairs. And then, apparently, he fell in love with one of them. That’s when he dumped Erin.”

Anna felt sorry for Gil’s wife. Based on what she’d just heard, Erin had led a hard life. She caught Julie’s eye and they both got up, ready to take their leave.

“She was a fancy woman, I’ll give you that.” Mrs. Mead was still stuck in some past memory. “Drove an expensive car too.”

Anna told her they had to leave.

“We are checking out a couple other places,” she lied smoothly. “Thank you so much for spending time with us.”

“I don’t suppose you’ll be buying that house now,” Mrs. Mead muttered.

Her neck lolled on her chest and she started snoring. The nurse came around and started wheeling her inside.

“She’s exhausted, the poor dear. You made her day! She rarely gets to talk to anyone.”

Anna and Julie walked down the tiny garden path to their car. The realtor was greeting two middle aged men holding a baby. She waved at them, flashing her ready smile.

“That was a lot of information!” Julie rubbed her forehead. “We need to eat now, Anna. Have you seen the time? It’s way past our lunch hour.”

Anna agreed and tried to search for eateries around them on the fancy console in Julie’s car. She spotted a bag of chips on the back seat and tore it open.

“Do you want to go into the city? We can get dim sum.”

Julie preferred to pick up something they could eat in the car. Anna directed her to a famous burger outlet off the highway.

“Can we eat this in the parking lot?” she pleaded. “I don’t like to eat when the car’s moving.”

The food was hot and fresh and the friends gave it their full attention.

“Does Gino ever shout at you?” Julie asked suddenly.

Anna couldn’t hide her surprise.

“This is Gino we’re talking about. I’ve never met such a gentle soul. It’s amazing, actually, considering all the nasty things he has dealt with on the job.”

“John was soft spoken too,” Julie said softly.

Anna knew what Julie had left unsaid. She thought John had been the love of her life. He had been the model husband and father but he had slipped nevertheless.

“Nobody is perfect.” Anna struggled to explain how she felt. “I don’t expect Gino to be a paragon of virtue. He wouldn’t be human otherwise.”

“You hope he’ll be honest with you,” Julie finished. “You think that’s possible?”

“I trust him,” Anna said stolidly. “If that’s what you mean. Mrs. Mead had a point, you know.” She observed the range of emotions flitting across Julie’s face. “Sometimes, you have to take a leap of faith.”

Julie started the car and pulled out of the fast food place. A few minutes later, she put on the turn signal and merged on the highway, speeding up to match pace with the stream of traffic.

“There was only one man for me, Anna. You know that.”

Anna opened her mouth to protest but clammed up when she saw the moisture lurking at the corner of her friend’s eyes. She didn’t want to cause her more pain.

“Did you notice what Mrs. Mead said?” she asked, changing the subject. “Gil and Erin didn’t grow up here.”

Chapter 23

Anna was quiet as Julie maneuvered through the heavy traffic they hit in the city. She was glad they decided against going in.

Julie sighed with relief when they finally hit an empty stretch.

“Should be smooth sailing from now,” she gushed. “How do people do this every day?”

Anna didn’t bother to answer.

“I’m beginning to think Erin Richards is the victim here. She’s been tolerating a lot of abuse for several years.”

“Who would blame her if she’d had enough?” Julie gave a shrug. “This kind of ill treatment seeps into the bones, Anna. I think she planned this meticulously and got her revenge.”

Anna sipped some water from a bottle she was carrying and paused to mull over Julie’s words.

“But she wanted him back.”

Julie thought she had lied to mislead them.

“She will try to deflect attention from herself, of course. Now she’s playing the grieving widow, the part which is expected from her.”

“You really think she did this?”

Anna was trying to wrap her head around the fact. She tried to remember what Cassie had learned about Erin. Had anyone described her as meek? She must have been if she let her husband abuse her for all those years.

“Maybe she wanted all the money for herself.” Julie turned into a rest area. “That house there is worth a pretty penny. The wife gets to keep it all now. And surely Gil must have earned money on the cycling circuit. These sports people get big endorsements from brands.”

Anna snorted.

“Knowing Gil, he didn’t get any. He was an activist, remember? I bet he had something against most of the big money brands. And they wouldn’t invest in a person who could turn on them anytime.”

“Like a whistleblower,” Julie nodded, jumping out of her SUV.

The rest area was shaded by tall trees and almost isolated. Anna pulled out some change from her purse and got some munchies from a sparkling vending machine. She added two cans of soda.

Julie wanted to stretch her legs so they strolled on a little path that disappeared into dense foliage. Anna followed Julie around the bend and gasped in delight. A rocky, pebble strewn beach lay before them with the ocean a few meters away.

“How did we never come here?” she exclaimed.

Julie told her she’d guessed they might be close to the water.

“Can’t you smell the salt in the air? Now, if only someone was selling hot food here, it would be the perfect pit stop.”

Anna felt a wave of exhaustion pass over her. She hoped Cassie and Meg would have dinner waiting at home.

They walked back to the car and resumed their drive.

“Why do you think she was refusing to divorce him?” Julie spoke up. “Was it because she had been planning to get rid of him in a different way?”

Anna didn’t think that would make a difference.

“Of course it does.” Julie tried to tear open a packet of pretzels with her mouth. “She could have ended penniless after the divorce. Now she’s his next of kin, no matter that they were separated.”

“You really think Erin did this for money?”

“She’s not a career woman. A temp job isn’t going to pay her bills.”

Anna wondered why an abused woman like Erin hadn’t grabbed the lifeline offered to her.

“It was a different kind of revenge. Gil wanted divorce so she held back, making him suffer.”

Julie didn’t comment on that, chomping down on pretzels. She moved to a bag of nuts after that.

“Why was Erin in town for the race? She can’t have been here to cheer for her husband if they were estranged.”

Anna jerked forward, locking her seatbelt with the sudden motion.

“And where was she at the time of his death, Julie? She must have known the route the race would take.”

Julie glanced to her right swiftly.

“You think she was lying in wait for him?”

The two friends were quiet as they thought over this. Anna broke the silence after a while.

“Other cyclists must have seen her. We need to track some of them down and talk to them.”

“That big fight between husband and wife happened the night before the race, right?” Julie was thoughtful. “Where was Erin after that? Did she stay on at the resort or leave? You think she could have gone home and come back in time for the race the next morning?”

Anna did some math in her head.

“That’s five to six hours of driving, give or take, not counting any stops. I don’t think it’s feasible.”

“That means she must have stuck around somewhere close.”

Anna laughed.

“She could have been hiding in plain sight, at Castle Beach. Let’s go find out, Julie.”

“I wish I wrote mystery instead of romance.” Julie gave a dramatic sigh. “All this could at least go in a book. What am I going to tell my editor when I miss my deadline?”

Anna promised to make it up to her.

“I’ll do your laundry for the next month and do grocery runs and stock your freezer with all your favorites, Julie. But I need you right now. Once Meg is off the hook, you can shut yourself in your office and write nonstop.”

They reached the Castle Beach Resort. Julie handed her keys to the young valet who rushed out, well acquainted with her forceful personality.

Julie hugged Anna close and grabbed her shoulders.

“You know I was just kidding about the deadline? Family comes first. I’m not going to leave Meg in the lurch.”

Charlie Robinson was standing in the center of the lobby, talking to his manager. He broke off when he spotted Anna.

“This is a nice surprise! Let’s have coffee on the terrace.”

He and Julie nodded at each other but neither spoke a word.

Anna curbed her impatience and let Charlie ply her with some desserts his chef had been working on.

“How is Meg?” he asked after they had taken a few bites. “Can I help in any way?”

Anna told him about Erin Richards.

“Can you tell us if she stayed here at the resort that night?”

Charlie held up his hand and spoke quietly to one of the waiters. The manager hurried out a few minutes later, carrying a thick ledger.

“Based on our records, Mrs. Richards did not book a room with us.”

Charlie was thoughtful. He thanked the manager and dismissed him.

“But she could’ve stayed in someone’s room?” Anna guessed where his mind was leaning.

“We might be able to establish that with the help of the security cameras,” Charlie admitted. “But it will take time.”

Anna told him to hold off on that. She tried to think of a simpler way they could trace Erin’s movements. How did they ever find anything out before the advent of cameras and the Internet?

“Your staff must have seen her leave, Charlie.”

“Assuming she left,” Julie added a disclaimer.

The manager was summoned again. Charlie invited him to sit this time as he rifled through a duty roster he was carrying.

“Sorry to take you away from your job,” Anna apologized sheepishly.

“All in a day’s work, Mrs. Butler,” he assured her. “We are all fond of Meg here. None of us believe she’s guilty.”

Anna sensed he was going to launch into a monologue. Charlie cleared his throat, gently nudging him to carry on his task.

“Our shifts rotate every month,” the manager told them. “Most of the night staff from race day is not here yet. But I see that one of them asked for the second shift due to some family issues.”

“And?” Julie prompted.

“He’s on duty now,” the manager smiled and stood up, promising to send the man to their table immediately.

The bellboy arrived five minutes later, looking tense.

“You’re not in trouble.” Charlie set him at ease. “These ladies want to ask you something.”

Anna got down to business.

The boy had relaxed visibly once he sensed his job wasn’t on the line.

“She didn’t stay here that night,” he confirmed. “I’m sure because she left in an old jalopy. It misfired like crazy and left a black cloud in our driveway. Not the kind of car our usual customer drives.”

“This was the same woman who was heard arguing with that dead cyclist?” Anna wanted to be sure. “Could it have been another guest?”

The boy’s face settled into the kind of cocky expression youngsters did very well.

“It was the same woman, Madam. I know because I saw the security guys pull her out of the room and escort her to the door.”

“Could she have stuck around? Hidden somewhere?” Anna pressed, just to be sure.

“She didn’t!” He crossed his hands behind his back and gave her a pitying look. “The security guys waited until she got into that rundown car and drove out of our gates.”

Chapter 24

The sun was setting over the bay when they left the resort. Charlie had invited Anna to stay on for dinner but she politely declined. The day was catching up with her and all she wanted was a hot bath.

Julie echoed her feelings, massaging her lower back.

“It doesn’t matter how expensive or luxurious the car is, it’s never enough!”

“Especially when you’re on the wrong side of fifty like us,” Anna grinned. “Let’s hope Cassie or Meg made dinner. Otherwise we might have to order pizza.”

Cassie was flipping channels on the TV when they got home. Pink streaks painted the sky into a pretty mosaic and twilight lingered, ready to dissolve into the dark of night.

“You’re home!” she jumped up and gave Anna a hug. “I was getting tired of waiting.”

“We stopped at Castle Beach.” Anna looked around. “Where’s Meg?”

Cassie waved a hand in dismissal.

“On a date with Drake.”

“You were not supposed to let her out of your sight.”

Cassie rolled her eyes in frustration.

“I couldn’t lock her up, Mom. They must’ve been texting each other. Drake just showed up here and declared they were going out for dinner.”

“That boy drove up from Monterey?” Julie’s eyebrow sprang up. “He must like our girl a little.”

Anna was frowning at Cassie.

“This is getting more serious than we thought. We assumed this whole Drake thing would fizzle out once we got home from the cruise. You said Meg would tire of a long distance relationship.”

Cassie held up a hand.

“Don’t look at me like that, Mom. You agreed we can’t hold her back. And what do you have against Drake anyway?”

Anna didn’t have a good answer for that. Julie came to her rescue.

“We’re exhausted, Cass. Cut your mom some slack. Please tell me you made dinner? Even your fried rice sounds like a dream right now.”

Cassie gave her a knowing smile.

“I didn’t have to. Gino sent over plenty. His cook made the braised short ribs mom likes, with mashed potatoes and all the fixings. She even made those herb and cheese biscuits we love. And there’s a berry cobbler for dessert.”

“That man is a prize. Your mom better tie the knot with him before some other woman snatches him away.”

“But what about Drake?” Anna felt overwhelmed. “We need to look into his background if Meg is getting serious. Who are his people? Where is he from? Does he have any aspirations beyond that tiny art gallery he runs?”

“Give it a rest, Anna.” Julie gave a wide yawn. “Now where is that glass of wine you promised me?”

Cassie uncorked a bottle of Mystic Hill wine while the two older ladies changed and climbed into the hot tub in Anna’s garden. It had been John’s idea and the Firecrackers made good use of it through the year.

Cassie lit some lavender and honeysuckle candles and joined them.

“So?” She gave Anna a look. “How was your trip? Did you find anything new?”

Anna told her the details could wait. But they had established that Gil’s wife could be guilty.

“You don’t have proof.” Cassie sounded deflated.

“Not yet,” Anna corrected her. “But she has more than one motive.”

Julie brought up Peter Tang.

“Let’s not forget him, girls. Sheldon Prince thinks Gil was going to fire him.”

Anna shook her head.

“The other cyclists didn’t think so. Don’t you remember?”

Julie pressed her lips and moved closer to a jet of water.

“Sheldon and Gil were close friends. It’s possible he knew something the other cyclists didn’t.”

They sat in the water until their skin wrinkled, then went inside. Cassie picked up the conversation after they had each fixed a plate.

“So Erin Richards and Peter Tang are the only suspects?”

“My money’s on Erin.” Anna closed her eyes and savored the juicy meat. “But we don’t know her whereabouts on the day of the race.” She broke a biscuit in half and popped it in her mouth. “Someone must have seen her that day. We need to establish she was near Gil or on the race route.”

Cassie offered to help.

“I can talk to some of the local organizers, Mom. Like the other people who put up a stall on Main Street that day.”

“What about the cyclists?” Julie asked. “It’s going to be hard to track them down.”

Anna wasn’t sure if the race organizers would share a list of participants.

“It will take us forever to speak to all of them.”

Cassie thought the police would have a list.

“Teddy might be persuaded to share it. Maybe some of them are still hanging out at Castle Beach.”

They ate in silence after that, savoring the delicious food. Cassie pulled out a tub of vanilla ice cream and scooped some over the warm cobbler. They took their plates to the living room.

Anna’s eyes were drooping but she wanted to be there when Meg got back. She was sipping coffee when Meg burst into the room, holding Drake’s hand.

“Hello Grandma!” she stooped down and gave Anna a hug. “Drake wanted to come in and see you.”

Anna offered pie and the young couple accepted readily. They had skipped dessert to get home early.

“Meg’s too old for a curfew.” Drake sounded like he was mocking them. “But I know you must worry about her, especially under the circumstances.”

Anna quirked an eyebrow.

“He knows everything!” Meg dared anyone to object. “There are no secrets between us.”

“How sweet!” Cassie cooed. “That’s nice, kid.”

“Drake thinks I should sue the police for harassment. He knows a lawyer who can get us a big settlement.”

Anna bit back a retort.

“Sure, sweetie. We can look into that. Who do you recommend, Drake?”

The young man shrugged and promised to send her the details later.

“And sue that mayor too,” he added. “Your family has suffered enough because of her.”

Anna was struggling to maintain her saccharine smile. She was trying hard to warm up to the boy but he managed to rub her the wrong way every time.

“Speaking of, when are we meeting your parents, Drake? Tell you what … why don’t you bring them over for lunch this Sunday?”

Drake hung his head and his face settled in a pout. Meg squeezed his arm and moved closer.

“Drake’s an orphan, Grandma. His parents passed a long time ago.”

Anna felt a pang of guilt. Maybe she was being too hard on him. When Drake put an arm around Meg as if on cue, she told herself to ignore her instincts.

“That’s why Meg and I have this connection, Mrs. Butler. We have both endured life without family.”

“Meg’s got us now,” Cassie quipped. “Haven’t you, kiddo?”

“And she’s the luckiest person on earth.” Drake swallowed a lump.

“What about aunts or uncles, cousins?” Julie asked. “Where do you spend your holidays?”

Meg’s eyes shot daggers at all of them.

“Are you done with the third degree? We will have that pie now, if you please.”

Anna glanced at Cassie and gave a nod. She went in and came out with bowls piled high with warm berry cobbler and vanilla ice cream, drizzling extra sauce on top the way Meg liked it.

“What about your friends from DBU, Drake?” Anna smiled. “Are they still in the state?”

Drake gave a tiny shrug and reminded them he had left early for his internship.

“I wasn’t here in the last semester. That’s when most job offers come in. Slim pickings for history majors though, unfortunately.”

“Don’t kids have email groups and what not nowadays?” Julie probed.

Drake promised to check his old emails.

“Everyone wrote a lot in the first year after graduation. Then they settled into jobs or got married. The messages kind of fizzled out after that.”

“These are the kids from the Blue Hill project?” Anna grew serious.

“Most of them,” Drake nodded.

“I was thinking …they spent a lot of time with John around the time he died. It would be nice to meet them. Share some memories, you know. They might have some anecdotes from his last few days.”

Cassie seconded her.

“I was shooting on location when Dad passed, Drake. Couldn’t make it here for the funeral. It would be great if you can hook us up with some of his old students.”

“You think they might have filmed him at the excavation?” Julie’s eyes widened. “That footage would be priceless now.”

Anna wondered why she had never thought of that. Meg joined them in urging Drake to get in touch with his college buddies soon. He promised Anna he would get on it immediately and left.

Meg stood at the door, waving goodbye. Cassie got up to load the dishwasher and pulled Meg along with her.

Anna folded her arms and sat back, ready to answer Julie’s questions.

“Why the sudden affection for John’s old students? You wanna share what you’re up to?”

Chapter 25

Cassie sat in bed the next morning, reluctant to get out of the covers. She had barely slept a wink. The last few days had been heavy on her mind, like a cassette that plays over and over again. Cassie smiled. Meg would call her ancient. She had probably never seen a cassette tape.

Cassie changed into her yoga pants and started doing stretches. She didn’t feel like going for a run but she wanted to meet Teddy Fowler. A walk sounded more doable.

Anna and Meg were eating toast in the kitchen.

“I’ll call you later, Mom. Save some breakfast for me.”

The weather was cool and Cassie could feel the moisture in the air. Mist swirled around her as she reached the Coastal Walk. The fresh air put a spring in her step and she admitted her sore limbs felt much better after the light exercise. The bench at the end of the walk was empty with no sign of Ted Fowler.

Cassie sat down and did some deep breathing, staring at the water for a long time. She finally accepted that Teddy wasn’t coming. Maybe one of his kids was sick or he had just decided to sleep in.

On her way back home, Cassie mentally reviewed the list of things she had come up with the previous night. It had seemed very clever in the middle of the night but paled into insignificance as the mist lifted and the sun shone brightly down on her. Cassie decided she had to stop doubting herself and get on with it. At the very worst, she would fall flat on her face and look foolish.

The house was empty and she guessed Anna and Meg had left for the café. Cassie rushed through her shower and warmed up the egg white omelet Anna had made for her. A plate held sliced avocadoes steeped in lime juice. Cassie ate quickly and got into her car, ready for her drive into San Francisco.

“I’ve got a meeting in the city, Mom,” she told Anna on the phone. “Should be back by lunch.”

Thankfully, Anna didn’t ask for details. She had a way of sensing when Cassie wasn’t being honest.

The car ate up the miles and Cassie barely noticed the time, engrossed in planning how she was going to tackle her quarry. She reached Tidwell Industries in record time and sat in the car, fixing her makeup in the mirror, trying to gather the courage to carry out her plan. She reminded herself that Meg needed her and was out of the car in a flash.

The earlier night, she had realized they had never followed up on the big business tycoon. Gil had been working to shut down his latest factory. That was motive enough for Tidwell to get him out of the way.

Cassie’s only knowledge of a formal office was a tiny role as a secretary at the beginning of her career. She just had to sit there behind a desk without speaking any lines. But she was an expert at winging it.

The twenty foot high automatic doors slid open and Cassie entered the alien domain with a deep breath. She couldn’t resist a smile when a prim, spectacled woman looked up from a massive desk and asked what she wanted.  Cassie provided her cover story, posing as an official from an obscure government body that did not exist.

The woman pushed her glasses up her nose and shook her head, clucking noisily.

“Mr. Tidwell is an extremely busy man. He’s on his way to a meeting in Japan.”

She pushed a button on a console nevertheless and spoke briefly.

“I don’t know why, but he’ll see you.”

Cassie rode the elevator up to the 50th floor, feeling very confident. The doors slid open and deposited her in a plush lobby covered in thick carpet. Dark wood paneled the walls and a plump man wearing an Armani suit stood outside, ready to greet her.

He escorted her to a lounge with brown leather furniture and vivid art on the walls.

“That’s a genuine Picasso.” Cassie pointed a finger at the wall, feeling tongue tied.

Like an ingénue in her first big production, she had forgotten all the lines she had painstakingly prepared.

“His cubism period,” Tidwell replied.

He tapped a finger on the coffee table and pinned her with his gaze.

“I would offer you a drink but I’m in a hurry. My plane is fueled and ready on the tarmac and the chopper should be landing soon to take me to the airport.”

Once upon a time, Cassie’s life had been consumed with hopping across the world in private jets. She realized the man was trying to intimidate her.

“You can tell them to wait,” she drawled. “Our business is more important.”

Tidwell went on the offensive.

“How much do you need, Ms. Butler? That’s right, I recognized you the moment you walked into the lobby downstairs. I guess all this mumbo jumbo about that fake government organization is just a ruse.”

Cassie’s smile had frozen on her lips. Tidwell continued, barely aware of her tense posture.

“Why don’t I ask my finance guy to get in touch? We talked about diversifying into the film business last month. I guess someone leaked the news, huh?”

He clasped his hands, his admiring gaze anything but avuncular.

“I’m a big fan. Tidwell Industries is ready to finance Cassie Butler’s comeback. And we’ll take care of the awards circuit. I have friends in the right places.”

Cassie couldn’t take it anymore.

“You killed Gil Richards!” she cried. “Are you going to sit there and deny it?”

Andy Tidwell stopped midsentence. His amiable manner disappeared and his nostrils flared, breathing fire.

“Think carefully before you speak again.”

Cassie told him she knew all about the violations at his upcoming plant. Gil had been a big thorn in his side.

“When did I pull this thorn out?” His voice was barely audible but no less menacing.

Cassie fought a shiver and gave him the date of the cycle race.

“I’m sure you must have bought the perfect alibi.”

“That’s right.” His smile was triumphant. “I was out of the country. Matter of fact, I was in China for the past month. I came back for a couple of days before going for a retreat in the Swiss Alps. Now I’m off to Japan for two weeks.”

Cassie told him she wasn’t interested in his itinerary.

“Surely you heard me?” His control began to slip. “Check my passport. Ask anyone. Dozens of people heard me give the keynote speech at a convention in Beijing. You’re way off mark here, Ms. Butler.”

Cassie felt deflated.

“Look, I don’t mean any disrespect. I’m just trying to save my daughter.”

She poured out the whole sordid story.

Andy Tidwell surprised her with his compassion.

“Now I understand why you pulled this crazy stunt. We’ll do anything to protect our kids, won’t we?” He hesitated before continuing. “Gil and I met before I left for China. Let’s say we reached an understanding.”

“You managed to bribe him?” Cassie asked point blank.

Tidwell cleared his throat, summoning a poker face. “Suffice it to say, we overcame our differences. In your words, he was no longer a thorn in my side.”

Cassie stood up, feeling very foolish. She apologized for the charade and wished Tidwell a safe journey. He walked her to the elevator, his amiable manner back in place. A whirring noise filled the air.

“That must be your chopper.”

“It was a pleasure meeting you, my dear.” Tidwell patted her arm. “And I was serious about investing in films. My finance guy will be in touch with your agent. We’ll work something out.”

Cassie started laughing when she was back in her car. The morning had taken a completely unexpected turn. But they could safely eliminate Tidwell as a suspect.

Meg sent a message saying she was spending the day at the college library, working on her group assignment. Anna and the Firecrackers were going to the Yellow Tulip for lunch.

Cassie headed home, ready to tackle the next item on her list. Her foray into the city had given her a big confidence boost. She called Bobby and regaled him with a detailed account of her talk with Tidwell.

“You think this old man’s serious about the money, Cass?”

Tidwell’s offer had made her realize something.

“I’m not sure I want it, Bobby.”

Chapter 26

Cassie made good time and pulled into the Castle Beach Resort, ready to tackle the next item on her list.

She expected Charlie Robinson to offer lunch. He had been her favorite uncle as a child and had always plied her with candy and chocolate. This had been before he and her father John had a big fight over the renovations at the resort.

Charlie was nowhere to be seen. The genial manager welcomed her with his usual hospitable manner.

“Where’s Uncle Charlie?” she looked around, sure she would spot him talking to the staff somewhere.

“He’s in a meeting but he should be available soon. Why don’t you wait in the lounge? I’ll have someone bring coffee.”

Cassie suddenly felt weary.

“Actually, I could use a spot of lunch. I think I’ll go over to the terrace and order something.”

The manager wet his lips and glanced over her shoulder.

“We can serve lunch right here in the lounge. The chef’s making a grilled salmon salad with candied almonds and ponzu sauce. I highly recommend it.”

Cassie’s mouth watered at the mention of food.

“Sounds good, thanks. But I prefer the terrace. It’s a beautiful day and I could use some fresh air.”

She told him she’d driven almost four hours since morning.

“The terrace is closed,” the manager informed blandly. “Private party.”

Cassie felt deflated.

“Why didn’t you say so? The lounge will be fine, I guess. Can I have a sparkling water to go with my salad, please?”

She chose a comfy velvet upholstered chair that faced the lobby, preferring to watch people rather than a brick wall. A fire blazed in the big Jacobean fireplace, giving a cozy feel to the cavernous space.

A young girl in a kitchen uniform arrived with a basket of fresh bread and a crock of hand churned pale yellow butter. Cassie was glad she was getting the same excellent service she would get in the terrace restaurant.

Dismissing Bobby’s stern voice in her head, she tore off a hunk and slathered it with the creamy butter. The salad arrived before she demolished the bread. It was a piece of art. She cut into the moist, flaky fish and took a bite. Teddy Fowler appeared in the lobby, talking to Sally Davis, the school teacher. Several women followed in their wake, engrossed in speaking softly to each other. Cassie recognized some women from the Garden Club. Charlie Robinson brought up the rear.

A range of possibilities flitted across Cassie’s mind. What were all these people doing at the resort? Clearly, they’d been having a covert meeting on the terrace. She searched the group for Mary and didn’t find her there. Her feet worked of their own volition.

“What’s going on here?” she confronted the group.

Teddy and Sally stopped midsentence, looking flustered.

“Cassie! What are you doing here?”

“I asked first.” Cassie put a hand on her hip and stuck it out. “Looks like a secret conclave.”

“The Garden Club met to discuss future events,” Sally interjected smoothly. “Charlie was kind enough to let us have it here. We invited Teddy here as a security specialist.”

“Why isn’t Aunt Mary at this meeting?”

Mary was a board member of the Garden Club and took an active part in it.

“She drove to San Jose,” Sally shrugged. “Babysitting duty.”

Cassie folded her arms and stared at Ted, forcing him to meet her eyes.

“You’re hiding something.”

Teddy grew flustered and mumbled a denial.

Charlie Robinson stepped forward and greeted her in his usual hearty manner.

“Cassie, my dear! Are the staff taking care of you? The chef’s made a good ponzu sauce today. You must try it before you leave.”

Cassie thanked him and told him she was looking forward to tasting it.

“Are you colluding with these people, Uncle Charlie? What’s with all this cloak and dagger stuff?”

Charlie took her arm and led her to the lounge, giving Teddy Fowler an imperceptible nod. The Garden Club women scurried out, followed by Sally and Ted.

“You don’t have to be involved in everything, child. Anna tells me you have enough on your plate.”

“Is this about Meg?”

Charlie’s brow furrowed, his eyes darting up.

“Those Garden Club women want her head on a platter, don’t they? But Meg’s not going anywhere, Uncle Charlie! Mom and I stand by her.”

“And you’re not the only ones,” Charlie sighed. “That meeting had nothing to do with Meg. Trust me.”

Cassie felt torn. She believed Charlie had always had their best interests at heart. Sally had always been a loyal friend to Anna. And Ted was devoted to her. She decided to cut them some slack.

“Okay, if you say so. Now I better get back to my salmon.”

“Did you just come for lunch?” Charlie probed. “Or was there something else?”

Cassie remembered her mission. She looked longingly at the salad and opened her mouth to explain.

“It can wait,” Charlie said gently. “Let’s eat first. I’ll join you.”

He nodded at someone hovering nearby and the kitchen girl appeared as if by magic, holding a loaded tray. There was more fresh bread and Cassie didn’t resist.

“What’s on your mind?” Charlie inquired after they finished their meal and were sipping espresso from tiny cups.

Cassie asked about the cyclists from the race.

“Did any of them leave an address? Maybe I can get in touch with them. Or your staff can call them and ask if they would like to talk to me.”

“Some of them are still here.” Charlie’s response surprised her. “The race was a bucket list item for them. We came up with a special package and many of them decided to indulge in some relaxation here at Castle Beach.”

Cassie couldn’t hide her excitement.

“Do you think I can talk to them?”

Charlie agreed to arrange a meeting. He would send a message to their rooms. Anyone who was willing could come and talk to her on the terrace.

Cassie was surprised by the number of people who came out to talk to her. A couple of the men barely knew Gil. They just wanted to shake hands with her and get an autograph for some family member. One of the women was a recreational cyclist who had been at the very back. She had succumbed to the ride pretty soon and asked for the broom wagon.

“We spotted a group on the way to the next camp but I don’t remember seeing Gil in it. He should’ve been at the front of the pack.”

Cassie requested her to speak in plain English and the woman laughingly obliged.

Then a tall, shy man walked up to her, hands in the kangaroo pocket of his sweatshirt. His platinum blonde hair was cropped very close to the scalp and he sported a tiny goatee. Cassie placed him in his early twenties.

He introduced himself as Ingvar and told her he was new on the race circuit.

“I’m better than average but gave a good performance in this race.”

Cassie wasn’t sure if that mattered.

“I’ll tell you why that is significant,” he offered. “A bunch of us broke off from the peloton. Gil was in the lead and I was drafting behind him for a while. Then he just veered off and stopped.”

“Why?”

Ingvar shrugged. He had seen a woman standing by the side of the road, next to a beat up car.

“Gil stopped to talk to this woman?” Cassie felt a ray of hope.

“I don’t know.” Ingvar had been focused on the race.

Cassie thanked him and urged him to get in touch if he remembered anything else. The female cyclist came back when Cassie was debating her next course of action.

“I almost forgot,” she told Cassie. “Peter Tang was in the broom wagon with me. He’s a famous coach.”

“I know,” Cassie encouraged. “He was Gil’s coach, wasn’t he?”

“Tang is in high demand. He groomed Gil Richards and made him a champion. That’s why I was shocked to see him act like that.”

“Act how?”

The woman frowned, describing how Tang had been bad mouthing Gil. He definitely had an axe to grind.

“The coach and cyclist have to be like this.” The woman crossed her fingers. “I sensed trouble was brewing. Gil must’ve slacked off during training or something.”

Cassie thought of the spot where Ingvar had seen the woman with the car.

“Was there a scenic lookout on the route?”

“I’m Sharon, by the way,” the cyclist introduced herself. “And yes, there were a few. This is beautiful country you have here. One of the main reasons I joined the race even though I wasn’t ready.”

“Did you notice a woman and a car at one of them?”

Sharon shook her head. She was positive she would have noticed it.

Cassie thanked her again and reminded her to get in touch if there was more. She couldn’t wait to get home and talk to Anna. Had the woman with the car been Gil’s wife?

Chapter 27

Anna asked Meg about her day while Cassie drove them to Mystic Hill. Gino had invited them for dinner.

“You have to stop feeding us,” she said when he came out to greet them.

“It’s my pleasure, Anna. You do it all the time so why not let me take care of you for a change?”

Cassie rolled her eyes.

“Having a dedicated cook helps, I’m sure.”

Anna gave her a look.

“We brought her up to be polite, Gino. Don’t know where she lost her manners.”

Gino pulled Cassie into a hug, laughing heartily.

“She’s just joking, Anna. I don’t mind.”

He agreed his cook had helped him with the side dishes but he was going to grill the steaks himself.

“I made a special spice rub,” he boasted. “And the red wine sauce Anna likes.”

Meg had been staring at her feet while they bantered with each other. Gino hugged her next and told her Leo would be coming home soon.

“He gets off duty in twenty minutes.”

Anna observed the range of emotions flitting across Meg’s face. Did she feel awkward in Leo’s presence? They had always gotten along well.

Cassie spotted the massive cheese board Gino had laid out, with different kinds of meats, nuts, fruit and cheeses. Mystic Hill wine bottles were breathing on the counter.

“I’m glad I ate a salad for lunch,” she remarked. “Although it wasn’t a healthy salad, I guess.” She told them about her gourmet meal at Charlie’s resort.

Anna looked up in surprise.

“You never mentioned you were at Castle Beach today.”

Leo came in before Cassie could talk about her visit. Anna decided they needed a clean break from the investigation.

“Are we grilling out on the patio?” she asked Gino.

He took the hint and led her outside, telling the others to help themselves to the antipasti.

Anna was silent as Gino started the grill. The steaks sizzled on the hot surface and the aromas of dry garlic and herbs infused the air.

“Something on your mind?” Gino asked quietly.

“Do you think I’ve been ignoring you?” Anna blurted out. “We haven’t had any time to ourselves in a while.”

Gino looked surprised.

“I know what you’re dealing with Anna. You don’t have to worry about me.”

He took the steaks off the grill and transferred them to a large platter.

“We’re good, Anna. Family comes first. I consider Meg to be my granddaughter too. She needs us right now.”

He pulled her into a hug and planted a kiss on her forehead.

“Neither of us is going anywhere.”

Cassie hooted from the door. Meg and Leo stood beside her, grinning.

“Okay, lovebirds! Can we eat now?”

Dinner was lively and they played board games after that in Gino’s sunken living room, sitting by the roaring fire. Sleep came instantly when they got home and Anna felt well rested the next morning.

Meg didn’t have any classes and was eager to get to the café.

“MJ’s trying out some recipes for the spring/summer menu. I think I’m going to like everything.”

They ate toast and yogurt for breakfast and headed out. Anna spotted some Garden Club women sitting at a table in the café. She wondered how she could keep Meg out of their line of vision.

“Can I help MJ in the kitchen?” Meg offered a solution herself.

“Sure, sweetie. I’ll handle the cash register.”

Anna got coffee for a couple of customers and rang up some purchases. She spotted Ian Samuels come in and started foaming the milk for his cappuccino.

“Good Morning, Ian. Your coffee’s coming up.”

Ian was looking harried.

“Can I talk to you for a minute, Anna?”

“Sure.” Anna handed him his coffee and began wrapping a cupcake and a scone in a brown paper bag.

“Why don’t we step outside?” Ian sounded urgent.

Anna noticed him glance over his shoulder a couple of times. She walked out of the café without a word and went around the corner toward the bookstore. Ian was right behind her.

Anna stood under the magnolia tree and spied Cassie in the bookstore. She shook her head at her daughter’s questioning glance and turned toward Ian.

“What’s up, Ian?”

“I’m working on a piece for the Chronicle. No special edition this time but it will be published on the usual schedule.”

“Sure…” Anna wasn’t sure what he wanted from her.

“We all have things in our past that should never see the light of day. But they have a way of catching up with us.”

Anna’s thoughts flew to John. Was Ian referring to the old rumors Lara Crawford had spread against her?

“For the last time, Ian. I did not kill my husband. I thought you believed me.”

Ian gulped his coffee and looked lost. His eyes widened for a split second and he shook his head.

“Anna, I’m talking about Meg!”

“What about her?” Anna felt her throat dry up.

Ian stared at the floor and looked away.

“I heard from one of my sources at the police station. The police found a link between the dead guy and Meg.”

“Impossible!” Anna breathed. “Did he come to the café or bookstore the previous night? That’s not what I call a connection.”

“Gil Richards had a job with social services in the Midwest. It was a long time ago, before he moved to California.”

Anna’s heart began beating faster. Meg had lived in the Midwest.

“He was Meg’s case worker, Anna. The police found that he placed her in an abusive household.”

“My Meg?” Anna’s voice was barely a whisper. “Are you saying my granddaughter was abused, Ian?”

Ian admitted he didn’t have details. He hadn’t actually seen any papers stating what Meg had suffered.

“It’s a motive, though. The prevailing theory is that Meg recognized him when he came to your lemonade stall. She drugged him and then went out there to make sure her plan worked.”

Anna seethed with anger, unable to utter a word. Hot tears welled up in her eyes, flowing down her cheeks.

“This is ridiculous! And you believe all this?”

Ian told her he didn’t. But he couldn’t ignore news like that. It was his duty as editor of the local paper to report what was going on.

“What crap!” Anna’s chest heaved. “If you print it, you’re endorsing it.”

“This kind of news doesn’t stay hidden, Anna. Someone else is going to report it sooner or later. Why not the Chronicle?”

Anna folded her arms and looked away.

“I wanted to give you a heads up,” Ian said meekly. “So you girls can prepare yourself.”

He turned around to leave but came back.

“Meg’s got a spark, Anna. Just like her mother. This is just a temporary hurdle in her path.”

“One you’re creating,” Anna muttered, staring at Ian’s receding back.

Julie and Mary came out of Paradise Market and hailed her. The sight of her dear friends released Anna’s pent up emotions and she began to shake.

Julie broke into a run and was across the street within seconds. She engulfed Anna in a tight embrace. Mary joined her and rubbed her back, saying nothing till she settled down.

“Stay strong, Anna!” Julie pulled out a tissue and dabbed Anna’s face. “We’ve been through worse.”

“Did they take Meg?” Mary asked softly.

Anna poured out what Ian had told her.

“This is going to devastate Cassie.”

They had begun to draw people’s attention. Julie ushered her into the bookstore and told Cassie to join them for coffee.

Meg came out with a tray piled high with plates and bowls.

“MJ’s getting the coffee,” she announced cheerfully. “We already rated these. The chicken hand pie is my number one pick, Grandma.”

Anna nodded silently and motioned her to sit with them. Meg picked up the vibe instantly.

“What now?”

“The police found out that Gil Richards was your case worker.” Anna tried to be as succinct as possible. “Do you remember him?”

Meg shook her head.

“There were so many I barely remember their names or faces. It must have been a long time ago.”

Anna was sure she wasn’t lying. When Cassie gave up her baby for adoption, she had found a loving home at first. But the couple had perished in an accident six years later and Meg had been placed in the foster system. She had been in and out of nineteen different homes and families before being adopted again at the age of sixteen.

“The police have another fantastic theory,” Anna sighed.

The group listened with growing alarm as Anna narrated how the police were exploiting Meg’s connection with Gil Richards. Meg had grown ashen. Her shoulders slumped and a look of resignation appeared on her face.

“Who’s going to believe me now?” Meg choked up, her eyes overflowing with anguish. “I’m innocent!”

Chapter 28

Cassie didn’t know how to console Meg. She was trying hard to be a good mother but it was all still new to her.

“Don’t stress yourself,” Anna told Meg firmly. “The best way to fight all this is to find out what happened to Gil.” She turned to Cassie. “You never told us what happened in the city yesterday.”

Cassie brought them up to speed quickly.

“So Tidwell is out, huh!” Julie mused. “Where does that leave us?”

“There’s more.” Cassie told them about the cyclists she had met at Castle Beach. “We need to find out who this woman was.”

Anna wanted to know if Ingvar had been able to describe her.

“He wasn’t really looking.” Cassie bit her lip. “It all happened in a split second.”

“So a woman was waiting for Gil at one of the scenic lookouts,” Mary repeated. “Sitting in a car, you said?”

“Actually, she was standing outside, I think.” Cassie wasn’t sure. “He told me it was old and rundown.”

“Didn’t the bellboy at the resort mention such a car?” Anna quizzed.

Cassie slapped her forehead, wondering how she had missed that.

“You mean the battered car that Gil’s wife left in after that big argument?”

Anna suggested talking to the resort employee again. They could get a more detailed description of the car from him and go to the police.

“What’s that going to prove, Mom?” Cassie’s mind was buzzing. “The police have proof Meg went there. We know the coach was at the race. It’s not enough to establish that Erin and her car were at the scenic lookout.”

“Erin had no motive,” Julie reminded them. “She just wanted to torment him by holding off on the divorce.”

Meg interrupted softly.

“Could they have quarreled again? He was so disturbed he lost his balance and fell down the cliff.”

Mary patted her arm.

“That doesn’t explain the drugs, dear. Or the puncture wound Rory found. This was no accident.”

Julie exclaimed they were going around in circles. Cassie thought they needed to confront Erin.

“We need to talk to Erin Richards, face to face. I’ll do it.”

Anna, Julie and Meg all offered to go with her but she declined.

“What about me?” Mary asked. “You can do all the talking. I won’t even get out of the car unless you want me to.”

Cassie nodded. She knew Mary wouldn’t say much but her presence would offer the support and strength she needed.

Meg offered to pack some food for them. She put the chicken hand pies in a paper bag along with some chips and cookies. Anna added two bottles of juice.

The drive up north was uneventful. Mary dozed in her seat and Cassie thought of different ways to approach Gil’s wife. She parked in the pharmacy’s lot and switched off the ignition, taking some deep breaths.

“You’ll be fine,” Mary assured her. “Just remember why you’re here.”

“For Meg!” Cassie steeled herself and stepped out of the car.

There was no subterfuge this time. Cassie strode in and looked around for Erin. The cashier waved at her and Cassie flashed a smile of recognition.

“Is Erin working today?” she asked the woman.

“She’s in the back, checking inventory. Should be taking a break soon.”

Cassie thanked her and walked out to the back. A man and a woman sat at a red picnic table, eating sandwiches. The other table was empty. On a hunch, Cassie walked over, ready for a long wait.

A petite redhead walked out, clutching a brown paper bag close to her chest. For some reason, she avoided the man and woman and came to the table Cassie was at.

Cassie let her unwrap a sandwich and take a bite.

“You did it, didn’t you? You murdered Gil.”

Erin’s reaction was a surprise. Cassie stared at her wide smile, wondering if she was going to admit it freely.

“I wanted to.” Erin opened a bag of baby carrots. “Several times. But someone beat me to it.”

“That’s not going to stand up in a court,” Cassie needled. “You were present at the scene of the crime and you had a big motive.”

“What’s my motive?” Erin smiled again, as if humoring a child.

“You hated him, of course. Because he beat you up.” Cassie’s eyes narrowed, challenging her to deny it.

“If every person who hated their spouse went on a killing spree, our population would be decimated.” She laughed out loud this time.

“Don’t play coy.”

“And for your information,” Erin continued. “I wasn’t there on race day.” She pulled a piece of lettuce out of her sandwich and chewed it. “So I couldn’t have been at the scene of crime.”

Cassie tried to remain unfazed.

“You were seen.”

“I have an alibi,” Erin shrugged. “I was with someone else.”

Cassie sat down and put her arms on the table, folding them. She leaned forward and stared into Erin’s eyes.

“I’m listening.”

Erin refused to give details but insisted she wasn’t anywhere near Dolphin Bay.

“Okay, you can talk to the police about this.” Cassie stood up. “You’re dealing with a mother here, Erin. I don’t know how my girl got pulled into your mess. But I’m going to do everything I can to protect her.”

Erin wavered.

“Gil deserved what he got. I don’t want any innocent to take the blame for it.”

“Then tell me where you were,” Cassie shot back. “If I can verify you were really not in Dolphin Bay that day, I won’t bother you again.”

“I had a meeting with Gil’s coach.”

“Peter Tang?” Cassie exclaimed. “Why?”

Erin had finished her lunch. She wiped some crumbs off the table with a napkin and threw it in the trash.

“My break’s over. Look, I already told you more than I should have. Why don’t you talk to Peter?”

Cassie went back to the car.

“Did she say what she was doing there?” Mary asked.

She shook her head.

“She’s hiding something, Aunt Mary.”

They made a quick pit stop on the way back, encountering a brief thunderstorm. The shadows were lengthening when Cassie dropped Mary off and reached home.

Anna raised an eyebrow when she let her in. Cassie pleaded fatigue and took a long hot shower and dressed in her favorite pajamas. Dinner was on the table but Meg was nowhere to be seen.

“Drake took her out,” Anna explained. “She was talking to him on that video call thing kids do.”

“She needs a distraction,” Cassie shrugged.

“Or she’s getting serious too soon,” Anna mumbled.

She had made pasta primavera with plenty of spring vegetables and a creamy, cheesy sauce Cassie liked.

“Erin’s not talking, Mom.” Cassie plunged her fork into the salad and took a bite, her eyes half closed. “But she’s lying for sure.”

She told Anna about Erin’s alibi.

“Didn’t you say that girl, what was her name again? Sharon? Didn’t she say this Tang was in that car with her?”

Cassie dipped a piece of bread in the cheesy sauce, trying hard to stay awake. She felt like she was still in motion.

“As far as I know, Sharon didn’t know Gil. She had no reason to lie to me.”

“So if Peter Tang was here on race day, why is Erin saying she was with him?” Anna quizzed. “Do you think she’s trying to give him an alibi?”

Cassie sat up suddenly.

“What if they are working together, Mom? They both had something to gain. Erin because she was a victim and she also wanted money. Tang because he was afraid of being fired and his reputation was on the line.”

“Neither of them is local,” Anna pointed out. “Do you think they planned to do all this near Dolphin Bay or was it just a coincidence? They decided to do it during the race and just waited for the right opportunity.”

Cassie tried to process what Anna was saying but her mind wouldn’t cooperate. Her fork slipped from her hand and clattered to the floor.

“That’s it!” Anna’s face was creased with worry. “You’re wiped out with all that driving. Get into bed right now. I’ll bring your food.”

“We need to talk to Tang, Mom!”

“That’s not happening until tomorrow. And let me go this time, Cass. You stay here and keep an eye on Meg.”

Cassie let out a deep yawn on her way to bed.

“What if Erin and Tang aren’t guilty, Mom? We’ll have to find a new suspect.”

Chapter 29

Anna fiddled with the radio, trying to find something that would settle her nerves.

“That’s the fifty seventh station you have tuned into since we started,” Julie observed drily. “You need to calm down, Anna.”

“What do you think I’m trying to do?”

Anna rammed her elbow into the car door, her eyes filling up. She hadn’t slept a wink the previous night. Meg had come back fairly early with a smile on her face. Anna made hot chocolate and listened to her talk about her date. She sat in John’s study after Meg went to bed.

“Did you ask her about it?” Julie gave her a swift glance. “Why bring up the past, Anna?”

“I need to tell Cassie first.” Anna gave a deep sigh. “We need to decide together.”

“Some things need to see the light of day.” Julie was cryptic. “But some need not. They can only cause pain.”

“You’re talking about John,” Anna guessed. “I have to find out what happened to him so that I can finally absolve myself in the eyes of the town. But I should ignore what happened to my granddaughter because it will make me uncomfortable?”

“I know you’ve been distracted, Anna. But did you learn anything new about Blue Hill?”

Anna told her about trying to track down John’s students. Julie thought it was a good idea.

“Drake was going to help but he must be busy. Meg did some research at the history department and came up with a few names. She even called them up yesterday.”

“What did they say?”

“Most of them told her they missed John. They are willing to meet his family.”

Julie wasn’t surprised. John Butler had always gone above and beyond for his students.

“None of them are in Dolphin Bay now, Julie. I’ll have to go see them one by one.”

Julie provided the perfect solution.

“Why don’t you have a small gathering for them, like a luncheon? We can do it at the café. It will make it easy to meet them all at the same time.”

“Like a memorial for John?” Anna perked up. “We never did anything like that at the time. This is great, Julie. I’ll ask Meg to find out if anyone is interested.”

“Speaking of,” Julie pressed. “Let her come to you, Anna. If she has bad memories, why rile them up?”

“I want to show we care for her. And we’ll always be there to support her and protect her from now on.”

“She knows that,” Julie said stoutly. “This might appease your conscience but it will hurt Meg.”

They continued in this vein for some time while the car ate up the miles. Peter Tang lived in the same town they had visited earlier, the one where Gil and Erin had lived when they were married. They discussed how to track him down, receiving help from an unexpected source.

Julie had joined them for breakfast, the usual poached eggs and avocado toast. Bobby was on the video phone with Cassie, listening in.

“Peter Tang?” he asked curiously. “That’s my spinning coach.”

Anna had been hopeful when Cassie explained that spinning was a form of cycling. After confirming that they were talking about the same person, Bobby provided them his whereabouts.

“He’s at his gym until noon every day.”

Anna liked Julie’s idea of confronting him at a public place.

“He’ll talk to us if he doesn’t want a scene.”

Anna’s confidence shrank as they neared the town. She hoped Julie would do the talking.

“You don’t have to say anything.” Julie patted her arm, reading her mind like she often did.

They walked into the swanky gym and asked for Tang, claiming to belong to the elite group Bobby had told them about.

Peter Tang was conducting a class in the fancy cycling studio the club boasted. A look of irritation flashed across his face when he laid eyes on them.

“You don’t train old people?” Julie smiled.

“The girl at the counter has a list of beginner level classes. We generally recommend them for active seniors.”

“That’s kind of you,” Anna thanked him. “But we’re here to talk to you about Gil Richards.”

A vein appeared on Tang’s forehead.

“You’re clearly not the police.”

“Do you prefer to talk to the police?” Julie shot back. “You can explain where you were on the day Gil died.”

Peter Tang folded his hands behind his back, a smug smile on his face.

“I was with a friend.”

“Would this friend be Erin Richards? The victim’s wife?”

“Erin and Gil were separated. Why shouldn’t I be meeting her?”

Anna and Julie shared a glance.

“So you won’t mind telling us why?” Anna pressed.

“Erin’s a good friend. But she suffered a lot in her marriage with Gil.” He hesitated.

“We know about the abuse,” Julie told him.

“You do?” Tang was incensed. “Gil was a great cyclist but he was a bad person. How could he hit that poor woman?”

“So you wanted to commiserate?” Anna needled him. “Why meet her on the day of the race?

Tang told them he wanted to ask Erin if she would testify against her husband.

“She always talked about making an official complaint but never did.” He had lost some of his swagger. “That’s how it is with abuse. Most of them get away because their victims refuse to go public.”

Anna thought his words struck too close to home.

“But she had already left him,” Julie probed. “What was the use of saying it now?”

Tang wiped his arms and face with his towel, looking uncomfortable.

“Gil was going to fire me, okay? Erin just had to pretend she was serious. It was the only way I could think of to keep my job.”

Anna didn’t understand what he meant right away but Julie connected the dots.

“You were planning to blackmail Gil. Wow!”

“He owed me!” Tang whined. “Who do you think made him world champion? I devoted my life to his career, waiting for my big payday. We should have been rolling in millions by now. But he turned away all the endorsements for one silly reason after another. I still stuck by him.”

Anna listened to Tang’s tirade for a few minutes. She couldn’t argue with his logic.

“All this gives you a really good motive,” she murmured after a few minutes.

Tang reminded them of his alibi.

“Erin will tell you what we talked about.”

“She did,” Julie nodded. “Erin’s been loyal to you but it’s too late. We know you were riding in the broom van.”

Tang deflated like a balloon after that.

“It was a great plan,” he argued. “If only that idiot woman hadn’t quit so early! She barely cycled ten miles. People like that have no place in a big race.”

“Clearly, you were right on the spot.” Julie smiled grimly. “I think you did meet Erin but it was on the day before the race. Maybe Erin went and told Gil about it and they had that big argument.”

“She couldn’t keep her mouth shut,” Tang seethed.

“Erin was waiting for you at a predetermined spot, wasn’t she?” Anna asked. “One of the cyclists saw her.”

“How did you do it?” Julie asked. “Did you get on the broom van after you pushed Gil down the cliff?”

“I did no such thing,” Tang fumed. “And we’re done talking.”

He stalked off toward the men’s room but whirled around after a few steps.

“You can’t prove anything.”

Anna finally nodded off on the drive back. She thought their trip north had been a waste of time. But Julie didn’t agree.

“We established one thing, Anna. Erin and Tang are both lying about their alibis. And now they know it won’t fly.”

“You think they are involved romantically?”

Julie shook her head after a moment.

“I don’t think so. I believe Erin had a hard time and Tang must have pitied her from a distance. Maybe he felt guilty he didn’t help her at the time.”

“So what? They hatched a plan to murder Gil? We have no idea how they did it, Julie.”

“Patience is a virtue, my dear friend.”

Julie picked up some food from a fast food place. She drove on and stopped at the rest area they had discovered during a previous trip.

They ate quickly and walked to the tiny beach.

“What if the police never find out what happened?” Anna wailed. “They might not arrest Meg but she’ll have a cloud hanging over her head for life.”

Chapter 30

Anna spent the evening cooking Meg’s favorites. Homemade pizzas were baking in the oven and chicken wings were marinating, ready to be fried. She stirred the sticky barbecue sauce Meg liked so much and tasted it.

Meg had been at the library when she and Julie got back earlier that afternoon. Anna had taken Cassie into the tiny back room in the bookstore that served as a makeshift office.

“This is a bit difficult.” She held Cassie by the shoulders. “We can’t change what’s done so we’re going to do our best from now on.”

“Stop talking in riddles, Mom.” Cassie’s eyebrows bunched together in a frown. “Do the police have something new?”

Anna told her about Meg’s connection to Gil. Cassie’s face turned red as Anna outlined what had possibly happened.

“We need to talk to her.”

“Let’s not rush into it,” Anna sighed. “We don’t know what happened for sure. Maybe Meg doesn’t remember. She’s certainly never mentioned it.”

Cassie looked devastated.

“She’s not going to, Mom. I think we should consult an expert. Ask them about the best way to handle this situation.”

Anna was against bringing outsiders into their private business.

“I need some time to process this.”

Mother and daughter agreed about one thing. They needed to let Meg know how much they loved her.

Anna believed food was the answer to everything so she came up with the idea of a lavish meal with Meg’s favorites. Cassie offered to make fried banana fritters and ice cream, her signature dessert.

The sun had set an hour ago. A gibbous moon rose in the rapidly diminishing twilight. Anna decided to use the dining room and laid out her best china. A bunch of spring flowers from the garden graced the table.

Meg’s eyes bulged when she took in the big spread.

“Are we expecting someone?”

“I thought we’d have a special dinner with all your favorites.” Anna took her hand and squeezed it. “Just a simple family dinner.”

Cassie wore a vintage Chanel dress that showed off her figure. She had insisted they dress up for the occasion.

“You’re the best thing that happened to me, kid. I want you to know we love you lots and we always will, no matter what.”

“Okay!” Meg rolled her eyes. “Don’t start a sob fest now, Mom.”

She rubbed her hands gleefully and thanked Anna for the wonderful food.

“Let me fix you a plate.” Anna placed three sticky wings and a tiny crystal bowl of blue cheese dressing before Meg. She put a slice of pizza on a separate plate. “Dig in.”

Meg took a bite of the pizza and gave Anna a thumbs up.

“Grandma, this is yum!”

Anna’s eyes met Cassie’s and she gave a tiny shrug. A silent look passed between them. It seemed foolish to bring up something unpleasant when Meg looked so happy.

The doorbell pealed urgently, making Anna sit up with a frown. She fervently hoped the police had not come to take Meg away.

Cassie strode to the door and threw it open.

“Oh, it’s you.”

Anna heard a familiar tread and patted her pixie cut hair a second before Gino walked in with Leo. She was relieved to see they were both smiling broadly.

“I hope you have enough for us, Anna.” Gino put his hands on his hips and surveyed the table. “I come bearing great news.”

Leo told her they could smell the pizza sauce out in the driveway.

“I doubt you’ll tell me what I want to hear,” Anna quipped, picking up an empty plate. “Have a seat, you two.”

Gino put his hands on Meg’s shoulders.

“The police arrested Gil’s killer. Meg’s in the clear.”

Anna’s hand flew to her mouth and her eyes darted to Gino. He wouldn’t joke about something so serious.

Meg was still as a statue, her hand frozen in midair.

“Cassie saved the day, ladies!” Gino sat down and picked up the plate Anna had been fixing for him.

“What’s all this?” Anna asked her daughter. “You never said anything to me.”

“I didn’t want to raise your hopes, Mom.”

Anna sat stupefied while Cassie outlined what she had been up to that morning.

“I wanted to be sure we did our best to save Meg. So I drove over to that scenic lookout, the supposed scene of crime.”

“What did you hope to find?” Anna was curious.

“Anything,” Cassie shrugged. “I didn’t have a concrete plan. You and Aunt Julie were off to see Tang and Meg was at the library. I wanted to do my share.”

Anna could barely hide her amazement. She often thought Cassie was frivolous but her blasé manner was just a foil. Her daughter had a warm heart and a will of iron and she was a person you could rely on in a tight spot.

Cassie had been thinking ahead. They expected Tang and Erin to support each other’s alibi but if the cyclist Sharon was right, they were both lying. But how could they prove Erin had been waiting in her car at the spot?

Cassie searched the lookout for anything suspicious. She had climbed down the cliff, to the trees and the small gully where Gil had been found. Her efforts had been rewarded.

“I found a broken heel in the brush, hidden behind a rock,” she told Anna. “It came from a very expensive handmade shoe.”

“So what, Mom?” Meg finally spoke up. “It could have been lying there forever.”

“Why would anyone wear four inch stilettos on a hike? I thought it was out of place.” Cassie acted on a hunch and pocketed it.

She had looked around more and waited there, hoping for some kind of insight. Finally, she had given up and got into her car to drive home.

“And guess what?”

Anna and Meg shook their heads while Gino and Leo continued to smile.

“I had a flat tire!” Cassie smirked. “Fortunately, I was barely a mile away from the new tire shop.”

“Freddie’s place?” Anna was surprised.

Cassie nodded eagerly. She had somehow made it to the shop and waited to have her car fixed. Freddie insisted she wait in his office.

“Did he offer you coffee from his fancy new machine?” Anna couldn’t resist asking.

Cassie took Meg’s hand in hers and sighed dramatically.

“That cup of coffee saved your life, kiddo!”

Anna was trying hard to be patient. Cassie noted her expression and held up a hand in surrender.

“I’m coming to it, Mom.”

She had been looking at the photos of the inauguration while Freddie prattled on. He pointed out the picture he had taken with his very first customer. Cassie stared at the attractive woman in the photo.

“I remembered Meg saying something about her dress.”

Cassie had peered at the photo and noticed the woman was wearing flip flops. Her car was visible in the background and it was a clunker.

“It didn’t add up.” Cassie had center stage. “Why would a woman wearing a ten thousand dollar dress drive a beat up old car and wear flip flops?”

“That’s when she came to me,” Leo spoke up. “And not a moment too soon.  That new detective was working on a warrant for Meg’s arrest.”

Leo had joined forces with Teddy Fowler and they had consulted Rory Cunningham, the medical examiner. Once Rory confirmed that the broken heel Cassie found could have made the wound on Gil’s neck, they had their work cut out for them. It hadn’t taken them long to track down the owner of the beat up car. She turned out to be a maid who worked for a wealthy woman.

“Erin Richards?” Anna burst out. “I didn’t think she was rich enough to hire a full time maid.”

Cassie and Leo continued with their story.

The police had searched the old car belonging to the maid. They found a pair of stilettos in the trunk. One of them had a broken heel which matched the one Cassie found.

“Why did Erin keep the shoes?” Anna asked.

“She didn’t, Mom.” Cassie shook her head. “We’re not talking about Erin Richards.”

Anna grew more bewildered.

“The woman in the photo asked the maid to throw the shoes away,” Leo laughed. “I guess she doesn’t take out her own trash. Anyway, the maid thought she would get the shoes fixed and wear them herself. So she kept them.”

The police had brought the woman in and confronted her with the evidence. She confessed everything.

Anna couldn’t curb her impatience.

“So who is this woman?”

“Her name is Clara Floyd,” Gino told her. “She was present at that fundraiser.”

Anna remembered the tall, curvy woman with glossy blonde hair she had noticed in the photos hanging on Freddie’s wall. She had completely forgotten about her.

“That’s right! She looked familiar and I thought I had seen her hanging off Tidwell’s arm at the gala dinner.”

The Butlers wanted to know how she had been connected to Gil.

“Clara is one of those bored society women with too much time on their hands,” Gino told them. “Plenty of time and money and they don’t know what to do with it.”

“Where does Andy Tidwell come in?” Cassie interrupted. “He sounded believable when I met him.”

Gino told them it had all started with Tidwell in a way. He attended a lot of the parties Clara did and they got along well. He convinced her to get involved with Gil.

“And she agreed, just like that?” Anna asked.

“Tidwell offered her something she wanted, the use of his yacht for life. The idea was to distract Gil so he would stop his crusade against Tidwell’s new plant.”

“That’s all?” Cassie asked. “He didn’t ask her to get him out of the way?”

Gino told them the story was more complicated than that. Apparently, Clara had her own agenda. She had been a famous model in her youth and had met Gil in France several years ago. He had been there for the Tour De France and Clara was on an assignment. They fell in love and Gil had begged her to marry him. But a rich tycoon from California proposed to her at the same time. Clara chose money and put Gil out of her mind.

“So she wanted to rekindle the old flame when she met Gil,” Anna murmured.

Gino continued Clara’s story.

Gil had been reluctant to get involved with her at first. But he was lonely after separating with his wife. They had a torrid affair. Clara realized she had never stopped loving Gil. This time, she asked him to marry her.

“Let me guess.” Anna picked up a celery stick. “He turned her down. Was it a matter of ego?”

Leo picked up the thread.

“Gil had been trying to reconcile with Erin.”

“She never mentioned that!” Cassie burst out. “Why would she go back to a man who hit her?”

Anna had the same question but she knew relationships could be complicated. There was no telling what a person would bear for the sake of love.

“Erin is expecting Gil’s child.” Leo made a shocking revelation. “Gil wanted to go back to her.”

“That didn’t go down well with Clara,” Anna guessed. “She was a woman scorned.”

“Clara couldn’t contemplate losing Gil a second time,” Leo nodded. “She thought she had plenty more to offer than Erin.”

“What was she doing there at that scenic lookout?” Anna wanted to know. “Was Gil expecting her?”

“It was an ambush,” Gino sighed. “Clara gave him an ultimatum. He had to leave Erin and marry her. Gil declined and paid the price.”

Clara had been furious when she realized she had lost Gil forever. She took off her shoe and began hitting him. The heel struck some soft tissue behind his ear and started bleeding. She had panicked after that.

“The heel broke while she was trying to pull the shoe out. Clara was so angry she didn’t notice. It must have landed near the rock where Cassie found it.”

“She could’ve have called an ambulance,” Meg cried. “Medics were available in a short radius. They would have saved Gil.”

Clara had panicked completely. She smashed his head with a rock, pushed him down the embankment and left.

Anna thought about everything they had learned about Gil Richards in the last few days. He hadn’t been a good man but he hadn’t deserved a violent death either.

“What about the drugs they found in Gil’s body?” Meg wanted to know. “Do they still think I did it?”

Leo smiled broadly.

“The police talked to Erin and Tang again. Gil had a bad knee and he sometimes took opiates for the pain. He had a tendency to go overboard.”

“You mean he took them himself?” Meg’s nostrils flared.

“We’ll never know for sure, of course,” Leo said sheepishly. “But that’s the current theory.”

Anna stood up and started carrying the food into the kitchen.

“But Grandma, we’re not done,” Meg protested.

Anna stooped down to give her a kiss.

“I’m just heating everything up.”

Epilogue

Dolphin Bay was experiencing the perfect spring day. The sun shone brightly in a cloudless blue sky and wildflowers nodded in the gentle breeze. A carpet of colorful flowers bloomed along the Coastal Walk and on the bluffs. Anna thought it was a wonderful time to honor her husband’s memory.

Meg had coordinated everything. Almost a dozen of John’s students had accepted the invite. Cassie organized a late brunch so people from the Bay Area could drive over and go back home the same day. A couple of students were flying in from neighboring states.

Anna stood under the magnolia tree, wearing an old black dress John had liked. The sidewalk was strewn with pink blossoms and a light lemony scent hung in the air.

“Let’s go in.” Julie gave her a nudge.

Mary was helping MJ set up a buffet table. Gino was opening some bottles of wine. Meg and Leo were putting finishing touches to the flowers. Anna had chosen to have small bunches of the local flowers John had loved rather than elaborate arrangements from the florist.

“Are you sure you want me there?” Gino had asked when she invited him to the memorial. “People might think it’s in bad taste.”

“What people are you talking about?” Anna shook her head. “Other than my girls, you’re the only person who had my back the past few years.”

She had woven her hands through his and smiled.

“You never tried to replace him, Gino. And I’m thankful for that.”

Cassie asked Bobby to come but he had to be out of the country with some celebrity client. Meg wanted to invite Drake. Anna had relented, eager to please her.

They trickled in one by one and then a group of six arrived at once. Gino and Leo offered them drinks and Mary plied them with food.

MJ had prepared an array of appetizers, finger food like crab puffs, ham pinwheels, quiches, cocktail shrimp and tiny caprese skewers. There were trays of Anna’s homemade lasagna and cheeseburgers from the Yellow Tulip diner. Mary had produced her banana cream pie and a six layer chocolate cake and Gino’s cook baked two huge berry cobblers. Anna made a few batches of strawberry vanilla cupcakes as party favors for the guests.

Anna had been nervous about meeting the students, afraid she would be tongue tied before them. But they were a friendly lot. It was clear they had been devoted to John.

Cassie made sure everyone had something to eat. She invited them to share memories of John.

“I barely met him the last few years of his life,” she explained. “We will cherish anything you have to share about him.”

A young man called Barry came forward. He had a vibrant personality and had them laughing in minutes. Anna’s eyes misted as the students spoke of John. He had been a big influence in their lives. The Blue Hill project was mentioned several times.

The wine flowed and time flew as the students took a trip down memory lane. They formed small groups and the talk veered from John to other topics. Anna noticed the appetizers were almost gone and started guiding people to the lasagna.

She was hoping to single out some of the students and drill them about Blue Hill. Barry solved her problem. Anna had noticed he was the undisputed leader of the group.

“Your lasagna is legendary, Mrs. Butler.” He had served himself a hearty piece with some salad. “Prof used to boast his wife made the best lasagna on the west coast.”

Anna smiled fondly and promised to pack some for him before he left. How many trays had she baked over the years? John liked to feed his students when he took them on a field trip. It happened at least once every semester.

“Did you work with John on the Blue Hill project?” Anna asked him.

“Till the very end,” Barry nodded. He looked over his shoulder quickly and leaned forward, popping an olive in his mouth. “Even after the department cut off our funding.”

Anna was surprised.

“Did you guys have to pitch in?”

Money was always tight for students.

“We did it willingly.” Barry gave a shrug. “What can I say, Mrs. Butler. We were bit by the bug.”

“Treasure!” Anna murmured, eliciting a bright smile and a nod from Barry.

Barry explained John had chosen his students carefully. They were all passionate about the project and willing to go the extra mile to see it succeed.

“History runs in our veins, you see. Every person here is like that. That’s why we worshipped Dr. Butler.”

Anna mentioned the threats.

“The professor got them too?” Barry’s eyes bulged. “Someone slipped a couple of those notes in my backpack but I dismissed them as a prank.”

“Let’s assume they were real for a moment.” Anna’s lips were dry. “Why would anyone do that? You didn’t find anything at Blue Hill?”

Barry looked uncertain. Anna clutched his arm.

“Please, Barry. You can be upfront with me. Was it all just a wild goose chase? Was there any evidence to suggest it wasn’t all a myth?”

Barry pressed his lips and gave a slight nod. He sidled closer to her.

“We did find something, Mrs. Butler. Prof was excited about it.”

The students were used to digging up bits and pieces of cookware. But it was the first time they had come across porcelain.

“It was a doll, rumored to have belonged to George Martin’s son,” Barry sighed. “There is mention of it in documents. It had more value for him than gold.”

“You think he would bury it with the rest of his treasure.” Anna found herself thinking of the unfortunate owner of Blue Hill.

Barry mentioned John had been very excited about the find. He had believed they were very close.

“Where is it now?” Anna’s heart sped up.

Barry told her the doll had been sent to a lab for testing.

“It was standard procedure. Some of the bits and pieces we uncovered turned out to be quite new, barely twenty years old.”

Treasure hunters had left behind a lot of debris over the years, making their job difficult.

“What was the verdict?” Anna took a deep breath.

“We never got it back, Mrs. Butler,” Barry replied. “Prof passed around that time and the whole project was abandoned. It was almost the end of the semester so the department gave everyone the top grade.”

They had all gone in different directions after graduation.

“But what about the doll?” Anna cried. “Where is it now?”

Barry shook his head in bewilderment, as if he had just realized it.

“No idea!”

***

What’s next for Anna, Cassie and Meg?

When a generous local philanthropist is shot dead, MJ’s criminal past catches up with her. Will Anna and the Firecrackers rush to her help?

Continue reading the Dolphin Bay series with Cherry Lime Havoc, Book 8 in the series. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B098P6M1S7

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Acknowledgements

This book would not have been possible without the continued support of several people.

Thanks to my editor who goes over everything with a fine toothcomb to make sure it is ready to be sent out.

My beta readers and reviewers have my gratitude for reading every new book in the series with the same enthusiasm they had for the first.

I am grateful for my family who has been my rock, especially in these difficult times.

Last but not the least, a big fat thank you to anyone who chooses to read my books. I really appreciate it.

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