Copyright © Leena Clover, Author 2022

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.

Pumpkin Ginger Bedlam – Dolphin Bay Cozy Mystery Series Book 9

By Leena Clover

Chapter 1

Anna Butler sat in her living room, sipping a glass of merlot, surrounded by family and friends. The fire crackling in the grate and the soft lighting couldn’t tamp down the excitement in the room. Halloween was around the corner and the city of Dolphin Bay was ready to celebrate the festival in style.

The weather was just cool enough to be pleasant and mornings were shrouded in mist before the sun made an appearance and warmed everything up.

“I don’t want to judge the baking contest, Mary,” she protested again. “I would rather be a participant.”

“Your pumpkin ginger cupcakes are already popular, Grandma.” Anna’s granddaughter Meg pointed out. “You’re the number one baker in town.”

Anna’s daughter Cassie patted Meg on the shoulder, echoing what she said.

“It’s time you took a bow and gave others a chance to shine, Mom.”

“Your mother never hogs the limelight.” Gino Mancini put an arm around Anna and pulled her closer. “You should know that by now.”

“Look at you, rushing to her defense,” Cassie smiled coyly. “I was just kidding.”

Anna told them all to simmer down.

“Why are you quiet, Julie?” she asked her friend. “I can’t imagine you don’t have an opinion.”

Julie Walsh set her wine glass down with a thunk and grimaced. She was dressed in her usual Capri pants and plaid shirt and was unusually quiet.

“I know what your problem is. You don’t want to go anywhere near that odious woman. But you’ve earned this, Anna. The town loves you and it’s time Lara Crawford understood that.”

“You triumphed over Lara, Mom,” Cassie added. “Aunt Julie is right.”

Mary murmured her approval. She was on the Garden Committee, the group of ladies that controlled most of the events in town. As Anna’s close friend, she had been the only member who stood up for her the past few years.

“Like they say, Anna. It’s time you took your rightful place.”

“You’ll be wanting me to run for mayor next,” Anna laughed. “Don’t get any crazy ideas, Mary. I’m warning you now.”

“All in good time, my love.” Gino made her blush. “I don’t know anyone who is better qualified for the job.”

Anna felt her cheeks burn. Gino Mancini had been the police chief a few years ago when her husband John died under suspicious circumstances. He took her side when the whole town cast aspersions on her character. Their friendship had grown over the years, gradually maturing into something more. In the eyes of her girls, they were a couple. Anna had begun to hope for a future with Gino. She could feel the depth of his emotion when she looked into his eyes but he had never told her he loved her. Was he waiting for her to take the lead, she wondered.

“So how many games will there be, other than the maze?” she asked Meg, deftly changing the topic.

“They canceled the House of Horrors,” Meg groaned. “I was looking forward to it. Everything else seems so lame.”

“Don’t let Grace Fowler hear you,” Cassie clucked. “She’s worked very hard on designing that maze.”

“That maze is awesome!” Meg’s eyes shone. “But I already know all the ways out. That’s what I get for helping her.”

Meg had been one of a group of volunteers who had tested the maze, making sure most people could navigate it in an hour. The slowest of them had been wandering around for two and a half hours before calling for help. But Meg had managed to traverse it in twenty five minutes.

Mary pointed out they had the witch hat ring toss, the tattoo booth, the photo booth and even a fortune teller. Meg didn’t think any of them could replace the House of Horrors.

“Wagon rides on the beach can be fun.” Anna folded her arms and glared at Meg, irked by her attitude.

“I’m looking forward to them, Grandma.” Meg finally smiled. “They sound romantic.”

“Halloween is spooky, you silly girl,” Cassie rolled her eyes. “And there will be a dozen people crammed in the wagon, if not more. No chance to cuddle up to that disreputable boyfriend.”

“Absentee boyfriend is more like it,” Julie joined in. “Isn’t he back from Europe, Meg? Why haven’t we seen more of him?”

Meg placed her hands behind her head and stretched her legs, sliding lower on the couch, assuming an air of nonchalance.

“Drake’s busy. And I can see other people. We are not exclusive.”

Gino laughed and Anna felt relieved. Meg’s life stretched before her and Anna and Cassie both wished she wouldn’t tie herself down to anyone just yet.

“I don’t like that man.” Julie didn’t mince words. “I’m glad to see you are over your infatuation, kid.”

Anna barely noticed the time until Gino looked at his watch and sighed. Julie and Mary stood up to leave. The group broke up, knowing they would see each other the next day.

Morning arrived in the blink of an eye. Anna woke refreshed and started mixing some frosting while her coffee brewed. She divided the frosting into three parts and added different ingredients to each, trying to fine tune the recipe.

Meg walked in and pulled a bottle of juice from the refrigerator.

“Can you taste these now?” Anna asked.

“I’m running late, Grandma.” Meg planted a kiss on her cheek. “I’ll try them later and write down my comments, okay?”

Anna nodded and put the frosting in the refrigerator. Then she fixed herself a cup of coffee and walked out into the garden, enjoying the crisp morning air. She took her time getting ready and sat alone at the kitchen table, savoring her toast before heading out.

The cafe was bustling with the morning crowd but her assistant MJ had things under control. Anna picked up a fresh pot of coffee and went around, greeting her customers, making sure they had everything they needed.

MJ had introduced fried apple pies on the fall menu and they were a big hit. Almost every table boasted a plate of the delicious treats.

“It’s hard to choose between these tiny pies and the cupcakes,” a woman complained.

“Have both!” Anna winked.

A sudden hush fell over the café. Anna turned around and flashed a brilliant smile at the woman who had caused it.

“Good Morning, Lara. How are you today?”

The mayor of Dolphin Bay answered with her signature sneer. She was dressed in a blood orange suit and four inch high heels. Diamonds sparkled around her wrist and dangled from her ears. A strand of vintage pearls graced her neck.

“I was doing very well until I heard a nasty rumor,” she smirked. “Some foolish intern at the office told me you are going to judge the baking contest with me.”

“You heard right,” Anna shrugged. “As the top baker in town, I daresay I’m a lot more qualified than you are.”

Lara came two steps closer.

“Murder suspects can’t be judges.”

Anna felt MJ’s presence behind her and was glad for the support.

“Are you still harping on that, Lara?” Anna shook her head. “The police have not found any evidence against me. According to the law, I am innocent until proven guilty.”

“You got away with it!” Lara shrieked. Her neck swung back and forth, taking in her captive audience. “This woman just admitted she killed her husband. She has no shame.”

Half the people in the room stared at their plates, refusing to meet the mayor’s eye. The other half watched with undisguised relish, enjoying the drama unfolding before them.

“Do you want to order something, Madam?” MJ broke the silence.

“A triple espresso and a dozen of those fried apple pies,” Lara pointed at the display case.

“I’m sorry, but we’re out of coffee. And those apple pies are for someone else.”

Lara’s face turned red.

“You dare insult me? I know all about your past, you little piece of crap.”

“And I know about yours,” MJ replied calmly.

“No wonder you get along so well.” Lara smiled viciously. “You’re both murderers!”

Anna heard a woman gasp behind her. The crowd started buzzing.

“That’s enough, Lara!” Julie boomed from the entrance. “Get out or I will personally throw you out.”

“You are not judging the baking contest, Anna Butler,” Lara growled. “Not on my watch.”

She whirled around and stalked toward the door. Julie was holding it open for her. Mary stood beside Julie.

“The Garden Committee makes these decisions,” she spoke clearly when Lara reached the door. “And we agree Anna is the most qualified. You were asked as a courtesy but you can withdraw any time.”

Lara shot a glare in Mary’s direction but didn’t respond. Julie shut the door and rushed toward Anna.

“I’m fine, I’m fine,” she muttered, trying to control the wobble in her legs. “I’m used to her nonsense.”

Julie ushered her to a table and made her sit. Mary arrived and took the seat beside her, placing a comforting hand on her knee. MJ brought coffee.

“You’re treating me like a child, you know,” Anna complained. “You don’t have to coddle me, girls.”

“Of course we do!” Julie was furious. “How dare she! I am sick of Lara Crawford’s shenanigans, Anna. It’s high time someone stuck a dagger in her black heart.”

“Or shot her in the head,” Mary replied.

“I think she needs a good thrashing.” MJ’s mouth was set in a grim line. “You want me to arrange it?”

Anna burst out laughing.

“Just ignore her.”

“We can’t let her abuse you like this,” Julie argued. “This has to stop, Anna.”

“Only two ways that will happen,” Anna sighed. “Either one of us leaves town or we figure out who killed John.”

Chapter 2

Anna took a bite of her favorite orange chicken and sighed in pleasure. They were having lunch at the China Garden restaurant. The girls had insisted.

“You can’t hide inside forever, Mom.” Cassie had been furious when she heard about Anna’s latest skirmish with the mayor. “We are going to attend every small event at the Halloween festival, starting with the pumpkin carving later this afternoon.”

“And you will judge the baking contest,” Julie added. “Let’s hope the Garden Committee doesn’t retract their invitation. Lara can be quite persuasive.”

“Sally and I won’t let that happen,” Mary assured them. “Neither will Agnes. She calls the shots anyway.”

“I thought Lara had Agnes in her pocket,” Cassie mused. “Are you sure she will go against the mayor’s wishes?”

Anna was wondering the same thing. Agnes Plimsoll lived in her lane and grew the best roses in town. She had known Anna and John for years. Anna was shocked when she took the mayor’s side against her. Agnes had been instrumental in making Anna’s life difficult the past few years.

“Agnes wants to run for mayor,” Mary announced. “She wants you in her camp, Anna.”

Suddenly everything made sense. Agnes would need a strong ally if she wanted to go head to head with Lara Crawford.

“So now she’s sucking up to us?” Julie snorted in disgust. “Whatever the reason, Anna is the best person to judge the baking contest.”

Meg swept in and pulled out a chair.

“Sorry I’m late, Grandma! I ran into someone and lost track of time.”

Anna took in her wide eyed excitement and smiled. Meg was bursting to tell them something.

“Why don’t you eat something first?”

Meg didn’t need an invitation. She scarfed down a couple of wontons and dug into the chicken lo mein they had ordered for her.

“Did you know we have a tourism officer?” she asked when she came up for air. “He’s barely thirty but he’s been to 55 countries, Mom!”

“You met a guy?” Cassie laughed. “We wouldn’t have guessed.”

Julie cackled and Anna joined in.

“It’s not like that!” Meg colored. “You’ve got it all wrong, Mom.”

“He’s a boy, right?” Julie asked smugly. “And you have a crush on him. We can tell.”

“No such thing!” Meg cried. “I just met him.”

“But you are impressed,” Anna stated gently. “Is he very good looking?”

Meg hadn’t noticed. All she heard was he had traveled across the world and been to places she had never heard about. He had even been to Antarctica.

“Let me guess.” Cassie tapped a finger against her chin. “You just met Magellan.”

Meg rolled her eyes.

“No, Mom. Whoever that is. His name’s Barry Symon.”

“You have never heard of Magellan?” Julie interrupted. “How can you be so interested in travel and not know who he was.”

Meg worked through an impressive amount of food while they ribbed her.

“We should get going.” Mary pointed out the time. “The pumpkin carving begins in ten minutes.”

They walked down Main Street to the park that ran through the center of town. A row of tables had been set up, boasting an impressive amount of pumpkins of all sizes. The participants were allowed to choose any two.

“There’s Gino!” Meg exclaimed. “And Leo. I didn’t know this was a team event.”

“It’s not,” Anna told her. “They will be competing against each other.”

She waved at Ian Samuels, the editor of the Dolphin Bay Chronicle. He was one of the judges, along with Charlie Robinson, the owner of the local Castle Beach Resort.

Someone blew a whistle and the competition began in earnest. A modest crowd had assembled to watch the show. Anna guessed most people would arrive toward the end of the two hour period when the winner would be declared.

Julie led them to a row of chairs that provided a good view. Cassie went back to the bookstore and Meg rushed off to the library to work on a class project. Both promised to be back in time to see the prizes handed out.

Anna watched Gino create an intricate pattern on his pumpkin, her thoughts a mile away. Her efforts to find her husband’s killer had hit a dead end a few months ago. She had racked her brain dozens of times, rifled through John’s notes and research and turned his office at home upside down, trying to find some clue that would point her in the right direction. Gino had helped her, cross checking everything with his policeman’s eye. Anna refused to give up.

“Any update from Mickey Miranda?” Julie asked, easily guessing what she was thinking.

Anna couldn’t hide her dejection.

“He’s trying his best. But he doesn’t work at the lab anymore.”

“But he knows people,” Julie soothed. “He was very popular, Anna. I’m sure someone …”

“Well, well, well …” a familiar voice drawled. “Just can’t get rid of you, can I?”

Lara Crawford loomed over Anna, accompanied by her posse. She turned around and spoke to a dapper young man, dressed in an expensive suit.

“This is the woman I was telling you about, the one who killed her husband in cold blood.”

The man’s eyes widened and he ogled Anna with undisguised interest.

“Putting her in prison is going to be the first item on my list when I get reelected.”

“Dream on, you evil witch!” Julie sprang up, her eyes breathing fire. “Mend your ways or you will be sorry.”

Lara laughed and looked around at the people with her.

“Make a note of that. Anna Butler and her cronies are threatening me. Did you write that down, Joshua?”

The man looked uncomfortable. Anna realized Lara had managed to garner the attention of the crowd. People stopped watching the pumpkin carving and turned around to stare at them.

“Remember what we talked about, Ms. Crawford?” he pleaded. “You hired me to soften your image.”

“I’m calling the shots here, boy!”

“I can leave right now. Joshua Thorpe doesn’t tolerate this kind of abuse.”

“Don’t get your knickers in a twist,” Lara spat. “You might be able to pull these stunts on your other clients. That won’t fly here. You work for me and don’t you forget it.”

Anna felt sorry for the young man.

“Where are you from, dear?” she asked. “Did you just move here?”

“Joshua Thorpe doesn’t live in small towns,” he shuddered.

Lara had hired him as her new campaign manager.

“You’re going to need him,” Julie chuckled. “I can promise you won’t be coming back into office, Lara.”

“Who has the gall to go against me?” she smirked. “Not Anna? I will crucify her.”

Anna assured her she wasn’t interested but Julie cut in.

“Try all you want. You can’t fool people for long. Who knows, maybe I will run for mayor.”

Lara stomped off, seething in rage. Her posse scurried after her.

“Do you mean that, Julie?” Anna couldn’t hide her excitement.

“Relax!” Julie brushed her off. “Here are the girls. And Gino has been trying to catch your eye for the past few minutes. Poor man!”

Anna had forgotten all about the pumpkin carving. A whistle sounded again and a couple of volunteers made sure the participants set down their tools and stood back.

Gino beamed at her, nodding toward his creation. He had carved a cupcake, surrounded by flowers that could only be magnolias. Anna couldn’t wait to get a closer look at the intricate pattern.

Leo had carved a skull in his mid-sized pumpkin. There were witches and owls and many toothy grins. The judges moved along the line, taking notes.

“You can bet Charlie won’t let Gino win,” Julie murmured.

“He’s not that petty,” Anna argued. “When will you cut him some slack?”

She had to eat her words when Leo was declared the winner. Meg and Cassie rushed to congratulate him. Anna followed them and patted Leo on the back before consoling Gino.

“This is beautiful.” She admired the delicate flowers etched in the gourd. “Julie’s right. You should have won.”

Gino gave a hearty laugh and put an arm around her.

“I don’t care about that. How about dinner at Mystic Hill? You are all invited, of course.”

Mary had left to visit her daughter in San Jose. Meg and Cassie went home to set up the hot tub and Anna accompanied Julie to pick up a change of clothes. By the time they got home, the tub was steaming and gurgling and candles flickered in the twilight.

“This is just what I needed,” Julie sighed, positioning herself before the jets. “Don’t know why I need to change though. Gino only has eyes for you.”

Meg and Cassie giggled, agreeing with her.

“You can’t wear plaid all the time,” Anna grumbled. “And you never know.”

“Never know what!” Julie cried. “That’s what I like about Gino. He treats us all like family and there is no pretense. He’s not like that pompous fusspot Charlie Robinson.”

“You’re obsessed with Charlie,” Anna rolled her eyes.

“Are you sure you don’t have a secret crush on him, Aunt Julie?” Cassie teased.

They drove to Mystic Hill an hour later. Anna looked striking in a coffee colored dress, set off by a silk scarf from Cassie’s Hermes collection. Julie wore a dark skirt with a lacey top and grumbled all the way.

Gino and Leo came out to welcome them.

“You’re not on duty?” Meg took Leo’s arm. “Great!”

“We have another guest,” Gino told Anna. “I hope you don’t mind.”

“Who is it?” Anna was curious. “Teddy? Ian?” She rattled off a string of names.

“Hold on, hold on,” Gino smiled. “You don’t know him. But it’s time you two met.”

A tall man stood on the patio, swirling a glass of wine. His blue eyes crinkled in a smile when he spotted Anna. She never had a chance to respond.

“You arrogant jerk!” Julie squeaked. “What are you doing here?”

Chapter 3

Anna lingered in bed after she woke the next morning. A light mist hung over the garden and rain was expected. Cassie burst into her room, dressed in her exercise clothes.

“You’re not up yet? You slacked off all week, Mom.”

Anna got up with a sigh and dressed in record time. She had vowed to go for a morning walk with Cassie at least three times a week. It was tougher than she thought.

A light drizzle started by the time they reached the Coastal Walk. Cassie ran ahead while Anna lumbered behind her, thinking of the previous night.

Dinner at Mystic Hill had been completely unexpected. Gino had been talking her head off about his new manager for a while. Tyler Madison was a surprise. Clad in flannel with a bushy salt and pepper beard, he didn’t look like Anna’s idea of a wine connoisseur by any angle. But Gino had run into him at a trade conference in France and been highly impressed. They stayed in touch. He was the first person Gino contacted when he was looking to hire someone. Hoping for a referral, he had been pleasantly surprised when Tyler himself expressed an interest in the job. Anna gathered he wasn’t a big talker.

His genuine smile had frozen when he spotted Julie. Neither of them spoke to each other all evening. Julie fumed silently while Tyler ignored her.

“What’s going on?” Anna elbowed her as Gino served them a big helping of shepherd’s pie. “Do you know this man?”

Meg and Leo were arguing over some latest hit song and were completely unaware of the drama unfolding before them. Tyler Madison ate copious helpings of everything. Dessert was no exception.

Gino’s cook had made pumpkin cheesecake. He cut generous slices and served them with maple whipped cream.

“Wait a minute.” He went inside and came out with a platter piled with colorful macarons. “Tyler brought these. You have to taste at least one, Anna.”

“Did you get these from the city?” Anna bit into an orange macaron and felt a burst of flavor explode in her mouth. “These are really good.”

“Tyler made these!” Gino beamed. “I told him to enter the baking contest.”

“You absolutely must,” Anna nodded emphatically.

Tyler didn’t look very keen. Gino told him it would be good advertising for Mystic Hill.

“Whatever you say, boss!” He gave a shrug but didn’t look very happy. “Don’t like crowds.” Anna heard him mutter under his breath.

“Did you give him a job description, Gino?” Julie scoffed. “You seriously think this guy can represent Mystic Hill?”

Anna was aghast. Her friend was bold and outspoken but never outright rude. She wondered what Julie had against the new manager. Gino convinced her to stay for a drink while the others left.

“What was that all about?” she asked, taking the glass of wine Gino had just poured for her.

“Not quite sure.” Gino pursed his lips. “I guess Tyler’s the kind of man that grows on you.”

They sat on the patio, holding hands, snuggling together in a soft blanket.

“Are you sure about tomorrow?” he asked, unable to hide his concern. “Lara Crawford will always be a bully. And you have done your share of standing up to her, Anna. You don’t have to prove anything to me.”

Anna laid her head on his shoulders and closed her eyes.

“It’s not that simple but I promise to think about it.”

The baking contest consumed her thoughts long after Gino took her home. She hadn’t come to any decision by the time she drifted off to sleep. The morning hadn’t brought much clarity.

Anna trudged along the Coastal Walk, ignoring the drizzle. Some people waved at her or smiled while others ignored her. She had known most of them all her life, having spent it in Dolphin Bay. In that instant, her mind was made up.

Cassie ran two loops by the time Anna reached the bench that marked one end of the Coastal Walk. They sat for a while to catch their breath, staring at the bay. Then it was time to go home.

Meg was in the kitchen, making breakfast.

Anna rushed through her shower and dressed in a burnt orange sweater perfect for the season. She wore her favorite diamond and pearl studs, a gift from her husband John and a new diamond pendant Gino had given her. Taking a deep breath, she walked out of her room, ready to go to war.

Cassie was already at the table, dressed in her usual outfit of jeans and white shirt, offset with a russet scarf.

Meg set a plate of avocado toast before Anna, topped with scrambled eggs.

“Your green smoothie’s almost ready, Mom,” she told Cassie and started the blender.

Anna sprinkled hot sauce over her toast and ate with gusto.

“You look formidable, Mom,” Cassie nudged. “Beware anyone who crosses your path.”

Anna didn’t respond. Half an hour later, they were heading to the café in Cassie’s old Mercedes. MJ greeted them with a cheery smile and pointed at a man seated at a table.

“Someone to see you, Meg.”

Anna had never seen him before. She saw Meg taking deep breaths, her eyes wide with excitement.

“He actually came!” she breathed. “Will you come and meet him, Grandma? Mom?”

Anna felt herself dragged toward the young man. He stood up as soon as he spotted them and introduced himself.

“Barry Symon, at your service. Who are these gorgeous ladies, Meg?”

“This is my grandma, Anna Butler and my mother, Cassandra Butler.”

Barry’s eyes popped. Meg caught Anna’s eye and smiled, sure what he was going to say next. They were used to people fawning over Cassie, looking star struck. It was to be expected with a Hollywood star in the family.

“You’re Anna of Anna’s Café?” Barry gushed. “The very angel who made these delicious cupcakes?” He clapped his hands in delight. “What an honor. You have a rare gift, Madam.”

Anna blushed. She blushed furiously.

“My assistant made these particular cupcakes,” she giggled. “But the recipe is mine.”

“You are Dolphin Bay’s golden goose,” Barry continued. “Did you know tourism picked up 17% since your café opened? That can’t be a coincidence. With your help, I can take this town to new heights.”

“What do you mean, exactly?” Cassie was looking a bit put out. “Aren’t you a tourist yourself? I don’t remember seeing you in town?”

“Barry is a tourism expert,” Meg supplied. “He has been hired to boost tourism and trade. I told you about him yesterday.”

Cassie gave a terse nod and excused herself. Anna chatted with Barry for some time, accompanied by a smitten Meg. They barely noticed Julie come in.

“Time to go, Anna.” She folded her arms and towered over them. “You’re not going to chicken out at the last minute, are you?”

Anna bid goodbye to Barry and promised to meet him again.

“Let’s get some coffee first,” she took Julie’s arm. “There’s plenty of time.”

MJ had anticipated that and brought over two small cappuccinos to their usual table, with a plate of brownies.

“Battles are not won on an empty stomach,” she grinned. “Don’t take any crap from her, Anna.”

They gulped their coffee as fast as they could and headed out. The baking contest had drawn a bigger crowd than the pumpkin carving. The contestants had been allowed to use their own kitchens, based on an honor system.

Lara Crawford was already there, flanked by her new campaign manager and a portly blue eyed man with a big belly. Anna knew him well.

“If it isn’t our own celebrity baker.” His eyes twinkled as he shook Anna’s hand. “I bet none of these poor souls know what they are doing.”

“You’re incorrigible, Finn.” Anna burst into laughter.

Lara cleared her throat.

“Can we get this over with, O’Malley?” she bristled. “I don’t have all day.”

Finn O’Malley mopped his sweaty brow with a handkerchief and rushed toward the podium, giving Anna an apologetic look.

“Look at him,” Julie muttered, chewing her lip. “How dare he show up here!”

“Who, Finn?” Anna was bewildered. “You know he’s the mayor’s right hand. Lara must have brought him here.”

“Not him!” Julie spat. “That imbecile Gino hired.”

Anna looked around swiftly, her gaze skimming over all the participants. Tyler Madison towered over most of the women, looking a bit out of place.

“What do you have against him?” Anna frowned. “You were very rude last night, Julie. I didn’t expect that from you.”

“If you knew what …”

“The man just got here.” Anna was impatient. “How has he managed to rile you up already?”

The speakers crackled and Finn welcomed everyone to the baking contest. He summoned Lara and Anna and explained the judging criteria. A young high school girl handed Anna a clipboard and pen.

Anna saw Lara breezing along the tables, barely looking at the displays. She picked up a cookie, took a bite and threw it down. Then she hesitated before the mound of macarons. A few ladies were looking disappointed and faint murmurs traveled along the line.

Anna took her time. She wasn’t going to judge any dish without tasting it. Everyone had made an effort but some items clearly outshone the others.

“Agnes!” Anna picked up a chocolate brownie glazed with salted caramel. “I thought you didn’t like to bake.”

The short wiry woman who had often made her life hell quailed. Her willowy companion replied glibly.

“She just took it up. We both did.”

“Essie’s right.” Agnes cleared her throat, agreeing with her sister. “We wanted a new hobby.”

Anna took a bite of the brownie. She stopped chewing, staring at Agnes in disbelief.

“This is from the cafe. I recognize MJ’s recipe.”

Agnes turned red, her eyes darting around them. Her sister shushed Anna.

“We can explain later,” she pleaded.

“Too late.” Anna saw one of Lara’s minions hurrying back toward her. “Whatever were you thinking, Agnes? You might grow the best roses but the whole town knows you can’t bake to save your life.”

Chapter 4

Lara stomped toward them, her campaign manager on her heels.

“For shame, Agnes! Did you think you could fool the entire town?” She swung around to face Anna, her signature sneer in place. “Are you resorting to fraud now?”

Joshua Thorpe was rapidly typing something on his phone. He held it before Lara.

“This will reach my contacts in San Francisco the moment you approve it, Madam.” He gave Agnes a pitying look. “If I were you, I would withdraw from the election. Any reputation you had is going to be ripped into shreds. I wouldn’t be surprised if you had to leave town.”

“Now wait a minute,” Esther stepped in. “That’s my sister you’re speaking to. You better watch your tone, young man!”

“Joshua Thorpe is not wrong. Your sister is a liar and a cheat. The good people of Dolphin Bay need to know that.”

“That’s enough, Joshua,” Lara snapped. “You can pack your bags. Looks like I am going to be the only candidate, once Agnes withdraws. You are not needed here anymore.”

She threw back her head and laughed, watching Agnes cower behind her sister.

“You have some nerve,” Esther glared at Lara. “Agnes has always been your greatest supporter.”

“How dare she stand against me, then?” Lara shot back.

“I thought you were my friend,” Agnes spoke up. “Let the people decide who they want as the next mayor.”

“Friends?” Lara bellowed. “You stuck to me like a leech so I took pity on you. We are not equals, you and I, so friendship is out of the question.”

“Agnes heads the Garden Committee,” a woman from the crowd protested. “She’s always worked hard for the town.”

“She’s a foot soldier,” Lara dismissed. “Not a leader. Do you seriously think a dried up old librarian can be mayor?”

Another person from the crowd opened his mouth to argue but stepped back when Lara held up a hand.

“Agnes Plimsoll just tried to pass off someone else’s brownies as her own. That shows her true character. She’s a charlatan and Dolphin Bay is better off without her.”

“I just wanted to participate,” Agnes sobbed. “It was an opportunity to mingle with the people.”

Lara refused to listen to her.

Anna felt a lump in her throat as Agnes pleaded with the mayor and apologized. Lara refused to budge. Agnes began to sob and sank to the ground. Her sister tried to console her. Anna rushed to help, along with Julie. Somehow, they managed to lift the poor woman up and hand her over to her sister.

Julie offered to drive them home.

Anna felt a rush of emotion and fought to control it. She had stayed mute when Lara accused her of killing John. The mayor had bullied half the town into blackballing her. She had taken the high road, hoping Lara would come to her senses some time.

“Do you have no heart, Lara?” she growled. “When are you going to stop persecuting people?”

Lara waved a hand at the crowd.

“The people of Dolphin Bay deserve to know the truth. As mayor of this town, it’s my duty to expose a charlatan.”

Anna took a deep breath, trying hard to let it go. Gino would tell her to focus on the big picture. But Lara had gone too far this time. Agnes Plimsoll was abrasive by nature but she was a good woman. Widowed in her 40s, her life had revolved around her only child until she lost him a few years later. She had served the town by working at the library at a pittance. Then she devoted her time to the Garden Committee, planning and organizing events the town depended on. Until yesterday, she had walked around town with her head held high and a blameless reputation. Lara had struck her down with one cruel blow.

Anna couldn’t control herself any longer.

“And as a concerned citizen of this town, I have to tell the people you are a thief. You stole the Founder’s Day money!”

A gasp traveled through the crowd. Some brave souls whispered among themselves while others stayed quiet, reluctant to lock eyes with the mayor.

“Is that true?” a young woman finally ventured. She had moved to Dolphin Bay a few months ago and wasn’t in awe of Lara Crawford. “But why? You’re loaded.”

“Don’t believe this woman!” Lara snarled. “I promise I will drive her out of town when I come back as mayor.”

“Are you going to deny you stole the money?” Anna pressed. “Thousands are missing, Lara. Where did they go?”

Lara Crawford looked around her, her face deadpan. She grabbed Finn O’Malley by the sleeve and pulled him toward her.

“This is your thief. O’Malley stole the money. He’s been loyal to me so I gave him a second chance, provided he put back what he took.”

Anna’s mouth hung open at Lara’s audacity. A select group of people knew the truth. Lara had misappropriated the funds by mistake. When Anna and the Firecrackers tried to find the stolen money, they stumbled upon a bigger crime. Lara had been taking big sums of money out of the country for years. Gino found out she was a suspect in a money laundering racket and was under surveillance. Had Finn been her accomplice all along?

Finn O’Malley protested strongly, wiping his brow with his handkerchief.

“I say, Lara. That’s not done. I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Don’t you?” Lara challenged him. “Better own up now or I will turn you in.”

“Why don’t you do that, you witch?” Finn smiled. “The police will be very interested in hearing what I have to say.”

The crowd moved closer, engrossed in the show.

“Bluff all you want,” Lara sneered. “It’s your word against mine. Who do you think the cops are going to believe? A lowly minion or the mayor?”

“I am your Chief of Staff,” Finn protested, beginning to look incensed. “This is how you repay my loyalty?” He jabbed a finger in Lara’s face. “I know where the bodies are buried, Madam Mayor. Don’t you forget that!”

Anna spotted Teddy Fowler in the crowd, his hands on his young son’s shoulders. He must be off duty or taking his kids to lunch.

Lara saw him at the same time as Anna.

“Let’s ask Detective Fowler.” She crooked her finger to summon him. “Tell the people this man is a crook and a swindler,” she ordered. “Give them the truth.”

Teddy gathered his kids and turned around without a word. Finn turned ashen.

“Teddy!” he wailed. “Why aren’t you defending me, boy? Don’t let this woman intimidate you.”

Anna was shocked by Teddy’s response, or lack of it. Why hadn’t he stood up against Lara?

The mayor gave a final glare, daring anyone to speak up. She stalked off, snapping her fingers at Finn O’Malley.

“You want to keep your job, O’Malley, you will follow me back to the office.”

Finn scrambled after the mayor and her underlings, wheezing a bit as he tried to catch up with them. Anna felt sorry for him.

The crowd began to disperse. A couple of women from the Garden Committee took Anna aside.

“What do you think we should do now?”

Anna spied the disappointed looks on the participant’s faces. She proposed to finish what she had started.

“I have tasted half the entries. I don’t see why I shouldn’t continue. We can announce the results later.”

The women conferred among themselves and nodded.

“That’s kind of you, Anna. Do let us know if you need anything.”

Julie came back as Anna was tasting the last entry, a pumpkin spice coffee cake.

“Can we go for lunch now?” she patted her stomach. “All this drama has given me an appetite.”

They walked to the Yellow Tulip Diner and stood outside, waiting for a table. Most of the crowd from the baking contest had convened there, eager to rehash what had happened.

Mary and Cassie joined them just as the waitress showed them to a booth.

The diner was buzzing with conversation.

“Did something happen?” Cassie asked them. “Are people mad because you chose an outsider as winner, Mom?”

“You don’t mean that oaf Gino hired?” Julie snorted. “No way he’s winning anything.”

Mary and Anna exchanged swift glances but neither said anything.

The waitress came over to take their order.

Julie and Mary ordered a double cheeseburger with fries, Cassie chose the autumn themed chicken salad and Anna asked for a cup of chili.

“I’m craving something spicy after all that sugar.”

“Never mind that, Mom. Tell me about the baking contest.”

Anna gave them a brief report, stopping for a moment when their food arrived.

“That explains it.” Cassie cut into her chicken and dipped it in the dressing. “I was just at Paradise Market. Teddy and Grace Fowler were locked in a bitter argument.”

“So she knows,” Anna murmured, stirring sour cream into her chili.

“That’s right!” Julie came up for air. “Finn is her uncle, isn’t he?”

“I bet Grace wants to know why Teddy let Lara Crawford walk all over him.” Cassie took a sip of water. “Finn’s family. And Teddy threw him under the bus.”

“Lara’s up to her old tricks, ladies.” Julie dipped a French fry into a tub of ketchup. “But she’s gone too far this time.”

Chapter 5

Later that afternoon, Anna forced herself to calm down. The confrontation with Lara had stirred old memories.

Anna locked her bedroom door and walked into the closet. She stood on the old wooden foot stool she had inherited from her grandma and reached for a shoe box on the top shelf. It was a box of keepsakes she’d cherished all her adult life. Apart from valentines and dried flowers from her teen years, there were little things she had saved from her early dates with her husband John.

Her eyes fell on a tiny hospital bracelet from Meg’s birth. A tissue paper contained Cassie’s first tooth. Anna forced herself to ignore the flood of emotions and dug around to the bottom of the box. Three folded notes lay there, each more threatening than the others.

Anna had been determined to keep the notes to herself. All of them warned her to stop looking into John’s death. Clearly, they had been written by someone who had been involved in the heinous act, someone who thought Anna was getting close. The reality couldn’t be more different. Her attempts to find out more about the missing artifact had been futile.

When the third note arrived, Anna gave in and consulted Gino. He had immediately gone into protective mode.

“That’s it, Anna,” he exploded. “You are going to be more careful from now on. Make sure someone is with you at all times.”

Anna remembered how she had brushed him off.

“You mean I should look over my shoulder for the rest of my life? No way.”

Gino had extracted a promise from her. She wouldn’t go to any remote or new location or out of town unless she had company. Anna grudgingly admitted that was reasonable.

“I don’t want the girls to know about these notes, Gino. I’m not going to be cosseted by everyone.”

They agreed to keep it between them, provided Anna wouldn’t go sleuthing without Gino.

“No more secrets,” he urged. “If we’re right, this person has already killed once. I don’t want to lose you, sweetheart.”

“But I won’t give up my search,” Anna had warned. “I need to know what happened to John.”

“And I’ll be with you every step of the way.”

Neither of them could be at peace until they proved John’s death hadn’t been an accident. Anna needed to close that chapter in her life before she could begin a new one.

Mickey Miranda had offered to help. He felt responsible for the theft and had been a great admirer of John’s. So far, his attempts to round up the people who had worked on the night of the theft hadn’t borne fruit.

“I talked to someone I know at the lab, asking about employee records.”

“Wouldn’t they be confidential?” Anna frowned.

Mickey told her they had to overlook certain things if they needed the information. He had been trying to convince one of the men working in human resources to give him a list of the employees. The man agreed at first, just for old times’ sakes. Then he had an attack of conscience at the last minute.

“So no dice.” Anna pressed her lips, frustrated.

“I don’t give up that easily.” Mickey’s eyes twinkled.

He had offered many things. A word in the right ear to get an early promotion, expensive jewelry for his wife, an all expense paid trip. The man had been spoiled for choice.

“None of these will matter to an honest person,” Anna mused.

“Every man has a weak point.”

In the end, the man had wanted a ride on Mickey’s yacht.

“I invited him and his wife to spend a day on my boat. The captain had orders to take them wherever they wanted and the chef and crew were informed to keep them happy.”

“Did it work?” Anna was curious.

It had worked like a charm. The man enjoyed Mickey’s hospitality and returned to work, eager to help.

“Three months of employee data is missing, Anna. Right around the time the artifact was stolen.”

Anna was crestfallen.

“That can’t be a coincidence.”

Mickey agreed with her. Whoever stole the artifact had taken care to erase their tracks.

“Surely you would remember the people who worked in the lab at that time?” Anna tried to jog his memory.

Mickey looked shamefaced.

“I had just met my future wife and we had a whirlwind romance. My head was in the clouds, I think. And the artifact moved through many departments, going through different stages during analysis. There’s no way to know how many people might have been exposed to it.”

Anna told him she understood.

“Where do we go from here?”

“I haven’t given up yet.” Mickey had an ace up his sleeve. “Humans are more intelligent than computers. So we are going to go straight to the horse’s mouth.”

Mickey was planning to throw a party for his old coworkers. When he left the job, he had promised to invite them to his home after his honeymoon. But that had never happened.

“Many of them are eager to see how I live,” he chuckled. “It’s everyone’s dream, you know. Living the life of the idle rich! They think I’m a kept man and I guess I’m something of a novelty for those poor hard working souls.”

Anna wasn’t fooled for a minute. She knew he was teaching a class at DBU without any compensation.

“And did they RSVP?” she asked with bated breath.

“You bet. You and Gino are both coming, of course, as my old friends. It’s a catered party with all the gourmet food I can think of. Dress casual.”

Anna didn’t let her hopes rise. Mickey’s idea was to bring up the good old times and get everyone talking. Gino thought the idea had some merit.

“We don’t have any other options, Anna. Think of it as a night out for fun. It’ll be a nice break for us.”

The girls were told they were going for dinner in the city. Cassie and Meg teased her about it.

“So it’s a romantic date,” Cassie sighed. “No wonder they don’t want us, Meg.”

Anna opened her mouth to protest but realized it was a good foil.

The drive to the city helped her relax. Mickey Miranda was true to his word and a lavish spread awaited them. He introduced Anna and Gino to over a dozen people. A couple of women Anna had met in the parking lot of the lab looked surprised to see her.

“So you caught up with Mickey after all.”

Mickey put an arm around Anna and beamed at them.

“We go way back,” he replied. “But we’d grown out of touch for a while. You know how it is.”

Anna snacked on crab puffs and shrimp cocktail while Mickey set the ball rolling. Suddenly, everyone wanted to take a walk down memory lane. Old anecdotes were brought up and exclaimed over. Anna felt a ray of hope as a lot of names were mentioned and their whereabouts discussed.

“Is everyone in the old gang here?” Mickey asked. “I tried my best to remember all the names but it’s been, what, almost three years?”

One woman gulped her wine and counted on her fingers.

“Almost,” she said. “Other than folks who don’t work there anymore.”

Mickey acted concerned.

“Were they let go? I heard there were some budget cuts after I left.”

The woman puffed up. “People were fired after that big incident. The theft nobody wants to talk about.” She swayed a bit on her legs. “They wrapped it up neatly and disguised the incompetence as budget issues.”

Mickey looked genuinely troubled by the names she took. He asked for their contact information and vowed to check on them.

“I hope they got jobs again. All of them couldn’t have been involved in that shady business.”

The woman pulled out her phone and sent him some phone numbers.

“Tara left on her own, of course.” She gave a tiny shrug. “I told her she was making a big mistake.”

“Tara?” Mickey didn’t bat an eyelid. “I don’t remember her.”

“Of course you do,” the woman chided. “Tara Machado. Early thirties, blonde with that big nose? We gave you a combined farewell.”

Mickey nodded in apprehension.

“Oh right! She left early, I think. Had to be somewhere.”

The woman told them Tara was a teacher in some small town up the coast. They had never heard from her again.

The party began to wind down. Anna and Gino bid goodbye to Mickey and promised to keep him posted.

“We’ll find her, Anna,” Gino promised on the way back.

Tara Machado wasn’t hard to locate.

Anna and Gino went on another road trip, this time for an afternoon drive.

“Do we ask her point blank?” Anna was uncertain. “I don’t like accusing an innocent girl.”

“She’s the only lead we have right now. Get ready to go on the offense, Anna. We can always apologize later.

Chapter 6

Two days passed in a flurry of baking as Anna helped MJ prep for the Halloween night party. The Garden Committee had placed a big order for pumpkin ginger cupcakes, along with cheesecake shots, cookies and mousse.

Cassie breezed into Anna’s room, dressed in a glittering gold dress and a black witch’s hat. She gave one look at Anna’s red haired wig and burst out laughing.

“Let me guess. You’re Nancy Drew.”

Anna felt uncertain as she gazed at herself in the mirror. She wore a 50s style skirt and blouse with a headband.

“Do you think I look foolish?”

She pulled off the headband and went into her closet. Two minutes later, she came out holding a plain black dress.

“I don’t have to dress up.”

“What are you doing?” Cassie was mystified. “You look fine, Mom! In fact, you’re looking cute.”

“Don’t humor me. Whoever heard of a woman in her fifties dressing up as a teenager? I’ll be a laughing stock.”

“Stop right there, Grandma!” Meg joined them, dressed as Wonder Woman. “You think I don’t feel silly dressed as an Amazon warrior?”

“It’s Halloween!” Cassie nodded. “The one day of the year you have license to be as silly as you like.”

“Easy for you to say,” Anna muttered. “You’re looking as gorgeous as ever.”

They argued for a while until the doorbell interrupted them. Meg rushed out and came back with Julie.

“Why aren’t you dressed?” Anna cried. “I thought we agreed you were going as Lucy.”

Julie collapsed on the bed with a thump and shook her head. The doorbell rang again. Gino arrived, dressed as a vampire.

Anna took one look at him and started laughing.

“I thought I was being foolish.”

Gino twirled around for her benefit.

“You don’t like my fangs? Leo tells me the ladies love vampires.”

“And who are you trying to impress?” Anna pretended to pout.

“Only you, my love. Only you.”

Gino took her hands in his and pulled her into an impromptu jig. Cassie and Meg joined them while Julie took a picture.

“Can we get going now?” Cassie urged. “We don’t want to be late for the opening ceremony. The grand maze is waiting for us.”

Main Street was full of people dressed in Halloween costumes. Kids scurried about, carrying buckets of candy. Lights twinkled on the Coastal Walk and a couple of wagons stood ready to be boarded.

“I thought the wagon rides were going to be dark and scary,” Meg grumbled.

“Don’t be fooled by those lights,” Cassie smiled. “You’ll be screaming in terror before the night is out.”

They caught up with Mary and her husband. A tall, red haired man stood with them. Anna greeted him eagerly.

“How are you, Rory? It’s good to see you out and about.”

“I have a light workload at present,” he laughed, exhibiting some gallows humor.

Rory Cunningham was the medical examiner in Dolphin Bay. His job involved cutting up dead people. Anna found it amusing to see him dressed as Dracula.

Grace Fowler waved at them, looking harried.

“We are waiting for the mayor to inaugurate the maze. Can you help me steer this crowd toward the podium?”

A makeshift stage had been constructed near the maze entrance. Anna greeted a few people and gently herded them in the right direction. Food tables had been set up on the strip of green that ran through Main Street. The Garden Committee ladies were ladling cups of warm cider. MJ handed out treats from Anna’s Café. The local pub and diner were also doing brisk business.

Lara Crawford arrived on a wave of expensive perfume, dressed as the White Witch.

“How appropriate,” Julie snorted.

Finn O’Malley accompanied Lara, along with the snooty campaign manager Joshua Thorpe and a bunch of staffers.

“Looks like they made up,” Anna whispered to Gino.

Lara stalked to the podium in her high heels and tapped the microphone, asking for everyone’s attention. The crowd moved closer, eager to enter the maze.

“My family has always done right by Dolphin Bay,” Lara began.

“We know that,” Julie spoke under her breath. “You are the problem.”

Anna hushed her and tried to concentrate on Lara’s monologue. Some older people in the crowd nodded and smiled as she started to enumerate all that she had done over the years. The youngsters were getting restless.

“Stop yakking!” An errant voice rose from the crowd.

Lara ignored the sniggers and carried on with her diatribe. Anna stifled a yawn, wishing she had something to drink. Gino must have read her mind. He came back with a tray of cups of steaming cider. She had barely noticed him leave.

“You’re the best, Gino!” Meg shivered. “It’s a bit cold here and this costume is making me itch.”

Grace Fowler crept up the stage and took Finn O’Malley aside. He listened and patted her on the back, turning around to confer with Lara. They spoke in hushed tones, Lara assuming a mulish expression.

“She doesn’t like to be rushed,” Anna observed.

The autumn sun had set a long time ago and stars twinkled in an inky black sky. It was a cool night and the brisk wind rolling off the bay made Anna huddle close to Gino. He wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close.

A light mist wrapped its fingers around them, lending an air of mystery to the surroundings. Meg thought it was the perfect weather for a scary ride in the dark.

“She just won’t stop!” she wailed, as Lara began to outline how the town would benefit when she came back as mayor.

Grace Fowler walked up the stage again and took a direct approach this time.

“Can you cut the ribbon and declare the maze open, Lara? The kids have been looking forward to it all week.”

“There’s plenty of time,” Lara dismissed, barely sparing her a glance.

“Most people will need an hour to get through the maze.” Grace stood her ground. “We did some test runs. And there are the other booths too, like the ring toss and the fortune teller.”

“We know you’re proud of that itty bitty maze, Grace.” Lara didn’t hide her scorn. “I’ll be out of there in ten minutes.”

“Impossible!” Grace was getting incensed. “Sixteen minutes was the best time we achieved and only one of the boys managed it. A few of them did it in under forty minutes and the average was over an hour. Some of them had to ask for help.”

Lara dissolved into peals of laughter. She started boasting about the different Halloween mazes she had aced.

“I’m sharper than your average person,” she gloated. “It takes a specific skill to find your way through but my Daddy taught me well. I bet I can beat any record you have.”

“Really?” Grace folded her arms and smiled. “How about this? If you come out of that maze in fifteen minutes, I will make sure you can run the election unopposed. But if you take longer than that, you will withdraw from the election.”

The crowd roared with approval.

Anna held her breath, thinking Lara would never accept this crazy challenge. A familiar voice hailed Lara from the crowd.

“How about it, Lara?” Agnes Plimsoll stood right below the podium, looking up at the mayor. “Do you have the guts?”

Anna couldn’t hide her surprise.

“Agnes is going on the offensive,” Julie laughed. “That’s not like her.”

Lara wasn’t going to stand aside and say nothing. She accused the women of blackmailing her.

“This is the woman who wants to be your mayor.” She flung a hand toward Agnes. “First she cheated in the baking contest and now she resorts to coercion. She’s not fit to live in Dolphin Bay.”

Joshua Thorpe tapped her on the shoulder and gave a slight nod. Lara took the cue and stomped down the podium. She grabbed the giant pair of scissors Grace was holding and cut the ribbon, declaring the maze open.

A throng of kids rushed inside, shouting at the top of their voices. Cassie followed them, dragging Julie with her.

“Are you going in, Grandma?”

Meg stood with Barry Symon, her eyes bright with barely concealed excitement. Anna guessed she had convinced him to accompany her on a wagon ride.

“We’ll check the ring toss first,” Anna told her. “And I need to check in with MJ, see if she needs a hand.”

Meg was gone before she finished her sentence, giving her an exuberant wave.

Anna wove her hand through Gino’s.

“Are you very keen on the maze?” she winced. “A stroll down the Coastal Walk seems more appealing.”

“And romantic?” Gino bared his fangs. “Aren’t you afraid for your life?”

Anna giggled like a teen and let him lead her away from the crowd. She had been waiting all day to spend some alone time with Gino. A couple of hushed voices grabbed her attention as they merged on the Coastal Walk.

“This has gone on long enough.” Agnes Plimsoll quavered. “Someone needs to teach her a lesson.”

Chapter 7

Anna reclined on a bench on the Coastal Walk, resting her head on Gino’s shoulder. She was thoroughly enjoying the evening. They had checked out the ring toss and a couple more games, sampled more warm cider and gone for a stroll down the Coastal Walk, sticking to the lit portion. Occasional screams rent the air as people in the hay wagons encountered something creepy but they were laced with excitement rather than fear. The Garden Committee had tested the ride and approved it for kids six years and older. It promised to be just a bit scary and thrilling but nothing too horrific.

They had encountered Meg a couple of times, talking Barry Symon’s head off. Anna was surprised to see the savvy man give her so much attention. But Meg was like that. Her wide eyed innocence and charm were hard to turn down.

“Do you want to head on home?” Gino asked. “We can go to Mystic Hill. I have a pot roast and an apple pie waiting for us.”

Anna agreed readily. The frenzy of the past few days was catching up with her. She wanted to put her feet up and sit by the fire, sipping a glass of wine.

“Let me send a message to the girls.”

“They can join us later.” Gino was generous as usual. “There’s plenty for everyone. Tell Julie too. Tyler won’t be around so she can breathe easy.”

Anna stopped typing on her phone.

“What’s going on between those two? Julie is pretty easy going as a rule.”

Gino had no idea. He hadn’t noticed a problem between Julie and his new manager.

“Oh please! You mean you didn’t see all those glares she was shooting off in his direction? And the nasty barbs?”

A siren split the air before Gino could respond.

“Is that a police siren?” Anna asked.

“That’s a bullhorn.” Gino sprang up and offered her a hand. “It must be coming from the maze.”

“They have an emergency.” Anna caught on. “Do you think someone took ill?”

More sirens split the air and they spotted the flashing lights of police cars in the distance, followed by ambulances and fire trucks.

“Let’s just hope it’s not a fire.” Gino sounded terse. “Where are the kids, Anna?”

“I’m trying to call them.”

They approached the entrance to the maze ten minutes later. People were streaming out, guided by volunteers wearing gray shirts and neon vests with reflective stripes. Anna was glad the Garden Committee had insisted on all the safety measures.

Cassie hailed her and Anna was relieved to see her with Meg and Julie. She could see MJ in the distance, standing at their booth.

“We never went in,” Cassie explained. “Something about the maze being too crowded. Do you know what’s happening?”

“Stay together, all of you,” Gino warned. “I’m going to try and talk to someone in uniform. Leo should be around here too.”

Anna sniffed the air, trying to determine if she could smell smoke. She knew fire extinguishers had been placed around the maze in strategic places.

People from the maze huddled in a corner, looking tacky in their Halloween costumes. Anna spotted Leo rushing headlong into the maze, accompanied by some first responders carrying a stretcher.

“It’s a medical emergency then,” Julie spoke in her ear. “Not a fire.”

“Too soon to say,” Anna murmured, praying her friend was right.

The mist had picked up and it had grown cold. Anna wished she had brought a coat. Some of the first responders came out and went back to the ambulance but Leo was nowhere in sight. A policeman went around, asking everyone’s names. One of the young volunteers followed him with a clipboard, taking notes.

“That’s everyone from the maze, Sir,” he spoke when they reached Anna and the girls. “All accounted for.”

The police started circulating through the crowd, encouraging them to go home.

“But what’s going on here?” one woman raised her voice. “Has there been an accident?”

None of the policemen responded but their expressions were grim.

Gino joined them and echoed what the police had said.

“Let me take you home, Anna.”

She could tell he was hiding something.

“What is it?” she asked with a pang. “Did you get hold of Leo? I saw him go into the maze a few minutes ago.”

Gino hadn’t actually met his nephew but had been able to talk to him on the phone. “He didn’t say much.” He took a deep breath. “You know how it is. There will be an official statement later.”

“Stop evading us.” Cassie was growing impatient. “Do you think we’re going to collapse in shock or something?”

Gino gave a deep sigh and led them away from the crowd.

“They found a dead body. That’s all he could say right now.”

Anna dreaded what he wasn’t saying.

“Did someone have a heart attack?” Meg’s eyes were wide. “But there was a first aid station outside, Grandma. They should have called 911.”

“Leo said the death wasn’t natural,” Gino confessed. “They are sure it’s murder.”

The crowd was buzzing and the confusion on people’s faces had been replaced by fear. So the cat was out of the bag.

“Is it someone we know?” she asked, her voice full of dread.

Leo hadn’t disclosed the identity of the victim.

“Are you still okay with coming to Mystic Hill?” Gino was solicitous. “You might prefer the comfort of your own living room.”

Anna realized Mystic Hill was beginning to feel like home. She felt a warm glow at the thought of going there.

“Can you feed us?” Julie asked, patting her stomach. “Cassie and I tasted the cider but we didn’t get a chance to eat anything else.”

Meg was hungry too. She had taken two wagon rides and barely noticed the time. Anna told them Gino had a roast waiting.

“Then Mystic Hill it is.” Julie was brusque. “I am willing to put up with that hooligan you hired, Gino.”

Anna caught his eye and they shared a smile. They drove to Mystic Hill in two cars, Anna riding shotgun with Gino.

A fire crackled in the sunken living room and a big charcuterie tray waited for them, with two bottles of wine. Gino’s cook and housekeeper had prepared the cheese board and opened the wine but the fire was a surprise.

“Tyler must have helped her.” He told Anna. “I called ahead to let them know I was coming.”

Julie swung around with a frown, expecting the new manager to show himself. Anna couldn’t stifle a laugh.

“You’re going overboard, Julie. What’s the poor man done to irk you?”

As expected, she didn’t get an answer. The girls were devoting themselves to the food. Anna accepted a glass of Cabernet from Gino and thanked him.

“Mystic Hill might be coming up with some exciting new red wines if all goes well,” he told her. “We are going to try growing Sangiovese and Nebbiolo grapes, along with some Barbera. That’s where Tyler comes in. He spent some years working in Italy and has a lot of experience with them.”

Anna decided to read up on Italian wines when she went home. She admitted her ignorance.

“My knowledge of wines is limited, Gino.”

He gave her a wink and proposed a trip to Italy. They could stay in Tuscany and tour the surrounding region, tasting the local wines and food.

“Sounds like a dream.”

“You should go there on your honeymoon, Grandma,” Meg piped up, munching on a slice of salami.

Anna shushed her, feeling embarrassed. Gino would think she was trying to rush him into a proposal. She didn’t dare look up at him, afraid of seeing the truth in his eyes. Her heart wouldn’t be able to cope if she saw contempt.

Julie came to her rescue, declaring she was ready to eat something more substantial than cheese and crackers.

Anna was quiet as Cassie and Meg discussed all the Halloween costumes they had seen people dressed in that night. There was a prize for the best dressed man and woman. There was little chance of the Garden Committee declaring the winner now.

They managed to make a respectable dent in the pot roast, setting some aside for Leo. Gino was praised for his culinary prowess and so was his cook. Anna reached for a third cheddar biscuit and realized she was stressed. She mentally ran through a list of friends she had seen earlier that evening but hadn’t come across after the maze was evacuated.

“Have we heard from Mary?” she asked Julie. “Are you sure she and her husband are safe?”

“They left for San Jose long before the accident in the maze,” Cassie assured her. “I just got a message from her.”

“What about Sally and Ian Samuels?” Anna pressed.

Julie confirmed they had checked in with her too. MJ had wound up their booth and was back home in her apartment.

“Charlie Robinson is out of town,” she added reluctantly. “I know you will worry about him too.”

Gino went into the kitchen to get dessert. Meg followed him, offering to help. They ate warm apple pie and ice cream and sat in the living room, sipping coffee.

“Should we go home now, Mom?” Cassie yawned. “I have a yoga class with Bobby tomorrow morning.”

Gino told her to stay put and be patient. The phone rang, making them all sit up in anticipation.

“Was that Leo?” Anna asked as soon as Gino hung up. “Did he say who died in the maze?”

Gino sat down and took her in his arms.

“Lara Crawford.”

Chapter 8

Anna felt a wave of relief sweep over her. Then she felt guilty. No matter how turbulent her relationship with Lara had been, a life had been lost. Despite her domineering personality and crooked habits, Lara had done a lot of good for the town of Dolphin Bay.

“Poor Lara,” Julie clucked.

Anna detected a hint of sarcasm in her friend’s voice.

“She didn’t deserve to be murdered!”

“I know,” Julie sighed. “I’m not gloating, Anna. Just shocked. I don’t know what to say.”

Cassie and Meg wanted details. Gino told them he didn’t have any. Leo had barely had time to reveal who the victim was before he got off the phone.

“She died in the maze, of course.” Anna thought she was stating the obvious. “You remember how keen she was to tackle it.”

None of them had actually seen Lara enter the maze. But that’s where the police had found her. With the amount of people milling about, Anna didn’t think anyone could have carried a dead body into the maze without being noticed. She decided it was too early to speculate and kept her thoughts to herself.

They decided to head home. Gino bid them good night and cautioned them to be careful. Until the police found out what happened, they had to assume that someone in town was a cold blooded killer.

Cassie and Meg were too keyed up to go to bed immediately. Anna realized she couldn’t sleep either. She made hot chocolate for everyone, adding six marshmallows to each cup, just as Cassie liked it. They watched Roman Holiday for a while. Half way through the movie, Anna’s eyelids began to droop and she shuffled to her room.

Sleep came immediately. Anna woke up refreshed and sat in bed, watching the early rays of the sun bathe her garden in golden light. She jumped down and took a quick shower, eager to get breakfast started.

Meg was already up, beating eggs in a bowl. A pile of diced vegetables and shredded cheese indicated she was making omelets. Cassie sat at the table, drinking coffee.

“I canceled my session with Bobby,” she informed Anna. “The café’s going to be packed today. We need all hands on deck.”

“How noble of you,” Anna teased. “And if you pick up some gossip here and there, that’s just a fringe benefit.”

The omelets were ready soon and Anna slid one on each plate, along with two slices of toast. Cassie said no to the toast but cut into her omelet with gusto.

“Did you sleep well, Mom?” she quirked an eyebrow. “I hope you are not going to shed any tears over that evil woman.”

“I’m a bit relieved, to be honest.” Anna gave a tiny shrug. “Lara Crawford was a thorn in my side.”

“You stood up to her, Grandma,” Meg argued. “We are all so proud of you.”

Anna admitted the constant badgering had taken a toll on her.

“It wasn’t easy, girls. I never knew when she would pop up around a corner and start berating me.”

“All that’s behind us now,” Cassie soothed. “Nobody can blame you, Mom. She made your life a living hell.”

“As bad as she was, girls, nobody deserves to die a violent death.”

None of them spoke for a while, engrossed in reflecting on the unexpected outcome of the previous evening.

Meg rushed off to a class and Anna drove to the café with Cassie. MJ looked relieved to see them.

“Is it true?” she spoke under her breath. “Lara Crawford is dead?”

Anna told her what she knew and pulled on an apron. The café was full and there was a line outside. The early birds had bagged a table and didn’t look like they were in a hurry to leave. People stood in groups on the sidewalk, sipping coffee and conferring with their friends.

MJ had made a double batch of fried apple pies, a big pot of oatmeal and an assortment of scones, cookies and cupcakes, anticipating a large crowd.

“We’re out of scones and the fried pies,” she told Anna. “I better start kneading some dough.”

Anna summoned Cassie from the bookstore and they went around, refilling coffee, gently nudging people to make way for the line outside.

Every person in the café was speaking about Lara Crawford. But what surprised Anna was none of them had a kind word for the dead mayor. Although no one was indelicate enough to say they were happy, most people did not hide their relief.

“It’s almost as if they are celebrating something, Mom,” Cassie whispered. “Lara was unkind to many of them.”

“Where were they when Lara was giving me a hard time?” Anna demanded. “None of them dared to speak up and take my side.”

“Can’t you see, Mom?” Cassie shook her head. “They were terrified. Some were afraid of losing their jobs, others worried about their reputation.”

Anna barely noticed the time until Julie tapped her on the shoulder and pointed at the grandmother clock near the entrance.

“Time to take a break, sista!”

MJ was replenishing the display case and gave her a nod. Anna sighed and took off her apron, admitting her feet were beginning to ache. There were no empty tables so they walked through the connecting arch into the bookstore and went into the tiny office where Anna did her accounts.

“Looks like the ants are crawling out of the woodwork.” Julie took a noisy sip of her coffee and fanned her mouth. “Oooh, it’s hot.”

Cassie and Anna shared tidbits of gossip, sipping their own coffee and munching on fresh apple pies.

“Not a single person is shedding any tears over Lara Crawford then,” Julie smirked. “You reap what you sow.”

Anna chastised her and felt like a hypocrite.

“Let’s not speak ill of the dead.”

She asked Julie about her latest book and she took the cue.

“I need to do some research. You don’t mind if I sit here in the bookstore, do you?”

Anna told her to relax and went back to the café. MJ was handing over a latte to Ian Samuels, the editor of the Dolphin Bay Chronicle. He greeted Anna with a smile.

“Have you been outside?” He was upbeat. “It’s a bright, sunny day. Lovely weather.”

“That’s good because your usual table is occupied.” Anna waved a hand around her. “You might have to enjoy your coffee on the sidewalk.”

Ian proposed going to the bookstore. Anna agreed readily and they found a spot by the tall bay windows.

“You’re quite chipper today, Ian.”

His smile wavered and he looked away.

“It’s a sad day for the town, of course.”

Anna had known Ian for years and she could tell when he wasn’t being sincere. Did he also have something against Lara?

“Do you know what happened?” She knew he had his own sources inside the police department. “How did she die?”

Ian hedged a bit before giving in.

“I was working on a special edition all night. But I am not going to print it right now.”

The police had asked him to hold off on details related to the crime.

“Do they have any suspects?” Anna was curious. “Or any obvious clues? How did she die, Ian? Could it have been an accident?”

Ian assured her the crime was deliberate.

“Whoever killed Lara was angry,” he disclosed. “She was stabbed multiple times and bashed in the head with a giant pumpkin.”

“What?” Anna’s eyebrows shot up.

Ian’s mouth widened in a grin for a split second before he schooled his expression.

“It’s a tragedy alright. I mean, who could have hated her so much?”

His eyes bore into Anna’s.

She refused to take the bait. If Ian Samuels wanted to accuse her, he needed to spell it out clearly.

“I can’t answer that, but judging by the grapevine, many people were afraid of her. Every person has a breaking point though.”

“You got that right, Anna. Who snapped? Who had enough of Lara’s cruelty? The police have their work cut out for them.”

He lapsed into silence, giving Anna a chance to observe him closely. He pressed his lips as he stared out of the window, displaying a variety of emotions. Was he angry or happy, Anna couldn’t tell. She was sure of one thing though. He wasn’t going to make baseless allegations against her and get away with it.

“What about you, Ian? You were born and raised in Dolphin Bay.”

“You know I was, Anna.” He frowned. “Just like you.”

Anna didn’t mince words.

“How much did you hate Lara Crawford?”

Chapter 9

Anna tuned out the buzz of conversation around her and looked at the clock again. It was past the lunch hour and the people had finally begun to stream out, headed to the pub or the diner, no doubt. She checked her phone again for messages. Gino hadn’t called her since morning.

The object of her affection walked in just as she put her phone back in her pocket. She couldn’t hide her pleasure.

“Waiting for me?” he smiled in his mustache, leading her to a table.

Julie came in from the bookstore.

“Are we going out for lunch? I’m getting cross eyed from flipping through that pile of books. But I did get some notes so I can take the afternoon off.”

Gino invited them to Mystic Hill.

“The Tipsy Whale and the Yellow Tulip both have a line outside.”

Anna shuddered at the thought of being around the same people who had been in the café all morning. She thanked Gino and promised to be back in a jiffy.

She rode with Gino and Julie followed in her own car. Anna was quiet on the ride into the hills. Gino sensed her mood and didn’t bother her. It was one of his endearing traits. He could almost read her mind.

“Have you had a busy morning?” She smiled as Gino walked around the car to open her door when they reached Mystic Hill.

“Tyler and I had a planning session,” he revealed. “I’m glad I hired him, Anna. He knows a lot about wine.”

The cook had made creamy tomato bisque to go with ham and cheddar sandwiches. There was a green salad with roasted sweet potatoes and pecorino along with tiny fruit tarts for dessert.

Julie wanted to know more about Gino’s expansion plans.

“What brought this on?” She gave a knowing smile. “I thought you were happy with Mystic Hill.”

“We’re doing good,” he admitted. “But there are several acres lying unused. This is the right time to experiment with new varietals. It will take years before we can produce a fine vintage.”

“What else do you have up your sleeve?” Julie looked at Anna when she asked this. “I always wondered if you will build a resort here. Wine tourism is very popular nowadays and it would give that crook Charlie Robinson a run for his money.”

Gino looked flustered.

“Nothing so grand, Julie. But I have thought of starting an inn. There’s plenty of land to build one here. We could be a food and wine destination, maybe a venue for small weddings.”

“Then what’s stopping you?” Julie cried. “I think that’s a wonderful idea. Don’t you, Anna?”

Gino told her he had a few milestones to reach before he thought of the inn. Anna tried hard to appear uninterested but she felt a bit left out. Gino had never mentioned his plans of building an inn to her. Did he think she wouldn’t be happy for him?

Julie finally addressed the elephant in the room.

“You’re a police man, Gino. Who do you think killed Lara Crawford?”

Gino told her his opinion didn’t matter. The police worked on the basis of evidence. So far, he had been unable to glean any information out of Leo. He had no information about the mayor’s murder.

“We know you have many contacts in the force,” Julie insisted. “Don’t your spies report to you?”

Gino laughed heartily.

“There is no such thing. I am friendly with people working there, especially some old timers who were around when I was chief. But they will not risk their jobs to bring me gossip. And I don’t want them to.”

Anna told him the grapevine hadn’t been idle. She had heard at least a dozen different theories about what had happened to the mayor. Many names had been bandied about. The locals seemed to have a big list of people who had it in for Lara.

She saw Julie and Gino exchange a swift glance.

“What?” Her mouth hung open. “Are people talking about me too?”

She couldn’t hide her disbelief.

“But I didn’t hear my name mentioned. I was listening very closely, you know.”

Julie told her people would not accuse her openly while sipping her coffee and eating her cupcakes.

“They might be crass but they are not stupid. Lara was the only one who was shameless enough to point a finger at you.”

Anna’s eyes widened as she caught on to what they were not saying.

“You don’t think I had a hand in this, Julie?”

Her eyes swung up to Gino’s. She tried to look beyond the warm chocolate eyes, searching for an answer.

“You too?”

Gino shook his head. “I have always believed you are innocent, Anna.” He seemed to hesitate.

“But?” she cried. “I can sense a but.” She rubbed her forehead with her fingers and sank back into her chair with a sigh. “You were with me all the time. We tasted some of the food and walked down the Coastal Walk, remember? In fact, I am glad we were together. If it was one of the girls, people might look askance, but they will believe you.”

“I didn’t want to bring this up today, Anna.” Gino sighed. “If I am questioned, I won’t be able to hold back any information.”

“And you shouldn’t.” Anna was puzzled. “That’s why I’m glad I was with you all evening.”

Julie caught on quickly.

“Are you sure about that, Anna? Did you go somewhere on your own?”

“No, I didn’t.” Anna bit her lip as she realized her blunder. “I mean, I just left Gino to go to the café to powder my nose. But that must have taken five minutes at the most.”

Gino cleared his throat.

“Actually, Anna, you were gone for seventeen minutes.”

For the first time in her life, Anna wished Gino hadn’t been a policeman.

“Trust you to be so accurate.” She couldn’t hide her dismay. “Is this going to be a problem?”

“Let’s hope not.” Gino tried to sound cheerful. “As you said before, there should be plenty of other suspects.”

Julie was shaking her head vehemently.

“But Anna is low hanging fruit. Her feud with Lara is well known. Who do you think the police will zero in on first?”

Anna felt queasy as bile rose in her throat.

“The police will be methodical,” Gino explained. “I am sure they will first get a list of who was in the maze that evening.”

The unspoken question hung in the air.

“I did not go in that maze, Gino,” she replied calmly. “You will just have to take my word on it.”

“I believe you, my dear.” He squeezed her hand. “But the police won’t. They will corroborate it through different sources.”

“What about other people Lara hurt?” Julie demanded. “Judging by the buzz around the café this morning, plenty of people seem happy she’s gone. Any one of them could have seized the opportunity to get rid of her.”

Gino twirled his mustache, considering Julie’s theory.

“These people have borne the brunt of Lara’s ire for years. Why would any of them act now?”

“A dark night, a deserted corner in a maze …” Julie quirked an eyebrow. “A moment’s insanity?”

“You think this was a spur of the moment thing?” Gino asked. “Anyone in the maze could have turned a corner and stumbled on the scene.”

“It was the right moment and the perfect opportunity,” Julie supplied. “Very brave.”

“Murder is never brave,” Anna swallowed. “Killing someone in cold blood is an act of depravity.”

“I think brash was the word I was looking for.” Julie was abashed. “Even a worm like Lara didn’t deserve to die like that.”

“Something must have happened recently,” Gino mused. “It put this person on edge, made them desperate. Was Lara particularly nasty to anyone in the past few days?”

“She wasn’t happy about Anna judging the baking contest,” Julie reminded them. “Did her best to insult her, didn’t she?”

“You’re not helping,” Anna muttered.

“Let’s take Anna out of the equation,” Gino grunted. “We know she is innocent.”

Julie nodded vigorously.

“We’ve got your back, girl. No matter what. You should know that by now.”

Anna thanked them sincerely. The day had turned darker and she sensed a big storm lurking by the horizon.

“What are you going to call this inn?” Julie asked Gino, deftly turning the conversation away from any grim scenarios. “Mystic Hill?”

“I haven’t thought that far ahead,” he replied. “It’s not all up to me.”

Anna wondered why he was being evasive.

“Will you be taking on a partner for this venture?”

Gino stroked his mustache and nodded absently, looking pensive.

“I sure hope so, my love. I sure hope so.”

Chapter 10

Cassie sat in Anna’s bookstore, Bayside Books, eating a sandwich from the Tipsy Whale. She relished the roasted pumpkin pesto, perfectly complemented by smoked gouda and arugula, loaded with rotisserie chicken. The store had been as busy as the café. Gossip mongers had loitered, flipping through magazines and books while chattering nonstop, not buying a thing.

Everyone wanted to speculate about the murder. Anna’s name had come up several times. The whole town knew Lara had been her nemesis. The baking contest was fresh in everyone’s mind.

“Anna Butler had an axe to grind,” a woman hissed, gleaming at her captive audience. “She got a chance and took it.”

“But I saw her on the Coastal Walk with Chief Mancini,” another woman from the group ventured.

Someone else had seen her near the entrance to the maze.

Cassie wanted to throw them out but she restrained herself. The store had emptied with the lunch hour. She decided against going out and ordered a couple of sandwiches, in case Meg showed up.

Her phone rang, making her smile. It was Bobby.

“I know that look,” he trilled. “That’s ten buckets of guilt splashed across your face, Cassie Butler. Let me guess, you just buried yourself in bread.”

“You know me too well.” Cassie flung her hands up in despair. “It’s happening again, Bobbykins. What am I to do?”

She poured out her tale of woe, letting Bobby soothe her frayed nerves.

“There’s no way I’m leaving Dolphin Bay. I can’t be a superhero on film when my Mom needs me here.”

“Now, now … don’t get ahead of yourself. Are you going to let some gossiping old biddies keep you from the role of a lifetime?”

Bobby reminded her she had a big support system.

“The Firecrackers will protect Anna. So will Gino. And have you forgotten that feisty daughter of yours? I will come to Dolphin Bay myself if necessary.”

“But Bobby, shooting starts next year and we’re doing boot camp after the holidays. What if this murder isn’t solved until then? Mom will have a cloud hanging over her head and I can’t leave her like that.”

Bobby told her to take it one day at a time.

“You can’t let go, sweetie. That means you can’t drown your sorrows in carbs the minute something goes wrong.”

Bobby cajoled and cooed until she calmed down, promising to call her later that night.

“I love you, Bobbykins.” Cassie blew him a kiss. “What will I do without you?”

He assured her she was never going to find out.

Meg rushed in with a gust of cold air, dragging a familiar figure behind her, talking at the top of her voice.

“Hey Mom! Isn’t Barry the best? He hiked to the top of Kilimanjaro. That’s a mountain in Africa, I think.” She whirled around to face the hapless man. “Am I right? How do you keep all these things straight? You must have a really good memory.”

Barry Symon gave a slight shrug.

“Some experiences are hard to forget.”

Cassie thought he was a pompous fool.

“Don’t you have any classes today, Meg?”

“I am showing Barry around, Mom. We had lunch at the Yellow Tulip. He knows so much, I can write a thesis just on his experiences.”

Anna entered the bookstore through the arch, surprised to get an exuberant hug from Meg.

“Barry wants to ask you something.”

Cassie watched her daughter dash through the arch to get coffee.

“How can I help you?” Anna folded her arms and waited for Barry to speak up.

He asked her opinion about the top three places in town that tourists might want to visit.

“Other than Castle Beach Resort,” he added. “The number of people who can afford it is not much. Your average tourist will be looking for something they can enjoy on a budget.”

“The beach is free,” Cassie smirked. “So is the Coastal Walk. But they will have to spend money if they want to eat. Coffee is not free, you know.”

Anna gave her a withering look but didn’t say anything.

Barry’s eyes shone with excitement.

“You’re exactly right. We advertise the free or almost free attractions. Once people are here, they are bound to be hungry or thirsty. They will spend money at the cafes and restaurants, even shop for souvenirs.”

Anna told him about the redwood forest on the outskirts of town.

“People come here in the spring to see the wildflowers.”

“We want something for each season. The Halloween festival is great for fall. That maze can be a big draw, especially if it’s hard to navigate. People want adventure, you know.” He clammed up when he realized what he had said.

Meg hurried back, holding two large cups of coffee.

“Let’s go, Barry! I got you a flat white with a shot of caramel.” She turned toward Cassie, wide eyed. “That’s like a latte with less milk, Mom.”

She gushed over how knowledgeable Barry was and told them she was taking him to Paradise Beach.

“That poor boy doesn’t stand a chance,” Anna laughed. “Suddenly, Drake is beginning to look more appealing.”

“He better not fill her head with crazy ideas,” Cassie muttered.

“Like what?” Anna smiled. “Getting a job in tourism? She’s ready to spread her wings, Cass. And she’s already considering a job that lets her travel. Are you really going to hold her back?”

Cassie told her they had other things to worry about. Anna seemed unfazed by the insinuations people were making about her.

“I am used to this finger pointing by now. They will stop when they realize Lara’s not around to back them up now.”

Cassie was heartened by her mother’s composure. They spent a quiet night at home, eating minestrone soup and garlic bread for dinner. Meg talked nonstop about her day with Barry. None of them mentioned Lara Crawford.

Bright sunlight poured through her bedroom windows the next morning, waking Cassie. She pulled on her sports tights and a warm sweatshirt, determined to do a couple of extra laps around the Coastal Walk.

The cold air made her gasp and set a brisk pace, warming up until she barely noticed the chill. Teddy Fowler stood at the end of the Coastal Walk near their bench, stretching his hamstring.

“I was hoping to run into you.” She collapsed on the bench, taking deep breaths to bring her heart rate down.

Teddy confirmed Lara had been stabbed with a sharp weapon.

“Based on first impressions, we think it’s a crime of passion. Whoever killed Lara hated her with a vengeance.”

“You think?” Cassie shot back, unable to keep the sarcasm out of her voice. “Almost everyone in town hated her, Teddy. They were just not upfront about it.”

“Anna isn’t implicated,” he told her. “At least, not yet.” He tensed. “The police suspect Lara’s chief of staff. They had a nasty fight that evening.”

“Finn O’Malley?” Cassie burst out. “But he and Lara were pretty tight. Some might say he was involved in her shady work.”

Teddy didn’t respond and pushed off, pleading an early meeting.

Cassie went home, showered and had breakfast with Anna and Meg.

“How’s your term project coming along, kid?” She cut a big piece of her egg white omelet, refusing to look at Meg.

“Just come out and say it, Mom. You think I have a crush on Barry.”

“Do you?” Anna shot back. “How long is he staying in town?”

“Relax.” Meg shrugged off any questions. “I’m not going to pack my bags and run off with him.”

They headed to the cafe, bracing themselves for another day of innuendo. Cassie spent the first half of the morning at the bookstore. When she walked in through the arch for a cup of coffee, Anna, Julie and Mary were at their usual table, their heads bent together.

“I can see you’re up to no good.”

MJ came along with her cappuccino and a plate of brownies.

“Tempting, but no, thanks,” Cassie sighed.

She took a sip of her coffee and waited for her mother to speak up. Anna brought her up to speed in hushed tones. Cassie looked around, her eyes widening when she spotted the women from the Garden Committee.

“You mean Agnes is going ahead with the election.” She bit her lip. “We already knew that, Mom.”

“She didn’t stand a chance earlier,” Anna explained. “With Lara out of the picture …”

“Agnes is a shoo in,” Cassie finished. “So what, Mom? That’s kind of obvious.”

“Don’t you see?” Julie rolled her eyes. “That gives her motive.”

Cassie told them they were being dramatic.

“The police suspect someone else.”

She told them about Finn O’Malley.

The door flew open before Julie could respond and Leo Mancini came in, accompanied by another officer. He spotted them and strode to their table.

“Hello Mrs. Butler.” He greeted everyone and declined Anna’s offer of coffee. “I would like to ask you all some questions.”

Leo had basic questions about their whereabouts on the fateful night.

“Did any of you enter the maze?”

Cassie shook her head. None of them had been part of the first lot that was allowed inside. Leo worked down his list and left shortly.

“Why does he want to know our height?” Mary asked.

“Must be relevant somehow.” Anna gave a shrug.

Cassie had been wondering the same thing.

“You mentioned Finn O’Malley,” Julie reminded her.

The ladies started talking about him.

“He always has a smile for everyone,” Mary said. “I can’t believe he would hurt anyone on purpose.”

“You’re so naïve,” Julie chuckled. “He was Lara’s right hand man, involved in every crooked thing she did.”

Anna nodded reluctantly.

“I think he was caught in her web of deceit. He was in too deep to pull out.”

Cassie asked about his family.

“He doesn’t have any, other than Grace,” Anna explained. “Years ago, he was in love with a local girl. A big wedding was planned but she left him at the altar. He never took up with anyone after that.”

“If he was so close to Lara, what were they arguing about?” Cassie asked.

The door flew open again and Finn O’Malley walked in, dabbing his forehead with a handkerchief. A cold gust accompanied him. His eyes were wild as he looked around, tried to spot someone. His gaze landed on Anna.

Cassie saw her mother wave at the new arrival, inviting him to their table.

Finn O’Malley shuffled forward and sat down with a thud.

“You have to help me, Anna,” he wailed. “I’m innocent.”

Chapter 11

Anna dug her fists in dough, pummeling it with all her might. She was making ravioli. It was how she relieved stress.

Lunch had been a prolonged argument about whether she should help Finn O’Malley. They sat at the Yellow Tulip Diner, eating chicken pot pie and going over the pros and cons of the situation.

Cassie pointed out that Anna had never turned anyone away. There was no reason to start now. Julie sided with her. Mary had been cautious in offering an opinion, finally suggesting Anna should do what she thought best.

“What’s for dinner, Grandma?” Meg swept into the kitchen, looking windblown. “Can I help you roll out the ravioli?”

Anna released the breath she had been holding for a long time.

“What kind of mischief have you been up to?”

She perched on a stool and watched Meg bite into an apple. It was a relief to be off her feet.

Meg pointed at a bowl of spinach and ricotta and asked Anna for pointers.

“Shall I get you some lemonade?” she asked. “Or do you prefer tea?”

Anna thanked her and chose the lemonade.

“I spoke to Mom,” Meg supplied as she handed her a glass. “What’s bothering you, Grandma? You have never thought twice about rushing to anyone’s aid.”

“At the risk of hurting myself,” Anna chuckled. “I don’t know, child. I’m exhausted.” She stared at her feet, debating whether she should open up to Meg. “I should be focusing on something else.”

“You haven’t heard back from Mickey,” Meg guessed. “He’s giving a talk at DBU in a couple of weeks. We can have him over for dinner.”

Anna perked up. “That’s a good idea. But I can’t bother him too much.”

Meg was sure he wouldn’t mind.

“Is that all that’s bothering you?”

Anna finally spilled her guts.

“I could be a suspect myself. Let’s face it, the police know about my history with Lara. They can zero in on me anytime.”

“All the more reason to find the true culprit.”

Anna promised to think about it. They worked quietly for some time until they had two big sheet pans of plump raviolis, ready to be chucked in boiling water.

Cassie came in and started whipping butter for her garlic bread.

“Why don’t you get ready, Mom? Gino will be here soon. I can chop the salad and we’ll toss it just before dinner.”

Anna didn’t have to be told twice. She hurried to the room and changed into a fresh frock, choosing a bronze lipstick Cassie told her was the rage that season. The bell rang just as she had finished spraying some perfume on her wrists.

Gino brought Tyler Madison.

“I’m sorry to turn up without an invitation.” He looked uncomfortable.

“Nonsense!” Anna assured him. “It will give us a chance to get acquainted. And any friend of Gino’s is always welcome at my table.”

Cassie breezed in with a tray of antipasti and proceeded to put Tyler at ease. Gino followed Anna to the kitchen.

“Shall I pour the wine?” He picked up the bottle that was breathing on the counter. “Leo’s working tonight. Tyler looked like he needed a good meal so I insisted he tag along.”

“You did the right thing.” Anna set his mind at ease. “I have enough to feed an army.”

She added oil and butter to a hot skillet and let it sizzle. Gino talked about his day while Anna seared some marinated chicken breasts and put them in the oven.

“Is this a new recipe?”

“We got a gallon of cider from Daisy Hollow farms. I thought of using it in this wine sauce. It’s a hit or miss, actually. I wasn’t expecting company.”

Gino told her anything she cooked was bound to be delicious.

Anna dismissed his praise as mere flattery and told him about Finn O’Malley.

“The girls think I should help him.”

“Are you afraid he might be using you to deflect attention from himself?” Gino mused. “He’s a good man, from what I can tell, although he does seem to be mixed up in some shady business. It must not have been easy, saying no to Lara.”

Gino was confident O’Malley was not a killer.

Dinner was a success. Tyler wasn’t a big talker, grunting and responding in monosyllables to Meg’s and Cassie’s barrage of questions. But he asked for second helpings of everything.

“You’re an excellent cook, Mrs. Butler.” He dug his fork in the three tiered chocolate cake. “We need someone like you at Mystic Hill.”

“Don’t be so formal. Just call me Anna.”

Gino told him to assume she was a part of any future plans they made at Mystic Hill. Anna saw Cassie’s eyes widen. Was Gino taking her help for granted?

The girls cleared up in the kitchen after the men left. Anna sat at the table, nursing a cup of coffee.

“Did you hear what Gino said, Mom?” Cassie teased. “You’re a part of his future. I hear wedding bells, Meg.”

Anna hushed her and went to bed.

She woke early, feeling a sense of purpose she hadn’t felt in a while. The garden was wet with dew, strewn with fallen leaves. She savored her coffee and did some deep breathing. Then it was time to prepare breakfast.

“Pancakes!” Meg squealed when she came into the kitchen, her usual perky self.

Anna thought she looked more like Cassie each day, especially since her hair had grown out and she had reverted to her natural bronze tresses.

Breakfast put them in a good mood. Meg left for a class and Anna drove to the café with Cassie. The crowd hadn’t diminished in the past few days.

“At least you’re doing good business,” Cassie reasoned.

Anna spotted the cupcakes, scones and fried pies at each table and knew her daughter was right.

“Doesn’t feel right,” she muttered.

News of the crime scene had spread through the grapevine. The story had been told and retold, embellished a little more each time. The current version doing the rounds was pretty scary.

Anna was relieved when Julie and Mary arrived for their coffee date.

“The jury’s out on whether Lara bled to death or suffocated because of the giant pumpkin squashed through her head,” she sighed. “The story’s getting more dramatic by the hour.”

“Only one way to know the truth.” Julie looked at Mary. “Better start baking that banana cream pie.”

“Rory’s out of town.” Mary frowned. “His assistant is not very friendly. I don’t think he’ll talk to me.”

MJ brought over a plate of the fried apple pies with their coffee.

“People are unsettled,” she supplied. “It’s finally beginning to sink in.”

“What?” Julie scoffed. “That there’s a murderer lose in town and he or she could be sitting right here in this café?”

Anna shivered involuntarily.

“They are shocked by all the violence,” MJ explained. “All the hate and anger, you know. Stabbing her wasn’t enough. This person smashed this fifty pound pumpkin over her head.”

“But where did they find such a pumpkin?” Mary was puzzled.

None of them had an answer for that.

“I guess nobody’s thought of that yet,” Julie smirked. “We should ask Meg.”

A dapper man dressed in a stylish suit breezed in, flanked by two girls. Anna recognized one of them.

“Oh! It’s that campaign manager Lara hired. And isn’t that the girl who used to sit outside her office?”

“Her secretary, you mean?” Julie leaned forward, trying to overhear them.

She didn’t have to try hard.

“Never underestimate the sympathy vote, darling!” Joshua Thorpe held court over the hapless girls. “I’ve led three widows in three different states to victory, just based on the public’s emotions. All those housewives had to do was shed a few tears and dab their eyes, pretend they were grieving.”

“But Lara doesn’t have a husband,” the secretary supplied. “He died long ago. And she had no kids.”

Joshua’s face fell. “No kids? What about nieces or nephews? Doesn’t matter who you pick, as long as that person can claim a connection to the dead woman.”

He ordered a triple soy latte and looked down his nose at MJ.

“If you don’t have soy, almond milk will be fine.”

Anna saw MJ flash him a bright smile.

“We’re out of both, Sir. I can offer whole, 2% or nonfat milk.”

Joshua Thorpe shook his head like a diva and rolled his eyes, choosing espresso.

“Who’s paying him, now that Lara’s gone?” Julie burst out.

“Knowing Lara, she wasn’t paying him from her own funds,” Anna replied. “My guess is he’s on the town’s payroll. So in a way, his pay is coming out of our pockets.”

Julie wanted to head to the town hall to get the man fired right away.

“He’ll be gone soon, Julie.” Mary pacified her. “Even if he manages to find someone distantly related to Lara, the town won’t accept them as candidate for mayor.”

“Agnes can be pretty biased.” Julie trained her eyes on Anna.

“She has done a lot of good work over the years,” Mary argued. “I think Agnes deserves this opportunity.”

“Better than a stranger,” Anna nodded.

“She’s going to be unopposed, girls.” Julie raised her brows. “But Agnes Plimsoll would never be mayor if Lara was alive.”

Chapter 12

Rain fell in torrents the next day, obliterating the road before them. Anna rubbed her arms in the sudden chill, blindly staring through the wiper blades working at full speed. She was trying hard not to get her hopes up.

Gino cranked up the heat in the car and took her hand in his.

“Whatever happens, we’ll know more than we did before.”

Tara Machado had been easy to track down. Anna believed there was something fishy about her.

“Why does a highly educated woman work as a humble teacher?”

At the very least, she must have had a doctorate to work as a researcher at the lab.

Gino told her it was a free world. Maybe she grew tired of life in the city. Or she just liked working with children.

“You’re trying to play it down so I don’t get disappointed.” She thanked Gino for being so considerate. “What have I ever done to deserve you?”

The rain stopped and the clouds began to clear. They entered the town where Tara lived and drove to the address they had. Anna had already spoken to her on the phone, letting her know they were coming.

Tara let them into a one bedroom apartment, a toddler perched on her hip.

“It’s not much but we get by.” She gave a tiny shrug and offered coffee or soda.

Anna picked up the child and set it on her lap. He was friendly, with the same dark curls as his mother.

“What can you tell us about the theft at the lab?” Gino cut to the chase.

Tara told them they were wasting their time.

“It happened after I left. Didn’t I mention that on the phone?”

Gino stroked his mustache and held her gaze. He had double checked with Mickey and the women who worked at the lab. He knew for a fact that the artifact had been stolen before Tara resigned abruptly from her job.

“This little bundle of joy,” Tara nodded at the child. “I found I was pregnant and I wanted to start over in a new place. Single mothers may be a dime a dozen now but that doesn’t mean people stop judging you or offering helpful advice.”

Anna thought it sounded plausible.

Gino told her he had been the police chief for many years and had several contacts in the region.

“They are going to open the case again, Tara. Would you rather be interrogated at the station?”

Tara’s eyes flashed fire.

“Okay, I did it. I stole that silly artifact. I admit it.”

Anna’s mouth dropped open as Tara narrated the sordid tale. The artifact had shown promising results and was creating a buzz at the lab. It went through several rigorous tests and by the time it came to Tara’s department, there was no doubt it was the genuine article.

“Once we established the age, I knew it was valuable.” Tara began pacing the room. “What can I say, I was tempted. I was working late, alone, and the opportunity was too good to be true.”

Tara had taken the artifact and deleted all the research data related to it. She had breezed out of the lab without any trouble. Then she put in a resignation for personal reasons and said goodbye to the lab.

“I suppose you also deleted the employment records,” Gino asked her.

Tara had acted on impulse and done what she could to cover her tracks.

The child began to fuss and Tara picked him up.

“Was it a fake after all?” Gino looked up at her. “Doesn’t look like you got rich from selling it.”

“That obvious, huh!” Tara’s face was red. “Would you believe I got duped?”

Tara had been living with her boyfriend at the time, a man who professed to be in love with her and was going to marry her. A few days after the theft, he vanished in thin air and the artifact disappeared.

“Did this man influence you to steal?” Anna felt sorry for Tara. “Was he crooked, I mean?”

“He wasn’t a professional thief or anything,” Tara muttered. “Give me some credit. Stuart worked at an antique store. That’s why we hit it off. He was an amateur history buff and he was fascinated by the kind of work we do at the lab.”

“So he knew about that artifact?” Anna burst out. “Aren’t you supposed to sign a nondisclosure contract?”

Tara had never told her boyfriend about the artifact.

“I wasn’t sure how he would react about the baby. It was my rainy day fund.”

Gino wanted to know the man’s full name and anything else she could share.

“Stuart Harris,” Tara supplied. “But it’s no use. You think I didn’t try to find him? I hired a private investigator to track the man down. According to him, Stuart was using an alias.”

Anna realized Tara had told them all she could. She ruffled the baby’s hair and planted a kiss on his forehead. Gino told Tara she may have been a victim but she wasn’t innocent.

“You stole something that didn’t belong to you. Who knows what chain of events that set off.”

Tara’s surprise was genuine. Apparently, she hadn’t given much thought to any repercussions she might have caused.

“What now?” Anna groaned on the way back home. “We come to another dead end.”

“Don’t give up so soon, my dear.” Gino’s eyes hardened. “Give me some time to work on this.”

“Tara’s investigator found nothing,” Anna sighed.

Gino pulled up before a small taqueria on the outskirts of the town.

“I know a few people,” Gino winked. “Have faith, Anna. And now, I think we’ve earned our supper.”

The fish tacos were crispy and smothered in a delicious chipotle sauce, with a generous side of pineapple slaw. Anna took a few bites and forced herself to focus on the positive. Cassie and Meg were living with her now and their well being had to be more important. Maybe it was time she heeded the warning in the notes and stopped grasping at straws.

But would she get those threats if she wasn’t on the right track?

“Do what you can, Gino.” She scooped some fiery salsa with a nacho chip. “Find Stuart Harris.”

Chapter 13

Cassie twirled spaghetti carbonara on her fork and gave her mother a contemplative look. The Butler women were having a simple dinner at home the next day.

“You seem different. Has anything happened today?”

Meg looked up, her eyes darting between the two of them.

“Grandma’s made up her mind. I think she wants to make an announcement, Mom.”

Anna laughed.

“She’s right. I decided I’m going to look into Lara’s murder.”

“So Finn O’Malley got to you,” Cassie quipped. “Do you believe he isn’t involved?”

“I don’t know, girls.” Anna admitted frankly. “Let the chips fall where they may.”

Cassie knew Anna would want more details about the actual crime.

“So is Aunt Mary baking that banana cream pie?”

Anna told her about Rory being out of town.

“We won’t get any help from the medical examiner this time. Any idea how I might get hold of that autopsy report?”

Cassie knew what Anna was hinting at.

“I’ll try to make Teddy talk, Mom. But I can’t promise anything.”

Meg excused herself to work on an assignment after dinner. Anna was tired after another busy day at the café. Cassie went to her room and called Bobby.

“When are you coming here, Bobbykins?” she asked with a pout.

He wanted to know what was bothering her.

“You seem impatient. I thought you wanted this time with Meg, sweetie. Once you go on location, you won’t have a chance to hang out with her.”

“Meg’s busy. I think she has a new guy.”

They talked about the man Meg was fawning over. Cassie wasn’t sure if she liked him.

“Of course you don’t,” Bobby laughed. “She’ll always be our baby girl and anyone who threatens to take her away from us can’t be good.”

Cassie hoped Meg would finish college before she went backpacking to some third world country.

“Has she talked about quitting?”

“Not really,” Cassie admitted. “But she’s so easily impressed.”

“That’s not the same as being easily swayed.”

By the time Bobby convinced her to stop worrying, they were both yawning their heads off. Cassie bid him good night and slid into a dreamless sleep.

Morning came soon enough. Cassie laced up her shoes and stepped out in the bright sunshine. A strong wind whipped her tresses around her face but she was determined. Ignoring the biting cold, she walked to the Coastal Walk and started jogging, thinking about ways to tackle Teddy Fowler. She chose the direct approach.

“What does the autopsy report say?”

Teddy was doing jumping jacks by the bench. He didn’t lower his pace, barely out of breath while he talked to her.

“The department’s keeping a tight lid on this, Cass. I’m sorry. Leo is the only one who might be able to help you.”

Cassie was surprised. Gino hadn’t mentioned his nephew was working on the case. Ted explained it was complicated. Some of the people on the force had been rumored to have some history with Lara. Cassie was sure it was something unsavory involving kickbacks or corruption in office but Teddy didn’t elaborate.

“Being new, Leo is the one with the least conflict of interest,” he explained. “And he’s proven himself a few times by now. The chief thought it was time he was given some responsibility.”

Leo Mancini was heading the core team that was working on the Lara Crawford murder.

“The town is tense,” Teddy sighed. “The higher ups want everything tied up nicely before making a formal statement.”

Cassie couldn’t hide her disappointment.

“Rory Cunningham’s out of town so no dice there. Mom says his assistant has a grudge against the Firecrackers. He won’t help at all.”

Teddy ground to a halt and bent down with his hands on his knees, taking deep breaths.

“One of my poker buddies is a clerk at the medical examiner’s office,” he grinned. “Ollie Knight?”

Cassie had never heard of him.

“Don’t tell him that,” Teddy laughed. “Cass, he’s your most loyal fan. He’ll do anything for an autographed picture.”

“Like slipping me a copy of the report?” Cassie’s eyes gleamed. “Set me up, Teddy. I’m always happy to spend time with my fans.”

They jogged down the Coastal Walk and parted ways when they reached Main Street. Cassie rushed through her shower and dressed quickly, choosing a thick cable knit sweater to go with her jeans. A spritz of Joy perfume and slash of red lipstick made her ready to face the day.

Meg jumped at the chance to go sleuthing.

“No classes or pending assignments so I’m all yours, Mom.”

Cassie ate the poached eggs and avocado toast Anna had prepared and bid her good day.

“Wish me luck, Mom. Hopefully, this Ollie guy will deliver.”

“Be nice,” Anna admonished her. “Even if he can’t help us.”

The drive to the medical examiner’s office didn’t take long. Teddy had called ahead so they were expected.

Ollie Knight was a slight, balding man in his forties, painfully shy. He stared at the floor when Cassie greeted him, offering a limp handshake.

“She doesn’t bite,” Meg joked, but that made him retreat further.

Cassie dug an elbow in her daughter’s side, hoping she would take the hint.

“I brought you an autographed photo, Ollie.” Cassie handed over a big envelope. “It’s from one of my old films.”

Ollie’s hands shook as he pulled out the picture.

“This is the one where you won the Academy Award!” his eyes swung up to meet hers. “Thank you so much. I’m going to treasure this.”

Meg suggested getting a photo with him. Cassie posed with the quiet man, wondering how she was going to convince him to cough up the autopsy report. She didn’t have to ask.

Ollie ushered them to his desk and slid a file toward her, glancing nervously over his shoulder.

“You have two minutes to read this. Rory’s assistant is watching us. He might get suspicious if you stay too long.”

Meg solved the problem by taking pictures of the report with her phone. They thanked Ollie and promised to catch up later.

“You’ve been a big help,” Cassie gushed. “I really appreciate it, Ollie.”

The Firecrackers were at their usual table, nibbling on a fresh batch of pumpkin ginger cupcakes, waiting in anticipation.

Meg held up her phone in triumph.

“What does it say?” Julie plunged ahead. “Don’t play with us.”

“Mom talked my head off on the way over.” Meg put one hand on her hip, taking a dramatic stance. “I didn’t get a chance to read anything, Aunt Julie.”

“Talking about your future is more important than that report,” Cassie defended herself. “Aren’t you glad we had that talk?”

Meg rolled her eyes and addressed everyone.

“I’m going to say this once, okay? Yes, I plan to travel the world and visit as many countries as possible. That means I will probably get a job in tourism. That’s the only reason I’m hanging out with Barry.”

“So you’re not sweet on him?” Julie winked. “I wouldn’t blame you if you were.”

Meg held up a hand. “You’re all being silly. Like I told Mom, I intend to finish college first. So I’m not going to sneak out in the middle of the night or anything.”

Anna pulled her into a hug.

“I’m sure you won’t, sweetie.”

Cassie sat down and folded her arms in a huff.

“I was wrong, kid. You’re not going to make the same mistakes I did.”

“I’ll make other mistakes.” Meg asked her to scoot over and sat down beside her. “You can call me out as many times as you like, Mom. All of you. That’s what family does, after all.”

Cassie blinked back a tear and patted Meg’s knee.

“That’s enough. Show them the report.”

Anna and Julie poured over the pictures, their mouths hanging open at what they saw.

“Do you see that hay picking thing? The one that looks like a fork?” Anna enlarged an image and showed it to everyone. “They are sure it’s the murder weapon.”

“You mean that big shovel that looks like a giant fork?” Cassie burst out. “How could anyone have carried that in without being noticed?”

“Someone might have left it inside by accident,” Mary offered.

“That’s what happened,” Meg told them. “Grace left some farm tools in the maze, like props, you know.”

Julie thought that sounded dangerous.

Meg had noticed them while testing the maze. Part of their assignment had been to comment on whether they were obtrusive.

“Grace wanted to be sure we didn’t stumble over them.”

Cassie told them to move on. “What else does it say, Mom?”

“There wasn’t much of a struggle,” Anna replied. “So the attack was quick and totally unexpected.”

“You think Lara had an argument with her killer? They might have lost their temper, picked up the first thing that came to hand and hit her.”

Julie wasn’t sure there had been an argument. The murderer had seen Lara go into the maze, seen an opportunity and followed her.

“So this person entered the maze with the sole purpose of killing Lara?” Anna frowned. “That’s very cold blooded.”

Mary cleared her throat.

“The entire incident is the work of a calm and collected person. Don’t forget the pumpkin.”

“Now where did the pumpkin come from?” Cassie exclaimed. “Are you telling me it was lying around in the maze too?”

Meg nodded vigorously.

“They provided atmosphere. The volunteers carved two dozen giant pumpkins, like Jack-O’-lanterns. We put solar powered lights inside them so they would glow like candles but not be a fire hazard.”

“I think the pumpkin shows this was a crime of passion,” Julie insisted. “This person should have fled as soon as the deed was done.”

MJ had come over with a pot of coffee.

“Takes a lot of strength,” she murmured. “Lifting fifty pounds and slamming them around a person’s head.”

“Someone blew the emergency horn, remember?” Cassie was puzzled.

Anna thought it had been a ploy to create confusion. The killer had managed to escape along with the fleeing crowd.

“But he took the time to let everyone know he hated her,” Julie reminded them. “I think the pumpkin was used to make a statement.”

Mary agreed with her.

“We are dealing with someone who has nerves of steel. That’s why the killer lingered after attacking her. He took a calculated risk and didn’t get flustered at all.”

Cassie had a different opinion.

“Or he’s incredibly stupid.”

Chapter 14

Anna rushed through her breakfast the next morning, determined to reach the café early. MJ was surprised to see her.

“All good?”

“I thought I would get a head start on the cupcakes,” Anna told her. “People want pumpkin treats this time of the year.”

MJ looked doubtful.

“You might have to come up with a new design for the frosting though. That scary face looks too real.”

The giant pumpkin around Lara’s head was the talk of the town and not in a good way. Fear was rampant and everyone was looking over their shoulder, reluctant to go around corners.

“All the pumpkins scattered around town don’t help, I guess,” Anna reasoned. “Don’t worry, MJ. I have been thinking of a new design. That’s why I’m here early, to try it out.”

An hour later, Anna presented three different perfectly frosted cupcakes to MJ. Each of them displayed a smiling face that was bound to lift anyone’s mood.

“These are cute.” MJ approved. “Let’s put all three patterns in the display case and see which one is most popular.”

Anna thought it was a good idea. She picked up a fresh pot of coffee and went out to greet her customers. The door opened and Agnes came in, flanked by her sister and some women from the Garden Committee.

They chose a big table in the center of the room and barked out their orders, consumed by an intense discussion.

“Excuse me.” Anna approached their table. “I couldn’t help but overhear. Is it true?”

“That pricey manager Lara hired is up to no good,” Agnes trilled. “He’s produced a long lost nephew to contest the election.” Her color was high. “I’ve known Lara since she was in kindergarten and I don’t think she has any nephew.”

“So where did they find him?” Anna was puzzled. “Surely someone will check his credentials before they allow him to stand for mayor?”

“He has none!” One of the Garden Club ladies was indignant. “He’s not from Dolphin Bay. He knows nothing about us. How can he presume to be our mayor?”

Anna thought Joshua Thorpe would have gone back to the city by now.

“Why’s he hanging around here?”

Apparently, Lara had paid her campaign manager upfront. He thought it was his duty to see someone from Lara’s camp elected. Anna had never imagined the smooth talking oily salesman would be so conscientious.

“It’s not a laughing matter, Anna.” Agnes looked stricken. “What am I to do?”

“Hire your own campaign manager.” Anna told them it was the obvious solution.

The women ordered another round of scones and cupcakes and plunged into a new discussion with a fresh burst of energy. They hadn’t found a solution by the time she went back with their treats.

“Here’s a fresh batch of fried pies.” She set a plate before Agnes. “MJ said you like these.”

Agnes absentmindedly thanked her and picked one up. “It’s no use, ladies!” she moaned. “This new upstart is going to win the sympathy vote.”

“You’re not one to give up easily,” Anna coaxed.

“How can I compete against a dead woman, Anna?” Agnes was resigned. “That creep is going to make Lara Crawford a martyr. And I’m going to look insensitive if I say anything against her.”

Anna maintained that the right campaign manager would manage to smooth the way for Agnes. They just needed someone who was bold and dynamic and was familiar with the locals.

Her eye fell upon the fashionably dressed woman who was stroking her sister’s back, trying to get her to calm down.

“What about your sister? Doesn’t she have a background in public relations?”

“Essie?” Agnes sat up, her eyes filling with hope. “Will you do it? You know how to bring out the best in me.”

The Garden Committee ladies caught on and started pleading with Esther. Anna guessed she would cave in without too much persuasion.

The café door flew open and Julie stormed in, waving a newspaper before Anna.

“Have you seen this yet? Heads are going to roll, mark my words.”

“Is that the Chronicle?” Anna asked mildly

Julie tended to get carried away easily.

“It’s a special edition of the Chronicle,” Mary confirmed, following Julie to their usual table. “Ian might have gone too far this time.”

Anna pulled off her apron and sat down with her friends. MJ came along with their coffee and a plate of the pumpkin cupcakes with the smiley faces on them.

“Take your pick.” She set them on the table with a flourish, finally noticing Julie’s expression. “Oh, oh.”

Anna let her beat a quiet exit and picked up the newspaper.

“Oh wow!” Her mouth dropped open as she skimmed through the article. “He’s crucified Finn O’Malley.”

“And to what purpose?” Julie fumed. “Finn’s not half bad.”

“According to Ian, Finn O’Malley was involved in all of Lara’s crooked transactions. In fact, if this article is right, he was the one who instigated them.”

Mary agreed with Anna.

“We always knew Finn wasn’t entirely above board. Why does this bother you so much, Julie?”

Anna read on.

“Lara was going to initiate a formal inquiry. That would put Finn on the spot.”

“That’s a load of crap.” Julie bit into a cupcake and gulped down her coffee. “You of all people should know that, Anna. Lara was the one who was doing the shady business. Have you forgotten all that money she siphoned off to the Caribbean?”

“She couldn’t have done all that without an accomplice, girls,” Anna reasoned. “And Finn seems to be the most likely.”

“She was his boss,” Mary shrugged. “Finn can always say he was just following orders.”

Anna thought Finn O’Malley might have gone the extra step in pleasing his boss but he wasn’t gullible.

“I can’t believe he was ignorant. Finn must have known he was breaking the law. And knowing Lara, he shouldn’t be surprised she was planning to throw him under the bus.”

Julie nodded along with this theory.

“That’s what I’m saying. He worked with that woman for years. Nothing she did was going to surprise him. So there’s no way he got Lara out of the way just because she threatened to lodge a complaint against him.”

“Corruption and embezzlement are serious crimes,” Mary pointed out. “It’s hard to predict how a person will behave when push comes to shove.”

They went back and forth over the article, trying to determine what Ian was saying between the lines.

“So you really think Ian is pointing the finger at Finn?” Anna pursed her lips.

She barely noticed the time until Cassie came in and asked what they were doing for lunch.

“Have you looked at the time, Mom?”

They decided to go to the Yellow Tulip to pick up on the latest gossip.

The waitress showed them to a booth. Anna found she had developed a voracious appetite and ordered the meatloaf sandwich with fries.

Cassie spotted a familiar figure two tables over and waved. Leo came over to greet them.

“How are you ladies?”

Anna asked if he had read the Chronicle. He hadn’t.

“I need to be impartial so I prefer to avoid any theories the media puts forward. I would rather reach a conclusion based on the facts and the evidence before me.”

Anna thought that was commendable.

“It’s my first big case,” Leo blushed. “The chief’s letting me take the lead on this one. Unofficially, of course, but I don’t want him to regret he chose me.”

Anna told him she believed in him.

“Your uncle has taught you well. We are so proud of you, Leo.”

Cassie told her she was embarrassing him in front of the whole town.

“So you really don’t have an opinion about Finn O’Malley?” Julie pressed. “The Chronicle is hinting he’s your guy. Although how anyone as nervous as Finn can have the guts to stab someone, I don’t know. He would sweat buckets just thinking about it.”

Leo couldn’t comment on the article because he hadn’t read it.

“I don’t want to know what it says because I’d rather not be biased. But I can tell you one thing. Whoever ended our illustrious mayor’s life was a cool customer.”

Chapter 15

Anna sprinkled some crushed rosemary over her pumpkin Bolognese sauce and gave it a final taste. Gino was coming to dinner. She was looking forward to a quiet evening at home by the fireside, surrounded by friends and family.

“The dressing is done,” Cassie announced, licking her finger. “Gino’s been asking for it for weeks.”

Meg was grating a hunk of parmesan cheese.

“When do we eat, Grandma? That chicken smells amazing!”

Anna told her to be patient, cutting a block of cheddar for the antipasti tray. She wanted a few minutes to change and put on some makeup.

The kitchen door flew open and Julie swept in, carrying the scent of burnt leaves with her. She headed straight to the stove.

“This is delicious!” she tasted the sauce simmering on low heat. “So rich and earthy.”

She followed Anna to her bedroom and lounged in a chair while she dressed.

“I hope Gino’s bringing wine. A robust red will go really well with that meat sauce.”

“You can count on it.” Anna smiled fondly. “I don’t remember the last time I bought any.”

“Perks of dating a vintner,” Julie guffawed. “We should all be so lucky.”

Anna’s hand froze while applying lipstick. She stared at Julie’s reflection in the mirror.

“Wait. Are you saying you are finally ready to go out on a date?”

Julie hushed her.

The doorbell rang, prompting Julie to head outside.

“I’m right behind you.” Anna pulled out a bottle of perfume from a drawer and sprayed some behind her ears.

She rushed out eagerly and halted in her step, pasting a smile on her face to greet her unexpected guest.

“Tyler and I were discussing our marketing plan for the holidays.” Gino planted a kiss on her cheek. “So I asked him to tag along. You don’t mind?”

“Of course not!” Anna was sincere as she shook hands with the tall, bearded man who was becoming a fixture at Mystic Hill. “You are always welcome here, Tyler.”

Julie was staring daggers at her. Anna made a mental note to talk to her about it.

Meg arrived with the platter of cheese and Cassie poured wine. Gino sat with Anna on the couch, his arm around her. Julie began telling them about the plot of her latest book. Tyler devoted himself to the food.

“So what do you think, Mr. Madison?” Julie asked suddenly. “Is Juliana right?”

“Huh?” Tyler froze, about to pop a grape in his mouth. “You talking to me?”

Julie rolled her eyes.

“You haven’t listened to a word I said.”

Tyler continued to look bewildered.

“Aunt Julie was regaling us with the story of her new book,” Cassie offered. “Juliana is the heroine and she’s facing a dilemma.”

“Let me guess.” Tyler chewed on the grape and reached for more. “She’s dating two or three men and can’t decide between them.”

“Are you mocking me?” Julie was incensed. “You think my heroine has a questionable character?”

Anna’s eyes met Gino’s and they shared a secret smile. She settled into his arms, bracing herself for an argument.

“Why should I think about your heroine?” Tyler frowned. “Look, I couldn’t care less about this Juliana. She’s not real anyway.”

Cassie sucked in a breath. She knew Julie was attached to every character she created. As an actress, she felt the same way herself, having fond memories of the different roles she had played.

“What was the last book you read?” Julie sounded calm but Anna knew she was seething inside.

“Don’t know.” Tyler gave a shrug. “Not much for reading books.”

“I should’ve guessed.” Julie gave a snort and looked away.

“I prefer the outdoors.” Tyler assumed a mulish expression. “What’s wrong with that? Not everyone likes to be cooped up in a room, reading about people that don’t exist. Life is meant to be lived.”

“Have you no concept of art or culture?” Julie turned red. “Why, if everyone thought like you, we’d all be heathens.”

Anna stepped in before the conversation could derail further.

“Why don’t you toss the salad, Cass? Meg, help me bring the food out, dear.” She turned to Julie. “I need you to check the salt in the chicken.”

“Already did that,” Julie muttered, glaring at Tyler Madison.

Gino stood up and pulled her to her feet.

“I don’t know about you, but I’m starving. Let’s start on the bread.”

Dinner proceeded without any more drama, much to Anna’s relief. Meg told them about her class project and Tyler shoveled food and ignored Julie.

“That was delicious, Mrs. Butler. Thank you so much.” He started stacking the dishes and carried them to the kitchen.

“It’s Anna, remember? Why don’t you have a seat in the living room? The coffee should be ready soon.”

Tyler insisted on doing the dishes.

“At least he’s good for something,” Julie quipped.

Anna dragged her to the living room and fed her cake.

“Did you read the Chronicle?” Cassie asked Gino. “What do you think of Finn O’Malley?”

He wanted to reserve his opinion.

“Ian Samuels is known for his professional integrity. He would never have made such allegations unless he was sure of his facts.”

“So what?” Anna was dismayed. “You think Finn is guilty? How guilty, Gino? Is he just corrupt or did he also murder Lara?”

Gino asked for a second helping of cake.

“If you want Finn to be innocent, someone else must be guilty. Who do you have in mind?”

“Agnes?” Cassie hazarded a guess.

Anna sat down with a sigh.

“She can be boorish but she’s also high strung. Leo said Lara’s killer was cold and wily. Agnes could never be like that.”

“What about this new candidate they are putting up for mayor?” Julie asked. “He’s not really Lara’s nephew, is he?”

“Never heard of him,” Anna admitted. “John would have mentioned him sometime.”

“He could be an impostor,” Cassie pitched in. “Some unknown adversary who got her out of the way so he could take her place.”

“Take her place as mayor of a small California town?” Meg scoffed. “Why would anyone do that, Mom?”

They talked about multiple scenarios, each wilder than the previous. Finally, Gino called it a night and stood up to leave. Julie wasn’t far behind.

Anna’s eyelids were drooping and she was fast asleep the moment she slid under the covers. Morning arrived soon enough, bringing some watery sunlight. Anna drank her coffee in the garden before getting ready.

Meg had fixed a big pot of oatmeal with cinnamon and apples. She headed to school after breakfast and Cassie and Anna drove to the café.

“I know that look, Mom.” Cassie asked MJ for a cappuccino. “Just promise me you won’t go anywhere on your own.”

Anna protested mildly.

“We know you’re quite the femme fatale,” Cassie sighed. “But let’s not forget a woman is already dead. I want you to be safe.”

“Can I go into the kitchen to frost some cupcakes?”

“So not funny!” Cassie grumbled and went to the bookstore.

Anna waited until Julie arrived for coffee.

“Fancy a little walk?” she asked after Julie had chowed down a cookie and a brownie. “I’ve been cooped up here all morning.”

They stepped out into a sunny day and strolled down Main Street at a leisurely pace. Life was almost back to normal. People had stopped thronging the café or huddling in groups on the Coastal Walk or the park that ran through the center of the town, discussing the murder.

Anna stopped when they reached the town hall and confessed her intentions.

“I kinda guessed this was a sleuthing mission,” Julie laughed. “I know you too well, Anna Butler.”

They walked inside and headed to Lara’s office. The door was open and a familiar woman with a mop of curly red hair guarded the entrance.

“Hello Marcie.” Anna greeted Lara’s personal assistant. “We are here to offer our condolences.”

Marcie looked up from filing her nails and gave a deep sigh.

“Some would say she had it coming. But what a way to go.”

“You were at the receiving end of her many moods,” Anna began. “I think you deserve a special prize.”

Marcie sat up straighter in her chair.

“We can talk to the Garden Committee,” Julie nodded. “Of course, they are not very happy about the corruption in this office.”

“Are you talking about that piece in the Chronicle?” Marcie looked offended. “I don’t know what that Ian Samuels was thinking. The people working in this building are fine, upstanding citizens. Well, most of them.”

Anna leaned forward and lowered her voice.

“You mean all those accusations against Finn O’Malley are correct?”

Marcie squirmed in her chair, reluctant to answer.

“Was Lara going to fire him?” Anna pressed.

Marcie picked up her nail file again and looked around furtively.

“There was no formal inquiry but there were many rumors among the staff.”

Anna urged her to continue.

“They were like this, you know.” She crossed her fingers. “Lara and Finn. Very secretive about some things. Her other aides did not like that.” She licked her lips. “I think they were having an affair.”

“Finn O’Malley and Lara Crawford were a couple?” Julie burst out. “I don’t believe it.”

“Not a real couple,” Marcie giggled. “It was all very hush-hush.”

Anna tried to question her further but she clammed up.

“Do you believe her?” Julie asked after they stepped out of the building. “You think a snob like Lara would engage in something as common as an office affair?”

“Stranger things have happened,” Anna muttered, spying the portly figure coming toward them.

“Hello Finn!”

Finn O’Malley mopped his forehead with the ever present handkerchief and gave them a nod. His usual smile had been replaced by a cloudy expression.

“Can I buy you a cup of coffee?” Anna offered.

Finn didn’t feel like going to the café but he was amenable to a walk. Julie had a meeting with her editor so she bid them goodbye.

Anna led Finn to a bench on the Coastal Walk and bought him a cup of coffee from a street cart.

“It’s that article, isn’t it?” Finn gulped his coffee too quickly and yelped in pain. “Ian Samuels has ruined me. Don’t know what I ever did to him.”

Anna patted his knee.

“Most rumors contain an element of truth. And what’s this about you and Lara having an affair?”

Finn’s face turned the shade of a vine ripe tomato.

“That was ages ago, Anna. It didn’t mean anything.”

“Why were you fighting with her, Finn? In front of a crowd, no less.”

Finn admitted Lara had been crooked. She had been involved in some shady deals but when things got hot, she pointed the finger at him.

“Elections were coming up and she couldn’t afford a scandal. So she hinted that I was on the take. You know how it is … when something comes from the top, people don’t question it.”

The news of Finn’s dishonesty had spread like wildfire.

“My reputation was in shreds,” he sobbed, pulling out his handkerchief. “All that loyalty and this is the thanks I get?”

Anna was worried.

“The only thing I am hearing, Finn, is that you had a strong motive to murder her.”

Finn had been a docile cog in the wheel until he finally had too much.

“Tell me one thing, Anna.” Finn interrupted her thoughts. “If I planned to kill her in that maze, why would I pick a fight with her in front of everyone? You think I’m that stupid?”

Chapter 16

Anna walked down the Coastal Walk, lost in thought. Two days had passed without any progress. The buzz around Lara’s death had abated and life in Dolphin Bay had gone back to normal. Thanksgiving was around the corner and most people in town were busy making plans for the big festival.

The café was going to serve dinner for a handful of guests on Thanksgiving Day. It was MJ’s idea and she had wholeheartedly plunged into trying out different recipes for the feast. Bookings were open and over a dozen people had already signed up.

Despite Finn O’Malley’s protests, most people had pinned him as the culprit. The police hadn’t taken any action yet and Anna guessed they were waiting on something. Leo wasn’t forthcoming with any information, choosing to act very straitlaced about his first big case.

“A penny for your thoughts, my dear.” A familiar voice made her halt in her steps.

“You startled me, Charlie!” Anna smiled at the dapper man leaning on a cane, dressed in a three piece suit. “When did you get back?”

“Last night. And it seems like a lot has happened in my absence.” His eyes narrowed as he waited for a reply. “Mama’s all riled up. So I canceled my meetings and flew home from Amsterdam yesterday.”

For a moment, Anna wondered what he had been doing in the Netherlands. Charlie Robinson had a finger in many pies and headed a vast conglomerate. The Castle Beach Resort was just one of his many ventures.

“Have you read the Chronicle yet?” Anna smirked. “It offers quite the scoop.”

“I’m more interested in what you think.”

Anna spread her hands wide and gave a shrug.

“Frankly, I’m not sure. Finn O’Malley insists he’s innocent. I think this is the calm before the storm breaks.”

Charlie was surprised she wasn’t being more proactive.

“Aren’t you a little bit curious? Who laid your nemesis to rest?”

Anna saw the hint of a smile in his eyes.

“You think I’m happy Lara’s gone?” She sucked in a breath. “She may have made my life miserable, but I always wished her well.”

“But you must be relieved.” Charlie refused to let go.

Anna didn’t want to admit he was right.

“There’s a lot happening. Cassie will be gone soon. She’s shooting for her super hero movie somewhere in Eastern Europe. It’s a six month schedule but I’m guessing it could take a year.”

“That’s why you’re in a funk. We should have a party for her before she leaves.” Charlie tapped his cane and dug his hands in his pockets. “Why don’t you come to the resort for lunch? The chef’s trying out some recipes for the Thanksgiving menu. He’ll value your opinion as usual.”

Anna hesitated. She was meeting the Firecrackers at the Tipsy Whale.

“I know you’re a package deal, Anna.” Charlie’s eyes twinkled. “The more the merrier.”

“Does that include Gino?” Anna teased.

Charlie Robinson was infamous for bending the law and operating in gray areas. Gino was wary of him. Julie thought the two men were rivals for Anna’s affection.

“Sure, why not.” Charlie was deadpan. “The more the merrier, like I said.”

They walked down the Coastal Walk toward Main Street.

“So you don’t have any clues?” he pressed. “I find that hard to believe.”

Anna told him about Rory Cunningham being out of town.

“We managed to get a peek at the preliminary autopsy report but it doesn’t tell us much. Gino’s nephew is the unofficial lead and he’s running a tight ship.”

Charlie offered to ask around.

“I know a few people. Let me set the ball rolling.”

Anna thanked him for offering to help.

“Maybe I shouldn’t get involved.”

“Your feud with Lara is common knowledge, Anna.” Charlie was serious. “Sooner or later, someone’s going to point the finger at you. It never hurts to be prepared.”

Anna thought that was sage advice. She bid goodbye to Charlie, promising to meet him later.

Julie and Mary were waiting for her at the café.

“How about lunch at Castle Beach?” She poured herself a cup of coffee and chose a cranberry white chocolate cookie. “They have turkey on the menu. And ham too, probably.”

“The Tipsy Whale has Monte Cristo sandwiches today,” Julie grumbled. “You know Murphy doesn’t make them often.”

Cassie walked in from the bookstore.

“Did I hear Monte Cristo?” she sat down with a thud and picked up an oatmeal raisin cookie. “MJ made these with brown sugar and molasses. That’s healthy, right?”

“He’s making that special berry jam to go with it.” Julie smacked her lips. “But your mom wants to have lunch with Charlie Robinson.”

“He invited everyone,” Anna protested. “You have to admit he’s always gracious to you, Julie. It’s time you cut him some slack.”

MJ came over with little tarts fresh out of the oven.

“Turkey and onion tarts with cranberry chutney.”

Anna tasted one and patted MJ on the back.

“This is a winner. I think we can start serving these right away.”

The Firecrackers agreed readily.

Anna’s phone beeped with a message.

“Charlie’s requesting we go for dinner instead of lunch. Some crisis in the kitchen.”

“That settles it,” Julie beamed. “Monte Cristos for lunch then.”

Cassie chose to stay back at the store.

“Just bring me back one, Mom. I need to study my script.”

Anna walked to the Tipsy Whale with her friends half an hour later. Murphy, the pub owner, greeted them and promised to set aside two sandwiches for Meg and Cassie.

“I don’t think I can manage a whole sandwich,” Anna confessed when she spied the waitress carrying jumbo stacks of steaming sandwiches to the adjoining table.

Mary agreed to share with her but Julie wanted the whole thing. Anna had to admit the sandwiches were mouth watering, slathered with stone ground mustard and served with special berry jam and potato chips.

Julie sat back with a smile on her face and patted her stomach. She was ready for a nap.

“What’s your beef with Tyler Madison?” Anna pounced on her. “Everyone knows you speak your mind and we love you for it. But you’ve never been rude, Julie. What has the man done to you?”

Julie’s cheeks turned pink.

“Let’s say my experience with him has been less than stellar.”

“But he’s barely been here a week,” Anna exclaimed. “When and how did he manage to get on your bad side?”

Julie didn’t want to say anything on the subject. Anna finally gave up.

Mary was leaving for San Jose to visit her daughter and Julie excused herself because of a deadline. Gino had a business meeting in the neighboring town. So the Butler women set off on their own that evening, headed for the Castle Beach Resort.

Charlie Robinson greeted them at the entrance, his manager hovering behind him with a welcoming smile.

“You look beautiful, Anna.” Charlie fawned over them. “Cassie, my dear, we are going to miss you.” He opened his arms for a hug. “And Meg, you get more lovely each day.”

“Stop flattering us, Uncle Charlie!” Cassie laughed. “You better not be making excuses for your chef.”

Charlie led them inside, hoping they had brought their appetite.

“I have a surprise for you, Anna.”

They stepped out on the wide terrace that overlooked the bay. The air was crisp and cool but several fires had been lit at strategic points, lending some much needed warmth.

Meg covered her mouth with her hands and sighed.

“So romantic! I have to come here with Barry.”

“Don’t you mean Drake?” Anna raised her brows in question. “Or is Barry your new boyfriend?”

“Eeew!” Meg squealed. “Of course not, Grandma! As if. He thinks we’re so rustic. He’ll have to change his mind when he comes here.”

She started extolling Barry’s virtues. Charlie told her to bring him to the resort whenever she wanted.

They had barely taken a seat when an army of servers arrived with trays of appetizers. Anna tasted bacon wrapped Brussels sprouts, cocktail meatballs, crab puffs and fried macaroni and cheese. Then the main course arrived and it didn’t disappoint. The chef had sent tiny portions of roasted and fried turkey done three ways. There were two types of mashed potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, creamed spinach and chestnut and sausage stuffing.

“Try this cranberry sauce, Mom.” Meg worked through all the food at a rapid pace. “I can’t pick favorites, Uncle Charlie. I like everything.”

Anna was more discerning and offered a couple of suggestions.

“I don’t think I can handle dessert right away,” she confessed.

Charlie raised his hand and nodded at someone. The manager brought over a middle aged man who had been seated a few feet away from them.

“This is Jack,” he introduced. “He wants to share something with us.”

Anna was bemused. She knew the man by sight. He was a regular at the café, ordering a triple shot of espresso with foam and a cupcake every morning. But she had no idea what he was doing there.

Jack seemed a bit awed by Charlie.

“It’s about the murder weapon,” he blurted out. “The one used to kill the mayor.”

“You work with the police?” She was astonished. “How do you know all this?”

“Let’s not worry about the details,” Charlie soothed. “Just hear him out, Anna.”

Jack grew nervous by the minute. He told her the police had found Finn O’Malley’s finger prints on the weapon.

“Are you sure about this?” Anna was aghast.

Jack gulped and nodded.

“Were there any other prints?” Anna thought quickly.

“There’s one more print.” Jack’s eyes were wide. “How did you know that?”

“That hay fork was just lying around, right? So anyone could have touched it.”

Jack told her the police were going through all the volunteers who had worked at the maze that night. They would be able to identify who the other print belonged to pretty soon.

Anna thanked him for the information. The manager led him away.

“This is tremendous, even for you,” Anna praised Charlie. “How did you get him to talk?”

“I have my ways.” Charlie grinned but refused to say any more.

The servers arrived with dessert. There were ramekins of orange crème brulee, slices of pumpkin cheesecake and tiny slivers of bourbon pecan pie.

“What’s your next move, Mom?” Cassie tapped the top of the crème brulee until it cracked and took a small bite. “Are you going to confront Finn?”

Anna dug into the pecan pie and sighed with pleasure as the sweet flavors hit her tongue.

“No, girls. I’m going to meet these volunteers.”

Chapter 17

Anna set a stack of apple cinnamon pancakes before Meg the next morning, along with a plate of crispy maple bacon.

“Eat up, girl. I think you’re working too hard this semester.”

Meg didn’t need a second invitation.

“I have to get good grades, Grandma. Barry says they are necessary to land a decent internship in the summer.”

“Have you thought of where you want to work?” Anna tried to appear nonchalant.

“Certainly not in Dolphin Bay.” Meg shrugged. “Anywhere in the country is fine. Actually, a summer in Europe sounds cool but I’m too green. Barry says I need to get some experience under my belt first.”

“He should know, of course,” Anna muttered.

Meg’s eyes were filled with devotion.

“Barry spent a summer in France at an ad agency and a summer in Italy, working at a vineyard in a Tuscan hill town. That’s when he realized he couldn’t stay in one place too long. He felt stifled.”

“That sounds bad.”

“I never want to feel like that, Grandma.” Meg was wide eyed. “College is the time to experiment, Barry says. My goal is to work in as many different places as possible by the time I graduate. That way, I’ll be more focused about what I want.”

Anna wondered how Barry Symon had managed to make such a big impression on her granddaughter. Was he stringing her along for some nefarious purpose?

“Where is he from? Has he mentioned his family?”

“I never asked him that!” Meg appeared shocked. “How could I be so rude?”

Anna told her to invite him for dinner sometime.

“Call Drake too. He hasn’t visited us in a while.”

Meg clammed up and poured more syrup over her pancakes. Then she dabbed a slice of bacon in it and began chomping it down.

“Good Morning!” Cassie came in from her run and ruffled her daughter’s hair. “I see you two have quite a head start on the day.”

Anna began beating egg whites while her daughter took a quick shower. She made a spinach and mushroom omelet using the low fat cheese Cassie bought from the city.

“Here you go!” She poured fresh coffee for Cassie. “Did you meet Teddy?”

Cassie nodded and took a bite of her eggs with a smile.

“He’s going to talk to Grace. She knows everyone who was volunteering at the maze. Most of them were kids, Teddy says.”

Anna hoped at least one of them would tell her something new.

Meg rushed off to her class and Anna drove to the café with Cassie. After an hour of greeting customers and frosting cupcakes, she was ready to take a break.

Julie and Mary arrived at the stroke of ten. Anna sat with them and put her feet up, wishing she could go on a long vacation.

“Are you dreaming of Gino?” Julie nagged. “That’s all you’ll be doing if you don’t act soon. He’s a patient man but you are testing his limits, Anna.”

Mary sided with her.

“What’s holding you back? Are you still going to wait until you solve John’s murder?”

Anna gave a deep sigh. Her friends meant well and they were right.

MJ came along with a fresh pot of coffee and maple bars warm out of the oven. Julie bit into one and pronounced it delicious.

The door flew open and Grace Fowler marched in, followed by a gaggle of awkward teenagers. She looked around and held up a hand when she spotted Anna, making a beeline for their table.

“I know Cassie asked for a list but I thought I would do one better.”

Anna looked at the bunch of kids with her. Most of them looked bored. A couple were staring at their feet. She asked MJ to get cupcakes for everyone. That put a smile on their faces.

“Who’s your top suspect, Anna?” Grace asked. “Teddy said you had a few theories.”

Anna told her she hadn’t discussed the crime with Teddy.

“Cassie must have told him,” Grace dismissed. “Same difference.”

“I’m not sure I should get involved, to be honest,” Anna confessed. “The police seem to be close to making an arrest. Teddy must know more about it than me.”

“Yeah,” Julie nodded. “Your detective husband knows more than us old biddies.”

“He won’t say anything,” Grace complained. “My Teddy’s never been so tightlipped about an investigation. And word on the street is Uncle Finn’s going to be arrested any time now.”

“Finn O’Malley?” Anna was cagy.

“Have you forgotten Finn’s my uncle?” Grace looked surprised. “He’s very dear to us, Anna. Why, he bounced me on his knee when I was a child and he dotes on my boys now. Takes them surfing and fishing. They are so fond of him.”

“So you believe your uncle is innocent,” Julie summed up. “Are you sure? He’s been known to bend a few rules.”

Grace turned red.

“Uncle Finn has always been flush, I guess.”

“And you never asked him how much his job paid,” Anna clucked. “That’s not the only thing I’m worried about, Grace.”

“That’s what I’m saying,” Grace forged ahead. “He might be a bit crooked but he would never take anyone’s life.”

“Lara Crawford wasn’t a good person,” Mary told her. “Chances are, she bullied and abused him for years.”

“But he stuck on, didn’t he?” Grace demanded. “My uncle was always loyal to her. So why would he hurt her now?”

“He finally snapped?” Julie suggested lightly. “Stranger things have happened, dear.”

Grace stood up taller and tugged at a strand of her curls. Her blue eyes were cold as ice and matched her expression.

“Uncle Finn is innocent and I’m going to prove it.”

“Let’s hope you’re right.” Anna tried to reassure her. “We like Finn too.”

Anna turned to the kids and told them she wanted to know anything they remembered about that night.

“I ate four servings of funnel cakes,” a kid sniggered. “Without throwing up.”

Anna told them she was referring to Lara Crawford and Finn O’Malley. One of the girls didn’t feel comfortable talking in front of everyone.

“What if the killer is right here, in this café?” she asked fearfully. “Or someone who knows the killer is?” She shot a glance at Grace. “I don’t want to be stabbed in my bed in the middle of the night.”

Every kid in the group found this hilarious. Grace tried to control the uproar.

Anna offered to talk to them in her office, one by one.

“Anything you tell me will stay between us,” she promised.

“How do we know you didn’t murder the mayor?” a pimply faced kid asked. “My mom says you killed your husband.”

“That’s enough, Reggie!” Grace rapped. “Thank you for behaving yourself.”

Julie was getting ready to give the kid a piece of her mind. Anna pulled her back.

An hour later, Anna was no closer to finding out anything new. After some initial hesitation, the kids were eager to help. They painted a vivid picture of the fateful night and Anna was able to develop a clear idea of the timeline, starting with the time the maze was declared open.

“And you’re sure you saw Lara enter the maze?” she asked a girl who had been stationed at the entrance. “Her name wasn’t on the list of people who were supposed to be inside.”

“She was the mayor,” the girl stammered. “She didn’t need a ticket.”

Anna thanked her and told her to send the next one in. She doodled something on a piece of paper and stifled a yawn, ready for a spot of lunch.

“I’m sorry, Mrs. Butler.” The kid Grace had rebuked came in and apologized. “You probably didn’t kill your husband. I mean, it was never proven, right?”

“Thanks for the show of faith,” Anna snorted. “Reggie, right? I’m guessing you can’t tell me anything new about what went down that night.”

“So you know she put up the flag?”

“Huh?” Anna sat up, suddenly alert. “What flag is that?”

“Every person entering the maze was given a flag, okay? They just had to raise their hand and wave it in case they needed any help.”

“What kind of help?”

“Some people get lost.” Reggie shrugged. “Or bored or tired. Some of them get … what do you call it when you feel suffocated in a small space?”

“Claustrophobic?” Anna frowned.

“That’s right.” Reggie nodded smugly. “It’s a safety precaution. It’s the lookout’s job to spot the flag and send someone to assist the person.”

Lara had boasted about being an expert at navigating mazes. Why had she needed assistance?

“Go on,” she urged. “Did anyone check what she wanted?”

Reggie had been dispatched to assist her, being the closest to her location.

“She thought someone was following her.” He pulled at his ear. “Actually, she looked kinda nervous. Kept staring over her shoulder.”

Anna leaned forward, trying to curb her excitement. She didn’t want to rush the kid.

“What did you do?”

Lara had asked Reggie to escort her out of the maze but he had convinced her to give it another shot. It had been a dark night and the strategically placed Jack-O-lanterns had cast a number of shadows.

“I told her mazes tend to have that effect on people. She just had to shrug it off.”

He must have been pretty convincing because Lara had taken his advice to heart and plunged further into the maze.

“Did you see anyone else?” Anna pressed. “Every little bit is going to help me, Reggie.”

Anna saw the conflict in his eyes.

“When I left the mayor, I saw Mr. Samuels around the corner.”

“Ian Samuels?” Anna was sure his name hadn’t been on the list of people inside the maze. “Was he the one following her?”

Reggie couldn’t answer that. He had assumed Ian had been one of the participants trying to get through the maze.

Anna thanked him and told him to get another cupcake on his way out.

“Tell MJ I said so.”

Anna tried to collect her thoughts after the door shut behind Reggie. She and Gino had talked to Ian that night. He had declared he was extremely claustrophobic and stayed a mile away from any maze.

“I hate them with a passion,” he had declared. “You couldn’t give me a million bucks to go in.”

Had the boy Reggie been mistaken? Anna didn’t think that was likely. Ian Samuels was a well known figure in town, being the editor of the Chronicle and a retired high school teacher. He still helped out with the drama club and volunteered his time to any student who needed some extra tutoring. Every high school student knew him well.

Anna had a strong hunch that Ian was involved in the whole sordid business.

There was a sharp rap on the door and Julie peeped in, looking harried.

“What’s taking you so long? We’re already late for lunch.”

Anna accompanied Cassie and the Firecrackers to the China Garden restaurant. She ordered her usual orange chicken, trying to remember if Ian had mentioned being in the maze.

Mrs. Chang took their order and asked if they had seen the latest special edition of the Chronicle.

“That Finn O’Malley!” Mrs. Chang shook her head. “He seemed like such a nice man.”

Anna spotted a stack of the Chronicle at the cash register and picked up a copy. Her mouth dropped open as she read the latest expose. She had never known Ian Samuels to use salacious language.

“Let me read that.” Julie snatched the paper out of her hands. “Wow!” her eyes bulged. “Ian’s going out on a limb here.”

The Chronicle painted a vivid account of the illicit affair between the mayor and Finn O’Malley. It went on to suggest that there had been a lovers’ tiff which had ended in Lara’s violent death.

“So Finn O’Malley is the jilted lover who had his revenge by taking Lara’s life,” Julie announced.

“But that’s nonsense!” Cassie cried. “Mr. Samuels would never print rubbish like that.”

Anna reminded her that Finn had owned up to the affair although it had ended several years ago according to him.

“The article also says Finn was mad because he didn’t get his share of the loot,” Julie added.

Cassie refused to believe her mentor had stooped that low.

“It’s completely out of character for Ian,” Anna agreed with her. “So the question is, why is he bent on defaming Finn O’Malley?”

Chapter 18

Anna watched as Sally ushered Agnes into the café the next morning, followed by a group of women from the Garden Committee.

“Just ask her.” Sally pushed the petite woman forward. “She won’t mind.”

Agnes looked defiant. Anna braced herself for another tirade. Agnes was irascible by nature and was known to find fault in everything.

“We need to plan my calendar.” Agnes cleared her throat, turning red. “A day by day plan for how to contact all the voters in town, you know.”

Anna responded with a smile.

“How can I help?”

The women wanted to commandeer a table at the café for their meeting. Agnes pointed at the numerous sheets one of the women was lugging and looked around.

“A big table would be nice. The girls are going to make some posters. Maybe we could join a few tables?”

Anna advised they would be more comfortable in the bookstore.

“You can use the reading tables by the windows. It will be less crowded than here.”

Agnes stole a look at her sister and hesitated. They wanted to stay in the café, in plain sight of all the people who came there.

“Essie thinks this will give us more visibility,” she explained. “Free publicity is priceless.”

Anna relented. MJ helped her join four tables in a corner and the women sat around it, spreading out their sheets, discussing their agenda for the next week. Esther Merton barked orders, running loops around the table, guiding the women in the direction she wanted.

“We’re going to lose business,” MJ muttered. “You should’ve said no, Anna. That shrew has never been nice to you.”

Anna opened her mouth to explain but held back with a sigh. MJ wasn’t totally wrong. She suspected Julie would have some similar comments.

Ian Samuels sauntered in, looking pleased with himself. Anna handed over his usual latte in a disposable cup and packed two cupcakes in a brown bag.

“You must be burning the candle at both ends, Ian.” She forced herself to smile. “When was the last time the Chronicle printed two special editions so close together?”

“Dolphin Bay lost its mayor.” Ian took a long sip of his coffee. “Doesn’t happen every day. What’s more, she was murdered. There’s a lot of confusion and fear among the people, Anna. As the only journalist in town, it’s my job to supply them with the truth.”

Anna had never known Ian to be pompous. All her life, he had been this unassuming personality who often stared at his feet. She wondered what had brought about such a mercurial change in his behavior.

“I’m sure everyone is grateful,” she fibbed. “So you’ve taken over the mantle of keeping the town informed. That’s quite an onerous task.”

She led him to the bookstore through the connecting arch and sat at the reading table next to the big windows. The bay sparkled in the distance and fluffy white clouds studded a clear blue sky. Ian liked to sit there and admire the view.

He pulled out a cupcake from the bag and broke it in half, looking pleased with himself.

“How did you manage to cure your cleithrophobia?” Anna pounced. “Meg looked it up for me.”

Ian’s eyebrows shot up but he didn’t lose his cool.

“You know I was in the maze.”

“I thought you had a deathly fear of being trapped inside.”

“A little boy wanted to go in. His parents weren’t around and he looked like he was going to cry.”

“So you led him inside?” Anna shook her head. “And then what? Left him on his own?”

Ian drank his coffee, refusing to respond.

“What about your latest articles in the Chronicle?” Anna pursued. “They are nothing but a smear campaign against Finn O’Malley. It’s yellow journalism at its worst.”

Ian told her she was entitled to her opinion. But many people had lauded him for taking a stance.

“You’re not taking any stance,” Anna cried. “Making baseless allegations against Finn is just a form of scandal mongering. Why are you doing it, Ian? It’s not like you.”

Ian ate the other half of the cupcake, seemingly unruffled by Anna’s angst.

“You want to know who else was in the maze?” He stood up to leave. “Esther Merton.”

Anna mentally ran through the list of people who had been in the maze. Esther wasn’t on it.

“She might be able to dazzle everyone with her pricey clothes and supercilious manner,” Ian continued. “But she was up to something that night.”

Ian claimed Esther had been dogging Lara’s footsteps, watching her every move.

“Deflection won’t work here.” Anna folded her arms. “I still don’t think there is any justification for vilifying poor Finn O’Malley.”

Her thoughts flew to Agnes and her sister as Ian bid her a good day and left without offering any more explanations.

Esther Merton didn’t live in Dolphin Bay but she was almost an honorary resident. She frequently visited her sister Agnes and the two were a familiar sight around town. Compared to Agnes, Esther had led an eventful life, being an airline stewardess for two decades. It had been a glamorous job and Agnes often showed off some trinket her sister had brought for her from this or that country. Esther was retired now and lived alone with her cat. Anna couldn’t recollect the feline’s name but had heard rumors about how pampered she was. Where Agnes was caustic, Esther had a silver tongue. Outgoing and friendly, she smoothed any feathers ruffled by her sister’s short temper.

Had Esther been looking out for her sister that night, Anna mused. And did that mean Agnes had gone into the maze with Lara?

Julie and Mary came in for coffee but neither stayed long. Meg arrived with Barry Symon in tow, blabbering about his experiences in Antarctica.

“Can you introduce me to Mr. Mancini?” Barry accepted an espresso from MJ and asked Anna. “I want his thoughts on planning a wine festival here in the spring.”

Anna invited him for dinner.

“You can talk to Gino and taste some Mystic Hill wine. But he’ll tell you the same thing I can. They already have a wine festival every year.”

“I can help make it bigger and better,” Barry responded brightly. “And we can talk about how it can drum up business for others in town.”

Anna asked Meg if she wanted to join her for lunch.

“Your mom should be here soon.”

“I’m taking Barry to the Yellow Tulip,” Meg replied, her voice crackling with excitement. “He hasn’t tried their cheeseburgers yet, Grandma.”

Barry placed a hand on his chest and gave a dramatic sigh.

“Meg proclaims they have the best curly fries on the west coast. How can I say no to that?”

Anna watched them breeze out of the café, arm in arm, giggling over something silly. She noticed how Barry’s smile reached his eyes. At least he wasn’t patronizing Meg.

Cassie arrived in a rush, patting her stomach.

“Let’s go, Mom. I’m starving. The Tipsy Whale has Philly Cheese Steaks on the menu today. It’s been ages since I had one.”

Anna joined her daughter and they walked down to the pub, talking about Cassie’s morning.

“It was a great session,” Cassie enthused. “I met the guy who plays my father in the movie. We’re going to get along fine.”

Murphy greeted them at the pub and assured them he hadn’t run out of the sandwiches.

“What’s with your old school teacher, huh?” he nudged Cassie. “He’s getting too big for his boots.”

Cassie flashed a brilliant smile and lifted a shoulder in a shrug.

“What was Murph hinting at?” she asked Anna after they sat at a window booth and placed their order. “Has Mr. Samuels done something wrong?”

Anna brought her up to speed.

Cassie stirred her iced tea and played with her straw, lost in thought.

“You asked about this,” Anna reminded her. “The least you can do is pay attention.”

Cassie exhaled in a rush.

“Teddy’s in trouble, Mom. He needs your help.”

Anna asked her to be more specific.

“His wife is a suspect and he’s not sure how to handle the situation. Can you believe they found Grace’s prints on that weapon? His reputation is on the line.”

Anna knew Teddy was a family man. Cassie didn’t have to tell her how much he loved Grace and the kids.

“Does she have an explanation for why her prints were on that hay fork?”

Cassie reminded her Grace had been in charge of the maze project.

“She put in a lot of time making sure the maze was ready for Halloween night. It shouldn’t be a surprise they found her prints on that thing, Mom. She must have handled a bunch of different things.”

“You don’t sound convinced.” Anna raised her eyebrows.

“Being related to Finn O’Malley doesn’t help. Grace is the only family he has and they are quite close. And get this, the police didn’t find her finger prints on anything else.”

Anna thought that did not look good. But it also seemed improbable.

“This is not making sense,” she muttered.

The waitress brought over their food, giant hoagies bursting with juicy strips of steak, onions and peppers, smothered in melted cheese. Anna asked for hot sauce.

“That’s not all.” Cassie bit into a potato chip. “Most of the tools, props etc. came from volunteers. The town had a limited budget but Grace wanted the maze to have character. One of the kids made a list of the things people donated so they could be returned later.”

Anna sprinkled some hot sauce on her steaming sandwich and took a bite.

“I’m not going to like what comes next, am I?” she asked wryly.

Cassie shook her head, looking distressed.

“That fork thing came from Grace. But it wasn’t on the list. So the police have a theory that she brought it in later to help Finn attack the mayor. Or he took it from her car. Grace is implicated either way.”

Anna felt guilty about enjoying her sandwich.

“Isn’t it possible she just forgot to add it to that list? She had dozens of things to take care of that night. Or the kid who was making that list dropped the ball.”

Cassie thought the same because she wanted to give Grace the benefit of the doubt. But the police felt no such thing.

“Teddy’s devastated. He can’t meddle in the police investigation, Mom. He might lose both his job and his reputation. But he also can’t sit and watch Grace suffer.”

“How can I help?” Anna patted Cassie’s hand and squeezed it.

Although her daughter was a diva who took Teddy’s adoration for granted, she genuinely cared for the Fowlers. Anna was glad to see she wanted to be a good friend.

“Find out what happened to Lara, Mom.” Cassie had barely touched her sandwich.

Murphy’s eyes widened when he came by to check on them.

“Something wrong with your food, Cass? Let me get you a fresh one.”

Cassie convinced him she was fine and took a bite to appease him.

“I’m willing to dig into this, dear, but you know it’s a double edged sword. I won’t be able to do anything if Grace is guilty.”

Cassie reminded her how Teddy had helped them out more than once. He had believed in Meg’s innocence when everyone believed she had poisoned that cyclist. He had supported Anna through Lara’s vendetta against her, giving her a heads up plenty of times.

“Was it such a loss, Mom? Whoever killed Lara did everyone a favor.”

Chapter 19

Anna convinced Cassie to go for a stroll down the Coastal Walk after lunch.

“That sandwich was huge!” she groaned. “Bobby’s not going to be happy you went on a carb binge.”

“I only ate half the bread, Mom.” Cassie stretched her arms above her head. “But you’re right. I need to work it off. You really think it’s too cold to swim?”

An icy wind buffeted them just then and Anna laughed in delight.

“Isn’t it enough you brave the weather on your morning run?”

“That’s the good thing about Los Angeles.” Cassie remembered her previous life. “It’s never too cold for a swim.”

They turned around after a while and walked back to the café. MJ was adept at closing up herself but Anna needed to do the accounts.

A group of people stood on the sidewalk outside Bayside Books, pouring over a newspaper.

“Not again!” Anna exclaimed. “What are they reading, Cassie?”

They heard the shocked murmurs before they barged into the store. Someone had put a stack of the latest edition of the Chronicle on the reading table. Anna snatched a copy from the pile and began reading. Her mouth hung open as she spotted the vivid image splashed across the front page.

“That’s Finn O’Malley,” Cassie spoke over her shoulder. “What’s he holding in his hand, Mom? Looks like a trident. My superhero character uses a weapon like this in my new movie. It’s her thing.”

Anna told her what they were staring at.

“That’s the infamous hay fork, or spear. I wonder where Ian took this photo.”

It was clear that Finn O’Malley was standing inside the maze. Was that the true reason Ian had been there too, Anna wondered. Had he been following Finn, poised to get an incriminating picture? But that would mean he was aware of Finn’s intent or he suspected Finn of being up to some mischief. That sounded too good to be true.

“This doesn’t look good, Mom.” Cassie’s brow was furrowed in a frown. “What’s he doing with that thing?”

“He might have been cleaning up,” Anna offered lamely. “We will have to talk to Finn about this.”

“And you are sure he will be honest?” A note of doubt crept into Cassie’s voice. “What do we know about him, really? Working with Lara can’t have been easy. The man was a saint to put up with her.”

Anna warned Cassie not to jump to conclusions.

“Hear me out a bit.” She sat down and tapped her fingers on the polished wood. “I gave Ian an earful when he stopped by this morning. He couldn’t have written all this after that and done a print run. That means he already knew this was coming.”

“It’s a scoop,” Cassie shrugged. “He wasn’t going to tell you about it, Mom.”

“Why is Ian Samuels bent on destroying Finn O’Malley?” Anna tried to remember any past incidents where the two had come to blows. “They barely knew each other, as far as I know. It’s more likely Ian had a falling out with Lara.”

Cassie sucked in a breath.

“You don’t think Mr. Samuels was the one who murdered her?”

Anna’s head buzzed as she ran through the events of that night. What if it had all been a setup?

“You remember the first article Ian wrote against Finn? That’s the one that started the fire.”

“Leading to the fight between Lara and Finn on Halloween night,” Cassie caught up with her.

“What if it was deliberate? Ian wrote that article and maybe whispered something in a few ears. Finn fought with Lara in front of everyone. Ian followed Lara into the maze and killed her.”

“Now he’s printing all this rubbish against Finn, painting him as the guilty one,” Cassie nodded. “This photo seals it, Mom. It’s going to be really hard for Finn to justify this picture.”

Anna tried to remember Ian Samuels as a young man. He was a fixture of local life, being a teacher. But they hadn’t come into contact with him until Cassie started going to high school and got cast in a play he was directing. Ian had been very confident about Cassie’s talent and had encouraged her to spread her wings. Many local kids had embarked on successful careers and realized their dreams, thanks to the guidance Ian provided. Anna knew he was a true mentor.

Had he finally snapped?

Her phone pinged and she pulled it out of her pocket to check for messages.

“Meg’s bringing Barry to dinner,” she announced. “We need to get home now and start cooking.”

Cassie offered to go to Paradise Market for supplies. Anna made a quick list and handed it over.

“Lasagna,” she declared. “And my grandma’s ribbolita. Soup’s better than salad in this chilly weather. Will you make garlic bread?”

Cassie promised her she would.

Anna walked home and set to work. She had already invited Gino and asked him to bring a few bottles of wine. By the time Cassie got home, Anna had browned the meat and added tomatoes and herbs.

“Smells divine, Mom!” Cassie took a whiff. “Barry won’t know what hit him.”

Anna reminded her he had lived in Italy. She just hoped he would find her food edible.

“Relax!” Cassie stirred the pot of soup bubbling beside the sauce. “He’s lucky we are feeding him well.”

Meg arrived and rushed straight into the shower. Anna was sliding a big pan of lasagna into the oven when she came into the kitchen, her face lit up in a big smile.

“I can set the table, Grandma.”

“Are you wearing makeup?” Cassie gave her daughter a knowing look. “And dark lipstick? I think you have a crush on this guy, Megs.”

“Isn’t he a lot older than you?” Anna frowned.

“You said the same thing about Drake,” Meg pointed out.

“Yeah,” Cassie grunted. “Drake’s what five or six years older but this new guy must be forty!”

Meg turned red and defended her new friend. She didn’t think he was a year older than thirty five.

“That must be him.” She sprang up as the doorbell pealed. “Please don’t ask any embarrassing questions, okay?”

The kitchen door opened at the same time and Gino walked in, lugging an armful of wine bottles.

“How many people are coming to dinner, Anna? I brought both white and red like you asked. Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot.”

Anna explained Barry’s plans for the wine festival.

“Just hear him out. And try not to give him the third degree. We’ve been warned.”

Gino caught on.

“Is Meg sweet on this guy?”

“I hope not,” Anna muttered and excused herself to get ready.

She walked in on a lively discussion fifteen minutes later. Barry sampled everything on the cheese board Cassie had put up with the wine. He was telling Gino about his plans for Dolphin Bay.

“Mrs. Butler tells me your vineyard is kind of low key. If you allow me to help you, I can make sure you double your business in the first year. It will be a win-win for both you and the town.”

Gino took a sip of wine and smiled in his mustache.

“I’m taking on a partner in the near future. All decisions related to the vineyard are on hold until then.”

Barry looked disappointed.

Anna realized Gino still hadn’t told her anything about this new partner.

“Are you talking about Tyler?”

Gino shook his head but didn’t elaborate. Anna felt hurt. As her relationship with Gino progressed from friendship to something more, they had started sharing everything with each other. Or so she had believed until now. Clearly, she was mistaken. Gino had plans she knew nothing about.

Cassie was trying hard not to smile. She stole a glance at Meg and giggled.

“Shall we serve the soup, Mom?”

They trooped into the dining room and Anna slid into the role of hostess. Barry praised the ribbolita and smacked his lips when she cut him a big slice of the steaming lasagna.

“Rosemary, basil, oregano and garlic, of course!” he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “And the richness of a full bodied red wine. Meg wasn’t exaggerating.”

“You should taste Grandma’s ravioli.” Meg’s eyes shone. “Bet it’s more delicious than anything you ate in Italy.”

Barry went into raptures about the delights of the Tuscan region.

“How long can we expect to enjoy your company?” Anna asked him. “Most town related decisions will be put on hold until we elect a new mayor.”

Barry gave a noncommittal shrug and asked for more lasagna.

“I had a six month contract but the old mayor cut it down to two months.”

“But why?” Meg interrupted. “We need someone like you to breathe some life into this town. Dolphin Bay’s like Sleeping Beauty. Nothing has changed here in a hundred years.”

Anna thought Meg was being unfair but she held her tongue.

“That mayor was a nasty woman.” Barry dabbed his mouth with his napkin, turning serious. “She wanted something I couldn’t give her. Hence the slap on the wrist.”

“Lara asked for a bribe?” Anna stared at him in disbelief.

What could a wealthy and powerful woman like Lara Crawford want from a seasoned traveler like Barry Symon?

Chapter 20

Anna swirled frosting over the latest batch of pumpkin ginger cupcakes, thinking of the previous night. Barry had stuck around until they had coffee and complimented Anna’s cooking with fulsome praise. Gino lingered after he left but he refused to say anything when Anna asked him again about the new partner.

“Are you still brooding about what Gino said?” Cassie startled her. “How can you be so dense, Mom?”

Breakfast had been quick that morning. Anna had to open the café because MJ needed to run some personal errands. Cassie was on hand to help.

“You mean you know this guy?” Anna frowned. “Gino’s new partner?”

Cassie cackled mercilessly but said nothing.

There was a sudden influx of people in the café and Anna rushed to take their orders. She felt a sense of déjà vu as groups of men and women huddled together, talking in hushed voices, their faces frozen in shock.

“Has something happened?” She asked a woman as she handed over her coffee.

“Haven’t you heard?” the woman leaned forward. “Ian Samuels is dead.”

She didn’t know the details but the man who stood in line behind her readily filled them in.

“Finn O’Malley was arrested this morning. He must have murdered Samuels.”

Anna’s mouth fell open. She hadn’t been happy with what she termed Ian’s latest shenanigans but her mind wasn’t ready to grasp that he was gone. Cassie was going to be devastated.

She heard a cry behind her and whirled around to stare into her daughter’s stricken face.

“How is it possible, Mom?” Cassie’s eyes were wild. “I spoke to him yesterday and he was fine.”

She broke down into big sobs and collapsed in Anna’s arms.

Ian had been a father figure in Cassie’s life, more so after John’s death. Anna held her close and let her cry.

MJ arrived soon after, looking grim.

“I came as soon as I heard. You can go home if you want, Anna. I got things covered.”

Anna led Cassie to the small office in the bookstore and plied her with coffee.

“I’ll be fine, Mom. You don’t have to babysit me.” Cassie blew her nose into a tissue. “I must talk to Meg.”

Anna hovered over her for a while and went back to the café after Cassie finally stopped crying. There was a steady influx of people eager to discuss the shocking news. She picked up bits and pieces as she helped MJ. Ian Samuels had touched the lives of most people in town. The middle aged ones remembered having him as a teacher. Older people had kids who had benefitted from Ian’s tutelage. Anna gathered that plenty of people were going to mourn the dead man. But she barely heard anything positive about Finn O’Malley.

Julie and Mary walked in at their usual time.

“Does Cassie know?” Mary was concerned. “She was Ian’s favorite. He never stopped bragging about her achievements.”

Anna swung her neck toward the bookstore. Julie hurried through the arch to console her niece.

“What do you know about this fight between Ian and Finn?” Anna felt good after resting her feet. “The gossip is so wild it’s hard to tell fact from fiction.”

Mary confirmed a few things. An argument had started between Ian Samuels and Finn O’Malley the previous night, on the lawn near the gazebo. Finn accused Ian of spreading vile rumors and called him out for making his life hell. Ian in turn had stood his ground and asked him why he had murdered Lara.

“It was a proper brawl, Anna. Neither of them was ready to back down.”

Mary told her Finn O’Malley had threatened to get even.

“But was he violent?” Anna argued. “Did he actually say he was going to hurt Ian?”

Many things had been whispered among the customers that morning. Some said Finn had promised Ian he would be sorry if he didn’t back down. Others claimed he was going to bump off his opponent.

“You remember all the times Lara made my life miserable?” Anna sighed. “I was tempted to finish her off. But did I actually harm a hair on her head? Of course not! It was just my way of coping with the situation.”

“You mean Finn O’Malley had no intention of acting on his threats.” Julie was back with Cassie. “I tend to agree with you, Anna.”

MJ brought coffee and a plate of hot scones with cream and berry jam.

“How do we know he didn’t lose control and go back to carry out his threats?” Cassie demanded. “Why are you taking Finn’s side, Mom?”

Anna replied she wasn’t being partial to anyone. But she admitted feeling a kinship to Finn, having been unjustly accused herself for crimes she didn’t commit.

“I need to go talk to him.” She looked up at Julie. “Will you come?”

An overcast day greeted Anna when she walked out on to the street. Dark clouds hung low in the sky, promising to open up any instant. Lightning flashed over the bay, followed by a low rumble of thunder.

“We’re going to be soaked,” Julie muttered. “What do you hope to gain from this visit?”

Anna didn’t respond as they marched to the police station. She wasn’t sure herself. She just wanted to talk to Finn and offer her support.

Leo stood at the front desk of the police station, sipping coffee from a paper cup. He didn’t look happy to see them.

“I hope you had a good reason to arrest him, Leo.”

“There is no doubt he’s guilty.” Leo set his cup down and clasped his belt. “He visited Ian Samuels last night, after publicly threatening to harm him. We have a very reliable witness who can place him there.”

“Is the condemned man allowed visitors?” Anna chewed her lip.

Finn O’Malley looked like he was drowning. He stared at Anna, his eyes wild with terror.

“I didn’t do it, believe me. I’m innocent.” He rubbed his eyes with the back of his hand. “Trust me, Anna. I don’t know who killed Lara but it wasn’t me. And I didn’t go anywhere near Ian Samuels.”

“The police have a witness who saw you enter Ian’s house.”

“What?” Finn’s eyes held a stricken look. “Whoever it is, they are lying.”

Anna asked him a few questions and took notes. She wanted him to be clear about his whereabouts on the previous night and the one before that. She promised to get back if she had any more questions or new information.

“I want you to stay calm,” she advised. “Just sit tight and let me look into a few things. You have nothing to worry about if you are innocent.”

Lunch was a solemn affair. Mary had gone home to eat with her husband. Cassie went home to sleep off a headache. Anna went to the Tipsy Whale with Julie.

“Let’s try and retrace his steps.” She went through the notes she had taken, barely tasting the daily special, a delicious sandwich on sourdough with tender grilled sweet potato, caramelized onions, avocado and chili jam, held together with plenty of melted Swiss and provolone cheese.

“We can go back and forth over this all day.” Julie thought analyzing Finn’s words was futile. “We need to find people who can help us establish where Finn was.”

“You mean witnesses.”

“Credible witnesses who can counter whoever the police bring forth,” Julie stressed. “We have our work cut out, Anna. It’s a good thing because I need to work off this humungous sandwich.”

They left the pub and spent the rest of the day retracing Finn’s steps from the previous night, talking to people who might have been in the vicinity.

The storm hit suddenly, drenching them with heavy rain. Anna was soaking wet by the time they reached Julie’s car. Weary from her exertion, she conceded it was time to call it a day. Julie dropped her home and readily agreed to be back for dinner.

Anna took a hot shower and changed into some warm clothes before heading to the living room. Cassie sat flipping channels on the TV. Meg cuddled beside her, resting her head on her mother’s shoulder. They looked young and vulnerable, like two peas in a pod. Anna decided her daughter needed cheering up.

“How about chicken parmesan for dinner?” she asked brightly. “With tiramisu?”

“That won’t bring him back, Mom.”

Anna sat beside her and wrapped her in a hug.

“No, it won’t.” Like Cassie, she wanted to remember Ian as the highly principled man he had been all his life. “We are all going to miss him.”

Meg trooped into the kitchen with Anna.

“Is Mom going to be okay?”

She looked like someone had punched her hard. Anna hastened to reassure her.

“She’s thinking of her father. I think she never got a chance to grieve John.”

Meg was quieter than she had been in days. She didn’t mention Barry or Drake or her classes, a clear indication she was preoccupied.

Anna slid a pan of chicken into the oven and started chopping lettuce. Meg offered to make Goddess dressing.

“I’ve watched Mom make it dozens of times. Do you think it will cheer her up?”

Anna promised Cassie was going to be fine.

The kitchen door opened to admit Julie the same time the doorbell rang to announce a visitor.

“Why’s Gino using the front door?” Anna mumbled to herself, pulling off her apron.

Tyler greeted her with a brown paper package wrapped with a gay yellow ribbon.

“It’s the least I could do. Gino assured me you wouldn’t mind if I tagged along.”

“Are those macarons?” Cassie took the box from him and tore it open.

She popped a lavender confection in her mouth and thanked him, sending crumbs flying. Anna noticed her mascara had run, streaking her face in black and white.

“Why don’t you freshen up?” Anna suggested. “You’ll feel better.”

“Maybe we can start the hot tub later, Mom?” Cassie left the room.

Julie greeted Gino but barely glanced at Tyler. Her expression was stony but Anna was glad she didn’t say anything. It was the wrong day to pick a fight.

Dinner was less lively than usual. Tyler and Julie didn’t speak at all, making quick work of everything on their plates. Cassie stared in the distance, toying with her fork. Meg kept an anxious eye on her mother, picking at her food. Gino lent his quiet support to Anna, holding her hand under the table.

“How many people did you manage to meet?” he asked when Anna served dessert. “Leo said you are determined to prove him wrong.”

“I have nothing against Leo,” Anna sighed. “But I do want to get to the bottom of this.”

“And you believe the police are wrong?” Gino probed. “Leo is very thorough. I have trained him myself, Anna. He won’t arrest anyone unless he has an iron clad case.”

Anna stood her ground.

“Two different people confirm what Finn told us. He was nowhere close to Ian’s house.”

Gino twirled his mustache, deep in thought.

“Leo believes there is no chance his witness is lying.”

Anna ran a hand through her salt and pepper hair. She had cut it really short before undergoing chemotherapy.

“Who is this witness?”

Chapter 21

Anna splashed hot sauce on her avocado toast and took a bite. Meg sat before her, cutting into her poached egg. They didn’t talk much while they ate, lost in thought.

“Are you sure you don’t want pancakes?” Anna asked Meg. “Chocolate chip? Blueberry?”

Meg assured her she was fine.

“You think Mom will be able to squeeze some information from Teddy?”

Anna gave a shrug and smiled.

“He can never say no to her. Teddy always lets something slip, either intentionally or by accident. You’ll see.”

Anna was brewing a fresh pot of coffee when Cassie came home from her morning run. She took deep breaths and shook her head.

“No dice, Mom. Teddy won’t budge.”

“But did he admit he knows who this witness is?” Anna pressed.

Teddy had said nothing, claiming his job was on the line. Cassie looked a bit stunned since she had always been able to sweet talk him.

“I will have to ask Gino,” Anna sighed.

Meg left for a class and Anna sat in the living room, waiting for Cassie to shower and eat before they could leave for the café. She sent off a text message to Gino, inviting him for a cup of coffee.

An hour later, she sat at a corner table in the café, unable to hide her shock. Her face settled in a pout and her brow furrowed, miffed at being turned down.

“I was counting on your help.”

“And I’m at your service, Anna. You know I love accompanying you on your sleuthing missions. I will go with you to meet people or run background checks as needed. But I can’t do what you are asking.”

“But why?” Anna looked away. “I just need to talk to this person, this witness who can’t be doubted.”

Gino clasped her hands.

“I don’t know who the witness is. And I can’t ask Leo. He wants to handle this case his way and he requested I stay out of it. He might feel obliged to reveal the name if I ask but I don’t want to put him in that position. Doesn’t seem right.”

Anna had to agree with him.

“When you put it that way …”

“Why are you so concerned with this witness, Anna? How about approaching the problem from another angle?”

Anna explained her line of thought.

“I know Leo believes this witness but my gut instinct says he or she is lying. And there could be only one reason for doing that.”

“Either this person is implicated or is shielding someone.” Gino caught on.

“It might help me solve both crimes.”

Gino apologized for not being more helpful and left for a meeting at the vineyard.

Anna went back to the kitchen and began whisking butter and sugar for a fresh batch of frosting, her face set in a frown.

“What’s that butter done to you?” MJ joked when she came in to pull a tray of scones from the oven. “You’re going at it with a vengeance.”

Anna wondered if she was being silly but Gino had disappointed her.

“I’m fine,” she snapped at MJ.

“Julie and Mary just came in.” MJ was gentle. “Why don’t you take a load off and go meet them? Coffee’s coming right up. And I have just the thing to reset your mood.”

Anna stomped out, muttering to herself. Where did MJ get off, being so high handed?

“What’s got your panties in a twist?” Julie greeted her with a laugh. “I can see the smoke coming out of your ears, Anna Butler!”

Mary’s face was lined with concern.

“What’s the matter, honey?”

Anna felt her eyes well up. She finally admitted to herself that she was being a bit irrational. She sat down with a heavy thud and poured out her tale of woe.

Julie thought every relationship needed an altercation now and then.

“Keeps you on your toes.”

“Says the woman who hasn’t dated anyone since the Reagan administration,” Anna smirked.

MJ came out with a plate of luscious banana bread, loaded with chunks of chocolate. She was trying it out for the Thanksgiving menu.

“It’s a healthier version with pumpkin,” she explained. “Don’t spare my feelings. I really need to get this recipe right.”

The bread was tasted and a few tweaks were suggested. Anna spotted a familiar face at the cash register. She sprang up and walked toward him.

“Get him a slice of your banana bread, MJ.” She beamed at the young man who worked at the police station. “It’s on the house.”

He stammered his thanks, looking nervous.

“That Leo!” Anna smiled coyly. “He’s making his uncle proud. How did he ever track down that witness, huh?”

“You mean …” the man stared at her. “Any information related to an ongoing investigation is classified, Mrs. Butler. We have strict instructions.”

MJ handed over the man’s coffee along with a brown bag stuffed with a couple of treats.

“I added a cupcake and a maple bar,” she winked.

The man thanked her and turned to Anna.

“All I can tell you for sure is that the credibility of our witness cannot be doubted.”

“But I met people who say otherwise,” Anna replied. “Two people saw Finn O’Malley in a different spot, a place that wasn’t anywhere close to Ian Samuels.”

“When was that?” he shot back. “Look, you don’t know when our witness saw Finn O’Malley near the scene of the crime. And as far as I know, we haven’t released any information about the time of death.”

Anna realized he had a point.

“You mean each of these people might be telling the truth.”

He nodded and bid her a good day.

“No luck?” Julie guessed from her expression.

“Actually, he gave me something to think about.” Anna rubbed her forehead. “But doesn’t look like Finn is getting out soon. Ian got what he wanted, one way or the other.”

They talked about why Ian Samuels had been so against Finn O’Malley.

“How about going for a walk?” Julie asked after another round of mulling over their problem. “You could use some fresh air, Anna. We all could.”

Anna gave in and they set off for a leisurely stroll down the Coastal Walk. The air was cool and crisp and a gust brought the familiar scent of burning leaves. The three friends sat on a bench, watching the bluish gray waters of the Bay, exchanging greetings with people they knew.

Julie suggested lunch at the Yellow Tulip. She was craving meatloaf.

Anna agreed readily. A warm and comforting meal was just what she needed to stop feeling sorry for herself.

The diner was crowded but the waitress ushered them to a booth facing the street. Chicken pot pie was the day’s special and Anna went for it. Mary chose the chowder. They ended up sharing everything per habit.

Julie was trying to convince them to order an apple crisp skillet when Anna’s attention was drawn outside. Grace Fowler stood on the pavement, waving her arms at Teddy. It was obvious they were in the middle of a full blown argument.

Anna couldn’t hear anything through the glass but she craned her neck anyway, hoping to catch a word or two. The diner door opened to admit a large group and Grace’s impassioned voice filtered through.

The Firecrackers listened with animation, trying to gather as much as they could.

“She’s accusing him of lying about something,” Anna whispered. “What do you think she meant?”

“And she claims Teddy hates Finn,” Julie added.

The diner door opened again and Grace marched in, her cheeks flush. She spotted Anna and headed straight to their table.

“You have to help me, Anna.” She collapsed on the bench. “Please. My Uncle Finn needs you.”

Julie pointed out her husband was in a better place to help than Anna.

“Teddy’s never been fond of Uncle Finn.” Grace teared up. “Didn’t you see? He walked off in the middle of our conversation.”

Anna patted her hand and urged her to calm down.

“I promised Finn I would help and I’m doing everything I can to find someone who will vouch for him, Grace. But the police have a witness who can place him at the scene of Ian’s murder.”

“A very reliable witness, supposedly,” Julie added.

“Teddy is that witness!” Grace managed to shock them. “And I’m sure he’s lying.”

Anna found herself at a loss for words.

“But why? Teddy’s not the vindictive kind.”

Grace pulled a napkin out of the dispenser and blew her nose.

“Uncle Finn has always been very protective of me. He doesn’t have any other family, you know. And he dotes on the kids.”

“Isn’t that good?” Mary asked.

“He wants to be involved in any family decision,” Grace sighed. “Teddy thinks he’s too officious.”

Finn hadn’t approved of Teddy when Grace first got married. He interfered a lot in their life.

“That can’t be good for a new couple,” Julie clucked.

“He thought he was keeping Teddy in line.” Grace defended her uncle. “And there was something else. I think Uncle Finn had incriminating information about Teddy and used it as leverage.”

Anna knew Finn was bound to work in gray areas, especially with Lara Crawford as boss. But she couldn’t imagine Teddy doing anything wrong and getting away with it. He just hadn’t been smart enough, especially in his youth.

“So Teddy hated his guts. Do you think he would lie on record just to settle an old score?”

Chapter 22

Anna drained a pot of hot spaghetti and poured it into a mixture of eggs and cream. She wasn’t in the mood to cook an elaborate meal but also wanted something comforting. Pasta Carbonara always hit the spot.

Meg pulled a pan of crispy bacon from the oven and crumbled it.

“Just sprinkle it on top,” Anna directed her. “And add that chopped parsley.”

The Butler women were on their own for dinner that evening.

Cassie grated a generous amount of parmesan cheese over her pasta and broached the topic Anna was tired of.

“Why do you think Teddy is lying?”

Anna gave her a brief account of what had happened at the diner. Something niggled at the back of her mind but she couldn’t put her finger on it.

Meg spotted the flaw immediately.

“This doesn’t make sense, Grandma. Say Finn O’Malley has some kind of hold over Teddy. We are talking something blackmail worthy right? Wouldn’t that make Teddy lie in his favor?”

Cassie’s eyes swung to her daughter.

“That’s a brilliant theory, kid.”

Anna realized the situation was more complicated than it appeared to be. Meg had got her thinking.

“This might be Teddy’s way to get rid of the thorn in his side. Just think, if the police put Finn away, Teddy’s home free.”

“You mean Finn is to be the fall guy?” Meg looked alarmed. “I always thought Teddy Fowler was a nice man, Grandma. I never imagined he would be involved in something so underhanded.”

“Wait a minute.” Cassie defended her friend. “Teddy is an honest man who takes his job seriously. He has taken an oath to uphold the law.”

Anna approached the question from another direction.

“I agree with you, Cassie. But can you think of a situation that might compel Teddy to forget everything he stands for? Be disloyal to his job as a policeman?”

Meg had the answer again.

“He could be trying to shield someone else.”

“And this other person must be guilty.” Anna set her fork down with a clang.

Cassie didn’t look convinced. Anna wondered if Teddy Fowler knew who had killed Ian Samuels. She decided to go back to the police station the next day to talk to Finn O’Malley.

They finished the pasta and had chocolate gelato for dessert. Meg filled them in on how she was doing at school. Her grades were good and Barry had promised he would recommend her for an internship in the summer.

Anna made a big pot of oatmeal the next morning, loaded with chopped apples, blueberries and cinnamon. She also made a batch of muffins to carry with her to the police station.

Cassie dropped her off before heading to the bookstore. Leo was just coming in. Anna thought he looked haggard and realized he had a lot riding on the case. Expectations were high since he was Gino’s nephew and the police chief wanted to solve the case as soon as possible.

The desk clerk accepted the basket of muffins with a smile. Anna greeted Finn and handed him another small basket.

“Just a little care package for you. I hope they are feeding you well.”

Finn had lost his usual bonhomie. His head was mottled with beads of sweat and he looked exhausted.

“I’m doomed, aren’t I?” he despaired. “I’m never getting out of here.”

Anna urged him to stay positive.

“Something has come to my attention, Finn. And I need you to be honest with me.”

He didn’t seem surprised when Anna suggested he had some kind of hold over Teddy.

“I never wanted this to come out.” His gaze beseeched her to believe him. “Okay, I might have been a bit highhanded with the boy sometimes, but I was just looking out for Gracie. She’s the only family I have.”

“Can you tell me more?” Anna folded her arms and sat back in her chair.

The story that tumbled out of Finn was beyond Anna’s wildest imagination.

“This was many years ago,” he began. “Teddy had just joined the force as a trainee. Lara Crawford got into an accident and he was the first one on the scene. The only one.”

Anna cringed and hoped nobody was hurt.

The victim had been seriously injured. Lara promised to take care of him, pay all his medical expenses and compensate him for any lost income. He was going to need months to recover.

“Was she drunk?” Anna wanted to know.

Finn wasn’t sure. Lara had somehow convinced Teddy to not report her.

“I think he was a bit in awe. Lara could be persuasive and the boy wasn’t in a position to cross her, I admit.”

Finn had used this information to maintain an upper hand over Teddy since then. He accused him of bribery and misuse of power.

“Did he take hush money from Lara?” Anna was aghast. “Not Teddy!”

“Honestly, I don’t think so.” Finn was sheepish. “He let himself be intimidated.”

Anna ran through all the new information she had learned in her mind.

“But how is all that relevant now? With Lara gone, this shameful incident in Teddy’s past is dead and buried.”

Finn told her it wasn’t that simple.

“I still know. And Teddy knows I know. He’s using this opportunity to get rid of me once and for all.”

Anna wasn’t ready to believe the Teddy Fowler she knew could be so mercenary. Finn admitted he was responsible.

“It’s my fault. I held it over the boy all these years but I had the best intentions. I just wanted him to do right by Gracie.”

Anna felt out of depth. She promised to talk to Teddy.

“You can settle this privately, as families should.” She stood up to leave. “Let me talk to Teddy.”

She walked out of the police station into a cold, sunny day and took deep breaths. It was time to confront Teddy Fowler.

Cassie bombarded her with questions as soon as she entered the café. Anna held her off and told her to set up a lunch meeting.

“Why don’t we go to that taco stand off Highway 1? Less chance of being overheard by the town gossips.”

They drove out of town an hour later. Cassie sulked because Anna wouldn’t tell her about her talk with Finn.

“I don’t want to repeat myself,” she pleaded. “You can hear the story along with Teddy. But be warned, I have some tough questions for him.”

Teddy arrived five minutes after them. The taco stand was situated at a good vantage point over a cliff, overlooking a deep valley and the bay in the distance.

They ordered fish tacos and walked a few meters away to a picnic bench. Teddy insisted on paying.

Anna gave justice to the fresh, flaky fish coated in a light batter. It had a satisfying crunch, complimented by a zesty salsa and slaw, served in tacos cooked fresh on the spot.

“What’s on your mind, Mrs. Butler?” Teddy asked after they had all taken a few bites.

Anna poured out the story she had heard that morning. Teddy’s reaction stumped her.

“Uncle Finn knows how to spin a yarn.” Teddy gave a hearty laugh. “He’s kissed the blarney stone, you know.”

Anna’s mouth hung open.

“Do you deny all this?”

“Every little bit of it.” Teddy took a healthy bite of his taco. “This is the first I’m hearing of it.”

“So Finn just dreamt all of it, huh?” Anna didn’t hide her scorn.

“You can believe what you want.” Teddy gave a shrug. “Finn’s imagining things. Being locked up can do that to a person.”

“And you’re not lying about seeing him at Ian’s house?” Cassie stepped in. “That’s what Grace told us.”

Teddy stood up, claiming he had to leave.

Anna watched him go, seething inside. All her instincts screamed that Ted Fowler was playing a game.

“We’re going to Ian’s house,” she told Cassie. “You remember where he lives?”

They drove back to town and entered a quiet, older neighborhood near the high school. Cassie pulled up outside Ian’s ranch style bungalow and stepped out of the car. A frumpy woman came out of the house next door and waved at them.

“Hello Cassie!” She squinted her eyes and smiled. “You don’t remember me, do you?”

The girls had gone to school together. Cassie chatted with her for a while and told her they were on a mission.

“Did you happen to be here the night Mr. Samuels died?”

The girl and her husband had gone to the city to take in a show. She directed them two houses down.

“Mr. Ross often played chess with Ian Samuels. He sat on his porch most evenings, looking out for his pal.”

Their visit to the old man was more fruitful than expected. Mr. Ross had been outside that night and had seen someone. Anna felt her heart speed up.

“It was Grace, Finn O’Malley’s niece.”

“Grace Fowler?” Cassie burst out. “Are you sure Grace was here when Mr. Samuels died?”

“Sitting in her car, right in front of his house.” Mr. Ross gave them a satisfactory and accurate description of Grace’s car. “Maybe she wanted chess lessons.”

“Yeah, maybe!” Anna thanked him and took his leave.

Cassie drove out of the neighborhood and parked on a leafy street. She whirled around to face Anna.

“Now you see what’s going on, Mom? Teddy’s trying to protect his wife. He’s chosen to sacrifice Finn to save Grace.”

Anna was considering many possibilities.

“Or, Teddy and Finn are working together to save Grace.”

Chapter 23

The setting sun bathed the vines in a golden light. After days of intermittent rain and fog, the bright afternoon had been a blessing.

Anna sat on Gino’s patio at Mystic Hill, sipping a glass of her favorite white wine. She had found another note in the garden that morning and had wanted to talk about it.

“He’s gone, Anna. Stuart Harris left the country long ago.”

“Tell me everything.”

Gino had contacted people he knew in several towns up and down the coast. Stuart Harris tried to erase his footprint and had mostly succeeded. That’s why Tara’s man hadn’t been able to find him. But Gino’s contacts had superior resources at their disposal. It appeared that Stuart had kept a low profile for a few months and then booked a ticket to Mexico. There was no record of his coming back to the country.

“So he took that artifact and ran?” Anna frowned. “Or did he sell it and escape with the money?”

Gino admitted being puzzled. The artifact was old but not ancient.

“It was invaluable for John because it suggested that the Blue Hill treasure did exist.”

“You mean it wouldn’t fetch a lot of money on its own?” Anna caught on.

Gino nodded. Based on Stuart’s profile, he appeared to be a thief.

“Maybe he dealt in antiques on the side or skimmed money from that shop where he worked.” He looked at Anna. “I think he must have counted on being apprehended sometime or even being questioned. Why would he leave the country for committing a petty crime?”

“Are you saying you’re stumped?” Anna felt crushed. “I think we should drop this wild goose chase and get on with our lives.”

“Is Gino dropping you, Mom?” A voice rang in her ear, making Anna jump.

She whirled around to see Cassie and Meg dissolve into giggles.

“What are you doing here girls?” Her eyebrows shot up. “I thought you had a project meeting, Meg. And Cassie, didn’t you have a strength training session with Bobby?”

Cassie glanced at Meg and rolled her eyes.

“I told you she wouldn’t be happy to see us.”

Anna saw Meg’s face cloud with worry.

“Are we disturbing your date, Grandma? I’m so sorry. Maybe we should leave.”

Gino placed his arms around the girls and pulled them into a hug.

“Nonsense! You’re just in time to watch a spectacular sunset. Let me get you a drink.”

Meg fell upon the cheese board Gino had put out with the wine.

“What were you talking about, Mom?” Cassie was looking suspicious. “Are you doing something behind my back?”

“Is this about Grandpa John?” Meg was curious but unaware how close she was to the truth.

Anna gave Gino a warning look and came to a decision.

“There have been some developments.”

She told the girls about Mickey’s party and Tara Machado, ending with how the trail had gone cold after Stuart Harris. But she didn’t mention the threats. That was something she still wanted to shield the girls from.

Cassie was quiet as she sipped her wine. Anna worried she had offended her.

“Why did you assume this Stuart is a thief?” she asked Gino. “What if he wasn’t just looking for some extra income on the side?”

Gino looked intrigued. Anna wondered what farfetched idea Cassie was going to spout now.

“Let’s not forget what brought us here.” Cassie shook her head in frustration. “The Blue Hill treasure, guys!”

Meg had stopped eating and was staring at her mother, wide eyed.

“It’s a well known legend,” Cassie explained. “And Dad’s project wasn’t exactly hush hush. Couldn’t this Stuart have heard about it and wanted in?”

Gino muttered under his breath.

“Are you saying he befriended Tara on purpose?” Anna asked.

Cassie nodded vigorously. She told them to consider what a person interested in locating the treasure would do once they found out about the artifact. He must have learnt it was at the lab and he wanted to find out if it was the genuine article.

“You think that’s all he wanted?” Gino twirled his mustache. “I think that’s plausible. He won the lottery when Tara actually stole that thing.”

Anna’s mind raced ahead, trying to figure out what the crook had done.

“But why did he go to Mexico?”

Meg pointed out the obvious. Stuart Harris must have found the Blue Hill treasure. Once he got rich, he could stay anywhere in the world and live off the spoils.

“There’s just one problem, honey.” Anna bit her lip. “Your grandpa spent several years looking for it and so did that last batch of his students. How could this thief discover something the others had failed at?”

Cassie told her he must have had some information none of them was privy to.

Anna decided to contact John’s students again.

“Can we talk about something else now?” She massaged her forehead with her fingers. “I have a really bad headache.”

Gino insisted they all stay for dinner. His cook had prepared pot roast with a wine jus. There were scalloped potatoes and buttered corn to go with it, along with an iceberg salad and bacon dressing.

Anna didn’t get a chance to contact John’s students until late afternoon the next day. None of them remembered any new face.

“You’re sure someone wasn’t auditing the course? Or just tagging along for fun?”

She was told the project was at such a delicate stage that John wasn’t bringing in anyone new. All of them had been sworn to secrecy and had been warned to not answer any seemingly casual questions. In most cases, these led to gossip and misinformation.

“Rumors cause mass hysteria and hobbyists and opportunists turn up at the site and mess it up,” John’s brightest student told her.

Anna wanted to know how they knew where to dig. Cassie had wondered if the students had any literature related to the site.

But John had thought of that. He gave out assignments on a daily basis. Each student was given a specific grid or set of coordinates to work on. After the artifact was found, John had kept the exact location under lock and key.

Anna thanked them for being patient with her, realizing she had hit another dead end.

Chapter 24

Anna set down the bag of frosting and placed her hands on her hips, expelling the breath she had been holding. She had spent a busy morning at the café, helping MJ fill a custom order for five dozen cupcakes. Esther Merton had called when they just finished dinner the previous evening, putting in a rush order.

“We need to get ahead while we can,” she spoke sweetly. “Don’t you want Agnes to win the election?”

Anna figured Agnes was the known devil, compared to Lara’s long lost descendant who had sprung up from nowhere.

Cassie reminded her how often Agnes had been nasty to the Butlers. Meg thought Anna was being a pushover.

“She’s paying double.” Anna ended the argument.

Esther and Agnes appeared at the café door at 8 AM as agreed, looking fresh and energetic. They were going to hand out cupcakes at the local school.

“The idea is to greet the parents as they drop off their children and talk to them about their needs,” Agnes explained. “Who can resist your cupcakes, Anna?”

MJ made a fresh pot of coffee after the sisters left and told Anna to go home for breakfast. Anna hesitated a bit and relented.

Meg had anticipated her arrival and was making omelets. A stack of buttermilk pancakes reposed on the table, studded with blueberries.

Anna admired the fluffy golden omelet on her plate, bursting with peppers, ham and cheese. She sprinkled hot sauce on it and picked up her knife and fork.

“We haven’t discussed what you think about Barry, Grandma?” Meg buttered her toast. “Do you approve?”

“Approve what?” Anna’s eyes grew wide. “Are you going to date two men at once?”

“Drake and I were never exclusive.” Meg was deadpan. “At least, we never talked about it.” She smiled like an imp. “Actually, I meant, do you like Barry as a person? Do you think he’s on the up and up?”

Anna agreed he seemed like a decent man.  Very wisely, she didn’t say anything else.

Cassie finished an online yoga session she was doing with Bobby and joined them at the table. She had been subdued since she realized Teddy had kept things from her. Anna told her they could not imagine what stress he might have been under as a young recruit all those years ago. Lara Crawford had a way of throwing her weight around. The combination of threats and flattery she used generally influenced the strongest of people.

They drove to the café after dropping Meg off at the library. MJ looked pleased to see them. The Garden Committee ladies sat at a big table, charts and sheets spread before them. Agnes was holding court.

“It was a wonderful idea, Essie!” Her face was wreathed in smiles. “You’re the best sister a girl could ask for.”

Anna offered to top up their coffee.

“The cupcakes were a hit, Anna.” Esther thanked her. “Can we repeat the same order for tomorrow?”

“We’re meeting all the stores and businesses on Main Street,” Agnes explained. “People are warming up to me. I encouraged them to send me their grievances.”

Anna had never seen Agnes so animated. She was planning to visit a retirement community before lunch and give a talk at the high school later that afternoon.

“That sounds exhausting,” Anna exclaimed. “Make sure you take plenty of breaks.”

“She’s right, sissy.” Esther nodded at Agnes. “We don’t want you to run out of steam before the big day. As your manager, it’s my job to make sure you rest and take care of your health.”

Agnes told them she was fine.

“I might be pushing seventy, Anna, but these old bones are not used to being idle.”

Esther supported her sister.

“Our father was a traveling salesman and was rarely home. We spent most of our time on our uncle’s farm, doing any chore necessary.”

The sisters reminisced about their childhood. Their uncle had been the only father figure in their life, more like a parent since their mother was often sick. He kept them busy, making sure they didn’t have time to get into any mischief.

“Do you remember harvest season, Essie?” She turned toward Anna. “Uncle always had a contest going. Winner got an extra helping of pie or meat.”

The Garden Committee ladies were caught up in the conversation, just like Anna. A few of them exchanged silent glances full of reproach. Anna could guess what they were thinking. The uncle the Merton sisters idolized had taken undue advantage of his nieces and used them as cheap labor.

“I moved five hundred hay bales in a day,” Agnes boasted. “Essie only managed four hundred and eighty five. That pie tasted mighty sweet that day.”

Esther told them Agnes had shared the extra piece with her.

“She couldn’t do that at the dinner table, of course. So she made up a story about an English test and asked Uncle if she could take it to her room.”

The café became crowded again. Esther asked for five dozen pumpkin ginger cupcakes at 9 AM the next morning and left with her sister, the Garden Committee ladies following in their wake.

Anna helped MJ serve the latest influx of customers and walked through the arch into the bookstore. Cassie sat at the cash register, filing her nails.

“What are we doing for lunch?” she stifled a yawn.

“Not sure.” Anna blushed. “We’ll see what Julie and Mary have to say.”

Cassie guessed her mother was going out with Gino.

“I wouldn’t mind a meal at Mystic Hill myself,” she hinted. “But I don’t want to be a third wheel.”

Grace Fowler stomped in, looking mutinous. Her hair was in disarray and the dress she wore had a white stain. Anna wondered if she had slept in the same clothes.

“Any update?” Her eyes looked wild as she stared at Anna. “I’m worried about Uncle Finn. Who knows what they are feeding him there.”

Anna told her to calm down and dispatched Cassie for coffee and snacks.

“Have you had breakfast, my dear?”

Grace barely heard her.

“I can’t bear to be in the same room as him. How can he look me in the eye after what he did? I married a cheat and a liar.”

Anna coaxed her to drink the coffee Cassie brought over.

“Try this oatmeal raisin cookie. MJ’s trying a new recipe.”

Grace obliged her, looking miserable.

“How can you be so certain Teddy’s lying?” Anna asked her. “What were you doing at the time?”

“I was at home with the kids, of course,” Grace rushed to explain. “Where else?” She stared at her feet, nibbling on a cookie. “No, wait a minute. That was the day before when the younger one had a runny nose. Actually, I was visiting a friend.”

Anna asked if the friend had a name.

“Mindy Jergens.” She fidgeted with a button on her dress. “You’ll find this out soon enough. Mindy lives two doors down from Ian Samuels.”

Cassie exploded.

“What? So you’re the one who’s been lying all along. And you blame poor Teddy?”

Anna gave her daughter a quelling glance, warning her to calm down. Grace looked like a deer caught in the headlights. Her mouth quivered and Anna realized she was going to bolt.

“Tell me one thing. Did you see your uncle there that night? Or Teddy?”

Grace wasn’t sure. She finished her coffee in a gulp and sprang up.

“It was dark and I wasn’t paying attention. I wanted to get home to the kids.”

She walked out without saying more, leaving Anna thoughtful and Cassie fuming.

The Firecrackers arrived at last. Julie had circles under her eyes and Anna guessed she had been up late, working on her latest book. Mary was bursting with news.

“Agnes is kicking up a storm. The Garden Committee is impressed.”

Anna shared what had happened that morning.

“She does look invested in this. Maybe she’ll be a good mayor.”

“Nobody can be better than you, Anna.” Julie gave a wide yawn. “And no wonder Agnes grows the best roses in town. She must’ve picked up a lot of tips from her uncle.”

Anna told her the virago had worked like a farm hand.

“She did heavy work. Like moving hundreds of bales of hay in one day.”

Julie caught on immediately.

“Hay bales, huh!”

Mary had been trying to call a woman she knew. Anna heard her talk about an upcoming fundraiser for the holidays before asking her about Grace.

“Well?” she pressed as soon as Mary hung up. “What does Mindy say?”

Mary told them Grace hadn’t met her that night.

“So Grace lied to me!” Anna exclaimed. “But why? She should know I was bound to check on her.”

Julie thought she had panicked.

“She just blurted the first thing that came to her mind.”

Anna wasn’t sure. Finn, Teddy and Grace were all lying, trying to protect each other. At least one of them had to be guilty.

Cassie pointed out that Grace had admitted being in the vicinity of Ian’s house.

“She could have misled us, Mom. Why acknowledge she was near the scene of the crime?”

“It’s like Julie says.” Anna was thoughtful. “She lost her nerve. Didn’t realize she was making things difficult for herself.”

They went back and forth over what Grace and Teddy had said and why the happy couple suddenly seemed to be at odds with each other. Finally, Julie called a timeout.

“I don’t know about you but I’m ready for lunch, followed by a good nap.”

They headed for the Tipsy Whale, hoping Murphy hadn’t run out of the day’s special. Luckily, he had plenty left.

“Roast Turkey with cranberry chutney, sage pesto, bacon and cheddar,” he announced proudly. “And loaded potato skins to go with it.”

The ladies settled into a booth by the window, rubbing their hands in anticipation.

The sandwich was everything they expected and more. Murphy arrived with a big dish of dessert, a giant brownie covered in hot fudge, topped with three scoops of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream and a cherry on top. There was extra fudge on the side.

Anna dug her spoon in the brownie and took a dainty bite.

“You were in school with Teddy, right?” she asked Cassie. “You must know who his friends were.”

“He followed me around like a puppy.” Cassie turned red. “I barely noticed him.”

Julie gave a loud snort.

“And you were busy running after someone else.”

“How is that relevant now, anyway?” Cassie asked in a huff. “High school was twenty years ago.”

“We know Teddy was stressed.” Anna ate a spoon of fudge. “He was young and inexperienced. If I were him, I would be afraid to consult any of my peers. Chances are, he talked to an old friend, someone who was not on the police force.”

“You may be right, Mom.” Cassie sat up with a jerk. “I need to do some research, maybe look at old yearbooks. Leave it to me.”

Anna hoped her daughter would find the person Teddy must have confided in all those years ago.

Chapter 25

Cassie sat at the dining table with Meg, a stack of old yearbooks spread before her.

“Who are these people?” she peered closely at a picture. “I don’t remember half of them.”

“You must not have spent a lot of time with them. How many years of high school did you get in, Mom?”

Cassie reckoned she had finished almost two years. Then she had left Dolphin Bay to try her luck in Hollywood. She remembered the fateful night when she had sneaked out of the window, all her worldly belongings tucked in a satchel. It had been a cold and windy night. A drizzle of freezing rain had drenched her as she stood on the highway with her thumb out, hoping someone would stop and give her a ride.

“Did you have to run away?” Meg was curious. “I thought Grandma and Grandpa John supported your dream.”

They had been nice, Cassie admitted. But they had insisted she complete her high school graduation.

“It was a couple of months after I gave you up.” Cassie swallowed a lump. “Something snapped inside me, kid. There was no way I could stay on.”

Meg had some hard questions. Cassie replied honestly, peppering her answers with anecdotes about people she found in the yearbooks.

“Sylvia Marlow!” she exclaimed suddenly, pointing at a photo showing a girl with buck teeth and a mop of curly red hair. Her skin was mottled with acne. “She had a crush on Teddy, I think.”

Meg sat up in her chair and opened her laptop.

“Does she live in Dolphin Bay?”

“I don’t think so,” Cassie replied. “I had completely forgotten her. You know how Teddy used to follow me around in those days? Well, she followed him!”

“You must have made quite a sight,” Meg laughed.

She ran a few searches on her computer and slammed her fist on the table.

“Is that her, Mom?”

Cassie peered at the screen. Meg had pulled up a picture of a beautiful woman with glossy red hair cut in a sleek bob. Her teeth were good enough to be featured in an orthodontist’s ad and her skin had a golden tan free of blemishes.

“Doesn’t look like her,” she shrugged.

“It says her name is Sylvia Marlow Croft and her place of birth is Dolphin Bay. She lives in Blueberry Falls.”

“The details sound right.”

Meg dug deeper and pulled up pictures of the woman walking her dog and posing with two kids. One of them was a teenage girl with unruly red curls and a face full of acne.

“This one looks more like her,” Cassie admitted.

Meg landed on a grainy picture of high school graduation and finally, one a few years later with the woman at a party with Teddy Fowler. He had his arm around her.

“That confirms it, Mom.”

Cassie waited impatiently while Meg ferreted out a phone number. She rolled her eyes when Meg asked when they should call her.

“Right away. What are you waiting for?”

Sylvia answered after the second attempt. She went into raptures when Meg told her Cassie wanted to talk. The sun had set and it was almost dinner time. Sylvia offered to meet them for a drink later.

Cassie gave Meg a high five and they trooped into the kitchen to see what was cooking. Anna stood at the window, sipping a glass of water, watching the sunset. She turned around when she heard the girls.

“Can we order pizza tonight?”

Cassie agreed readily and dispatched Meg to place the order. Anna chuckled when she heard about Sylvia.

“I forgot she used to have a crush on Teddy. She’s a physical therapist, you know.”

Sylvia had come back to Dolphin Bay after college to set up shop. Teddy was dating Grace by that time. She left when they got engaged.

“Last I heard, she married a doctor in Blueberry Falls. An orthopedic surgeon, I think. They are doing very well.”

Cassie’s face fell.

“So she’s not a person Teddy would confide in, Mom.”

“You never know,” Anna replied sagely. “Maybe they are still friends.”

The pizza arrived and they enjoyed its hot, cheesy goodness. Cassie invited Anna to come with them but she chose to stay home.

“I’ll turn in early and read Julie’s latest book. You girls be safe.”

Half an hour later, Cassie parked her car on the picturesque Main Street in Blueberry Falls. She had never been there after dark and the town managed to impress her. The cobblestoned street was lit up with a row of vintage street lights, lending it a peculiar charm. People strolled along, swathed in jackets and scarves, visiting the many shops. Some lounged at roadside tables reminiscent of Paris bistros.

Meg nudged Cassie and pointed at a hand painted sign draped in fairy lights.

“The Lazy Cat Café! That’s the one, Mom.”

Cassie entered a cozy room filled with overstuffed chairs and sofas in warm jewel tones and immediately felt at home. A fire burned in a big fireplace and a couple of cats stretched out before it.

“There’s cats everywhere,” Meg hissed, pointing at a ball of fur perched on an armchair.

Sylvia Benson stood at a bar, holding a glass of wine. She came forward to greet them.

“Cassie Butler, as I live and breathe! You are prettier than your pictures.”

Cassie flashed her professional smile. She was sure the woman before her was a stranger.

“You won’t remember me, of course,” Sylvia read her mind. “I was far beneath your notice when we were in high school.”

Cassie introduced Meg and that broke the ice. Sylvia pulled out pictures of her kids and regaled them with their many achievements. Cassie bore it patiently, sipping the wine Sylvia poured for her. Meg had chosen a cup of warm apple cider.

“So what brings you to my neck of the woods?” Sylvia asked after topping up the wine.

Cassie asked her about Teddy.

“We meet once a month.” Sylvia was honest. “I was a bit depressed when Teddy got engaged to Grace but that’s water under the bridge. My career flourished after I moved to Blueberry Falls and I met the love of my life, my husband.”

Teddy and Sylvia had always been good friends. They kept in touch over the years, sharing life’s ups and downs.

Cassie brought up the early days of Teddy’s career. Sylvia took her time, gazing at her over the rim of her glass.

“What’s your interest in this? Teddy still worships you, Cassie. But I’m not sure you appreciate him.”

“Teddy’s one of the few friends I have in Dolphin Bay.” Cassie was sincere. “He’s going through a tough time right now. He and Grace both are. I just want to help him.”

Sylvia relented.

“Being a detective was Teddy’s dream. He was very happy when he joined the police force as a trainee. But something happened around that time. I thought he had cold feet. Being a cop must be harder than it seems, you know, once the charm fades.”

Cassie asked if she knew what was bothering him.

“That’s one thing he has never shared with me,” Sylvia told her. “It was a dark time in his life and he was under a lot of pressure. But that’s all I knew. I moved here around that time and he kind of disappeared for a while.”

After a while, Cassie acknowledged Sylvia wasn’t holding anything back.

“Thank you for seeing us on such short notice.”

“Anything for Teddy,” Sylvia smiled. “He’s not doing good right now, Cassie. Maybe you and your mom can do something for him.”

Cassie assured her she would try her best.

Meg fiddled with the radio on the way back home, talking about Barry.

“He’s talking to a friend who owns a farm in Tuscany. They cater to American tourists.”

“And what will you do there?” Cassie was curious.

“Whatever they need,” Meg responded cheerfully. “I don’t mind. It gives me a chance to spend the summer in Italy.”

Cassie was quiet. She had to be in Eastern Europe herself, shooting for her superhero movie. Anna was going to be lonely, unless Gino had other plans.

The drive home didn’t take long. Anna and Gino sat in the living room, eating apple pie. Meg rushed to the kitchen and brought out two bowls heaped high with warm pie and vanilla ice cream.

“No luck?” Anna’s gaze shifted between the two of them.

Cassie flopped down on the couch and took a big bite of the pie.

“Sylvia was the only one from our class who really knew Teddy. She was my last hope.”

Anna shared a glance with Gino and cleared her throat.

“Are you purposely ignoring the obvious? Helping Teddy should be more important than your ego.”

“What are you talking about, Mom?” Cassie grew antsy. “You know I’ll do anything for Teddy.”

Anna didn’t mince words.

“Dylan.”

Chapter 26

Cassie drove to Daisy Hollow Farms with Meg, making no attempt to hide her grumpy mood.

Anna had made an effort to pamper her. She made a big fruit salad for breakfast, along with egg white omelets loaded with spinach and sun dried tomatoes. Julie offered to relieve Cassie at the bookstore that morning. Meg had postponed a meeting with her professor just so she could accompany her mother.

“Come on, it’s not that bad!” she consoled. “You promised to be good to Dylan. I thought you had some kind of truce.”

“Mark my words, kid. He won’t miss a chance to take a jibe at me.”

Meg reminded her why she needed to do it.

“Anything for Teddy,” Cassie exhaled. “Let’s just hope he knows something and is honest with us.”

She drove through a pair of rustic wooden posts that pronounced they had entered Daisy Hollow land. It was a bright fall morning, sunny with a nip in the air. They passed the apple orchard, Meg pointing at the branches weighed down with fruit. Pumpkins lay in a patch to their right and cows grazed on a hill, placid and content.

Five minutes later, Cassie stopped outside a freshly painted barn. They stepped out of the car, Meg hugging a box of cupcakes close to her chest.

Dylan Woods came out, dressed in overalls. He flashed a brilliant smile when he spotted Meg, holding out his arms in welcome. Meg flew into them, hugging him tight.

“You just made my day better, kiddo!” Dylan ruffled Meg’s hair.

His mouth settled in a smirk when he gazed at Cassie.

“Hello Princess! Must be my lucky day.”

Cassie bristled with anger, not sure why Dylan always managed to rile her up.

“Can we talk?” she asked. “It’s important.”

Dylan led them to a picnic bench with a pretty view of the valley stretching before them. He poured coffee from a thermos and took a big bite from the cupcake Meg set before him.

“How can I help?” he asked sincerely.

Cassie brought up the mayor’s death and told him Anna was trying to help Finn.

“O’Malley’s a bit crooked but he’s a good person,” Dylan frowned. “I don’t see him hurting anyone.”

“That’s why we’re here,” Meg burst out. “Mom thinks you might …”

Cassie held up a hand to stop her.

“How well do you know Teddy Fowler?” she asked Dylan.

“Teddy?” Dylan’s brow furrowed, a clear sign he was irritated. “Are you really asking me that?”

“Just answer the question. Would you consider him a friend?”

Dylan dusted some crumbs off his shirt and gave her a withering look.

“Yes, Princess. We are friends. Best friends.”

“Can you two set your differences aside for a minute?” Meg cried out in frustration. “Tell him why you’re asking, Mom.”

Cassie decided she needed to trust Dylan for a change. His whiskey eyes bore into hers and she didn’t doubt he would be honest.

“Teddy’s been very nice to me since I came back,” she began. “I can never thank him enough. You must know I have his back, Dyl.”

Neither of them noticed she used the old nickname she had given him in high school. But Meg did. She hid a smile and waited for her mother to continue.

Cassie told Dylan about the trouble Grace and Teddy were in.

“We found out Lara had some kind of hold on him. Did he ever confide in you?”

Dylan didn’t respond right away.

“You promise you won’t use this against Teddy?”

“I don’t want to.” Cassie was honest. “I will try to protect him as much as I can but not if he’s involved in murder.”

Dylan agreed with her.

“I won’t go into how he got ensnared by Lara. But she never let him forget it, Cass. He stayed awake at nights, wondering when she would ask him to do something impossible. Then the Founder’s Day funds went missing and Anna discovered Lara had been moving funds around.”

“She was laundering money for someone,” Cassie told him. “Gino told Mom about it.”

Dylan told her Lara had ordered Teddy to frame Finn O’Malley for the missing funds.

“He was distressed. He had to go against Finn to save his own hide. But Grace wanted him to protect Finn. He was doomed either way.”

“No wonder she’s mad at him,” Cassie sighed.

Dylan didn’t have much more to tell but he was very sure Teddy would never commit a crime. Cassie crossed her fingers and hoped he was right.

They stood up to leave. Dylan took them to the dairy for two pounds each of ricotta and mozzarella made fresh that morning, along with a tub of feta cheese.

“Anna orders this every week,” he told them. “You saved me a trip.”

Cassie dropped Meg off at Dolphin Bay University and went home to put the cheese in the refrigerator. She had a video conference with the cast of her movie that afternoon so she decided to stay home for lunch. There were plenty of leftovers in the fridge.

She was engrossed in her meeting when Anna got home and they didn’t get a chance to talk. The shadows were lengthening by the time she shut her computer and headed to the kitchen for a snack.

Anna was stirring tomato sauce on the stove.

“Stuffed shells for dinner,” she announced, asking Cassie to make garlic bread. “I like to use the cheese while it’s fresh.”

The kitchen door burst open and Julie walked in with Meg in her wake.

“Is there anything to eat?” she asked, setting her books down with a thud.

Julie echoed her and rooted around in the pantry for a bag of chips. Cassie decided to make a big tub of popcorn to tide them over until dinner.

They chatted about their day, waiting until Anna slid the pan of stuffed shells into the oven. Cassie poured the wine and they moved to the living room, eager to swap notes.

Anna and Julie weren’t surprised when they learned how Lara had manipulated Teddy.

“We already know what an odious woman she was,” Julie smirked. “And she had a hold on Teddy too. The question is, where did Teddy draw the line?”

Anna summed up what they knew.

“Teddy lied about seeing Finn at Ian’s house. And he didn’t mention Grace was there which is lying by omission. Did he leave her name out to spare her being questioned by the police?”

Julie had another theory.

“What if Grace Fowler found out Lara was blackmailing her husband? She might have taken things in her own hands to protect Teddy.”

Cassie knew Teddy and Grace were tied at the hip. They were madly in love three kids and several years after marriage. Either of them would go do anything to protect the other.

“I don’t know if Grace is capable of attacking someone,” she mused. “But Teddy might have feared she did. What if he thought the worse of her and gave a false testimony against Finn to protect her?”

The oven dinged, sounding like a death knell in the silence. Meg helped bring the food out and they tucked in.

“These shells are delicious, Mom.” Cassie complimented the roasted pumpkin and ricotta stuffing. “Gino should taste this.”

Anna told her he was attending a seminar in the city.

They held off on talking about the murder until they finished dinner. Anna brought out a tray of dessert with tiny pies, colorful parfaits in shot glasses and dainty ramekins of pumpkin crème brulee.

“Charlie Robinson sent these. The chef at the resort is testing more recipes for Thanksgiving dinner.”

Julie made a face but didn’t hold herself back. She gave full points to the pecan pie and the citrus flavored crème brulee. Cassie preferred the tiny layered cheesecake in the shot glasses. Meg liked everything.

“Let’s talk about Grace.” Anna steered them to the difficult conversation. “She was present at both scenes of crime. Let’s not forget she knew the maze inside out because she designed it herself.”

“Was her name on the list of people inside the maze?” Cassie asked.

Anna told her that meant nothing.

“Being the main organizer, she must have gone in and out a dozen times. She would hardly be noticed.”

Cassie felt her pulse speed up. Teddy would be devastated if Grace was taken away. What would happen to their kids?

“Let’s not forget that hay fork.” Anna was relentless. “It’s already been established that it belonged to Grace. They even found her prints on it.”

Julie placed a hand on Cassie’s back, offering silent support.

“That’s a lot of coincidences, sweetie.”

Cassie voiced her deepest fear.

“So Teddy’s not lying just to hide his past mistakes or to prevent a scandal. He’s doing this to save his wife.”

Chapter 27

Anna woke early after a restless night. She brewed a pot of coffee and took it outside to her favorite spot in the garden. The morning sun painted the sky in shades of orange and not a single cloud hugged the horizon. Anna closed her eyes and tried to meditate for a while but the noise in her head wouldn’t go away.

She went back to the kitchen and started cracking eggs in a bowl. The action finally calmed her. Cassie came out, dressed for her run. She waved a greeting and stepped out. Anna chopped onions and peppers and crumbled some spicy sausage. By the time Meg walked in, looking dewy fresh from her shower, the frittata was in the oven.

“Smells good, Grandma!” she beamed. “I’m giving my project presentation today. It’s a big part of my grade.”

“You better fuel up then.” Anna smiled and pulled the pan from the oven. She poured Meg’s coffee and then cut a generous slice of the frittata for her. “Here you go.”

Meg asked for hot sauce. She had taken a liking to it after spending time with Anna.

Cassie came back and promised to join them after a quick shower. Anna set a plate piled high with fruit and a piece of the frittata before her.

“I talked to Teddy.” She thanked Anna and picked up her fork. “He’s not saying much.”

Anna added hot sauce to her own frittata and took a bite.

“I can’t stop thinking about it. Finn and Grace are both implicated. Their prints are on the murder weapon, girls. The police are not going to overlook that.

“No wonder Teddy is so tense,” Cassie sighed. “His life will turn upside down if Grace is found guilty. But I can’t believe she is, Mom.”

“She’ll do anything for Teddy, right? And Lara had a way of going too far. I know that from personal experience. We keep coming back to the finger prints.”

Cassie pointed out there was no way to establish when Grace had last used the weapon. A good lawyer might make a strong argument and get her exonerated.

“Do you believe Finn would pick up that fork and put it away just so it wouldn’t bother anyone?” Anna was skeptical. “Is he that altruistic?”

Meg scraped her plate clean and finally decided to contribute to the conversation.

“We know most people in town hated Lara. Maybe this was an old grudge. Someone saw an opportunity and took it.”

Anna mulled over this theory.

“So revenge is one motive. Who gains from her death right now?”

Cassie finished her frittata and asked for more.

“How desperately does Agnes want to be mayor?” she laughed. “I think she got tired of playing second fiddle.”

“Didn’t she always parrot everything Lara said?” Meg asked. “I thought she was devoted to Lara Crawford.”

Anna remembered how Agnes had given her a hard time for the past few years, based on Lara’s prompting. It was hard to imagine she would turn against the woman she had idolized for so long.

“I should ask her where she was that night, I guess, if I’m being thorough. There’s a chance she might have seen something.”

Meg glanced at the kitchen clock and cried out in surprise.

“I’m late. We need to leave right now, Mom!”

Anna wished them a good day and considered riding her bike to the café. A quick glance outside confirmed the weather was holding up. She wore a fluffy sweater to ward off the chill and set off.

She paused under the magnolia tree outside the bookstore and looked up, yearning for the time it would bloom again. Then she greeted the people who sat at the reading tables near the windows, missing Ian with a pang.

A steady hum of conversation greeted her when she walked through the arch into the café. MJ had made carrot cake muffins with a cream cheese spread to go with them. Anna tasted one at her insistence and showered her with praise.

“You’re a wonder in the kitchen, MJ. What will I do when some restaurant from the big city steals you?”

“I’m not going anywhere,” MJ snorted. “You gave me a roof over my head inspite of my past, Anna. I won’t forget that.”

Anna stood at the cash register, ringing up purchases, thinking of how she might approach Agnes. What if she sought her advice on growing roses? But everyone knew Anna didn’t have a green thumb. Her garden thrived thanks to the dedicated gardener she had employed for the past fifteen years. She thought of taking Mary’s help. Agnes had a good rapport with her since they both served on the Garden Committee. Anna picked up her phone to call Mary when the café opened and Esther Merton walked in, wearing a stylishly cut dark suit under an expensive wool coat. Agnes was right behind her, swathed in a chunky cardigan over her usual frock, with several turns of a large scarf wrapped around her neck. Anna could barely see her face.

“Good Morning, ladies!” Anna gave them a wide smile. “How’s life on the campaign trail?”

Esther launched into an extensive list of events she had planned. Agnes nodded and stared at her sister, her eyes full of adoration.

“Essie’s the best campaign manager, isn’t she?”

“We’re ahead in the polls,” Esther declared loudly, making sure everyone in the café heard her. “That Joshua Thorpe might have city smarts, but his candidate has no attachment to Dolphin Bay. Agnes has toiled for the good of this town her whole life.”

Anna couldn’t argue with that and she told the sisters so.

“I think you’re a shoo in, Agnes. Why do we need an election? An informal vote at the town meeting would be enough.”

Agnes blushed fiercely.

“You think so? I am not sure the Garden Committee will approve.”

“Why not?” Esther barked at her sister. “This Committee has too much power, if you ask me.”

“They do a lot of good,” Anna said mildly. “The Halloween festival is a shining example. Grace would never have been able to build that maze without funds the Garden Committee collected.”

Agnes gave a shudder.

“Did you get a chance to go into the maze?” Anna tried to keep her tone casual. “I was looking forward to giving it a try.”

“It was awful, Anna.” Agnes gulped. “The walls towered over me from all sides and I felt like I was being swallowed by a monster. Too claustrophobic!”

“You poor thing!” Anna sympathized. “Did you get lost?”

It hadn’t come to that. Agnes had barely turned a corner before high tailing out of the maze.

“Essie went deeper but I fled and tried my luck at the ring toss. Won a nice cuddly toy too.”

Anna turned a wide eyed gaze on Esther Merton.

“How long did you take to solve the maze?”

“What’s with all the questions?” Esther flared up. “You should learn to mind your own business. I know all about you, Miss Nancy Drew.”

She moved closer to Agnes and took her arm.

“Now, Essie. Each to his own, I say.” Agnes shook her head from side to side, giving Anna a withering look.

“Things will change when my sister is mayor,” Esther declared. “No more running around, harassing people with silly questions.”

She flung a warning finger in Anna’s face and whirled around, pulling Agnes with her.

“Would you like a cupcake?” Anna called after them. “On the house.”

The door slammed behind the sisters and opened again to admit Julie and Mary.

“What was that?” Julie asked, bewildered.

Anna admitted being puzzled too. Mary thought the stress of the campaign was taking its toll on Agnes and her sister.

MJ urged her to relax and promised to bring fresh coffee. Anna felt better after a few bracing sips. Cassie joined them and listened to the tale, her mouth hanging open.

“Esther might be right, Mom. You need to move on. Lara consumed your life when she was alive and she’s doing the same now that she’s dead.”

“Ian’s gone too,” Anna reminded her. “He deserves justice, even if Lara doesn’t.”

Cassie grew sober instantly.

“We talked about this ad nauseum. It boils down to Finn or Grace. Let the police do their job now.”

Anna plunged into despair. Her gut instinct told her the real culprit was still out there. She broke a chunk of carrot cake muffin and popped it into her mouth, her mind buzzing like a bee. She needed to start over and analyze all the information again.

“Why don’t you take a break?” Julie suggested. “Drive over to Mystic Hill and talk to Gino. He might provide some new insight.”

“He promised Leo he would stay away, remember?” she replied, dejected.

“I think he might reconsider.” Julie stood her ground. “Leo’s had a lot of time to get a head start on this.”

“Will you come?” Anna asked. “Help me convince Gino I need him.”

Chapter 28

Anna arrived at Mystic Hill with Julie, eager to meet Gino. She hadn’t called ahead and she hoped he wasn’t too busy to see her.

The house sat at the top of a hill, overlooking a fine vista of meticulously planted vines. Gino stood near the edge, surveying his kingdom, deep in discussion with Tyler Madison. He rushed to welcome them.

“This is a nice surprise. I hope you’ll stay for lunch.”

Julie stepped out and pulled a stack of books from the back seat. Anna watched, bemused, as she beckoned Tyler and handed over the stack to him.

“Dickens, Steinbeck, Hemingway, Austen and a few others.” She patted his arm.

Tyler threw back his head and laughed.

“And what am I supposed to do with them?”

Julie told him it was time he read some of the great classics. “They might help you appreciate the written word.”

Tyler’s smile didn’t waver.

“I appreciate the classics very well, Julie. Just not the trashy romances some people write.”

Anna sensed a full blown argument brewing. She tugged at Gino’s arm and urged him to go in with her.

A fire was burning in the grate in the sunken living room. Gino made sure Anna was comfortable and went in to apprise his cook of the two extra people for lunch.

“We can go to the diner,” Anna murmured. “Are you sure we’re not imposing?”

Gino assured her his cook had everything under control.

Lunch was chicken tenders with a honey mustard dip and a garden salad. Anna relished the tangy buttermilk marinated chicken and requested the recipe.

“What’s on your mind, my dear?” Gino inquired after she’d taken a few bites. “You look worried.”

Anna told him about her attempts to find Lara’s killer.

“I have rehashed this plenty of times but I’m stuck. Nothing makes sense, Gino.”

“Happens to the best of us,” Gino consoled. “There have been times when the solution was staring me in the face but I couldn’t see it.”

“So you think I’m ignoring the obvious?” Anna frowned. “Please don’t spare my feelings. If I’m going wrong somewhere, just tell me about it.”

Gino hastened to assure her he was as clueless as she was.

“You just have to dig deeper. It’s like peeling an onion. Explore a wider circle of acquaintance, figure out how those people knew Lara, what they felt about her, how she behaved with them. One thing is certain, Anna. The murderer might have seized the right opportunity but the motive was there all along.”

He reminded her of the pumpkin bashed around Lara’s head. Her killer had deeply resented her, even hated her. It was a wound that had festered for a long time.

Anna started to review all the people who had benefitted by Lara’s death. She had barely begun when Leo walked in. His clothes were rumpled and his unshaven face bore a dark shadow. His shoulders fell when he saw Anna.

“You’re just in time for lunch, Leo,” she greeted him brightly. “Let me fix you a plate.”

Gino clapped his nephew on the shoulder and insisted he sit with them. Leo gave in and collapsed into the chair.

“I need a nap,” he confessed. “I’m going back to the station in three hours.”

Anna stood up to leave. Leo broke a piece of chicken in two and dunked it in the sauce.

“You don’t have to leave, Mrs. Butler.”

Anna confessed they had been talking about Lara’s murder.

“Everyone at the police station respects you,” Leo sighed. “You’ve solved many crimes and found things the police never suspected. But sometimes, the solution is just as obvious as it looks.”

Gino grudgingly agreed, giving Anna a tiny shrug.

“I say nothing obvious is true, young man.” Anna told him about Teddy’s past. “He looks so straitlaced but he’s been harboring a secret for so many years.”

“The first few months on the job are hard. Teddy may not have had a choice.”

Anna stressed she believed in Finn O’Malley’s innocence.

“Now that’s where you are wrong. The police found a blood stained scarf in his car. That’s enough to keep him locked up.”

“What!” Anna couldn’t hide her dismay. “I didn’t know that.”

Leo told her it wasn’t public information. Even Finn wasn’t aware of it.

Julie came in, looking mutinous. “I don’t know how you could’ve hired that man, Gino. He has no manners. None.”

Anna waited while she loaded her plate.

“Where’s Tyler? I hope you didn’t drive him away, Julie. The man has to eat.”

Gino laughed heartily.

“Tyler’s a grown man, Anna. He’ll come and eat if he’s hungry.”

Julie provided a few choice observations on the ineptitude of Tyler Madison. Then it was time to go.

“We’ll catch up later.” Gino whispered in Anna’s ear as he gave her a hug.

The day had grown brighter but a cold wind picked up, making Anna long for a nap.

“Home or bookstore?” Julie asked and started the car.

Anna told her they were going to the mayor’s office.

“If I have your permission, of course!”

Julie didn’t respond.

“What’s going on with you?” Anna thundered. “Seems like you pick a fight with that poor man every time we come here. You do realize you’re indirectly insulting Gino?”

“That’s a giant leap.”

“Gino hired the man, didn’t he? He’s depending on Tyler to pull off this big expansion.”

“You think he’ll walk out and leave Gino in the lurch?” Julie snorted. “Just because I had a difference of opinion with him?”

Anna reminded her she never lost an opportunity to bad mouth Tyler.

“Just because Gino lets most things roll off his back …”

Julie apologized and promised to do better. They reached town and walked to the town hall building.

“Tell me what we are doing at the mayor’s office?”

Anna wanted to talk to Marcie.

Lara Crawford’s old secretary was busy painting her nails. Clearly, she didn’t have much to do until a new mayor was installed in the office. She looked up with a bored expression.

“Oh, it’s you! I already told you everything I know, Anna.”

Anna reminded her a man’s life was on the line.

“Did Lara receive any threats recently?”

“Not that I know of,” Marcie grumbled. “And the only person she had any arguments with was Finn O’Malley. So maybe the police have the right man after all.”

Anna asked her about Lara’s relations.

“Who’s this young man Joshua Thorpe was talking about? Did he visit often?”

According to Marcie, Lara didn’t have any family. There was a distant cousin somewhere on the east coast.

“She just sent a Christmas card to him every year.” Marcie fanned her nails and admired the new polish. “I wrote it myself. Miss High and Mighty couldn’t be bothered to sign it.”

The proposed mayoral candidate was the cousin’s son. Anna didn’t think a person who had never been to Dolphin Bay could hope to stand for public office.

“He’s got some nerve,” Julie bristled. “How gullible does he think we are?”

Marcie looked over her shoulder and leaned toward them.

“I think it’s all a farce. That Joshua Thorpe has never lost an election. He’s afraid this job is going to be a black mark on his record.”

Anna steered her away from the topic of the election.

“How did Finn O’Malley behave with others?” She examined Marcie’s hand judiciously. Every finger had been painted a different color and Marcie wanted her to choose the best one. “The blue matches your eyes. And it’s cool.”

Marcie immediately offered to try the shade on Anna’s hand.

“Come on,” she coaxed. “You can wipe it off if you don’t like it.”

Anna humored her, hoping the girl would eventually get around to answering her question.

“Finn’s a darling!” Marcie narrowed her eyes and blew on Anna’s finger. “Who can resist that Irish charm? Not me.”

Julie thought a man like that must have been a blessing, working for a tyrant like Lara. Marcie agreed wholeheartedly.

“Finn left a nice woolen scarf at the café,” Anna said suddenly. “Was he wearing it the night of the Halloween party?”

Marcie laughed uproariously.

“Are you kidding? Finn sweats buckets in peak winter. I don’t think he owns a scarf of any kind. Handkerchiefs, yes. Now those he buys by the dozen. Goes through a few every day, poor man!”

Anna needed ten minutes to convince Marcie that she liked the blue nail polish.

“What are you doing for Thanksgiving? Why don’t you come to the café for dinner? My treat.”

Marcie squealed with delight, jumped down from her seat and rushed around the desk to hug Anna, without giving a thought to the wet nail polish.

Anna was grinning like a Cheshire cat when she walked out in the bright light.

“What’d I miss?” Julie was piqued.

“The scarf doesn’t belong to Finn.” Anna danced a little jig. “I have to talk to Leo.”

Chapter 29

Anna couldn’t stop thinking about the scarf. She stared at the mound of potatoes she had just processed through a ricer, looking around for the flour. Twenty minutes later, her arms ached from kneading the dough but she wasn’t any closer to a solution.

Cassie and Meg trooped in and offered to help.

“How do you want your gnocchi?” Anna asked them. “Tossed in burnt butter or creamy vodka sauce?”

“Can we have both?” Meg burst out.

She had never tasted either kind so she wasn’t sure which one she would like.

“You’re in for a treat, kid.” Cassie bumped a fist in her daughter’s arm. “Mom makes the best vodka sauce ever.”

Cassie set a big pot of water to boil and Meg watched Anna roll the gnocchi. She wanted to try her hand at it.

They worked in unison for a while until Julie walked into the kitchen, lugging two containers of ice cream.

“I got that pumpkin pie ice cream you wanted, Anna. Shall we hit the tub now?”

Anna told her it was pumpkin pie spiced ice cream.

“It’ll go well with the gnocchi.”

Meg was dispatched to the garden to get the tub ready. Anna started the tomato sauce and set it on simmer. It would be ready by the time they finished soaking in the tub.

The yard was strewn with fallen leaves and the breeze carried a whiff of smoke. Meg had lit cinnamon and apple candles and the women breathed a sigh of relief as the hot water engulfed them. Anna started the jets and tried to relax as the streams of water massaged her aching back.

Julie warned them not to mention Lara Crawford.

“Give it a rest, Anna. Your body and mind are both overworked.”

Anna saw a glance pass between Cassie and Meg and wondered what that was about. She decided to talk to them before going to bed.

Meg broached the subject a few minutes later.

“Can we talk about Grandpa John?”

Anna’s eyes filled up.

“We’re doing everything we can. But I’m beginning to think John’s death will always remain a mystery.”

Julie took her hand.

“He had a good life, Anna. And you made sure he knew how much you loved him. He once told me he was the luckiest man on earth.”

Cassie grumbled about being hungry.

“I’m ready for a glass of wine.”

Anna hastened to climb out of the tub. Half an hour later, they sat in the dining room, exclaiming over the gnocchi.

“Light as a feather.” Julie smacked her lips. “You should make this more often, Anna.”

They watched a movie for a while and Julie went home. Anna exchanged a few messages with Gino before drifting off to sleep.

She woke up refreshed, feeling a burst of optimism.

“It’s a new day,” she told herself. “Anything can happen today.”

Heavy fog hung over the bay and dew drops clung to the trees in the garden. Anna had avocado toast for breakfast, reluctant to linger at home.

The café was packed to the gills and MJ looked relieved to see her. Anna frosted a couple of trays of cupcakes and took over the cash register.

“Remind me to give you a raise,” she told MJ. “You know I appreciate your hard work, sweetie?”

MJ laughed and told her she was having the time of her life.

“I finally belong somewhere, Anna.”

Dylan Woods arrived with a load of fresh vegetables, fruit and cheese.

“I think I got everything on your list,” he told MJ. “But why don’t you double check, just in case?”

He looked around, his eye wary.

“Cassie’s at home,” Anna told him. “She had a work meeting with her new director.”

Dylan immediately brightened up.

“How’s the kiddo?” he asked. “We haven’t hung out in a while.”

Anna told him about Barry Symon, Meg’s latest obsession.

“She’s smarter than we think.” Dylan was calm. “Meg’s been in enough scrapes, Anna. Believe me, her instincts are good and she’s always going to fall on her feet.”

Anna agreed with him. Meg’s turbulent past had prepared her for the unsavory aspects of life.

“I’ll tell her to catch up with you.”

Dylan brought up the murders.

“Ian was a good man. There must be dozens in this town who wanted Lara dead. But why Ian?”

Anna told him her theory.

“I think he must have seen something incriminating. That’s why he had to go.”

Dylan told her about the work he was doing with Ian.

“It was a complete remodel of that space over his garage. I knocked down a wall, added new flooring and some wainscoting. That reminds me, my stuff is still there.”

“Can I go with you?” Anna asked eagerly. “Let me look around, please. Maybe I’ll find something that will help me track down his killer.”

Dylan agreed Ian had probably been silenced by the same person who murdered Lara.

“It could also be someone from Ian’s past,” Anna mused. “He must have made a lot of enemies as a journalist.”

“At least that will exonerate Finn O’Malley.” Dylan sided with the imprisoned man. “He’s like a cuddly teddy bear, Anna. I really don’t think Finn is capable of any violence.”

Anna was relieved to hear someone believed in Finn.

“He was nowhere near Ian’s house that night. Someone’s trying to frame him and he makes a good target because of the scandal around the missing funds.” Anna tried again. “That’s why I want to look around Ian’s office. Who knows what’s hidden there.”

Dylan couldn’t say no to her. He told her he would call her after lunch.

The Garden Committee ladies had bagged the largest table again. Agnes sat next to her sister, evaluating poster designs. She greeted Anna with a friendly smile.

“We’re going to paint the town red.”

Esther handed her a badge with Vote for Agnes written in bold letters, along with a picture of the candidate.

“Make sure you wear this all day, Anna. We are also asking all our supporters to hand these out.”

Anna bit back a retort. Agnes and her sister were taking her for granted and she didn’t like it. She offered to keep a box of badges near the entrance. Anyone who was interested could pick one up.

“It will mean more if you add a personal touch,” Esther reprimanded her.

Anna promised to try. That’s as far as she was willing to go.

Julie and Mary were both busy running errands that day and asked her to meet them at the Yellow Tulip diner for lunch.

Over a fulfilling lunch of cheeseburgers and fries, Anna told them about meeting Dylan.

“Why are you wearing that silly badge?” Julie needled. “Are you enamored of Agnes now?”

“I couldn’t be rude to her face,” Anna shrugged. “It’s going to be unanimous, anyway. Lara’s distant cousin is not going to win votes here.”

Dylan was going to pick her up at the diner but he called to say he was running late. Julie offered to drop Anna off at Ian’s house.

“I should walk and work off this lunch.”

“It might rain soon,” Julie warned. “And the fog hasn’t lifted much.”

Anna could see ten feet ahead and that was enough. She unfurled an umbrella after they left the diner and said goodbye to Julie and Mary.

The light drizzle didn’t bother her. Ian’s house was a brisk twenty – twenty five minute walk. Anna traversed Main Street and walked a portion of the Coastal Walk. Then she cut across to another road that would directly take her to the neighborhood where Ian lived.

A couple of people were out in their gardens, raking leaves. They waved a greeting and Anna nodded at them. Dolphin Bay was a friendly town and she had spent her whole life there. Every little alley and cul de sac felt familiar.

Anna thought of John as she trudged along, wishing she had worn her winter coat instead of the light cotton cardigan. Lara had cared for him and had genuinely wanted to get justice for him. Even if Anna solved the puzzle surrounding his death now, Lara would never know. With a pang, Anna realized how much she had wanted to prove her innocence to Lara. She vowed to keep that revelation to herself because her girls wouldn’t understand.

She heard a truck merge on the road, the sound of its engine growing louder as it came closer. Anna turned and waved, thinking Dylan was early after all. The prospect of stepping into a warm car seemed appealing.

Black smoke billowed out of the exhaust, creating a dark cloud. Anna stepped to the side, sure it wasn’t Dylan. He took pride in taking excellent care of all his vehicles, being a skilled mechanic. John had often paid him to do minor repairs on their car.

The truck was going too fast. Anna stepped on the shoulder, giving it a wide berth. She found herself choking on exhaust fumes as the vehicle sped past her. There was a loud pop as the truck backfired before putting on a fresh burst of speed.

Anna felt something whistle past her before her arm began to burn. She felt herself falling on the tarmac and conveniently passed out before she could realize what happened.

Chapter 30

Anna woke up in a hospital bed, surrounded by the anxious faces of her friends and family. The bright fluorescent lights made her squint and the steady beeps from a heart rate monitor made her situation all too real.

“Mom!” Cassie cried with tears in her eyes. “You scared us!”

Meg held her left hand and Gino held the right while Julie and Cassie brought her up to speed.

“You’ve been shot, missy.” Julie’s eyes were red. “That’s a bit much, even for you.”

Anna finally noticed her bandaged arm.

“I don’t feel a thing.”

“That’s because they pumped you with a lot of drugs,” Cassie informed her. “But Aunt Julie’s right. You were shot. With a gun.”

Anna’s mind went blank. She wasn’t sure how to react. The last thing she remembered was walking down the road to Ian’s house.

“Can you tell us anything?” Gino asked gently. “Take your time. But the police will be here soon for a statement.”

“There was smoke.” Anna closed her eyes. “And noise. What happened?”

“Dylan found you,” Julie supplied. “He said you were lying at the side of the road, with the rain coming down on you.”

Anna told them she was going to meet him at Ian’s.

“That’s just like Dylan,” Cassie fumed. “Making you walk in the rain. Couldn’t he have picked you up?”

“Give him some credit, Mom.” Meg spoke up for Dylan. “If it hadn’t been for him, who knows how long Grandma would have stayed there in the rain.”

Anna wanted to know if they got the bullet out.

“It just whizzed past you,” Gino explained. “There was a flesh wound and you lost some blood. But you were at greater risk of getting pneumonia.”

The girls fussed over her, making sure she had enough pillows. A nurse came to check on her and brought juice.

“When can I go home?” Anna asked, looking around. “I would like to talk to a doctor.”

The nurse told her they were keeping her under observation for a few hours. Everyone thought she would spend the night at the hospital but Anna didn’t relish the prospect.

“I prefer to sleep in my own bed.”

“You won’t get any rest once we go home, Mom.” Cassie placed a hand on her hip. “At least you’re safe here.” She nodded at a man standing outside.

Anna noticed the uniform for the first time. So the police had provided some security.

“Is that really necessary?” she made a face.

“You look pretty when you pout,” Gino laughed. “And yes, Anna. People don’t get shot at in broad daylight. There’s a tangible threat to your life and the police chief agreed with me.”

“You know why you got shot, don’t you?” Julie quipped. “You’re getting close, Anna. Wait a minute, have you already figured it out?”

Anna confessed she couldn’t think straight because of the fog on her brain.

“It’s unlikely. I was just going to Ian’s house to look through his stuff.”

The guard on duty straightened suddenly and gave a smart salute. Teddy Fowler came into the room. Cassie’s nostrils flared when she spotted him.

“How dare you show your face here?”

Teddy cleared his throat, looking embarrassed.

“Hey Cass!” He moved closer to Anna’s bed. “Glad to see you’re well, Mrs. Butler.”

“No thanks to you.” Cassie jabbed a finger in his chest.

Gino took her arm and gently pulled her away from Teddy.

“You know this is your fault, don’t you?” Cassie continued to berate him. “Mom could’ve died out there. Are you still going to protect Lara’s killer? Who is it, Teddy? Is it Grace?”

Julie exchanged a swift glance with Gino and nudged Cassie out. Meg followed, looking uncertain.

“You will have to go too, Chief.” Teddy looked apologetic. “I won’t be long.”

Gino told him to take his time. He knew Teddy was just following procedure.

Anna wanted to sit up. Teddy adjusted the hospital bed until Anna was comfortable. She thanked him and waited for him to speak.

“I volunteered to come,” he began. “They usually send a uniform for these things.”

Anna had guessed as much.

“The chief agreed you would be more comfortable talking to me.” Teddy scratched a spot above his ear and began his questions.

Anna told him what she could but it wasn’t much.

“And you didn’t see the person who shot you?” he asked again.

“I barely realized I was being shot at,” Anna smirked. “Everything happened in the fraction of a second.”

Teddy asked if she thought the attack on her was connected to Lara’s death.

“You should know better,” Anna shot back. “All these years, I thought you were one of ours. But you were doing Lara’s bidding. Did you help her spread those vicious rumors about me?”

Teddy blanched.

“Anna …I would never do that. Cassie’s my family and so are you.”

“Do you believe this person who shot me is connected to Lara’s death?”

Teddy wasn’t sure but thought it was logical.

“Have you confronted anyone lately? Or found someone who doesn’t have an alibi?”

Anna told him the list of her suspects was short.

“One good thing, if you can call it that,” Teddy blushed. “You’re not a suspect anymore.”

The police had been tight lipped about it but Anna had been on their list. Her own alibi from the Halloween party wasn’t airtight. They had been interviewing the locals, trying to locate someone who could verify her story.

“There were conflicting reports. Someone saw you go inside the maze.”

“What?” Anna was shocked.

“You’re a victim now. We have a theory that this person just wanted to warn you, or scare you even. That’s why you escaped with a tiny nick.”

Anna was even more determined to find the person behind all the murders. But she chose to say nothing.

“What happens when you find this person, Ted? Are you going to look the other way, just like you did all those years ago?”

Teddy broke down.

“I am so ashamed of what I did. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about it. But you know how domineering Lara Crawford could be. I was a rookie, barely one month on the job. Grace was pregnant with our first child. I needed to keep my job.”

“Lara could have got you fired,” Anna conceded. “She could’ve done worse than that, made sure you never got any other job in town.”

She asked how long he had been doing Lara’s dirty work. Teddy denied it vehemently. He had warned Lara he wouldn’t do anything sketchy for her again.

“But she held it over me. Never lost an opportunity to remind me how much I had to lose.”

“So did she!” Anna exclaimed. “So you’ve had this hanging over your head forever. Did you finally have enough?”

Teddy’s mouth hung open, his eyes widening in shock.

“I would never do that, Anna. Hurt someone deliberately. I tolerated her all these years, didn’t I?”

“Then why are you lying?” Anna surged forward. “Finn is in prison because of your false testimony. Who are you trying to protect now?”

Teddy Fowler collapsed in a chair, looking defeated.

“Grace found out Lara was harassing me. She didn’t say anything but I suspected she knew.” He gripped the arms of the chair until his knuckles were white. “I saw her there, outside Ian’s home. Forgive me, Anna, but I assumed the worst.”

“You’re not sure if she’s innocent.” Anna read the truth in his eyes.

“There’s only one way out of this,” Ted sighed. “Find the real killer. Otherwise, my Gracie will always have a cloud of suspicion hanging over her.”

Anna told him to have hope. Teddy thanked her and stood up to leave.

Cassie and Julie burst in, looking annoyed. They glared at Ted and he took the hint.

“Where’s Meg?” Anna asked. “And Gino?”

They had both gone home.

“You’re going home too,” Julie announced. “That’s what the nurse told us.”

A young doctor arrived and shooed Julie and Cassie out. He gave Anna a brief examination and made sure she wasn’t feeling dizzy or disoriented.

“All your reports are normal,” he told her. “We can let you go, as long as you promise to take complete rest. A hot meal and a good night’s sleep will set you right. No gadding about in the rain, okay?”

Julie drove her home. Anna felt like she had been away for days.

Meg had managed to make a big welcome sign for her.

“I made tuna noodle casserole, Grandma. It’s the kind of comfort food you need tonight.”

Gino arrived minutes later, cradling a crock pot in his arms.

“Chicken soup and berry cobbler, in case you have a sweet tooth.”

Anna found she had suddenly developed a voracious appetite. Nobody spoke about the shooting during dinner.

“This casserole is delicious, Meg.” Anna ate a few bites along with a bowl of soup.

Her eyelids were drooping and her arm had begun to hurt a bit. She didn’t have the energy to object when Julie suggested she turn in.

“We’ll be right there after I clear up,” Cassie promised.

Anna was almost asleep when Meg climbed into her bed. Cassie dozed in the armchair. Julie lugged an air mattress into the room and settled down.

Gino kept vigil in the living room, making do with the couch.

“It was a pickup,” Anna murmured as she closed her eyes. “A mud splattered pickup with a bad exhaust.”

Chapter 31

Anna slept in the next morning. She didn’t have a choice. Julie set up a camp chair near the entrance to her room, making sure Anna didn’t get up and work.

Cassie and Meg made breakfast.

“Avocado toast with your special seed mix and poached eggs.” Meg brought in a loaded tray. “Drink the juice first. You need plenty of fluids.”

Cassie brandished the bottle of hot sauce and offered to cut the toast.

“You don’t need to babysit me,” Anna grumbled. “I’m fine.”

“I’m going to the café to help MJ, Mom. You’re going to take a nap.”

Anna took a couple of bites of her toast and let them speak.

“I have to go to Ian’s house. Dylan will take me.”

“Haven’t you heard a single word I said?” Cassie rolled her eyes. “You’re staying in bed today, Mom. Doctor’s orders.”

Anna told her it wouldn’t take long. Dylan would drive her there and bring her back. She promised to sleep for the rest of the day.

“It’s not safe,” Julie spoke up, her tone grim. “Are you in denial, Anna? Do you realize someone tried to kill you?”

Anna stuck to her ground.

“How do we know it was even related to this business? Maybe it was some kids out for a joyride, or a drunk man shooting his gun off just for fun.”

Julie pointed at the bandage around Anna’s arm.

“That’s not fun, sister. You were lucky to escape this time. This person has already killed twice. And looks like you’re next in line.”

Anna gave a loud snort.

“That’s too dramatic, even for you, Julie.”

They went back and forth over the topic, none of them ready to give up.

“Lara loved your Dad, you know,” she told Cassie. “She may have wronged me but it was all with good intent. She wanted justice for John. Now it’s my turn to make sure her killer is apprehended. I owe it to her.”

“You owe her nothing, Mom! Lara Crawford was a corrupt, vile and vicious woman. She was nobody’s friend.”

Anna insisted on talking to Dylan. They couldn’t stop her.

“How are you, Anna?” his voice was laced with concern. “I’m on my way to see you.”

“He’s coming here,” Anna beamed after she hung up. “Give him all the instructions you want, Cassie. But I’m going for a ride with him.”

Dylan arrived bearing a batch of fresh mozzarella. He swooped down and wrapped Anna in a bear hug.

“The girls tell me I owe you my life.” Anna patted him on the back. “How can I repay you?”

“Just get well soon and stay safe,” Dylan replied. “No more sleuthing for you.”

Cassie flung her hands up in despair.

“Listen to him, Mom. He’s finally talking sense.”

Dylan ignored her while Anna gave her spiel. He shook his head as she went on, telling her it was dangerous.

“Did you get your stuff from Ian’s house?” Anna quizzed.

Dylan hadn’t had the time. He had taken her to the emergency room, waited until she was patched up and the others arrived. Then he had to go back to Daisy Hollow to do his chores.

“Let me go with you,” Anna begged. “Don’t stay a minute longer than you need to. We’ll be in and out in a jiffy.”

Meg offered to accompany them. Dylan gave in.

The ride to Ian’s house seemed short, now that Anna wasn’t walking. The rain and fog from the previous day had cleared and sunny blue skies promised a brighter day. Dylan kept checking his rearview mirror and Anna realized he was being cautious. She felt a frisson of fear and wondered if she was being foolish by venturing out. Then she straightened her spine and told herself to suck it up. She wasn’t going to live her life afraid of her own shadow. John had always admired her spirit and this was the time to prove it.

Ian’s house had a deserted look. The lawn was covered in fallen leaves and the porch was littered with magazines and newspapers. Apparently, nobody had stopped his subscriptions.

Dylan headed for the room over the garage and Anna acquiesced. It was clear the space was a construction zone but a corner of the room containing Ian’s desk was still undisturbed.

“It won’t take me long to gather my tools, Anna,” Dylan told her.

Meg asked Anna where to begin.

“Why don’t you check those drawers?” Anna pointed at the desk. “I can start on these shelves.”

She pulled out dozens of books and rifled through their pages, in case Ian had placed something there. Meg didn’t need long to check the drawers.

“They are filled with stationary supplies, Grandma. Pencils and pens in the top drawer, sheets of paper in the second and box folders in the third one.”

“What’s this?” Anna picked up a folder labeled ‘Chronicle’.

Meg looked over her shoulder as Anna scanned the papers within.

“You know what? I think this is the original layout of the Halloween edition of the Chronicle. He published a special edition after Lara’s mishap, of course. So this was never used.”

They skimmed the articles, just in case. One page had been devoted to the maze and there was an interview with Grace Fowler, discussing how she had managed to make it just hard enough to traverse.

Anna spotted an envelope that had been under the folder. She peeked inside and found a bunch of photos.

“I’m done,” Dylan called out. “Time to beat it, ladies.”

Anna shoved the folder inside her jacket and trooped out with Meg.

“What were you looking for, Anna?” Dylan asked on the way home.

“I just thought something would grab my attention and point me in the right direction. At the very least, I was hoping to find something in Finn’s favor.”

Dylan commiserated with her and dropped them off.

“You’re going back to bed, Anna. Or Cassie will never let me hear the end of it.”

Meg wanted a ride to class so she stayed in the truck with Dylan. Julie came out with Mary and escorted Anna in.

“We are getting sandwiches from the Tipsy Whale for lunch. Murph’s making something special for you.”

Anna realized she was dead on her feet. She leaned on Julie and somehow made it to her room. Her eyes closed of their own volition. It seemed like Julie shook her awake immediately.

“Wake up, Anna. You need to eat before you take your pills.”

They had lunch in her room and Anna finally acknowledged she needed rest if she was going to recover soon.

“You didn’t have to go out,” Julie admonished. “It was a colossal waste of energy, if you ask me.”

Gino arrived for dinner with fresh pizza dough his cook had made earlier. He and Meg made margherita pizzas. Bobby arrived from Los Angeles, concerned about Anna.

“You actually got shot at!” he couldn’t stop exclaiming. “I hopped on a flight as soon as I could.”

“You’re a keeper.” Anna hugged him, her eyes full of tears. “The best friend anyone could ask for.”

Dinner was lively and Anna felt blessed, surrounded by her closest friends and family. There was so much love in that room, her heart was full.

“I wouldn’t trade this for all the gold in Fort Knox,” she sighed.

“You will never have to, my dear,” Gino promised her.

MJ arrived the next morning, bearing a big pan of French Toast. Anna invited her to join them.

“People are asking about you, Anna. I told them you had the flu, just like we discussed.”

Two more days passed and Anna stayed home as promised, keeping a low profile. She had a doctor’s appointment on the fourth day and was glad to get out of the house.

“Can we make a pit stop?” she asked Julie on the way back. “I need to talk to Finn.”

“The doctor did say you’re doing good.” Julie gave in reluctantly.

Anna had gone over both the crimes in the past few days. Grace Fowler was the only viable suspect. She had been present on the spot when both crimes were committed, giving her an opportunity. And she had a strong motive. The one thing Anna couldn’t figure out was why Grace would plant the bloody scarf in her uncle’s car. Or had Teddy done that? She remembered he had gone into the maze with Leo and the other policemen on the night of Halloween.

She couldn’t shake the feeling that Finn O’Malley knew something. Leo was surprised to see her at the police station.

“Just let me talk to Finn real quick,” she pleaded. “I’ll be gone before you know it.”

“I don’t like you taking unnecessary risks,” he muttered. “You should be home in bed.”

“Are you my doctor?” Anna demanded.

Leo didn’t argue with her.

Finn O’Malley was subdued, like a man who had given up hope.

“I’m sorry I don’t have any good news for you, Finn.”

“Did someone really shoot at you?” He dabbed the sweat on his head with a tissue. “That’s it, Anna. I don’t want you to put your neck on the line for me.”

Anna gave him a brief overview of everything she had learned.

“I have no doubt you’re being framed, Finn. But the only person who can help you is Grace. She’s been lying to the police all this time.”

Finn refused to hear anything against his beloved niece.

“Grace is the child I never had,” he gushed. “I bobbed her on my knee, you know. Wiped her runny nose and tied her pigtails when she was old enough for school. There’s no way my Gracie committed murder.”

Anna asked him about the scarf.

“I’ve never worn a scarf in my life,” Finn laughed nervously. “I sweat like a pig even in winter. Everyone knows.”

“Then someone put that scarf in your car to frame you.”

“You think my Gracie did that?” Finn cried in anguish. “Never! I won’t believe it, Anna, no matter what you say.”

Chapter 32

Anna took a bite of the shrimp fried rice Cassie had made and pronounced it perfect.

“I wish Bobby had stayed a bit more,” Meg groaned. “But he said he couldn’t postpone that exercise session with his big client.”

“Big clients mean big bucks, kid. Bobby can demand five figures for an hour. Do you want him to give up that kind of money just to eat fried rice with us?”

“He came.” Anna looked around the table for the bottle of hot sauce. “That means a lot, Meg. He showed up and I’m grateful.”

They all agreed Bobby was a gem. Cassie was looking forward to boot camp with him before going to Eastern Europe for shooting her movie.

“What shall we do tonight?” Meg asked.

She had submitted a couple of big projects that day and wanted to put her feet up and relax.

“Movie night?” Cassie asked. “It’s been a while since we watched Casablanca.”

Anna didn’t object for once. She just wanted to spend time with the girls.

Cassie dished up her signature dessert of fried bananas and vanilla ice cream smothered in caramel and they settled in.

Anna dozed off and on while Meg rifled through some magazines. Cassie was the only one whose eyes were glued to the screen.

“What’s this, Grandma?” Meg waved an envelope before her. “Can I open … wait, it’s open.”

Anna snapped awake and looked around, a bit disoriented. She had been dreaming of being on vacation on a tropical island. There was a colorful frozen drink in her hand and was that a cruise ship on the water in the distance?

“It was lying on the table in Ian’s office.” She gave a deep yawn.

Meg had pulled out a bunch of photos.

“I think these are from Halloween night. Do you think Mr. Samuels took them?”

Cassie paused the picture on the screen and sighed.

“He always took his own photos. Said a photographer could never capture the angles he wanted.”

Meg remembered he used to carry a clunky camera around his neck.

There were pictures of the crowd milling around and the various food stands. Lara was on the stage in one picture, tapping the microphone. Then there was a close up of her arguing with Finn O’Malley. She had a sneer on her face and Finn was wiping his face with his handkerchief.

“More proof that Finn fought with Lara that night,” Anna noted sadly.

“Can you spot us anywhere?” Cassie was curious. “We never took photos and I would like to have at least one of us dressed up in those costumes.”

They poured over the photos, pointing at people they knew. Unfortunately, there wasn’t a single one that featured them.

“Here’s one with Agnes,” Meg pointed out. “She’s not in costume.”

Anna told her some people did not approve of the festival.

“She must be really serious about this election. The Agnes I know would never participate in anything related to Halloween.”

Cassie took her eyes off the television and leaned closer to Meg to look at the picture.

“That’s an Hermes design, Mom. Where did Agnes get that kind of money?”

“What’re you talking about?” Anna asked, peering at the photo. “Where are my glasses?”

Meg pointed at her head and giggled.

“Where they always are, Grandma!”

Anna chuckled and pulled the glasses down on her nose.

“Agnes is wearing a scarf. Why did I not see that before?”

“Didn’t I just say that’s Hermes?” Cassie rolled her eyes. “Those pain pills are making you groggy, Mom.”

Anna sprang up and began pacing the room.

“That scarf! It’s a lot like the one they found in Finn’s car except it’s a different shade.”

Cassie told her that was unlikely. Designer pieces were generally unique.

“I don’t care about that right now.” She asked Meg to place a call to Leo. “Agnes gains a lot by Lara’s death, girls. With no opposing candidate, she’s bound to become the new mayor.”

Leo was as excited as Anna.

“We’ll get right on it. Just promise me you won’t do anything on your own. Stay home, Anna. Let the police take over.”

Time seemed to drag after that. They watched the movie until the credits started rolling on the screen. Cassie suggested they call it a night and Anna gave in.

Meg offered to keep her company but Anna turned her down.

“I’m tired, really. All I want is a good night’s sleep.”

Morning came soon enough. Anna woke with a start and checked her phone for messages. There were none. She didn’t waste any time calling Leo.

“We got her, Anna.” He sounded tired but jubilant. “Your tip has paid off once again. The Dolphin Bay police are grateful.”

“Come for breakfast,” Anna replied. “You can tell me everything then.”

With a spring in her step, Anna hurried to the kitchen and began breaking eggs in a bowl. By the time Leo arrived, she had a stack of blueberry pancakes ready for him and a mound of toppings for omelets.

Cassie didn’t need to be convinced to cancel her morning run. She hefted a pan of bacon out of the oven and crumbled some to go into the omelets. Meg came in, freshly scrubbed and pink from her shower and began setting the table.

Gino arrived first. Anna hadn’t spent much time with him since her accident and she wanted to remedy that. Leo came in ten minutes later, looking pale and disheveled.

“Agnes confessed to Lara’s murder.” His face split into a broad smile. “I guess we’ll be looking for a new mayor.”

Gino patted his nephew on the back and told him he was proud of him.

“And have you checked all the boxes, my boy? Made sure she had means, motive and opportunity?”

“Just like you taught me, Uncle Gino.” Leo beamed. “Agnes admitted she had dreamed of being the mayor for a long time. She could never have succeeded when Lara was alive. But then she found the perfect opportunity.”

“What was that?” Anna felt the blood rush in her ears.

Something wasn’t right.

“Agnes came face to face with Lara in the maze. And the hay fork was right beside her. She felt it was now or never.”

Something clicked in Anna’s mind.

“That’s impossible. Agnes could never go that deep in the maze. She’s claustrophobic.”

She told them how Agnes had admitted her fear.

“Why would she own up to a murder she didn’t commit?” Leo’s confidence had evaporated.

Anna gave a shrug.

“I have known Agnes all my life, Leo. She’s a timid sort of person, easily swayed. Lara was like a role model to her. She might have secretly aspired to be like her but she would never kill her to achieve her ambition.”

Gino agreed with her. He believed Agnes was a foot soldier and not a leader.

“She must be shielding someone.”

Anna sat down with a sigh and commented on the sad life Agnes had led. Widowed in her forties, she had suffered another blow when her son died in a car crash.

“The only family she has left now is her sister. What does Esther have to say about all this?”

Leo told them she was out of town at some retreat.

“We don’t really care about her.”

Meg thrust her phone in Leo’s hand and pointed her finger at the screen.

“Maybe you should! Is that the scarf you found in Finn’s car?”

Leo grabbed the phone and expanded the picture. He asked Meg where she had found it.

“On social media, where else? I was just looking around for photos from Halloween, in case someone had clicked any pictures of us in those costumes.”

Anna looked at the photo and laughed.

“Didn’t I say the two scarves were similar? Look at this Cassie, it’s the same pattern in a different color.”

Leo looked crestfallen.

“I better go back to the station.”

Anna convinced him to stay for breakfast, making sure he ate a hearty meal before heading out.

The others decided to stay put and wait for more news.

Julie and Mary arrived for coffee a couple of hours later, eager to rehash everything. Anna had just finished telling them the whole story when Leo returned.

“Esther Merton confessed to both crimes.” He accepted a steaming cup of coffee from Anna and sighed. “She got back into town this morning and learned about her sister’s fate.”

Esther had scrambled to the police station and turned herself in.

Anna wondered about her motive.

“She wanted Agnes to be mayor that bad, huh? Esther was always ambitious.”

Leo told them how Esther had finally snapped.

“Agnes was submissive by nature. Esther didn’t like it when she fawned over Lara Crawford but she said nothing. Then Agnes thought of contesting the election. Lara started badmouthing her every chance she got. She insulted her in public in front of everyone. Esther burned inside but managed to stay quiet. Until …”

Everyone leaned forward to find out why Esther had finally snapped. Leo told them about the night of the Halloween party.

“The two sisters entered the maze just behind Lara. As Agnes told you, Anna, she began to suffocate and feel uncomfortable.”

Agnes had turned back, telling Esther to go without her. Lara heard them and taunted Agnes, stating a mouse like her could never be mayor. Agnes burst into sobs and ran out of the maze.

“That was the straw that broke the camel’s back,” Anna murmured.

Leo told them Esther had followed Lara into the maze, planning to berate her and warn her to lay off. Then she found herself alone in a corner with Lara.

“She just laughed when Esther told her to go easy on Agnes,” Leo reported.

Esther had wanted to hurt Lara, make her shut up. Her eyes fell on the hay fork and she grabbed it before she realized what she was doing. Lara fell with one blow but Esther stabbed her multiple times. Then she bashed the big pumpkin on her head and went deeper into the maze. She had found the way out before Lara’s body was discovered.

“We are bound to find some of her DNA on that scarf,” Leo explained. “That will seal everything.”

Anna wanted to know why Esther had framed Finn.

“She didn’t,” Leo chuckled. “Esther saw the blood on her scarf when she walked out of the maze and realized she needed to get rid of it. She chucked it in the first car she saw. The windows were open, apparently.”

“That sounds like Finn alright,” Anna winced. “He can’t do without fresh air, even in the cold.”

Cassie reminded them about the attack on Anna.

“Was that her, Leo?”

“Esther was in the café when Anna mentioned going over to Ian’s. She acted on impulse.”

Esther claimed she had just wanted to scare Anna. She had fired a few shots in the air, never meaning to hit Anna.

“Her story checks out.” Leo blew a deep breath. “She’s a crack shot, apparently. If she had really wanted to hurt Anna, she wouldn’t have missed.”

Anna’s heart was heavy.

“Poor Agnes! This is going to be a big shock for her.”

Anna told them about the Merton sisters. Agnes was the older one but had been meek. The mean girls picked on her and made her run circles around them. Esther had assumed the role of protector.

“She got used to looking out for her sister,” she told the assembled company. “Then Esther got a job and Agnes got married. Agnes came out of her shell a bit but she was easily manipulated by the likes of Lara Crawford.”

“Don’t forget how nasty she was to you,” Julie muttered.

Anna didn’t hold that against Agnes.

“Her frosty demeanor and nasty barbs were just a mechanism to hide her insecurities. I feel sorry for her.”

Gino placed an arm around her shoulder and whispered in her ear.

“That’s only one reason I love you so much, Anna Butler. You’re kind to everyone.”

Anna blushed furiously, hoping no one had heard. Julie was giving them a knowing look.

“But what about Mr. Samuels?” Meg asked. “Did he write his own death warrant with that photo?”

Leo told her she was right. Esther and Agnes had posed for a picture for Ian. She visited him, asking to look at the photos. Ian had a knowing look on his face.

“So she wasn’t even sure he was on to her?” Meg cried.

“She wasn’t taking any chances.” Leo rubbed his eyes. “She got him out of the way and took all the photos. But she didn’t know about the office above the garage.”

Cassie was concerned about Ted.

“Is Finn pressing charges against Teddy? The police must have realized that Teddy gave a false testimony?”

Leo didn’t elaborate much. All he would say was Finn and Teddy had apparently worked things out among them. The police chief was prepared to be lenient because they had caught Lara’s real killer.

“What happened between Teddy and Lara all those years ago … Finn’s not saying anything and Lara isn’t around to challenge him.”

“So Grace and Teddy are going to be alright,” Cassie sighed with relief.

“And why was Ian targeting Finn?” Julie asked. “I have never known him to be unfair to anyone. It was almost like he staged a vendetta against the poor man.”

“Must be some old rivalry,” Leo shrugged. “That’s one thing we’ll never know for sure.”

He thanked Anna again and congratulated her. Everyone joined in.

Anna felt Gino’s arms around her and looked up into his chocolate brown eyes. They mirrored the emotions she felt.

“None of this matters if I can’t figure out who killed John.”

Chapter 33

Anna watched Meg check herself in the mirror for the umpteenth time. She wore a peach frock that ended a few inches above her knees and an emerald pendant around her neck belonging to Cassie. The fiery stone flashed, bringing out the green in her eyes.

“Are you sure I look okay, Grandma?”

Anna thought she looked sixteen. But Meg probably didn’t want to hear that.

“You look like a princess, honey. Just like your mother did when she had you.”

Cassie lounged on the bed, dressed in a slinky pant suit from her extensive designer wardrobe.

“Why are you making such a big deal out of this?” she asked Meg. “It’s just dinner. Let’s hope Drake provides a good spread.”

Anna warned her not to have too many expectations.

“He’s a young man living on his own. The most he can do is order in from a local restaurant.”

Drake had invited them for a late Thanksgiving dinner at his home in Monterey. It was a couple of hours’ drive so they were going to start early after a big brunch.

Gino arrived in his big luxury SUV and tooted his horn. He had been invited along with Julie and Mary. Meg had hinted that she considered them part of the family.

The town had been shocked when Esther Merton was arrested for Lara’s murder. Agnes received a lot of sympathy from everyone, including her friends in the Garden Committee. She hadn’t come to the café since then and Anna was afraid she had made a new foe.

MJ was excited about the big Thanksgiving meal at the café so Anna had immersed herself into helping her. When Drake expressed an interest in having them over, she chose the first week of December.

“Does this dinner mean you’re back with Drake now?” Anna asked Meg as they got ready to leave.

“What she means is, have you chosen him over Barry Symon?” Cassie prompted.

Meg’s only response was a dramatic roll of her eyes.

There was a rush to grab jackets and bags before they all trooped out. Anna climbed into the front seat with Gino. Julie was already in the second row, sipping from a bottle of water.

“Did you bring snacks?” she grumbled. “I don’t have too many hopes from that boy. He’ll probably order Chinese food.”

Gino had brought a big box of salted nuts along with turkey and cheese pinwheels. MJ had supplied pumpkin cheesecake bars.

“Is this dinner supposed to be a big deal?” Gino caught Meg’s eye in the rearview mirror and gave her a knowing smile. “What’s your answer going to be?”

“Answer for what?” Meg’s eyes widened in horror. “Wait a minute, you don’t think Drake is going to propose? It’s not like that between us.”

Anna didn’t agree.

“Why would he invite all of us to see his home?”

“Probably wants to show off,” Cassie muttered. “Little twerp.”

Meg squirmed in her third row seat.

“You guys need to chill. He’s just returning your hospitality, Grandma.”

“About time,” Julie smirked. “He must’ve mooched at least a dozen dinners off you, Anna.”

They took a quick pit stop for coffee. Time flew as they discussed a variety of topics including Cassie’s upcoming movie and Julie’s latest book. Anna found herself dozing off and didn’t open her eyes until the car came to a stop.

“Are we at the right place?” Gino asked Meg.

Massive iron gates guarded an estate perched on a cliff. Ancient oaks lined a meandering drive that disappeared around a bend. A verdant meadow on the left rose up to a hill on which perched a rambling house with splendid views of the bay.

The gates opened slowly and Gino drove through them, taking in his surroundings.

“Must be ten acres, give or take.”

Anna was dumbfounded. Drake must be rolling in millions. She wondered if Meg knew how rich her boyfriend was.

Drake stood under a portico with a big welcoming smile on his face. The sun crept closer to the horizon behind him, painting the sky in strips of pink and gold.

“You came!” Drake shook hands with all of them and moved closer to Meg. “I hope you brought your appetite.”

A server stood near the entrance, holding a tray loaded with champagne flutes. Cassie picked one up and exclaimed in delight.

“Moe Chandon? You’re certainly trying to impress us, aren’t you?”

A tour of the house was offered and they followed him from room to room, marveling at curios and sculptures he pointed out. Anna couldn’t help being dazzled by the opulence. They climbed a giant staircase to the floor above, followed by an army of servers who offered delectable hors de ouvres. Finally, Drake led them to a large patio overlooking the sea.

“This is beautiful.” Anna gushed at the colorful table adorned with a brocade runner and what looked like silk napkins. Fresh flowers had been used for an attractive centerpiece.

“Don’t you have a basement, Drake?” Meg asked as a rotund chef in a tall hat carved a big roasted turkey.

He coughed lightly and told them it was being renovated and was a restricted area.

“Is that where you hide the gold?” Julie guffawed. “He thinks we are thieves, Anna.”

Drake looked embarrassed. Meg glared.

The meal proceeded at a leisurely pace as the sun set. Big paper lanterns hung around the patio, bathing it in their soft light. Candles flickered in the twilight, casting a warm glow over the company.

Gino asked about Drake’s trip to Europe.

“I found some good pieces,” he told them. “There will be a special exhibition early next year, showcasing my latest finds.”

“Are you going to be gone too often?” Cassie asked him. “Meg’s looking for a summer internship.”

Drake told them buying trips were part of his job. He had to wade through hundreds of things before he found something worth displaying in the gallery.

Finally, it was time for dessert. The servers brought out an impressive array of pies and cakes. Anna thought it was a bit much.

“Can you excuse me for a moment?” She stood up with considerable effort. “I need to powder my nose.”

Julie told her to wait up. She swayed as she took Anna’s arm and the two friends turned around to go in. Anna heard Cassie apologize to Drake but couldn’t be bothered to find out why.

She wandered through the dining room into a big family room with cozy clusters of chairs and couches. One of the servers spotted them and pointed in a vague direction in answer to her question. Anna was trying hard to keep her eyes open.

“Are we drunk?” she stared into Julie’s glassy eyes.

They both dissolved into giggles, teetering down a long aisle with doors on either side. Anna opened every door and shut it when she realized it wasn’t the powder room.

“Look!” Julie pointed down a flight of stairs. “This door must lead to the basement.”

Anna reminded her it was off limits.

“Come on, Alice, live a little.”

“My name is Anna.”

Julie smacked her forehead with her hand. “Alice as in Alice in Wonderland. Are you in or out?”

Anna’s eyes widened in comprehension and her lips curved into a smile.

“What if someone catches us?”

Julie pulled her down with her, ignoring her objections.

“Let’s not get caught then.”

They reached a landing and found another pair of stairs going deeper into the ground. Anna wondered how deep the basement was. She followed Julie down a dozen or so steps until they reached a dimly lit hallway.

Her feet sank into a thick red carpet and she looked around in wonder.

“It’s like a gallery,” she murmured, gazing at the art lining the walls.

A suit of armor stood guard over a door marked ‘private’. Anna gasped as Julie pushed it open and went in.

“If it was really private, he would’ve locked it.”

Anna opened her mouth to protest but the room grabbed her attention. Floor to ceiling bookshelves lined two walls. A bulky carved mahogany desk took up one portion of the room.

“Must be Victorian,” Julie settled into the chair behind the desk and began opening drawers.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Anna hushed. “This must be Drake’s office.”

“Nothing wrong with snooping a bit.” Julie tugged at a drawer that seemed to be stuck. “We’re just looking out for Meg.”

Anna couldn’t argue with that. She went behind the desk and started opening more drawers. She ignored the stationary supplies she found in the first and hesitated before rifling through the files in the second.

The drawer Julie was tugging at finally flew open and she cried out. Anna glanced inside at a hodge podge of items, among them a small device that looked familiar. She had never imagined Drake would use an old fashioned voice recorder.

Julie had grown bored and had completed a circuit around the room.

“Let’s go now.” She stifled a yawn. “Do we have to sit through dessert?”

Anna shut all the drawers and looked around once before going out. Luckily, they didn’t encounter anyone on the stairs. The main landing was deserted and they found the powder room at the far end.

“You took your time, Mom.” Cassie hailed them when they joined the others on the patio. “We finished one round of dessert.”

“Are you feeling okay?” Drake was solicitous. “A hot cup of coffee will set you right.”

Anna ate a sliver pie and drank two cups of strong hot coffee until the fog in her brain cleared. Something stirred in her memory, and the significance of what she had seen finally hit her. Had she just seen John’s dictation machine in Drake’s study?

Chapter 34

Anna plowed through the next week, just going through the motions. The girls were excited about going to pick out a tree. Traditionally, all the Firecrackers did this together. Gino and Leo were also going to join in. They chose a day when everyone was available.

“Something’s bothering you.” Julie noted as they ordered cheeseburgers for lunch at the Yellow Tulip. “You haven’t said much since that trip to Monterey.”

Anna bit her tongue. She could trust Julie to be perceptive.

“What is it?” Mary was gentle. “Julie said Meg’s young man seems rich. Is that what you are worried about?”

“He’s not Meg’s anything,” Anna laughed nervously. “We have strict instructions, girls. Drake is just Meg’s friend. She doesn’t want us to get any ideas.”

Meg was busy applying for internships based on Barry Symon’s advice. Anna hoped she was ready to say goodbye to Drake.

Lunch proceeded at a leisurely pace and Anna went back to the café to discuss the Christmas menu with MJ.

Two days later, Cassie tackled her at dinner.

“Are you feeling well, Mom? Are you dreading your visit to the doctor?”

Anna had completely forgotten about her annual checkup with her oncologist. She ignored Cassie and offered her another serving of spaghetti carbonara.

“When’s Nana coming home for Christmas?” Meg piped up. “I can’t wait to meet her.”

Anna sighed. Her mom’s visit was another thing that had completely slipped her mind.

“I guess we should start cleaning the house, girls.”

Cassie brought up the Christmas tree.

“We’re going this weekend. I want a big tree this year, Mom. At least seven feet.”

Anna pleaded a headache and retired to her room. There was a message from Gino on her phone, inviting himself to breakfast the next morning.

Cassie came in an hour after she had switched off the lights.

“I know you’re awake, Mom.” She jumped on the bed. “We need to talk.”

Anna sat up and rubbed her eyes.

“Does it have to be now? It’s late.”

“You’ve been blowing off Gino,” Cassie accused. “I won’t budge unless you tell me what’s wrong.”

Anna switched on the bedside lamp and told Cassie to lock the door.

“How much do we know about Drake?”

Cassie admitted it wasn’t much. His parents were gone and he owned an art gallery in Monterey. And he was smitten by Meg.

“Are you worried she’ll drop out of college to marry him? Meg’s smarter than that.”

Anna expelled a huge breath and began telling her about their search for the powder room. Cassie laughed.

“So you went snooping in Drake’s basement? The area that was off limits? Bravo, Mom!”

Anna brought up the dictation machine.

“What’s that?” Cassie frowned.

“It’s a recording device that converts everything to text so you can print it out. Your father had one just like that.”

Cassie flashed her a look of sympathy.

“You saw something that reminded you of Dad. Is that why you’re in a funk?”

“It reminded me of John because it was John’s recorder.”

Cassie’s mouth dropped open.

“Now you’re sounding crazy.”

Anna told her she had searched John’s study from top to bottom after coming home. She had also checked every inch of the house, especially the nightstand in their room and John’s dresser for John’s recorder. It was nowhere to be found.

“When was the last time you saw it?”

Anna had racked her brains to remember.

“He always carried it on his person. On the dig, in college, even at the dinner table, Cassie. John used it to record his notes and impressions about his work. You know he was always immersed in work. One time, I even found it in the bathroom.”

Cassie tried to jog her memory. Had she seen it in the past few months? The past year? Or any time after John died.

“I completely forgot about it,” Anna confessed. “Somebody, probably Julie or Mary, tidied up his study and boxed everything. I didn’t go in there for a year. It hurt too much.”

A tear rolled down her left eye and Cassie huddled close.

“Didn’t you give some of Dad’s stuff to charity? He might have left it in a pocket.”

Anna was crestfallen.

“I bought it as a Christmas gift, three years before your Dad passed. He never let it out of his sight.”

Cassie commiserated and told her to look toward the future.

“We still have plenty of things belonging to Dad, like all his books, Mom. Forget about that recording thing.”

Anna made up her mind and told Cassie what she thought.

“I saw that voice recorder morning, noon and night, Cassie. Sometimes, I cursed myself for buying it.” She took a deep breath. “I mean, I would know it anywhere.”

Cassie stopped plumping a pillow and looked bewildered.

“I don’t understand.”

“That recorder I saw there? I am sure it belonged to John.”

Cassie was dismayed.

“Are you saying Drake stole it from us? He’s some kind of kleptomaniac?”

Anna shivered suddenly.

“He took it from your Dad.”

Cassie was speechless. Anna watched a variety of emotions flit across her face as she tried to make sense of her mother’s statement. Then she took the leap.

“You think Drake …” Her voice stuck in her throat.

“That’s exactly what I think. Now I need to prove it.”

“Why would he even talk to us, Mom? He knew our name on that ship.”

Anna couldn’t answer that. Drake might have been overconfident. After all, if she was right, he had got away with murder.

Cassie began pacing the room, her face flushed. Tears streamed down her eyes as she connected more dots.

“Meg … all this time … no, Mom. You’re grasping at straws. I refuse to believe this. What proof do we have? He could have bought that recorder anywhere.”

“Why was it hidden in a drawer in a room in his basement? An area supposed to be off limits to us?”

Cassie didn’t think much about it.

“Dad didn’t give dinner guests a tour of his study.”

Anna shook her head.

“This is exactly why I didn’t want to say anything. You think I’m crazy.”

Cassie stopped pacing and stood before Anna, her hands on her hips.

“Drake was supposed to be Dad’s student, right?”

She asked what John’s other students had said about Drake.

“They never met,” Anna reminded her. “You remember that memorial luncheon we had for John? Drake was supposed to come but he pulled out at the last minute, citing a work emergency.”

“Can you get in touch with those students?”

Anna nodded. A couple of them were thinking of visiting Dolphin Bay for Christmas. One of them had brought his girlfriend one weekend. They had come to the café to meet Anna.

“Why don’t you send Drake’s picture to them? Ask if they know him?”

“He couldn’t have lied about knowing John,” Anna protested. “He’s too familiar with DBU and everything in town.”

“Just humor me, Mom. Let’s verify one thing at a time.”

Anna didn’t waste a minute. She selected a few photos she had of Drake and emailed them to John’s students.

“And now, we are both going to get some shut eye,” Cassie warned.

Anna gave in and snuggled under the covers. She fell asleep before Cassie tiptoed out of her room.

A storm blew in through the night and dawn brought fog and a light drizzle. Dark clouds hung over the bay, threatening to burst open any minute.

Anna sat up with a jerk and stared at the gray light outside her window. How late was it?

Meg peeped in and greeted her with a smile.

“You looked tired, Grandma, so I let you sleep in.” She promised to be back soon.

Cassie breezed in with coffee and juice and Meg followed with a tray loaded with eggs, bacon and pancakes.

“Breakfast in bed!” Meg announced. “I’m thinking of skipping class today. Let’s just eat loads of popcorn and watch movies.”

Anna’s eyed darted to Cassie’s.

“No can do, kid.” Cassie sounded languorous. “You must be disciplined if you want to get anywhere in life. Duty calls!”

“But Mom!” Meg’s mouth settled into a pout. “It’s just one class.”

“Your mother’s right.” Anna cut into her eggs. “You think she became a big Hollywood star by slacking off?”

They ate in a subdued silence and Anna heaved a sigh of relief when Meg left for her class.

“Have you checked your email?” Cassie asked after she shut the door behind Meg.

Anna’s hand shook as she switched on her tablet. Two of the group had responded.

“They recognize him.” Her heart thudded against her chest. “His name is Peter Benson but they called him Benny.”

Chapter 35

Gino arrived first. He gathered Anna in his arms and hugged her tight. The tears began flowing almost immediately.

“Let’s not rush to conclusions,” he warned. “There could be an innocent explanation to all this.”

“You think I’m being paranoid?” Anna’s eyes flickered with doubt.

Gino led her to the couch.

“My gut says we’re on the right track. But knowing it and proving it are two different things.”

Julie and Mary walked in through the kitchen.

“That piece of crap!” Julie fumed. “Didn’t I say he was no good?”

Anna had received another email confirming the same thing. She placed a call to Tara Machado.

“I just sent you a photo. Can you please take a look?”

A string of expletives traveled down the phone lines.

“Where did you find him, Mrs. Butler? That’s Stuart, except he looks posh, like he can suddenly afford better clothes or something.”

She wanted to confront him right away. Gino advised her to be patient.

“There’s a lot more at stake, Tara. We’re counting on your help.”

Anna brought up the threatening notes. Cassie and the Firecrackers weren’t pleased she had kept them in the dark.

“You didn’t have to bear this alone, Mom. I feel useless.”

Julie’s brow was furrowed in thought as she read the notes.

“Did that jerk ever write to Meg? Sent her a card or something?”

Cassie told her kids just messaged each other by phone.

“Although, I think he sent her some postcards from Europe.”

Anna remembered Meg had stuck them on the refrigerator. Cassie scrambled to the kitchen and brought them out, looking disappointed.

“There’s no message on these and no address either. He must’ve handed them over himself.”

Anna couldn’t hide her disappointment. She thought back to the time they had first encountered Drake. It had been on a luxury cruise ship where they had been invited to attend a wedding. Drake had also been one of the guests.

Cassie’s friend, the bride, had met a gruesome end on the ship. The bridesmaids made a big condolence card and all the guests had added their messages and signed it.

“You remember that card the girls made for Jojo’s uncle?”

“None of the family knew Drake, Mom. The publicist chose some of the guests.”

Anna thought that didn’t matter. Drake might have done the polite thing and signed the card.

“You think Jojo’s Uncle Fred has it?”

Cassie told her to wait a minute. She was back immediately, waving a big sheet that had been folded in half. Apparently, her friend’s uncle had been too grief stricken at the time. He barely glanced at the card and told her to thank everyone. Cassie had decided to keep it safe for him.

Anna almost tore it out of her daughter’s hands. There were dozens of messages on it, some short and to the point, some essays. Julie and Cassie read over her shoulder. They finally spotted a formal message signed Drake Benson.

Anna handed over the sheet and the notes to Gino and sat back, trembling in anticipation.

“I’m not an expert but I think these are written by the same person.”

Anna thought it was time to bring in Meg. Cassie called her and told her to get home at once. Meg had just finished her class and had been on her way to the café.

Mary made a fresh pot of coffee while they waited. Meg burst in, her forehead creased with worry.

“Mom, Grandma? What’s going on?” she cried.

Gino assured her they were all fine. They just wanted to ask her some questions. He told her to stay calm.

“Tell us everything you can about Drake,” Anna began. “Every little tidbit he shared about his life.”

Meg insisted they tell her what was going on. Her eyes filled up as Cassie told her what they feared.

“Is this true, Grandma?”

Gino explained what they had found. He admitted it was going to be hard to prove anything. Meg handed him her phone. She had never erased any message from Drake so they had a transcript of everything they ever talked about.

Anna wanted her to remember every minute she had spent with the man.

“He must have said a lot that’s not in those messages. Let’s begin with his parents.”

Meg sat close to Cassie and told them how she had come across him on the ship. He had taken her on a date and they hit it off. Meg’s past had impressed him.

“Did he always know you were related to John?” Anna asked.

Meg wasn’t sure. She hadn’t told him her last name at first. Then Dolphin Bay had been mentioned and the university and Meg had told him about her grandfather.

“That’s when he told me he was Grandpa’s student.”

Cassie and Julie asked more questions, prompting her to think of every tiny detail.

“He liked Mexico a lot,” Meg offered. “That’s how he knew so much about all those ports we stopped at.”

Drake had spent a year or more in Mexico before he set up his gallery.

Gino seemed electrified by this information. He stood up and announced he had his work cut out for him.

“I’ll see you later,” he told Anna and left them.

Anna and Cassie fussed over Meg. Julie offered to take them all to lunch at The Tipsy Whale.

“My treat. Today’s special is that barbecued chicken sandwich you like, Cassie.”

Mary suggested a change of scene.

“Why don’t we go to the city? It’s time we started on our holiday shopping.”

Meg brushed off their concern.

“I’m fine, really. And I agree with Mary.”

Anna wondered if Meg was in denial. If Drake was really guilty of killing John, why had he been spending time with Meg? She shuddered when she thought how vulnerable her granddaughter had been.

“Shop all you want, honey. You just dodged a bullet.”

Chapter 36

Two months passed since the fateful morning when Anna had made the shattering discovery. Meg was busy with her spring term and Cassie was in a small country in Eastern Europe, shooting for her superhero movie.

Anna was having coffee with the Firecrackers one morning. Julie talked about her latest book and Mary was nodding along. They were trying to come to terms with Cassie being away.

The door opened, bringing in a burst of cold air and Gino came in.

“Are you free for lunch at Mystic Hill?” He twirled his mustache. “You’re all invited. Leo’s going to pick up Meg.”

Anna sensed he could barely hold his excitement. She had a dozen questions but she kept them to herself.

Lunch at Mystic Hill was always special but Gino’s cook looked like she had gone the extra mile. There was a big platter of assorted sandwiches, a large bowl of Caesar salad and creamy chowder. Meg was already there with Leo, munching on potato chips.

Anna served herself a cup of chowder and tasted it. She knew Gino wouldn’t begin until everyone ate something.

“They got him, Anna.”

Her eyes flew to his and he nodded at her unspoken question.

“He admitted everything.”

Anna’s hand began to shake as the news sunk in. Meg and Julie were beside her, holding her close. Gino gave her some time to settle down. Anna took a deep breath and told him to continue.

“Drake was John’s student and worked on the Blue Hill project. So he knew about the local legend, although he had always been skeptical.”

Meg wanted to know his real name.

“Peter Drake Benson,” Gino supplied. “As you know, the kids always called him Benny.”

The department took away John’s funding and the Blue Hill project was shut down. Drake got an internship around the same time and left town. Only a selected inner circle knew that John continued his research with his own money. Eventually, the funding was restored and work at Blue Hill resumed in earnest.

“But Drake wasn’t here then,” Meg pointed out.

Gino told her she was right.

“Fate played into his hands. He got a job offer so he never came back but he had been part of the Blue Hill group. Drake began getting emails when the project started again.”

Due to some admin oversight, Drake’s name had never been removed from the list, even after he graduated. He was busy at his new job so it was a while before he noticed the emails. It was all there in black and white. They had found the artifact and John clearly discussed what it could mean.

“Was the name of the lab mentioned?” Anna asked.

Gino told her she was right.

Drake had hung around the lab and picked up on some gossip. He befriended Tara Machado, using an alias.

“Wasn’t he still getting the emails?” Meg asked.

Gino shook his head.

“Unfortunately, the emails stopped around that time. Someone must have updated the list, considering how important it was to maintain secrecy at that point.”

“So he clung to Tara,” Anna muttered.

Drake had never imagined what Tara would do. By that time, it was almost certain the artifact was the genuine deal. Then Tara brought it home. He just waited till she was at work one day and walked out.

Anna wondered how much the artifact had been worth.

“It was the tip of the iceberg and Drake was smart enough to know that,” Gino replied. “He started trying to pressure John, sending him those threats. One day, he broke into your house. Neither you nor John were supposed to be home.”

Drake had been looking for the exact coordinates where the artifact had been found. John was the only one privy to that information but he hadn’t written it down anywhere.

“He recorded it.” Anna’s eyes filled up. “That’s why he was so fond of that device. He told me it helped him capture delicate information, things he wanted to remember but didn’t want to write down.”

“You were not the only one he shared that with,” Gino sighed. “His students knew too.”

Drake had learned about the voice recorder. He searched John’s study without any luck. Then he moved through the house, checking every room one by one. He found the recorder in the laundry, lying on top of the washer.

“John carried it everywhere.” Anna wiped her eyes. “And he tended to leave it in the most unlikely places. I used to tease him about it.”

Drake played back the files on the recorder and realized what a treasure trove of information it was. That’s when John walked in on him.

There had been a tussle. Drake was stronger than John and more determined to hold on to the recorder. His push sent John Butler tumbling down the stairs.

“Did he know John broke his neck?” Anna found it hard to breathe.

Gino took her hands in his.

“He saw John topple down the stairs and panicked.”

Drake had taken off without a backward glance, eager to escape before anyone spotted him.

“He didn’t call an ambulance?” Meg cried.

John’s death caused a stir in town. The police investigation began and Lara Crawford had insisted Anna was guilty. The Blue Hill project died a natural death.

“Did he find it?” Julie spat. “Was John on the right track?”

Drake had camped out at the ruins while the police were busy looking into John’s death. He used the data in the recorder to narrow down the location where the artifact had been found. It didn’t take long for him to strike gold.

“So John was right!” Anna gave a deep sigh. “He spent his life trying to prove it.”

Gino acknowledged John Butler had given his life for it.

Drake decided to use the name he had given Tara. He bought fake documents in that name and left the country using them. A year later, he had returned using his own name.

“So he really spent a year in Mexico?” Meg asked in a low voice.

Gino told her the authorities found no record of him leaving the country. He had been kept under surveillance for the past two months. They realized he was smuggling antiques out of the country. After a lot of good investigative work and red tape, they raided his house in Monterey. A big vault was discovered below his basement, built into the stone.

“And?” Julie burst out. “Did they find the treasure?”

Everyone was listening with their mouths hanging open.

“It was empty.” Gino took pity on them.

Anna saw the twinkle in his eye and knew he wasn’t done.

“They found the recorder in his desk, Anna, with everything John recorded.”

Drake had kept the recorder for sentimental reasons. After all, it had made him rich.

Julie wanted to know what was in the locked drawer.

“There was one we couldn’t open, no matter how hard we tried.”

Gino managed to shock them again.

“It was a solid gold statue of a little boy.”

“George Martin’s son!” Anna gasped. “So he melted all the gold he had to make it?”

“Not all of it,” Gino replied.

There had been plenty of gold, some in the form of coins, some still in the form of nuggets. Drake had also found a small cask of precious gemstones.

“Did he spend it all?” Julie inquired.

Drake had been selling it a little at a time, putting all the money in an offshore account.

“Why was the vault empty?” Meg asked. “Did he suspect us?”

“He wouldn’t admit anything,” Gino shrugged. “But he was ready to leave the country. The authorities found he had bought a small island in the South Pacific.”

Anna wanted to know one more thing.

“What about our Meg? Was he stringing her along?”

Drake insisted Meg had never been in danger. At first, he hadn’t known she was related to John. Then he was infatuated. Before long, he found himself in love with her.

“I told him Grandma wouldn’t rest until she found out what happened to Grandpa John,” Meg spoke up. “I played into his hands, didn’t I?”

“It was not your fault,” Anna stressed. “He fooled us all.”

Julie declared she needed wine. Gino opened a bottle and urged them to eat. He put a couple of turkey and ham sandwiches on a plate and offered them to Anna.

“You did it, my love. You solved the mystery around John’s death.”

Anna rushed into his welcoming arms, tears of joy streaming down her face.

Epilogue

The April sun shone down, casting a bright light on Paradise Beach. The spring day was unseasonably warm, perfect for a picnic on the beach.

Anna reposed on a blanket on the golden sand, surrounded by her extended family, a beatific smile on her lips. The past couple of months had been tougher than expected. Apprehending John’s killer had stirred a lot of memories, both good and bad. There had been relief of course, coupled with a sense of satisfaction. Finding John’s killer had consumed her for the past few years. There had been times when she had almost given up. With a sigh, Anna expelled a breath and watched Meg surf the waves. It was time she focused on the happier aspects of her life.

Cassie reclined in a beach chair, dressed in a skimpy bikini that showed off her buff body. She had just returned from Europe after a few grueling weeks of shooting for her superhero movie. Anna was glad to have her home.

Julie and Mary flanked Anna, setting out the food. The Firecrackers would always be her rocks.

“Did I mention how glad I am to have you in my life?”

“Stop being maudlin.” Julie was gruff. “Help us with the food.”

They had enough to feed an army. Mary had brought her famous banana cream pie. MJ supplied an array of salads she was testing for the new summer menu at the café. Anna baked her mango chili cupcakes on Meg’s request. Gino’s cook supplied chicken and ribs coated in her zesty dry rub, along with a vat of homemade barbecue sauce.

Julie brought pitchers of iced tea and margaritas in a big cooler.

Gino and Leo were busy grilling the meat. He caught Anna’s eye as he paused from dabbing barbecue sauce on the chicken and flashed a brilliant smile.

“What’s going on with you two?” Julie dug an elbow in her side. “Isn’t it time you took the next step?”

Anna ignored her and opened a tub of potato salad. Meg walked out of the ocean, lugging her surfboard.

“Can we eat, Grandma?” She grabbed an empty plate and served herself a couple of salads.

Leo came over with a platter of meat. Anna began fixing plates for everyone.

“This chicken is yum!” Cassie brandished a drumstick and licked barbecue sauce off her fingers.

Anna sampled everything, urging everyone to take second helpings. Finally, none of them could eat another bite.

“I need to walk this off before I can eat your pie, Mary.” Anna rubbed her stomach. “Save me a slice, kids.”

Meg and Leo had already finished a big chunk. They dissolved into laughter, looking guilty.

“I’m going to miss all this.” Meg pursed her mouth. “Not the food, although I’ll miss that too. But this!” She waved an arm expansively around her. “All of us, together, having a good time.”

“How long is this internship?” Julie asked.

“The whole summer!” Meg sighed. “Do you think it’s too much, Mom?”

Cassie pulled off her shades and placed them on her head.

“Are you having cold feet, kid? You need to toughen up.”

Anna pulled Meg close.

“No harm in giving it a try. You can come back if you don’t like it there, sweetie.”

Cassie rolled her eyes.

“She’s not a child, Mom. If she makes a commitment, she needs to stick to it.”

Gino told them to settle down.

“You’ll be so busy meeting new people and seeing new places, the three months will just fly,” he told Meg. “And you don’t have to worry about your Grandma!”

“I should be in Dolphin Bay for most of the summer,” Cassie confirmed.

“So you’re not going to Italy?” Mary asked Meg.

“I chose the cruise line because they might send me to Alaska.” Meg couldn’t hide her excitement. “It’s one of my top three dream jobs, working for a cruise line. If this doesn’t work, I have to try being a tour guide.”

The sky had turned into a mosaic of pink and mauve as the sun crept toward the horizon. The cool breeze carried the smell of the salty water along with a whiff of wildflowers. Anna closed her eyes and savored the moment. She didn’t want to be anywhere else. Dolphin Bay had always been home to her and she was happy in her small world but Meg was young. Anna understood she needed to spread her wings.

“Care to stretch your legs?” Gino offered his hand and pulled her up.

Anna wove her fingers around his and smiled, digging her toes in the sand.

“Aren’t you cold?” He didn’t hide his concern.

“I don’t mind.” She ran a few steps toward the water and let a wave wash over her feet. “That’s freezing!” She squealed in delight.

Gino gave a hearty laugh, his chocolate eyes radiating warmth.

They walked down the beach for a few minutes, Anna stopping to gather a couple of unusual shells.

“I never got a chance to thank you, Gino.”

She turned around to face him and looked up into his eyes.

“You were the rock I could lean on, come rain or shine.”

She swallowed a lump.

“I hope you know how much I appreciate your support.”

Anna told him she always wanted him in her corner.

“You can count on me.” Gino clasped her hands.

They stood transfixed, reluctant to look away.

Gino cleared his throat.

“We’re all going to miss Meg. But I think she’ll land on her feet.”

“She just got here,” Anna whispered.  “The thought of losing her again …”

Gino assured her Meg wasn’t going anywhere.

“She worships you, Anna. And Cassie too. We’ll be around to guide her but we can’t stifle her. This is her time to experience new things.”

“We?” Anna quirked an eyebrow, a gentle smile lurking around her mouth.

Gino patted his mustache and cleared his throat.

“I want to grow old with you, Anna. Walk hand in hand with you, match every step.” He dropped to the ground on his knee. “Will you sail into the sunset with me?”

“Don’t you mean ride?” Anna teased.

Whistles and catcalls sounded as the others caught on to what was happening.

Gino kissed her knuckles and wiggled his eyebrows.

“Is that a yes?”

Anna pulled him up this time and rushed into his arms.

“Of course I will marry you, my love. It’s a big resounding yes!”

**

Sorry to say goodbye to the Butlers? You don’t have to!

Join Meg on an exciting new adventure aboard a cruise ship headed to Alaska. Much to her chagrin, life as a lowly intern is vastly different from that of a pampered guest. Labeled as a troublemaker on Day 1, she has zero credibility. So when she’s convinced a suspicious death on board is actually murder, no wonder her boss refuses to believe her.

Get your copy of Sail Away Patsy, first in an exciting new series to find out more -

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09XHY3PBG/

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Acknowledgements

I can’t believe this is the last book in the Dolphin Bay series. I still remember hitting Publish on Raspberry Chocolate Murder, wondering what my readers would think about the Butlers. Fortunately, you fell in love with them, allowing me to continue writing their story. I will always be grateful for the encouragement you have provided by making the series popular, by writing reviews, spreading the word and of course, reading each book as it released. Thank you so much for all the love. I look forward to the same for all my future releases.

The year started out tough for me and this book would not have been possible without the support system I count on. My editor and proofreader, my beta readers and reviewers deserve a special mention. I appreciate their patience and diligence.

Many thanks to my family for making my life easy so I can focus on the written word. I could not do this without them.

Books by Leena Clover

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