Merry Buried Christmas (Black Cat Cafe Cozy Mystery Series Book 12) Read online

  “Sounds like a real Peyton Place,” Leona said.

  “It was. Olive demanded that me and Brian choose sides—her or Heather. Brian was always close to Olive anyway, so it wasn’t any problem for him to choose a side. I didn’t know what to do. If I chose Heather, I’d lose my best friend Brian in the deal.” He shrugged. “I chose Olive so Brian and I could stay friends. In a way, I’ve regretted it ever since.”

  “And now? Are you still friends with Olive and Brian?” Annie asked. The way those two were huddled together in Gently Used Boutique, she had her doubts about how Randy fit into that trio anymore.

  “That’s a mess, too. The night that Heather met me and Randy at the Fitzwilly Tavern and she told him she planned to call the Board of Health, I sort of agreed with her. Brian’s Kozy Koffee Stop is anything but cozy.”

  “Someone did call the Board of Health. Do you know who?” Annie asked.

  “Nope, I never had the nerve to do it, but it’s about time he got shut down.” Randy pointed at Leona. “So, what about Heather’s phone?”

  “Unfortunately, it’s dead. I’ll have to hunt around for a charger before we can get to any of the information.” Leona stuffed all of Heather’s belongings back into the bag. “I’m taking this with me. It should go to Danny, don’t you think?”

  Randy shrugged. “Could you leave me something? You know, a small keepsake? I had high hopes that this visit would be sort of a reconciliation. It didn’t work out that way.”

  Leona held a slim silver box. She opened it and tipped a collection of jewelry into her lap. One item caught her eye, a small silver horse pin. “Here. I think this is appropriate.”

  Randy held his hand out. He smiled as he looked at the pin. “I gave her this pin when she turned sixteen. I don’t ever remember that she wore it, but I’m glad to know she kept if for all these years.” He looked at Leona with eyes that threatened to overflow. “Thank you.”

  Annie and Leona bundled up and walked outside to Leona’s Mustang. “What do you make of all that?” Annie asked.

  “Well, Olive and Brian have some explaining to do, don’t you think?”

  “They both had good reason to get even with Heather. But which one pulled the trigger?”

  Leona pulled out of Randy’s driveway.

  “Do you believe everything he said?” Annie asked.

  “I do. When I handed him that pin, it looked like there were tears in his eyes. I think he loved Heather and I don’t think he killed her.”

  “Not a passion killing?” Annie asked.

  “I hope that’s not what happened.”

  25

  Annie picked up her car at the Blackbird and headed home. It had been a long day and the thought of relaxing with Jason, Roxy, and the two cats in front of a roaring fire was everything she could hope for.

  Well, maybe a glass of wine and some delicious food would be nice, too. She chuckled to herself. If Jason was cooking, she might as well forget about any delicious food and hope for some yummy snacks.

  She was disappointed when she pulled into Cobblestone Cottage and the driveway was empty. Oh well, she thought, she’d have time to take Roxy for a walk.

  The house was toasty and cheerful with the Christmas tree lights aglow. Annie checked the freezer and pulled out a frozen casserole. That would be better than nothing, she decided.

  Roxy’s nails clicked on the hardwood floor as she tap danced around Annie. “Okay, we’ll take a walk.”

  Roxy dashed to the porch door and barked. She jumped on the door and whined.

  “What is it?” Annie asked. “Are you that desperate to go out?”

  Annie opened the door and a long-haired, light gray cat streaked inside. “Who was that?” She shut the door.

  The cat, with all its hair standing on end, leaped on the back of the couch.

  “Moby? What are you doing here?” Annie stroked the soft fur. “Is everything okay with Thelma?”

  Annie panicked as soon as the words were out of her mouth. She scooped up the cat and opened the door. Roxy charged out the door, flew over the steps, landed on the path, and continued to the path to Thelma’s house.

  Annie followed at a slightly slower pace. She stroked Moby’s trembling body and talked to him as she walked. “I’ll get you home and we’ll see why you’re out in this cold.”

  As Annie headed up the path to Thelma’s house, her heart sank into the pit of her stomach. An ambulance, with lights flashing was backed up to Thelma’s kitchen door.

  She made it to the top of the path just as the stretcher was being wheeled outside.

  “Thelma?” Annie heard the fear in her words.

  “Move away, Miss.” A burly attendant held out his hand, blocking Annie from moving any closer.

  Annie backed up one step. Thelma reached her hand out. “Wait, please.”

  The stretcher stopped.

  “Annie. Oh, good, you found Moby. He got scared when the kitchen door opened. Will you take good care of him for me?”

  “Of course,” Annie answered. “What happened?”

  “I fell. Don’t worry about me. I’ll be home soon.”

  “We have to go now, Mrs. Dodd.” The stretcher slid into the ambulance and the doors were slammed closed. The ambulance left with the siren screeching.

  Annie stood frozen to the spot, watching until the taillights disappeared and Moby wiggled, almost breaking free.

  “Oh, no you don’t.” Annie tightened her grip on the big cat and opened the kitchen door. Roxy dashed inside, probably expecting a dog treat from Thelma. Moby leaped from Annie’s arms and disappeared after Roxy.

  Annie checked Moby’s food and water bowls. He’d be fine inside until Annie could come back to check on him. She walked into Thelma’s sitting room. It felt empty without Thelma relaxed in her comfy chair with her newspaper. Instead, Moby filled up her chair and Roxy stared at him.

  Annie chuckled. “Okay.” She picked up the jar of treats and gave one to Roxy. A book lay on the floor next to Thelma’s chair. Annie bent down to pick it up.

  Annie wasn’t too surprised to see that it was one of the old yearbooks that had been piled next to Thelma’s chair. “She must have been looking back at old memories.”

  Annie flipped through the pages. “Wait a minute.” She flipped back a couple of pages. Much younger versions of Heather, Randy, Olive, and Brian smiled at her. “I don’t think Thelma will mind if I borrow this to look through.”

  Annie closed the yearbook, tucked it under her arm, patted Moby, and called Roxy. “Let’s get back home. We’ll come back later to check on Moby after I make sure there isn’t anything seriously wrong with Thelma.”

  Roxy had other plans. She took a left at the bottom of the path instead of heading right and back home. Annie followed her along the Lake Trail. The brisk walk and cold air felt great.

  They stopped at the point to enjoy the last of the view before total darkness enveloped the town.

  As Annie and Roxy made their way home, a familiar figure approached from the opposite direction.

  “Liz,” Annie said. “Where are you heading?”

  Liz’s head snapped up. “Oh. I guess I was lost with my thoughts. I didn’t even see you coming. I’m staying with a friend on the lake.”

  “Any luck with job hunting?”

  “Not yet. You don’t have any openings, do you?” Liz gave a hopeful smile.

  “I wish I did. But I’m all set for now.” Annie put her hand on Liz’s arm. “Don’t worry. Something will come along.” Liz’s new necklace caught one of the last rays and sparkled. “That was so thoughtful of Wade to give you that necklace for your birthday.”

  Liz’s hand went to the pendant. She smiled. “Yes. He’s a sweetheart. I don’t feel like I should keep it, though.”

  “Why? He obviously adores you.”

  “Yeah, that’s the problem. Don’t get me wrong, Wade’s a great guy, but I just don’t like him the way he likes me. You know what I mean? I tried to explain
it to him and it didn’t go well.”

  Annie did know what Liz meant and it brought back her visit with Wade’s father. The horse pin that Randy gave Heather all those years ago was his gift of love for her which wasn’t returned. Sad.

  “Well, Liz, Wade wants you to have the necklace and you should keep it.”

  Liz started to walk away

  “Before you leave, can I ask you a question about Olive?” Annie called out.

  “Okay.”

  “Do you remember last Friday morning? Was Olive at her store the whole time?”

  “Hmm.” Liz puckered her lips to one side. “I’m not sure. Friday—now I remember. I got in a little late myself,” she chuckled. “I overslept. And I can tell you that Olive was really upset with me for that. Now that you got me thinking about it, she said she had to open late because I didn’t get to work on time. I guess she wasn’t there either. Why do you need to know?”

  “Oh, nothing. Thanks for the information. Take care and, with time, Wade will make a rebound.”

  Liz walked away and Annie continued to her house. So, Olive didn’t open her shop on time. Very interesting. Annie couldn’t help but wonder if, after all, Olive was busy meeting with Heather like she’d said when she made her shot in the dark accusation. Meeting Heather and then killing her. This certainly didn’t bode well for Olive.

  Cobblestone Cottage glowed in the twilight. Annie sighed and felt a day’s worth of tension melt away.

  No burnt aroma met Annie’s nose when she opened the door. No screeching smoke alarm accosted her ears when she entered. And the best part? No one but Jason was inside smiling at her.

  The dining room table had two candles flickering, a steaming casserole, a colorful salad, and only two places set.

  Annie smiled.

  “Just in time.” Jason pulled out Annie’s chair. “Everything is ready.”

  Annie hung up her jacket, yanked off her boots, dropped the yearbook, and slid onto her chair. Jason pushed her in.

  “Oh, what’s this?” Annie looked at Jason. She picked up a wrapped box from her dinner plate. “Is it edible?”

  Jason grinned. “I don’t think it will taste as delicious as the casserole I prepared.”

  “Ha. The casserole I found in the freezer?”

  “Well, I put it in the oven. That has to count for something.” Jason poured wine into two glasses. “Go ahead. Open my gift.”

  “What’s the occasion?” Annie lifted the box. It wasn’t heavy.

  “Let’s just call it my pre-Christmas, Christmas present.”

  “Is that a thing? I don’t have anything for you.” Annie pushed her bottom lip out. She was dying to know what was inside, but waiting built the excitement. She lifted the box to her ear and gave it a little shake. Something moved inside.

  Jason chuckled. “What are you waiting for?” He lifted his wine glass and held it toward Annie. “My gift to you … just because. How’s that?”

  Annie clinked her glass against Jason’s and laughed. She pulled the silver bow and let the ribbon fall away. The box was wrapped with shiny red paper. Underneath, she found a box from Camilla’s shop, the Velvet Box. “Have you and Camilla been conspiring behind my back?” She remembered the snowflake necklace she had pointed out to Camilla. Had she mentioned it to Jason?

  Jason sipped his wine and watched Annie over the rim of his glass.

  Annie raised the lid of the box. “Oh my.” She lifted the necklace and let the chain drape over her fingers. The silver snowflake rested on her palm and sparkled in the candlelight reflecting on the diamonds. She looked at Jason. Speechless.

  “Do you like it? I asked Camilla to add the diamonds.”

  Annie blinked. She whispered, “I love it.”

  “I thought you would. Camilla said I had to give the necklace to you tonight so you could wear it tomorrow with your new bridesmaid dress.” Jason took the necklace from Annie’s hand. “Here, let me put it on.”

  Jason unclasped Annie’s strawberry pendant and dropped it in her hand. The thin chain of the new piece of jewelry tickled her neck when he lowered it onto her skin. The weight of the snowflake was heavier than the strawberry that Annie was used to. She rubbed it between her fingers.

  Jason returned to his seat. “I haven’t seen your dress yet. Are you going to give me a preview?”

  Annie tilted her head. “Nope. You can see my stunning beauty tomorrow night at the wedding.”

  “You do drive a hard bargain, Mrs. Hunter. But it’s a deal.”

  “As long as there is a wedding,” Annie added.

  “Let’s not even think about that possibility.”

  Annie scooped helpings of the casserole onto her plate and Jason’s. They each added salad and a piece of garlic bread. The soft clink of forks, quiet Christmas music, and the crackling fire made a pleasant accompaniment to their dinner.

  Annie set her fork down and pushed back from the table. “That hit the spot. Is there dessert?”

  “Really? You have to ask? I know dessert is more important than the entrée, and dessert I can do.” Jason stacked the dishes and carried them to the kitchen.

  Annie cleared the leftovers.

  “I’ll make coffee to go with my surprise. Okay?”

  “Sure. I have a phone call to make anyway. Thelma fell and was taken to the hospital. I want to check and see how she’s doing.”

  As Annie waited for the hospital to transfer her call to Thelma’s room, she picked up the yearbook and carried it to the coffee table. “Thelma? How are you doing?”

  “I’m so glad you called, Annie. I feel fine, nothing is broken, but they won’t let me out of here until maybe tomorrow. Is Moby all settled at my house? I’ve been so worried about him.”

  “No need to worry. He took up guard on your chair. My guess is that he’ll stay put until you return. You know, keeping your chair warm.”

  Thelma chuckled. “Thank you, Annie. Here comes my son so I’ll talk to you tomorrow.” Her phone went dead.

  “Is she okay?” Jason asked.

  “It sounds like it. She expects to be home tomorrow. She’s more worried about Moby than about herself.”

  Jason set a tray on the coffee table with two steaming cups of coffee and a covered dish. He picked up the yearbook. “What’s this?”

  “I found it at Thelma’s house. It has pictures from when Olive, Heather, Brian, and Randy were in high school. I’ll look through it later. But now,” she pulled the cover off the plate, “I’m ready for dessert.”

  A plate full of chocolate covered strawberries met Annie’s eyes. “Oh … my favorite. Did you ask Leona to make these special?”

  “Actually, Greta made them. Leona’s been too busy. They’re a little different than normal. Try one.”

  Annie selected the biggest strawberry. “It looks like they’re dipped in something.” She touched the chocolate covered tip of the strawberry to her tongue. “Peppermint?”

  “Yeah. Greta thought they needed a hint of Christmas added. What do you think?”

  She bit into the strawberry. Peppermint, rich chocolate, and juicy strawberry melted in her mouth. “I won’t complain.” She smiled and ate a second one.

  Just as Annie let herself relax completely in the crook of Jason’s arm, there was a pounding on the door.

  “Ignore it,” she said.

  The pounding got louder.

  Jason sighed and stood. “I’d better check.”

  Annie helped herself to another strawberry and sipped her coffee. She heard the door slide open and a cold breeze made her shiver.

  “I’m worried about Wade. He took one of my guns.” Randy’s voice sent a shudder down Annie’s spine. “Can you help me find him?”

  26

  Annie jumped to her feet. Jason pulled Randy inside and closed the door.

  “Sit down and tell us everything,” Annie said.

  Randy let his thick jacket fall to the floor. She wished he had left it on. He must have left in a hurry because
the jacket was all that covered his gray union suit.

  Randy looked down. “Sorry. I guess I was so shook up, I forgot to put my pants on.”

  “Never mind. Sit at the table and tell us why you’re worried about Wade,” Jason said.

  Randy sat.

  Jason placed a cup of coffee in front of him. He wrapped his hands around the cup but didn’t drink.

  “Liz stopped by to talk to Wade. It wasn’t pretty.” He paused and sipped the coffee. “She said he expected more from her than she could give.” He looked at Annie. You’re a woman, what’s that even supposed to mean?”

  The conversation Annie had earlier with Liz on the Lake Trail replayed in her head. “It means she’s gently trying to break up with Wade.”

  “Yeah, that’s what I decided, too. She rattled on about Olive and her job and some other stuff I can’t even remember. After her first sentence I couldn’t even keep up with her chatter. Then she left.”

  Randy put the coffee down and leaned back in the chair. “At first, Wade just stood and stared out the window so I let him be. I figured he’d talk if he wanted to. And it didn’t take a brain surgeon to figure out that he didn’t want to.”

  “Did Liz offer to give Wade back the necklace he just gave her for her birthday?”

  Randy shrugged. “I don’t know anything about that. If he’s anything like me, he wouldn’t want it back, unless maybe she was dead.”

  “Do you think Wade might kill Liz to get the necklace back?” Annie asked, fear creeping into her voice.

  Annie looked quickly at Jason who had his mouth open to say something but she shook her head.

  “Kill Liz? No. He loves that girl. I don’t think she deserves him, but he didn’t ask my opinion. No, I’m afraid he’s going after Olive.”

  “Why do you think that?” This was something Annie feared when she saw Liz and Wade at the Black Cat Café. He said he’d talk to Olive about getting Liz’s beaded clutch back or, at least, getting reimbursed. Did he decide to take matters into his own hands?

  “Because he took a gun and said he was going to find Olive. It doesn’t get much clearer than that.”