PoisonBuried Punch (Black Cat Cafe Cozy Mystery Series Book 6) Read online

  Amber, dressed in a man’s black business suit, snapped photos for the Catfish Cove Chronicle. Of course, Leona maneuvered herself into the center of the group, holding her pumpkin and wearing a dazzling smile.

  Christy arrived behind the two couples, still dressed in her blood-splattered clothes. She held up her hands for quiet, but someone in the crowd chanted “great costume!”

  Finally, the noise subsided enough for Christy to ask, “I’m looking for Kyle Bishop. Are you here Kyle?”

  All eyes searched left and right. The back door slammed shut.

  Christy pushed her way through the crowd and out the same door that closed moments earlier. Annie squeezed through right behind Christy. She heard tires squeal from the parking lot and saw taillights disappear around the corner, leaving a trail of smashed pumpkins.

  “Who was that?” Christy asked Annie. “Who just left in such a hurry?”

  Chapter 4

  Annie tossed and turned all night. Car taillights flickered in her brain but no details of the car emerged. She awoke to a cold and dreary Saturday morning. Her eyes shot open wide when she felt a warm body pressed against her back.

  Then she laughed to herself. Her hand left the warm blankets and patted the body. “When did you join us, you big galoot?”

  A tail thumping on the bed answered her pat, and before she could prepare herself, Blue was standing over Annie, licking her face.

  “Ewww. Get down! If Christy wasn’t tied up with who knows what all night, you wouldn’t even be here.” Roxy joined Blue in the fun, making Annie pull her pillow over her head.

  Both dogs jumped off the bed when Annie’s front door opened. She groaned, not ready to communicate with anyone yet.

  “Blue, how did you sleep? Are you awake, Annie?” Christy called from somewhere near the front door.

  “Now I am. How did you get in?”

  Christy laughed. It sounded like it came from the living room. “Your door wasn’t locked. Hurry up, I only have a few minutes before I’m heading home to crash.”

  Annie slid her feet into her sheepskin slippers and wrapped a polar fleece blanket around herself. Christy was sitting on the floor with her back against the couch and Blue draped over her lap.

  “You must have missed that dog.”

  “Yeah, a little. I knew Eddie would take good care of him so he could try to get back into my good graces,” Christy said as she stroked the big head. Annie heard Blue groan with pleasure.

  “So, what happened yesterday? How did Eddie find you?” Annie added coffee to her coffee maker, dumped in water, and switched it on.

  “While I was sitting off to the side waiting for Tyler to finish up, I heard Samantha admit that she led Eddie here to Catfish Cove. I’m not sure if he knew this is where I was living until he arrived.”

  “Did you know her?” Annie settled into the corner of her couch with Smokey on her lap and Roxy next to her.

  Christy shook her head. “Eddie mentioned her name along with some other people he met at bartender school but I never met her. When I saw her in the pub, I never made a connection between her and Eddie. He described her as a bit unhinged and said she was putting the moves on him even though he was married. I think he was trying to make me jealous. I was at the police academy when he did his bartender class and we got married right after I graduated.”

  Annie got up to pour coffee for the two of them. “Is she a suspect?”

  “Definitely, just like I am. Once Tyler let me leave, I talked to people at the Halloween party and—”

  Annie interrupted with her eyebrows raised. “Tyler let you question them?”

  “He didn’t know I went to the pub. I did that on my own. Anyway, no one remembers seeing her even though she was supposed to be working at the bar.”

  “Maybe she had a costume on and took it off when she brought Blue over.” Annie set the two coffee mugs on the coffee table. “Cream and sugar?”

  Christy waved her hand. “No, just black. Thanks.”

  They sipped their coffee in silence for a few minutes.

  “I don’t think that’s what happened.” She looked at Annie. “About the costume. I don’t think she was wearing one. And even if she was, she still would have been behind the bar serving drinks. Everyone only mentioned seeing the one bartender.” She pulled out her notebook. “Dusty Reed? You know him?”

  Annie shook her head. “I don’t think so. Was he working just for the party?”

  Christy stuck her notebook back in her pocket. “Maybe. At any rate, he was not a happy camper having to tend bar by himself.” She stood up and stretched. “Thanks for the coffee. I’m heading home for some sleep.”

  “Why did you drink that coffee if you want to sleep?”

  “It won’t keep me awake at this point. Come on Blue. I need to introduce you to Bella.”

  “I forgot about Bella. Good thing you decided not to keep one of her puppies, too, or there wouldn’t be any room for you in that ranch house,” Annie teased.

  “I wanted the black pup. He reminded me of Blue, but Abby and Cody wanted to adopt him when they moved into the Harper House. That’s where he belongs.”

  Annie nodded. “Yeah, he was probably quite attached to that giant fireplace since that’s where he was born.”

  They both laughed and Christy added, “I hope not. Abby doesn’t need a puppy bringing all that grime from the front into her brand new apartment in the back of the Harper House. The renovation mess should stay away from her new baby.”

  Christy walked to the door.

  “One more thing I’ve been wondering about,” Annie said. “Why did you agree to meet Eddie alone?”

  Christy’s head dropped. “I always thought he would change back to the person I had fallen in love with. It’s hard to let go sometimes and admit someone will never be what you want them to be.”

  “Do you have any idea what happened to make him change?”

  Christy shrugged and bit her lip. “No. Listen Annie, I know how you got involved in helping to solve the murders that happened here in town, but don’t stick your nose in this one. I’ve got it covered.”

  “Behind Tyler’s back?” she asked with her brow furrowed.

  Christy shrugged. “I have to until he decides to let me work with him.” She opened the door and passed Jason on his way in as she went out.

  “Any coffee left?” He made himself comfy on the couch next to Roxy.

  “Yeah.” Annie poured the last of the coffee into a mug and handed it to Jason. “Remember how you told me Christy’s hiding something about Eddie?”

  Jason nodded.

  “I think you’re right. I can’t put my finger on it, but she acted nervous when I asked her why she went to see Eddie alone. And she lectured me to stay out of the investigation.”

  “Good for her. I couldn’t agree more about that.” He blew on his coffee before taking a sip. “You won’t be taking her advice though, will you?”

  “What’s that supposed to mean, Jason Hunter? I don’t stick my nose where it’s not wanted. Stuff finds me.”

  Setting his cup down, Jason placed his hands on both sides of Annie’s face. “I’m being selfish. I want you to be safe and stay in one beautiful piece. But don’t worry, I always have your back.”

  They stared at each other before Annie’s defenses melted and she let her body nestle into Jason’s strong arms. “I’m always careful,” she mumbled into his flannel shirt.

  Reluctantly pulling away, she said, “I need to get to the café before Leona has a fit. Today is the Halloween brunch, and with the huge turnout for the Halloween party last night at the pub, I expect the Black Cat Café will be mobbed.” She carried the empty mugs to the sink and rinsed everything.

  “More costumes?”

  “Costumes are optional, thank goodness. I’m sure Leona will have her gown on since she loves all that dress up stuff. And I’ll bring my crown for her. She swoons over fancy accessories.”

  “Save me a seat if
you can. I’ll be by later.”

  “If the café is too crowded, you can take your food and share it with Camilla in the gallery. She’s not too happy to be missing everything, but Martha is helping in the café so Camilla’s stuck in the art gallery.”

  “That’s a great idea. She loves hanging out with me.” Jason wiggled his eyebrows.

  “Hey, none of that.” Annie gently swatted Jason’s arm. “Don’t flirt with that poor girl. She has enough problems reading men without you adding to her confusion.” Annie grabbed her warm sweatshirt and quilted tote.

  “Do I hear a hint of jealousy?” Jason’s lip twitched up slightly.

  “Of course not. Camilla isn’t your type. You even told me that.” Annie flipped her head making her curls fly into his face as he reached to open the door for her.

  Jason spun her around, tenderly kissing her. Before he released her to open the door, he said, “Christy is lucky to have you as a friend, but don’t forget she’s been pulled off the case, so let Tyler use his resources to find Eddie’s murderer.”

  Annie heard everything Jason said, and even what went unsaid. But she had a feeling that Christy was hiding some information about her relationship with Eddie, and that something was putting her in danger. Annie would keep her eyes and ears open. Just in case. Important information had a habit of falling into her lap.

  Leona had her favorite oldies station blasting when Annie opened the door of the Black Cat Café. Sweet aromas filled the air along with the music, and unfortunately, Leona’s tone-deaf singing clashing with the Beach Boys’ harmony. Annie grabbed her favorite lime green apron with jumping black cats and turned the music down a bit.

  Leona whirled around. “Hey, that’s my favorite song.”

  The workbench was covered with pumpkin bread, pumpkin scones, pumpkin pies, pumpkin cookies, and Leona’s latest creation, pumpkin muffins with chocolate chips and streusel topping. Annie sucked in a deep breath of the delicious smells and grabbed a muffin.

  Leona slapped her hand. “No eating until you get the pastry display filled up.”

  Annie bit into the muffin. “Sure,” she answered and laughed, taking a second bite. “These are delicious. You’d better make more. They’ll be flying off the pastry shelves today.”

  Danny pushed the café door open, carrying his Red Sox baseball cap in his hand. “Morning ladies.”

  Annie wondered how Danny would handle a change in his normal routine of a blueberry muffin, and she took a quick peek at Leona. Leona set a pumpkin muffin on a plate for Danny. “Here’s your muffin. Coffee’s hot.”

  He sat at the counter with his coffee and stared at the muffin. “This isn’t a blueberry muffin. I can’t start my day without one. You know that, Leona.”

  Leona patted his hand. “Try it. For me. I’m one hundred percent positive you’ll love this muffin. Trust me.” She fluttered her eyelashes and gave Danny her best sweet smile. “Pleeease?”

  He picked up the muffin and sniffed. “Smells good.” He set it back on the plate. “Do you have some blueberry muffins in your freezer?”

  Leona let out a frustrated sigh. “Yes, but you have to try this one first.” She pushed the plate closer to Danny.

  Annie covered a smirk, thinking Danny was as stubborn as a three year old.

  “Okay.” He picked it up again. “Did you two hear about what happened with Kyle last night?” He bit into the muffin.

  “Did Christy find him?”

  “Uh huh,” he mumbled with his mouth full of pumpkin muffin. “Sure did.” He continued to eat the muffin.

  “And?” Annie sat down next to Danny. “What else did you hear?”

  Danny swallowed and sipped his coffee. “He was searching the shoreline from the café right out front here down to the docks on that side.” He pointed in the direction closer to the center of town.

  “That’s where Eddie’s body was found,” Annie barely managed to say, her eyes wide with surprise.

  Chapter 5

  Danny finished his muffin and wiped his mouth. “Hey, that was delicious. Can I have another one?”

  Leona smiled. Annie laughed. Danny looked at them both with his eyebrows raised.

  “Here you go. Another pumpkin muffin. Maybe tomorrow you’ll try something else new,” Leona teased.

  “I doubt it. Not until I’m sick of these.” He finished the muffin and used his finger to pick up all the streusel that fell on the plate. “The streusel is the best part and you put that on the blueberry muffins, too. So, I guess I’m sort of eating the same thing still.”

  Leona shook her head and walked to the oven to take out a fresh batch of muffins. She slid in more trays and set the timer. “Off to keep working at the Harper House?” she asked Danny.

  “Yup. I’m loving this project. The upstairs is done and the downstairs is coming along nicely. Abby always invites me into her apartment in the back to see baby Claire when she’s awake. She’s a beauty, just like her mom.”

  “I never knew you liked babies,” Leona said with surprise in her voice. “Babies make me nervous.”

  Danny held his arms together as if he was cradling a baby. “There’s nothing to it, Leona. And there’s nothing more beautiful than a baby asleep in your arms.”

  Leona looked at Annie. “I’m too old, but you and Jason?”

  Annie felt heat rise from her neck into her cheeks. “Geez, Leona. I think you’re putting the cart before the horse. We aren’t even engaged!”

  “I’ll have to have a talk with Jason and find out what he’s waiting for.”

  “Talk to me about what?” a deep voice said from the doorway.

  Before Annie could tell Leona to keep quiet, Leona blurted out, “Danny loves babies and I thought it would be nice if Annie made us grandparents sometime after we get married.”

  Jason’s face turned a deep shade of pink and he stood motionless with his mouth hanging open.

  Annie quickly put a pumpkin muffin on a plate and changed the subject. “Here, try Leona’s new muffin. Danny had two.”

  “I can’t stay, but I’ll be happy to take it with me. I just wanted to see how things were going before the big rush hits for your Halloween brunch.”

  Annie bagged the muffin and walked with him out the French doors to the deck. “Sorry about Leona. She doesn’t have much of a filter at times.”

  Jason grinned. “It’s a good idea.” He kissed Annie’s cheek.

  “Oh, well, ah, maybe,” Annie stuttered, completely flustered. “On another subject, Danny told us that Christy found Kyle searching along the shoreline here last night. What do you think he was looking for?”

  “It might be quickest and more accurate to ask Tyler before you come up with a million theories. Just saying.” He winked. “I’ve got to get going. See you later.”

  Annie watched Jason as he left. His slight limp from a childhood accident was barely noticeable, but his muscular body was impossible to miss under his well-fitting jeans and flannel shirt.

  Her heart did a little flip flop with the thought of having a baby. Was marriage and a family in her future, she wondered? The thought made her smile.

  Leona had the radio turned up again, but she was quietly humming along instead of drowning out the music with her voice. Mia and Martha arrived together, discussing all the costumes from the party the night before.

  “Of course, mine and Harry’s were the best. And everyone loooved Charlie. He should have gotten first prize even without a costume,” Martha said, loud enough for everyone to hear. “Well, and Leona and Danny too, of course,” she quickly added.

  Annie couldn’t miss the frown on Leona’s face. She always had that competitive side and she seemed fine sharing first place with Martha the night before, but now Leona couldn’t help but think that Martha felt her costume was the better one. Time for some deflection before Leona had a hissy fit.

  “Leona, I think you should wear your gown today for the brunch. You can borrow my crown, too, if you want.” Annie reached i
nto her quilted tote bag and held up the crown. “I brought it with me.” She raised her eyebrows, waiting for a reply.

  Leona smiled. “Great idea. I think I should be the only one in a complete costume since you three will be wearing Martha’s beautiful black cat aprons and these witch hats.” She pulled the witch hats from her giant canvas bag, handing one to Martha, Mia, and Annie. She fluffed her strawberry blond hair. “And yes, I definitely want to wear the crown.”

  Annie let her breath out, glancing at Mia and Martha. They both nodded their heads in agreement. Disaster averted.

  The women got into a comfortable routine. Annie made pumpkin soup and Leona continued in her frenzy of baking. Mia and Martha decorated the café and readied the tables for the brunch. At ten o’clock, Annie scooted across the hall to check on her Fisher Fine Art Gallery and make sure Camilla was all set for the day.

  Annie couldn’t contain her laughter when she walked into her gallery and saw Camilla dressed as a French painter, her beret at a jaunty angle atop her newly dyed and straightened black hair. Black cat earrings dangled from her ears and an orange pumpkin was attached to her pierced eyebrow. A baggy, white, button down shirt hung to mid-thigh, cinched with a wide black leather belt. Her shapely legs were covered with black leggings and she towered over Annie in her heels.

  With an extravagant bow, Camilla asked, “How may I help you, madam?”

  “I’m glad you’re in the spirit of the moment,” Annie said with a wide smile across her face.

  Camilla straightened. “I’m trying, but with all those fantastic smells coming across the hall from the café, I’m feeling a little left out over here.” Her lower lip protruded as she lowered her head and peeked at Annie through her long black eyelashes.

  “The brunch starts at eleven. As soon as I can, I’ll give you a break here and you can get something to eat. How does that sound?”

  Camilla rewarded Annie with a smile and a tight hug. “You’re the best!”

  Annie extricated herself from Camilla’s grasp. “Any customers stop in yet?”