Murder, Trouble & Family Read online

  Murder, Trouble & Family

  (An Annie Ryan Cozy Mystery)

  By Marianne Spitzer

  © June 2015

  This book is a work of fiction. All names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to persons living or dead, events, locations, or organizations are purely coincidental. All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced without the written consent of the author.

  Acknowledgements

  There are many people I would like to thank for their help and understanding while I wrote this book, but first and foremost, I want to thank God for all His blessings. I also wish to thank my family and friends for their patience when I disappear into my writing world especially my son, Lance, for his unwavering support. Last, but by no means least, my readers. Without your reviews, e-mails, and Face Book posts, I would have no idea if you enjoyed my book. Much love and blessings to all of you. Cover designed by the talented Laura at LLPix Designs.

  Dedication

  This series of books is dedicated to my mom, Anna (aka) Annie, her BFF and partner in crime Georgie, and my Aunt Irene. Mom and Aunt Irene were like two peas in a pod. All three of these wonderful women have passed on, but still hold a large place in my heart.

  Chapter One

  “Annie, I wanted to talk to you about this when we went out to dinner last week, but you were worried about Detective Berg and Claudine. I didn’t want them to be part of this memory. I’m in love with you,” Clark said.

  Annie if you don’t say something now you never will.

  I inhaled and said, “I’m in love with you, too.” I looked at him, and he dropped to the floor in front of me.

  “What are you doing on the floor?” I asked.

  Yes, I can be this naïve.

  Clark laughed and held out a small black velvet box with a beautiful emerald cut diamond ring in it.

  “Annie Ryan, make life easier on both of us and more wonderful than we can imagine. Please marry me.”

  Oh my goodness gracious. Say something, Annie. Now.

  I threw my arms around his neck and whispered, “Yes, oh yes.”

  Clark slipped the ring on my finger, and somehow it fit perfectly. I have a sneaky suspicion that he may have asked Aunt Irene for my ring size.

  He sat next to me on the window seat and held me in his arms. Was this real? Yes, I feel his arms around me and his ring on my finger. It’s real, really real.

  Oh my goodness gracious, I’m engaged. I need to tell Georgie, Laci, my parents, and the whole world, but first I need to sit here and hold Clark. Maybe I should tell him we could both sleep under the quilt now. Great idea. He had slept on top of the quilt while I slept under it for a long time as he guarded me from Inga’s killers. Now that they’re caught and we’re engaged, he can sleep under the quilt with me. I’m thrilled.

  I whispered, “Are you still tired? We could sleep a little longer, and you can sleep under the quilt with me.”

  Clark’s laughter filled the room. “Is that all it was going to take? A simple ring? I should have done this weeks ago.”

  I hit him in the arm. “It’s not simple, it’s beautiful and it has meaning. It means you love me, and I love you. We’ll be married, husband and wife, a couple, together forever. Right?”

  He leaned back and tightened his face. “It means all that? I’m not sure I’m ready for all that.”

  I slugged his arm again.

  He threw his hands up. “Okay, okay, I give. Forever and ever it is.” He grabbed and kissed me.

  When he pulled back he whispered, “While both of us under the quilt sounds great, I have an appointment with Clifford about Berg’s job. I have to leave.” He kissed me on the top of the head and hurried out of the room.

  I watched him leave and grabbed my phone. I took a picture of my hand and texted it to Georgie. Within a minute, my phone was ringing. When I answered, all I heard was Georgie’s screams. After two full minutes, she settled down and said, “Tell me everything.”

  ~ * ~

  I needed to break this news to Laci first. I texted and asked her to let me know when she had time for a quick chat. I had good news. She texted back and let me know we could chat right away. She had thirty minutes before her next class. I swallowed. I thought I’d have time to figure out how to explain all of it. Time to face the music or rather a teenage daughter.

  I turned on the laptop in my office and waited for the screen to pop up and clicked on the chat site. Before I was back with my coffee, Laci’s face filled my screen.

  “Hi, Mom, what’s up so early?” Laci smiled at me, and I missed her more than I did before I saw her face.

  “Just missed you a lot,” I answered smiling back. “What’s with the baseball cap?” Her hair was pulled up and tucked inside a red and white baseball cap. That wasn’t like Laci at all.

  “Dust, we’re cleaning and packing to come home in less than three weeks. I have class soon and don’t want dirty hair.”

  I nodded knowing my little clean freak would be upset if there was any dust in her hair. She took after my mom and Aunt Irene. Always neat and tidy with not a hair out of place. I didn’t need her to remove her cap to picture her beautiful light brown hair that hung a few inches below her shoulders. Stick straight, never would hold a curl just like her dad.

  “Seriously, Mom what’s up?”

  Laci knew about my dating Clark and Inga’s death and how her friend Bill had been involved. She knew everything except how deep my feelings were for Clark.

  “Well,” I stammered a bit. “Clark asked me to marry him.” I smiled.

  “Mother,” Laci shouted. “Please don’t tell me you said yes.”

  I curled the fingers on my left hand and hid them far below the screen’s camera.

  “Mom, let me see your hand. Mom, please. Mom! Mom, say something.”

  “I told him yes.” I bit my lip wondering why I felt like my mom was scolding me.

  “Oh my goodness. You didn’t. You don’t know anything about him. He could be a serial killer. Did you do an internet search about him?” She was staring at me with her big brown eyes.

  “Laci, he’s a cop. Actually, he’s a State Patrol Officer who works for the State Attorney General’s office. He just retired so he can be a detective here in Heavenly Corners. Don’t you think the agencies and Clifford Elroy checked him out?” I stared back hoping my serious mom face would convince her.

  “Mom, Chief Elroy hired Bill Todorov. That wasn’t a bright choice. I’m going to run a check on Clark Cavanaugh. At least, for me please, don’t marry him until I get home.”

  Before I could agree, she broke the connection.

  I dropped my head and felt like crying. A knock on the patio door kept the tears at bay. From Yummy’s whining, I knew Aunt Irene was outside with Peanut before I walked to the door. Yummy was in love with Peanut, and the feeling was mutual. At least no one is upset about them.

  Aunt Irene spoke before she walked into the house. “Georgie texted me. Let me see the ring.”

  Well someone is happy for me at least. For goodness gracious, what am I going to do about Laci?

  Aunt Irene sat at the table, and I babbled about my morning including my engagement and Laci’s horror. I fought tears as I sipped my coffee.

  Aunt Irene patted my hand. “Let Laci rant and yell if she wants. She’s away at college. She’ll meet a boy and move home or across the country and think it’s perfect. You have to be happy for yourself. You can’t marry or not marry Clark for Laci’s sake. She’s not a small child. She’s grown.”

  She’s right, Annie. Laci has grown up and lives her own life. She’ll expect you to understand her decisions a
nd embrace her and her life. You will, too because you want her to be happy. You need to be happy, too. Marry Clark.

  I nodded and said, “You’re right. I have to do what makes me happy. Clark makes me happy.” I sipped more coffee. “Stay and finish breakfast. I need to get ready.”

  I rushed upstairs and let the happiness that should fill me rush over me, and I began to sing a silly love song I remember from a movie I watched a while back.

  By the time I returned, Aunt Irene had straightened up the kitchen and had placed both dogs in the puppy run for a little exercise. I grabbed Yummy and headed for the bookstore.

  ~ * ~

  It only took me five minutes to hang up my coat, let Yummy out of his carrier, and unlock the front door. It was ten minutes before I usually opened, but I didn’t mind an early customer. The jingle of the bell that hung above the door told me I made the right decision to open a bit early. The voice screeching through the store told me I should have stayed home.

  My head instantly ached before I strode to the front of the store and saw Claudine’s face.

  She marched up to me and yanked my hand hard enough my shoulder hurt.

  “Oh no,” she squealed. “You really did it. You got engaged to Clark Cavanaugh of all people. Poor Laci is beside herself. What kind of mother are you?”

  “What are you yelling about? Shut up. It’s my life. Get out of my store. What does Laci have to do with you annoying me first thing in the morning?” I gripped the front counter for support. My head hurt, and my vision blurred. This lunatic was going to give me a stroke.

  “Laci called mom and mom is as crazy as you are. She thinks it’s a nice idea. Then Laci called me knowing I would understand. I do understand, and you can’t marry Clark. The family just won’t have it. Consider your daughter.” She clutched her purse to her chest.

  Claudine has been a thorn in my side since I dated her brother in high school. After he died in a car accident she, tried to run my life and tried to take Laci from me. She claimed I was an unfit mother.

  Calm down, Annie. Don’t let her get your goat. Count to ten. One, two, three…

  Fists balled up at my sides I walked up to Claudine and spoke directly to her face. I don’t think I have ever stood this close to her.

  “I’m going to tell you this once, Claudine. This is my life, and I’ll do what I want. Do you hear me? What I want. Not you or Laci or anyone will tell me what to do? You’re not my family. Now get out of my store before you regret you ever stopped by this morning. I will not tell you again to leave me alone, or you’ll be sorry. A restraining order against you will be the least of your problems. Go!”

  Claudine was pale, and I think I may have seen fear in her eyes. She ran out of the store still clutching her purse to her chest. I actually scared Claudine. Well, maybe she’ll leave me alone. I had never stood up to Claudine like that before. I was shaking so badly I could barely text Georgie:

  “Claudine came in screaming that Laci is upset, and I can’t marry Clark.

  I told her off and scared her I think.

  I remember yelling about getting a restraining order and how sorry she’ll be.”

  Georgie texted back several smiley faces and said she’d bring lunch later.

  I walked back and plopped down on the couch in the reading area reserved for my customers. I hope no one comes in for a while. I need to slow my heart and breathe. Claudine drives me crazy. How two siblings can be so different is beyond me. She’s a she-witch and Steve was as gentle as a lamb. I’d think they had different fathers, but Mom Ryan is a saint and would never... Claudine must be a throwback to the dinosaur age.

  There goes the bell. A customer, but I hope Claudine didn’t come back. I hear Mitzi’s voice. It’s a friend this time. I need a friendly face.

  Mitzi makes unusual jar candles, essential oils, and soaps. She sells them in my shop. She has a lovely glass shelf display near the front door. Mitzi needed space to sell her products, and I had extra space. She makes money, and I make a small commission. It’s an ideal arrangement.

  “Hi,” Mitzi said carrying the classic picnic basket she uses to deliver new candles and essential oils.

  “Good morning,” I replied. “You sold a lot of candles last week. Spring scents seem to be popular. I sold the last lavender one yesterday, and you only have one cucumber melon candle left.”

  Mitzi giggled. She had a bubbly personality, and it’s catching. I pushed Claudine to the back of my mind.

  “Hey,” Mitzi said. “Congrats are in order I hear. Can I see the ring?” She bounced up and down on her feet.

  “Sure.” I held out my hand. “How did you find out about my engagement?”

  “I was having breakfast at the diner and Claudine came in with her loud mouth. She’s telling everyone that you’re marrying Clark and that Laci is heartbroken because you won’t let her come home. Most of the people there told her to sit and shut up because we all know you, but she did have a couple people listening.” Mitzi explained as she set new candles on the shelves and rearranged them. I noticed she had a few new essential oils. Most were romantic scents.

  “These are lovely,” I told her and then asked. “Are you able to make an essential oil that would turn Claudine into a nice person or a toad?” I laughed.

  “I don’t think so, but some poisons can be absorbed through the skin.” She scrunched her face.

  “That’s frightening. I don’t want to kill her just give her a personality transplant.”

  Mitzi doubled over laughing. “If I could make something like that I could retire.”

  I wrote out the check for all the candles and oils she sold, and she hugged me. “Ignore Claudine. People know her, and they know you. They’ll know who and what to believe.”

  I waved at her as she left the store. She was right. I’m going to ignore Claudine.

  That was harder than I imagined. A few minutes after Mitzi left and I was unpacking a box of new books, I saw a shadow cross in front of the window and stop. I looked up and saw Barbara Boyle. She’s Claudine’s best friend and has been since they were both hatched from the same evil eggs in the darkest forest. Okay, that’s not fair. I think Barbara would be a nice person if not for Claudine’s influence, but whatever Claudine says or does, Barbara agrees and follows.

  She stared at me and pointed to her ring finger. When she shook her finger at me as if I was a naughty three-year-old, I grabbed a large book and pretended I was going to throw it through the window at her. Her eyes flew open, and her mouth dropped. She rushed down the sidewalk, and I laughed. Two for two. It might be a good day after all. I managed to scare Claudine and Barbara.

  It is a good day. I’m engaged. Me, Annie Ryan engaged to Clark Cavanaugh. Just the thought of him makes my heart flutter.

  ~ * ~

  Shortly before noon the object of my love and heart’s desire walked in the back door of the bookstore.

  “Hey,” he called out. “I thought you were going to keep this door locked. You never know who might walk in, and I did install these nice shiny new locks.”

  I ran toward the sound of his voice and into his arms. His kiss took my breath away. I grabbed his hand and headed for the couch. If he kisses me like that again, my knees will give out.

  We sat down, and he kissed me with less intensity and then pulled back to look in my eyes. I felt something, that might have been a boulder, hit my stomach and tears prickle the backs of my eyes.

  Oh no Annie, here it comes. He changed his mind. Who can blame him? He and his parents have to live in this town with Claudine. None of them should suffer because of me. Maybe I was right when I considered running away. I’m going to Arizona and buy a house near mom and dad. Clark will be better off, Laci will be happy, and Claudine won’t ruin anyone’s life because of me.

  I was staring at the floor when Clark’s voice broke into my thoughts. “Annie, are you listening? We need to talk.”

  “No, we don’t. Claudine was already here. She explained how
I’m ruining everyone’s life. I’m sorry I’m ruining yours and your parent’s lives, too. I’ll leave town on the first flight I can get. It’s okay, Clark. I understand.” I stood and tried to pull his ring off my finger, but my hands were shaking too hard.

  He jumped up and grabbed my shoulders. His deep hazel eyes seemed to burrow into mine. “What are you talking about, Annie? My parents are thrilled. I came here to tell you that Clifford gave me Berg’s job. The only problem is the last case I worked for the Attorney General’s office needs some loose ends tied up. I have to leave town for about two weeks, but we can text and talk. I’ll be back, and you better be waiting.”

  My lip quivered, and I couldn’t stop the tears. “I thought you changed your mind. After all, you and your folks have to live in this town with Claudine and Barbara, too. Both were here hassling me this morning.”

  He pulled me into his arms tight enough to knock the wind out of me, but I didn’t care. Who needs air to breathe when you have love? Me! I had to push him back a little. He smiled.

  “Well, I’m officially hired, but not officially working. You want me to talk to them?” He grinned at me.

  “No,” I replied. “I think I scared them. I yelled at Claudine and threatened her with a restraining order and was going to toss a book at Barbara.”

  Clark’s laugh filled the bookstore and Yummy began to bark and dance in circles. “You’re a little powerhouse. I better be careful.”

  I crossed my arms and insisted, “I’m not that short unless I stand next to you.”

  “Or Georgie or half the town,” he winked.

  When I threatened to punch him, he added, “Let’s settle on you’re petite.” He winked again and added, “You don’t scare me, Annie Ryan. You can’t fight your way out of a wet paper bag.”

  “You’ll regret that someday, Clark Cavenaugh. Seriously, when do you have to leave?” I plopped down on the couch not ready to hear his answer.

  He sat next to me and took my hand.