Heavenly Corners Page 5

  He said, “I can’t remember the last break-in around here. Tell the officer I’ll be in the diner if he needs to ask me anything. I got here around five this morning, and it was quiet as usual.” He waved as he walked back toward the diner. I turned when I heard boots clapping against the blacktop as if someone was running toward me. It was Clark.

  “Are you okay?” He asked. I collapsed against him fighting tears I felt forming. I rattled off everything that was going on and that Bill and Georgie think I have an enemy, and it all started when I got Yummy.

  His eyebrows scrunched, and he tapped his lips with his index finger. “If it started when you inherited Yummy, it could have something to do with Inga’s death. You need to be careful. That lock looks old. I bet the one on the front door is just as old. When the police finish, I’ll replace them. We have new locks at the store that are supposed to be harder to pick than average deadbolts.”

  I was about to thank him when another police car pulled up, and Officer Bill opened my back door. He spoke to the second officer who was going to check the doorknob for prints and asked me to follow him into the store to see if an intruder took anything. I handed Yummy’s carrier to Clark and followed Bill into the store.

  Nothing was out of place, and I know the cash register is empty since I dropped off a deposit after I closed Saturday. Since I own the store, I don’t keep a petty cash box. If I need something, I take it from the register and leave a note to myself. My office appeared untouched.

  Bill said the other officer would dust for prints inside in obvious places, but he doubted anyone gained access through the back door.

  We walked out the back door into the alley when my cell rang. It was Aunt Irene. I felt my breath catch in my throat. “Go in your house and lock the door. I’m coming home now.”

  Bill and Clark both asked, “What’s wrong?”

  “That was Aunt Irene. She heard glass break and a car roar off. Someone threw a rock through my front door window. She said there is also a note on my door, but she hurried home before she read it.”

  Bill said, “Okay, I’m leaving. Get there as fast as you safely can.” He hopped into his car, and siren blaring sped out of the parking lot.

  Clark was going to say something when I called out, “Take care of Yummy. I’ll call you as soon as I can.” I followed Bill as quickly as was safe.

  #######

  When I pulled up in front of my house, I parked behind Bill’s cruiser. Bill and Aunt Irene stood on the front walk staring at my door and deep in conversation. Aunt Irene smiled when she saw me, but I saw concern in her eyes.

  As I approached, I saw the storm door broken in pieces, and a medium size rock lay on the front porch. I breathed a sigh of relief that I had opted for a solid wood inside door over the more modern with etched glass panels. Who knows what else they might have damaged?

  Who were “they.” Good question. Someone hates me.

  I sighed and said, “It could be worse. Most likely some kid.” I desperately wanted to believe it since the idea of a real enemy scared me beyond words.

  I turned when I heard a siren. “Is that for me?”

  Bill nodded.

  I felt my eyes widen and asked, “Why? It’s just a broken door isn’t it?”

  Aunt Irene’s eyes filled with tears, and she stammered, “Someone wants you to die, Annie.” She covered her face with her hands and turned away.

  My eyes shot to Bill. “What is going on?”

  The second officer ran up and asked, “Where is the threat? The Chief is on his way.”

  “Threat, Chief?” I yelled; I think. “This is my house. What is going on?”

  Bill told me to be careful of the broken glass and led me closer to the door. Taped to the side of the doorframe was a note written in red ink. I don’t know why I didn’t see it sooner.

  It read: “DIE ANNIE RYAN—SOON!”

  I felt my knees buckle, and Bill caught my elbow. He walked me to my front porch swing, and I sat down. I dropped my head in my hands and let the tears fall. Aunt Irene was right. Someone wanted me dead. Bill and Georgie were right. I had an enemy, a deadly enemy, but why?

  The mail carrier walked across the grass to hand me the mail. “Looks like you had trouble, sorry Annie. You okay?”

  “Yeah, Meg, I’ll be fine. Thanks. Vandals, kids, who knows. Must be spring fever gone haywire.” I tried to smile.

  Meg waved as she began to walk away. Bill stopped her and while they spoke I checked my mail. There was a letter from Lucas’ law firm. I motioned to Aunt Irene to sit with me and handed her the letter.

  “You have to go to the reading of Inga’s will on Wednesday morning. That must mean she left you something,” Aunt Irene whispered.

  “Of course, she left me Yummy. It must be some legal stuff to make sure I want to keep him.” I nodded praying I was right.

  “Maybe not,” Aunt Irene continued to whisper. “No one wanted you dead before Inga died.”

  She has a point. What am I going to do? Could this possibly have anything to do with inheriting Yummy? No, that’s insane. He’s just a little dog. A pedigreed dog and I’m sure he has some value, but enough to kill someone? Would anyone kill a person for a dog even one as cute as Yummy? I don’t understand why they might. But then both Mags and Douglas want him back. Do either need that check badly enough to wish me dead? Maybe they found out something about Yummy when they searched the house. I’m sure they searched every inch of the mansion. The night Inga died they were in every room. I saw the lights. Hmm.

  My mind was pulled back to reality when my cell rang. It was Clark. I explained what happened, and he wanted to come over as soon as he finished with the new locks. He was going to replace the door for me. I told him I would be back at the bookstore as soon as I cleaned up the glass. I texted Georgie with a few details and asked her to call after the noon rush. I walked into the garage and dragged out the industrial vacuum.

  Bill said, “The other officer took the rock and note back to the station. The Chief is tied up but said if you need him just call. Are you okay alone here?” He jotted something in his notebook.

  “Yes, I’ll be fine. After I clean up the glass, I’m going back to the bookstore.”

  Aunt Irene announced, “I’ll be fine, too. I have a lunch date and bridge this afternoon. I need to get ready. Call me if you need me, Annie.” She hugged me, and I watched her walk back to her cottage.

  Bill waved as he drove off. The glass was easier to vacuum up than I thought, and I put the vacuum away, climbed back into my car, and headed for the bookstore.

  #######

  I parked behind my store and could see the door had a shiny new lock. I found the door locked, and I knocked. I could hear boots hitting the floor and Yummy barking before the door opened.

  “Sorry,” said Clark. “I didn’t want to leave the door unlocked.” He smiled as he held the door open for me.

  “No problem. Thanks for changing the locks. No one got in here last night, but I like the idea of being extra safe.” I took the keys he held out for me.

  “When would you like your door fixed?” He leaned against a bookcase and smiled.

  Breathe Annie. He’s gorgeous, but he’s going to notice that you noticed and then what are you going to do?

  “Umm, no hurry. It was just the storm door. Instead of replacing it right away, the screen door can be put in its place. The weather is getting warmer.” I took off my jacket and turned to hang it up when Yummy came running down the aisle toward me.

  “I think he missed you.” Clark laughed. “I should get back to the store. How about I come over after you close and put on your screen door? You don’t want any bugs in the house.” He smiled at me while he slipped on his jacket.

  “That sounds like a nice idea. I’ll make dinner,” I stammered.

  Dinner, you’re making him dinner. Goodness gracious, Annie. He’s going to think you’re throwing yourself at him.

  Clark’s eyes sparkled. “That’s gr
eat; it’s a date. See ya later.” He walked to the door and turned, “Have a good day, Annie.” He winked before he shut the door.

  I was ready to have a panic attack over the thought of a date with Clark when the front door chimes jingled. Steve’s mom was standing by the front counter. I hoped there wasn’t any problem. I loved Steve’s mom. She and her husband were kind to me and Laci after Steve died. They took Laci for weekends and day trips. We’re still close, but since Laci left for college, I rarely see them. After the morning I had, I was worried Claudine sent her to ask questions.

  “Mom Ryan, how nice to see you. It has been a while.” I walked up and hugged her. She was a petite woman with salt and pepper hair and lovely gold-rimmed glasses. She looked as if she had come from a fashion show, but Mom Ryan never left the house without looking spectacular.

  “I know dear, but I have been busy with my charities and clubs. I need to say something to you.” She smiled, but I could see some trepidation in her eyes.

  “Would you like to sit down?” I motioned to the couch.

  “I won’t be here long, dear.” She cleared her throat. “You know that Guy and I love you like a second daughter.”

  I nodded.

  “Best to say this straight out. Claudine said she saw you having dinner with someone she went to school with, and you know how she gets.”

  Goodness gracious, here it comes. A lecture about ruining my life or Laci’s or embarrassing the family. Who knows what Claudine put in her mind?

  She continued, “Claudine called me and went on and on about you being out with a man. I just want you to know that Guy and I agree that it’s time you find someone and settle down again. We all loved Steve. I know you loved him, and I’m sure you still do, but life is short dear. If you can find some happiness, then please do.” She hugged me tightly. “I can’t wait to see Laci next month.” She turned and left the store.

  I stared at the space she just occupied. I knew Claudine hated me, but to drag her mom into her obsession with ruining my life was low even for Claudine. Mom Ryan was sweet and said to grab happiness if I could. She approved. I know I didn’t need anyone’s approval, but I respected Steve’s parents.

  I plopped down on the couch.

  Happiness, I should grab happiness. Did Clark make me happy? Yes, he did. Could he be my happiness? It was too early to know, right? Maybe, maybe not. My head hurts.

  Chapter Nine

  I had a few customers just before lunch and decided to stay open during lunch. Two customers wandered in and asked how I was doing after my morning ordeal. Fortunately, they both purchased books. I had several more customers after lunch. It was more than usual, and I think it has to do with the possible break-in and the rumors about the window breaking at my home. By the time two o’clock rolled around, people asked me if vandals damaged all my windows at home. After explaining more times than I wanted, the last customer left and the store was quiet. I plopped down on the couch more emotionally tired than physically.

  My cell rand and I recognized Georgie’s tone.

  “Hi, is it finally quiet at the grill, too? I’m taking a break.”

  Georgie spoke quickly, and I could hear her concerned voice. “Yeah. I would have called sooner, but I couldn’t take the time. Are you all right? Were you hurt? What do the police think?”

  “Breathe, I’m fine. Someone tossed a rock at the front door at home and tried to break-in through the back door of the store. I wasn’t there for either incident. Bill Todorov took a report, and Clark is going to replace the front door. No big deal.” I leaned back and put my feet up on the old wooden coffee table.

  “Uh huh. Bull, Annie Ryan. Dot texted me and told me there was a death threat.”

  “Is Dot supposed to give out classified information?” I bit my lip. I didn’t want Georgie to worry, so I wasn’t going to mention the note.

  “Doesn’t matter. Your Aunt Irene brought it up at the weekly bridge club meeting, and the news is all over town.”

  I tried to sink deeper into the couch. I wanted it to swallow me, and I could stay hidden. Hearing my best friend’s worried voice made me feel more vulnerable.

  “You’re right. There was a note saying I should die, and Bill thinks I have made an enemy. Between the dog abuse call, near break-in here, and the window and note at home something is going on. It also started after I inherited Yummy. Bill thinks there might be a connection. Aunt Irene and Clark think so, too.”

  “Clark, hmm. He’ll protect you. Are you going out again soon?”

  “Not sure, but I’m making him dinner tonight after he fixes the broken door.”

  “Dinner and a long night. It’s just what you need. Maybe a nice breakfast, too.” Georgie began to laugh.

  “You’re wicked.” I smiled.

  “Gotta run, behave and I’ll call you if I hear anything.”

  The afternoon was quiet. I think all my curious customers had heard the rumors and didn’t need to see the source for information. I dusted the bookshelves and straightened up the magazine rack. Yummy yipped at the back door a little after four and I hung the “Be back in five minutes” sign on the front door and took her for a quick walk out back. Just as we came back in, I locked the door, and my cell chimed. I had a text from Georgie.

  I read the text and dropped back onto the couch staring at my phone.

  “Just heard. Inga poisoned 4 sure. Arsenic.”

  I must admit I knew this was a good possibility, but I still held out hope that she overdosed on one of her meds or the coroner missed something. It was a fact. Someone murdered Inga. I shuddered even though the store was warm. Could the same person who killed her be coming after me? Georgie and Clark were worried that it was true, and Officer Bill wondered about my enemies. I sat back and closed my eyes. A few minutes later I heard loud knocking on the front door.

  Darn it, Annie. You forgot to turn the sign around. You’re going to lose the customers you have. I ran toward the front door yelling, “Just a minute.”

  I opened the door and came face to face with the six foot two inch stocky frame of Detective Heidelberg. I noticed his pinched eyebrows, and scowling face. It can’t be a good visit.

  “Come in Detective Heidelberg. I was walking my dog and forgot to unlock the door when I returned.” I held the door open wide.

  “It’s just Berg, Detective Berg.” He entered the store staring around at each bookcase and display with his hands clasped behind his back.

  His name was Heidelberg, but he said it was too long. He would change it legally, but his parents live in a retirement village a few miles out of town, and I heard they’re not happy with his decision.

  “What can I do for you, detective?”

  “Do you know anyone who would want to see Inga Kelleher dead?” He asked.

  “No,” I shook my head from side to side.

  “You were close. She gave you her dog. Are you sure you don’t know.”

  “We weren’t that close, and I don’t know why she left her dog to me,” I explained. He looked at me as if he thought I killed Inga.

  “Yup, so you say.” He walked around the store checking down each aisle.

  “Are you accusing me of something,” I stood with my hands on my hips. He was getting under my skin.

  “Nope, nope, just thinking out loud. You sure you don’t know who might want her dead or for that matter who wants you dead?” He stared right through me.

  I felt dizzy and grabbed the counter. “No, if I knew who put that note on my house don’t you think I would tell the police? I don’t want to be killed, too.” My voice raised in volume a bit.

  “No, I suppose not. Well, if you think of anyone call me.” He dropped his card on the counter and walked out of the store.

  People in town say Detective Heidelberg aka Berg is a good guy and a great detective, but for some reason I don’t see it. Many townsfolk wish he would be police chief instead of Chief Elroy. I see them as different as day and night. Maybe they work well together,
but I wish the overbearing detective would leave town.

  I closed the store fifteen minutes early and went home. I had enough excitement for one day. I was looking forward to peace and quiet. Then I remembered Clark was coming to dinner.

  Was Georgie right? Would he expect to stay for breakfast, too? Goodness gracious, Annie. You get yourself in more predicaments.

  #######

  I walked into my kitchen, dropped my purse and jacket on a chair, and set Yummy outside in his run. I wondered what I should prepare for dinner. I knew I had spaghetti sauce and meatballs and a loaf of French bread in the freezer. I checked my pantry and found a box of spaghetti. I set a large pot of water on to boil and placed the sauce and meatballs in the microwave to thaw. I walked out to keep Yummy company. I walked to the end of the pier. Watching the water on the lake never failed to calm me. I felt the stress of the day begin to leave my shoulders when I glanced toward Inga’s house. It was difficult to see with the sun beginning to set and the sun partially blinding me, but I could see the front door of Inga’s mansion open. Someone or maybe two people stood just inside the door. Two others stood on the porch. I did try to see who they were, but I couldn’t see well enough. It appears everyone is upset by the way arms are flailing, and two of the people paced back and forth.

  Yummy’s bark brought me back from the edge of the pier. I picked him up, and we went back into the house. Yummy ran to the door and barked. I heard a knock. I peeked through the security peephole and saw a smiling Clark on the porch carrying a bouquet of flowers.

  Flowers. Oh my goodness. He brought flowers. What’s on his mind? Oh no. Annie, get a grip. Open the door and smile.

  I opened the door and smiled at Clark. Yummy stopped barking when he saw it was Clark.

  “Hi. Can I come in?” He grinned at me.

  “Of course.” I stepped back. He opened the broken door frame and walked in the house. He handed me the flowers. I felt my face flush.

  “Thanks, but you didn’t need to buy flowers.” I smelled them, and the scent helped me to relax a bit more.