Heavenly Corners Read online

  “I thought you could use something nice after your hard day. Is the screen in the garage? I’ll put it up while I still have a bit of sunlight.”

  I opened the garage, and while Clark worked on the door, I prepared dinner.

  He finished with the door before I finished dinner. He asked where he could clean up, and I showed him to my powder room and quickly asked, “Would you prefer garlic bread or Italian cheese bread?”

  His eyes went up as if in thought. He looked at me and said, “Let’s skip garlic,” Then he winked and I rushed back to the kitchen.

  Oh boy, Annie. Maybe you should have invited Aunt Irene to dinner. She would just eat and leave before Clark did, and I’d still have to deal with a man who winked at me and wants to skip the garlic. Breathe deep and face this. You can do it. You’re an adult with a grown child. What are you worried about? Everything. I felt my heart pick up speed.

  Dinner was enjoyable, and I relaxed listening to Clark’s stories about life in California and some of the strange things that people request at the hardware store. The funniest was when he explained that elderly Mr. Colroy inquired about what size engine to order for his time machine.

  “Poor Mr. Colroy’s arthritis is getting to him, and he desperately wants to travel to the past before he had arthritis,” Clark said. “He comes in every few days to buy a new part. I think I may visit him this week and see how the time machine is coming along.” He smiled as he reached for another piece of cheese bread.

  After dinner, we relaxed on the patio for a while until I began to yawn. Clark stood and said it was time to call it a night. I thanked him for repairing my door and walked to my front door. I heard his voice behind me.

  “Annie, I’m not going home. I’m staying here tonight.”

  My mind raced in more directions than I thought possible, and I fought panic. I turned and looked at him. My thoughts show plainly on my face. I think my eyes are wide open.

  “Don’t worry. I’m going to sleep on the couch.” He grinned. “I don’t want you here alone with someone walking around free after they threatened you.” He walked up to me and placed his hands on my shoulders. “My thoughts are platonic or as platonic as I can keep them. We can discuss non-platonic feelings later when your life settles down.” He kissed my forehead.

  When he settled on the couch, I felt safer and fell asleep quickly. I woke to an empty bed. Yummy must have decided to visit Clark at some point during the night. I smell coffee. A quick shower, and dressed in my clothes for a day at the bookstore I made my way downstairs to find Clark sitting on the patio with Aunt Irene. They are laughing.

  Oh no, Annie. I hope Clark explained he slept on the couch. Aunt Irene is laughing. Would she laugh if she knew he slept in my bed? Yes. She wants me to find someone. Do something, Annie.

  I grabbed a cup of coffee, walked outside and said, “Good morning, Aunt Irene. Good morning, Clark. I hope the couch was comfortable enough last night.”

  He grinned at me and answered, “Yes it was, thanks.”

  Aunt Irene added, “It was nice of Clark to spend the night to be sure you were safe, Annie.”

  I nodded.

  Clark stood and said, “I have to leave. The store opens an hour earlier than your bookstore. I don’t want dad to be doing things he shouldn’t. I’ll call you later.” He waved and hurried out the door.

  I was going to sit with Aunt Irene and finish my coffee when I heard my front doorbell.

  “Maybe Clark forgot something, I’ll be right back.”

  I hurried to the door and saw a young man on the porch. He was fidgeting and looked a bit pale. He didn’t look like a killer, so I opened the door.

  He looked at me and said, “Annlynn Ryan?”

  At the sound of my legal name, my heart began to pound in my chest. Was something wrong?

  I managed to mutter, “Yes.”

  He held out folded papers with a blue cover sheet. “These are for you.”

  I was so grateful he wasn’t bringing me bad news that I reached for them and said, “Thanks.”

  He nodded and said, “You’ve been served. Have a good day.”

  I’m sure my mouth hung open as I watched him rush to his car. I closed the door and read the papers as I walked back to the patio where Aunt Irene waited.

  “What’s wrong?” She asked.

  I looked at her trying to figure out what in the world was happening. “Mags is suing me for custody of Yummy.”

  Chapter Ten

  Aunt Irene and I sat silently trying to understand why Mags was suing me. I know Georgie is awake because she and Paul like to get to the grill early. I texted her asking her to call when she had free time. My phone rang almost immediately.

  I heard Georgie’s excited voice before I could say hello. “He stayed the night didn’t he? How was it? Never mind. Are you happy? It’s great news. I want details, but not too many.”

  When she took a break to breathe, I said, “He slept alone on the couch to keep me safe. The reason I need to talk to you is that I was served papers first thing this morning. Mags is suing me for custody of Yummy.” I felt my shoulders slumped at the idea of losing my tiny dog. He worked his way into my heart. I love the silly little guy.

  “What? She hates Yummy. Maybe Inga left a lot of money for his care. Mags wants it. I have heard of people who leave millions to their pets. You’re going to need a lawyer. Who is she using?”

  “She filed herself. She’s a lawyer, remember. I’m going to lose Yummy.”

  I felt like crying. I truly did. I now understand how people become attached to a pet. He’s my buddy and best friend. I talk to him all day at the store. Sometimes he cocks his head and listens and sometimes he barks an answer. What would I do without him?

  Georgie’s voice calling my name through my phone brought me back to reality. “Annie, are you there?”

  “Yeah, sorry. I was lost in thought. I was thinking about losing Yummy. It will break my heart.”

  “You need an attorney. Call Lucas. He said to call if you need anything.”

  “I know,” I answered. “But he’s Inga’s lawyer. Since Mags is her niece, wouldn’t it be a conflict of interest?” I leaned forward and placed my elbow on my knee. I needed to lean my head on my hand. I was still tired, and it was too early for another day of drama.

  “Maybe, maybe not. Call him and ask. If it is, he’ll recommend someone. He’s an honest man, Annie. He was also Inga’s attorney. He wants to do right by her.”

  “I guess, I’ll text you later. Bye.”

  I slid my phone to “off,” and slipped it in my jeans’ pocket. When I looked at Aunt Irene, she smiled.

  “Georgie’s right. Call Lucas. He wants what Inga wanted, and she wanted you to have Yummy.” She stood and waved as she walked to her cottage.

  Maybe they’re both right. I need a lawyer. I’ll call Lucas after I get to the store. Too much is going on. I need some professional advice, and Lucas is the best.

  #######

  Yummy, in his carrier strapped into the passenger side seat belt, and I behind the wheel started our slow trek to the store. It was slow because the one place I felt safe from Mags and her ideas was in my car. I headed toward the store and then turned down a side street heading in the opposite direction. I didn’t need to open the store until nine, and I feel safe in the Explorer. As I approached the highway leading out of town, I yelled at myself.

  Okay, Annie. Let’s face facts. You have an enemy, and it appears to be Mags. Would Mags have left the warning note? Why not? Women have been known to be evil and killers the same as men. Women can be conniving. I could be conniving if needed. Yup, Mags is after me. Why am I driving away from where people know me? If she tries to kill me, I need witnesses. People in town know me. I was born in Heavenly Corners. It is my home, not Mags’.

  I hit the brakes and pulled to the side of the road. I looked in my rearview mirror, and it was clear. I made an illegal U-turn and headed back to town. I knew it was illegal,
but my life is in danger. Right? It’s okay to break a little law in case of an emergency. Yup, it is, isn’t it?

  #######

  I pulled into the lot behind the bookstore and saw Clark pacing back and forth near the backdoor.

  Before I could get out of the car, he was at my door. “Where have you been? You always get here by eight. Your aunt said you left nearly an hour ago. I was worried.”

  He helped me out of the car and pulled me into his arms. I explained that I was running away, but decided I was better off in town. If there was a knock-down, drag-out fight between Mags and me, I needed to be where people liked me. He leaned back a bit and looked in my eyes. He pulled me close again and kissed the top of my head.

  “Don’t ever scare me like that again.” He dropped his arms and slipped his hands in his jeans pockets.

  “Okay, I promise.” I turned to unlock the door.

  I felt Clark’s hands on my shoulders, and he turned me around. Before I knew what happened, he kissed me. A sweet, gentle kiss. He smiled at me and pulled me close again. This time the kiss was mind-bending, toe-curling, and left me breathless.

  He smiled again and said, “I’ll bring dinner tonight. See you around seven.”

  I watched him jog back to the hardware store. I was pleasantly speechless. I pulled out my phone and texted “passionate kiss” to Georgie. I knew she was too busy to answer now, and I needed to open the bookstore and call Lucas. Yummy was barking in his carrier. Poor dog must be jealous. My thoughts jumbled.

  #######

  Lucas was not in, and I left a message. Yummy and I busied ourselves around the store. I unpacked a shipment of new releases and placed them on the proper shelves and added a few to the window display and a table I used for new release promotions. My heart hurt when I unpacked two new mysteries. Inga would have loved them.

  I glanced at Yummy and said, “Look, two new books Inga would love. We’ll have to read them in her memory.” I took one and began to read out loud. Yummy settled at my feet and stared up at me. I wondered if Inga read to him. He was very attentive.

  Lucas returned my call a little before eleven and assured me he would speak to Mags on my behalf.

  “Annie remember there was a handwritten note leaving Yummy to you. There is no way anyone will go against Inga’s last wishes. Leave Margaret to me. I will see you tomorrow morning at eleven for the reading of the will. Don’t worry,” Lucas assured me, but I was still worried.

  #######

  I woke at my usual time although I was not planning on opening the shop until after the reading of the will. Clark insisted on sleeping on my couch again. The way he kissed me goodnight I’m sure I could have convinced him to follow me upstairs, but I’m not ready for a serious relationship. I’m enjoying our friendship, and Clark seems happy, too.

  I smell coffee. Clark must be awake, too. What do my neighbors think seeing his car in my driveway two nights in a row? Oh well, I can’t stop gossip, and it will give Claudine and Mags more reasons to convince people I am an awful person.

  I laughed and headed downstairs.

  “Good morning, I smell cinnamon. Are you baking cinnamon rolls?” I absent-mindedly licked my lips. I love cinnamon.

  “Sure am,” he said. “I know today is going to be hard. Not only do you have to go to the reading of the will, but Mags will be there.”

  I dropped onto a kitchen chair, and Clark brought me a cup of coffee. “I’ve been thinking about all of this, Clark. I think Mags is behind all of this nonsense especially after I was served with papers yesterday. Detective Berg doesn’t seem to take me or Officer Bill seriously. I’m going to call Chief Elroy. I’m angrier than afraid now.” I sipped my coffee.

  “Chief Elroy? Not Clifford Elroy?” Clark asked.

  “Yes, he’s been chief for two years now. He’s a fair, honest man. Why” I stared at him.

  “Clifford Elroy is a few years older than I am,” Clark said. “When I was a senior in high school he was a rookie cop. On prom night, six of us went down to the lake with a bottle of wine. I was opening the wine when a searchlight lit up the area, and Elroy walked up. I was handcuffed and taken to the station.”

  I couldn’t help it; I began to laugh. Clark stared at me like I was losing my mind. The look on his face made me laugh harder. Then Yummy began to yip and bark, and I laughed so hard I could barely catch my breath. When I did, I wiped the tears from my eyes and said, “Sorry. Please finish your story.”

  “I’m not sure I want to finish it now.”

  “Please,” I said trying to act coy and flirty.

  He grinned and said, “Not much else to tell. My dad and the old chief came to an agreement since I was leaving in a few weeks. No arrest or ticket. I did see Elroy the day before I left town, and he shook a finger at me saying, ‘If you ever come back I’ll be watching you, boy.’ I told him that was fine, but if I ever saw him out of uniform, I would let him know what I think of him. If he remembers, he may not want to help you if I’m around.”

  I took another sip of coffee and looked at him over the rim of the cup, “That was a long time ago. I’m sure you both grew up. He did become a nice cop, and you are a nice guy. I’ll vouch for you both.” I smiled at him again and tried not to laugh.

  He stood and asked, “Do you want me to take Yummy with me now? Then you won’t have to stop at the store before you head for Lucas’ office.”

  “Sounds good. I’ll stop by after and let you know what happened.”

  He scooped Yummy up, slipped him in his carrier, grabbed another cinnamon roll, and kissed the top of my head.

  “That’s the best you can do?” I teased.

  “Yes, if I want to get to work and you want to make it to the will reading.” He was laughing as he hurried out the door.

  My phone rang. It was Georgie.

  “Hey, hi. I didn’t have time to call you until after the dinner rush and then I thought you might be in the middle of another passionate kiss. Spill. What happened?”

  “Nothing. We had a nice quiet evening and talked. I’m not ready to be serious, and Clark understands. I’m not worried about Clark. I’m worried about Mags. Seriously, Mags scares me. I think she’s the one who put the note on my house. Who else would do it?” I stood and paced in my living room.

  “Not sure, but Mags is a good suspect. I think if she wants Yummy that badly then maybe she killed Inga, too. Paul is calling me. Be careful. Call me after you meet with Lucas.”

  I slipped my phone in my purse just as the doorbell rang. I peeked out and saw Officer Bill Todorov standing on my porch. My heart picked up speed. I swallowed and opened the door.

  “Good morning, Annie,” Bill said. “I just stopped by to be sure you’re okay and to let you know that we are making extra patrols in the neighborhood.” He shifted his weight from one foot to another.

  “Thank you, Bill. I appreciate it. Oh, I told Laci you said hi, and she asked me to tell you hello back.” I watched his face turn a light pink.

  “Umm, I know. She told me when we spoke Monday night. Umm I mean…” His face turned a darker shade of pink on its way to a light red.

  “It’s okay, Bill. You’re a nice guy and Laci can make her own decisions. Just don’t hurt her—ever.” I glared at him intentionally.

  It worked; he shifted his weight again and said, “I won’t. I promise. I have to get back on patrol.” He turned and hurried to his cruiser.

  I closed the door and laughed. I hope he remembers the look I tried to have on my face. He’s a nice guy, but Laci is my baby even if she is nineteen.

  It’s late; I better get to Lucas’ office.

  Chapter Eleven

  Lucas’ office is on the third floor of the oldest building in Heavenly Corners. It originally contained city hall, the police station, jail, and a small museum. It is a beautiful cream colored brick building on the corner of Main Street and Grand Boulevard. I parked behind the building and hurried inside. I glanced at my watch and saw I was going to be lat
e. I saw the elevator begin to close and pushed the button. The doors opened, and I came face to face with Mags. I took a deep breath and walked into the elevator.

  “Get out,” Mags shouted. “Wait for the next elevator.”

  “There’s only one elevator. I’m riding this one.” I crossed my arms as the doors began to close.

  Mags held out her hand and stopped the doors from closing. “I said ‘get out.' You’re a dog thief.”

  “I will not and we can stand here all day. You can leave.” I stepped back further into the elevator and made my stand.

  Mags’ face turned red, and she was sweating. She spun toward me. When she let go of the doors, they began to close. She tried to keep them from closing again, and her purse flew around as she spun toward the doors again. A bottle of vitamin water flew at my face. I put up my hands to catch it before it broke my nose.

  “That’s mine,” screamed Mags. “Are you trying to steal that, too? I knew you were a thief.”

  I took a step toward Mags and yelled, “I’m not a thief. Stop calling me that you obnoxious witch.”

  “Get away from me,” Mags screamed again.

  By now I’m sure everyone outside of the elevator could hear our argument, and I didn’t care. I yelled back at her. “Yummy is my dog. Inga gave him to me, and you can’t have him.” I began to feel as if I was back in kindergarten fighting over a crayon.

  “Just you wait. The judge will give him to me. You are a mess, Annie Ryan.”

  I lashed back, “No way. If you try, you’ll be sorry.” I glared at her as the doors slid open.

  The elevator was directly across from Lucas’ office, and several people heard our exchange. Mortified, I held my head up straight and walked into Lucas’ reception area. I heard Mags warning people I was a lunatic, but I smiled at the receptionist and told her I had an eleven o’clock appointment with Lucas.

  She smiled back and asked me to have a seat.

  I sat across the room from Mags who was staring at me. Her face was still red, and she kept doubling over as if she was fighting stress. Douglas arrived and sat next to her. Moments later, two young men in suits entered and sat in two chairs near me. I wondered if they were the cousins.