Heavenly Corners Page 7

  Moments later when the receptionist ushered them into Lucas’ office along with Mags, Douglas, and me, I knew who they were. Introductions made, we all sat in chairs except for Mags, who curled up on the sofa.

  Lucas sat behind his massive mahogany desk and smiled. “Welcome, Annie, Margaret, Douglas, Roland, and Craig.

  Hmm, Roland and Craig were the cousins. Are they also Kellehers? What is wrong with Mags? She’s still angry and glaring at me. Inga would be sad if she saw all this fighting. Maybe I should give Yummy to Mags. If she is behind the threat, maybe I would be safer. Laci will be home in a few weeks. I can’t let her be in danger. I have to give up Yummy now before this goes any further.

  I opened my mouth to speak to Lucas when he stood.

  “Thank you, all for coming. Inga’s will is simple. She made arrangements for her favorite charities, and on the side table you will find four gold boxes and envelopes. There is one for each of you Margaret, Douglas, Roland, and Craig. Inga chose the gift especially for each of you.”

  Douglas rushed to the table and opened a box. “A watch, what the heck.” He tore open his envelope. “A letter from Aunt Inga and a check for less than I paid for my car. She was supposed to be worth millions. Where’s the money?”

  Lucas smiled, “The house, furnishings, the property up north, and the balance of Inga’s financial holdings are bequeathed to the person she trusted most in the world.”

  “Yeah, right. She didn’t have any other relatives. She was old and batty. Who is the person who held her trust?” Mags spat.

  “The person who has her most prized possession, of course. Yummy’s owner, Annie.” He smiled at me, and I felt my mouth hanging open. I was dumbstruck.

  Craig mumbled that he agreed that Inga must have been senile, and Roland was fuming mad when he pulled out a check from his envelope. “I traveled here for this. You could have mailed this pittance.”

  Douglas said, “Annie conned the dog out of Inga. Mags is suing her.”

  Mags yelled, “My name is Margaret.”

  I was tired of being in the room and found my voice. “Yummy is mine. Possession is nine points or spots or something of the law, and I’m possessed. I mean I’m in possession of Yummy.” I forgot all about giving him away.

  Mags jumped to her feet. She pointed at me. “You will lose him in court,” she yelled and fell face forward just as Inga had at the city council meeting.

  I cringed in my chair; Lucas called 9-1-1, the cousins stared, and Douglas knelt at his sister’s side.

  He looked at me and said, “I think she’s dead. You were there when Inga died, too. Did you kill them both to get Yummy and the estate?” He looked at Lucas and asked, “I am Mags’ nearest relative. I get Yummy now when the judge decides, right?”

  Mags moaned softly.

  Lucas said, “This is not the time Douglas. We don’t know what is wrong with Margaret. I heard her moan; she isn’t dead. Let the doctors help her.”

  The paramedics arrived and did the best they could for Mags and took her to the hospital. Lucas told us to go on our way, and he would be in touch.

  He stopped me before I left and said, “Yummy is yours. Don’t let anyone take him from you. Inga loved and trusted you. She knew you would take care of him and know what to do with the estate. You love the lake as much as she did. Margaret and Douglas or her cousins would sell it to a developer for condo construction. She told me the two of you spoke about how that would destroy the area many times. She knew your feelings. Follow them now.”

  I thanked Lucas and shook his hand.

  #######

  I walked to my car trying to assimilate everything that just transpired.

  Yummy was left to me, and Lucas said to hang onto him. Inga wanted me to have him, but she also wanted me to have her estate. I don’t know how much it’s worth, but I have heard many times that Inga is or rather was the richest person in town. Does that mean I am now the richest person in town? I can’t be. I don’t know how to be rich. I hope I don’t have to live in the mansion. I like my house. Inga told me once that she would love to see her home turned into a museum of the area someday. Maybe I could give it to the city if they use it for that purpose. I have to ask Lucas, but not until I find out about Mags.

  I texted Georgie:

  “Inga left me her mansion and the entire estate. Mags is in the hospital. Call me when you can.”

  I started the car and headed toward the hardware store to pick up Yummy.

  The store was empty when I entered. Clark’s smile helped me relax. I blurted out everything that happened, and he whistled.

  “Wow, I’m dating the richest woman in town.” He leaned on the counter between us.

  Dating? Are we dating? I guess we are. Okay, Annie. Breathe. It’s only dating. Or is it more, oh boy.

  I smiled back and said, “I’m not sure how long I’ll be the richest. I don’t want the mansion. Maybe I should give it to the city as a museum and keep the lake for swimming and camping. I could insist that condos or more houses are never built around it. I’m not sure where the land up north is.” I shrugged.

  Clark walked out from behind the counter and hugged me. “Let’s grab lunch from the diner and eat it at the bookstore. I’m sure Yummy misses you. He must be asleep, or he’d be barking at the sound of your voice. He’s in the backroom. I’ll get him.” Clark strode toward the back room and returned with the dog carrier and a very excited Yummy.

  He locked the store, and we walked the block to the diner. He went in to order our takeout, and I walked Yummy. My Explorer was parked three spots away, and we drove the half block to the rear parking area behind the bookstore. My store was comfier than the hardware store.

  We settled on the soft couch, and Clark pulled out two ham and cheese sandwiches along with a bag of potato chips and two ice teas. Yummy settled on his blanket and everything felt safe and warm.

  My phone vibrated in my pocket. A text from Georgie read:

  “WOW I’ll call after lunch.”

  Once we finished lunch, Clark put his arm around me and pulled me close. He asked, “Do you have any idea what happened to Mags?”

  “No,” I answered, “but she collapsed the same way Inga did at the city council meeting. Douglas seemed more concerned about her lawsuit against me than her health. I wonder if someone poisoned her, too. Maybe Douglas is Inga’s killer, the person who threatened me, and now he poisoned Mags. We argued in the elevator, and she looked sick. I thought she was terribly angry, but maybe she had been poisoned.” I leaned my head on his shoulder.

  It felt good to have someone by my side during this insanity.

  “You might be right. Douglas could be the killer. I’ll be at your house tonight after work. Who’s cooking?” He laughed.

  “I will. I’m not sure I’ll open the store this afternoon. I think I’ll get gawkers and gossipers mostly. I’d rather be home cooking.”

  “Okay, I have to get back and watch the hardware store while dad goes to a doctor’s appointment. He enjoys having me in the store more and more. Mom suggested I take it over permanently.” He turned my face toward him and gave me another one of his breathtaking kisses.

  He grinned as he left me speechless on the couch.

  #######

  I walked to the front of the store to find Yummy when I saw a lime green VW bug pull up out front. Only one person in town owned a lime green VW, and that would be my Aunt Irene. When she lived with mom and dad, she went everywhere with them. When they decided to move, Aunt Irene decided she should be more independent. She took private driving lessons and passed her driving test with flying colors. Since she was worried about driving a large car, she found the VW bug. It is perfect for her, and when I drive it on occasion, I find that it is fun and comfy. She must have heard about this morning and is worried about me. She doesn’t usually come and see me in person if there is a problem. She also learned how to text and she texts more than Georgie. She must feel this is important. Yes, I have unique
friends and family, but I wouldn’t trade them for the world.

  I hugged her when she entered the shop.

  “Tell me what happened. Rumors around town say you inherited all of Inga’s estate, and someone tried to poison Mags.” She took a breath and dropped her purse on the counter.

  I explained what took place, but said I didn’t know what happened to Mags.

  The bell above the door jingled, and my heart sunk when I saw it was Detective Berg.

  “Good afternoon, detective,” I said. “What can I do for you?”

  The scowl never left his face and he said, “You can come down to the station with me and explain why you would want to poison Margaret Kelleher.”

  I felt my eyes open wide, and I looked at Aunt Irene. “I have to go to the police station. Please lock up and take care of Yummy.”

  Detective Berg grabbed my arm, and I felt he was on the verge of arresting me for attempted murder. I called out to Aunt Irene, “Call Lucas and Clark.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Goodness gracious, Annie. You’re sitting in the back of a police car. How did this happen? He thinks I tried to kill Mags. I’ll lose Yummy for sure. Oh no, if he thinks I tried to kill Mags, then he must think I killed Inga. I’m going to prison. I don’t look good in orange or stripes. What am I going to do? Who will be here for Laci? Aunt Irene. She loves Laci. Georgie and Paul are her godparents. They’ll take care of her. Get a grip, Annie! You didn’t do anything. They can’t prove a lie, can they? Lucas will get you out of this mess. Breathe.

  The police cruiser took a sharp turn to the right and I steadied myself. I have never been in a police car before today. I can see people walking down the sidewalk. I slink down in the backseat, so they don’t see me. I can see the back of Detective “Obnoxious’” head through the screen that separates us. Thank goodness he didn’t handcuff me. The car stopped suddenly, and I can see the back of the police station.

  “We’re here. Get out.” He’s still glaring.

  I climbed out of the backseat, and he grabbed my arm again. He’s at least a foot taller than me, and it’s hard to keep up with his long strides. Usually, it wouldn’t be a problem since I normally wear flats or running shoes. Today I wore sensible heels with my suit, but still he’s practically dragging me. I hate running in heels. If one breaks, I’m doomed.

  Everyone in the station is staring as he continues to pull me down a long hall. He opens the door and says, “Inside.”

  Well, at least it isn’t a cell. Not yet, anyway. Stop it, Annie.

  He looks at me and says, “Sit; I’ll be back.” The door slams as he leaves.

  It is an ugly room. I think it might have been pale green at one time. It looks exactly like ones I see on police dramas. A rectangle metal table sits in the middle of the room with two metal folding chairs. One on each side. The window has bars on it or rather some metal mesh. It has the same effect. I feel trapped. The large mirror on the wall must be a two-way mirror. I sit and place my hands on my lap. I refuse to cry.

  Detective Berg returns with two cups of water. I see through him. He wants my fingerprints or my DNA. My prints are already on file since I own a business in town. Maybe he’s trying to show the others his good side if he has one.

  He sits across from me, and I can see ice form in his eyes. I think they truly changed color. He leaned forward and said, “Tell me in your own words why you want to kill Margaret Kelleher.”

  “I haven’t done anything wrong. I think I’ll wait for Lucas, thank you.”

  He flexes his fingers and then balls both hands tightly. His face is getting a bit red. He’s angry. He scowls again and asks, “Why do you want a lawyer if you haven’t done anything wrong? I think it’s because you poisoned Miss Kelleher’s vitamin water in the elevator. Your prints are on the bottle.”

  I pressed my lips together and looked at him.

  He leaned across the table and his coffee tobacco breath hit me hard. “If you don’t tell me now, it will be worse for you. I’ll see to that.”

  I crossed my arms and said, “I’m waiting for my lawyer. Leave me alone Detective Heidelberg.”

  He yelled, “It’s Berg.” He stood so quickly the chair he was using flew across the room.

  “No, it’s not,” I yelled back. “I know your parents for goodness sake.”

  The door flew open, and Officer Bill Todorov stood in the doorway. “Is everything okay in here? I heard a crash. Oh hi, Annie, I mean Mrs. Ryan.”

  I smiled at the first friendly face I had seen in an hour, “Hi, Bill. How are you? I’m waiting for Lucas.”

  “I saw Mr. Stone walk in just a minute ago. He should be right in to see you.” He smiles.

  The detective’s face was as red as a fresh summer beet, and he screamed, “Get out of here, Todorov. We don’t need you. Mrs. Ryan and I aren’t finished.”

  “Yes, you are,” Lucas’ voice cut Detective Berg off at the knees. I smiled and waved my fingers at him.

  “C’mon Annie, we’re leaving.” Lucas said.

  I stood and followed Lucas out of the interrogation room. I heard a few obscenities spewed before I was out of earshot.

  Poor, Bill. I hope he doesn’t get the brunt of the detective’s anger. I’ll let Lucas know how I was treated and that Berg was awful to Bill, too.

  Once safely in Lucas’ car, I told him the entire story.

  Lucas told me not to worry. Berg was just fishing. Mags was poisoned, but the amount in her system was more than came from her bottle of vitamin water.

  Okay, Annie. Someone is after you and Mags. You and Mags are the only two with a claim to Yummy. Someone is after the estate, but which of the three Kelleher men is responsible? Georgie and I need to brainstorm.

  Just before Lucas dropped me back at my store, he said, “If you need me again, don’t hesitate to call day or night. Also, don’t answer any police questions. Direct them to me.”

  I thanked him and walked to the shop. The closed sign was on the door, but I needed to check and make sure everything was okay.

  #######

  I walked into the bookstore but left the closed sign on the door and didn’t turn on the overhead lights. I walked to my backroom and heated water for a cup of tea. When my tea was ready, I walked to the seating area of the store and turned on a small lamp on the side table next to the couch. I sat and pulled out my phone. I texted Georgie and Clark to let them know I was out of custody. I called Aunt Irene to let her know. Yummy was fine and playing outside at her cottage. I told her I’d be home after I stop at the market. I sipped my tea when I felt my phone vibrate. A row of smiley faces and “I’ll call later” text from Georgie showed on my phone. A few minutes later another text arrived from Clark. He sent one smiley face but added an image of a burger and “I’ll see you at dinner.”

  I hope he isn’t expecting burgers. I planned to grill chicken and beef strips along with veggies to make fajitas. I hope he likes them. If he doesn’t, he’ll have to have a peanut butter sandwich. I’m hungry for fajitas.

  I headed for the market mentally making a list of what I needed to buy.

  I was busy adding things to my cart. One aisle left, and I’d be on my way home when I heard a voice that grated on my nerves. I turned and saw Claudine with her best friend, Barbara.

  Claudine strode up to me and looked in my cart. “That’s a lot of food for one person, but rumor has it that you’re spending too much time with Clark Cavenaugh.”

  Barbara laughed. I shot her one of my angry looks, and she stopped.

  “What I do is none of your business.” I turned my cart and walked away.

  She called after me, “What is lover boy going to do when you’re in prison for trying to kill Mags Kelleher?” Her laughter followed me while I finished the last of my shopping.

  Hmm, if it didn’t put me in a bad light I would walk right up to Miss Smarty Pants and tell her if she thinks I tried to kill Mags then she should be careful because she’s enemy number one on my list. I’d l
ove to see the look on her face. I better not do it.

  I smiled and hurried through check-out and headed home.

  #######

  I was happy Jimmy’s market sold the chicken and beef strips pre-cut. I placed the meat in the fridge, and I washed and sliced three peppers, one green, one red, and one yellow. A sliced red onion added a nice touch. I began to sauté them in one pan while the meet sautéed in another. I wasn’t sure if Clark liked fajitas. I bought the usual flour tortillas, but also hard corn tortilla shells that could be made into delicious tacos. Jimmy also made fresh salsa every day and the spicy aroma made my mouth water. I cheated a bit and bought a boxed Spanish rice side-dish mix. Laci prepared it when she was home for spring break, and it was good. Grated cheddar cheese added a final touch.

  With dinner under control, I hurried over to Aunt Irene’s to pick up Yummy. They were curled up on her couch watching the evening news.

  Aunt Irene said, “We’re having a nice time. Enjoy your dinner, and I’ll keep Yummy for a while. He’s good company.”

  I smiled and agreed. On the way home I thought Aunt Irene should get a pet, too.

  I’ll take her to the shelter this week to find a sweet pet. She must get lonely, too.

  #######

  Clark arrived shortly after I returned from Aunt Irene’s. He carried a brown bag, but wouldn’t let me see what was inside. He pulled a small white bag out of the brown one and placed it in the fridge. He set the brown bag on the counter.

  “No peeking,” he grinned and put his arms around my waist. “I’m glad they didn’t keep you at the station. I’m starved.” He kissed the top of my head and smiled again.

  I pulled out of his arms and replied, “Good, you set the table while I run upstairs and change.” I took off before he could argue. I returned a few minutes later dressed in light pink sweatpants and a matching top.

  “There’s the Annie I know,” Clark said. “That’s much better than the dark blue business suit.”

  “Don’t worry,” I said. “I only wear that suit when I inherit tons of money and get arrested.”