The Sweet Taste of Murder: An Angel Lake Mystery (6 page)

Lavina arched one perfectly manicured eyebrow. “It does seem fitting.”

“Speaking of fitting, Sylvia’s going to have your sibling. You ever think about that?”

Lavina stared down at her with dark rimmed eyes. “Elise, I am far too old to get a sibling.”

“But that’s what’s happening. It has nothing to do with age.”

Lavina sighed and rested back into her chair. She tapped her long nails irritably on the table.

Elise took a sip of tea. The frosty sweetness rolled over her tongue with just a hint of lemon. “Mmm.” She licked her lips appreciatively. “I’ll have to admit, you sure know how to make sweet tea. Almost as good as Grandma Babe’s.”

“She still coming by your place?”

Grandma Babe was the owner of the small Mom and Pop restaurant down on Main Street, tucked in between an antique store and a cupcake shop. She made the best biscuits and gravy this side of the state line. She was also Elise’s neighbor and convinced Elise was starving. Every Wednesday she came over with a plastic tote filled with the week’s various leftover dishes that Elise dutifully filed in her freezer. For this Elise paid Grandma Babe a measly sum and gave her the satisfaction that the poor skinny neighbor girl would be fed for another week.

Win-win in Elise’s eyes.

“Yeah.” Elise took another sip. A little chink of concern rifled through her. Today was Wednesday. She needed to get back home soon in case Grandma Babe came early.

“Well, you sure have it sweet,” Lavina murmured. “I don’t know how you’ve always done it. You’ve always had people looking after you.”

Elise smiled and shrugged as an answer.

The breeze picked up and ruffled the pinky-white blooms of the magnolia tree out front. Elise was watching the flowers when a police car turned onto the street. It quickly grabbed the attention of both women.

“Well, what’s he driving all slow like that for?” Lavina asked.

They straightened slightly as the car stopped in front of the driveway.

Brad Carter stepped out, making his muscles flex as he shut the door. Elise sucked in her breath. He immediately tucked down the front of his shirt and pushed his shoulders back as he walked up to the steps.

Elise raised her eyebrows at Lavina and whispered, “Mmmm.”

“Not bad, huh?”

“He looks a lot different from high school, that’s for sure.”

“Ten years and time spent in Iraq will do that to a person.”

“Miss Lavina Chantly?” Brad asked, reaching the porch.

“Why, hello there, Detective Carter,” Lavina answered in a smoky voice. “You drop by for a glass of sweet tea?”

He cleared his throat, his gaze taking in Elise for a moment, then back to Lavina. “I have a few questions I’d like to ask you.”

“Brad Carter, we’ve known each other since we were both knee high to a grasshopper. Why are you acting so formal? Pull up a chair and sit for a while.” Lavina smiled.

Brad scratched the back of his neck before flipping open a notebook. “Just cooperate with me, Lavina. You were always so talkative before. Did you know you were in line to inherit over a million dollars of Mr. McMahon’s estate?”

“Oh, poo. I don’t care about that. But, if it’s talking you want, there’s a place I know that would be just perfect to talk with you.” Lavina lifted an eyebrow provocatively.

Brad cut his gaze to Elise again. “Focus, Lavina. Where were you on the night of the 27
^th
?”

Lavina’s mouth dropped open, and Elise’s did too. What was Brad suggesting? And why?

CHAPTER 10

E
lise balanced herself against the porch railing outside Mrs. Campbell’s house and stretched her legs. “Another day, another dollar,” she murmured. She’d just collected all three dogs who were now tugging in different ways. “Y'all hold your horses. Just a sec.” She stepped on all three leashes to free up her hands so she could scoop her hair into a ponytail. A vision of Wilma Rudolph—the amazing athlete who overcame polio to become the world’s fastest runner— swept through her mind. She nodded grimly.
If she can do that, I can definitely get this 5k done.

Just then, Frodo tugged hard on the lead, knocking her off balance. She staggered forward trying to stay afoot as the dog darted behind her. Across the street, the neighbor stared at her curiously.

Elise gave the neighbor a quick wave to let him know she was okay. Her face flushed. Curly from the Three Stooges replaced her daydream.

Shaking her head, she pulled up the music list on her phone and hit play. After jamming in the earbuds, she hit the sidewalk with a smooth stride that somewhat saved her dignity.

She was going to Ford Park.

It was her first time back since the train accident. The dogs jogged by her side with tails wagging. In only a few minutes, her muscles had warmed up and her stride became more natural.

There was something hypnotic about running. Each step felt like a heartbeat. One more, one more, one more, as her ponytail flipped back and forth. She took a deep breath in and reached into her pocket to thumb up the music volume.

The morning air felt cool against her face and smelled like clover. She’d missed this, all those years living in New Hampshire with her husband. Mark’s face swam in her mind, and she squashed it down with a shudder. Instead, she let her memories draw her back to a time when she was a little girl, running out the door to Lavina’s house. Every morning, they’d meet and walk to school together, and every weekend found them exploring this very park.

She was going to get Vi off the hook. Thinking back to Brad’s questioning, she’d seen Vi’s face flash the same broken look as back when her mother died when she was a little girl. So confused and hurt.

Elise’s mouth tightened with determination. There was no way she’d let her friend be the fall-guy.

How could anyone really think Lavina could have killed Cameron anyway? All throughout her school years she’d garnered a reputation being the first to take up for the underdog. Everyone liked Lavina.

The question echoed over and over with the drum of her feet on the sidewalk.

Up ahead was the park sign, complete with its hand painted bear done in the early 50’s. The dogs strained even harder on their leads at the smell of the water. Even the Pekinese was pulling ahead.

Considering how early it was, she was surprised by the number of people already at the park. One walked his boxer, who growled as they ran by. A little further, a man cast his fishing line into the water dotted with white reflections from the clouds above. Neither person looked up as she passed.

Her pulse thumped in her neck, and she unzipped the front of her jacket to cool down. Her thigh muscles burned. The halfway song began on the iPod and spurred her to pick up the pace. She needed to press on just a little bit more, and she’d pass the first point of fatigue.
Just push through.

Barely visible up ahead was the car lot and the train tracks.

Where Cameron died.

Her forehead broke out in sweat.

Now, the edge of the parking lot was in view. First a busted curb and then faded white lines marking out parking stalls. A row of used cars still waiting for their turn to be run through the service station sat by the end of the building.

Most likely all trade-ins.

Elise slowed to a stop, ostensibly to give the dogs a break. She linked her hands behind her head to catch her breath and stared up at the sky. It was going to be another hot day. The dogs flopped down in the shade of a large maple tree with their tongues hanging out.

Finally, heart rate slowing a bit, her gaze traveled to the line of cars. All of them were dirty, some marked with painted numbers on the windows.

Something felt off, and she looked again.

One of the cars had its trunk popped open.

She glanced around to see if anyone was nearby. “Come on, pups,” she called. The dogs stood panting, then the four of them entered the lot. Frodo’s nose immediately went to the ground sniffing.

Her footsteps crunched loudly on the gravel, making her shiver. It was creepy being here with it so empty and quiet. She hurried her way over to the car.

It was a newer Ford Taurus. Fresh scrapes in the blue paint dug down to the silver on the outside of the trunk. The lid now sat half-cocked, unable to be shut completely.

She peered inside and could just see a puddle of water darkening the carpet from where the rain had leaked in.

Who did this? Did someone want their old car back, or did they leave something behind in it?

Leaning in closer, she saw the corner of what looked like a rippled, wet stack of papers just to the side of the puddle.

If only the trunk were open just a bit more.

She covered her hand with a corner of her shirt and tried to lift the trunk. Despite the damage, the latch held firm and refused to budge.

Sighing, she released it and brushed her fingertips on her leg. A flutter and caw overhead from a crow made her flinch. Warily, she looked around the lot. Still no one around. She turned back to the path and scanned the area to locate where Cameron had been hit by the train.

It was unmistakable. All the debris had been cleaned up, but nothing could hide the long, black gash marring the bank from where the Mercedes had been pushed by the train.

Did Frank do this? Somehow, in a fit of jealousy, did he poison Cameron, strapped him in the driver’s side of his car and parked it across the tracks? But, how could a skinny man like Frank force Cameron to ingest poison? Elise frowned, unable to see that happening. She pulled out her phone again and groaned to see that the playlist was almost over.

Biting the inside of her lip, she scrolled for Brad’s name. She had to tell him about the trunk.

He answered on the first ring. “Hello?”

“Hi, Brad. It’s Elise.”

A pause for a second, then, “Oh, hey there. What’s going on? Need an emergency Lucky Charms run?”

“Oh, you’re so funny. Listen, I’m just out jogging and came across something weird. You have a minute?”

“I’m filling out some paperwork right now, but I can swing by your place in about twenty.”

“You know where I live?”

He laughed. “Hey, it’s a small town. When a big city girl comes home, word gets around.”

“Whatever. I’ll see you then.” She hung up and realized she was smiling. “Come on kiddos,” she called to the dogs. “First one back gets two doggy treats.”

CHAPTER 11

E
lise brought the three dogs in through the gate into her backyard. Once released from their leashes, they all made a beeline for the water tub she’d already set out under the old tulip poplar. She hurried inside for the promised dog treats. On her return trip, she nearly tripped over the orange tabby who’d suddenly appeared at her ankles.

“Back again? Where’d you come from?” She sat on the bottom step to scratch the cat’s back, frowning as he felt thinner still. “You’re a good boy. Aren’t you?”

The cat rubbed his cheek against her hand before standing up with its front paws on her knee. He stretched his nose toward hers. Automatically, Elise bent closer, and they touched noses. His whiskers tickled her cheek. “You are a sweetie pie. I have a treat for you.” She carried him into the house, the screen door squeaking as it closed behind her.

After a mad search through the cupboards, she located where she’d stashed the cans of cat food. Stacked them right with the tuna fish. She shook her head as she set the can on the floor. “That would have been a nasty surprise for me, let me tell you,” she assured the cat.

He sniffed the food and moved away.

“Oh, that’s right. You like to eat alone.” She rinsed her fingers and moved into the bedroom to check her hair. Just outside the doorway, she took a backward peek.

The cat had his face buried in the can.

Smiling, she redid her ponytail, frazzled from the earlier jog. Then she drummed up the Key Center half-marathon on her phone.

Her heart pounded as she read the description. Thirteen miles through the city. Could she do it? Could she really do it? When had she last really done something for herself? Spurred on by adrenaline, she scrolled for the application and quickly filled it out. Her thumb wavered over the “submit” key.

Elise jumped at the sound of a car in the driveway. She ran to the window and caught sight of Brad walking up the steps. Wimping out, she backed out of the marathon page.

Outside on the porch, he paused for a second. Then knocked soundly.

She opened the door with a smile. “Hi, there.”

“Hi. Sorry, I’m late.” He smiled as his hand tracked through his hair. “This investigation is taking more time than I expected.”

“Sorry to bother you. You know, I could have just told you over the phone.”

He cleared his throat. “After seeing you at Lavina’s, and running into you earlier, I felt like we needed to catch up. Really, I just wanted to see you again. I can’t believe how you still look the same. Wow. This is getting awkward isn’t it?” He half-heartedly laughed and took a step back.

Elise laughed too and held the door open. “Come on in. I’ll make some coffee. You hungry?”

“I mean if you’re not busy.” His gaze fell to her yoga pants and lingered.

“No. I have stuff to tell you, remember?” The cat, snubbed by her inattention, stood up and stretched against her leg. Elise’s eyes flew open as he sank his nails in a tiny bit. “Ow! Cat!” She shooed him away and stepped back so that Brad could come in.

“Nice place,” he murmured, looking around the living room. He walked to the couch and touched the pink afghan she’d left over the arm. “You make this?”

“I did, but don’t be too impressed. It took me like two years.” She chuckled as she tucked her hair around her ear. “Anyway, this house has been a good place for me. I’ve always loved this neighborhood. It’s funny how Miss Alice still lives down the street.”

“Yeah, she does. Not a lot changes around here.” He squatted and reached out a hand to the orange tabby. The cat narrowed his eyes before stalking off with his tail in the air.

“Don’t take that personally,” Elise hollered as she made her way to the kitchen. She waved him to follow her. The dark wood floors reflected the sun from the many windows, making the room feel light and airy. “He keeps appearing on my doorstep night after night.”