Welcome to Sweetwater (Annie Parker Mystery Shorts Box Set) Read online

  Welcome to Sweetwater

  Annie Parker Mystery

  Shorts Box Set

  A.J. Bromley

  Welcome to Sweetwater

  Annie Parker Mystery

  Shorts Box Set

  Copyright A.J. Bromley, 2015

  Christmas Cookies - Copyright A.J. Bromley 2013

  Spring Fling - Copyright A.J. Bromley 2014

  Shopping Spree - Copyright A.J. Bromley 2014

  Slim Gym - Copyright A.J. Bromley 2014

  Afternoon Delight - Copyright A.J. Bromley 2015

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used factiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  I dedicate Welcome to Sweetwater to my editor and daughter, Kim. I thank her for the endless patience and guidance. She always gives me encouragement and positive feedback.

  Table of Contents

  Copyright

  Dedication

  Christmas Cookies

  Spring Fling

  Shopping Spree

  Slim Gym

  Afternoon Delight

  Acknowledgements

  Christmas Cookies

  An Annie Parker Mystery Short

  A.J. Bromley

  Prologue

  Edith just couldn’t get to sleep, something just wasn’t right. She had a feeling that someone was watching her. Today when she was out on her walk around the neighborhood, she had a sense that she wasn't alone.

  The community of Brookhaven didn’t appreciate the work she did. With Christmas a week away, Edith had added responsibilities. Didn’t people realize that the rules state no decorations on roofs, only a string of lights, preferably white, around the edges and no lawn ornaments higher than 3 feet tall?

  Having moved here four years ago, Edith tried to get a home owners association started but the locals were too content with the status quo. Well, there were still laws on the books that had been long forgotten. Now Edith monitored her neighbors and reported any violations to the Police Department. One time someone started building a tool shed almost on the property line. He was sure mad as hell when he was not only fined but also had to tear out the concrete foundation. Edith took a sick pleasure seeing her effort accomplished.

  Just as she started to doze off, Edith heard a strange noise. Someone was in her house and not even trying to be quiet. I need to get help thought Edith as she dialed 911. “Oh, dear God, the line is dead,” she whispered. Looking around her bedroom for a weapon, finding none except a can of furniture polish. Edith remembered her daily obsession with cleaning, but couldn’t imagine why this spray wasn’t put away. Grabbing the can, she quietly crept into her closet and hid among her clothes.

  Edith took such pride in owning the best designer fashions. Having once worked in the corporate world she always dressed for success. Even now living in this backwater town, she’d always presented herself in her polished, professional outfits. The only concession she made in fashion was her sensible walking shoes. Only when behind closed doors did she relax and don casual attire, such as her flannel nightgown. This helped warm her small frame which was forever cold. Sometimes Edith regretted being so rigid with her lifestyle; who really cared that she was a size 4.

  Trying very hard not to disturb her neatly arranged outfits, Edith sneaked a peek out the closet door as someone was walking up the stairs. The nightlight in the hallway showed the outline of the intruder. There was such a menacing aura about the figure and a coldness that was more than just the night air. Edith was beginning to fear for her life.

  With courage she didn’t really feel, Edith called out. “Who are you and what are you doing here?” She slowly walked out of the closet, keeping the spray can hidden in the folds of her nightgown.

  “Just making a house call. Thought it was time to give you a dose of your own medicine. You’re always so eager to hurt those around you by reporting foolish violations. This used to be a happy easy-going town until you showed up. I’m not sure what your problem is but it will be over soon.”

  Edith inched her way into the room. Beads of perspiration had formed on her forehead and she noticed slight tremors of her arms. Eyeing the intruder she noticed the gloved hands with a colorful scarf wrapped around them. Always being one to make a fashion statement Edith asked, “Where did you get such a scarf?”

  “Found it at a secondhand shop. One of those polyester items that never wears out.”

  “I wouldn’t be caught dead wearing such a thing. I accessorize with only Hermès.” She suddenly felt very foolish to be caught up in the moment. Without another thought, she aimed the spray right into the eyes of the would-be killer.

  “You bitch; you’ll regret that little trick.” Oh, how it burned.

  Edith escaped the bedroom and ran down the hallway. As she reached the stairs, her legs were caught up in her nightgown, causing her to stumble. Losing her balance, she went headfirst down the stairs. She tried yelling for help but in her frightened state of mind, no words past her lips. Now at the bottom, she found she couldn’t move, it felt like her hip was broken. Even crawling was too painful.

  Edith rested her cheek on the cold tile in the entrance way. So many thoughts went through her head, many regrets. Not being a religious person, she did not call upon God for help. Edith knew she was truly alone in her suffering and fear.

  In the meantime having heard the bump, bump down the stairs, the intruder realized there was no hurry to act. With slightly blurred vision, the soon to be killer leisurely went down the stairs. Edith watched every movement, knowing it would all be over soon.

  Wrapping the scarf around her neck and slowly tightening it the killer whispered in her ear, “you’ll never hurt another soul again.” Edith could feel the warm breath pass over her face as the killer gave a sharp yank of the scarf. As Edith breathed her last, she heard the killer humming “Silent Night.”

  Chapter 1

  The Snowflake Café and Bakery was located on Main Street, right in the heart of downtown Sweetwater. It was surrounded by several family owned shops that catered to the local and tourist trade. Annie Parker had been owner for 10 years now after Maude and Clarence retired to Florida.

  Annie grew up here and loved her hometown. Working at the café weekends while still in school then full-time. After high school, she went to college for a business degree. Falling in love was not in her plans, but it happened. Brad kept promising marriage until his family broke up the affair. They had the perfect girl for him.

  At age 25, Annie returned home to her friends and family to repair her life. Now after 20 years, she was quite content with herself. She had recovered from the long ago love affair to become a stronger and more independent woman. Of course, there was Sam who did brighten her days.

  This Monday morning Annie needed to get busy for the pre-Christmas rush. Many families would be expecting lots of company for the holidays.

  With an hour until opening Annie was baking the day’s supply of goodies. Suddenly the front door flew open.

  “She’s dead!”

  “Who’s dead?”

  “I can’t believe she’s dead as a door nail.”

  “Okay slow down Roy and start at the beginning.” Annie sat down at the counter, feeling suddenly weak with anticipation.

  “You know Lady Compton who’s always messing in other people’s business. Well I was on my way down here when I saw all the cop cars at her house. Somebody was talking about someone being strangled to death. My friend Abby is a re
porter for the Sweetwater News. She quietly told me that someone killed Edith Compton.”

  Oh, my God. Annie was stunned. “Slow down Roy and catch your breath.”

  “Oh, Miss Annie I’m okay.” Roy grabs a cup of coffee from the counter before heading for the kitchen. “I’m sure folks will be coming in with more news.”

  Now to think there’s a killer living in our peaceful town. Hard to believe there was so much meanness in one body.

  It was too early to be calling people, especially with this kind of news. Annie decided to get busy baking extra goodies, just knowing there was sure to be a crowd showing up here.

  Chapter 2

  By that afternoon, the whole town was a buzz about the murder of Edith Compton. All kinds of theories and speculations tossed around. People had been in and out of the café all morning each with their own version of what happened. Like any small town, gossip was a lifeline for the residents. They thrived on it, even embellished.

  The quiet town of Sweetwater hadn’t had a murder since 1920 when his wife had run over Jake Hopkins several times. Hattie claimed she didn’t know Jake was up and about. He didn’t usually get up before noon. Hattie always got up before the sun and was out plowing the fields. Actually this time, Jake was just making it home after a night in town. None too steady on his feet, he had fallen in the field and just dozed off. Folks still talked about this event, arguing Hattie’s guilt or innocence.

  The lunch crowd at the café was thinning out. It seemed like the whole town came in for lunch today. Slipping back into her office, Annie freshened up her look just in case Sam Sparks stopped by to chat. Something about that man always got her heart racing and her palms got all sweaty. It had been like this for quite some time. Oh my, I am acting like a teenager. Running a brush through her already very neat brown hair with just a hint of gray. Fresh lip gloss and a quick spray of her favorite scent and she was ready for anything.

  Sam Sparks had been Chief of Police for the past 5 years. 50 years old but looked younger, having maintained his good physical condition. He sort of had a thing for Annie but was too shy to act on it. He wasn’t aware of how striking his dark features and warm, friendly smile caused the women in town, young and old, single or married, to want to be taken into custody by him.

  Annie was relaxing in the corner booth when Sam stopped by. “Well, how goes the investigation, Sam?”

  “I can tell you this Annie, we did locate the ex-husband. I don’t have any clues but I’m thinking it might be some disgruntled citizen who had been reported for violations. You know how Edith Compton reported everyone. I’ve got to pull all those old reports and start looking for suspects.”

  Annie brightened up a bit. “Those reports are public record aren’t they?”

  “Well, I guess so.” Then realizing where this was headed, Sam replied. “No, now wait a darn minute here. I’ll not have you interfering with my investigation. Annie, you just stick to baking pies.”

  They both stood up, facing each other. Annie, being only 5'8" had to look up to Sam’s 6'4". Her flashing brown eyes bore into Sam’s. How he loved to see her all fired up, even if it was aimed at him. “We’ll just have to see about that, Sam.”

  After Sam stomped out of the café, Annie got busy rounding up her posse. She felt like an amateur sleuth. Hadn’t she read plenty of crime books and watched hours of who done it shows? Grabbing the phone, she called Kate and the Peterson Twins, Molly and Polly, longtime friends.

  Chapter 3

  Something was praying on Annie’s mind about the murder and potential suspects. She narrowed it down to the afternoon the kids decorated Christmas cookies. She started reliving that afternoon.

  Kate was scheduled to bring her afternoon group in today, Friday, to decorate cookies. Kate MacKenzie was one of the nicest people around, always with a smile and pleasant greeting. Being child-less after eight years of marriage, the kindergarten group filled part of that emptiness.

  About three o’clock the café was ready for Kate’s group. The closed sign in the window would keep the stray customers from trying to come in. Annie had a big table set up with several Christmas cookies just waiting for the creativity of young minds. All sorts of trimmings and frostings set out.

  Soon the group came trooping in with Kate in the lead. Four eager beavers started shedding brightly colored jackets, warm boots and handmade scarves and mittens. Winter had arrived in Sweetwater. Small clumps of snow fell off clothing quickly melting on the floor. The kids didn’t seem to notice the cold wintery day. They were laughing and giggling together, filed with Christmas joy.

  “Okay, all of you off to wash your hands. Then a quick snack before we get down to business.” Annie sounded like an Army sergeant giving orders and the kids snapped to like little soldiers.

  When the group returned Kate introduced them to Annie. There was George, Susie, Carol and Kevin. Denise was out sick, flu bug or something.

  “I am Miss Annie and I’m going to help you with some decorating ideas. Let’s get started by each of you picking out 10 cookies. There are all kinds of shapes. It works best if you put on the frosting first and then the special trimmings.”

  The group eagerly got their cookies, though there were many exchanges. Gingerbread men and Christmas trees were favorites.

  “Let’s make a tin of cookies for Denise.” Kate was always trying to have the little ones care about others.

  While the kids were busy having fun, Annie and Kate sat at a nearby table and chatted. “You’re sort of taken with Kevin aren’t you?”

  “Oh, I love them all but Kevin is just a lost soul at times with no mom around. It’s been two years now since Cassie died. Kevin was just three when cancer destroyed that family. Hank has been both mother and father to him. “He is doing a great job but he is busy with his business.” Kate felt she needed to defend Hank’s ability to be a good parent.

  “It’s high time he got back into living. Don’t we know some good women in this town?”

  Kate was suddenly busy cleaning up some spilled cookie trimmings. She was trying to hide the heat and slight blush creeping up her neck. Even her sweater with its high collar couldn’t hide the pink color.

  “Oh dear, tell me it is just overly warm in here.” Annie observed. Just why was Kate suddenly quiet? She was happily married to Mac all these years or have I missed something? I know she use to travel with her husband on his business trips but that stopped a long time ago.

  “Let’s not get into this right now, Annie. I just can’t talk about it.”

  Suddenly George announced loudly, “There’s some old lady looking in the window.”

  “That’s old Lady Compton, lives way down the end of our street.” Kevin acted very nervous and withdrawn with making this statement.

  “Now, you need to say ‘Ms. Compton’. Saying old lady Compton is very disrespectful and hurts people’s feelings.”

  “Well, my dad has called her some really bad names. She keeps reporting him to the police department for every little thing.” Annie didn’t know where this was all going, but Kevin was very upset.

  “All I know is my dad gets so mad every time she walks by our house; she stops and writes stuff in her notebook. He just knows he’ll have to pay a fine.” Kevin was starting to feel very important with his audience hanging on his every word.

  Annie felt it was time for a distraction. “Hey kids want to help decorate the tree for the café? Let me get the boxes and you can all get started. This would give your cookies time to rest before packing them up.”

  It was amazing how well behaved kids were, each so careful with the ornaments. Kate and Annie did the higher branches. There was more work to be done but it was time to get the group to Kate’s for pickup time by the parents.

  Fortunately talk of Edith Compton was soon forgotten and everyone was back in the spirit of Christmas.

  “What do you say, kids?”

  “Thank you, Ms. Annie” went up the shout from the group.


  “Be sure to share with your family and Santa.”

  As this whole afternoon replayed in Annie’s mind, she was not too happy with her thoughts. Please don’t let it be Kevin’s dad.

  Chapter 4

  Annie rushed home from the café Tuesday afternoon to straighten up her house. The posse was due at six o’clock. She always had such satisfaction with being a homeowner. This two-bedroom cottage fit her lifestyle. She loved her small cozy place and it was close to everything. Annie found that walking to work and back was a good way to reduce stress and gave her time to reflect on her day.

  Kate arrived first while Annie was setting out herb tea and a tray of candy cane sugar cookies. Kate always so neat and put together, appeared a bit nervous and on edge. The usual beautiful red hair was every which way, even her outfit was mismatched. Kate sat down in the Boston rocker and tried to compose herself. Annie could see that something was troubling this Irish lassie.

  Annie held off saying anything about her suspicions of Hank Davis. Fortunately the twins had just arrived.

  Molly and Polly were both retired school teachers. Neither had ever married, claiming the single life suited them both. Now retirement gave them an opportunity to fulfill their passion of travel to faraway places. They spent most of a year researching and then off for a month of exploring exotic destinations.

  On first meeting the twins it was difficult to tell them apart. Both were about 5 feet 2 inches tall and full of energy. They didn’t dress alike but did keep the same hairstyle; a no nonsense trim with a natural wave. Always off on a hike or exploring they kept in good condition.

  Polly was born with a purple birthmark on the left side of her neck. As a child, the other kids would make fun of her by chanting “Polly, Polly, the purple people eater”. As she got older, Polly always wore sweaters and dresses with high collars to cover her neck. People caught on to this and seldom mixed up the twins.