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

  Molly was the extrovert; always spearheading good causes. As a teacher, she got her classes involved in community projects in an effort to promote good citizenship.

  “All right let’s get started. You all know why I called this meeting. We need to figure out who murdered Edith Compton. Chief Sparks can use all the help he can get. He just doesn’t know it yet. I do have a bit of good news though; Sam told me that they have located the ex-husband.”

  “That sure solves one of our unknowns.” Molly went on to say, “word is out that people think it has to be someone she had reported for violations in the Brookhaven community. Kate, don’t you live in that area?”

  “Mac and I have lived there since we got married. There were certain restrictions and rules back then but no one got hard-core about following them.”

  “I never did know Edith personally but a few times she stopped in the café she seemed pleasant. I’ll admit she never visited with any of the locals. Sort of uppity and aloof. Some say Edith was a big shot in Chicago, but who knows.”

  Polly, who was just about to take a sip of tea, set her cup down and eagerly spoke up. “I’ll go online and get the low down on her background. Maybe it’s someone with an old grudge surfacing now.”

  It was good to see Polly volunteer since she still had her shy moments.

  “Good idea,” Annie commented. “While you’re doing that Molly can you access the police reports? We need a list of homeowners Edith turned in for whatever she found.

  “Kate, since you live in the neighborhood maybe you could visit some of your neighbors and get their take on this murder. Just the ones you feel comfortable approaching.”

  Annie went on to say she would be attending the funeral, mostly to check out the mourners. “Sam said the body had to be taken to the medical examiner in Boulder, so the funeral will be delayed at least a week.

  “With Christmas this Sunday, we’ll have to see what can get done. I’m closing up early Thursday afternoon for a long weekend and will open up next Tuesday. I’m having an open house brunch this Thursday morning. It will give me a chance to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. Then it’s off to Oakley, Kansas early Saturday morning to spend the holiday with my sister and family.

  “Kate, do you and Mac have any special plans?”

  Trying to gather some enthusiasm she didn’t feel, Kate replied. “Well, if it is like any other year, I’ll cook a big dinner for the two of us. Then Mac will watch the football game. How’s that for excitement? This year though, I’m going to Nelson’s Retirement Home with my guitar to play and sing a few songs for the residents. I’m looking forward to bringing some cheer to the group. It’s fun to have them sing along and tap their feet to the music.”

  Molly and Polly told how they usually spent the day visiting their neighbors, taking a homemade gift to each. This year was going to be birdfeeders painted to match each person’s home.

  “My niece Taylor will be coming back with me for her winter break. She plans on checking out the University of Colorado at Boulder as a possible college for next year. Should be fun having a teenager around.”

  After tea and cookies, the group broke up. Molly and Polly dashing off together. Kate was slow to depart wanting to talk about Hank but still too uneasy to open up to her best friend.

  Chapter 5

  Owen was stunned to receive a call from a Chief Sparks Tuesday morning telling him that Edith had been murdered. Trying to give himself time to adjust to the news, Owen went about his morning routine of washing up the breakfast dishes and doing a load of laundry.

  It suddenly dawned on him how much he had loved Edith. In the beginning, she had been so outgoing and fun to be around. They met at a company picnic where they were paired up to do the sack race. What a sport Edith was; laughing all the way to the finish line. Did we win or lose? Can’t remember.

  We had some good years together but then life started to change. Being the perfectionist Edith was finding it hard to cope with the constant changes coming to the company. We seemed to be growing apart.

  I remember the day Edith announced that she was taking early retirement and leaving Chicago and me. “I just need to get away from everything and everybody, including you Owen. The pressure at work has been too much for me. I’m about ready to have a nervous breakdown. And, no, I don’t want to see a doctor. I will be moving to a small town in Colorado. You know that this hasn’t been going well for quite some time. I’m truly sorry. You are a good man but I just can’t continue.”

  Edith was one to get right to the point on any issue, right up to the end.

  Owen shook his head as if to clear away an old dream. “Oh, Edith, who ever could have done this to you?”

  As if on auto pilot Owen began to straighten up the house, packing his bag and loading up the SUV with extra supplies for the long trip. Having checked his maps, it looked like a day and a half trip depending on the weather and the road conditions.

  At 1 PM Wednesday a weary Owen pulled into Sweetwater, Colorado. After a couple of close calls on the Interstate 76, Owen was worn-out. Looking for a place to eat, he stopped at the Snowflake Café and Bakery.

  Annie noticed the older gray-haired man coming in the front door. He sure could use a cup of coffee and some food.

  “Can I help you?”

  “I could use some lunch. Been on the road since yesterday morning, and I’m a bit tired.”

  “Take a seat and here’s our menu. Beef stew is the special for today.”

  After placing his order, Owen went to wash up. Looking in the mirror in the men’s room he was shocked by his appearance. He had really aged since learning of Edith’s death. The lines on his face were deeper; his skin had a gray tinge like a person with a long term illness. Hopefully some answers and a good night’s sleep will help.

  Oh my, did the stew smell good; reminded him of his mother’s. All those tasty veggies and chunks of tender beef. There was crusty bread that Owen used to soak up the juice. With a big sigh, Owen relaxed in the booth, not wanting to move.

  Annie stopped by to give Owen a refill on his coffee. “Can I get you some dessert? We have some great pumpkin-mince pie.”

  “No thank you, that was all I needed to make me feel human again. Now I need to find the police station and then the Pine Tree Inn.

  “I’m Owen Compton. I’m sure you have heard that my wife was murdered. Chief Sparks called me with the news and wants me to stop and see him.”

  Annie offered her condolences. After getting directions Owen left the café.

  Then Annie started making plans for the brunch in the morning. Her mind was elsewhere. To think that sweet old man was once married to Edith.

  Chapter 6

  Annie arrived in Oakley in the afternoon on Christmas Eve, after an uneventful trip. There had been a light snow that gave the town a Currier & Ives greeting card look. Oakley was just a bend in the road with a population of 2000.

  Annie’s sister, Sue and brother-in-law Dave greeted her with open arms. Taylor, Annie’s niece, was extra thrilled knowing that she was going to be spending a whole week hanging out with her aunt.

  Dave Stillman sold farm machinery to all the local farmers and did a good business. Sue managed the office for Dave. It was sweet to see how well they worked together.

  After a refreshing shower Annie felt ready to join the family. The Community Church was having an early service featuring a children’s program. This would be followed with caroling around the neighborhood.

  After supper of Annie’s favorite lasagna, salad and garlic bread, the family drove to the little white church in the center of town. Soft candlelight shone from every window. Kids of all ages were racing around outside waiting to be called in for the program.

  It was time to forget any problems or worries a person may have and welcome the season of joy. Annie felt blessed to be among such warm, loving people.

  Christmas Day was spent by the fire reminiscing about past Christmases. Taylor was getting anxious to p
ack and be on the road to Sweetwater.

  By Monday afternoon Annie and Taylor were on the road. Taylor had big plans to check out the University of Colorado in Boulder. With graduation just 6 months away Taylor knew she was getting a late start on her future.

  The town was rather quiet tonight but still had a holiday feel with all the lights and decorations; maybe a burnt out light bulb here and there. Cory’s gift shop already had a sale advertised in the window. Kelly and Son had after Christmas bargains on all decorations. A good time to pick up some new bulbs for her tree thought Annie.

  Arriving home energized both of them. “Taylor, I’m anxious for you to see all the changes I’ve made.”

  While Annie was unlocking the front door, Taylor grabbed the newspaper off the porch. Suddenly Annie remembered about the murder and the fact she hadn’t told any of her family about it. It was Christmas. A time of love and joy. Obviously now she would have to break down and tell her niece.

  Upon entering the living room, Taylor exclaimed, “I love this room. You have made it so homey and comfortable looking. Where ever you find such neat stuff?” Taylor bounced around the room looking at each treasure.

  “This sofa is to die for, Aunt Annie.” This bundle of energy stretched out on the ultra-soft butter colored leather sofa with all sorts of colored pillows.

  “Second Chance is where most of my furniture and knickknacks are found. I pass the shop on my way to work so I’m always popping into browse.” Annie casually took the newspaper off the sideboard where Taylor had tossed it. Opening it up there were big headlines staring back at her. LOCAL WOMAN MURDERED then the article went on to give details.

  Noticing her aunt’s surprised look, Taylor got up from the sofa and started to read over her aunt’s shoulder. Taylor exclaimed, “Oh my, this is too much! Someone was actually killed here? Way cool!”

  Annie explained that it happened a week ago. She was just a bit shocked with Taylor’s excitement and general attitude.

  After Taylor gave this new bit of news some thought she realized her aunt had purposely not told her parents about the murder. Knowing her mom, Taylor wouldn’t have been allowed to come to this “dangerous place”. Taylor thanked her aunt for keeping quiet.

  “What does the paper say?”

  “It says, Edith Compton, age 62 was found on her front porch early Sunday morning, sitting in a rocker. A scarf around her neck and a string of lights wrapped around her whole body. She was holding a sign of cut out letters saying; ‘This is my gift to the town.’ It goes on to say that someone anonymously notified the police department at 2 AM about the murder.”

  “Wow! This is really something. Was she a bad person, Aunt Annie?”

  “Some would say so, especially the killer.”

  While Annie went about putting on the kettle on the stove, she commented, “This calls for a cup of tea while I try to explain some details. I have to tell you about my posse I formed to help the police chief solve this crime.”

  “Aunt Annie, can I help? Maybe what you need is a young fresh eyes and ears.”

  “Your parents would have a fit Taylor. Plus you had plans to check out the college while you were here.”

  “I’ll just be a silent partner Aunt Annie. Can’t wait to tell my friends about this.”

  “Off to bed with you after we enjoy our tea, Taylor. Stop in the café in the morning for breakfast before heading to Boulder.”

  Taylor was asleep in no time. Oh, the joys of youth. Nothing interrupts their sleep, Annie thought as she prepared for bed.

  Chapter 7

  What a crazy morning at the café. Customers kept coming in for hot drinks and gossip. A few had breakfast and just settled in for the duration.

  No one had any news of importance but that never stopped them from speculating. It’s a wonder they didn’t start a lottery on guessing the guilty one. Even Joe Havers didn’t have time to complain about his rheumatism; or Millie Jones about her in-laws showing up uninvited for the holidays.

  Taylor had come and gone on her way; so excited about starting to make plans for her future.

  Midmorning Chief Sparks stopped by for coffee. “Hey, Annie, hope you had a good Christmas with your family.” He was happy to have her home safely. Sam thought, someday I’ll tell her how I feel about her. For now he was content to watch her graceful body walk across the room and join him in the back booth.

  “Sure did; over too quickly. Now it’s back to work. How’s everything going in your life Sam? I’m sure that you didn’t take time off from work.”

  “Everything is going just fine.” Sam knew she wanted some inside information. Annie would just love to be able to wipe that smug look off his gorgeous face. Then after a few more minutes of everyday chit chat Sam left, with Annie without any new facts.

  Just then Kate showed up all smiles and cheery greetings for the customers. Annie had come to think of these regulars as part of the fixtures; always there every day each in their own usual spot.

  “Kate, aren’t you looking smart in your tartan outfit this morning. Hope you had a good holiday.” Kate, being 5 feet 4 inches and slightly on the plump side, always managed to look fresh and attractive. She had a spring in her step causing many of the men to admire her.

  Annie grabbed a second cup of coffee for Kate and joined her in the back booth. Kate was still wound up and talking a mile a minute.

  “Okay slow down. I don’t want to miss a word you’re saying. It is so great to see you so upbeat this morning.”

  “I have good reason to be. First I need to tell you about one of my dear neighbors. They are an older couple who have lived three houses down from me. The Wilsons were so sweet and helpful when we moved in. Ben took Mac all over town showing him the best places to shop for lawn supplies and good hardware stores. Mac was willing to be guided back then. We were new at caring for our own place. Then Alice helped me find the bargain places to shop. In fact, we would go together when Ben was busy. At one time he was a part-time handyman for the town.

  “Through the years we have spent less and less time with them. Mac felt they were a bit too old for our crowd. Now, I asked you what crowd is that? It’s just the two of us. Now that they are in their 80s they could use a little help.”

  “What does all of this have to do with our problem of solving the case?”

  “Just give me a minute and I will explain this theory I have come up with.”

  Annie started to reply when a loud crash and sound of breaking glass came from the kitchen. She could hear Roy yelling, “Stand back so you don’t get hurt!” Dashing to the kitchen, Annie found a disaster all over the floor. Roy was waving his arms, telling her to stay back until he got some of the glass swept up. It wasn’t hard to see what had happened. A new employee, Caitlyn must have been carrying a large tray of glasses to the dishwasher when she tangled with the cord to Annie’s longtime favorite mixer and pulled it to the floor. Caitlyn just standing there like a post, afraid to move and the tears were starting. Annie realized that this was going to be a long day.

  Caitlyn was a hometown girl who started college but had to drop out temporarily to help at home. Her dad was let go from his job and Caitlyn knew her family couldn’t afford the tuition.

  Quickly returning to Kate, Annie told her to call a meeting for tonight. “Make it seven not six.” After reassuring the customers that everything was fine, Annie returned to the kitchen. Rolling up her sleeves she got busy putting Caitlyn to work on simple tasks. Fortunately no one got hurt though Roy was still steaming and muttering.

  Later Annie reminded Roy about his first days working for her. Just a young fellow passing through town with no destination. Annie hired him to work in the kitchen. Roy was grateful for a job and worked hard to please his boss. Only 20 years old then, he had a lot to learn and he did break a few dishes and burn some meals.

  Roy was a compassionate person; he would listen to the customers’ problems and offer advice. Roy Anderson, with his light-colored features,
blond spiked hair and blue eyes had a good sense of humor and caring manner.

  “Okay, I’ll ease up on Caitlyn. I need the help the way business is picking up around here.”

  Annie was looking forward to the meeting tonight. Kate was just bursting with some kind of news. Right now I need to help with this mess so we’ll be ready for the lunch crowd.

  Chapter 8

  Annie was anxious to meet with the posse. Hopefully they would have some good information.

  Taylor had just gotten back from her day in Boulder and was all excited about “just everything.” She went on to tell her aunt about her day, while helping to fix supper of Christmas leftovers. Her mom had packed up most of the food in the refrigerator to send home with them. Since Taylor’s parents were off on their little vacation, someone had to eat all the food.

  “I’ve been trying to text them all day. Not sure where they will be but hopefully they remembered their phones. I won’t mention anything about you know what.” They both enjoyed eating turkey and other goodies while Taylor continued with her report about Boulder. Annie could see her niece was thrilled with her trip.

  It was 7 o’clock before they realized it; the group was starting to assemble. Annie was glad to have dependable friends.

  Everyone settled down in the living room. The Peterson twins took the straight chairs; they always seemed to be in teacher mode with the perfect posture and readiness. Kate and Annie relaxed on the sofa sinking into the softness.

  Molly went first with her report. “I went to the police department and asked about a dog license.”

  “You don’t even own a dog.” Annie laughed.

  “Well, if I ever do get a dog, I’ll know exactly what a license will cost, won’t I. What I really needed was some pretext in case I ran into the Chief. Actually Julie was at the front desk and was most helpful with giving me a list of names and the violations reported by Edith Compton. Julie was a student in my history class years ago so she never questioned my request.”