Cookies and Chaos Page 10

  By the end of the day they had made everything Maddie had promised Cora and Luke and Laura had gone home.

  Big Red had eaten and Maddie put everything on the counter to take to the gallery. She wanted to use her best platters to serve the delicate finger food and she carefully loaded the back of Honey with them, laying them inside aluminum trays she had purchased for this sort of thing. She wore tidy black trousers and a white shirt just in case Cora wanted her to serve.

  Arriving at 6.30, she had to knock at the back door since the shop was locked up. Having parked in the same spot that the infamous van had used, a prickle ran across her arms as she thought about Owen’s murder and since it was getting dark, especially between the two buildings, she wished Cora would hurry and let her in. Since she was expected, she’d assumed that one door would be open, and had to knock several times before Cora opened the door.

  The usually bubbly woman was white faced and jittery. “I’m so glad it’s you, dear. Come on in.”

  “Is something wrong, Mrs. Barnes?”

  She forced a laugh. “I’m being silly. I thought I heard noises and gave myself a fright. That’s why both doors are locked. I was just checking the bathroom windows. Now you’re here, I’ll unlock the front door for my customers.”

  Cora’s shaking voice made Maddie think her friend’s mother wouldn’t be happy on her own for any length of time, regardless of whether or not her fear was warranted.

  “With the park so close, you’ve probably heard a lot of funny noises and since you’re not usually at work at this time of night they sound worse than they are.”

  “You could be right,” the small woman said uncertainly.

  “How about I stay with you until your customers have gone?”

  Cora let out an exaggerated sigh. “Would you? I didn’t like to ask, but I would be grateful. Suzy has one of her meetings tonight otherwise she would have been here and Dan is in Destiny visiting his brother overnight. You know how he loves his football?”

  She did indeed. Mr. Barnes was crazy about the Oregon Ducks and it wasn’t just football. Any sport could easily lure him away from having to work in the gallery. He had recently left the army and was finding it difficult to settle into his retirement.

  “I’m happy to keep you company and I thought I could serve drinks and food so you don’t have to bother.”

  “You’re such a dear. It’s very kind of you. I thought the food could go on this small table in the corner. I have white wine in the fridge and a bottle of red to open. The coffee and tea is on the counter in the back.”

  Maddie smiled. “I’ll find everything. You leave this to me and carry on with what you need to do.”

  “I gave the place a thorough clean today, but I’d like to lay out the paintings they specifically asked to see. I’ll ask them whether they would like a drink when they arrive. If you could see to that, then I’ll give you a nod when I think it would be a good time for refreshments. Probable once they are done browsing.”

  “Sounds like a good plan.”

  They went to do their allotted tasks and Maddie quickly laid the table with her plates of food and also the cheese and crackers Cora had indicated. She was out the back opening a bottle of red wine, when the bell above the door sounded.

  Creeping to the doorway, for no other reason than her senses were on high alert after the issue of strange noises had been raised, she could see a burly man had entered. He wore a dark suit accompanied by a darker scowl and took a moment to look around the room.

  Before Cora could say anything, he opened the door for another man to enter. This one was much smaller, his hair slicked back, and he also wore a dark suit. He had the air of someone with a big personality and was noticeably friendlier, although his smile seemed over-bright.

  The bigger man shut the door once more, but not before Maddie noted that a third man stood outside by a dark sedan. He wasn’t in a suit which was the only thing she could really see from where she was. Was she being paranoid to feel as though she was in a gangster movie?

  “Good evening and welcome.” Cora smiled warmly.

  The bigger man ignored her outstretched hand and without replying positioned himself to the side of the gallery that held no windows. From there he could see the entire room and out onto the street. The small man came forward, compensating for the other man’s rudeness.

  He shook her hand, patting it with his other. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Barnes, thank you for opening up tonight. I really appreciate it.”

  Cora was a tactile person and she loved the gesture, but it made Maddie cringe. Sleazy was the word for it, especially the way his eyes gave a longer than acceptable glance over Suzy’s mom. That was all kinds of wrong.

  “Please, call me Cora, and it’s my pleasure. It’s Mr. Smith, isn’t it? You said you were interested in the latest paintings I have from E Wilson?”

  “That’s right,” he nodded.

  “Unfortunately, I only have the one and it may be slightly damaged like I told you when you called. Luckily my daughter found it before mold could set in.”

  “May I see it?”

  “Of course. I have it waiting just over here.” She led him to the large counter and the other man followed. “Cora Barnes,” she held out her hand to him. “Would either of you like a drink while you look?

  To Maddie, who’d had to slip out into the gallery to be able to see them, and had hidden behind a large easel, it seemed as though the big man didn’t want to have anything to do with Cora, but eventually he did take her hand. It could have been the scowl the other man sent his way that changed his mind, but the big man still didn’t look happy about having to make the exchange.

  “We’d rather get on with seeing the painting,” he said in a firm, deep voice.

  Cora frowned at the handshake which made her knuckles whiten with the pressure and Maddie was about to go to her aid when he released her.

  Taking a step away from him, Cora turned slightly to Mr. Smith, then pointed at the counter. “Well, this is it. I can’t explain what happened but we found that small sections of the painting were damp⎯the top corners. We investigated, but no other paintings have been affected. I’m sorry it’s not in perfect condition and I would naturally expect a lower price.”

  He shook his head. “Oh, I don’t think we need worry about it. These things happen and I know her work never fails to exact a good amount, no matter the condition. I’ll take this one and look at some of your other pictures while I’m here. If you don’t mind?”

  “Certainly. Feel free to browse and when you’re ready my assistant will bring out refreshments.”

  “Your assistant?” The big man growled.

  He scanned the room until he spied Maddie in the corner. She came out from behind the easel to stand in front of a large painting of a woman and man, with the bottle of red wine in her hand, trying to look professional while her knees shook a little. If necessary, the bottle could be used as a weapon, but she had no illusions that she was a physical match for this man as he crossed the room from the far side where the counter was to her with a speed that belied his size.

  Mr. Smith’s voice hardened. “I heard that your husband worked here sometimes, I didn’t realize you had other help.”

  Cora and Maddie shared a look. Something funny was definitely going on and she could see by the fear in her eyes that Cora was finally on the same page. Neither of them were comfortable about being here with the dangerous looking men. This had nothing to do with a vivid imagination.

  Cora followed the big man. “Oh, I have several assistants and my husband should be here any minute.”

  “Didn’t he go to Destiny?” The big man said, receiving a glare from Mr. Smith.

  “Why yes. How did you know that?” Cora asked.

  “You must have told me when I rang earlier, and I shared the information with Mr. Chance,” Mr. Smith interjected reasonably.

  Cora shook her head. “I don’t believe so, but no matter.
He was going to watch a football game with his brother who took sick. That’s why he’s coming back tonight after all,” she explained reasonably.

  Smith shrugged. “I’m sure it’s not relevant for me to buy some of your lovely art, it’s simply that I prefer to do so without an audience.” He turned away and went back to looking through the crate.

  “I understand completely. Let me know if you need anything.”

  Cora went behind her counter and shuffled papers while Maddie did her best not to look at Chance as she toyed with the plates and glasses.

  Chance moved back to Smith’s side and they whispered furtively as Smith flicked through the paintings.

  Cora coughed to draw her attention. “Perhaps you could get the rest of the refreshments ready?”

  Maddie reluctantly went out the back to make coffee in the small kitchen area and had been there barely a few seconds when Chance came through the doorway.

  “I’m sorry, this is a private area.” Her voice shook.

  He ignored her, so she pretended outwardly that he wasn’t there and prepared the drinks, knowing that this had been a small, and perhaps the only, opportunity to call someone. Inside, she was a quivering mess. Cora had lied about Dan coming back and if Maddie didn’t believe it then it was more than likely neither did the two men.

  “Here,” she thrust a tray of rum balls and tarts at him. “Make yourself useful.”

  The giant was not expecting that and he wasn’t amused, but he followed her into the gallery with the tray while she took another with coffee and cups.

  Cora came towards her in relief. “Thank you, Maddie. Gentlemen, would you care for a drink and something to eat?”

  “That’s very good of you, Mrs. Barnes. Cora. I’m not sure we have the time, do we Mr. Chance?”

  “What a shame. Maddie is a wonderful baker and I hate to waste all this food.”

  Maddie touched Cora’s arm and spoke quietly, although loud enough for the men to hear.

  “I meant to tell you when I got here but we were so busy. Sheriff Tanner said he would stop by soon, and I’m sure he’d love to take the leftovers.”

  “Did he?”

  Maddie frowned at Cora and luckily she took the hint.

  “That’s lovely. I wanted to see him anyway.”

  “Why would the Sheriff be coming here?” Chance narrowed his eyes.

  Maddie swung around. He was too close to be anything but threatening and Maddie held the tray between them like a barrier. “He’s investigating a death. You must have heard about it?”

  Chance frowned, his dark eyes studying her. “No, we’re not from around here.”

  “Where do you come from?” Maddie bit her lip. She shouldn’t be antagonizing him.

  “Portland.”

  She gave him a fake smile. “It’s lovely there.”

  Mr. Smith handed Cora his credit card. “Yes, it is. Actually, we need to get going. We have a long drive.”

  Cora took the platinum card. “I’ll package the painting and send it to you if you’d like to leave me your address.”

  He shook his head. “If you don’t mind, I’ll take it now.”

  His pleasantness seemed to be waning.

  Cora sniffed. “Yes, of course. Did you want anything else?”

  He pointed to the others Cora had displayed on the counter. “I’ll take these two as well. I have my eye on another couple of pieces, so I’ll be in touch when I decide.”

  He looked at Maddie as he said this, causing a chill to run through her. Even if the transaction was legitimate, she knew that these two men were not.

  Maddie helped Cora package all three paintings and she saw the prices as Cora made up invoices. The other two paintings were a fraction of the price of the E Wilson one. It didn’t make sense. If they were connoisseurs of art, why would they choose arguably lesser works?

  Smile back in place, Smith shook Cora’s hand, then held the door open for Chance, who carried the paintings out to their car. The third man must have been behind the wheel, since the car started as soon as Chance had stowed the art in the back. They had barely closed their doors before the car shot off into the night.

  Cora quickly turned the lock and leaned, putting a hand to her chest. “I didn’t imagine that, did I?”

  Maddie ran to the counter and grabbed a pen and began to scribble on a piece of paper.

  “If you mean the threatening innuendo, then, no, you certainly didn’t imagine it. Something’s going on and I’d bet a week’s worth of baking that it’s got nothing to do with wanting a nice painting or two.”

  Cora gasped. “Ethan didn’t mention anything to me when he stopped by yesterday on his way out of town. Is he really coming by tonight?”

  “No, he’s in Destiny. I just said that so we wouldn’t appear to be two vulnerable women.”

  “Good thinking. With the increase in interest this last year, I had intended to organize more evening showings. I couldn’t do it now.”

  “I’d definitely put that on hold for now. In fact, I’m going to give Deputy Jacobs a call and see if he wouldn’t mind stopping by here tonight.”

  “Really? Do you think it’s necessary to call him out now that they’ve gone?”

  “Ethan would expect me to. The longer you leave these things the more likely it is to forget important facts.”

  Maddie was already keying in numbers. It was the right thing to do and Rob was only too happy to come by, which implied that he agreed even if she hadn’t gone into all the details. When she was done she began to clear the untouched plates and glasses.

  Cora began to pace. “Why did they want a painting that was damaged? And why take the other two? The three are nothing alike and the smaller ones belong to relatively new artists.”

  Maddie nodded. “I wondered about that too. I wish we could have taken a better look at those before we packaged them up. I don’t mean to be rude, but they were quite bland.”

  “I would never say such a thing to the artists, and I believe in giving people a chance, but between us, I do agree. In fact, I didn’t hold out much hope that they would ever sell. It made no sense that a connoisseur of art would want them.”

  “Did Ethan talk about anything else when you saw him?”

  “Not really. He wanted to know more about Nicholas Brack, so I gave him the address. He was also concerned about the state of the painting. There’s that as well. I had every intention of dropping the price, but they scared me so much, I went with it. The payment was accepted.”

  Maddie couldn’t help laughing at Cora and her self-satisfied look. “It’s good that the night wasn’t a complete failure, but I hope they don’t come back.”

  Cora nodded. “Me too. I’d rather not have the money than go through all that anguish again.”

  They were walking into the kitchen when Maddie stopped.

  “The last time I was in, there wasn’t a painting in this corner, but I see you’ve got one there now.” She pointed to the landscape in pale colors that didn’t do justice to Maple Falls.

  “It’s hard to let the works go that you fall in love with and that was a particularly lovely E. Wilson. This was the best I could find to replace it and it’s nice enough, but not even close to her caliber,” she sighed.

  Maddie would have liked to have seen that earlier picture. They were cleaning up the wasted food and even had a small glass of wine to temper their nerves when there was a knock at the back door and they both jumped.

  “Who is it?” Maddie asked.

  “Deputy Jacobs.”

  They let him in and Cora explained everything in fine detail, then Maddie handed him the piece of paper she had written on.

  “Their number plate? You’re a star, Maddie.”

  She colored a little. “I can’t emphasize how scary they were. It was the only thing I could think of.” Then she remembered something else. “Credit cards!”

  Startled, Cora took a step back.

  “They paid by credit card?” Rob ask
ed calmly.

  “Mr. Smith did. Where’s the register receipt Cora?”

  Suzy’s mom ran to the register and opened it. She pulled out a slip of paper and handed it to him.

  “I’m going to head over to the station and see if we can trace either of these back to your men. Cora, I think you should go to Suzy’s for the night. I can drop you off to the cottage to stay with Gran and Laura, Maddie.”

  “I can’t imagine them being interested in a baker. I’ll be fine at my place.”

  He was about to argue, but could perhaps see her determination.

  “Okay. Please make sure you lock up.”

  “I will. If you don’t want any of this food, Cora, I thought Rob could take it back to the station?”

  “That’s fine with me. If I take it with me tonight, I’d be likely to eat the lot.”

  Rob grinned. “I don’t mind if I do, thank you ladies.”

  He had a gleam in his eye and Maddie didn’t like the chances that his fellow deputies would get much of the bounty.

  Rob helped her take the plates to Honey, then walked Cora to her car parked out on the main street, saw her off safely and did the same for Maddie.

  It was quite dark on Plum Place when she arrived home. The trees across the road swished in the breeze, making her skin prickle. Opening the garage, she made a promise to herself to put more lights out here. With her keys in her hand, one placed between two fingers as grandad had taught her in case of an attack, she ran to the kitchen door, let herself in and with relief locked it behind her.

  Two eyes stared at her from the stairs and she gulped down a squeal. She knew those eyes. Still, she put the light on and knelt down so Big Red could welcome her home properly.

  It was easy to be brave in front of Cora and Rob, but who was she kidding? That was one scary evening. She buried her face in the orange fur and waited until her heart had. Then she went upstairs with her guard cat, deliberately leaving the light on and taking her laptop with her.

  Forcing her mind on to work things was one way to quiet her questioning mind but it wasn’t working, so she and Big Red crawled under the blankets with her phone. Maddie decided that after everything that had happened tonight it was worth a call to Ethan even if Rob had already spoken to him.