Cookies and Chaos Page 11

  Chapter Fourteen

  Ethan had been very glad she had called him last night. He was interested and worried in equal measure. Glad that she and Cora were safe, he also praised her for calling Rob and hoped to be back in Maple Falls this morning so that he could talk to her face to face.

  As much as hearing his voice had made her feel a little better, Maddie hadn’t slept well. Thoughts of the innuendo’s and the purchasing of random paintings and what they meant ran around inside her head. When she finally had enough of tossing and turning, she got up and began to bake. Keeping her hands busy and her mind focused on something else nearly always helped settle her.

  Today it wasn’t doing so well. She put the bread dough to rise and a chocolate cake in the oven, then went to the alcove to fire up her laptop.

  A key in the door startled her, but it was only Gran. Maddie could see that she had heard about last night by the intense look on her usually sunny face.

  “I see you locked the door. At least I can be grateful for that.”

  “Who told you?”

  “Cora called this morning to make sure you were okay. She started off by talking about coming on our next community center trip and how she’d need to ask Dan to work in the Gallery.”

  “And?”

  “And I knew she was trying hard not to tell me something. Eventually, she let slip that you and she had a couple of dodgy clients last night to deal with.”

  “They weren’t boy scouts, for sure.”

  “I don’t know how you find time to get into these situations, granddaughter.”

  “Me either, but Cora is our friend and I couldn’t leave her alone with them. She was scared.”

  Gran sighed. “I guess not. What am I saying? I wouldn’t have left her alone either. So now we have a dead body and odd happenings at the gallery. Anything else you’d hoped to keep from me?”

  Maddie was reluctant to impart any further knowledge, because she didn’t want Gran to worry any more than she was, but the look Gran was giving her meant there was only one way out of this and that was to tell her everything and trust it wouldn’t be detrimental to her nearly seventy-year-old health.

  “I haven’t told anyone else and Ethan wants to keep this quiet for now. Owen was definitely gassed with carbon monoxide. The tests should be back if that was the actual cause of death.”

  “Well, that’s not really news, is it? Most of the retirement community saw and heard that it was likely. What else?”

  “He was hit over the head with a pipe. Probably the same one that was used to allow the gas to enter the van.”

  “Nasty. What are you doing on the computer?” Gran asked suspiciously.

  “I’m looking for any information regarding Nicholas Brack.”

  “Nicholas? Why him?”

  “I hear he’s been a bit of a recluse for some time, but one of the men at Cora’s wanted any of his works. Even one that was damaged.”

  “Poor Nicholas. He had a bad time of it when one of his works turned out to be a failure. He was hounded about it in the press. It gave him a severe anxiety and I don’t believe he’s painted another thing since.”

  Maddie slapped her forehead. “Why do I bother researching anything when I could simply ask you?”

  Gran looked proud of herself. “What can I say? People talk to me about most things, including each other. Although, I do try not to gossip, it never hurts to be aware of what the people around you are feeling and, in some instances, doing.”

  Maddie knew this was true. There was barely a person in town who hadn’t chosen to spill their life story to Gran at one time or another. Unsure what else there was to know, she typed Nicolas Brack’s name into the search engine. It showed his works over the years that had won him accolades. They were amazing country scenes, but he’d had nothing new for six years. A couple of articles came up about the painting which had been lambasted by art critics across the country —five years ago.

  It couldn’t be a coincidence, could it? Gran said he had anxiety, but his wife had also died around that time. Were these things connected?

  Next she looked up the painters of the two that Mr. Smith had also purchased. (As if that was his real name!) The painters, like Cora had said, were relative newcomers, and had both done small showings in Destiny, but were certainly not on the most desirable works list. The dreadful ‘why’ plagued her more than ever as she saw some of their works online. Not the ones in the gallery, but very similar.

  Gran tutted. “Those are truly awful, or am I an old fuddy-duddy, with no taste?”

  Maddie laughed. “Cora doesn’t think they’re very good and neither do I. I guess there’s no accounting for taste.”

  Luke and Laura arrived then and she closed the lid. It was enough that Gran knew for now. No sense in worrying everyone. She would delve into it more with Ethan, when he arrived.

  She left the two interns to their work, while she and Gran began to load up the oven with the bread. By the time they had baking to fill up the display cases, the shop was open and soon Mr. Clayton arrived for his usual coffee and was delighted with the fresh slice of chocolate cake Maddie presented him with.

  “It’s a new recipe, so the first slice is on the house.”

  His grinned. “I’m your guinea pig, is that what you’re saying?”

  “And a handsome one at that.”

  He roared with laughter. “I shan’t be able to say a bad word against it now.”

  She snorted. “Don’t think like that, otherwise I won’t be able to give you samples anymore.”

  “Is that a threat young lady?”

  “Who’s threatening who?” Ethan came through from the kitchen with Gran.

  Maddie was ridiculously glad to see him and couldn’t help the beaming smile. Mr. Clayton noticed and wiggled his eyebrows at her.

  “He’s misbehaving, Sheriff.”

  “Is that a fact?”

  “Not me, sir. It’s this little lady who’s a handful. Are you sure you can handle her?”

  Maddie shook her head. “You’re incorrigible.”

  “I’m sure going to try, Jed, but I won’t promise. Maddie, can we have a word?”

  “Gladly.” She shook her finger at Jed as she left.

  Jed’s chuckle followed them as by an unspoken agreement, they passed through the kitchen and headed upstairs. Once in her small sitting room Ethan pulled her into his arms.

  “You have no idea how long I’ve been waiting to kiss you again, Ms. Flynn,” he said, as looked into her eyes.

  “I believe I do, Sheriff,” she managed to answer, before his lips touched hers.

  The kiss was warm and familiar with an edge to it that she understood. It was like coming home all over again. Safe and warm, and something else. A need she had tried to damp down since she had seen Ethan again last spring.

  When they reluctantly pulled away they kept their arms around each other. Ethan stared at her in wonder and she knew right then that the feeling was mutual. She felt warm from head to toe as her heart kept up a steady tattoo.

  Big Red wasn’t as impressed. From the corner of her eyes she could see him sitting on the arm of the sofa, glaring at them. The good news was he hadn’t bitten Ethan, something he might be inclined to do if someone was touching Maddie in a way he didn’t approve of. It might not look that way, but she thought her large cat was warming to the prospect of having Ethan around more. Although, not quite as much as Maddie.

  “I was worried after your call last night.”

  “I’m sorry, I just felt the need to share what had happened.”

  “Don’t be sorry. I’m glad you did, but I need to tell you something, only I don’t want you to be angry about it.”

  She leaned back to study his troubled features. “I guess you’ll just have to tell me so I can decide for myself.”

  He sighed. “I should have told you that Jacobs was keeping a watch on you and Cora.”

  “At the gallery?”

  “Yes.”


  She chewed her bottom lip for a moment. “I can’t be angry. I wish I’d known though. I might not have been as scared. Especially for Cora. She was so upset. I called Suzy to ask her about her mom, but her phone went to message. I hope she’s okay?”

  “I tried her too and when I couldn’t get her I went to her apartment. She’s fine, but shaken about her mother and annoyed with herself that she’d let her phone die. Cora stayed the night and Dan should be home soon. Suzy said she’d come by on her lunch break.”

  There was a knock on the wall as Gran came up the stairs.

  “Sorry to interrupt you two,” Gran grinned at them. “Detective Jones is here.”

  The detective arrived close on her heals. “I got your message, Sheriff. Looks like we have ourselves another investigation that’s proving to have more arms than an octopus.”

  Gran laughed. “I couldn’t have said it better myself.”

  “Do you want to go somewhere private?” Ethan asked.

  For the first time, Maddie witnessed the detective laugh. He appeared to be in very good spirits for someone who was in Maple Falls to solve a murder.

  “I won’t drag you away and pretend that Ms. Flynn doesn’t already have the same information that we do.”

  Ethan looked uncomfortable.

  “It’s my fault, detective. I’ve been out of town on and off for the last few days and things have been happening that are pertinent to the case, so I’ve been catching up with a few people.”

  “And Mrs. Flynn?”

  Gran shrugged. “What can I say? I do know a lot of people in Maple Falls. Sometimes the information just falls from their mouths without me even asking.”

  Detective Jones raised an eyebrow. “I’ve heard the same thing from many hereabouts when I’ve interviewed them about the Owen Kirk case.”

  “Then you’ll appreciate that we’re trying to help, not interfere.”

  “And perhaps you can appreciate that knowing everything could lead to either or both of you being in danger?”

  She nodded. “Maddie should be more careful, I grant you, but nobody would be interested in harming an old lady.”

  “Mrs. Flynn . . .”

  “Call me Gran.”

  “Ahhh, as much as I’d like to, I’m afraid it’s not possible.”

  “Give it a try, young man. You’ll be surprised how easy it is. Now, what were you saying?”

  His mouth twitched. “I’m more worried about you. With your involvement at the community center and the retirement community, it’s far more likely that you’ll come into contact with the people we’re tracking.”

  Gran’s eyes widened. “Really? What people?”

  Maddie sighed. Gran had tried many times to make Maddie take a step back on the cases she’d been involved in and now, here she was, as excited as Big Red near catnip.

  “People I’d rather you stayed away from.”

  “I see. Well, I’ve got cakes in the oven, so I’ll let you get on with your detective work and I’ll bear what you’ve said in mind.”

  When she’d gone the detective turned to Maddie and Ethan.

  “She didn’t hear a word of it, did she?”

  “She heard all right. I can’t promise that it’ll change anything. She can be stubborn.” Maddie admitted.

  Detective Jones smiled. He was much less formidable when that happened, which was perhaps why he didn’t do it very often. A detective, like a Sheriff, needed to have the credibility that seriousness conveyed. Fortunately, Ethan had not subscribed as heavily to that principle.

  “I guess it runs in the family.”

  This was a statement rather than a joke and Maddie sniffed. Detective Jones continued.

  “We have deputies out there keeping tabs on the men you met last night, thanks to your diligence in getting a license plate, but these men are clever and they’re not going to be easy to catch in the act.”

  “Believe me, I understand how dangerous they are, and I’ll keep a closer eye on Gran.”

  “I hope you can make her see sense. Sheriff, I’d like to go over the crime scene again if you have time?”

  They followed him down the stairs and Maddie saw them out. Gran was nonchalantly making frosting for her cakes which were cooling. Maddie didn’t imagine that keeping an eye on her was going to be as easy as it sounded. She would need help and Laura would be the perfect person since she lived with Gran.

  Between the two of them they would know Gran’s whereabouts most of the day. It would be when both Laura and Maddie were working and Gran wasn’t that the biggest worry would be.

  Which turned out to be that very afternoon.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Hands sticky with frosting for a birthday cake, Maddie pressed the speaker on her phone with the end of her palate knife.

  “Hello?”

  “Maddie? Do you have a moment?”

  “Gran? Where are you? Are you okay?”

  “Don’t be silly, dear. I’m at Sunny Days, visiting Mavis.”

  “Oh. Good. I do have some time, now that the lunch rush is over.”

  “I thought so. Could you come by?”

  Maddie had the distinct impression from Gran’s edgy tone, that she wasn’t being invited, just to be sociable. “I’m on my way.”

  Laura cut off the call for her, then held her hand out for the knife. She’d been happy to keep tabs on Gran when she could and was just as worried about her as Maddie.

  “I can finish that, if you need to go now. It sounded important.”

  Maddie gave her the knife. “I thought so too. I wonder what she’s got herself into?”

  She washed her hands quickly and took off her apron. Leaving Laura and Luke to handle the bakery she drove Honey to the Sunny Days as fast as she could.

  Mavis had an apartment that adjoined several others at the far end of the complex. Gran answered the door as soon as Maddie knocked and led her into the sitting room where Mavis sat on a floral couch looking puzzled.

  “Mavis has been bothered by strange noises coming from next door. She’s known Mr. Langham for some time, but hasn’t seen him for days.”

  “Have you called the police, Mavis?”

  “Why would I do that? He goes out of town quite often and can be gone for several days at time.”

  Maddie scratched her head. “Then I don’t understand what I’m doing here?”

  “Mr. Langham is away.” Mavis said.

  “You know that for sure?”

  “I do. He left me a key so I could feed Rembrandt, his cat, because he wasn’t sure how long he’d be gone for, but I’m too scared to go into his apartment.”

  Gran shrugged. “I haven’t heard anything and I did call Ethan first, but it went to his voice mail.

  “How about I take a look? It’s probably Rembrandt, knocking over something. Big Red is always knocking things over when I’m out.”

  It didn’t sound as though it was anything bad, especially if a cat was involved, so Maddie wasn’t worried.

  “Would you?” Mavis was pleased.

  “Do you think we should let Ethan know you’re going in?” Gran asked.

  “I’ll send him a text. I know he’s busy with Detective Jones today, but you’re right that he’d want to know.”

  Maddie took the key from Mavis and went next door. The two older women hovered beside her as she knocked several times. She called his name but there was no answer.

  Putting the key in the lock, she turned it quickly and pushed the door hard. If there was anyone there, they would have a) left by the back door or b) be waiting for her to enter.

  Pausing for several seconds, she sidled along the wall until it opened out into a sitting room, identical in layout to Mavis’s, but as extremely different as was possible. The walls and ceiling were yellowed from cigarette smoke, not pristine. Wallpaper curled at the edges in several spots, but the biggest difference was the stains on the carpet.

  They were a variety of colors.

  Quietly s
he walked through the apartment, not touching anything. No one was there, which was a huge relief. Then she heard a clatter from the kitchen. She poked her head around the corner to find a tabby licking at an empty bowl. It looked at her pointedly, then came to rub in between her ankles for attention, although more likely he was asking for food.

  She picked him up and carried him through the sitting room. She had been on her way to give him to Mavis to feed when she notice something on a side table by the couch. It was a baseball cap. The same kind that Owen had always worn. Coincidence? Perhaps. Thousands of these would be sold and in circulation every year. But something about it was oddly familiar.

  As she headed out the door, Ethan and Detective Jones pulled up outside in Ethan’s sedan.

  She dropped the cat into Mavis’s arms. “I’ll be back soon, I just want to show the sheriff and Detective something.”

  “What did you find?” Mavis asked

  “There’s no-one there, so it’s all safe, but perhaps you could have Rembrandt until Mr. Langham comes home? He’s very hungry.”

  “I guess I could do that,” Mavis said, not overjoyed at being fobbed off.

  Gran gave Maddie an understanding look and took Mavis into her apartment, while Maddie led the detective and Ethan into Mr. Langham’s next door.

  Ethan and Detective Jones were quiet while she told them why she had texted.

  “Mavis heard sounds through the wall which was what alerted her to something being amiss in here. She thought it was just the cat, but there was nothing broken or over-turned when I came in.”

  “So, we don’t really know if there has been a crime committed?” The detective didn’t look impressed.

  “No we don’t, except there is something else that doesn’t make sense.” She pointed to the cap and told them her opinion about the owner of it.

  The detective took a closer at it “There must be thousands of these in circulation. What makes you think it was Mr. Kirk’s?”

  “It’s that logo, or rather, the top corner of it. There’s a black mark, like a fingerprint in ash.”