A Measure of Mayhem: A Cafe Crimes Cozy Mystery Book 4 (A Cafe Crimes Cozy Mystery Series) by Simone Stier

Author:Simone Stier [Stier, Simone]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-12-23T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 10

The setting sun cast long shadows across Main Street as Sophia and I made our way toward Lauren’s condo a few blocks away.

I gazed at the sleek, industrial-chic live-work complex, its modern brick facade exuding sophistication.

“Nice digs,” I said.

The building stood out among the charming historical structures, yet seamlessly blended in. To its left sat an old feed shop, reminiscent of the 1800s, and to its right, a small brewery, cleverly retro-fitted from a former auto shop. The condominium’s modern design, with crisp brick and sleek lines, surprisingly complemented the town’s quaint atmosphere. A hip Thai restaurant on the ground floor filled the air with the scents of spice and coconut.

This development was a key part of Jackson Beauregard’s visionary “grand plan” to revitalize Magnolia Grove’s older districts.

His other project in the works—which included the old building that housed Maggie’s Boutique––had yet to get past the planning phase. The multi-use development had faced a series of hurdles and setbacks since I had moved to town. One thing I’d come to learn about Magnolia Grove was that any change, no matter how small, divided the town right down the middle. Half the people loved new things like this swanky complex, while the other half clung to tradition like it was the last life raft on the Titanic. Progress versus preservation—the eternal small-town tug-of-war.

We entered the small lobby, surprisingly cozy for such a modern space. Gotta hand it to Jackson, he kept things classy. The elevator dinged open, and we stepped inside.

Sophia pressed the button. “Lauren’s on the third floor.”

I leaned against the elevator wall, crossing my arms. “So, does Lauren’s condo come with a separate cheese cave, or is that extra?”

“No, she wouldn’t … oh, you’re joking,” Sophia realized, then smiled. For someone skilled in the brains department, she sure didn’t catch humorous nuances.

The doors opened, revealing a hallway that looked more like a boutique hotel than an apartment complex.

We stopped in front of Lauren’s door. I took a deep breath, steadying myself for the confrontation ahead. “Ready to face the big cheese?”

Sophia nodded. “I texted her to let her know we were coming.” She knocked on the door.

The muffled sound of heels clicking on hardwood approached. The door swung open, revealing Lauren. Her eyes were puffy and red-rimmed, though she quickly composed herself, trying to hide any evidence of tears.

“I thought you were off the case.” Lauren’s voice was slightly hoarse.

“Well … I changed my mind. Again.”

She hesitated for a moment, then stepped aside. “Come in.”

Lauren’s condo was a study in modern minimalism with a touch of industrial charm. Sleek furniture contrasted with exposed brick walls, while artisanal cheese boards hung like artwork.

My nose twitched. Did I smell beer?

Lauren gestured to the police evidence card on her coffee table. “They confiscated my Gucci. That coat is worth more than a monthly mortgage payment. I wasn’t even wearing it the day Walter was shot.” Her expression turned sour. “And look.” She pointed to the potted plant by the window. “That’s where they ‘found’ the bullets.

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