A Bittersweet Murder by Kaz Delaney

Author:Kaz Delaney
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Cozy, Mystery
ISBN: 9781956387308
Publisher: Tule Publishing Group, LLC
Published: 2021-10-21T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

A girl I recognized as a teenaged waitress at Delvene’s café was draping black ribbon across the closed doors under a black wreath that hung front and center.

Fiona’s pace picked up to almost a run. “Emmy Kaye? Honey? What’s wrong? What’s happened?”

The concern in Fiona’s voice was so real, reminding me of my fascination with all things small town. These people genuinely cared for each other.

The girl’s normally pretty face was blotched and swollen and even as we approached I could see fat teardrops glistening on her long lashes. Turning to be enveloped by one of Fiona’s hugs seemed natural.

Pulling back she swiped her hand across her face, catching her hair, leaving the rich brown strands stuck to her wet cheek. I leaned in to lift them away. “Are you okay?”

She nodded and hauled in a deep breath before saying, “It’s Mister Jacobz. Delvene’s granddaddy. He’s gone, Miz Fiona. Passed real quick. Delvene’s taken off to be with her Mama and Mawmaw.”

“Oh that’s so sad, dear,” Fiona soothed again. “I didn’t realize he was unwell.”

“Well, I guess that’s the thing. Delvene’s madder than a skillet full of rattlesnakes right now. Seems her granddaddy was fine, and then he got some letter and then just after that, he had some kind of turn or attack or something. Doc said it was his heart and probably had nothing to do with the letter, but Delvene’s on the warpath.” Eyes wide, she shook her head. “I’m tellin’ ya, I wouldn’t like to be the one who sent that letter!”

My skin prickled the way it had out with the Fab Four. “Delvene blames the letter?”

Those eyes somehow appeared to grow even wider. “Yes, ma’am! Says her granddaddy would’ve been around for years more if that letter hadn’t turned up!”

I didn’t have to ask, guess, or wonder who’d sent that letter.

It took a little while before we could move on; it didn’t seem polite or right to rush off, but as others gathered to hear the news, we made our way back to the B&B.

“I have to call Clay,” Fiona said as soon as we moved into the cool of her entry. Once more the order, color, and beautiful fragrance permeating the home immediately calmed me and I headed toward the kitchen as she made her way to the study.

I imagined that as members of the community, she and Clay would pay their respects, but being mayor and first lady of Airlie Falls probably brought additional responsibilities in these situations.

There was still quite a bit of time before I was due to see Sheriff Kinnead and with suddenly nothing to do I felt the stress begin to build again. What could all this mean? Why did he want to see me? I knew only one thing—it was more likely to be bad news than good.

My hands were shaking as I boiled water for tea and once more I turned to the distraction that would help calm me. Having perused the pantry and cupboards I knew what was available.

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