Cookies, Chamomile, and Corpses (A Cookies & Chance Mysteries Novella) by Catherine Bruns

Author:Catherine Bruns
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: murder mystery, short story, novella, mystery series, culinary mystery
Publisher: Gemma Halliday Publishing

CHAPTER FIVE

As I drove away from the shop, Art's disturbing words continued to ring in my head. "What a horrible thing to say about a woman who just died."

"He was a first class creep," Josie agreed. "And he wasn't telling the truth."

I stole a sideways glance at her. "What do you mean?"

"About not seeing any teapots like Luisa's. When I went into the back of the store, I noticed a separate room with merchandise on shelves. Maybe it was stuff he recently bought. There were at least three other teapots in there. One was kind of similar to your aunt's. Either Art's a liar or has a serious addiction to tea."

Was it possible Art's appraisal business might be a bit shady? "Okay, he did seem a little off, but maybe all antique dealers are like that? I can't see him having anything to do with my aunt's death."

"Sal, it's twenty-five thousand dollars," Josie said. "I've read stories about people being killed for way less than that."

I put my blinker on to turn left. "True, but I'm convinced Lorenzo is involved somehow. Think about it for a minute. He came to see Aunt Luisa the day before she dies—how convenient is that? And she refused to give him any more money. Plus, Alana said he was blackmailing her about something. It all adds up."

"Lorenzo's slimy reputation does speak for itself," Josie said. "I mean, look at what he did to your sister."

I let out a groan. "Please don't mention him to Gianna. I thought she was going to claw her eyes out last night when I said his name."

Lorenzo lived in a basement apartment of a multi-family unit owned by his mother. Grandma Rosa said he was in between jobs and spent most of the day drinking beer and playing video games. Gee, what a missed opportunity for Gianna.

I was almost hoping we wouldn't find him at home and then spotted his beat-up Dodge Dakota parked at the curb. We pulled up behind it.

Josie wrinkled her nose as if she smelled something rotten. She gripped the iron rail as we descended the cement steps to Lorenzo's lair. "Do we really have to do this?"

"I promised Grandma."

Before we could knock, the door swung open, and Lorenzo stared out at us. He had classic Italian good looks with thick, black hair and sideburns a bit too long. He glanced from me to Josie and his grin widened.

"Well, hello there." Lorenzo addressed my chest.

Ick. "We'd like to talk to you if you have a moment."

"We can talk or do anything else you want." He stepped aside and allowed us entrance. As Josie passed by him, Lorenzo grabbed her hand and kissed it. "How lovely to see you, Mrs. Sullivan. It's been a long time."

Josie yanked her hand away. "Not long enough."

Lorenzo was dressed in baggy cargo pants and a white muscle tank that hugged his slender frame and revealed enough chest hair to make myself a shawl or, at the very least, a thick scarf.

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