Cozy Case Files, a Cozy Mystery Sampler, Volume 8 by Paige Shelton

Author:Paige Shelton
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: St. Martin's Publishing Group

CHAPTER 3

A code officer showing up now? My day had just gotten worse, something I didn’t think was possible. Before I could protest, Grammie hopped to her feet. “How nice to meet you, Mr. Lee. I’m Anne Buckley and this is my granddaughter, Iris.”

Kevin eyed me with disdain, clutching his bag to his side. “We’ve met. Ah, um, I’m here for a first look at the premises.” His lip curled as he glanced around. “I understand you are putting in a store?” His tone said good luck with that.

“We are,” Grammie said, still smiling warmly. “With a grand opening on Memorial Day weekend. Didn’t the town get our paperwork?”

I regarded my grandmother with admiration. My knee-jerk reaction to overbearing bureaucrats was an urge to rebel. Which often backfired, I had to admit.

“Your application was only the first step.” Kevin opened his messenger bag, papers spewing forth. “In order for the occupancy permit to be awarded, we will need the following—” He droned on about business licenses, sign ordinances, required exit lighting, and the like.

Madison rolled her eyes and popped open a water bottle. I tuned out, overwhelmed by the volume of red tape. I’d think about it all later, much later. Frayed fabric caught my eye. Was that a rip in my favorite apron? I took a closer look and found the sash had separated from the skirt along one side. I untied the bow and pulled off the apron, planning to hand-stitch it later. For now, I draped it on the chair arm.

“Mr. Lee. Kevin.” Grammie put up a hand, trying to stem the tide of paperwork flooding our way. “I promise you, we’ll take care of all that. But right now is not the best time for a discussion or an inspection.”

Kevin goggled at her. “Whyever not? According to the regulations, you must submit—” Madison let out a delicate snort, loud enough to make the inspector falter. Before he could gather himself, footsteps and voices echoed from the back of the store.

“This is why not.” Grammie waved toward the police officers and Ian trooping into the room.

“Are you inspecting the building’s security system, Chief?” Kevin asked Anton. He rustled through his papers. “Don’t forget the checklist.”

Anton raised a brow. “I have no idea what you’re talking about, Kevin. A police investigation is under way.”

“We found a skeleton in the basement,” Ian said. He winced when both officers glared at him. “It won’t be a secret long,” he said in his own defense. “Look outside.”

Indeed, spectators were gathering on the sidewalk, giving 33 Main Street more attention than it had gotten in decades.

Something thudded onto the floor, drawing attention back to Kevin, who had dropped his precious bag. All the color drained from his face. “Skeleton? In the basement? But who is—”

“We don’t know yet.” Anton gave Grammie a slight headshake, to let her know not to say anything. “The state police and the medical examiner’s office will be arriving shortly. Until they finish their work, there won’t be a statement or any conclusions drawn.

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