Macchiato Murder (A Killer Coffee Mystery Book 13) by Tonya Kappes

Author:Tonya Kappes [Kappes, Tonya]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Tonya Kappes Books
Published: 2023-09-13T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Through all the storytelling and listening in on the various tales being told by the guests at the Melmont house, it was already well into the late afternoon, and there was little time to do anything before I met Patrick at the Watershed.

Instead of going to the coffee shop to bide my time, I steered the car toward downtown Honey Springs. The details of Mangus's murder were like a heavy fog in my mind, and I needed a clear path. Maybe Mama had the insights I needed.

As I neared Mama's real estate office, a warm, soft glow caught my eye. Lining the sidewalks, intricately designed luminaries cast a delicate, shimmering light against the encroaching darkness of the evening.

Each bag, crafted with meticulous precision, allowed the candlelight within to dance, creating ornate shadow patterns on the pavement. The flickering flames within those paper lanterns gave the street an almost ethereal look, transforming Honey Springs into a wonderland of light and shadow.

The tradition of Luminaria Night was one I'd always cherished. It was a testament to Honey Springs’s ability to come together and celebrate both the beauty of the season and the unity of its community.

Those small beacons, with their steady and unwavering light, were a gentle reminder that even in the darkest times, the town's spirit would always shine through.

Across the park, twinkling lights glowed amidst the early fall shadows, illuminating creatively decorated pumpkins. Their faces grinned and grimaced, casting an enchanting spell over the park. The whole scene looked like a fairy tale, filled with the magical charm that was pure Honey Springs.

"Happy anniversary, Roxy!" Penny Bloom, my mom, called out, her eyes crinkling with joy as she spotted me.

I blinked, momentarily stumped, then rolled my eyes and sighed. "Oh, don't remind me. With Mangus's case, I completely forgot."

No wonder Patrick asked me to supper at the Watershed.

She came over, her arms wide, and enveloped me in a hug. "I understand, sweetheart. But come, help me with these, and we'll talk about something else."

As we worked together, the flickering light of the candles casting a gentle glow on her face, I asked, "Mom, do you recall the vote about the hayride? Was there tension in the room?"

Mom's brow furrowed, and she nodded. "Oh, yes, dear. Thick as molasses, it was. Especially when the ghost attraction was brought up. Mrs. Whitley and Mr. Carlson were quite vocal against it."

I stopped, my hand hovering over a candle, and looked at her, puzzled. "Against it? Why?"

Mom sighed, her eyes reflecting the twinkling lights of the park. "They're afraid of change, Roxy. Always have been. But change is growth, and Honey Springs is in a growth period. We need to embrace it."

"Mama," I asked, shifting my gaze from the glowing luminaries to meet her eyes, "I overheard two older people talking about the ghost attraction at the pumpkin patch, and I wondered if it was Mr. Carlson and Mrs. Whitley. Do you know them?"

Mom looked up from her task of lighting the tea candles and tilted her head, considering the question.

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