The Mystery Lady by Diane Bator

Author:Diane Bator
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: female detective, seattle, private investigator, pacific northwest, diane bator, lady sleuth, wild blue mysteries, hidden package of jewels, stalker intent on killing, wanna be writer turned detective
Publisher: BWL Publishing Inc.

Chapter 16 ~ Lucy

Java Jo’s was one of Lucy’s favorite places to write. Erected in the mid-1800s, the building still had the original brick walls, although slightly crumbled, and the original tin-plate ceiling. The windows were new, custom made to look like leaded glass. The distressed hardwood floors and the salvaged-wood counter were added when Jolene Raymond, Jo, took over fifteen years earlier. Since Lucy had set part of one of her novels in the coffee shop, she’d plied Jo with dozens of questions.

Clancy stepped up to the hand-crafted counter and ordered two large coffees while Lucy ogled the carrot cake slathered with cream cheese icing.

Jo raised her eyebrows. “Are you planning to run a marathon when you’re done.”

Clancy nudged Lucy’s arm then steered her to a nearby table. “One’s for my friend here.”

“Hi, Lucy.” Jo’s face brightened. “I miss you not coming in every morning since school’s out.” She hesitated. “You’re not getting yourself into trouble, are you Clancy?”

He flinched. “Excuse me?”

“I’m just looking out for ya, hon.” Jo shrugged. “If you stay away from the married ones and you’ll live longer. Right?” She turned to Lucy who nodded in agreement.

“Thanks, Mom.” He groaned.

She wagged a finger. “Don’t be a smart mouth or I will call your mother. By the way, I’ve got some new sandwiches in you guys should try.” Jo waved toward an assortment of pre-made sandwiches in the cooler. “I bought a sandwich grill.”

Clancy pulled out his wallet. “Sold. Give me two chicken ones with green stuff.”

“I’d rather have chocolate cake.” Lucy stared at the display case and grasped the glass to keep from wavering. The smell of coffee made her dizzy with anticipation.

“Good choice.” Jolene slid open the display case door and reached for the chocolate cake. “By the way, Clancy, that green stuff is spinach and I’ll tell your mother you didn’t know.”

He rolled his eyes and handed Lucy her coffee. “Don’t bother. Mom doesn’t care what I eat anymore.”

“You know his mom?” Lucy asked.

“Of course. She owns the bakery that makes all our cakes and cookies.” Jo turned to Clancy and lowered her voice. “You’d better get someone to help the lady who’s covering for her. I’ve heard things aren’t going so well. The banana bread’s been awful lately. Where’s your sister? She’d do a far better job running the place.”

“I’ll let you know when I actually talk to her.” He stirred cream into his coffee.

She glanced at Lucy. “Are you okay, honey? You look pale.”

“I’m good.” Lucy sat at a table with her hands wrapped around her coffee mug for warmth. Something deep inside her needed defrosting. She missed her kids horribly. All the bright ideas she had for when they were gone, were long forgotten.

Clancy sat across from her and set the plate of chocolate cake and two forks on the table. “Are you okay? Jo’s right, you don’t look so good.”

She set her chin on the palm of her hand and sighed. “I’m plastered and staring at the walls of a coffee shop.

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