| |
––––––––
“THE HEALTH BALLS ARE ready to go!” Suzanne put a large plate of apricot balls on the counter, then opened up the serving hatch.
Yesterday, after Ramon had visited them, Maddie had helped her shop for the ingredients, and acted as her assistant as Suzanne made them.
They’d already discussed leaving the truck parked at the town square when they went to visit Kevin in Redbud Glen. Instead of walking to work, Suzanne had driven her little sporty red car, announcing there was plenty of room for Maddie and Trixie.
“Mrrow!” Trixie looked at Suzanne with approval.
“These should help our bottom line,” Suzanne said, as she greeted their first customer and urged him to try a health ball.
One hour later, they had time to catch their breath. The plate of treats had been depleted – to Suzanne’s satisfaction.
“I must get more organized,” Suzanne murmured as she arranged the last of the health balls in a tempting fashion. “Imagine if we could sell this many every morning – we’d make at least an extra one hundred and fifty dollars per week!”
“You’re right,” Maddie said, nursing a mocha. “Especially with closing the truck yesterday – I know it was necessary,” she added hastily. “The most important thing is clearing your name.”
“Our name.” Suzanne touched Maddie’s arm.
“Mrrow!”
“And then we can seriously think about expanding our business,” Suzanne continued.
“Definitely.” Maddie grinned at Suzanne.
“Hi, Maddie.” An attractive male voice greeted her.
Luke!
Suzanne’s brother stood at the counter. Tall, with auburn hair and green eyes, he’d been taking Maddie’s breath away for years.
“Hi,” she said a little shyly, which she thought was ridiculous.
“Mrrow,” Trixie said playfully, sitting up straight on her stool.
“Hi, Trixie.” He smiled at the cat. “Hi, sis.”
“Want your usual?” Suzanne said, her fingers poised on the register. “Two health balls and a regular latte?”
“Sure. But that’s not why I stopped by. I came to check you and Maddie were okay.”
“We are,” Maddie and Suzanne said in unison.
Maddie couldn’t keep her eyes off him. Luke wore an indigo t-shirt and jeans, his tall, muscular frame filling out his clothes nicely.
“Why don’t I make your coffee, and you and Maddie can chat,” Suzanne offered with a giggle, shooing Maddie away from the espresso machine.
“Thanks.” Maddie gave her friend a grateful smile.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t able to come over here yesterday,” Luke said. “I’ve been slammed at work lately.”
“I know,” Maddie said softly. Luke ran a classic vehicle restoration business and had helped them turn the old truck Maddie and Suzanne had purchased into Brewed from the Bean.
“I could come over tonight.” He studied Maddie’s expression as he waited for her answer.
“Okay.” Maddie knew her cheeks had turned pink – she just hoped they weren’t flaming red.
“Mrrow!” Trixie looked pleased at the idea.
“Then it’s a date.” He smiled at Maddie and her heart turned over. “Eight o’clock okay?”
“Perfect.”
“Here you go.” Suzanne placed his order on the counter. “One latte and two apricot balls.”
“Thanks.” He picked up the coffee and treats. “You two be careful.”
“We will,” Suzanne replied.
“I’ll see you tonight, Maddie.” Luke smiled at her and she stopped breathing for a second.
Maddie watched him walk across the square, belatedly realizing Suzanne had asked her a question.
“What’s on tonight?” Suzanne repeated, a questioning smile on her face.
“Luke’s coming over,” Maddie replied.
“Good. So we better visit Kevin as soon as possible so you’ll have plenty of time to get ready.”
“Suzanne! He’s only coming over to my place. We’re not having dinner – or going out.” But she’d already started thinking of possible outfits to wear. And Luke wasn’t coming over for dinner – was he? No. He would have said something if that had been on his mind.
“I think you’ll have to give him a super strong signal that you’re ready for ... you know.” Suzanne waggled her eyebrows.
“Mrrow?” Trixie stared at Suzanne’s moving eyebrows.
“Kissing, Trixie. Maddie wants Luke to kiss her.”
“Suzanne!”
“Mrrow.” Trixie seemed to nod her head in agreement.
Maddie peered out of the serving hatch but thankfully there weren’t any customers in sight. Then she frowned.
“Is it me or do we usually have more customers around this time?”
“It’s not you.” Suzanne sighed. “Maybe we’ve lost some temporarily to Claudine.”
“I can’t believe you just said that.”
“I know.” Suzanne made a face. “Unless people are home sick or—” she snapped her fingers. “Yep. That’s what it is. People who went to Claudine’s at lunch time yesterday got sick from whatever they ate or drank there.”
“You can’t say things like that!” Maddie frowned at her friend.
“Even if there’s a possibility it might be true?”
“I think it might be wishful thinking on your part,” Maddie said, although she wondered if Suzanne’s statement had a ring of truth to it.
“Well, they’ll be wishing they hadn’t visited Claudine’s!” Suzanne’s ponytail swished. She closed up the serving hatch. “Since we don’t have any customers at the moment, we might as well get going to Redbud Glen and visit Kevin.”
“Okay.” Maddie acquiesced. “But maybe I should do a Coffee Vision spell first.”
“Good idea!”
Maddie made a latte. She stared at the surface. Clearing her mind, she whispered, “Show me.”
The foam swirled, then cleared. She, Trixie, and Suzanne stood outside an accountant’s office.
“Well?” Suzanne asked impatiently.
“It looks like we’ll be visiting Kevin’s office.”
“I knew it!”
It was good to see Suzanne so lively this morning and back to her old self.
They locked the truck and hopped into Suzanne’s car, Trixie sitting in the back.
“Let’s go!” Suzanne started the engine and they drove through Estherville until they reached the highway.
Forty-five minutes later, they arrived in Redbud Glen.
“How are we going to find Kevin?” Maddie asked. “We should have looked him up in the phone book or online before we left the town square.”
“I’ve got an idea.” Suzanne grinned. “We can visit Bob, see how he’s doing, and then ask him for Kevin’s address. He won’t be able to refuse, since we’re considering hiring Kevin.”
“Good thinking.” Maddie shook her head in admiration. “It’s just a shame we didn’t think to visit Kevin yesterday when we visited Bob and Genevieve.”
“I know,” Suzanne agreed. “But we mightn’t have gotten back to Estherville until four, and would have missed out on those after lunch customers.”
“True.” Maddie nodded.
Suzanne pulled up outside Bob’s café.
“It looks busier today,” Suzanne observed.
A stout matron opened the door and walked in, and through the large glass windows, Maddie could see a few customers sitting at tables.
“I’m glad,” Maddie replied, getting out of the car and reaching in for Trixie.
She clipped on the Persian’s harness and they walked into the shop.
As they entered, Maddie detected the aroma of dark roasted coffee, which made her mouth water.
A few tables were occupied with people eating pastries and drinking what Maddie assumed to be coffee, even though it was only nine-thirty a.m.
“Now I’m getting hungry,” Suzanne whispered to Maddie. “And I had a big breakfast!”
“I know what you mean,” Maddie said ruefully.
“Hi, girls.” Bob looked up from the espresso machine, a surprised expression on his face. “Two visits in two days?”
“You can’t keep us away,” Suzanne said cheerfully.
“Actually, we came to ask you where Kevin works,” Maddie put in. “We’re thinking of hiring an accountant and—”
“Since we met him at the party, we thought we’d check him out,” Suzanne finished.
“Sure.” Bob looked pleased. “He works down the street – it’s not far from here. It’s a small office with his name on the door – Kevin Alton. He’s been doing my taxes for years.”
“Thanks,” Suzanne said. She looked around the café. “How’s business? It looks okay right now.”
“You’re right.” Bob nodded. “I’ve already had more people in today than I did for the whole of yesterday. So either yesterday was just an extra slow day or people have decided to come back.”
“That must be a relief,” Maddie said.
“You bet.” Bob grinned.
Two more customers walked in, the creak of the door alerting Maddie.
“We don’t want to keep you,” Maddie said.
“No problem,” Bob said.
They waved goodbye, Trixie leading the way back to the car.
“Oh, look, it’s a cat,” Maddie heard a customer say to her companion as the trio exited the café.
“We might as well drive down the road until we find Kevin’s office,” Suzanne said, hopping into the driver’s seat.
“Mrrow,” Trixie said, as if agreeing with her.
“I’m sure it wouldn’t be too far for Trixie to walk,” Maddie said, wondering if she and Trixie were becoming a little lazy. Was Suzanne as well?
“No, but it’s too far for me!” Suzanne turned the key in the ignition.
Maddie shook her head as Suzanne drove down the street.
“This is it!” Suzanne slowed down. A white storefront with navy lettering proclaiming Kevin Alton CPA greeted Maddie’s eyes.
“It looks just like it did in my vision, and there’s a parking spot.” Maddie pointed in front of her.
“Perfect.” Suzanne parked the car, and turned off the engine.
“What are we going to say to him?” Maddie asked. “Apart from sounding him out about doing our taxes.”
“We’ll think of something.” Suzanne waved a hand in the air. Then her eyes narrowed. “But if he accuses me of being the murderer again he’ll be sorry.”
“Don’t let him upset you.”
“I’ll try not to.” Suzanne shook her head as if to clear it.
“Do you want to stay in the car while Trixie and I go in?” Maddie offered. “Or Trixie could stay here with you, if you like.”
“Mrrow.” Trixie looked at Suzanne in concern.
“Thanks, you two, but I’m fine – or I will be.” Suzanne summoned a smile. “I’m not going to let that man get to me. I think facing him is the best thing I can do – especially with you and Trixie by my side.”
“Mrrow!” Trixie nodded her head.
“Okay.” Maddie got out of the car and helped Trixie out.
They walked into the office, a small bell over the door tinkling as they entered.
A tiny reception desk, two visitor chairs, and a few magazines on a coffee table greeted them. The décor was beige and cream.
“Boring,” Suzanne muttered to Maddie.
Maddie sent her a warning look, but didn’t think her friend took any notice.
“Thank you, Kevin,” an older female’s voice floated out of the inner office.
Maddie and Suzanne stared at each other – was that Grandma Pat?
It was. She walked out of the inner office, looking surprised as she caught sight of them.
“Well now, what are you two – three,” she amended as she noticed Trixie, “doing here?” The senior wore a pink pants suit with a matching pink cane.
“We’re looking for an accountant.” Suzanne beamed at the elderly woman, as if she didn’t have a worry in the world. “What are you doing here, Grandma Pat?”
“Talking to Kevin about my finances,” Grandma Pat answered. “Since he’s good friends with my Bob, I assume he won’t rip me off.”
Maddie’s eyes widened as she heard the eighty-something lady use such a modern phrase.
“Good thinking,” Suzanne said.
“I’m sure you didn’t kill that unpleasant girl, Suzanne.” Grandma Pat sounded sincere.
“Thanks.” Suzanne’s guard dropped for a second and she looked grateful for the show of support.
“Bob assured me he’s still going ahead with his business plans with Jill,” Grandma Pat continued. “Jill seems like a very nice girl. We had a chance to talk more after – what happened. I think she’s good for Bob.”
Maddie tried to hid her amusement at the senior calling a forty-year-old woman a “girl”.
“You didn’t happen to see anyone lurking near the entrance door around the time of ... you know,” Suzanne dropped her voice although Kevin hadn’t come out to the reception area.
“No.” Grandma Pat shook her head. “I told that nice detective everything I noticed, which wasn’t much, I’m afraid. I was too busy enjoying the bite size treats and my cup of tea. And then I’m afraid I felt a little tired.”
“That’s understandable,” Maddie said.
“Can I help you?” Kevin came out of his office, stopping in his tracks as he saw Maddie, Suzanne, and Trixie. “I don’t allow pets in the office.”
“That’s a shame.” Suzanne stood. “We were thinking of hiring a new accountant. But if you’re not interested—”
“I didn’t say that.” Kevin shoved his hands in the pockets of his charcoal slacks. “You might as well come through. I don’t have any appointments right now.”
“He’s a little grumpy because his receptionist called in sick,” Grandma Pat whispered loudly.
“She didn’t happen to stop by Claudine’s café in Estherville yesterday, did she?” Suzanne looked like she wanted to laugh.
“I’m afraid I don’t know what you’re talking about, dear.” Grandma Pat looked puzzled.
“It’s an inside joke,” Maddie explained, casting an admonishing glance at Suzanne.
“You young people and your jokes.” The elderly lady shook her head, then reached for the door. Kevin hurried to open it for you.
“Thank you, Kevin.” Grandma Pat smiled at him, then left the office.
“Come in.” Kevin jerked his head toward his inner sanctum.
Maddie and Suzanne exchanged a look. Maddie was already having doubts about interviewing Kevin – for accountancy – and sleuthing – purposes. But Trixie didn’t seem to have any qualms. She led the way, following Kevin into his office.
More beige.
“What can I do for you two?” Kevin asked, ignoring Trixie.
Maddie and Suzanne sat down on the two client chairs, Trixie sitting on the carpeted floor next to Maddie’s left leg.
“Like I said in the waiting room, we’re looking for a new accountant,” Suzanne began. “Bob recommended you.”
Maddie thought that was sort of true.
“Suzanne does the book keeping and our taxes,” Maddie jumped in. “But now we’re getting busier, we’re thinking of hiring someone.”
“You’ve come to the right place.” Kevin leaned back in his “executive” leather – or was it faux leather? – chair and steepled his fingers. “I’ve been doing Bob’s taxes for years so I’m well acquainted with the inside workings of a café. And I’ve also been looking after his grandmother’s affairs for a while.”
“Do you have any other references?” Suzanne asked politely.
Maddie cast a sideways glance at her – was she being deliberately polite?
“Sure.” He nodded. “Most of the businesses in Redbud Glen come to me to get their taxes done. I also have some private individuals as clients.”
“How much do you charge?” Suzanne asked.
“One-fifty an hour.”
Maddie and Suzanne exchanged an eyebrow raised look.
“You don’t come cheap,” Suzanne observed.
“That’s right.” Kevin looked smug. “If you want someone good, then you need to pay for it.” He straightened up and placed his hands flat on the table. “I’ve been meaning to apologize to you for the other night. I might have ... gotten a bit carried away when I saw that knife. It was a shock, you know?”
Maddie and Suzanne nodded. While she could sympathize with Kevin, Maddie couldn’t entirely forgive him for the way he’d accused Suzanne of being the killer.
“Has Detective Edgewater interviewed you yet?” Maddie asked.
“Yep.” Kevin nodded.
“Did he ask you where you were at the time of the ... murder?” Suzanne asked, her eyes bright with curiosity.
“Uh-huh.” He looked like he wasn’t going to elaborate, then he added, “I was with the other guests in the middle of the café.”
“How about you?” he asked when they remained silent.
Maddie looked down at Trixie. She sat patiently on the floor, but for once she didn’t give Maddie any clues about what she was thinking.
“We’ve told Detective Edgewater where we were,” Maddie said when Suzanne remained silent.
“That’s right,” Suzanne finally said.
Maddie wondered if she was thinking about the moment she spied the bloody knife on her tray.
“If that’s all, I’ve got a lot of work to catch up on.” Kevin importantly shuffled some files on his desk.
“Grandma Pat said your receptionist called in sick today,” Maddie commented as she rose.
“Yeah.” He nodded. “So I have to do her work as well as mine – otherwise she’ll complain when she gets back that there’s too much work to do!” His chuckle sounded forced.
Kevin ushered them out of his office. Maddie paused in the tiny waiting room. The receptionist’s desk was neat and tidy – no coffee mug or personal items littered the surface. A landline and a computer monitor were the only items visible.
Perhaps Kevin had strict rules on employee neatness?
“Let me know if you’re interested in hiring me,” Kevin said as he held the door open for them. “You can’t be too prepared for tax time!”
“That’s true,” Suzanne conceded as they said goodbye to him.
Once they were outside on the sidewalk, Suzanne put a finger to her lips. Maddie nodded and remained silent as they walked to the car.
“Mrrow?” Trixie asked.
“We’ll talk when we get inside the car, Trix,” Suzanne told the Persian.
Once they were inside Suzanne’s car, she let out a huge breath. “There’s no way we’re ever hiring that guy!”
“I agree.”
“Mrrow!”
“And his hourly rate is ridiculous!” Suzanne’s ponytail swished violently as she shook her head. “I don’t care if it would be tax deductible. I’d rather keep doing the books myself.”
“His references weren’t very specific – apart from Grandma Pat and Bob,” Maddie said. “Did you notice his receptionist’s desk? It looked like it hadn’t been touched in weeks.”
“And those magazines in the waiting area were so out of date – they were months old!”
“Maybe he’s not doing as well as he makes out,” Maddie said thoughtfully. “And there’s no longer a receptionist.”
“No wonder, with his sky-high prices.” Suzanne snorted.
“But Bob and Grandma Pat use him.”
“Maybe he gives them discount rates?” Suzanne suggested. “He and Bob are friends.”
“Or perhaps he gave us “special” rates – special expensive rates.”
“Oooohh.” Suzanne scowled. “You’re right – I bet that’s just what he did!”
“At least he apologized to you for accusing you at the party,” Maddie said.
“Hmph.” Suzanne didn’t look mollified. “I bet if we hadn’t visited him he wouldn’t have bothered. I don’t know what Bob sees in him.”
“Me either,” Maddie agreed reluctantly. She didn’t like to look for the bad in people, but Kevin had seemed very sure of himself. Perhaps it was because he was on his own turf, or maybe she and Suzanne were wrong and his accountancy business was actually doing well.
“Let’s go home.” Suzanne let out a sigh and started the engine. “At least we’ll get back in plenty of time for the lunch rush.”
“Mrrow,” Trixie agreed, looking happy to be going back to Estherville.
“Do you want to help us in the truck, Trixie? Or do you want us to drop you off at home?” Maddie asked.
Trixie seemed to ponder the question, then tapped the car seat once.
“I think she wants to come back with us to Brewed from the Bean,” Maddie told Suzanne.
“Mrrow!”
“Cool.” Suzanne smiled. “I’m sure if any of our customers have been seduced by Claudine’s terrible coffee, they’ll be more tempted to come back to us if they see Trixie in the truck.”
Trixie purred loudly, as if pleased with the compliment.
“We can close up early this afternoon if you want, Mads,” Suzanne offered as they drove into Estherville. “So you’ll have plenty of time to get ready for tonight.”
“I’ll have plenty of time if we close at four as usual,” Maddie protested.
She’d been so busy pondering Grandma Pat’s presence in Kevin’s office that for a few minutes she’d forgotten Luke was coming over tonight.
“Ooh, I know! I can come over and help you primp!” Suzanne grinned.
Maddie’s eyes rounded. From experience, she knew how long Suzanne’s “primping” sessions took. And she loved experimenting with different looks – on Maddie.
“I think I’ve got it. Thanks,” Maddie replied.
“Mrrow,” Trixie said importantly.
“See? Trixie said she’d help me.”
“Well, pooh.” Suzanne mock-pouted. “Okay. But you have to tell me every detail tomorrow. And if my brother still hasn’t kissed you by tomorrow morning, I’ll deal with him.”
Maddie turned around and gave Trixie a wide-eyed look that said, Yikes!
