The Maestro (Cold Hollow Mysteries Book 3) (7 page)

CHAPTER 8

Reginald Denning woke with a raging headache. He cringed and dragged his aching body out of bed, took two aspirins with a glass of water, and proceeded to take a long, hot shower in hopes of relieving the pain. After he changed into his work clothes, his headache was reduced to a dull throb. He knew a good cup of coffee would cure that and made his way out of the house to the driveway. As he unlocked the driver’s-side door to his car, he noticed the tires were flat—not one, but all of them. His hands formed fists, and he walked around the car and kicked each one of them. It was more than possible that little Tilly was upset with him for knocking her to the ground on the trail and leaving her. It also could have been one of her teenaged friends.

Either way, he was without transportation. He started walking to the bakery, which was only two blocks away, for his breakfast. Once there, he could ask Donnie to phone Fran so she could pick him up for work. Maybe Donnie could even call a tow truck and see if the garage could fix all of his tires for him. The phone inside his house hadn’t worked since he moved in, and he never bothered to complain about it, mainly because he never had anyone to call.

As he walked to the bakery, he noticed the town was awake and moving about earlier than usual this morning. He supposed it was due to the recent influx of tourists and the upcoming wedding. The wedding had been the talk of the town at the bakery, so he couldn’t help but know all the details. He was against marriage and cringed at the idea, but he could tell the townsfolk were happy about it.

As he entered the bakery, the aroma of fresh-baked croissants and various muffins along with brewed coffee struck him. He straightened his back when he noticed a stunning blond woman sitting alone at a table. She was about twenty-four years old, and she had a gorgeous set of eyes. He supposed his day wasn’t going badly after all. When he noticed she was smiling at him, he took a chance and approached her table. He tapped the vacant chair across from her and asked, “Is this seat taken?”

Delilah couldn’t believe he actually used that pick-up line but continued smiling and extended her arm out toward the chair in invitation. The seating was perfect. She could see what was coming up behind him, but he’d be oblivious. Donnie arrived and took their order. He came back with two clean glasses filled with water and rushed back to get their food and coffee.

Reginald asked, “Are you a visitor here? I basically can identify all of the townsfolk, but I’ve never seen you before.”

Delilah replied, “I’m in town for my brother’s wedding. I’ve only had a chance to meet my new sister-in-law and nephew.” She paused. “Now that I think of it, I did meet a woman named Fran O’Connor too.”

He grasped his glass of water and smiled. “What a coincidence! I work at her farm. Where are you staying?”

Delilah batted her eyelashes at him and grinned. “At the Bed and Breakfast.”

He laughed. “Then why aren’t you having breakfast there?”

She winced. “I was not in the mood for grapefruit slices, runny scrambled eggs, and toast.”

“Can’t say I blame you. This little bakery makes the best stuff in town.”

“If memory serves me correctly, I think I’ll be seeing you again. We’re supposed to be spending a day at Fran’s farm this week.” She watched her father and Adam walk into the bakery. As they passed Reginald, she watched his eyes go wide as he was pushed forward over the table, spilling his water glass. Adam was quick with the syringe; he inserted it into Reginald’s neck, drew a bit of blood, and removed it as Maurice stood by, observing. Delilah watched Adam cap the syringe and slide it into his jacket pocket. She was in awe of his sleight of hand. The syringe had been hidden from view within his large, bulky fist.

Donnie rushed over, wrapped the water glass in a cloth napkin, slid it in his apron, and proceeded to wipe the remaining water off the table.

Maurice assisted Reginald to a sitting position and apologized, “I’m so sorry, sir. My friend here saw a bee on your neck, and it was stinging you. I’m afraid he used too much force when trying to kill it.”

Reginald glanced up with panic-stricken eyes. “Did you get it?” He rubbed the side of his neck.

Adam grinned. “I sure did.” He opened his hand to display a dead bee sitting on his palm.

Reginald took a deep breath and nodded. “Thank you. I’ve been stung before. The bees at the farm come from the orchard, and I’ve been fighting them off all week.”

Adam asked, “Does it hurt?”

Reginald replied, “This one wasn’t too potent. Normally they burn, so perhaps you got to it in time. Thank you.”

Maurice smiled at him and nodded once. “Consider your breakfast on us for this untimely incident.”

Reginald shook his head. “It’s not necessary. You guys did me a favor.”              Maurice dismissed his remark. “I insist. It’s always my pleasure to help those in need. Now, we’ve taken enough attention away from your breakfast companion. You mustn’t ignore the fairer sex for too long, young man.” He indicated Delilah, and she giggled.

Reginald watched them walk away to a table on the other side of the room. Donnie rushed over and served Reginald and Delilah their coffee and breakfast order; then he went to the next table, where Maurice slipped him a twenty-dollar bill. Maurice looked up at him, “Does our dear Myrna have the package?”

Donnie leaned down and said, “You bet, Mr. Gillette.” He pulled out his pad and took their order.             

Delilah watched Reginald down his first cup of coffee as she nibbled on her breakfast croissant. He asked for a refill and was granted one, and then he devoured his breakfast. Between bites he said, “Those guys were nice.”

Delilah nodded. “They sure are. The older one is my father.” Reginald’s actions halted, and he gawked at her. She continued, “They do nice things to people all the time.”

“Are you supposed to be having breakfast with them? I mean, I can leave if you want to join them.”

She shook her head. “I’m fine right where I am. They would probably only talk about business matters anyway.”

He began apologizing to her and said, “I wish I could stay and talk to you some more, but I have to make a phone call and get to work. Fran hates it when I’m late. When are you coming to the farm?”

She smiled and said, “I believe we’re going to the farm tomorrow. We are booked all day today.”

He stood, took her hand, and delicately kissed the top of it. “Until we meet again.” She watched him go to the counter, ask to use the phone, and make two calls. When he was done, he left the bakery but stopped briefly to wave good-bye to her.

When he was out of sight, Delilah picked up her meal and coffee and went to her father’s table. As soon as she sat down, Maurice asked, “Does he know where we’re staying?”

Delilah glanced at him while wearing a sly grin. “Yes.”

Maurice patted her hand. “You were superb, darling.” He and Adam began eating their breakfast, and Maurice’s eyes rolled as he let the buttery flakiness of the warm croissant roll about his mouth. He chewed, swallowed, and glanced at Adam. “I do believe the mountain air makes everything taste better here, Adam. Don’t you agree?”

Adam nodded. “I just wish they had cannoli. I love cannoli. I can eat ten of them in the blink of an eye.”

Maurice contemplated this issue. “What exactly is cannoli?”

Adam put his muffin down. Maurice watched his eyes light up and his hands became animated. “It’s a tube-shaped, crispy pastry shell filled with sweetened ricotta cheese. You can add nuts or chocolate bits if you want, and then it’s sprinkled with confectioners’ sugar.” He pressed his fingers together, put the tips to his mouth, and blew a kiss. “They are supreme.”

“Perhaps our Myrna does not know how to make them. Did your mother ever teach you?”

Adam bobbed his head. “Every man in the household was taught how to cook.”

“Then simply ask Myrna to borrow her kitchen for a bit and have her try some when you finish making them.”

Adam sipped his coffee. “I will. Maybe I’ll bake some tomorrow morning before we go to the farm. That way I can bring Frannie some.”

Delilah moaned as Maurice chuckled at Adam’s obvious infatuation with Frances O’Connor.

Myrna emerged from the kitchen and sat beside Delilah. “Are we ready to go?”

Maurice nodded and left his money on the table beside the bill that Donnie had delivered. They all stood and walked from the bakery and across the street to the town hall. Myrna introduced them to all of the workers and escorted them up the stairs to her office. Inside, she turned her phone toward Maurice and said, “Go for it.”

She watched Maurice pick up the phone, punch some numbers in, and say, “This is Maurice. I’m sending an overnight package your way. I’ve already written down instructions for you. Fax all the results to this number as soon as possible.” He recited Myrna’s fax number and when he was done, he gently replaced the receiver and stared at Myrna. “Shall we go to the post office?”

Adam stepped forward and pointed at the phone. “Boss, you should probably check in with the home office while we’re here.”

“Too true, Adam. Thank you for reminding me.” He lifted the phone back out of its cradle, dialed, and waited. His manager, Laurence, answered all of his questions to his satisfaction, and Maurice soon hung up.

Myrna and the group made their way out of her office and down the stairs. As they walked Main Street, Maurice asked, “Myrna, are you pleased with our progress?”

She groaned as she walked. “I’ll be happy when we get the faxed results.”

He halted her from walking. “Did you lock your office door?” He cleared his throat and continued as he cocked his head to one side. “We do not want the wrong set of eyes to view the fax.”

She stomped her foot, turned back toward the town hall, and raced back inside.

Maurice turned to Adam. He raised his arms into the air. “In all honesty, I do not know how that woman survived without us, Adam.”

Adam and Delilah chuckled in agreement.

Back in her office, Myrna checked to make sure the fax was turned on and locked the door on her way out. If the chief wanted to enter while she was away, too bad. He could find her around town or at her home. She raced out of the building and down Main Street again until she caught up with Maurice. She pointed out the post office, and they went inside. She observed with interest as Maurice spoke with the postmaster and explained what he needed. He was given a small shipping box. He packed the capped syringe in a small cooling container Adam had handed him and held out his hand to Myrna. She reached into her pocketbook and withdrew a glass wrapped in a cloth napkin. He inserted his instructions for his laboratory. He addressed the box and returned it to the counter. The postmaster sealed and stamped it as overnight delivery, and Maurice paid.

Myrna let out a sigh of relief…until her police radio went off. She exited the building and spoke to the chief on the sidewalk. He said, “I just heard from Car Hop Harry that our newcomer’s car was towed in. It’s funny how all four of his tires were slashed.”

“There’s nothing funny about that, Chief. That’s an unfortunate accident. Poor Reginald.” Her eyes darted to Maurice, and she almost giggled.

She heard the chief moan. “I swear, Myrna. You should be concentrating on your wedding and leaving this issue to me!” She heard him take a few calming breaths and continue: “Are you going to Tilly’s service in the morning?”

“Yes. I promised Sarah I would pick her up and we’d go together. Then I have plans for the day with my family.” She glanced at Maurice to see him smiling.

“I’ll see you at the service.”

“Okay, have a good day, Chief.” She shoved the radio into her pocketbook and glanced at her watch. She then looked at Maurice. “Tom only has to do rounds today. After that, he’s officially on vacation for two weeks.”

Maurice frowned. “But that doesn’t leave time for a honeymoon.” He pointed his forefinger at her. “I do want more grandchildren, you know, and I’m sure Delilah will be the ever-doting aunt.”

Adam elbowed him. “I like kids too, boss. They smell great.”

Myrna began chuckling. “We plan on expanding our family, but unfortunately Tom can’t leave town for a little under two years. After that, we’re free to travel.”

Maurice turned to Delilah. “We will give them a honeymoon. Perhaps at the beach house? I will bet little Liam will love it and by then, he’ll be strong enough to handle the ocean waves and go on boat rides.”

Delilah beamed and agreed, and then she turned to Myrna. “You will love it there, and there is so much to see and do! Father and I can babysit Liam so you and Tom have privacy. Oh, Myrna, please say you’ll come?”

Myrna had never been to a real beach and gasped at the offer. She didn’t hesitate. “I’ll take you up on it. You’ll get no arguments from me.”

Delilah then began babbling about shopping in the town. She was looking forward to Liam getting out of school and could hardly wait to visit the nursery. Adam got the car, and Myrna took them to some out-of-the-way shops the town had. Maurice was particularly fond of an artisan shop and spent well over an hour inside. Myrna laughed inwardly as he fawned over the owner. He exited with two wrapped prints he claimed he could not live without. Delilah left with some ornate pottery. Adam and Myrna just stared at each other, bored.