Red Velvet Vengeance Read online

  “I think he’s dead serious. But I also agree with you. He is very much yanking my chain, and I can’t tell you how infuriating it is.”

  “This is going to make things awkward. My God, what have I done?”

  Noah pulls me in as close as that pink box wedged between us will allow. “You didn’t do anything wrong. Trust me. You’re irresistible. It’s no surprise to me he feels this way. To know you is to love you.”

  I bite down on my lower lip, dazed by the revelation. “Thank you,” I say numbly just as I spot Tinsley getting into her car across the street and leaving. “Shoot. Tinsley just took off.”

  Noah glances that way. “No, that will work for us. If Nikki is in there, she’ll have more freedom to throw her under the bus.”

  “Detective Fox,” I say with a laugh caught in my throat. “Are you allowing me to tag along in your investigation?”

  His chest vibrates with a silent laugh. “I do believe you are allowing me to tag along with your investigation.”

  “Now we’re talking.” I take him by the hand, and we head straight into The Coffee Cake Break with Dutch snorting and growling alongside us. I glance down to see what’s got him going and gasp when I spot a small army of adorable snow-white, albeit ghostly, Chihuahuas. They prattle and prance and give a happy little bark as they nip playfully at the oafish Golden. Dutch is clearly a giant in their ghostly midst.

  I turn back to the counter and note it’s strewn with wrappers and crumbs and coffee rings that look as if they’re days old. I do a quick visual sweep of the vicinity and notice the entire place looks as if it hasn’t been cleaned in weeks. The scent of coffee is faint in the air, taken over by the smell of something burning. The store is empty and so are its shelves. Not a good sign. As much as I don’t care to have competition, I hate to see them go under so quickly.

  I spot Nikki making her way over from the kitchen. Her hair is neatly pulled back into a ponytail, and she’s wearing a tight sweatshirt that reads I got hammered in Leeds.

  “Hey.” Her face brightens just a notch, and I can’t help but note how gorgeous her eyes look. It’s so rare to see such beautiful almond-shaped eyes. The way she has them outlined gives her a cartoonish appeal but still jarringly beautiful. “Oh thank God.” She takes the box from me, and this time instead of tossing them all straight onto the bakery shelf, she pulls out a cupcake and takes a hefty bite out of it. “Mmm, I’ve been craving these since the last time I had one. They’re phenomenal.”

  “Thanks.” I pump my shoulders with excitement. “My boyfriend likes them, too.” I offer Noah a playful smile. “He’s new to Honey Hollow. He’s only been here a few months.”

  “Right.” Noah nods as if catching on. “I came in from Cincinnati. How about you?”

  “Newton,” she says without blinking. “It’s nothing exciting, believe me. I’d much rather have come from Cincinnati.”

  Newton? I try to rack my brain but come up empty.

  “How long ago?” I ask, trying to sound causal as if I didn’t really want to shake the information out of her.

  “A while back. Before I knew it, I was in Honey Hollow of all places.”

  I happen to like Honey Hollow so I can’t quite commiserate.

  She shrugs. “Greer thought it was a good place to open up shop. No competition.” She wrinkles her nose my way. “No offense.”

  “No offense taken.” It’s nice to know I can lie when I need to. “So, how long have you known Greer?”

  Her eyes flash with suspicion, and I get the feeling the gig is up.

  “Are you interrogating me?” A throaty laugh comes from her. “I’ve known her for a while.”

  “Oh, that’s right. You were sorority sisters together. I think you mentioned it last month when we met.”

  “That’s right. Tri Delta.” She leans in and inspects Noah. “So, have you figured out who killed Greer? I have to say, I’m not feeling so safe at night closing up and leaving on my own knowing there’s a killer on the loose armed with a gun.”

  Noah’s dimples dig in even without the effort of a smile. “We’re looking at it from all angles. Anything that you might be able to offer would still be very much appreciated.”

  She takes a deep breath and gives a quick glance around. There’s no one in here, save for all the chirping cutie pies at my feet, but at the moment they’re all perfectly content chasing Dutch from one end of the establishment to the other. And he’s looking pretty good for a dog that just had a four-wheeler ride right through him.

  “Have you looked into Tinsley?” Her eyes expand, and they look that much more mesmerizing. “She and Greer worked together at that same agency we talked about.” She shakes her head at Noah as if she disapproved of it. “Greer had trouble there, but Tinsley? She’s in a tangled mess of her own.”

  “Oh?” I try my best to act surprised. “Don’t tell me she’s fallen in love with the clientele.” I know for a fact she’s stringing two of them along. Fannie let Everett and me in on that tidbit. Everett flits through my mind, and my adrenaline skyrockets, unsure what to do with that information Noah just sprung on me outside.

  “Two of them.” Nikki is quick to indeed throw Tinsley under the bus as Noah predicted. “A couple of old dudes. Manheim something. He’s running for senate, or so she says. I bet he’s feeding her a line along with something else. And a guy named Trace from Battleboro. Says he’s a cop.” She rolls her eyes as if Tinsley more than likely had another lewd liar on her hands.

  A couple walks in, shivering off the icy air as they make their way to the counter.

  “Enjoy the cupcakes,” I whisper. “I just wanted to drop by and see how you were doing.”

  Her face smooths out, and she looks genuinely touched. “Thank you. I’m not sure why, but it just seems to get harder every day. I never thought I’d have to do all this on my own—and Tins, well, she’s not much help.”

  “Sorry to hear it. Let me know if I can do anything for you at all.”

  “Sure thing. Oh—will you be at the Night of a Couple of Laughs? Tinsley is performing.” She makes a face as if it were abhorrent.

  “I sure will! It’s at my mother’s B&B. See you there!”

  Noah and I take off into the frosty air and make our way to the park across the street with Dutch bouncing by our side and a single file line of snow-white Chihuahuas that makes me coo out loud.

  “You okay?” Noah wraps an arm around, me and we pause just shy of the enormous fountain in Town Square.

  “Better, now that I’m alone with you.” I pull out my phone, and he does the same. “I’ll look to see if there’s anyone running for senate by the name of Manheim, and you look for the cop in Battleboro.”

  “No need. I know who he is.”

  “What? He’s real? Who is he?” I hop a little with excitement without meaning to. Noah is downright hot when he’s darn sure about his facts.

  “Trace Santiago. He works highway patrol. Married, two kids.” His brows dip with disapproval. “We’ve had a couple of meetings with their department. I’ve met them all several times. He’s a nice guy. Unfortunately, he sounds like he might be a cheat.”

  “A man who cheats on his wife had better watch his back around me.” I fuss with my phone until I hit pay dirt. “Oh my goodness. Manheim Murphy is indeed a real person, and he is running for senate.” I look up at Noah, and he’s already gazing into my eyes, a look of sorrow buried in each one. “What’s the matter?”

  “Nothing.” He shakes his head and peers at my screen. “Tinsley is playing with fire. Even if she was just sleeping with one of them, that would put her in danger, but those are a couple of powerful men.”

  “And we know for a fact one of them is armed.” My mind reels back to that fated night. “Hey, I heard Greer arguing with Tinsley the night she was killed. She said she was going to blow this thing wide open. Maybe she was threatening her? Do you think Tinsley shot her in an effort to keep her quiet? Or either Manheim or Trace did it themsel
ves?”

  He blows out a breath as he looks past me, contemplating the odds. “I don’t know. But I do know that our suspect list has grown by three solid leads. Good work, Detective Lemon.”

  “You’re just saying that to butter me up.” I bat my lashes at him in an effort to flirt shamelessly.

  “Is it working?” He leans in and touches his nose to mine.

  “Just a little.” I pull him in by the tie. “Kiss me and I’ll let you know for sure.”

  Noah’s lips find mine, and he takes my mouth as if this were one of the last kisses we would ever share. It’s wild and hungry and says let’s get home so I can do exactly this to every part of you. Noah and I obey that primal urge and head back to his place, and he does exactly what he promised with those lips.

  But the whole while Everett and those stormy eyes of his haunt me, they tear up my heart, they shout what about us? Us, as in Everett and me. But there could never be an us—could there?

  Chapter 16

  On a snowy Saturday, Greer Ginny Giles’ funeral service is held at the Honey Hollow Covenant Church. It turns out, her family thought it a sweet sentiment to have her laid to rest in the very town she decided to make a home for herself. And as fate, fortune, and Greer’s stunning popularity would have it, all of Vermont showed up for the service—or at least every Tri Delta sister in the state.

  Nikki and Tinsley came by the bakery a few days ago and asked me to provide the baked goods for the gathering in Carlson Hall afterwards. Mrs. Giles, Greer’s mother, sent over a hefty check to cover the cost of my expenses, which was very kind, but I would have done it regardless.

  Of course, I didn’t bring a single red velvet cupcake, seeing that it was not only the last thing she ate, but the killer saw fit to shove one down her throat. At first, I thought it was someone’s way of trying to set me up, but, honestly, I’m starting to think I don’t factor in the homicidal equation at all. The violent gesture was extremely personal. The bullet was highly personal, too.

  My mother and I sit together for the service, just a few rows back from Lily and Everett, and I’m forced to watch Lily weep over his big, strong chest. Honest to God, I almost threw a shoe at her, she was causing such a scene.

  Greer looks stunning in a bright red gown, her hair and makeup done to the point of perfection. A little too perfect if you ask me. It all gives off a mannequin effect that I’m sure they weren’t going for, but the poor thing is dead and she was beautiful—there is no denying that. After the service, Mom helps me restock the dessert table three times within the first half hour of what is truly panning out to be an after-party.

  I spot both Tinsley and Nikki making the rounds through the bustling crowd—and while Tinsley is receiving a screaming hug from just about every bubbly girl they encounter, Nikki looks as if she’s being introduced to them all. It seems odd. Maybe Nikki’s chapter of the sorority isn’t here? Although, you’d think it would be. How many more sisters could there possibly be?

  “Oh, Lottie, I can’t believe everyone showed up today!” Mom waves at someone in the distance. The entire hall is brimming with bodies, and the chatter and laughter echo off the walls as if this were some huge sorority mixer. “I just have to get out there and mingle. I can’t believe I haven’t seen some of these women in years! This is the best day ever.” Her phone pings in her hand, and she makes a face at it before pecking away. “It’s Rich. I missed the last two check-ins because the funeral ran long.”

  “I’m sure he’ll understand.”

  “I don’t know about that.” She holds out her phone a second. “He’s already out on the streets looking for me in the event I’m lying dead in a ditch. Now, if that isn’t the nicest thing you’ve ever heard, I don’t know what is.” She taps into her phone as she strides into the crowd.

  It’s all I can do not to chase after her. This Rich Dallas character sounds every bit as terrible as Brad. Speak of the devil.

  Carlotta Sawyer and Brad Rutherford stride up and help themselves to the cookie smorgasbord I’ve provided.

  My bio mom lifts a finger my way. “I never was one to turn down a good party.”

  “It’s not a party. It’s a funeral,” I correct.

  Mr. Rutherford laughs until he chokes. Dear Lord, just don’t kick the bucket in front of me, and I’m fine with it.

  “Yummo!” He lifts a half-eaten fudge pinwheel my way as if toasting me with it.

  I lean in toward Carlotta. “You know what they say—never trust a man who says yummo.”

  “Except when he says it in bed.” Her hip knocks into mine as she bursts out with a chortling laugh.

  “Gross.” I nod his way.

  He leans in. Brad Rutherford has a boyish appeal to him, even though he’s five decades past his boyhood. “You’re not angry that your mother and I didn’t work out, are you?” He looks visibly concerned, and a part of me demands to like him.

  “Oh, heavens no. I’m just glad you found a soul mate in Carlotta. You know what they say—every pot has a lid. The two of you really do deserve each other.”

  A wild ruckus steals my attention, and it’s a herd of barking, biting, terrorizing Chihuahuas attacking any and every ankle they can get ahold of. Soon enough, the entire hall looks as if they’re moving to an invisible beat.

  I step in close to Carlotta. “What are we going to do?”

  “I know just the thing.” She pulls out her phone and fires up a song before shoving it in Mr. Rutherford’s hand. “There’s a live mic somewhere. Go find it and put this to it. We’ll get the party started here, and I’ll make sure to finish it back at your place.” She gives a sly wink, and the lewd promise has him off and running. Within ten seconds, music bleeds out of the speakers up above, and soon enough every sorority girl in here is kicking off her shoes and engaging in what looks to be an aerobic workout.

  “Well done. Now, what to do about the killer? Those cute puppies won’t be leaving us until this case is solved.”

  “That’s your problem, sweetie.” She snaps her fingers to the upbeat tune. “And I can see you still haven’t dealt with that gorgeous beast.” She nods ahead of me, and I look over, fully expecting to find Dutch, but instead, I see Everett striding this way and my heart pulsates wildly in my chest.

  “Lainey told me all about it.” She clicks her tongue. “If it were me, I’d take them both by the horny horns. The cop and the judge. You’ve practically got your own legal system going. But a strong woman like you should lay down the law when it comes to the bedroom. One man a night. Make them work for their time with you.”

  “And I’ve heard enough. Enjoy the cookies,” I say, meeting Everett partway. “Hello, handsome.” No sooner do the words leave my mouth than I regret them. There I go leading him on again. “Sorry.” I wince. “I didn’t mean that. I mean, yes, you’re handsome, but I shouldn’t say that. Wait, that’s not right. Of course, I can say that. I mean, it’s a fact. Look at you. You’re a walking, talking bundle of abs and steel, and you’ve got a decent head on your shoulders. You’re a judge, for Pete’s sake! Nothing is hotter than a judge who can rock a six-pack. And that face—”

  “Lemon.” He closes his eyes a moment. “Noah spoke to you, didn’t he?”

  My shoulders hike all the way up to my ears. “Maybe?”

  “I’m sorry. He was harassing me, and it was the only way I could get him to leave me alone.”

  A prickling heat washes over me. “So, you didn’t mean it?” My heart detonates a few times hard as if everything was riding on his answer. “You just said those things to get him to leave you alone?” A part of me hopes so, and a part of me…

  Everett takes a breath, and his chest expands. “No.” He presses his serious gaze into mine. “I meant it. I meant every word. I’m just sorry I didn’t tell you first.”

  “What?” I squawk just as a tiny tot of celestial terror attacks him just above the shoe, and he tries to shake it off.

  “Geez. It feels as if something has a hold on me
.”

  I bend over and pick up the shivering sweetheart. “Oh, goodness”—I give it a quick nuzzle—“you’re not angry at all. You’re frightened.” I drop a kiss over its quivering forehead before looking to Everett. “It’s a Chihuahua. They’re everywhere in this room.” I shrug, uncertain of where to go next. The music is booming, and the heat level is starting to climb, and I can’t tell if it’s because of all the dancing bodies or the fact Everett just stepped in closer to me.

  He leans in, and for a moment I think he’s about to land those ultra-soft lips over mine once again. “Would you mind if we stepped outside?”

  “I thought you’d never ask.”

  Snow is coming down outside, quick and heavy, so we head into the church and stand near the back. Greer has already been moved across the street. I saw her immediate family head that way as I left the church earlier.

  “Lemon.” Everett sighs, and it sounds like a tire expiring. “I’m sorry to spring this on you. To be honest, I feel as if it were sprung on me as well. Up until a few days ago, I considered you a very good friend. An exceptionally good friend, considering what we went through with my father.” He takes up both my hands and looks at me as if asking permission, and I nod. “But the other day while we were in Leeds—I was forced to examine my feelings for you, and I’m glad that I was.” Those ocean deep eyes drill deep into mine. “Lemon, I’ve never felt what I feel for you with anyone else.”

  “Not even Cormack?” I blurt out the name of the girl who skewered his heart without meaning to.

  A dark chuckle bounces through him, sans a smile to go along with it. “No. Not even Cormack.”

  “Everett”—my heart is spasming out of control, my knees begin to knock, and my hands are trembling so hard, I’m sure he can feel it—“I don’t know what to say. I think you’re amazing, and, to be honest, I’m flattered far more than I should be.” My cheeks burn with heat as I admit to it.