Of murder and men, p.4
Of Murder and Men, page 4
“I’m glad you’re thinking about money because I didn’t even consider our budget.” Shauna shook her head. “Maybe I’m not the best partner you could have. You should ask Seth to step up and handle the finances.”
“Why, because he runs his own business?’ Cat shook her head. “Nope, this was our thing from the beginning and I’m keeping it that way. Besides, we’re keeping him busy enough with the remodeling and upkeep.”
“Not to mention driving during retreat week.” Shauna closed her planning book.
“When is Seth expected back from the airport?” Cat stood to grab a cup of coffee and rejoined Shauna at the table.
“Any minute now. And then, if it’s okay, I’ve asked him to stay over this week. Kevin is being clingy and wants me to sleep at the ranch. I’ve told him that even if we do move in together, I have to be here for the retreat.” She tossed her phone down on the table. “I don’t know about this whole thing. I’ve been my own boss for a long time. I’m not sure I’m the kind of girl who just hands over her life.”
“I don’t think you have to hand over your life just to get married.” Cat put a hand on Shauna’s arm. “Let’s just get through this week. Maybe it’s the engagement that has him so crazy. I hear guys freak out a bit once they make the decision.”
Shauna took a tissue out of the box on the table. “I can’t believe you’re being so nice about this. You don’t even like Kevin.”
“That’s not true.” Well, it was true, but Cat had never told her friend that. “I don’t know him well enough to not like him. But sometimes I don’t like the way he treats you.”
She blew her nose. “That’s true. It seems like we’re always tucked away at the ranch. We rarely go out, and when we do, it’s in Denver, not Aspen Hills. If I didn’t know better, I’d think he was hiding me from some wife.”
“Are you sure you know better?” Cat asked, but before Shauna could answer, they heard the front door open, followed by the sound of the little silver bell Shauna had set up on the reception desk.
“Sounds like the retreat has begun.” Shauna stood and wiped her eyes. “We’ll talk about this after they’re all gone next Sunday. From now until then, it’s all about the retreat.”
“I can do that.” Cat paused before she stood. “If you need to talk though, we can hole up in my room for an hour or so. They won’t miss us. Especially if you leave out a pan of those cheesecake brownies you made last week.”
She left the kitchen and was surprised to see two men in the lobby area. One was clearly her Covington guest, Collin, as he sported a backpack along with a computer bag. His blond hair looked like he was about two weeks late for a haircut, being just a little too long to be short and too short to be considered long. He had deep brown eyes covered by round wire-rimmed glasses. When he saw her, he grinned. “I’m Collin and I’m checking in.”
She handed him the guest card they had everyone fill out and then turned to the delivery guy holding a vase with two dozen roses. “Hi, Frank.”
“Someone’s trying to get your attention. What has Seth done now?” He set the vase on the counter.
“They’re not from Seth.” Cat held up a five-dollar bill she’d tucked in the desk drawer. Starting with the second retreat, she’d received two dozen red roses from Linda Cook on opening day. It had become an inside joke between Cat and the widow who called at least once a week. Linda was becoming a friend after spending time at Warm Springs Retreat while Uncle Pete tried to figure out why her husband had been killed. The woman had a sleuthing gene, just like Cat. She handed the bill to Frank, but held tight when he reached for the money. “And if I start hearing rumors about who’s sending me flowers circulating around town, your tip will be cut in half next month.”
“My lips are sealed. Besides, I’ll get to deliver an order to Mrs. Rice as soon as I get back. She always calls one in as soon as she sees my van here. She’s sneaky at trying to get the gossip, but I keep telling her I don’t read the cards. That way, I get two tips out of the deal.” He did a one-finger salute and headed out the door.
“Here’s my registration card. I didn’t fill out the credit card section. You don’t need any money, right? The school is paying my way, correct?” Collin held out his completed card.
“You’re fine. I probably should make up some new cards for our Covington guests, but right now, this works just fine.” She grabbed a key and coded it. “There’s treats and drinks available in the dining room during the day, and breakfast will be served at nine every morning. Other than that, and the Saturday night dinner, you’re on your own for food.”
“I’ll go eat at the campus cafeteria. I’ve got a room and board plan.” He paused, looking around the lobby. “Where’s your chef? I hear she’s really amazing in the kitchen.”
Somehow, his tone made Cat feel tense. Like he didn’t really mean his words. “Where did you hear that?”
“The last student who got the spot told me all about her crazy desserts.” He swung his backpack over his shoulder. “Do we have any group meetings tonight?”
“Just a get-together in the living room about seven.” Cat paused, wondering if she should have run a background check on Collin as well. She’d saved the money on one less report since she had to accept the college’s selection no matter what. “You have a complete schedule in your room in the welcome packet. You don’t have to go with us to the library orientation tomorrow if you don’t want to go.”
“We’ll see.” He took the stairs two at a time, and Cat hurried to show him the room.
Cat headed downstairs after getting Collin settled to tell Shauna about what he’d said. She’d just started down the stairs when she heard the next wave of guests arrive in the lobby. When she got there, Shauna was talking to a woman with spiky dark hair and, according to her outfit, a fondness for leather. Cat hurried over to help. A younger woman in a grey sweater set and matching grey pants stood waiting.
“Can you fill this out for me?” Cat grabbed a registration card and handed it to the woman along with a pen. “You must be Pamela. I’m Cat Latimer.”
She shook her head and pointed to the other woman talking to Shauna. “That’s Pamela. I’m Melissa Lowe.”
Cat glanced between the two women. She must have read their files wrong. “Sorry, Melissa. We’re so happy to have you two here. I love it when people share the retreat experience with friends.”
Pamela Harrison handed over the complete card and took her room key from Shauna. “I’m so excited to be here. I’m dying to dig into the library and get researching Colorado history.”
Cat looked at the cards again. “You write American historicals?”
“Yeah. I guess I was born in the wrong era. I love all the cowboys and saloon girls.” She grinned. “You thought Melissa was the historical writer, huh?”
Melissa giggled and handed Cat her completed card. “I’m into the paranormal scene.”
“You look like a librarian.” A man dropped his suitcases and Seth followed him in the house with a couple more. “You really need to think about your ‘author’ persona, right, Ms. Latimer?”
“Call me Cat. And that’s a great question for one of our discussion times. You’re Jordon Hart?” Cat handed Melissa her room key and then gave Jordon a pen and a guest card.
“Guilty as charged.” He took the pen and took over a corner of the registration desk next to the roses.
Seth walked over to her and gave her a quick kiss. “Everyone here?”
“Except for our surprise expert coming tomorrow. Make sure you get the details from Shauna before she leaves tonight.” She grabbed the key to the extra room that was quickly becoming Seth’s second home. “I hear you need a room key too.”
He took the key, pocketed it, and then leaned in. “I don’t really need a room.”
“Oh, you’re not staying?” Cat stepped toward the staircase. “Melissa, Pamela, can I help you with your suitcases?”
Seth grabbed Melissa’s larger case, and Pamela handed Cat her computer bag.
“You two are such a cute couple. My folks fight like this all the time.” Pamela followed Cat toward the stairs. “I just love this house. You live here all year long?”
Chapter 4
“You’re all set up. I’ll be back no later than five, five-thirty depending on the roads.” Shauna glanced around the breakfast room. The breakfast table had plates, silverware, cups, and glasses. The all-day treat table overflowed with cookies, muffins, and an assortment of drinks, including a large tub filled with ice and sodas. “Just keep an eye on the coffee and hot water levels tonight. I doubt that you’ll be up before I get back, but if you are, make coffee. Just don’t try to cook anything.”
“I’m not that bad of cook.” Cat set down the pile of napkins she’d taken out of the sideboard and then looked at her friend’s shocked face. “What? So I forgot to turn on the oven. Once. It could happen to anyone.”
Shauna glanced at her watch. The engagement ring sparkled on her hand. Apparently she’d decided to keep wearing it, no matter what Kevin had said last night. “I’m late.” She kissed Cat on her cheeks. “You and Seth have a casserole in the oven for dinner. There’s a salad to go along with it in the fridge. But if you decide to eat out, just turn off the oven and put the casserole away when it cools.”
“We’ll be here.” Cat had set up a reservation for the group at the local pizza place, complete with walking directions. Of course, that was the one good thing about having a Covington student as a guest. He could serve as the town’s information guru for the new arrivals. “I want to talk to Seth about the plans for finishing the attic.”
“Pillow talk. You two are so sweet.” Shauna gave the room one more glance. Then, apparently satisfied, she moved toward the kitchen.
“So are you going to tell Kevin that he can’t just take back his offer that way?” Cat followed and grabbed a soda out of the fridge. “I see you’re wearing the ring.”
“I don’t know what I’m going to say, except that I can’t keep leaving you during retreat week. He’s going to have to deal with the fact I have responsibilities too.” Shauna shrugged on her coat and pulled her red hair free as she talked. She grabbed a box that Cat guessed must be filled with their dinner supplies. “I may not be doing million-dollar housing projects in Denver, but my job is important. Especially to those five people upstairs.”
“Good luck.” Cat didn’t think Kevin thought anyone else’s job was as important as what he did, including the head trauma surgeon at a hospital or the President of the United States. The guy was full of himself and liked to flaunt his money as well as the success his company had obtained. At least he was getting one of his favorite meals to eat while Shauna laid down the law. Cat didn’t understand what Shauna saw in him. Maybe he had a good heart. Way, way down inside.
After Shauna left, Cat worked on email and marketing stuff in the kitchen. She didn’t want to leave the room while dinner was still baking. Not after this morning’s incident. She heard footsteps on the stairs and checked the time. Five-thirty. The group must be banding together for their walk to dinner. She made her way to the lobby to send them off.
“There you are.” Shirley frowned as she took in Cat’s still slippered feet. “Aren’t you and that lovely man of yours coming to dinner with us?”
“Not tonight.” Cat took a quick inventory of the group, making sure no one was missing. “We host a group dinner on Saturday to talk about how the retreat worked for you. Tonight is time for you all to get to know each other. Tomorrow, we’ll head over to the library to get your passes.”
“The pizza’s really good,” Collin said, glancing around the lobby. “Deep dish, Chicago style in the middle of Colorado. Who would have thought?”
Cat’s mouth watered a little at the thought of Reno’s Pizza. The place had been a local hangout for as long as she could remember. And the pizza was great.
Seth came down the stairs. “Sorry, guys. You can’t steal her away tonight. We’ve got business to talk about.”
Pamela smirked. “Business? Is that what they call it in Colorado?”
Cat flushed at the innuendo but shook her head. “Romance writers. You all see things in a different light.”
“Love, passion, heat, and a happily ever after. Not a bad way to see the world, even if it isn’t always true.” Melissa pulled a stocking cap over her brown curls. She looked like an Ivy League college student, not someone who wrote vampire novels. “Let’s go, guys. I’m starving.”
“Call me if you get lost or have a problem,” Cat called after the group.
Seth walked to the front door with her, and they watched the guests make their way down the walkway to the sidewalk. Pamela threw a snowball at Melissa, who was talking to Shirley. She just brushed off the snow and kept walking. When they turned right, toward town, Seth let out a breath. “At least they’re heading in the right direction.”
Cat put her arm around his waist. “It’s like watching your kids go off to school alone.”
“You know what?” He kissed the top of her head. She lifted her head to meet his gaze.
“What?”
An evil grin curved Seth’s lips. “We have the house all to ourselves for at least an hour. Let’s say we skip dinner and go make out on the couch.”
Before she could answer, her stomach growled.
He turned toward the kitchen. “Never mind. Let’s eat.”
“I didn’t say no,” Cat protested as she followed him.
He held the door open for her, and the smell of Shauna’s beef stroganoff hit her as she walked into the room. This time, her stomach growled louder. “Your stomach answered for you.”
“Are you mad?” Cat went to the cupboard to grab two plates and silverware.
Seth took the casserole out of the oven. “Why would I be mad? You have a business to run. We rarely have alone time during the retreats. Besides, I’m hungry too. Is it just me, or is Shauna being weird this week?”
“If you take into account all the pull and tug she’s getting from Kevin about this marriage thing, I think she’s holding up well.” Cat narrowed her eyes at him. “Why? What happened?”
“Nothing. I mean, it was just weird. Forget I even mentioned it.” They worked together getting the dinner ready and on the table, and then Seth grabbed two beers out of the fridge and held them out. “You’re off the clock, right?”
“I’m never off the clock once the retreat starts. At least not if Shauna isn’t here to be the adult.” She waved away the beer. “Grab me a soda. I’d hate to have to tell one of my guests I couldn’t drive them to the hospital because I’d been drinking.”
Seth returned the beers to the fridge and grabbed two sodas. He set one in front of her and then sat down to eat. “This smells wonderful.”
“You could have a beer.” She dished salad onto her plate and passed the bowl to Seth. “I wouldn’t mind.”
He put salad on his plate and set the bowl down before he answered. “I know. But the thought of you driving anywhere on these roads makes me nervous. I’ll adult with you.”
His response made her feel warm and connected. They were a team. Her, Shauna, and now Seth. She just hoped the team would stay together for a long, long time.
*
Her alarm went off at five, and Cat pulled herself out of her warm bed and toward the bathroom for a shower. The first day of the retreat was always the busiest. It took people a while to get comfortable in a new situation. As she turned on the water, she smiled at the way the group had acted when they’d returned from dinner. They had been bonding. Laughing, joking, and even a little teasing as they’d removed their coats and then gathered in the living room to continue their conversation. Cat had stayed until ten, but then excused herself. She wondered what time they’d finally given up and gone to bed. It had been like an adult slumber party, with stories and chatter.
As she let the water warm her body, she realized this was why she’d wanted to start the writers’ retreat in the first place. A getaway where writers could focus on the craft of writing and support each other in their development.
Humming, she headed downstairs to greet Shauna. When she pushed the kitchen door open, she realized it was still dark. She flipped on the light and then checked the clock on the stove. Five-fifteen. The roads must be bad this morning. Cat poured herself a cup of coffee from the pot Shauna had set on a delayed timer and then went to the breakfast room to get both the coffee and hot water carafes. She’d help get things set up so Shauna didn’t have to do everything. They were a team. And she could set up the coffee.
By six, Cat was beginning to get nervous. She picked up her phone and dialed Shauna’s number. No answer.
Staring at the phone, she poured her third cup of coffee waiting for her to call back. Five minutes passed, then ten. No call.
Looking in her contacts, she found a number and punched it in.
“Hey,” Kevin said into her ear. Cat started to ask if Shauna was there, but then he went on with his recorded message. She’d reached his voice mail. If they were just sleeping in, she was going to kill Shauna.
She was just about to call the police station and see if there had been any accidents reported on the road when she saw the lights of a car pulling into her driveway. Relief filled her body and she curled her shaking hands around her coffee cup. Shauna was home.
Shauna burst into the kitchen and ran for Cat. Her coat was still on, and snow fell off her boots in clumps. “Oh, Cat, it was awful.”
Cat didn’t want to be the one who told her friend I told you so, but she could have warned Shauna that driving on the roads before the sanding trucks got out to do their magic wasn’t the safest thing to do. She patted Shauna’s back and realized her friend was shaking. “Are you okay? Did the car skid? Did you hit a guardrail? Tell me what happened.”
