Double Fudge Brownie Murder (Hannah Swensen series Book 18) (9 page)

 

H
annah woke up when the sky began to lighten with the promise of a new day. Even though, technically, she was still on vacation, she’d gotten into the habit of waking up early and old habits were hard to break. She smiled as she got out of bed and slipped on her bathing suit and one of the robes that the hotel had provided for its guests.

A moment later, she let herself into Ross’s suite. She walked across the floor to the window, opened the drapes and the sliding door, and stepped out on the balcony. It faced east and there was a glow on the horizon. As she stood there and watched, the glow brightened and the scene below her took shape. At first, the pool was a hazy rectangle in the predawn light. The sky, reflecting on the surface of the water was a slightly lighter shade than the surrounding apron of concrete that was textured and tinted to look like brickwork.

That was when the first pale colors, muted by the gray of the sky, began to appear on the horizon. First there was a pale yellow glow that gradually lightened with a hint of coral at its base as the sun, still hidden, rose slowly in the sky. And then came the magical moment that always made Hannah’s heart beat with joy at being alive. The sun, in all its stately splendor, peeked over the horizon and painted the landscape below it with brilliant color. Almost instantly, birds began to sing to herald a new day, and Hannah felt Ross’s arms wrap around her waist. His lips brushed the tender skin at the back of her neck and she wondered if anything could be more perfect.

“I love to watch the sunrise,” he said softly. “It’s like a resurrection for me. I can forget the mistakes I made in the past because everything is fresh and new again. And if I try, I have the power to make it the best day of my life.”

Hannah didn’t say anything. She didn’t have to. She simply turned and kissed him.

“An early morning swim?” he asked, holding her tightly. “Or is it too early?”

“It’s not too early,” she answered as she took his hand.

 

It was time to pack to go home and Hannah didn’t want to go. Tears welled up in her eyes as she unzipped her empty suitcase, opened it on the bed, and began to remove her clothes from the hotel closet. She’d only folded and packed a few things when there was a knock on her hotel room door.

A smile spread across Hannah’s face as she rushed to answer it. Perhaps it was Ross. Even though she’d left him less than twenty minutes ago, he might be missing her as much as she missed him.

Hannah’s smile faded a bit as she opened the door and saw who was standing there. “Hello, Mother.”

“Hello, dear. May I come in?”

“Of course.” Hannah opened the door wider and her mother stepped into the room. Her eyes searched the space and rested on the open suitcase. “You’re packing this early?”

“Yes. I’m meeting Ross and the girls for brunch later. He’s going to take us to the plane.”

“Good. Doc and I were planning to go along, but if Ross is taking you, we won’t. He’s a very capable man, Hannah.”

“Yes, he is.”

The silence stretched out for several moments and then Delores sighed. “I’m really no good at these mother-daughter talks, you know.”

Oh, I know
, Hannah thought, but of course she didn’t say it. Somehow, through a massive effort of will, she managed to keep her lips from twitching up in a smile.

“I just hope you know that whatever you decide is fine with me,” Delores continued. “Of course I have my preferences, but it’s what you want that matters.”

Hannah couldn’t help it. She had to ask. “You’re talking about Norman and Mike?”

“Yes. Did you have a good time in Las Vegas, Hannah?”

This time Hannah did smile. “Yes, I did. It was a wonderful vacation, Mother.”

“And the only thing wrong is that you want to stay here, but you have to go home?”

“That’s it in a nutshell. Do you know where that phrase comes from, Mother?”

“Not now, Hannah. We’re having a talk. You can tell me all about it later. I want to know if Ross is one of the reasons you had such a good time.”

“Yes,” Hannah said and left it at that.

“Good! I’m not sure I know how to say this.”

“That’s okay. Just spit it out, Mother.”

“I really don’t like to admit this, but Doc and I played matchmaker. I guess you know that?”

“I know.”

“And did it work?”

A happy smile spread over Hannah’s face and she did a very uncharacteristic thing. She gave her mother a big hug. “Yes, Mother. It worked.”

“And you’re in love?”

Hannah thought about that for a minute. “I think I am.”

“Do you want to be with him every minute of every day?”

“Yes.”

“And can you scarcely bear the thought of being without him, even if it’s only for a week?”

“Yes.”

“How about Mike?”

“What about Mike?”

“Does the thought of being without Mike for a week make you unhappy?”

Hannah thought about that for a minute. “No, not really. The only time I’ve thought about Mike is when someone has mentioned his name.”

“How about Norman? Have you thought about him?”

“I thought about Norman a little more than I thought about Mike, but I think it’s because he’s keeping Moishe for me.”

“It’s settled then. I think that you’re in love with Ross.”

Hannah took a deep breath. “If that’s true, what do I do next?”

“You wait and see what’s going to happen. And you follow your heart. Just remember this, Hannah.” Delores looked very serious. “There are all kinds of love and not that many people are lucky enough to experience what I have with Doc. All I can tell you is to follow your heart and hang on tight. Don’t let love slip through your fingers, dear. Love is far too precious to lose.”

 

It was time to go. The plane was waiting and Andrea and Michelle had already boarded. Hannah turned to Ross and sighed. “I don’t want to go, Cupcake.”

“And I don’t want you to go.” He kissed her. It started as a polite, public kiss, but then his arms tightened around her and he kissed her again.

Hannah felt tears come to her eyes. He’d called her Cupcake when they were in college. And what she’d said was true. She didn’t want to leave him, not even for a moment. She wanted to stay right in the circle of his arms forever.

“Hannah?”

She blinked back the tears that threatened to fall. Then she looked up at him again and answered, “Yes, Ross?”

“Do you think that maybe this could work? I mean, really, really work?”

Hannah smiled a slow smile that lit up her whole face. Ross loved her! And she loved him. It was a miracle and suddenly anything was possible. She was so happy, she was convinced that if she took Ross’s hand, they could race down the runway and soar up into the skies, just the two of them.

“Hannah?” Ross looked slightly worried as he gazed down at her.

She hugged him tightly. “Yes, Ross. I think that this could really, really work.”

And then she drew him down for a kiss that would seal the promise she had just made to him.

 

“R
rrowww!” Moishe gave an irate yowl as he jumped out of Hannah’s arms and escaped to the living room carpet.

“Sorry, Moishe,” she apologized. She must have been hugging him too tightly, a reaction to her anxiety about the day that was just beginning to unfold. She finished the last sip of her coffee, set the empty mug on the end table, and attempted to explain to her feline roommate. “I know you don’t like hugs and I didn’t mean to scare you. I guess I’m just a little nervous about what’s going to happen today, that’s all.”

“Rrrrow.”

The yowl was softer and it was accompanied by a purr as he jumped up to resume his favorite position on the back of the couch. It was obvious that he had accepted her apology by coming back into hugging range. He perched there, staring down at her and watching to see what she’d do next.

“I know,” Hannah said, giving a little sigh. Even Moishe knew that this was not a typical morning. For one thing, the sun was up and it was three hours past five
AM
, the time that Hannah usually left for work. For another thing, she usually fed him, drank her coffee at the kitchen table, and took a quick shower just as soon as her eyes were fully open. Then she dressed for work and tossed him several kitty treats before she picked up her keys and went out the door.

“Things are different this morning,” Hannah told him past the lump in her throat. “I don’t have to leave for work early because my trial starts today and Howie is picking me up to take me to the Winnetka County Courthouse.”

Moishe made a sound that was halfway between a growl and a purr. She’d never heard him make that particular sound before and Hannah interpreted it as an expression of sympathy with her plight.

“It’s going to be okay,” she reassured him. “Howie told me that the only thing happening today is jury selection. I’ll be home tonight . . . probably earlier than usual.”

Moishe had no reaction to that statement, either verbally or physically. He simply stared at her with a perfectly blank kitty expression. Hannah was sure he’d understood her. At least she hoped he had.

“Howie said not to worry, so you shouldn’t worry either.”

“Rrrrow.”

This was definitely a response to her words and Hannah took it as such. “I know. It’s impossible not to worry, but I want you to think about what’s going to happen when I come home tonight. I’m going to call Michelle and Andrea when court is adjourned for the day and they’re going to come over with Chinese takeout. They’re both helping out at The Cookie Jar today since I can’t be there.”

“Rrroww?”

Moishe’s response was definitely a question. Hannah was sure of it. “That’s right.
Chinese
takeout. And both Andrea and Michelle know that you like shrimp. When I talked to them last night they promised to bring extra. We’ll all have a nice family dinner together.”

As Hannah watched, Moishe’s expression changed. His eyes widened in what appeared to be alarm and the fur began to bristle on his back. She was initially puzzled by his reaction and then she realized exactly what she’d said.

“You can relax, Moishe. I know I said
family dinner
, but Mother’s not coming. She’s still on the cruise to Alaska. I think today’s the day they’re going to Taku Point in a seaplane to see the glaciers and have a grilled salmon shore lunch.”

“Rrrrrrow!”

Hannah laughed. She’d done it again. She’d used one of the words Moishe knew particularly well. “I know. I said
salmon
. I’ll go get you some salmon treats, and then it’s time for me to leave. Howie should be pulling up any minute now. He’s always punctual.”

She retrieved the treat canister from the kitchen and returned to the back of the couch where her feline roommate was waiting, his tail swishing back and forth like a metronome beating out a march tempo. “Here you go.” She shook out several of the fish-shaped, salmon-flavored treats and placed them on the back of the couch next to him. “That ought to tide you over until I get home.”

People claimed it was impossible for cats to smile, but Hannah was positive that Moishe’s expression was close to glee as he stared down at his favorite treats. Then his gaze shifted back to her and he purred loudly.

“You’re welcome. I’ll see you tonight then. And we’ll have dinner with Andrea and Michelle. And Moishe . . . one of your favorite people is coming to visit me in a week. You remember Ross when he was here with the movie, don’t you?”

“Rowww.”

Hannah wasn’t sure if that was a yes or a no, so she didn’t comment. Moishe had liked Ross the last time he’d come to Lake Eden. Ross had even carried Moishe, in his leash and his harness, out to a table at The Cookie Jar when the crew had come in for lunch. Moishe had enjoyed all the attention the film crew had given him.

Hannah gave her pet a final scratch under the chin and forced herself to walk to the door. She didn’t want to leave, but she knew she had to. She unlocked it, pulled it open, stepped outside, and shut the door behind her, testing it once to make certain that it was locked. Then she stood there on the landing for a brief moment, blinking back the moisture that welled up in her eyes. She’d never been the type to break into tears at the slightest provocation, but she’d done her share of tearing up lately. If this was a by-product of being in love, she hoped she’d learn to control it soon.

“Silly!” she chided herself, descending the outside staircase and squelching the urge to glance up to see if Moishe was watching her from the living room window. She buttoned her coat and told herself that he was probably busy chowing down on his treats.

It was a chilly Minnesota morning, colder than usual for the third week in September, and Hannah shivered as she took the sidewalk that wound around the condo buildings. There was a light sprinkling of frost on the yellow and dark orange chrysanthemums in the planters that separated the buildings. Soon the gardeners would dig up the root clumps to separate them. All that would be left in the planters would be the evergreen shrubs, which would provide spots of green against the white winter snow.

The arrival of the first snowfall in Minnesota was unpredictable. It could occur at any time from the month of October on. It was not at all unusual for it to snow on Halloween, and Minnesota mothers made sure that a warm coat and warm pants could fit under their children’s Halloween costumes.

Everyone who lived in the Midwest had to be prepared for a winter with sixty to seventy inches of snow. Of course some of it melted in the early months, but the banks of snow the plows left at the sides of the road could reach heights that were taller than the roofs of cars. Snow season could last for six months, starting in October and tapering off to end in April. Delores and Doc both said they remembered one year, they thought it had been in the seventies, when there had been a blizzard in May.

As she walked, Hannah thought about the long, cold winter that stretched out before her. She couldn’t help but wonder if she’d be around to shovel the sidewalk at The Cookie Jar. If she was convicted of vehicular homicide and had to go to prison, would her partner, Lisa, keep their business running? Would there be enough income for Hannah to continue to make the monthly mortgage payment on her condo? And what would happen to Moishe? She’d taken care of Cuddles for Norman. Would he take care of Moishe for her? If Ross got the job and moved to Lake Eden should she ask him to take care of Moishe until she got out of prison? Or would prison mean the end of their romance? If neither man was willing to do it, would someone in her family volunteer? Questions like these had kept her from sleep for most of the preceding night.

“Don’t borrow trouble!” Hannah told herself sternly. Then she looked around quickly and was relieved to find that no one else was on the sidewalk. None of her neighbors had heard her talking to herself.

Howie’s car was parked right where he’d said it would be, in the first space of the visitor’s lot. Hannah hurried toward the black Lexus, an appropriate car for Lake Eden’s finest lawyer. Howie gave his clients notepads with that sentiment printed on the top of every page. It was his little joke since he was also Lake Eden’s
only
lawyer.

“Good morning, Hannah,” Howie greeted her as she slid into the leather-covered passenger seat.

Is it a good morning, Howie?
Hannah thought, but she didn’t voice the question. Instead, she responded, “Good morning, Howie. Did you bring coffee for Judge Colfax?”

“We’ll stop on our way to the courthouse.”

“Okay. When you give him the coffee, give him this, too.” Hannah handed him a small white bag.

“What is it?”

“A couple of my Double Fudge Brownies. I figured it might sweeten him up. But don’t tell him they’re from me. I don’t want to get accused of bribery on top of everything else.”

“Got it.” Howie placed the bag on the backseat. “Say, Hannah . . . those brownies aren’t poisoned, are they?”

“Good heavens, no!”

“Just checking. I had two of your Double Fudge Brownies yesterday and they’re great.”

Hannah shivered again as Howie put the car in gear and pulled out of the parking lot. This time it wasn’t from the cold. It was a shiver of guilt. She had killed someone with her cookie truck. There was no escaping that fact, even though there had been mitigating circumstances. It had happened during a summer storm with blinding rain and lightning flashing all around her. Lisa had been in the passenger seat and Hannah had been trying to make it to a grove of trees where she thought that they would be protected from the driving rain and the lightning bolts. She hadn’t known that, just around the bend, there was a fallen branch that blocked the road. She’d swerved to avoid it, lost control, and hit the man by the side of the road. Even though it had been an accident, she had caused someone’s death and now she had to face the consequences.

Howie glanced over at her. “Relax, Hannah. Everything will be fine. Judge Colfax isn’t a bad judge. He’s just incompetent.”

“Is that supposed to make me feel better?” Hannah couldn’t help but ask him.

“No, it’s supposed to make you laugh.” Howie turned to smile at her. “You’re taking all this too seriously, Hannah.”

“Maybe that’s because I’m the one on trial and you’re not.”

“Yup. That could account for it. Lean back and relax. This’ll all be over much sooner than you think.”

Only if you’re planning to ram your car into a bridge abutment
, Hannah thought as Howie turned onto the access road that led to the highway.