Killer Cannoli (A Terrified Detective Mystery Book 2) (8 page)

“Come on, kiddo. I don’t want them to think I’m just loitering.”

He may have been eager to talk with Aunt Lena, but I wasn’t. All the way over, I’d tried unsuccessfully to put the right words together, hoping to let her down easy. I finally realized there was no good way to do this. Disappointing people is one of my biggest fears, even more so when it’s someone I care about.

On unwilling legs, I entered
Cannoli’s
kitchen with Ed close behind me. I caught a whiff of something woodsy and masculine. Dear God, Ed had on cologne.

“Hello,” I announced. My aunt didn’t look up from the dough she was rolling. “Thank the lord you’re here, Claire. Go help your father before he passes out over the display case and smudges it.”

I grabbed an apron. “Aunt Lena, look who’s with me.”

In a voice as smooth as panna cotta, Ed said, “Hey, Lena.”

Her head shot up and she rubbed her forehead with the back of her hand. Unfortunately, a clump of dough that was clinging on it now stuck to that part of her face.

Ed took a step toward her and motioned to his own forehead. His voice was soft, even sweet. “You got some flour or something there.”

“Oh.” She brushed the clump off. “Nice to see you again. First time we met I was a mess.”

He smiled. “You were just fine. The situation stunk.”

She blushed. “Appreciate you saying that, but—”

Angie burst through the door. “Hey, got any more of the frosted cucidati? Some lady wants three dozen.” Then she noticed Ed. “Well, hello there.”

He gave her a half-smile. “I’m Ed. And you’re?”

Aunt Lena said, “Angela Frankowsky.” She then murmured, “Also known as ‘Never met a man she didn’t like’ Angie.” She stepped over to a multilevel aluminum holder and pulled out a full tray of the date cookies and shoved them toward Angie. “Here you go.”

Angie grabbed the tray, and without taking her eyes off Ed, added, “Me and Lena have been friends since grade school. Course she’s a year older than me.”

I watched this exchange, fascinated. Could both these women find Ed attractive? In his gray slacks and fitted shirt he was better dressed than I’d ever seen him, but as the prize in a mating game? I didn’t dare chuckle, but at least for a moment it took my mind off what lay ahead of me.

Aunt Lena’s chin jutted out. “You better get back with those cookies and help Frank.”

Ed reached for the tray. “I can carry that for you.”

“How sweet! Thank you.”

Lena scowled but kept her voice light. “Angie, you can haul a lot more weight yourself. Don’t go all helpless now.”

Ed suppressed a grin. He was enjoying this.

Angie smiled sweetly enough to satisfy the angels, but her comeback was pure devil. “Yes, I can. That’s part of being physically fit.” She outlined her body with her hands. “At least I was able to keep my girlish figure.”

My aunt huffed and I thanked heaven when Ed interrupted. “Both you women have it going on, believe me.” He headed out the door to the dining room with Angie in tow.

Alone with my aunt, my mind returned to what I needed to say. I cleared my throat. My mouth didn’t get my brain’s memo about diplomacy and my uncensored words tumbled out. “Larry was really Joey Corozza from Newark. He was connected to a mob guy named Michael Bucanetti.”

Her usually flushed face went as pale as her dough. “What? Are you sure?”

I clasped her hands in mine. “Corrigan told me.”

She stumbled over to the sink, washed her hands and returned to her kneading. Without looking at me she said, “Before you say anything, I want you to drop that thing you do, investigating Larry’s murder.”

Music to my ears, but she was hurting and that hurt me.

She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. “It isn’t right for there to be any chance of you getting hurt because of my stupidity.” She slapped the dough so hard the table shook.

Ed returned to the kitchen, but my aunt didn’t notice. “I’m too old to make mistakes like that. You think you can read people…” A soft sob broke through her words. I put my arm around her shoulders, murmuring phrases of consolation.

Ed joined in with a gentle voice. “Everyone makes mistakes, Lena. And you’re not old at all.” He took out his handkerchief and handed it to my aunt. “Next time you’ll pick a good guy.”

She sniffed and gave him a wavy smile. “If there
is
a next time.”

“If I have my way, there will be.” He winked at her.

This was going to be easier than I thought. I moved in front of her, right by the door to the dining area. “Aunt Lena, I’ll drop—”

My dad chose that moment to open the door and hit me in the back. “Sorry.” He glanced at Aunt Lena. “Everything okay here?” We all nodded and he pointed his thumb in the dining room’s direction. “I need your help bussing tables, Claire. Now.”

My aunt waved the hand that held Ed’s hankie. “Frank, it can wait a minute. Claire was about to tell me something.”

“Consider me off the case.”

My aunt’s eyes glistened. “That makes me feel a lot better.”

My dad grabbed my hands and started pulling me into the other room. “Now everyone’s happy.”

Between the customers and having to drag Angie away from Ed, it was almost 2:30 by the time I got back to the kitchen. There I spied Aunt Lena feeding Ed some cassata cake, a strawberry and some whipped cream dangling from the fork. She laughed like a young girl. I guess I didn’t need to put in a good word in for him.

I cleared my throat to announce my presence. “Excuse me.” My voice boomed in my ears.

My aunt froze, fork in midair. Ed even stopped chewing. I suppose I’d declared my presence a little too forcefully, but I stumbled on. “Customers are all gone. Dad and Angie are wiping the tables. Could you help them, Ed?”

Maybe I was overprotective, but my aunt was fragile right now. I didn’t want him moving this fast, especially since I couldn’t be sure of his intentions.

Ed got up from his chair, but Aunt Lena protested, “He’s only got a couple more bites. They can handle it for a minute more.”

The door swung open and Angie marched in. She took in the cake feeding scene and whispered loudly to my aunt. “Trying to win him over with dessert, or just fattening him up for the slaughter?”

Ed coughed, unsuccessfully stifling a chuckle. He slid off the chair. “Lena, your cake really hit the spot, but I think I’ll go give Frank and Angie some moral support.” He slipped out of the room.

Angie looking at Aunt Lena, shook her head and muttered, “Honestly, fawning all over that man.” She followed Ed through the door.

Aunt Lena called out after her, “And I can’t believe how you’re throwing yourself at him.”

Angie stopped dead in her tracks. “I’m not, but if I were, at least my weight wouldn’t crush him.” She continued on her way without waiting for a comeback.

Aunt Lena looked up, addressing the ceiling. “Some women get so catty where a man’s concerned.” She collected the dirty plates and forks and took them to the sink.

Suddenly she seemed to remember I was there. “I’m glad you’re off Larry’s, I mean Joey’s, case.”

“Well...given Joey’s connections, I think this should be handled by the police.” I didn’t mention the threat and how the whole thing scared the bloom off my bloomers.

She kissed my forehead. “You’re right. Better to let the cops do their job.” She grabbed a tissue and wiped her eyes.

Relieved she wasn’t upset with me, I nonetheless wanted her to feel safe. “You have Dad and me, and when your niece, Josie, comes back from California, you’ll have her. And Angie. Everyone’s watching out for you, even Ed.”

“I know.” She raised her chin up. “I’ll be fine, especially since you’ll be here every day with me until they catch the killer.”

I looked toward heaven. “Of course.”

My father came back to the kitchen first, followed by Angie, who was laughing as she told Ed, “…And there was Lena sneaking out the back door. Her father—”

Aunt Lena, turning red, interrupted her. “You’re not telling him that story about Johnny Latone, are you?” She addressed Ed. “Don’t listen to her; she’s making up half of it.”

Angie retorted, “Yeah, but what about the other half?”

“Ladies,” Dad held up his hands. “Your sniping at each other isn’t getting the work done.”

Aunt Lena nodded. “Frank’s right. We better finish up so we’re ready for the after-dinner crowd.
Cannoli’s
is gonna be just as good as before Larry…” Her voice trailed off and she swallowed hard.

“We know,” I said softly.

Everyone began working in a heavy silence, but I had something else I needed to do. I whispered like I was at a funeral, “I have to make a call.”

Without waiting for anyone’s response, I slipped outside and called Corrigan. I wanted to let him know I was off the case, and then maybe, I’d consent to go out with him.

He picked up on the first ring. “Hi, Claire. Sorry I haven’t gotten back to you, but I still don’t have anything on that threat you received. As soon as I get something, I’ll let you know.” He paused for a second. “Nothing else has happened, has it?”

His voice was so full of concern it warmed me enough to remove my jacket. “No. Well, yes. My aunt wants me to drop the case.”

He released a deep breath. “Best news I’ve had all day. Wait. Does she know about the threat?”

“No, and I don’t want her to know.”

“Okay, for now.” His official cop voice kicked in. “Anything else?”

“Well, now that I’m off the case, I’m taking you up on your invitation.” I winced. I was going for a flirty tone, but it fell as flat as a prepubescent girl’s chest.

“Great. How about tomorrow night?”

Once I agreed, he chuckled. “It’s good we won’t have Corozza’s murder case hanging over us.”

“I suppose.”

He couldn’t leave it at that. “Glad you’re leaving it to the professionals.”

I tapped my foot. “As opposed to the amateurs?”

“I meant people who know what they’re doing.”

I pounded my fist against my thigh. “If you recall, I
did
solve the Adler case.”

He snorted, “Just beginner’s luck. You nearly got killed, and look what happened to Ed.”

I squeezed the phone like it was his neck, took a deep breath and said super-politely, “You know that date we made? Forget it.” I ended the call, fuming.

My phone rang once more. Thinking it was Corrigan wanting to stick his foot in his mouth again, I almost let it go into voicemail. But it was Alex, who couldn’t have called at a better time. I took a deep, calming breath and tried to relax. “Hello.”

 “Claire, how are you?”

I felt better by the minute. “Just marvelous.” I pushed my hair behind my ears. “And you?”

“Good. Glad I got hold of you.”

“Me too.” I pressed my hand against my chest.
Be cool
. “Sometimes things get crazy with me.”

We made small talk until my father came outside to see why I was taking so long. He gave me that familiar look I’ve seen since I was a child. It said, “Whatever you’re doing, wrap it up.”

I reacted like a kid who’s afraid her phone privileges would be rescinded. “Alex, it’s been great talking to you, but I have to go.”

“Not before you agree to have dinner with me. Is tomorrow night too soon?”

I held up my index finger for my dad to wait a minute then responded to Alex. “It’s perfect.” If I’d gushed any more, I’d be knee-deep in water.

My father pointed to his watch, but I ignored him.

Alex asked, “How about 8:00? Where should I pick you up?”

“My office is fine.” After verifying my address, we ended the call with the usual niceties.

I must have been grinning like a cat locked in a fish market. My dad half-smiled and asked, “Going out with Corrigan? He’s a good guy.”

I refused to let the thought of that
person
break into my euphoria. “No, it’s someone else. A friend of a friend. His name is Alex.”

My father nodded once. “Just be careful. Maybe do a background check.”

“I already did. He’s a CPA and there’s nothing to be concerned with.” I had a twinge of fear, wondering who he worked the books for.

Dad rubbed my neck affectionately. “That’s my girl.”

I led the way back into the kitchen where Ed was holding court, telling Aunt Lena and Angie a story that had both of them giggling. I didn’t know Ed could be so charming.

My aunt noticed me first. “What was so important you were out there so long?”

My father winked at me. “She had to make some business calls.” He clapped his hands together. “So what needs to be done now?”

Chapter Eleven

T
he rest of the day into night whooshed by in a flurry of customers, many expressing appreciation for
Cannoli’s
reopening. Some old-time patrons asked me to give Lena their condolences regarding Larry’s unfortunate choice of location for his demise.

Once we closed
Cannoli’s
for the day, Dad and Ed cleaned up the dining room while Angie, Aunt Lena and I worked in the kitchen. Angie and my aunt had been shooting verbal poison arrows at each other all night, making for a tense room.

At last, Aunt Lena took in a deep breath like she planned to blow Angie down. The two women glared at each other and I was afraid this would turn into an all-out battle, using rolling pins and pastry cutters. Instead, my aunt let out a deep throaty laugh that ended in a snort. She bent over, gasping for air and laughing at the same time.

Angie struggled not to join in, but she succumbed and between giggles, pointed at my aunt and said, “You’re a pistol, Lena. I give up.” Their high spirits filled the room. I couldn’t resist their mirth and even joined in, until my dad and Ed entered.

“Kitchen work that funny?” Dad asked.

Angie wiped laughter tears from her eyes. “Sometimes.”

Ten minutes later, Angie grabbed her jacket and slung her purse over her shoulder. “If it’s all right by everyone, I’m going home. Ed, if there’s another one like you, I want to meet him.”

Ed puffed out his chest. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

When everything was locked down tight, my dad checked his watch. “Pumpkin, I’m sorry we didn’t get a chance to look at cars today.” He held up his hand like he was being sworn in as President of the United States. “I promise we’ll go tomorrow afternoon.”