Killer Cannoli (A Terrified Detective Mystery Book 2) Page 6

  “Like I said, it’s heavy, Claire, but you’ll manage.”

  “I can just take the ones for the car.” I had no desire to walk around, jangling. I attempted to pull those keys off.

  She put her hands over my busy ones. “I’d rather you keep them all together. That way it’s easier for me to keep track. And I got extras with me for Cannoli’s.”

  Tommy left with Bob in tow and I got into my aunt’s boat-sized Chrysler. I could barely see out of the windshield. No wonder Aunt Lena, only an inch taller than me, always complained of neck strain.

  Finally at home, I collapsed, fully clothed, onto my bed and was just at that point of dozing where thoughts don’t make sense and seem to float when I heard someone at my door. I groaned but got up and headed into the living room. Someone had slipped a white envelope under my door.

  I should have gotten my gun, but it was in my underwear drawer and I was afraid I’d miss the messenger. Instead, I grabbed a vase from a nearby table and threw my door open. The hallway was deserted. I looked down at what I held and blew out a breath, relieved I wouldn’t be forced to shatter my only vase over someone’s head.

  Not wanting to mess up any fingerprints, I put on my kitchen rubber gloves, opened the envelope and slipped out the contents. It was a copy of an old newspaper article with the headline, “Newark’s first female detective slain.” The reporter described how this detective, Tina Shorely, had been investigating some unexplained deaths and was, herself, killed. The hairs on my neck stood at attention as my eyes fell on the words boldly scribbled at the end of the article.

  “Don’t end up like Tina.”

  I flung the paper away like it was on fire. Not giving any thought to the hour of night, I grabbed my phone and punched in Corrigan’s number.

  It rang until I feared it’d go into his voicemail, but he did pick up. Thank God. I inhaled deeply and tried to keep my voice from shaking. “I just got a threatening note to drop Joey’s murder case.”

  “Did you see who left it?”

  “No, they slipped it under my door. I was too late.”

  “Be right over. Lock your door and don’t let anyone in besides me.”

  Like I would let a stranger in now. “Thanks.”

  After we hung up I stared so hard at the newspaper clipping lying on the floor, it could have levitated. But I couldn’t touch it; it hadn’t been so long ago I’d received other death threats. Once more, I had to fight against the desire to crumple under the weight. I couldn’t stop the occasional whimper from escaping my lips, though. In the morning, I’d go see Aunt Lena, explain who Larry really was, and why this case was too dangerous for me. Then I’d resign and let the police handle it.

  Corrigan pounding on my door and identifying himself broke through my thoughts, and I dashed to open it. I wanted to rush into his arms, but that wasn’t going to happen.

  “Are you all right?” To my surprise, he reached out to hold me, but stopped himself. He held his arms in midair for a moment, looking like a man describing the fish he’d just caught. He cleared his throat and dropped his hands back to his sides.

  On automatic, I almost said, “Fine.” But that would be a lie. “Not good at all.” I swallowed hard and pointed to the paper, unwilling to go near it again. “It’s over there.”

  Concern was all over his face. “Glad you called me.” He carefully picked the page up by one of its corners using a handkerchief from his pocket. He skimmed the contents and slipped the vile thing into an evidence bag. “I’ll get this to the station. Check for fingerprints, try to trace it.”

  I rubbed my face, imagining how bad I looked. Did it really matter, though? “I suppose you’re going to tell me again that I should drop this case.”

  “Nope. I could give you a recording of me saying that and you’d still do what you wanted. I’m saving my breath and hoping you come to your senses before it’s too late.”

  I rested my hands on my hips. “As a matter of fact, I’m going to talk to my aunt tomorrow.”

  One eyebrow raised, he chided, “Oh? Your senses showed up?”

  I wanted to tell him the truth. That I didn’t want to end up like Tina Shorely. I was terrified, but my pride just wouldn’t allow me to say it. So I hedged. “My senses never left. It’s just a good idea for me to drop this case now. But I should talk it over with my aunt first.”

  He nodded. “That’s good. She seems like a smart, practical woman. She’ll tell you to let it go.”

  I didn’t want to talk or think about it anymore. “Speaking of go, I really am thankful for you coming over, but I need to get some sleep.”

  “Just leaving.” He opened the door, but hesitated and looked at me over his shoulder. “I know I’ve said some things you didn’t want to hear, but I’d still like to go out with you, Claire.”

  I tossed my head back. “But like you said before, after this case is solved.”

  He bit his lip. “Yeah, I did say that.” He softly closed the door behind him.

  Despite my exhaustion, I was restless. Fear of what could happen to me if I stayed on the case and guilt that I’d let my aunt down if I dropped it battled inside me, made sleep as elusive as Big Foot.

  Chapter Ten

  I woke up to the sound of my phone ringing. Who needed an alarm clock when people called me at sun up? It was my father.

  “Hey, pumpkin. Hope I didn’t wake you.”

  I rubbed the sleep from my eyes and pushed back my hair. “It’s okay. I needed to get up anyway.”

  “Are you coming to Lena’s reopening today? I’ll take her there, make sure everything is kosher. Then when Angie gets there, you and me can go look at cars. What’dya think?”

  I had to call Janice Wyatt and have her come to the office this morning, if possible. I frowned, thinking about her husband’s pastime. “I can be there at noon and help with lunch. Maybe sooner, depending on a client.”

  “Okay, I’ll let Lena know. Thanks, Claire.”

  I’d managed to get both my feet on the floor when my phone rang again. Ed.

  “What’s shakin’ kiddo?”

  I told him about the threatening note and my decision to quit the case.

  “Have you told Lena yet?”

  “No, I’ll do that this afternoon, but I’m not looking forward to it.”

  His voice turned conciliatory. “I bet. But maybe it’s a good idea for you to back out while you’re still in one piece.”

  My eyebrows shot up and I wasn’t sure how to respond. I’d expected Ed to convince me to stay on the case. I murmured, “Yeah…”

  “Mind if I’m with you when you tell Lena?”

  What was his game? “I guess it’s okay, but I plan on being at Cannoli’s at noon. Won’t you be at work?”

  “For this, I’ll take the afternoon off.”

  “Are you going there to hit on her?”

  He snorted. “In her tender state of mind? Nah.”

  “Okay. Maybe she won’t blow up with you there.”

  We agreed to meet outside Cannoli’s at noon. It was 9:00 a.m. and, I hoped, not too early to call Janice Wyatt.

  I was in luck. She didn’t start work until 11:00 and could meet me at my office at 10:00. I assured her it wouldn’t take long to give her my report and settle up the remaining amount. I worried she’d need a shoulder to cry on when she got the news.

  ***

  I concluded my report and pulled out the itemized bill. But Janice Wyatt leaned back in her chair, arms folded across her chest. “I’m going.”

  My first impulse was to say, “Not until you pay me.” Then I realized she meant to Sparkles, where her husband danced. “Do you need more evidence?”

  She ran her tongue over her top teeth like she’d just eaten the best steak ever. “No. I want to see him in action. He did lie to me.” She looked off into the distance. “In fact, I’ll go this coming Tuesday.”

  I squinted trying to see her point more clearly. “I’m not sure I follow.”

  She
shrugged. “I’ve known what a hottie he is. Now all these other women have seen. But he’s still mine. You said yourself he doesn’t go after other women, although I’m sure most would take him up on it. That’s kind of a turn-on, ya know?”

  If an oiled-up guy in a G-string is your type. “Yeah, sure.”

  “So I’m gonna go enjoy myself and watch him squirm.” She chuckled. “Or gyrate.”

  We settled up and she left a happy customer. So happy she gave me a bonus. I still didn’t understand her thinking, but wished all my cases turned out as well.

  ***

  At noon, Ed was waiting for me outside Cannoli’s. Although I was on time as soon as I parked, he practically tore my car door off.

  “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?”