A Juicy Murder Read online

  “Thanks for watching the booth.” Suze smiled up at him. “Hadley could’ve done it.” She shot Hadley a wink. They covered each other’s booths all the time.

  “I know. But you were doing me a terrible favor. I had to do something in return.” He mussed his dark hair. “Though I may have fallen asleep a few times, so I’m not sure how much I helped.”

  Suze put a hand on his chest and leaned her body into his. “I’m sure you were great. Now go get some coffee, or better yet, take a nap.”

  He let out a wry laugh. “I wish. I’ll be working on uploading the portrait you made to see if we get any hits, so it’ll have to be just the coffee.”

  Hadley’s gaze traveled over to the newest addition to the market, Simone’s Power Juice stand. “How do you even proceed in a case like this?” she asked.

  “Keep looking for clues,” Paul said. “Hope someone is searching for her and can give us information. Keep questioning people.” He shook his head as if he could hear how futile it all sounded.

  Hadley’s attention still hadn’t left the juice bar owner. Sure, Simone had sworn she’d never seen the woman before, but how much did they know about the newest resident of Stoneybrook?

  “Are you sure she had nothing to do with it?” Hadley asked, noticing her brother had followed her line of sight.

  “No. We never are until a case is closed. But she has a pretty solid alibi.”

  Both Hadley and Suze looked toward Paul expectantly.

  “She ran out of stock again, so instead of closing early like she’d been doing, she put a note on the door and ran out to Fenton Farms to grab replenishments. We have customers who saw her close up and drive away, and Jolee Fenton corroborated her story, saying she left only fifteen minutes before you and Luke found her in the alley.”

  It was a well-known fact that the drive from downtown to Fenton Farms took fifteen minutes, twelve if you sped. So even if she’d been pressing hard on her accelerator, Simone would’ve been hard pressed to strangle the stranger in the remaining few minutes.

  But if Hadley’s life had taught her anything, it was to never rule anything out.

  “Anyway”—Paul stretched his shoulders back—“I should get to work.”

  He leaned down and kissed Suze. Hadley smiled. Seeing her best friends happy was one thing, but seeing them find happiness together was something altogether wonderful. She glanced toward the end of the farmers market booths, to the Fenton Farms tables.

  Luke stood behind a stack of corn. He must’ve been already looking their way because when she met his gaze, he held a hand up in a wave. She waved back, wishing the gesture didn’t come with a side of rolling uncertainty in her gut.

  A big part of her wanted to throw caution to the wind and tell him how she felt. She’d almost done just that so many months before when he’d come clean about his feelings for her when they were younger.

  But as the gap between that conversation and now grew, the space only gave her doubts more room to flourish.

  He’d never actually said he still had feelings for her. Sure, he’d mentioned about how their relationship was strong enough to withstand their past issues and misunderstandings, but he could’ve been referring to friendship just as easily as something more.

  Plus, Hadley had already experienced a small-town love gone wrong. Her recent divorce sat fresh in her memory. She wasn’t about to go down that path again lightly. Luke had only recently become a part of her life again. Was she willing to risk his friendship if things didn’t work out?

  Just thinking about it made her shoulders tense with worry.

  In an effort to calm herself down, she pulled her attention from the Fenton’s booth and scanned the rest of the market. The weekly event was a yearlong staple in Stoneybrook. It was also one of Hadley’s favorite parts of her hometown.

  The grass appeared almost Technicolor green in the glimmering midmorning sun. Swallows swooped around the booths, skimming right next to people as they flew inches above the ground. The rushing sound of the Cascade River tumbled through the beech trees along the edge of the park.

  The tightness in her body melted away at the comfort of the peaceful market.

  Her focus returned to her own booth. Blinking, she realized Paul had left. She wasn’t sure how long ago that had been. Suze sat in her chair, staring out at the trees bending, leaves fluttering as a few strong gusts of wind whipped through the valley.

  They’d both been zoned out, but for very different reasons. While Hadley was concerned with her love life, Suze was obviously still thinking about the poor Jane Doe who’d been strangled outside the juice stand. The thought put her own woes into perspective. Her “He loves me... he loves me not” worries seemed downright silly in the face of a real tragedy.

  Hadley turned her body to face her friend. “How you doing, Suzie Q?” she asked, using the nickname Suze’s neighbor always called her.

  Another bout of shivers wracked Suze’s body for a moment, but then she turned blinking to face Hadley. “Oh, fine. I can’t help but let my mind run. You know?”

  Hadley did.

  “Like, if Paul and Kevin stayed up late checking all those missing persons databases and came up empty-handed, it means either the people who loved her have no idea she’s even missing yet, or…” Suze gulped. “Or there’s no one who loves her, no one who cares she’s gone.”

  “Yeah.” Hadley nodded somberly. “I can’t put my finger on which option is more heartbreaking.”

  Suze swallowed.

  Willing her downturned lips into a smile, Hadley leaned forward and put a hand on Suzanne’s arm.

  “You did your part to help. That’s huge. I’m so sorry you saw those pictures, but having the portrait out there could very well be the thing that gets Paul the answers he needs to solve the case and bring whoever did that to her to justice.”

  Suze gave her a half-hearted smile back. “I know. You’re right. I have to leave it in the hands of the sheriff’s department now.”

  Luckily, a new wave of customers came through at that moment, providing a wonderful distraction from their worries. But from the way silence crept back into the tent, sitting heavy and foreboding during any lull, Hadley suspected Suze was letting it go just about as well as she was.

  Someone in town had to know the young woman. The question was, were they the reason she was dead?

  3

  After the market closed that afternoon, Suze and Hadley loaded their leftover supplies into Hadley’s Jam Van.

  As they finished, Luke approached, hands shoved into his pockets. He looked like he was sixteen again, waiting for Hadley on the steps outside the high school commons. He was back in his regular worn jeans, work boots, and a flannel shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows.

  “Hey.” Hadley smiled up at him, sliding the van door closed.

  He nodded to Suze and then met Hadley’s gaze. “Wanna take a walk?”

  Before Hadley could respond, Suze said, “Sure she does. I’ll come get my stuff later.” Blowing Hadley a kiss, she started walking back to her art studio.

  Both of their businesses were an easy walk from the park when they weren’t laden with all the setup materials needed for market day.

  Hadley almost laughed at her friend’s conspicuousness.

  Suze had heard all about Hadley’s confusing feelings for Luke. If anyone understood, it was Suze. She’d experienced the same conflict as she’d contemplated dating Paul last year. Still, she maintained that Paul made her the happiest she’d ever been, and she’d hate to see Hadley pass up her chance to experience the same.

  Turning from Suze’s retreating form, Hadley faced Luke. “I’d love to.” She smiled to cover up her racing mind.

  Luke gestured toward the river path. The rushing of the water settled Hadley’s nerves.

  “How’s the king of cats?” she asked.

  A few months ago, Luke had adopted one of his parents’ barn cats. From the sickly little kitten he’d been, Barnab
y had grown into a sleek dark tabby who looked like he belonged in a jungle rather than Luke’s house. He was gorgeous and still growing. Hadley had dubbed him the king of cats the last time she’d seen him. She was sure her cat, Ansel, wouldn’t mind the title—he was more of a king of couches. And her youngest cat, Marmalade, was too busy holding the reigning title of queen of scratches and sneak attacks.

  “King Barnaby is good.” Luke’s mouth split into a grin.

  It was one of Hadley’s favorite things, to get him talking about his cat. She loved watching his face light up every time he or someone else mentioned the feline.

  “Remember how he used to jump onto my shoulders and perch there while I walked around the house?” Luke asked.

  Hadley laughed. The local vet had asked him if he’d adopted a kitten or a parrot the first time he’d brought Barnaby in for an appointment.

  “Well, I thought it was something he’d grow out of, but he hasn’t. He still jumps onto my shoulders every morning; he’s just a lot bigger now. Instead of perching like he used to, he stretches out like I’m wearing a cat scarf.”

  “That’s too adorable.” Hadley shook her head.

  “How about your two?” he asked.

  “The greatest.” She smiled over at him as they met up with the walking path and turned to walk along the river toward the community center. “Marmalade’s become obsessed with hair elastics.” Hadley pulled one out of her pocket. “She steals them and swats them around the kitchen floor like they’re little hockey pucks.”

  Luke laughed. “Sounds cute but maybe also annoying if she keeps taking them from you.”

  “Nah, I always use these plain black ones, so I ordered a big bundle of them. Now I don’t have to worry about running out. I will have to move my fridge and stove eventually, though. I think they’re piling up under there.”

  Their shoes crunched on the pea gravel as they walked. Hadley shoved her hands in her jeans pockets when the need to thread her arm through his became too intense. She’d always been able to walk with him like that, no problem. But it felt too close, too intimate, and she worried the sensation would lure her into a comfortable-enough scenario that she might blurt out her feelings.

  “The juice bar must be good for Fenton Farms' business.” She struck up the conversation again.

  “Yeah.” Luke dipped his chin in agreement. “Not as good as having Millie as an employee is for you, I bet.” He grinned, mentioning Hadley’s grandma.

  Hadley’s eyes widened. “Right? That woman has secret powers. I think she could sell me one of my own jars of jam if she put her mind to it.”

  Luke chuckled as they rounded the bend, and the community center came into view.

  They waved at a few locals out walking too. Seeing a family full of tourists on bikes heading their way, Hadley stepped off the path. Without thinking, she reached out and grabbed Luke’s hand to pull him with her.

  The spark between them was nothing compared to the thrill she felt when he squeezed her hand tight in his and stepped next to her. To the family riding by, it probably seemed like Luke was only getting close to Hadley to give them adequate space. But from the way he wrapped an arm around her waist, she could tell his closeness was more than simple trail etiquette.

  She looked into his blue eyes, her heart hammering. Was he going to kiss her? Should she kiss him?

  Luke leaned closer. “Had, I—”

  But Luke's words cut out, and his face darkened, his eyes locking on something behind her. Hadley craned her neck around, trying to see what had caught his attention. From where they were, they could just see the corner of the community center parking lot closest to the river trail. An older blue sedan was parked there and would’ve been hidden from view if they weren’t standing where they were. Its windows were cracked, but other than that, she couldn’t see anything of interest.

  “What?” she asked, almost stumbling when he abruptly stepped away from her.

  Without answering her, Luke cut through the low brush toward the parked car. Hadley followed, muttering a complaint under her breath.

  When she caught up to him, Luke said, “This spot isn’t visible from the rest of the parking lot or the community center. You have to know it’s here. Tyler and I used to park our cars here if we banged them up, so we had time to do repairs before our parents saw them and freaked.”

  At the mention of her ex-husband, and Luke’s ex-best friend, Hadley’s shoulders stiffened. She almost turned back, but his answer only created more questions.

  “So … are you worried someone stole your secret parking spot?”

  Luke shook his head. “Only locals know about this spot.” He pointed. “That’s not a local’s car.”

  Hadley snorted out a laugh. “Last time I checked, that wasn’t a crime.”

  Luke ignored her, walking over to the vehicle and peering inside the window.

  “I’m all for town unity,” Hadley continued, “but keeping people who aren’t from here from parking in certain spots seems a little—”

  She was about to say overkill, but the word died in her throat as Luke picked up a broken piece of concrete from a parking block and smashed through one window.

  Hadley gasped and ran forward. “Luke! What do you think you’re—”

  She reached the car as he pulled a limp, furry white-orange-and-black body from the front seat.

  Hand covering her mouth, Hadley could only gawk as Luke ran a hand over the cat’s coat. It blinked, but its mouth was open, making it look like it was crying out in silent pain.

  “It’s still alive,” Hadley cried out, frantic. She pulled out her phone from her back pocket. “I’m calling Dr. Murphey.”

  Concern corrugated Luke’s features as he checked the cat’s gums and peered into its eyes. Just as Hadley pressed the call button followed by speakerphone, Luke took off toward the river. Hadley followed, holding her phone in front of her as she waited for the veterinarian to answer.

  The cat’s body hung limp in his arms as he ran with it clutched to his chest.

  “Hi, Hadley.” Danielle Murphey’s voice was chipper, conversational. “How are my two fav—”

  Hadley cut her off. “Can you meet us at the clinic? We need to bring a cat in to see you. We found it in a hot car. It doesn’t look good.” Hadley panted as she ran through the brush and tried to relay the information.

  “Where are you?” the vet asked.

  “Behind the community center. In the back lot, down by the river.”

  “I’m actually right near you. It’ll be easier for me to come to you so stay put. Did you get it out of the car? Break a window if you have to.” Dr. Murphey’s voice was almost drowned out as Hadley approached the rushing river.

  “Already did that. We’ve got the cat out. It’s breathing, and we’re getting it some water.”

  “Try to use lukewarm water if you can. And it might not drink. I’ll be right there.”

  The line went dead.

  Luke skidded down the embankment, his boots slipping on the large river rocks at the bottom. He plunged boot-first into the rushing water and bent to scoop cool water into his palm.

  “Luke,” Hadley said, stopping him as she rushed after him. “Dr. Murphey says not to use cold water. Is there anyway you can temper it?” She eyed the river water, knowing it was icy cold even in the summer.

  He nodded. When she reached him, he handed the cat to her to hold, then pulled his button-up shirt off his body, leaving him only in a white T-shirt. Dunking the flannel into the water, he wrung it out before taking the cat from Hadley and wrapping it in the damp shirt.

  Tears crowded Hadley’s eyes as the cat blinked its open. She knelt down to help, scooping up water and holding it in front of the cat while Luke supported its head, which lolled from side to side without help.

  “Just drink a little, Sweet Pea,” she pleaded with the cat after glancing down at the name on the tag on its collar. Hadley pushed the water closer to its still open mouth before reme
mbering Dr. Murphey said it might not drink.

  The liquid splashed inside its mouth, and the cat licked and gnashed its teeth. It sneezed as droplets clung to its nose.

  Luke held small amounts of water in his palm so they warmed then washed them over its fur until they heard boots crunching on the pebble pathway. Dr. Murphey appeared, a bag in one hand and a determined scowl on her face as she jumped down the embankment and skidded to a stop next to them.

  If Hadley hadn’t been so worried, she would’ve wondered if their local vet moonlighted as some sort of vigilante animal-crime fighter on nights and weekends.

  She opened the bag and began ordering Hadley around, as if she were assisting her in surgery. While the doctor wiped something that looked a lot like rubbing alcohol onto the pads of the cat’s feet, Hadley grabbed a plastic tourniquet band and razor from the bag when the doctor requested them. Dr. Murphey told Luke to make sure the wet shirt was under the cat’s armpits as she wrapped one of the cat’s arms, shaved a small section, and inserted a catheter.

  “Was she in that car back there?” Dr. Murphey asked, while hooking up a bag of fluids to the catheter.

  “Yes,” Hadley said.

  Luke’s expression remained grim.

  “Well, at least it’s been in the shade, and it’s about ten degrees cooler down here by the river than up on Main Street.” The doctor asked Luke to hold the bag of fluids higher than the cat. For the first time, she glanced up and met Luke and Hadley’s eyes. Swiping her dark hair out of her face, she smiled. “I think the two of you just saved this little one’s life. Will you walk up with me, so I can drive her back to the clinic?”

  They got up from the edge of the river and climbed up to the trail, careful not to jostle the recovering feline. Dr. Murphey held the cat; Luke kept the bag of fluids raised, and Hadley followed with the doctor's bag of supplies.

  As they walked, she glared at the car that now sported a broken window. With her free hand, she called Paul.