A Seed of Doubt (A Nuts About Nuts Cozy Mystery Book 2) Read online

  “No, it’s just us having a little fun.” She released the rope and allowed Cashew to prance away with her treasure. “Sorry if we woke you.”

  “Oh no, I wasn’t sleeping. I’ve been caught up in this book I’m reading. You know, some of these authors are pretty accurate in their depiction of the spy life, but some really embellish it. I’m wondering how I missed out on all of these adventures.” He chuckled.

  “Is it less exciting than the movies make it out to be?”

  “In some cases, yes. It depends on the movie, some of the movies are quite accurate. But I can tell you that it’s not often that I’ve jumped a river in a highspeed car chase or tackled a criminal off the side of a building.” He winked. Kerri looked at him and couldn’t tell if he was joking or not. “It has its perks, but most of it, well, most of it is sacrifice.”

  “I can see that.” Kerri smiled some. “So why did you get into it? Just following in your father’s footsteps?”

  “No, actually. My father tried his best to talk me out of it. He warned me that there might never be a time that I could live a normal life. But I was headstrong, and admired him so much, that I just couldn’t resist. And once I was in, I was in for life.”

  “Did Grandma know?”

  “She did. She loved you so much and she wanted you to be protected from that life.” His forehead creased and his jaw locked.

  “I’m sorry, I’m sure it’s difficult for you to talk about her.”

  “No, talking about her isn’t difficult. The moments I missed out on with her, that’s what is difficult. I wouldn’t change anything, but I do wish I’d found a way to spend more time with her, and with you, and your father. It’s a delicate thing, giving your life to a job, and never being able to explain why to the people you love.”

  “You just explained it to me. I think I understand. There are careers, and then there are passions, ways of life.”

  “Yes. That’s it. And sometimes you’re lucky enough that your career and your passions line up. Like with your shop.”

  “You really think that?” She frowned. “Sometimes I feel silly for opening a gift shop.”

  “I think you’re opening more than that.”

  “You do? I kind of see it as opening doors to places around the world. With having so many items to enjoy and taste, I hope it inspires people to want to travel, or at least learn more about the rest of the world.”

  “Which is a priceless gift to offer. Not everyone has the luxury of jetting from country to country. Thanks to you they can travel with their taste buds and the other things you offer in the store.”

  “That means a lot to me, Grandpa.”

  “You mean a lot to me, kiddo.” He kissed the top of her head. “You’d better get some sleep, or you’re going to be worn out for your opening tomorrow.” The oddly paternal moment caused affection to bubble up within her. With so much of her childhood spent in boarding schools or with nannies, she didn’t often have that feeling of having someone who loved her looking out for her best interests.

  “I guess you’re right. Hopefully, I can actually fall asleep. Goodnight Grandpa.”

  “Goodnight, sweet dreams.”

  As Kerri closed the door to her bedroom she smiled to herself at the thought of the next day. Instead of stress or fear, she felt exhilarated.

  Chapter 2

  When Kerri’s alarm went off the next morning, she practically leaped out of bed. Cashew let out a yelp in response to the sudden movement.

  “This is it, Cash! It’s finally here.” Kerri laughed as she scooped the dog up into her arms. “The shop is finally going to be open. Everyone is going to be absolutely nuts about nuts, I know it.”

  Cashew licked her cheek. She winced, then laughed as she tried to lick her forehead. “Okay, little pup, I have to get in the shower, but then I will take you out back to play.”

  After a quick shower Kerri returned to the bedroom to find Cashew waiting at the door. “I know, I know, breakfast.” She walked past the dog, through the living room and into the kitchen. As she prepared Cashew’s breakfast, she also started a pot of coffee. Her grandfather’s door was still closed so she did her best to be quiet. Once they both had breakfast, she took Cashew outside into the backyard to get some running in. The dog was quite pleased to bound back and forth across the grass. Kerri looked up at the bright morning sky and let a sensation of confidence flood through her. Yes, everything was in place, and everything would go perfectly well. She just had to think positive, and the day would unfold without a hitch.

  As worries threatened to creep into her thoughts she refocused her attention on what could and would go absolutely right. After Cashew wore herself out, they returned to the house. Once again she noticed that her grandfather’s door was shut. She wanted to share the excitement of the morning with him, but she also didn’t want to deny him any rest. She gathered the items she still needed to take into the shop and carried them out to the trunk of her car. On the way back in she caught sight of her squirrel friend. She smiled as she watched him inch towards her in the driveway.

  “No nuts today, little guy. I have to go open the shop.” Kerri smiled at that remark. “Wish me luck, my bushy-tailed friend. I think I’m going to need it.”

  The squirrel chattered in her direction, then took off through the woods. Kerri got the feeling from his swift departure that he might be trying to beat her to the shop. She walked back into the house, said goodbye to Cashew and did one last check of her prep list. Certain she had everything she needed, she glanced at her grandfather’s door. It was still closed. She lingered by the door, but she couldn’t hear him snoring, or any movement inside. He knew what time she planned to leave, so she could only assume that he decided against going in with her. Or maybe he planned to show up later in the day. He might have had trouble sleeping. All of the reasons flew through her mind as she walked towards the door. She’d never really had someone that she wanted to be there for her big moments before. Her mother was always there for her birthdays, but not all holidays. It was just not something that Kerri counted on.

  As Kerri started to back out of the driveway, she realized that her grandfather’s car wasn’t even there. She’d been waiting for him, checking on him, and the whole time he wasn’t home. She rolled her eyes at her own foolishness, and drove down the tree-lined street towards the shop. Already the town was awake and active, with children at the playground, truck drivers at the diner, and a few joggers scattered on every street she passed. Saturdays were not sleepy in a town like Cascade Grove. They were treasured, and crammed with activities. She hoped that some of the people she passed intended to visit the shop for its grand opening.

  Cascade Grove was a pleasant place to live. She’d met quite a few people. But in many ways she still felt like an outsider. It was a small town, that received many tourists because of its beautiful waterfalls and the expansive woods that surrounded them. When she decided to make it her new home, she knew there might be a little bit of an uphill battle to being accepted by the locals. Steve helped with that, by being so friendly to her, and showing her around town. But her biggest asset was her friend and employee, Natalie. Like Steve she’d grown up in the area and was highly confident that she knew every single person in Cascade Grove. She always seemed to know the gossip. As Kerri pulled up to the shop she sent Natalie a text.

  Two hours until the doors open!

  A second later she received one in return.

  I’m so excited! I will be there by ten, I have to run a few errands first.

  Kerri smiled and tucked her phone into her purse. Before getting the boxes from the car she decided to open up the shop and get some things settled. For just a second she paused and looked up at the ‘Nuts about Nuts’ sign on the shop. The artist who created the sign had taken a little extra time to make sure that it had a bushy tailed squirrel on it. She asked him to add the black stripe down his back. She slid the key into the lock on the front door and started to turn it. However,
before she could even twist the knob she was startled by the shriek of several sirens. One was enough to rattle her, but the combination of several set her on edge. She dropped the keys on the ground and took a step back from the door.

  Two police cars skidded to a stop directly across the street. They were followed by two more. She couldn’t help but stare, entranced by the flashing lights and the uniformed men that piled out of the cars. For a second she wondered if it might be her they were after. She reviewed her recent activities for any indications of a possible crime. Her fear subsided when she noticed the direction the police officers headed in. Across the empty lot, towards the woods. Her heart skipped a beat as she noted their grim expressions. This wasn’t a rescue. No one had called the police there to save anyone. This was something much darker than that, and though she didn’t know exactly what it was, she was sure that it was dire.

  “What is going on?” Kerri said to herself as she bent down to pick up her keys. When she stood back up again, she found Steve, and another man, right in front of her. Startled, she took a few steps back. The man beside Steve was about twice his size with more muscle than fat on his body. His hairline receded back almost to the middle of his scalp, and his sharp eyes locked on her as if he was trying to read her whole life story.

  “Sorry, I didn’t mean to frighten you. I guess you didn’t hear us coming, with all of the commotion.” Steve smiled. “This is Jasper, he’s the editor of the paper. He wanted a firsthand view of the shop I’ve been raving about for weeks now. Jasper, this is Kerri.”

  “Nice to meet you, Kerri.” The larger man skimmed his gaze across the sign above the shop. “Nuts about Nuts? I can relate to that. Walnuts are my favorite.”

  “Hmm, have you ever tried honey toasted pecans?” Her eyes shone as she recalled the delicious flavor. “I guarantee you, they will become your new favorite.”

  “I will have to try them!” Jasper grinned, but his jovial expression faded as he looked in the direction of the gathered police cars. “Something big is happening.”

  “Do you know what it is? I haven’t even gotten in the door yet. They came screaming down the road like something was about to explode.” Kerri frowned as she clutched the keys in her hand.

  “No idea.” Jasper shook his head.

  Steve slid his hands into his pockets and continued to watch as more police officers flooded the grassy lot. As he did Kerri admired Steve’s good looks. He was gorgeous with broad shoulders, black wavy hair and sharp-blue eyes.

  “I’d better get back to the office in case there’s a news break I missed. Steve, let me know if you find anything out, all right?” Jasper pulled out his phone and scanned through his messages.

  “Sure.” Steve nodded.

  “Oh, and Kerri, please save me some of those pecans.”

  “I sure will.” Kerri smiled at Jasper.

  Steve continued to gaze across the street as Jasper walked away.

  “I might be able to get an exclusive on the story if one of the officers is willing to give me some details.”

  “Whatever it is, seems to be in the woods. Do you think someone is hurt? It doesn’t seem to me that they are acting that way.”

  “No.” He glanced over at her. “I shouldn’t be telling you this, but what I heard on the police scanner app that I have on my phone was a report of a body.”

  “A body?” Kerri sighed as dread washed over her. “Oh no, how terrible.”

  “It is.” He tilted his head towards the door. “We should probably get inside. I can find out more by making a few calls first.”

  “No need.” She looked both ways, then crossed the street towards one of the officers that remained beside his car.

  “Kerri wait!” Steve followed after her, but she was already at the officer’s side.

  “Excuse me, sir?” She met his eyes with a small smile. “I don’t mean to bother you, but I was wondering what’s happening here? I own the shop over there, and it’s my grand opening today.”

  “Oh, yeah?” He looked across the street at the sign. “Nuts about nuts.” His lips curved in a half-smile. “Sounds like an interesting place. But I wouldn’t count on opening today.”

  “Why not?” Her chest tightened at the thought of all of her hard work going to waste.

  “I’m guessing in about five minutes we’re going to shut down this road, and we’re going to keep it closed for most of the day, more than likely.”

  “Is it something serious?” Kerri frowned and did her best to hold back her disappointment. She’d have to put off her grand opening, but that was nothing to be upset about compared to someone’s life being lost.

  “I’m afraid so. I can’t say too much, but it will take some time to process this whole area. The chief is very thorough about these things.”

  “Yes, I’m aware. Thank you for the information, Officer.”

  “You’re welcome.” He turned away to speak into his radio.

  As Kerri and Steve walked back across the street, she bit into her bottom lip and did her best to keep her emotions under control. Inside, she was nearly in full panic. If she didn’t open, that would mean that she still had no income. She was already stretched tight.

  “I’m sorry, Kerri. I know this has to be a blow.” Steve paused as they reached the sidewalk on the other side of the road. “Is there anything I can do to help?”

  “Don’t worry about me. I’m sure you need to cover this event. Whatever is happening seems pretty important.”

  “You’re important too, Kerri.” He met her eyes with his sharp blue eyes for just a second before he looked away. “I mean, this is an important day for you.”

  “It’s okay, Steve. I’d rather you find out what’s happening. Besides, all I need to do is shut the shop down that I didn’t open.” She smiled. “Shouldn’t be too much trouble.”

  “All right.” He nodded, then turned on the heel of one sneaker and walked away. She was tempted to call him back, just to thank him again. It was strange how she had no idea how to speak to him, when she didn’t have much trouble talking to anyone else. There was no doubt in her mind that she’d developed quite a crush on Steve, but she knew how to keep such affection under control, normally.

  Once Kerri stepped inside the shop, it hit her again that the grand opening was going to have to be delayed. She looked at all of the decorations waiting to be hung, and realized she’d have to postpone the opening until the next weekend when there were more locals and tourists in town. It wasn’t the worst thing, but it wasn’t how she expected her day to go. As she began to stack up the boxes of decorations the front door of the shop swung open. She spun around to see her grandfather in the doorway.

  “Hey, what’s going on out there?” He held up two cups of coffee as he walked further into the shop. “I went to get us some coffee to celebrate this morning.”

  “Oh, thanks Grandpa.” She smiled at him as she took one of the cups. “Unfortunately, I don’t think the shop is going to be opening today.”

  “No?” He looked back out through the large front window at the flashing lights. “Why not?”

  “As far as I know the police are investigating a body that was found. The officer I spoke to indicated that they would likely be closing the road.” She sighed and rested one hand on her hip as she looked through the window. “I know it’s not right of me to be bothered, considering someone’s life was lost, but I’m just frustrated.”

  “That’s to be expected. You’ve worked hard on getting this shop ready to open. Maybe they’ll be able to clear things up quickly.”

  “Even if they do, I don’t think it would be right to hang decorations and celebrate, right across from a death investigation.”

  “Yes, I guess you’re right about that. Then let’s try to salvage what we can of today. We can pack everything up, then head out to the woods for a hike. Does that sound good?”

  “Honestly, I’d rather find out exactly what is happening over there. I can’t help but be curious.
The amount of police that responded really surprised me. I would think it would have to be a homicide. Wouldn’t you?”

  “It’s best not to jump to conclusions. It could have just been an accident. Here comes Chief Meyers, maybe he’ll have something to tell us.” George nodded his head towards the window as the chief walked towards the door of the shop. Kerri held her breath as he opened the door. Would it be a friendly visit?

  Chapter 3

  Chief Meyers stepped inside the shop and greeted Kerri and George with a grim expression.

  “Kerri, George.” The chief nodded as he gripped his hat in his hands. “I guess you’ve heard.”

  “Not much.” Kerri took a step closer to him, her eyes wide with interest. “What’s happened?”

  “I’m afraid it’s going to put a damper on your big day.” He frowned as he swept his gaze around the stocked shelves and the few festive decorations that she had already hung.

  “I don’t care about that, I’m just worried about what happened, and who it happened to.” Kerri met his eyes. “The big opening can wait.”

  “I’m glad you’re so understanding, because we are going to have to shut down the street for this investigation. Bill Power, who owns the property there.” He pointed through the window at the property beside the empty lot. “He was going to run some new water pipes to a shed he built on the back of his property. I guess he dug around a little past his property line, and discovered there was a body buried there. We responded to his call, and found the victim. He’s been dead for a while. The crime scene is active, and the search for evidence will have to be very thorough.”

  “Oh dear, how terrible. Was it someone local? Or, maybe you can’t tell me that?” Kerri tried to cover her ears with her hair.

  He spun his hat in his hands and nodded. “I really shouldn’t, but you’ll find out soon enough. Word spreads like wildfire around here, especially if it has to do with a local. You don’t get much more local than Damian West.” He closed his eyes for a moment.