Coffee is Murder Read online

  While it held a lot of purpose at the time—with his people going out and facing killers and the like—it still had merit today. Even though the three of them had left the police force, they still hunted killers and brought them to justice. That job wasn’t a safe one no matter how you sliced it.

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  Chapter 9

  A BAGGIE AND A PLAN

  JIMMY’S WORDS RICOCHETED in Sean’s head. Losing one’s parent is one of the hardest things to go through in life. With the statement reflecting back on his own life, the essence of this case was finally making an impact. Sophie Hogan was after closure and satisfactory answers. From the law-enforcement standpoint, the truth was likely being buried beneath bureaucratic response and budgetary constraints—two things that didn’t hold him or Sara back.

  Sean was driving Sara, and the beans, to the laboratory. From their days as cops they had connections who could make things happen. If friendship or respect weren’t enough motivation, Sean had enough money to line pockets and pay for answers. The city was always revising its budget and making cuts. The offer of compensating—generously—for results would be a welcome one.

  “Are you sure Dee Dee’s going to help us?” Sara asked from the passenger seat.

  Dee Dee’s real name was Diane Dunn, but the nickname had stuck.

  “Of course she will.”

  “Someone’s confident.”

  He gripped the wheel a little tighter, flexing his fingers against the leather. “I know what it’s like to lose a parent. Actually, I know what it’s like to lose two. I can understand why Sophie wants answers and I’m determined to find them for her.”

  Sara touched his forearm and her caring stroke moved him to release one hand from the wheel and reach for hers.

  She didn’t need to say anything and he didn’t need to continue. She understood him and his past better than anyone but himself. His wife had a way of reaching into his soul and reading his spirit.

  He turned the Mercedes SLS AMG GT a little too fast into the mouth of the lab’s parking lot and the car angled to the left, only straightening out once the wheels had. “Are you sure you don’t miss yours?”

  “Are you kidding me? I could get a new one in a heartbeat. I believe there’s enough in the bank.” She giggled.

  “There is room in the garage for more than a couple, you know.”

  “Sean, are you being materialistic?”

  “No, I’m just saying.” He smirked as he pulled into a spot and parked the car.

  “I don’t think it’s a bad idea to get a practical one for us to do our sleuthing in.”

  “Don’t take this one away from me.”

  With its gullwing doors, it didn’t really fall into the practical category, but it sure was a fun ride. They had bought two, but Sara had given hers to Jimmy at Christmas. Since then, she hadn’t bothered to get a vehicle of her own, but seeing as they were together most of the time, it hadn’t yet proved to be an inconvenience.

  He walked around to get her door. Opening it, he appreciated the view of his wife’s legs—ironically, modesty was one of the reasons she preferred not to have the car—as she flung the first one out and then the second.

  Her heels were three-inch stilettos, but based on the way she’d glide over the ground, she might as well have been born with them on her feet. Her skirt came past her knees but with the low ride of the car, it flashed more skin than she preferred. He, on the other hand, benefited.

  She put her hand in his extended one. “I see that look on your face, mister.”

  “Yes, darling, but we do have a murder to solve.”

  She looped her arm through his. “There’s my man.”

  He leaned his head over and rested it against hers, and they strolled like that for a couple steps. Until she stopped.

  “Uh-oh.”

  He turned to face her. “Uh-oh?”

  “Yeah, I think you’re forgetting that Dee Dee was in love with you.”

  Come to think of it, he had thwarted Dee Dee’s advances more times than possible to count and now he was going to ask a favor of her, with his bride by his side. To top off the proverbial sundae, abundant wealth was the cherry.

  “Maybe I am wrong. She might not help us.”

  Sara put her hands on his shoulders and brushed them down the sleeves of his suit jacket. Her touch was no longer calming. Anyone in their right mind was afraid of Dee Dee—how could he have forgotten his particular reason?

  “Maybe it’s best I hang out here and have you handle this solo.”

  “Nuh-uh. We’re in this together, darling, for better or for worse, remember?”

  “But Big Dee?”

  Sara dropped her arms. “You didn’t just say that.”

  “I did.” He winced under her gaze. Maybe that wasn’t how he’d feel about Dee Dee now, but when he was single, well, she was a big woman. In retrospect, he might have been a little shallow.

  “I can count on you to be respectful? Maybe I should do this alone.”

  “It’s all right. A long time has passed. She’s probably forgotten all about it.”

  “About what, darling?”

  “Not important. Let’s go.” Sean grabbed her hand and led the way. He was glad when her strides kept up with his.

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  Chapter 10

  PREPARED AND ARMED

  NOT ONLY WAS JIMMY going to face Needham, he was going to question his findings. The implication behind the inquiries wouldn’t be lost on the medical examiner. He would see them as an accusation that he wasn’t thorough at his job.

  The day had started off with such promise. Jimmy had slept in and woken up when his body stirred him, and any day that happened after the sun had risen was a special day. But it had taken a quick turn as soon as he’d answered his phone. Maybe he should have let it ring to voice mail.

  Now he was in his car and the clock on the dash read eleven thirty.

  He’d told Sean he’d see Needham, but not immediately. He wasn’t in any rush. Part of the procrastination might have been his trying to scheme his way out of this obligation. If only there was another way to twist things so he wouldn’t have to face the man. He refused to disappoint Sean and Sara though. With that being the alternative he’d have to suck it up and get this done. He did give his word, and honoring that determined the worth of the man. That was something he had picked up from his pop.

  “And may he rest in peace.” Old habits died hard—or not at all—from Jimmy’s experience, and he found himself making the sign of the cross on his chest as he mumbled the phrase.

  The delicatessen was open across the street from the morgue and that would be Jimmy’s first stop.

  He parked the Mercedes in the city lot, against his better judgment. People were careless and held little regard for cars that weren’t theirs, especially for ones like his.

  Ten minutes later he was armed with the medical examiner’s favorite lunch. Jimmy didn’t much worry about Needham recognizing it as a bribery tactic. Basically whatever worked was fair game.

  “Jimmy Voigt?” Vicki, the lady from the front desk, flashed him a smile. She was in her late forties and the two of them had always gotten along as friends. She was married to her high school sweetheart and proved that betting in favor of the odds sometimes paid off.

  “In the flesh.” He grinned and gestured down his outfit. Dressed in a tailored suit complete with Prada Cap-toe Balmorals, he was feeling pretty dapper. Based on her facial reaction, there was a good reason he did.

  “You’re looking marvelous, Jimmy. Retirement is suiting you well. I heard you left the department.”

  “You heard right about my no longer being with the department. The retirement part, well, that’s debatable.”

  “Ah, so you’re here on business? It wasn’t to see me?”

  “Sorry to disappoin
t, doll.” He felt as if he’d been sucked back into the past. Vicki loved classic movies, like Jimmy, and they’d made small talk about them on previous occasions. Jimmy’s wife had never understood what he saw in them, but for him, those films represented a time period when guys were gentlemen and dames were ladies.

  “Whatcha here for?” Her eyes fell to the white paper bag he held. The name of the deli was scrawled on an angle. “You’re here to see Albert.”

  “I’m afraid I am.”

  “Well, I would be afraid. He’s in a rare mood, even for him. Speaking of retirement, if one person could benefit…”

  “Albert?”

  “No, me. So I wouldn’t have to work with him.” She chuckled at her own joke. “Do you want me to let him know you’re coming down?”

  “And give him a chance to run? No way.” Jimmy tapped the counter and left for the elevator.

  He wondered just how far he’d go for the McKinleys. Of course, his efforts were always acknowledged, and they had done so much for him. Needham was just an old man who was elbows deep into cadavers. Nothing to fear—right?

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  Chapter 11

  FACING THE PAST

  DEE DEE WAS STANDING JUST inside her office door and backed up to give them room to enter. She didn’t offer for them to take a seat in the chairs meant for visitors. And she didn’t make any move to sit herself.

  “Look at who we have here.” Dee Dee was in a thigh-length lab coat with something sticking out of a side pocket and pens were clipped inside the one on her chest. But Sean’s observation wasn’t so much on what the woman was wearing but on her size.

  Dee Dee let her eyes fall over Sara and then they scrutinized Sean. “Yes, I lost weight. I’m looking fabulous, aren’t I? It’s not really a question. I know I am.”

  So much for modesty, but given her transformation Sean didn’t blame her one bit. This version was easily a size six, and a hundred and twenty-five pounds. To top it off, her cheeks held a healthy glow and her skin appeared younger and hydrated. Dee Dee had worked for her new figure the old-fashioned way—healthy eating and exercise.

  “You are looking fabulous. Isn’t she, Sean?” Sara put her hand in his and he realized that he was standing there staring.

  “She’s right. You are.” He fumbled with the words but got them out.

  “Yeah, yeah. I bet you’re having regrets now.”

  Sara tugged softly on Sean’s arm.

  “Do you realize the last time I saw this guy, I asked him out on a date? He didn’t say no. He said, ‘You never know, we might bump into each other at Lou’s.’ That’s this bar downtown. So I get all dolled up and go out. I left the girlfriends at home, thinking I was going to have myself a great night out. But guess what?” She paused, ensuring she’d hooked Sara’s attention. “He didn’t show.”

  He wasn’t going to be put on the spot like this. “We’ve been through this, Diane.”

  “See, he’s pulling out the real name now. I make him nervous.”

  Sean caught the lift of Sara’s lips. At least she was finding amusement over the situation.

  “You don’t make me nervous.”

  “I think you’re lying. Anyway, the next thing I know he’s getting married to you. Talk about leaving a girl out in the cold.”

  Only Dee Dee could say something like that, basically put Sara on the spot, and not have it come across as ignorant.

  Sean had told Dee Dee on many occasions that it had been a misunderstanding. He had meant it hypothetically. “I never mean to hurt—”

  Dee Dee waved a hand to dismiss his effort at an apology.

  “I’ve got a man these days. It’s a steady thing, too. Not sure if it’s happily-ever-after, but it’s going good for now. I’m hearing a lot about you two through the rumor mill and the media. As for the rumor mill, I’m referring to the department.”

  He breathed a little easier knowing she had someone in her life. “You might have heard that we opened up a PI firm then.”

  “I did, and I assume that has something to do with why you’re here.”

  “Your assumption would be correct.” Sean gestured to Sara and she pulled out the baggie of beans.

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  Chapter 12

  HOPING FOR ANSWERS

  SARA HANDED THE BAG OF coffee beans to Dee Dee. “We need your help to see if these are poisoned.”

  Dee Dee held it up, studied the contents through the clear plastic. “Poisoned?”

  “Yes, and we figured you could help us.”

  Sara’s tone broke many a resolve, so if Dee Dee hadn’t planned on helping them, they stood a better chance now.

  “You’re thinking someone poisoned the coffee?”

  “Yes, with cyanide.”

  “What kind of a sick person would do something like that?”

  “That’s what we need to figure out. We just need you to—” Sean stopped talking when Dee Dee leveled her gaze on him.

  She gave the bag back to Sara, who reluctantly took it. “You’re not going to help us because Sean broke your date?”

  It wasn’t a date. Sean managed to keep his mouth quiet, but he was ready to intercept if the need arose and, based on the volatile energy in the room, that might be sooner than later.

  Dee Dee’s facial features hardened and her mouth fell in a straight line. “I’m not going to help you because it’s something you could just as easily do yourself. Not to mention I have a lot already on the go. You both know what it’s like to work for the city. There’s more to do in a day than eight hours will allow.”

  Sean remembered what it was like to have a caseload more comprehensive than the time allowed for thorough investigation. This was something that he was able to conjure up after being away from the job for more than a year. But he also realized why he had put up with it for so long—besides being able to afford food and shelter. He was making a difference by bringing killers to justice and answers to victims’ families.

  “We will pay the city for your time,” he said.

  Given the way Dee Dee’s expression slipped further, it was the wrong thing to say.

  “He didn’t mean that the way it came out. We understand you’re busy. We’re sorry to have bothered you. Come on, darling.” Sara tugged on his arm and they both turned around when Dee Dee spoke.

  “Wait.”

  Sean didn’t want to get his hopes up, but it was too late for that. He was already getting emotionally involved with this case and it was just starting out. It was an unusual response from him. Typically he preferred the facts to be verified. It must have to do with knowing what it was like to lose two parents. While it was true his weren’t stolen from him through murderous hands, he was well aware of the marrow-deep pain that parental loss incurred. It was these thoughts that must have muddled his thinking process earlier.

  “You didn’t ask how to test them yourself.” Dee Dee curled her lips. “Wow, it slipped right over your heads. I can’t believe it.”

  “Neither can I.” Sara glanced at Sean.

  This was exactly what he was going to bring up, but if he said so now he wouldn’t appear credible. “And how can we do that?”

  “You said cyanide, right?”

  Sara nodded.

  “There are places online that will send you strips for testing this sort of thing. You might have to buy them in bulk, but with your money, I don’t think it’s an issue.” She winked at him. Seemingly, any insult she wanted to take to his offer for payment was now behind them. Dee Dee’s moods fluctuated like an elevator—up and down.

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  Chapter 13

  ALFALFA SPROUTS BRIBERY

  JIMMY STOPPED OUTSIDE OF THE morgue doors and adjusted the lay of his tie while balancing his hold on the sandwich bag. His palms were moist. Why was he letting Needham get to him like this? He had nothing to prove
to him. This was ridiculous. He was here for one purpose and then he’d leave. It didn’t need to be complicated. Certainly he was blowing it out of proportion in his mind…but that’s where his reassurance fell flat. To ask if Needham remembered something from the autopsy implied he had failed to note it in the record. It was this insinuation that made the interaction potentially explosive.

  No time like the present.

  A well-known phrase that had him straightening his back and pushing through the swinging door.

  It met with Albert Needham’s nose.

  Needham yelped and when he laid his eyes on Jimmy, his nostrils flared. It must have caused another rush of pain as Needham tenderly pressed his fingers to the flesh.

  “What are you doing here?”

  Jimmy was doing his best to compose himself. It had to be his nerves, but he found the situation funny. Here he was, all worried about seeing the man, building up a confrontation in his head—

  “I said, what are you doing here?” Needham ambled over to his desk in the corner and pulled a tissue from the box. He dabbed his nose while keeping an eye on Jimmy. “Be happy it’s not bleeding.”

  Jimmy ignored the rant. “I brought you lunch.”

  Needham snatched the bag and deposited it on his desk.

  “It’s your favorite. Swiss on rye with alfalfa sprouts.”

  The eye contact held steady.

  “I was hoping you had a few minutes.”

  “You’ve got one.”

  The utter disregard for Jimmy’s offering was one thing, but it was the tone in Needham’s voice that put Jimmy over the edge. No one had the right to speak to another person in this manner. “Out of respect for our time, I will do my best to be quick.”

  Needham tossed the tissue into the trash can next to his desk and wiped his hands together. “Go ahead.”