Murder at Honeysuckle Hotel Read online

  “I know what you mean. I’m definitely getting a guard dog, and not a little one, either. Here, have a muffin.” I shoved the basket full of warm muffins in front of her and took the seat across from her. After letting out another deep sigh, I said, “Thank goodness all of this is over. I’ve had enough action in the past few days to last a lifetime.”

  “What about the buildings?” Claire Ann asked.

  “I’m waiting on a call back to see if they qualify for historic status, but from what I read, I think they do. I’m not holding out much hope on whether the owner will go for it though.” I pinched off a piece of muffin. “When are you going to tell me who the mystery date was? You’ve been avoiding the question.”

  “I guess I can’t avoid it any longer, huh?” She looked up at me through her thick lashes.

  “No, you can’t.” I grinned.

  “I’m dating Charlie.” Her words rushed out.

  My mouth fell open. “Charlie? Our boss? Well, my former boss and your current boss?”

  “Yelp, that’s the one.” She took another bite of muffin.

  “Why didn’t you tell me before?”

  “I wasn’t sure how you’d react. We didn’t tell anyone. Heck, I wasn’t sure the relationship would go anywhere, but I really like him and I think he likes me.”

  “How long has this been going on?” I asked.

  “Not long.” She picked at the top of her muffin.

  “You two weren’t together when he was… you know?” I lowered my voice. A habit I’d learned since living in Honeysuckle. Someone was always listening—never mind I was in my house.

  “Oh, no. Married? No, way. I’d never do that.” She waved her hands.

  I smiled and nodded. “I think you’ll make a cute couple.” I brushed the crumbs from my hands.

  She smiled. “When do you think you’ll call Kent?” She popped another piece of muffin in her mouth.

  “He’s kind of busy wrapping up a crime scene, you know. Unless he has more questions, he doesn’t need to talk to me.”

  “I have a feeling he’ll have more questions.” She winked. “By the way he looked at you yesterday...” She shook her head. “He’s got it bad.”

  A part of me wondered if Claire Ann was right—a part of me wanted her to be right. Even though I still thought men were a pain in the butt.

  “Oh stop—” A knock on the door cut me off.

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  We stared at each other for a second. My nerves were still on edge. “I’d better get that.” I trailed down the hall and Claire Ann followed close behind. That tough girl façade sure had a way of coming and going.

  “Who is it?” I asked, almost afraid of the answer.

  “Sheriff Kent.”

  “Ha. What did I tell ya?” She wiggled her finger at me.

  I motioned for her to shut up. “Hush.” I brushed down my frazzled hair with the palm of my hand and opened the door.

  As I stepped aside to allow Kent to enter, Mr. Littlefield stormed down the stairs like an angry bull with his luggage in hand. My guess was that his stay with me was over.

  “Thanks to you, the deal is off,” he said as he dropped his suitcases to the floor and stood as if in a showdown across from me. “I just got off the phone with the owner of those decrepit buildings. He’s not selling.”

  “I’m sorry?” I had no idea what he was ranting about now.

  “He says he’s making them a part of the historic register. Apparently someone at the historic society offered to buy the buildings. They told him they’d make it impossible for any gas station to ever go up there.”

  My mouth hung open. “I had no idea.”

  “Don’t play stupid with me.” He clenched his fists. “You knew who I was, and I overheard you on the phone. Stupid hick town.”

  “I think it’s time you checked out of the Honeysuckle Hotel.” Kent placed his hand on his gun holster.

  “Not much for subtlety, are you Sheriff Kent?” I smiled.

  “You won’t get a good review from me.” Mr. Littlefield pointed, then grabbed his luggage. He yanked the door open and stormed out onto the porch.

  Kent slammed the door in Mr. Littlefield’s wake. I looked from Kent to Claire Ann. She burst into a fit of giggling. Kent and I followed in laughter.

  When I finally caught my breath, I said, “That review is going to be so bad. Why am I laughing?”

  “Oh, forget him. Even if he does leave you a bad review, people will just think he’s nuts,” Claire Ann said. “Speaking of nuts, I have to go to work. I’m getting dressed and out of your hair.”

  Did she have to go so soon? My stomach danced around like a three-year old on a sugar high.

  She turned before heading up the stairs. “Guess we know now that my uncle was able to get the buildings declared historical.”

  I smiled. “I owe you. So I guess the road won’t be coming through town after all.”

  “You’d better do something with those buildings.” She wiggled her finger in warning.

  “Yeah, well, I need to find out who bought them.”

  Claire Ann winked, then bounded up the stairs leaving me with Kent.

  “I have a confession,” Kent said as Claire Ann disappeared around the corner.

  Oh dear. Was he going to confess that he liked to wear women’s underwear?

  “I’m buying the buildings.”

  “You’re buying them?” My mouth hung open.

  “Yes, ma’am. I’d been thinking of it for some time. I know they need a lot of work, but I hate to see all that the history torn down.”

  “I think it’s wonderful.”

  “Claire Ann’s right, you’d better help me do something with those buildings.”

  “Wow, I don’t know what to say.”

  “Say yes, or at least maybe.”

  “Okay, maybe. It’s a lot to think about. I mean, of course, I’ll help you, it’s just… I’m not sure you’ll want my help. Maybe you should wait until I’ve had at least one happy hotel guest.”

  “Fair enough, fair enough. You’re lucky you didn’t walk into a booby trap yesterday, you know?” Kent asked.

  “I know. I shouldn’t have taken the chance. Will you forgive me?” I asked.

  He nodded. “You’re forgiven.”

  “Just like that? That was easy. So what exactly was Judy doing over there?” I crossed my arms in front of my chest. I didn’t know what else to do with myself. I wished I’d had a chance to comb my hair before he showed up looking gorgeous.

  “She had a box lab. It’s just the apparatus and chemicals used to manufacture the methamphetamine. She was storing it and they’d take it somewhere else to make. I guess they think they won’t get caught that way.”

  “Well, thank goodness for small favors, I guess.”

  He smiled. “I think because Judy was right here in town and just storing the devices and not actually producing the drug, she felt safe.”

  “I’m lucky Claire Ann and I didn’t end up like poor Nancy. And to think she’d been bullying Mrs. Mathers.” I shook my head. I’d never understand how some people could be so evil.

  “Yeah, and she thought she’d get the house in the end, too,” he said.

  Silence hung in the air. What else was there to say?

  “Can I get you a muffin?” I was terrible at small talk. But someone needed to eat all those muffins.

  “No, thanks. I need to get back to work.” He gestured over his shoulder. “Things are crazy with everything that’s happened.”

  “I can imagine.” I looked down and shuffled my foot. “So, if you’re not here to arrest me, what other reason is there?”

  His cheeks turned red and heat rushed to mine. “I think you know why I’m here.”

  “To chase away my unfriendly guests?” I grinned.

  “I let you go once and Ross got you. I won’t let that happen again. I don’t really know how to say this, so I guess I’ll just come right out and say it. Raelynn, wi
ll you come to dinner with me?”

  “Yes!” Claire Ann yelled from the top of the stairs.

  I shook my head and Kent frowned. “No, you won’t?”

  “What!” Claire Ann ran halfway down the steps.

  “I was shaking my head at my crazy best friend.” I gestured her way. “Yes, I’d love to come to dinner with you.” I smiled.

  “Never mind me, I’m invisible.” Claire Ann tried to slip back up the squeaky stairs quietly.

  About Rose Pressey

  Rose Pressey enjoys writing quirky and fun novels with a paranormal twist. The paranormal has always captured her interest. The thought of finding answers to the unexplained fascinates her.

  When she's not writing about werewolves, vampires and every other supernatural creature, she loves eating cupcakes with sprinkles, reading, spending time with family, and listening to oldies from the fifties. Yeah, she loves Elvis. She can't help myself.

  Rose lives in the beautiful commonwealth of Kentucky with her husband, son, and two sassy Chihuahuas.

  Visit her online at:

  http://www.rosepressey.com

  http://www.facebook.com/rosepressey

  http://www.twitter.com/rosepressey

  Rose loves to hear from readers. You can email her at: [email protected]

  Decorating on a budget

  Do It Yourself Chalkboard

  Making a decorative chalkboard is an easy do-it-yourself project. Take an old picture frame or mirror of your choice, and paint the glass with chalkboard paint. You can also take the glass out and paint on the back of the old picture in the frame, if it came with one. Chalkboard paint is available at any hardware store and it comes in many colors. *Remember all thrift stores are not created equal. Some are more expensive than others. Watch out for the real bargains.

  Materials:

  Chalkboard paint

  Brush

  Frame

  Masking tape

  Directions:

  Step One. Using masking tape, carefully tape off the area you will be painting. Make sure area is clean and dry.

  Step Two. Apply a coat of primer and let dry. *Chalkboard paint comes in spray version as well. It’s completely up to you which one to use, they both work well. Just remember to use the spray can outside. I like foam brushes best because they don't leave brush stroke marks.

  Step Three. Apply a coat of chalkboard paint and let dry.

  Step Four. Apply second coat of chalkboard paint. Let dry thoroughly. If needed, apply a third coat.

  Allow the final coat to dry completely. Wait at least twenty-four hours before writing on the chalkboard surface. To treat the chalkboard, roll a piece of chalk across the board, then wipe clean before writing.

  Repainted Chandelier

  I don’t recommend painting the fixture while still hanging like Raelynn did. Make sure power source for the light is off before removing light fixture.

  Materials:

  Masking tape

  Primer

  Spray paint

  Directions:

  Step One: Cover light sockets with tape so the paint won’t seep in and damage light fixture.

  Step Two: Apply primer. Allow to dry completely.

  Step Three: Apply paint and repeat until fully covered.

  Revamped Dresser

  There are several ways to refinish furniture. You can strip, sand, then re-stain the furniture, or simply paint over existing color. I don’t recommend Dumpster diving, but many people simply leave the items by the curb.

  Materials:

  Sandpaper

  Masking tape

  Primer

  Paint

  Brush

  Directions:

  Step One: Lightly sand the furniture so the paint adheres better.

  Step Two: Apply primer.

  Step Three: Paint. Reply paint as needed. *Helpful hint: You can place the paintbrush in a plastic bag while you wait for coats to dry. This way you don’t have to wash the brush repeatedly and it won’t dry before you finish the job.