Chocolate Cherry Cheater Page 9

  He looked around and clucked his tongue. “How are you guys holding up? I see business is slow. It was a struggle to pass that crowd of people outside.”

  His crew filled up three tables. With a wide smile, he said, “I decided to treat my office staff to dinner. I hope that’s okay?”

  Sylvia jumped up from the table and hugged him. “You’re all right, Marlon. Thank you.”

  Marlon Guerra might have been the mayor of Baños, but he had grown up in town just like Sylvia had.

  Abuelita and Tia Rosa went into the kitchen to help, leaving me with the mayor. He waved me over to join him at the table. Pulling out his napkin and folding it over his lap, he said, “The two dozen doughnuts Martha delivered earlier today didn’t last past lunch. We’ll need three dozen tomorrow.”

  I grinned at him in thanks. Sylvia was right. Mayor Guerra was a good guy.

  Leaning toward me, he said, “I want to ask about the case. That Sanchez woman scares me. I tried to talk to the coroner, but she has everyone on edge, and I couldn’t get much from him.”

  Abuelita came out, placing a plate in front of him.

  I asked, “What did the coroner say?”

  The mayor picked up his fork. “Only that the cause of death was not an accident, which came as no surprise given how she was found. When I asked for more detail, he clammed up. I couldn’t get any idea of how she was murdered, what could have been used to kill her, or if she had any telling injuries. I’m sorry, Miss James. I tried.”

  “Thank you for asking, I really appreciate—”

  Abuelita interrupted, pointing her finger at me and exclaiming, “He do it! He strangle her with the cord of the microphone!”

  The mayor looked confused, so I explained, “Not you. She’s talking about Daniel de la Calle.”

  Abuelita repeated, “He do it! I feel it in the gut!”

  The mayor sighed, “Ah, so it’s just a hunch.”

  Abuelita plopped her fists on her hips. “Is true. Jess prove it.”

  She returned to the kitchen to help serve the other tables.

  When she was out of hearing distance, I said, “Daniel does have a motive, and he was at the lagoon that day, so he had the means…”

  The mayor swallowed his bite, saying, “But you’re not as convinced as Abuelita.”

  I shook my head. “Something’s not quite right. I’m looking into it.”

  The mayor scooped his fork full of food. “That’s our girl! I’m happy to hear it. This town is divided, and it’s time that the truth came out. Maybe it’ll help Christina’s mother find closure and allow Jake to move on.”

  Sylvia set down the plates of food she carried, serving the mayor’s crew the next table over. He called her to join us when her arms were empty. “I’m being interviewed by SierraVista tomorrow. They’re doing a piece on the remodel of our mineral pools — the ones Jess helped us raise money for — and I’ll make sure to put in a good word for you during the interview.”

  Sylvia smiled at him. “Thank you, Marlon. Tia Rosa will be thrilled. She loves Maria Escobar. She’ll be happy to know SierraVista is coming.”

  The mayor brightened. “Not just the station. Tell her Maria Escobar is coming to do the interview herself. Tia Rosa should come by. We’ll be in front of the pools at ten o’clock.”

  Sylvia went back to the kitchen with the good news, and before the mayor could chew his next bite, Tia Rosa, Abuelita, Sylvia, Jake, and Adi had joined us at the table.

  Over the next few minutes, it was easy to forget that we were in the middle of a murder investigation. We chatted and laughed with our friends, and at that moment, we had no problems. Life was peaceful and good.

  I tried to remember that moment long into the night. It had been a nice reprieve. Even if it couldn’t last.

  Chapter 16

  It was gorgeous the next morning. The sun shone in a blue sky dotted with puffy, white clouds.

  Tia Rosa and Abuelita had shown up at the shop earlier than normal. Their black leather pumps were shiny with polish, and they each sported a silk blouse over their pressed skirts. Abuelita wore her usual gold hoops and wedding ring, while Tia Rosa sported a bold, floral brooch made of sparkling purple, pink, and yellow crystals. She wore a green, orange, and blue scarf to clash. Tia Rosa must have put a wash in her hair because her fluffy curls were a deeper shade of lavender.

  Abuelita wore lipstick, which told me one thing: she was going to try to get on television. I’d have to keep an eye on her.

  As it got closer to ten o’clock, I looked down at my clothes. Compared to the sisters, I felt a little underdressed. But I wasn’t going to try to get on television. My goal was to avoid the dangerous end of the camera while I kept the Abuelita and Tia Rosa in check and ask a few questions to the news crew. Some of them might have been at the lagoon the day of Christina’s murder, and there was the possibility they might have seen something useful. I aimed to find out.

  I looked at my reflection in the display glass, smoothing back my hair. My topknot was lopsided, but I didn’t have any weird hairs poking out at odd angles. My Keep calm and read Jane Austen shirt was clean, and my jeans were free of frosting smudges. I’d remembered to put on mascara and lip stain, which was better than I did most days. I shrugged my shoulders at my reflection and declared, “Good enough.”

  Tia Rosa and Abuelita tapped their toes impatiently and glanced at their wristwatches. They stood on either side of the door, like little sentries.

  Finally, Tia Rosa said, “Come, Jessica. We be late.”

  I looked at the time on my phone. “It’s not even ten yet.”

  Abuelita scowled at me. “We get there before interview start. More chance to be on the television.”

  Tia Rosa nodded, pulling a notebook and pen out of the plastic bag she carried like a purse. “I get the autograph! I so exciting!”

  I chuckled at their eagerness. Nothing here ever happened on time, and the pools were only a few minutes away on foot. But their excitement was contagious, I gave in.

  By the time we got to the pools, I wished I’d at least changed my shirt.

  The interview was already underway, and Abuelita cast me a dirty look. “You make us late,” she hissed.

  She looked as if she would march right up to the cameraman to demand they start over now that she was there. Fortunately, she stayed put.

  Agent Sanchez stood on the other side of the cameras.

  “It looks like it’s just starting,” I whispered, directing Tia Rosa and Abuelita as far away from Sanchez as we could stand without missing the interview.

  Mayor Guerra had a gift for talking up his hometown, and it was fun to watch him praise the newly remodeled mineral pools in the town he loved. “Our quaint home is a haven for vacationers looking to relax, reconnect with nature, and have a good time. The people of Baños welcome you!” he said with a blinding grin and arms open wide.

  Abuelita took that as an invitation. Quicker than I could reach out to stop her, she speed-walked in front of the camera with her hand raised. “I Baños people. I welcome you to eat at my daughter restaurant,” she said.

  The mayor covered her interruption like a true professional. Widening his broad grin, he said, “Thank you, Abuelita. Abuelita’s Kitchen is a treat not to be missed.” He motioned for her to join him, and she stood at his side.

  I knew I was in for it when he looked over at me.

  I tried to shrink in place. I really should have changed my shirt and fixed my hair.

  “Speaking of Baños’ outstanding citizens,” he said, “Jessica James, please join us!”

  I dragged Tia Rosa along with me, hoping to hide behind her. But it was not to be. The mayor stood between us, me alone and exposed on one side; Tia Rosa and Abuelita on the other with Maria Escobar.

  The mayor continued, “It is my honor to introduce a young lady who not only makes the best doughnuts in the whole country, but she is our premier detective! This is Jessica James!”

  Like
a goober, I curtsied.

  I wanted to disappear so badly, but I knew the interview was live and I couldn’t just run away.

  Agent Sanchez pinched her lips together and shook her head. She wouldn’t be a fan of the “premier detective” comment. Of all the things the mayor could’ve said, he had to say that. I wasn’t so happy either.

  But there was nothing else I could do but smile so that’s what I did while the mayor continued talking. He said, “You must visit The Sugar Shack for doughnuts and Abuelita’s Kitchen for the best traditional cuisine you’ve ever tasted. Baños has it all! Great people, amazing food, healing mineral waters in newly designed pools as pleasing to the eye as they are beneficial to your health. Come to Baños! We welcome you!”

  The reporter turned to the camera, saying, “We leave you with that warm invitation from the mayor of Baños, Marlon Guerra. Thank you.” With a winning smile, she concluded, “I am Maria Escobar from SierraVista reporting from the newly remodeled mineral pools in Baños.”

  Postures relaxed and cameras dropped. I finally breathed and massaged my cheeks before my smile became a permanent fixture on my face.

  Abuelita turned to the reporter. “I on the TV?”

  Maria Escobar said, “That was a live interview. You can watch a replay on the evening news tonight.” Her lips didn’t smile, but her eyes did.

  Abuelita was thrilled. At least someone was happy.

  I looked around, but I didn’t see Agent Sanchez. I didn’t know if that was a good thing or not. If she was going to chew me out, as I supposed she would, I’d rather get it done with than wait.

  Tia Rosa pulled out her notepad and pen. Standing in front of the reporter, she asked for Maria’s autograph, saying, “I only watch the news from SierraVista. You my favorite. You look more young than I see you on the television.”

  I winced at the accidental jab, hoping that Maria wouldn’t be offended. She was beautiful, but I guessed her to be about Sylvia’s age. Old enough to have established herself in her career, and young enough to go after it.

  The reporter laughed, handing the autographed paper back to Tia Rosa. “The camera’s unforgiving. I work hard to look good for my viewers.”

  Tia Rosa said, “You beautiful.”

  That earned a genuine smile. “Thank you. I have to keep up with the younger generation.”

  Tia Rosa’s face went serious. “You have the experience. They must have to keep up with you, no you with them.”

  “You are kind to say so,” Maria said, shifting her gaze me. “You are Baños’ premier detective? I’m so happy to meet you, Miss James.”

  I blushed again. “Oh, the mayor was being kind. I just make doughnuts.”

  Tia Rosa poked me in the ribs. “You too modest, Jessica.” To Maria, she said, “She solve many mystery.”

  Maria looked at me with more interest than she had before. “Are you working on any cases right now?”

  I could practically see her working on her next story.

  If I had questions to ask, there was no time like the present. I said, “Actually, I am. Did you know Christina Cabrera well?”

  Maria placed her hand over her heart, her voice dropping. “I was shocked to hear of her death. She was my colleague.”

  “You worked together?” I asked.

  Maria shook her head. “Not exactly. However, I remember when she first came to Ambato and began working her way up at the new stations. I took her under my wing for a time, until she was able to establish herself.” Her voice wavered. “She was a sweet girl with a bright career ahead of her.”

  She seemed so sad, I said, “Her death deeply affected many people.”

  Maria nodded. “I plan to swing by her mother’s house to offer my condolences. It’s the least I can do under the circumstances.”

  “I’m sure she’ll appreciate that. Can I ask you a question?”

  “Please do.”

  “The video your channel aired…. Where did it come from?”

  Maria furled her eyebrows. “I’m so sorry, but I can’t in good conscience reveal my sources. However, I can tell you that it was shared anonymously.”

  She wrote her number on the back of a card and handed it to me, saying, “If there’s anything I can do to help, please call me. I’m sorry I can’t stay and chat with you longer, but I really must visit Señora Cabrera.”

  Tia Rosa tugged on the sleeve of my t-shirt. “It look like you no have to go to Christina mother. She here!”

  Señora Cabrera power walked toward us, her expression as fiery as a volcano about to explode.

  Chapter 17

  Christina’s mom stormed past me, Maria Escobar, and Tia Rosa to stand toe-to-toe with the mayor.

  Pointing at us, she exclaimed, “How dare you! They are disgusting criminals, and you support them?”

  The cameraman angled himself to get a better shot. Great. I wondered if the station would press charges if I grabbed his camera and threw it into the mineral pool behind the mayor. It was tempting.

  Mayor Guerra said, “I want justice for Christina, too. But not like this. I will not accuse anyone, nor will I act like a bully.” He nodded directly at the camera. He must have seen the red recording button glowing too.

  Señora Cabrera waved her arms in the air. “You call me a bully?”

  Her voice carried down the street, and passersby slowed down, standing off to the side to watch the spectacle.

  The mayor wasn’t derailed in the least. “What is your proof? You march, demanding justice, in front of the businesses of not only Jake but his entire family. How is that fair?”

  She pointed in my direction. “They help him. They are just as guilty as he is.”

  The mayor shook his head. “He has not been arrested. How have you determined Jake’s guilt? And who are you to exact punishment?”

  She shouted, waving her hands in the air. “My daughter’s dead body was found in the back of his Jeep! What more do you need?”

  The mayor softened his tone, trying to reason with her. “Is it possible that someone other than Jake ended her life? Is it possible someone else put her in the back of his Jeep? I am not asking you to proclaim him innocent, but I do ask that you be reasonable in examining the possibilities.”

  A brief silence ensued which Abuelita, unfortunately, filled. Lifting the microphone and snapping it between her hands, she announced to the growing crowd, “Christina kill with this. Daniel de la Calle do it.” Snapping the cord taunt between her hands, Abuelita took a step closer to Señora Cabrera, holding the cord out for her to examine.

  The mom wailed, “She tries to murder me! It’s a family of murderers!”

  I pinched my eyes closed for a second, my heart going out to Christina’s mom at the same time I wanted to roll my eyes at her dramatics. Abuelita had the worst timing ever.

  The mayor tried to calm her down. Sternly, he told Abuelita, “Drop the mic!”

  Señora Cabrera sobbed, covering her face with her hands. The mayor reached out to her, attempting to console her, but she shoved him away, wailing toward the heavens, “My little angel. Just when your dreams were coming true, they killed you.”

  I wished I could comfort her, but I knew it wouldn’t be appreciated.

  Abuelita had no such sympathy. “She dream to ruin Jake’s life?” she asked.

  Shouting over her grief, the mom said, “She was going to Quito. She was the new reporter at UIO News until Jake ruined everything.”

  Oh my goodness. Christina had landed the dream job? If her mother knew, who else knew? Was that why she had been killed? My head ached as I realized how large the list of suspects was with envy as a motive. There had been dozens of reporters at the lagoon the day of Christina’s murder. Foremost among them was Daniel.

  The crowd murmured, pointing and nodding their heads in support of Christina’s mom.

  I pulled Abuelita away from her and the mayor to join me and Tia Rosa, asking Maria Escobar as I did, “This won’t air on the news, will it?�
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  Before Maria could give me an answer, Agent Sanchez showed up.

  She stepped between Mayor Guerra and Señora Cabrera. “That’s enough of this. I am heading the investigation and have made significant progress. Until I make an arrest, I don’t need you to stir up any trouble that interferes with or distracts me from my work.” Slowly, Sanchez looked over the crowd so each one of us understood we were all in trouble.

  When nobody moved, she snapped, “Why are you still here? Go!”

  People shuffled away, many looking over their shoulders in hopes of the continuation of the drama that had caught their attention in the first place.

  The mayor walked by our group, whispering to me as he passed, “You’d better solve this fast!”

  “I’m trying.”

  Yoda’s sage voice echoed in my head. Trying wasn’t good enough. I had to do.

  Maria Escobar smiled weakly at us, telling her cameraman, “We’d better pack it up.” To us, she said, “It was a pleasure to meet you.”

  Sanchez came up to me, her scowl firmly in place. I guess I deserved it for being dumb enough to hang around after she’d told everyone to leave.

  I braced myself. Whatever she had to say wouldn’t be nice.

  “You’re walking a fine line, Miss James.”

  Her words were far tamer than what I had conjured up in my imagination. I raised my hands in a sign of peace. “We only came to watch the interview. We didn’t stir up any trouble.”

  She narrowed her eyes at me. “You haven’t figured it out yet? You’ve been in the small town too long. It’s made you think small.” With that, she left, her stilettos stabbing the sidewalk with loud clacks.

  Abuelita shouted after her, “No is think small. Is tact.”

  “If you had it figured out, then why haven’t you made an arrest yet? Huh?” I said to her back. She didn’t appear to hear me, and it was probably for the best. Her constant threats were getting on my nerves.

  Tia Rosa commented, “She want you to fail. She mess with the brain.”