Well, that was an abrupt way to end a conversation. I guess I’m free to go. She wiped her gritty eyes and decided to swing by the apartment to check on Elvis.

  She hustled to the converted farmhouse. The chilly wind from the valley made her shiver. She took several steps across the grass and stopped suddenly. How did Kelly get in the barn? The back door was locked.

  She heard footsteps and turned quickly to see Kate and Aileen slip outside. “Are you all done with your interview?”

  “Yep. We’re waiting for Ruthanne and Roxie. It’s cold out here.” Aileen zipped up her jacket.

  “Brrrr,” Kate agreed. “I’m going back inside until we’re ready to leave.”

  “Thanks for coming over here so quickly,” Cassidy said.

  “We zoomed over here as soon as Roxie called us,” Aileen said, pointing to Kate’s pajamas. “I’m glad none of the deputies had a speed trap going at this hour. I know I broke the sound barrier.”

  “She would have gotten a ticket for reckless driving,” Kate muttered.

  “Was the barn locked when you got here?” Cassidy asked.

  “Nope. The big doors were shut, but not locked. I wondered why it was open, but I’m glad it was. In my mad dash out, I forgot my keys,” Aileen said.

  Well, that explains how Anastasia and Kelly got in. “I’m going over to the office to see if the contract had any more names on it,” Cassidy said. “I have no idea if we’re hosting today’s event or if anyone will even show up. And Anastasia broke a window by the kitchen when we were looking for Kelly. I have to let Levi know.”

  “We’ll swing by when they’re done in the barn,” Kate said. “To see if you need anything else.”

  24

  LATER SUNDAY MORNING

  After a long walk with Elvis, who was overly interested in what was going on at the barn, Cassidy settled in at her desk. The endorphins pumped through her, and she felt herself getting a second wind after the all-nighter. Not finding any other people to call on Britt’s contract, she made an executive decision to move the final event outdoors if Annie agreed. Who knows, maybe some curious folks would show up for today’s brunch. Glancing at the clock on her laptop, she punched in Annie’s number. I hope she’s up at eight o’clock.

  After a couple of rings, Annie chirped, “Good morning, Cassidy. What’s up on this beautiful autumn morning?”

  “Hey, there. It’s been a little crazy here. You sound so full of energy.”

  “Always. I’m an early bird. What’s up?” Annie stirred something in the background, obviously something cooking on her stove.

  “The police are here. They arrested Anastasia for injuring Kelly and for the two murders. She put up a big fight and denied everything.”

  “I guess when I think about it, she always seemed so unhappy and upset about everything. I can’t believe it. Why in the world? I thought they were all friends.” Her voice trailed off.

  “I think it had been building up for a while. From what I could piece together, Britt wanted Vince back, and she and Anastasia conjured up a way to get Darcy out of the picture. After Anastasia did the deed and hid the body, Britt got cold feet and tried to deny her involvement, and Anastasia snapped. She said she was tired of cleaning up Britt’s messes.”

  “Wow. I got the impression all of them were used to getting their way and being the popular girls. I never dreamed it would lead to a double murder and the other attacks. The other night, Austin said he remembered more stuff like talking to Kelly and Anastasia right before he got clobbered. He said both were drunk and flirty. He said he offered to call an Uber for Anastasia, and she got mad when he wouldn’t drive her home. She could have hit him in the back of the head when he wasn’t looking, but how did she get his body to the garden? He’s a pretty big guy.”

  Before Cassidy could comment, Annie continued, “This is going to sound crass, but what do we do about today’s event? I’ve got a ton of food ready to go. There probably aren’t that many people who are in a celebratory mood. What should we do?”

  “I checked the contract, and there are no more committee members left to call. We can’t get into the barn, but if they’ll let us drag the chairs and tables out, we can set up in the garden if that works for you.”

  “I can make it work with a nice buffet. We’ll be over in about an hour.”

  “Sounds good. I’ll text you if anything changes. Thanks.” Cassidy disconnected.

  Before taking Elvis upstairs to her apartment, she filled a to-go mug with the strongest dark roast she could find. Zombie Apocalypse should do the trick. Where does Ruthanne get this coffee from? A slight headache was building behind her eyes. Hang in there, girl. Just a couple more hours until you can crash. It’ll all be over soon.

  Before she could close up the office, the back door swung open, and the Pearly Girls tromped in like a hurricane blowing up the coast and over the mountains.

  “I can’t believe it, Cassidy. We helped the police solve some more murders. What a rush!” Ruthanne waved her hand in front of her face like a fan and plopped into her desk chair. She dropped her satchel on the floor, and it made a loud thud.

  “That is a dangerous weapon,” Kate said.

  “Books are powerful,” Aileen added.

  “Use what you have,” Ruthanne said. “I’ve always loved my books. This is the first time I’ve ever used them to stop a crime.”

  “We’re going to get a reputation,” Roxie said.

  “Speak for yourself,” Kate said with a half-grin. “Coffee, anyone? We’re in for a long day.”

  “I haven’t pulled an all-nighter in a while,” Aileen said. “I’m going to pay for this later.”

  “Since our knit-a-thon,” Ruthanne giggled. “But this was way more exciting. We stopped a cold-blooded killer. And we got to meet Kyle and Jake.”

  “Who?” Cassidy asked.

  “Those two hunky state troopers. Hurry up with the coffee. I want to go back over there and see what else is going on,” Aileen said.

  “Annie and Austin will be in the garden. I need to call Levi to see if he can help me move the chairs and tables.”

  “Do you think anyone will show up?” Kate asked, putting another mug under the coffeemaker’s spigot. “If I were part of that class, I’d be afraid of what’s going to happen next.”

  “This is the class reunion that just wouldn’t end,” Roxie muttered. “I would run if I were them.”

  “Maybe the past is better left in the past,” Kate added.

  Cassidy pulled out her phone and tapped in Levi’s number.

  “Hey, boss,” he answered. “Congrats on helping apprehend another killer. I heard from some of the cops that you had a hand in solving another one. What’s up?”

  “Thanks. The Pearly Girls were responsible for the take-down, especially Ruthanne and her huge bag full of books. I’m glad we’re almost done with this event. Speaking of that, can you help me move some tables and chairs to the garden?”

  “No problem. Be there in about fifteen minutes. Meet you at the barn.” He hung up before she could comment.

  “Elvis, you look all comfortable in your bed. I’ll leave you here to guard the place.”

  “We’ll be over to help you in a minute,” Aileen said.

  A white forensic van sat in the grass in front of her barn, and several police officers milled around near the entrance. The grassy area where the tactical team and the state police had been parked stood empty.

  Cassidy poked her head inside the barn, and Zac stopped his conversation with someone in a Tyvek suit. “Hey, Cassidy. We’ve got another hour or so here.”

  “Is it okay if we pull out some of the tables and chairs?” she asked, blinking to get her eyes to stop burning.

  “That’s fine. It’s probably better to start at that end.” He pointed to the far side of the room as Levi rolled a flat cart in from the back.

  “Hey,” Levi said with a wave. “The strangest thing happened. I found this cart out back near the woods. I know I left it in the storage room when I set up last week. I have no idea who moved it outside. Glad it didn’t get rained on.”

  A light bulb flicked on in Cassidy’s head. “That might explain how Anastasia was able to move the bodies by herself. With the cart, she could move Britt, Darcy, and Austin almost anywhere.”

  Levi started to break down tables and stack them on the cart. “How many should we take outside?” he asked.

  “Maybe enough for twenty or twenty-five. I can’t imagine we’ll have a crowd. The reunion numbers have been dwindling steadily.”

  “We can knock that out with like five tables. Shoot, we can probably get all that in one trip, including the chairs.”

  Cassidy folded up chairs and stacked them near the cart. “Annie and Austin will need some of the six-foot tables for their buffet.”

  “No problem,” Levi said, hoisting the last round table onto the cart. “Let’s get those chairs on here, and I’ll come back for the long tables.”

  “Oh,” she said: “I forgot to tell you. When I was here earlier with Anastasia, she broke the barn’s kitchen window. Do you think you can look at that later?”

  “Sure thing. I can get it fixed as soon as the hardware store opens. See you in a bit,” he said.

  By the time Levi pushed the loaded cart into the serenity garden, the Pearly Girls were fluttering around and chatting. The caffeine must have kicked in—not one of them looked like they had been up all night. Suddenly aware of how she must look, Cassidy rubbed her eyes and ran her fingers through her hair.

  “Here, let us help,” Ruthanne said.

  Her team had the five tables and the surrounding chairs set up in a matter of minutes.

  “Let’s put the buffet table over there,” Aileen said. “That way it won’t block the view of the mountains.”

  “I’ll be back in two shakes of a lamb’s tail with the big tables,” Levi said, heading for the barn.

  “Fall is here,” Aileen said. “The leaves are beginning to turn.”

  “Yay, the roads will be clogged with all those visitors,” Kate said.

  “Who spend money in town,” Cassidy added.

  “Yep, that too,” Kate said.

  The gals busied themselves with their phones until Levi returned with the buffet tables.

  “Over here, Levi,” Aileen said. “Let’s go with one long one. Annie can readjust them if she wants something different.”

  About fifteen minutes later, Levi hustled back to the barn with the cart.

  “Whew,” Kate said, sinking down in one of the chairs. “I’m definitely going to need a nap today, or maybe I’ll make it an early night.”

  “We’re just gettin’ started,” Roxie said with a wink. “You can rest when you’re dead.”

  Kate waved her hand like she was flicking away gnats.

  Whistling filtered into the garden, and all heads turned toward Austin, who guided a pushcart over the grassy area. “Morning, ladies. How are you on this sunny Sunday? Heard you all had some excitement around here.”

  Before anyone could comment, Annie hauled a wagon full of gear to the row of tables. She started unpacking tablecloths.

  “Here, let us help,” Aileen said.

  “Austin, are you okay? Shouldn’t you be resting?” Roxie asked, clutching his bicep.

  “Thanks. I’m fine,” he grinned. “I’ll have this unloaded in a minute. No big deal.”

  “Those smaller white ones go on the round tables.” Annie did a quick count and pointed toward her wagon. “I have enough in that box. I brought enough food for an army. I hope y’all are hungry.”

  “I am,” Austin chimed in.

  His sister punched him lightly in the shoulder. “You’re always hungry. It’s a good thing I can get food wholesale with your appetite. Get busy and earn your keep.”

  “Gotta keep these athletic types fed and healthy,” Roxie said with a wink.

  Right before eleven, smells from the warming trays wafted through the garden. The Pearly Girls had taken up residence at one of the back tables. Only the birds were chattering in the nearby trees. Cassidy felt like she would fall asleep if she sat still too long.

  Annie paused next to Cassidy. “Doesn’t look like there are too many from the class of 2009. Why don’t you go let the police know they should come and eat before they take off? Austin filled all the coffee carafes. So everything is hot and ready. We need some hungry folks. Tell them we’ve got plenty.”

  Cassidy pulled out her phone and fired off texts to Levi and Zac.

  “Ladies, help yourselves to a plate or two,” Annie said, pointing to the buffet. “You too, Austin. I know you’re always up for a snack. And it’ll hold you over until lunch.” She winked at her brother, who held a chair for Ruthanne and then for Aileen.

  After filling her plate with bites of everything on the brunch buffet, Cassidy made her way to an empty table. Several of the police and technicians filled a table near the front. The police spoke in low tones when they weren’t chowing down on Annie’s gourmet brunch.

  Nodding to his colleagues as he passed with a plate laden with food, Zac paused at Cassidy’s table and rested his hand on the back of her chair.

  Cassidy steeled herself for more of his questions. This guy is always in detective mode.

  After a long pause, he leaned forward and said, “Thanks for the hospitality. It was a long night. And all of us missed breakfast and coffee.”

  “Here, pull up a chair,” she said. “We’ve got lots of space. I’m glad all this is over. Not sure if we’ll do any more reunions any time soon,” she said, letting out a little puff of air.

  He nodded and settled in next to her. It didn’t take him long to shovel in a forkful of egg casserole. When he was done chewing, he continued, “But it feels good to wrap up two murders and two assaults. Thanks for your help. I don’t like it when you put yourself in dangerous situations, but your information turned out to be valuable. And you all had the suspect restrained when we arrived.”

  She shrugged one shoulder. “We did what we had to do.” She looked up at his intense stare and stifled a nervous giggle. “Plus, I have a knack for solving puzzles. And people tell me things.”

  “You and your gang over there are always ground zero for whatever is going on in town.” He nodded his head toward the Pearly Girls, who were whooping and laughing with Austin at a nearby table.

  “They’re the best support team. Even if they do stir things up,” she said with a wink.

  “Hey, boss,” Levi said, slightly breathless. “Sorry to interrupt, but Vern is going to drop off the estimates, drawings, and contract for the cave work first thing tomorrow. Will you have time to look them over while he’s here?”

  Cassidy nodded. “That sounds awesome. I’ll be in the office early. Any time in the morning works. Make sure you get yourself a plate or two. There’s lots of food.”

  “Thanks. I’ve already had breakfast, but I might make a to-go plate.” Levi wandered toward the buffet table.

  Zac paused. “The cave?”

  “I think I’ve figured out what to do with it. We’re going to have an underground venue. Wanna have a party in a cave?”

  He raised one eyebrow. “Maybe.”

  A little jolt rocketed through her. Was he hinting at something?

  “We’re thinking we could do parties, small concerts, comedy clubs, and other events.”

  After a long pause that seemed like an eternity, he said, “Hey, I was thinking.” He stopped and gazed out toward the mountain skyline. “I’m going to be tied up for a couple of days with all the paperwork from this investigation, but the sheriff owes me a couple of days off. After I catch up on my sleep, you want to get dinner one night?”

  Proud of herself for not blurting out “like a date,” Cassidy smiled. “I’d like that.” Maybe he’s not all business all the time.

  25

  MONDAY MORNING

  Cassidy’s phone rang as the bells on the front door jangled, announcing the entrance of the Pearly Girls. Elvis chose to be the greeter while Cassidy answered her phone. “Hi, Detective,” she said, feeling the heat rise in her face.

  “Oh, it’s Zaaaaaaac,” Roxie said louder than she needed to. She set her black Michael Kors bag on the table and stepped closer to Cassidy’s desk.

  Aileen’s eyes widened as the rest of the Pearly Girls encircled Cassidy’s desk to hear her half of the conversation better. Cassidy tried to shoo them away, but, like with a flock of seagulls eyeing a french fry, it didn’t work.

  “Hey,” he said. “I’m buried in paperwork, but I’m determined to get out of here tomorrow before the sun goes down. You free for dinner then?”

  “Dinner sounds like fun.” Suddenly tongue-tied, Cassidy hoped she didn’t sound like an airhead. Ruthanne clapped as Kate and Aileen patted her on the back.

  “I told you,” Roxie whispered. “We all knew it was inevitable.”

  “Good. I’ll pick you up at six,” Zac said, drawing her back to the conversation. “I know a nice Italian place in Staunton; and if we’re up that way, we’ll have to swing by Mrs. Rowe’s for a slice of her famous pie.”

  “The best pie in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Sounds like fun. See you then.”

  “Bye, Zac,” all the Pearly Girls yelled like a chorus.

  Cassidy made a face and disconnected.

  “It’s a date,” Aileen squealed. “I’m so excited for you. He is so handsome and smart.”

  “We all knew there was some magic between you two.” Ruthanne hugged Cassidy.

  “It’s just dinner,” Cassidy said.

  “And dessert,” Roxie cooed.

  She can even make pie sound spicy. Cassidy shook off the desire to defend herself. Let’s see where this goes.

  “Well, I’m excited for you. You make a great team. Your investigative skills always help him nab the bad guy—or gal, in this case,” Ruthanne said.

  “I’m relieved you all apprehended Anastasia and now she can’t hurt anyone else.” Cassidy rubbed her elbow and her knees. She’d ended up with some bumps and bruises after yesterday’s altercation. I’m glad that’s over. Maybe we can all move on.