Holidays & Homicide

Holidays & Homicide

A Paranormal Witch Cozy Witch Mystery

Book Store Cozy Mystery Series

Book 5

Lucinda Race

MC Two Press

Contents

1. Lily

2. Lily

3. Gage

4. Lily

5. Lily

6. Gage

7. Lily

8. Lily

9. Gage

10. Lily

11. Lily

12. Gage

13. Lily

14. Lily

15. Gage

16. Lily

17. Lily

18. Gage

19. Lily

20. Lily

Chapter One

A Free Story for You

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About the Author

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

Copyright © 2023 Lucinda Race

All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce, distribute, or transmit in any form or means. For information regarding subsidiary rights, please contact the Author Lucinda Race.

Editor Trish Long at Blossoming Pages

Cover design by Mariah Sinclair

Manufactured in the United States of America

First Edition December 2023

Print Edition ISBN 978-1-954520-37-0

E-book ISBN 978-1-954520-36-3

Chapter 1

Lily

QUICK NOTE: If you enjoy Holidays & Homicide, be sure to check out my offer for a FREE novella at the end. With that, happy reading.

***

Tightly closing the door to my bookstore, I hurried down the brick sidewalk in the direction of the police station. But my destination, the Sweet Spot Bakery. Across the street I could see the holiday decorating committee was busy putting the final touches on the decorations around the ice skating rink. The annual holiday Winter Glow and Glide skating party was from seven to nine tonight. This was the first time Gage and I would be going as a couple. I looked at the glove on my left hand, saw a distinctive bump on my ring finger and sighed. We had been engaged for six weeks, and it had been the best time in my life. The snow was blowing and creating drifts in the square, and I didn’t want to get pulled into a conversation with the volunteers. The store had been busy with holiday shoppers, but I needed a quick pick-me-up, and it was easier to zip down Doenut Drive and past the police station to reach my friend William’s bakery. And if my handsome fiancé’s car, who was also a detective on the force, was in the parking lot, I’d take a quick detour and see if he wanted to join me for coffee. As I rounded the corner, I noticed his parking spot was empty.

Pulling the hood of my wool jacket up and tugging on the laces, I braced myself against the freezing cold. The snow was picture-perfect for the holiday season and about time. I thought about how the first storm historically arrived right after Thanksgiving, but not this year. It was mid-December and this was the first measurable snowfall. A sharp toot of the horn caused me to look up, and I waved to Archie Dane, our mailman. His mail truck glided to a stop beside me.

Hi, Lily, where are you headed?

Archie’s wide smile always elicited a grin from me as he gave me a friendly wink. Kinda cold out to be taking a walk. Bright-red wool gloves were a sharp contrast to his blue uniform jacket which was neatly pressed. His short brown hair was partially covered by a blue knit hat with the USPS logo on the front. He looked as if he stepped from a recruiting poster for the post office. Well, except for the red gloves. They were downright practical for this weather.

It’s refreshing and hopefully it will bring people out to skate tonight. I’m not sure if you’ve heard, but Robin’s Cafe is donating hot cider and cocoa, and the Copper Kettle and the Sweet Spot are hosting a cookie corner.

I’m looking forward to it. I’ve sharpened my skates and am ready to take a few turns around the ice. He looked at the police station behind us. Will you and Gage be coming?

My heart sighed. It was the first year that we’d be skating as an engaged couple after all the years we’d been just best friends. It had taken me almost dying at the hands of some crazy lady, and a few close calls for us to open our eyes and state our true feelings. We’re looking forward to it. I just hope I don’t spend more time on my backside than my feet.

He said, I’ve been walking around my house to practice wearing them again. A wistful look splashed across his face. If only I hadn’t lost at the state championship, who knows how far I could have gone in the world. Tugging on the front of his jacket, he said, But then I wouldn’t be here making sure the mail arrives on time to my friends and neighbors.

I wanted to offer him sympathy that all works out for the best, but knew that no real words would comfort him. Never having experienced that type of setback, I decided to ease away from the topic. Are you bringing someone with you tonight?

The smile was back. Noelle Webber. I met her a few weeks ago. She’s a driver at We DOT Shipping. We met delivering a package to the same place, and then I bumped into her again at the Magical Moonshine Pub in Robin’s Pointe—that’s where she lives. I think it was fate.

I was genuinely pleased Archie had met a nice girl. At least I was assuming she was since he deserved someone special. I’m looking forward to meeting her tonight.

Gripping the steering wheel, he said, I’d better get going. Mail delivery needs to get done so I can get to Robin’s Pointe and back in plenty of time to take Noelle for dinner before the Glow and Glide starts. It’s her first time skating, and I’m hoping she enjoys it.

I’m sure she will with you by her side. If I hadn’t been paying attention, I wouldn’t have noticed the corners of his mouth deepen to a brief frown. Yes. I need to get my coffee and get back to the store. With Christmas two weeks away, I’m in for a hectic day.

Saying goodbye, Archie tapped the horn one more time as he pulled away. I watched as the small white vehicle took a left turn on Route One, leaving town and not heading where I thought his route went. I did feel bad for whatever was troubling him. The next time I got the chance, I’d ask him, just to make sure there wasn’t trouble that I could help him fix. I pulled my collar close to my face and hurried down the sidewalk. Winter in New England had finally arrived.

Iwas getting ready to lock up my bookstore for the day when the front door opened. Milo, my familiar, sat up on the front counter where I was working and said, Well, look who’s here; it’s Detective Cutie.

My fiancé was tall and well built, with the dreamiest hazel eyes and light brown hair. I could see from where I was standing his vintage cherry-red pickup was parked next to the curb. He crossed the room with a swagger full of confidence but not cocky. Hello. Gage’s deep voice warmed my heart. His voice held the same smile that was on his lips. Leaning in, he kissed me.

Hello, yourself. I thought you were picking me up at home?

His finger trailed down my cheek and gently pushed my chin up, tilting my face to him. I couldn’t wait another minute to see you.

My heart sighed as this kind of talk could potentially sway me from going skating, but I knew as a shop owner I needed to be at the event to support the town. I’m glad you did.

Milo started hacking up a hairball. People can see you through the window. He jumped down, trotted to his window seat, and then hopped up and settled onto the cushions.

Ignoring him and looking past Gage as the darkness fell, I said, Did you see the tree in the square?

He glanced over his shoulder. You mean the lobster traps stacked to resemble a Christmas tree? He smiled again. It’s hard to miss with all those twinkle lights and shiny baubles.

Now, I sighed loudly. I think it’s a wonderful idea, and it will save a tree, and it’s in plain view of my shop so I can look at it until after the New Year.

Cupping my cheek, he grazed my mouth with his. I think the view inside is much better. Maybe we should stay in tonight.

Laughing, I gave him a little shove. Why, Detective Erikson, are you trying to divert my attention away from tonight’s event? I knew that was exactly what he was trying to do. The last time there had been a major town event, someone had been killed, and of course, I started investigating. Solving it had been one of my finer moments, but Gage would never agree since I almost became a ghost.

Straightening, he said, Can’t blame a guy for trying.

I shooed him away from the counter. Let me finish up, and we can go back to my house and have a quick bite of dinner. I want to get to the rink early. Archie Dane is going to introduce us to his new lady love. He said she’s from Robin’s Pointe.

He wiggled his eyebrows. I wonder what she’s like. Any idea how they met? He took a chocolate kiss candy from the jar next to the cash register, unwrapped it before handing it to me, and then he took another for himself.

They were both delivering a package to the same place, and they clicked instantly from what he said. I popped the candy in my mouth, letting it melt on my tongue. I loved the creamy and sweet treat, and Gage indulged with me.

He twirled a finger around my face. I hope Archie’s girl gets the same expression when he gives her a piece of chocolate. He pecked my lips, and a flirtatious gleam filled his eyes. Are you sure we can’t skip skating? It’s pretty cold out, and it might snow again.

Gage, you’re incorrigible. Now, make yourself useful and either pick up dinner or sit in that wingback chair and wait for me to finish. The more you distract me, the longer this takes.

Holding up his hands in surrender, he said, Fine, fine. We’ll go skating, but you’re buying me a cocoa, maybe two.

I arched my brow and gave him a look that said, really?

Or I’ll buy. He laughed. Sitting in the chair, he asked, How was business today?

Brisk, and not a single thing out of the ordinary happened. I finished putting the cash in the money bag and slid it into my tote. Okay, I’m ready. I’ll go out the back and meet you at the house.

Come on. I’ll drive you home. The roads are slick, and we can pick up your car later.

That was an offer I wasn’t going to refuse. My Mini Cooper was great in the snow because it sat low and wide to the ground, but riding with Gage was more appealing. Milo, are you coming with us?

It’s better than getting wet paws tramping through the snow. He landed with a soft thud on the floor and waited patiently next to the front door.

I locked up in the back room and grabbed my coat, hat, and mittens. Now I was ready. Going back into the store, I said, Let’s get this party started.

After getting cocoa coupons from Gil Akers, Gage and I glided around the outskirts of the rink, holding hands and grinning like teenagers. The turnout was fantastic; it seemed like most of the town was here. I was surprised to see Chet Harvey at the cookie station, helping William pass out sugar cookies. I waved to Aunt Mimi and her husband Nate, my best friend Nikki and her fiancé Steve, and Ellen Pease and her teenage son, Wyatt. I could see my folks looking more like kids than my parents on the opposite side of the ice, grinning from ear to ear.

I poked Gage in the ribs. Look, there’s Archie with his girl, and he’s wearing his Santa hat. How festive! He casually looked in the direction I had indicated. I held up my hand and gave them a wave. Come on. Let’s skate over and meet her.

Taking the direct route, we made a beeline across the ice to where Archie was helping his girlfriend stand. She seemed to be a little wobbly as her ankles bent in before she straightened them again, showing off the skates with bright red laces, and then promptly sat down on the bench.

Hello. Puffs of frozen air danced between us. Extending my hand, I said, I’m Lily Michaels, and this is my fiancé, Gage Erikson.

Archie was beaming. This is Noelle Webber. He dropped his chin and looked at her with wide eyes. My girlfriend.

He frowned, and I glanced in the direction he was now glaring. Chet Harvey and Gil Akers were in his line of sight, and Ellen was slightly behind them. I had to wonder what that was all about, but I turned to chat with Noelle. She had long brown hair and bright blue eyes, and from her sitting position, she seemed to be taller than me.

Hi. Her voice had a breathy quality, almost as if she was shy. It’s a pleasure to meet you. Archie’s been talking about tonight since we met. He said I just had to come. It is the highlight of the holiday season and all. When she looked up, her eyes locked on Archie. So far it’s been fun.

He pulled her to a standing position, and her ankles bowed in again. He slipped an arm around her waist and said, Don’t worry. I won’t let you fall.

Smitten was the word that came to mind, and it seemed to be reciprocated. It was really nice to meet you, Noelle. Enjoy your evening, and don’t forget to get a cup of cocoa. Regan, who owns the café, is running the stand, and it always hits the spot.

Archie said, Thanks, as he pushed off, holding her tightly to wind their way around the rink.

Watching them for a minute, I glanced at Gage. Noelle seems nice but quiet, but I think that will suit Archie. My attention was drawn to Aunt Mimi, who was waving at us to join them. Come on. I’ll let you buy me a cocoa now, and we can see what my aunt is all excited about.

We glided to a stop next to the cocoa stand where Mimi and her husband Nate were. Hey there. I kissed her cheek. Are you having a good time?

Aunt Mimi and I looked very much alike, except she was in her mid-seventies with silver gray hair, but at one time, it had been chestnut brown like mine. And you’d never guess her age by her youthful grin and spirit and the mischievous glint in her brown eyes. She was a witch. Now that I knew our family was part of the Pembroke Cove witches, I wondered if that was why she always looked exactly the same. She never aged, or maybe it was just good genes.

Nate grinned. The best time. He glanced at the sky. The stars are out, and our Christmas tree is stunning.

How many of those lobster traps are yours, Nate?

He beamed with pride. A good many, and it was fun building it. Not so much fun when we have to deconstruct, but I’m not going to think about that tonight. Right now, it sets the perfect tone for our little seaside community.

Aunt Mimi said, I’m having your parents over for brunch next Sunday. Please tell me you’ll come. I’ve already invited Nikki and Steve too and of course Gage’s parents. I just love this time of year, and we have so much to be thankful for.

I wasn’t sure if she was talking about the engagement or the fact that I escaped an untimely death four times in the last six months. Gage asked, What can we bring?

Just yourselves. She gave him a kiss on the cheek. Now, you two should take another spin around the ice before the night gets too cold.

Yes, Aunt Mimi. I gave her another kiss and did the same to Nate before taking the insulated cup of cocoa from Regan and slipping my arm through Gage’s. Over the next couple of hours, we made our way around the ice. We chatted with my parents, Gage’s