The Deadly Dinner #1 - The Beginning Read online



  The Deadly Dinner

  Sky Valley Cozy Mystery Ghost Trilogy Series

  Book 1

  The Beginning

  By: William Jarvis

  Yap Kee Chong

  8345 NW 66 ST #B7885

  Miami, FL 33166

  Copyright 2015

  All Rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or used in any way or form or by any means whether electronic or mechanical, this means that you cannot record or photocopy any material ideas or tips that are provided in this book.

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  The Deadly Dinner – The Beginning

  Part 1 – The Deadly Dinner

  Part 2 – Dangerous Teas & Treats

  Part 3 – Into The Unknown

  The Ghosts Of Sky Valley Cozy Mystery Box Set

  Check Out My Other Books

  Sky Valley Cozy Mystery Series

  Coffee, Cupcakes & Murder #1

  Beaches And Coffee #2

  Mayhem At The Mansion #3

  Murderous Coffee Crumb #4

  Sky Valley Cozy Mystery Box Set

  ***

  Contents

  Chapter 1 First Year Blues

  Chapter 2 You’re Not The Only One

  Chapter 3 The Engagement

  Chapter 4 Scream For Your Life

  Chapter 5 Goodbye Angeline

  Chapter 6 Ghosts Of Murders Past

  Chapter 7 Where Are You?

  Chapter 8 You’ve Got To Help Me

  Chapter 9 I Think I Know Who Did This

  About The Author

  ***

  Chapter 1

  First Year Blues

  The smell of freshly baked eggplant and zucchini lasagna enveloped the kitchen. Emmy Marie Byrne-Lowell put the platter of lasagna down on the table and wiped the sides of it so it won’t mess up what she had just set up.

  The table looked perfect. There was a floral arrangement of roses and mums as the centerpiece, together with some candles. In the freezer laid some peach-mango pops that she made earlier and there’s also a strawberry and cinnamon cake for dessert. It’s her and Daniel’s first anniversary as a married couple, and she wanted to make this night special amidst all its simplicity.

  “Purrrrrrrrrrrr….” Wendy, their seven month old Maine Coon, purled around Emmy’s legs which tickled Emmy a bit.

  “What is it, girl?” She smiled as she bent down to pet Wendy, not minding that she’d probably get some fur on her red lace dress. Wendy purled some more, then sniffed what’s on the table. Emmy laughed. “Oh no, darling girl, those aren’t for you,” she said, then made her way to open one of the china cabinets in the kitchen. She then took out a can of Wendy’s favorite wet food and poured the contents on her bowl where Wendy chomped happily. Emmy couldn’t help but smile.

  Wendy arrived on their doorstep six months ago. She was so small and so frail. They really didn’t know what to do, but they decided to take her in and bring her to the vet. Seven months later and here she is: a strong, a bit bratty, but definitely loving and lovable cat. Somehow, she makes their lives lighter and better.

  A lot had changed since the past year or two. For a while, Emmy didn’t think that their love would survive because of everything that happened: Annabeth’s death, Matthew dying a few days later, Audrina almost being incarcerated, Ruby dying, Frank wreaking havoc on their lives…to say that everything was crazy would be an understatement.

  Despite all that, they were able to get through all that and they even got married. It was the happiest day of Emmy’s life because she and Daniel really have been through a lot as a couple: the long separation brought upon by her stint in Paris, the fact that she suspected Daniel of having something to do with all the craziness in her life, and how they almost never got together again. She couldn’t help but agree that life could hold a lot of surprises with it—and she’s happy that with it came Daniel.

  When he asked her to marry him at the carnival, a place that meant so much for them, she knew that she wouldn’t be able to live with herself if she’d let this opportunity go to waste once more. Besides, their love is a kind of love that’s worth fighting for—there was no question about that.

  With married life came a lot of adjustments, though. No matter how well they knew each other, Emmy realized that there were still a lot of things you’d know about your partner once you’re married. Things such as their sleeping positions, the way they snored—or didn’t snore, how they looked like upon waking up in the morning. Then of course, there are other things like how one of you got to annoy the other with the slightest provocations, how voices raise when you fight, how sometimes…you feel like you really do not know each other the way you should.

  There’s also the fact that Daniel’s grandmother, his beloved Nana, died just three months ago. Emmy knew how much this wracked Daniel, but he still stayed strong. She knew how hard it was for him because nana was amazing. She was one of the kindest persons out there, but somehow a stroke just took her away from them.

  It wasn’t a very easy situation and Emmy thought that Daniel would just shut her out and everything would be ruined. Thankfully Daniel was able to pull through—they were able to pull through.

  In the end, the good things overcome the bad and that’s what Emmy is happy about. She didn’t realize she was just standing there until the doorbell rang and she was jolted back to reality.

  “Just a second!” She called out and made her way to the living room, where photos from various points in their relationship lined the walls: the photo they took at that fifth grade recital, a photo Daniel took of hers at their Junior Prom while they were broken up, the moment after they rode the new rollercoaster at the carnival…dinner dates, picnics, and of course, their wedding portrait where they smiled at each other with a lot of love in their eyes.

  She then opened the door and was surprised to see a dashing Daniel standing outside the door, a bouquet of roses, wild berries, and lavender in his hand. “Hello, gorgeous lady,” he smiled, “Would it be okay if I take you out on a date?”

  “Wh—what?” Emmy said then saw that a limousine was also waiting for them. “Dan—“

  “What?” he grinned, “Happy anniversary.”

  “Thank you, but…I cooked for us.”

  “What?” Daniel then told the limo driver to wait for them for a while then he went inside the house with Emmy where she led him to the dining room. Wendy purred as he saw Daniel and Daniel gave her a pat on the head. “Oh, baby…” He said as he saw what Emmy prepared.

  Emmy bit her lip. “What do we do now?” She asked.

  “Listen,” Daniel said as he placed a hand on her shoulder. “We can still eat this later. I mean, I know you worked hard for this but…I made a reservation for us at this nice restaurant and…I have a surprise for you so…”

  “So, we’ll just go with your plan then?”

  “Em,”

  “Fine,” she said and took a deep breath. As a planner, she hated it when things go otherwise but then again, at least this was a good thing. At least it’s not another death; another murder.

  “Okay?”

  She nodded her head.

  “Come on,” he smiled as he held out his hand and he took it. They then made their way out of the house and to the restaurant where a big surprise was waiting for Emmy.

  When you’re no longer in the world that you used to live in, you realize how different things are; how things are no longer the way they were before, how your bedroom doesn’t look the same anymore, how your parents have aged…how everyone seems to move on without you around.

  You realize that no matter how
big of an impact you had on them while you were still around, you can no longer go back to the person you once were; that you could no longer get back—period, no matter how much you want to.

  Then you realize that no matter how much time has passed, even if time no longer applies to you, there are things that you need to get back to. There are things that you have to fix, or un-fix.

  You have to go back.

  You have to be there.

  You have to be.

  ***

  Chapter 2

  You’re Not The Only One

  Emmy couldn’t believe her eyes.

  As Daniel helped her alight the limo, some people greeted her with bouquets of roses and she was made to walk on a carpeted floor on the way to the door of the restaurant called The Cornerstone, one of the newest restaurants in Sky Valley. It had this old world, rustic charm that could easily captivate anyone. The food was amazing, too.

  As the doors of the restaurant opened, Emmy was even more surprised when a group of musicians, some of them playing the violin, started to sing.

  You’re my light

  You’re my you

  Every day, it’s so true

  I’ll give up anything

  Just to be with you

  I love you

  Make it true

  I love you

  And it’s true

  I’m grateful for each day that I have you

  Oh, Emmy, I love you

  It was a song that she hadn’t heard before—a song meant especially for her. She looked at Daniel and he smiled at her.

  “I’m sorry I suck at writing songs…I tried the best that I could but—“

  “Are you insane?!” she said and gave him a hug. “That was the best thing anyone ever did for me! I love you, Dan.” She then kissed him passionately on the lips, not caring who was watching; it didn’t matter—only he did.

  He laughed, “Easy, easy.” He smiled. “I love you, and you know, you’re not the only one who’s good with surprises.”

  She grinned and gave him a peck on the cheeks. “I love you, too.”

  They then noticed everyone looking at them, some smiling, some whispering, while others were applauding. Emmy bit her lip and smiled.

  “Mr. and Mrs. Lowell?” the usherette said and smiled. “May I lead you to your table?”

  “Yes, yes of course.” Emmy smiled and she and Daniel walked hand in hand to their table at one corner of the restaurant, the view of the fireflies and grass their company. It was romantic; it was special.

  Soon, they were able to order some food and so they just relaxed in the company of each other. It was already turning out to be one of the best nights of Emmy’s life, until a somewhat 50 year old woman together with her daughter came up to them.

  “Hi,” the woman said. “Sorry,” she smiled, smoothing down her plaid dress. “I really didn’t mean to interrupt but…you’re Emmy Byrne, right?”

  “Emmy Lowell now.” Emmy answered and smiled.

  “Oh yes, of course.” The woman smiled back. “Oh I’m just so happy to see you. I mean, I never see you around and I’ve always wanted to show my appreciation for what you did…I mean, there’s this friend of mine who got incarcerated before and he really wasn’t at fault, so that really irked me and his family. I always thought that Lena McMahon was incompetent, but no one really believed me, and when you were able to kick her away from this town…wow, thank you so much.” The woman held Emmy’s hands. “Thank you, Emmy.”

  “You’re…welcome?” Emmy said unsurely and laughed awkwardly. “Sorry, I mean, it wasn’t just me. My husband and my friends helped me out, too. And believe me, Lena was a tough nut to crack.”

  They all laughed.

  “Seriously, thank you,” the woman said. “Well then, we have to go. Happy Anniversary!”

  “Thanks,” Emmy smiled.

  But that wasn’t even the end of it.

  Throughout dinner, Emmy heard people talking about her, saying that she was the woman who changed things at Sky Valley; that McMahon was gone because of her, that if they were in her position, they probably wouldn’t be able to survive, and that they probably would’ve just ran away. All these things already made Emmy feel like going back home, just spending time with Daniel alone and not being around all these brouhaha.

  “Em,” Daniel reached for her hand. “I’m so sorry,” He said. “We can just go home if you want…”

  “No, it’s okay,” Emmy said, thinking that she didn’t want to ruin Daniel’s plans. “I think I just need to be in the powder room for a bit.” she tapped Daniel’s hand. “I’ll be okay.”

  She then stood up and made her way to the powder room, hoping that this night wouldn’t totally turn into disaster.

  There are days when my memory’s already hazy; when I could no longer remember how everything happened, or why they happened. That’s why I am trying so hard to stay…to be here. To get back on those who ruined me; to get back to those who made me this way.

  I want to plot out my revenge. Actually, I already have. It’s taken a lot from me, though. It’s taken my hope to finally be at peace, the last few shards of my strength—or whatever it is that’s keeping me here.

  But you know what I haven’t lost?

  My faith.

  My faith in the fact that I would get the justice that has long been taken from me.

  I’ll get it back.

  I’ll be back.

  ***

  Chapter 3

  The Engagement

  Emmy just arrived inside the powder room when a brunette woman bumped into her and spilled a little something on her dress—and Emmy wasn’t sure what it was. She only saw that it came inside the woman’s intricately designed small hip flask, smaller than the usual ones you see in the market.

  “Oh gosh!” The woman said. Emmy recognized her as the woman from one of the other tables near them. “Oh my goodness, I’m sorry,” the woman said as she took a handkerchief from her purse and wiped Emmy’s lace dress with it. Emmy noticed that the woman was trembling. She looked extremely nervous and even shady.

  “It’s okay,” Emmy said. “I’m fine. It’s nothing.”

  “No…it’s…” The woman sighed. Emmy looked at her and noticed that she was actually beautiful: her brunette locks were shiny, her hazel eyes spoke volumes and she would actually look confident if only she wasn’t so frazzled. Was she frazzled because she spilled that thing on Emmy? It really wasn’t such a big deal, Emmy thought.

  “I’m really sorry, I wasn’t looking.”

  “It’s okay,” Emmy said and smiled. “Look, it’s not even showing.” She laughed.

  The woman smiled back nervously. “Uhm…I should go,” she said, “Sorry again.” Emmy watched as the woman made her way out of the powder room. She then went inside the cubicles, peed and fixed herself, then checked her reflection on the mirror as she washed her hands.

  I’m not going to let those other people ruin this night, she told herself. It’s okay. She smiled at herself in the mirror, took a deep breath, and made her way out.

  “Okay now?” Daniel asked as he helped Emmy sit down.

  “Of course,” she smiled at him.

  Just then, the musicians started playing again, but not for them. Instead, they positioned themselves near the table of the brunette woman who spilled her drink on Emmy. The woman was sitting with another brunette woman, whose hair was cut just above the shoulders and wearing a white lace dress. She looked absolutely divine, and even if Emmy didn’t know her, she thought that the woman seemed kind; like she would do nothing wrong.

  But then again, she could be wrong.

  Next to the ladies was a man whom Emmy wasn’t familiar with. He’s probably one of those people who started living in Sky Valley the time that Emmy moved to Paris—or maybe, she really just didn’t know him at all. He looked pretty decent and nice with his faux hawk, a button-down shirt and jeans. He looked pretty nervous, too, but Emmy thought that it was the good kind of
nervous, instead of the one she saw at the Brunette woman earlier.

  Emmy, Daniel and the rest of the people watched as the musicians played their own version of Oliver James’ The Greatest Story Ever Told and then suddenly, the man in their table stood up and faced the woman in white.

  “Tyler—what—” the woman said. She then looked at the other woman, “Bree? Do you—”

  The woman named Bree shrugged, but still looked nervous. She was holding onto her hip flask.

  Tyler grinned and started to speak, “Tonight feels like a celebration of love, huh?” He laughed. “Anyway…” It was so obvious that he was nervous, but he went on and said, “Angeline,” he held one of the woman’s hands, “it’s been a while since we became a couple…sometimes, I think you feel like I don’t love you the way you want to be loved but…but I want you to know that I love you with all that I have and with all that I am. I love you because…because you deserve to be loved. You’re a great person, Angeline. You’re kinder than anyone your age, than anyone, period. You’re amazing, and smart, and interesting and…and I don’t know what I’d do without you. I could no longer imagine me without you. I know that sounds tacky but…” He sighed, “We have been through a lot over the years and I know, deep down, I probably wouldn’t have survived without you around. So, Angeline,” he went down on one knee, “I’m asking you now…will you marry me?”

  “Tyler…” Angeline already had tears in her eyes.

  “Yes?”

  Angeline nodded and knelt down to hug Tyler. “Yes,” she said. “Yes, I’ll marry you!”

  Tyler and Angeline laughed amidst the tears. They hugged each other and stayed in their bubble for what seemed like a moment, grateful for the applause and cheers from the crowd.

  “That’s sweet, isn’t it?” Emmy smiled at Daniel.

  “Definitely,” Daniel smiled as he reached for her hand.

  “But she looks sad.” Emmy said, noticing how the other brunette woman was holding onto her hip flask a little tighter than usual, her face in shock, and her eyes brimming with sadness. That’s the thing about sadness, Emmy thought, it shows itself even in the happiest of situations; you couldn’t deny that it’s real.

  “Who?”