Hot Coffee Iced Santa (Roasted Love Cozy 2)

"From what you have told me, there is no doubt his murder had something to do with money," said Daniel. "We just have to figure out what that involved."

I agreed with that. While we talked, I watched Thor running through the snow. I stood inside looking out my kitchen window. Thor and I lived in one of the old but cute bungalows that lined the street. Several times the dog looked up at me as if taunting me to come out into the cold air. I finally gave in.

"Let me put the phone down for a minute," I said to Daniel. "Thor keeps looking at me as if I should be out there with him. I have to get my coat on."

Daniel laughed. "That dog has you wrapped around his paws."

I mumbled ‘maybe.' Once outside I divided my time between throwing a ball for Thor and talking with Daniel.

"When I see Steven again, I plan to ask him about his relationship with his server," I said. "I think Frank would have a real problem with that. He wouldn't want Steven to know he had blackmailed Cassie either."

"Laila, sometimes I get the impression you don't fully believe in Steven's innocence."

Again, he read my thoughts, even from a distance.

"I think I should look into all sides. If he is guilty, then he should be proven so. You don't have to worry, Daniel. I will look into every possibility it takes to find him innocent. If you have any ideas of your own, call me right away."

"I see where you are coming from, Laila. It's okay. You are looking at it the way the cops are and it's the best way."

We told each other goodnight. My teeth were chattering but Thor was in his element. The stars were trying to peek through the night sky. Snow had stopped falling several hours earlier. It was a crisp winter night in West River, New York. When I finally convinced Thor to come inside for the night, I headed for my favorite mug and heated water to a boil. Dropping spoonfuls o

f cocoa in the water, I stirred absentmindedly. Thor nuzzled against my leg. I pulled a bone from his cabinet. He lurched for it and I sat down at the table while he chewed away. The hot chocolate tasted delicious and it warmed me up.

"I think I'll finish up on Christmas shopping tomorrow, Thor." I didn't think he heard me. Thor focused on his treat.

The next day I made a short list of things to do. I still had to get something for my boss at Roasted Love and for Lily, too. I had noticed some unusual shops near Steven's Steakhouse. Thor wanted to go with me but I knew most businesses wouldn't let him come inside. He reluctantly stood back at my command when I opened the front door to leave.

When I got to the now familiar street, I parked a few cars down from Steven's Steakhouse. I window shopped at first. I had no idea of the perfect gifts. The day was sunny and cold. At least there was no wind to put up with. The Christmas spirit around me meant I wasn't the only one doing last minute holiday shopping. I noticed a sporting goods store at the end of the block and remembered Jacob loved to fish. I decided it was worth going in, though doubted they sold fishing stuff in the middle of winter.

"We sell everything a fisherman desires," said the young clerk. "People who are addicted to fishing will find anything they want right here."

"I'm surprised you sell it off-season," I said.

"A lot of people like to fish in the winter, even ice-fish. And, Christmastime is a good time to buy for anyone who likes the sport. Seasons don't matter."

I had no idea what Jacob would like. Nor did I have any idea what he already had. Besides, there weren't very many items I recognized. The clerk pointed to items he thought made good gifts. I had no idea, but his pressure steered me clear of choosing. Fishing was big business.

"I'll settle for a gift card," I told the clerk. "I have no idea what he already owns." I was satisfied with my solution and tucked the card inside my purse. Just then, the front door opened and a rush of cold wind swept into the store.

“Peter,” called the clerk, “I haven’t seen you for a while. Ready to do some ice-fishing?”

I looked at the tall muscular man who had entered and wondered if Peter fit the Chef I was curious about. His hair color reminded me of strong tea. Azure eyes tended to blaze like the sky on a summer day. Set jawbones relaxed when he smiled and answered the clerk. He said something about having time off just after Christmas and he wanted to be ready for his annual trip. I wanted to hang around a while longer and listen to the conversation. I pretended to study fishing rods in the corner of the store.

I took my time browsing items I didn’t have a clue about. The clerk’s voice alerted me that he and Peter were finished. I reached for the door handle. A strong firm hand beat me to it. Peter opened the door for me and smiled. It was the only chance I would get.

“I couldn’t help but overhear you were looking forward to time off to go ice fishing,” I said after I thanked him. “You must have a job that stays open through Christmas.”

His eyes met mine. “I am lucky that I do. I work at a restaurant. It closes the week after Christmas and then we brace ourselves for the New Year’s Eve crowd.”

The wind whipped both of us. I wanted to get to warmth as much as he did, but I couldn’t let him go yet. “I have eaten delicious food at Steven’s Steakhouse and hear they are closing that same week.”

His smile remained genuine. “That’s where I work. I’m the Head Chef there. I hope you have been getting good food.”

“It is delicious and lures me in every chance I get.”

His animated face told me he was probably around thirty or thirty-five. It was time to end the conversation without appearing to have an ulterior motive on my part. At first glance, Peter D’Arcy didn’t look like a murderer. His physical strength wasn’t lost on me. He was muscular enough to go against Frank Duvall. That's enough to add him to my list of suspects, I thought.

I dipped my head downward against the cold air and waved good-bye to him. “Maybe I’ll see you around the restaurant sometime,” I said. His wave in answer was cheerful.