Free A Special Delivery To Die For (A Rockcrest Cove Cozy Mystery Book 2) by Emily Page Page B

two cut eyes at each other and it was apparent to everyone that there was no love lost between them. Once Jessica was seated at the table, Maddie gave the Captain a nod, he gestured to his security team and they took their position at the door.
     
    Maddie stood up at the table and looked at the group in front of her. One of these people was a murderer and now was the time to prove it. She cleared her throat and started.
     
    “First of all, I want to thank all of you for coming to this small event on such short notice.” She glanced around the table and saw confusion on everyone’s faces with the exception of Bailey, who knew what was about to happen.
     
    “I need to explain something to you. The Captain extended each of you an invitation at my behest. This event was planned by me, not the Captain.”
     
    “Well, that explains it,” came a snide remark from Thomas. “Had I known, I would have been more than happy to offer you some assistance in planning it.” He cast a negative glance at the meager dinner table decorations.
     
    “You’re probably right, Thomas. I’ve spent a few days with you by now and I know that you are the best when it comes to planning a party.”
     
    Thomas seemed to be a little appeased by the compliment, but still not quite satisfied at being excluded.
     
    “At any rate, I’ve asked you all here to help me to solve the case of Ana’s murder.”
     
    “Murder!” Parker exclaimed. “I thought it was an accident.” She looked genuinely surprised.
     
    “That was the police’s initial ruling,” Maddie concurred, “but recent discoveries have indicated that there was enough evidence to arouse suspicion of foul play.” The table was silent as they all looked up expectantly waiting for more news. “And I believe, that the murderer is right here at this table with us today.”
     
    There was a cacophony of chatter that erupted at the audacity of the statement. Maddie continued, “I will show you my evidence and then explain to you why I think you may have had the motive and the opportunity to commit such a heinous crime.”
     
    She began to pace around the small room as she spoke. “I have to confess to you that I have never met Ana, nor have I done any business with the woman.”
     
    “What’s that story you told me about….”
     
    Maddie raised her hand to stop him in midsentence. “I’m sure that some of you believed that I was here to vent my anger the same as you and I allowed you to believe that so that you would speak to me freely as you already have done.” She canvassed the table and saw offended looks, but not outright hostility. “So, shall we begin?”
     
    The Captain reached under the bar and brought out the evidence folder and handed it to her.
     
    “My involvement with this case started a little over a week ago when I arrived at Ana’s home to deliver an order of baked goods for a private party she was planning for the evening. I found the door to her home open and on closer inspection I found this scene in her kitchen.”
     
    She laid a photo in the center of the table and everyone leaned over to get a closer look.
     
    “As you can see, the table is set for two people, but only Ana’s body was found. The spilled wine had been there long enough for it to dry and leave the wood flooring stained, probably permanently. This indicates that the murder had happened the night before and the culprit had long left the scene.”
     
    The group remained speechless, attentive to her every word. “But what was most interesting was this.” She pulled out the earring and showed it to the group. “Naturally, when I discovered this little piece of evidence stuck to the bottom of my shoe, I assumed that the killer was a woman.” She placed the earring on the table so that everyone could see it. “But when it arrived here on the boat by courier last night, I noticed something different. Notice the post there? It’s rather thick for an earring. Most earrings