Another Chance (A Penelope Chance Mystery Book 2) Read online

“There’s more.”

  “More?” she asked as she turned slightly away from Jacob, not wanting to feel the heat of his glare.

  “Yeah. We have the last known . . . an apartment complex off of South East 24th Street. I got a warrant, and I’m headed there now with a couple of officers. You want to meet us there?”

  Penelope turned to look at Jacob waiting as patiently as he could by the front door. She wanted to meet Donny, but Jacob would kill her if she canceled. “I’d love to, but I have a cake tasting with Jacob.”

  “You have what?”

  “Cake tasting.”

  “Is that like some fancy brunch thing?”

  “Wedding cake tasting.”

  “That really is a thing?”

  “Yes, it’s a thing, Donny.”

  “So, let me get this straight,” said Donny. “You can actually eat the cake before the wedding to be sure it is exactly the right one?”

  “Yes, Donny,” she said, holding back her exasperation. “Did the background check turn up anything else?” she asked, determined to change the subject.

  “Just his last known residence. We can’t find any next of kin on this guy. Both his parents died years ago. There’s no siblings, no nothing.”

  “I appreciate the call, Donny. Keep me updated?”

  “I have you on speed dial.”

  Penelope chuckled. If police officers could maintain a sense of humor, even when they saw the gruesome side of life, there was still hope.

  CHAPTER 40

  “Everything okay?” Jacob asked as Penelope walked over to greet him.

  Still dressed in his work slacks and blue dress shirt, Jacob appeared to be getting his energy back. The light had returned to his chestnut colored eyes, and a small white gauze bandage taped over his wound replaced the one that had been wrapped around his head. Despite everything that had happened, Jacob still managed to look like a soap opera star with his broad shoulders, wide smile, and chiseled jaw.

  “Everything is perfect,” she said, standing on her tiptoes and giving him a kiss on the cheek. “Just Donny being his usual annoying self.”

  “I saw him a few hours ago . . .”

  “At the hospital?” she asked.

  “Yeah. He stopped by to ask me a few follow-up questions about the victim.”

  “Anything else?”

  “Nope. That was it.”

  Jacob held the door, and Penelope stepped past him, feeling calmer and more relaxed already. The smell of fresh baked pastries hung in the air and filled her senses as she walked over to the counter with Jacob. She took a deep breath and inhaled the delicious aroma of Belgian chocolate, butterscotch, and cinnamon.

  Ambrose & Sons Bakery was the oldest family-owned bakery in Franklin. The current baker and owner, William Ambrose, was the grandson of Lawrence Ambrose, who founded the bakery in 1909. With recipes passed down through generations, the bakery retained its strong Italian identity, offering everything from bread, to cookies, to cakes for all occasions. If you were getting married, Ambrose & Sons was the place you went for a cake.

  Amanda, Will’s oldest daughter, recognized Penelope and Jacob and motioned for them to take a seat. Penelope let her eyes wander a moment longer on the overstuffed cannolis and homemade cheesecakes before she turned and followed Jacob.

  The bakery was warm and cozy, and they sat at a table close to the window. The view of the street wasn’t particularly good, but she had Jacob to stare at, so the view was perfect. The white bandage on his forehead stood out in sharp contrast to his brown hair, but his eyes were twinkling, and he was ready with a smile every time her eyes met his.

  “This is nice,” she said. “We need to do this more often.”

  “What? Cake tasting?” he teased.

  Penelope chuckled and put her hand on his. He interlinked his fingers with hers.

  “I mean spending time together in the middle of the afternoon, silly.”

  They’d been together for six years, and Penelope still felt butterflies like the first day they met.

  “I know,” he said, and then flashed a warm smile.

  It was contagious.

  “How was your run this morning?” she asked.

  He groaned. “Not my best idea. I didn’t even get halfway before I started feeling light-headed and walked back to my car. I sat there for a while, watching the other runners, feeling like a complete newbie.”

  “Even superheroes deserve a break.”

  “Look who’s talking,” Jacob said with a grin.

  Penelope smiled back.

  “So, what are your plans for the rest of the week?” Jacob asked.

  Well, let’s see, I’ve got a pretty busy week. First, I’m going to find out who robbed Grace Memorial, who shot you, and who returned your belongings. Then I’m going to find out who killed Kevin Scott and why they dumped his body at the Franklin River.

  “Penny? Are you still with me?”

  “Oh yes. Sorry . . .” She wanted to tell him everything she was thinking of doing, but he’d probably be angry with her for getting more involved than she already was, so she told him what she’d most likely be doing instead. “I’m going to take some time for planning the wedding. Look into florists, catering, photographers, videographers, DJs, accommodations for guests, rehearsal dinner locations. Oh, don’t forget we have a meeting with a potential wedding planner in Gainesville on Friday.” She paused and glanced up to see if he remembered. He nodded, sure of himself. He hadn’t forgotten. She was the one who forgot things when work got in the way. “I’m also looking into reception locations Thursday.”

  “That sounds like a great vacation.”

  Apparently, Jacob didn’t know much about planning a wedding if he thought it was like a vacation.

  CHAPTER 41

  William Ambrose walked over to Penelope and Jacob’s table, carrying a large silver platter that held a dozen tiny squares of various cakes for them to taste. He wore black-and-white houndstooth pants and a white chef’s coat with Willie embroidered in red above the left breast pocket.

  For a man who had spent his entire life surrounded by sweets, Willie was surprisingly thin. His face was creased with laugh lines, and both his dexterous hands, and his gray hair never seemed to stay in one place for long.

  “So, I hope you’re hungry,” he joked as he sat down at the table. “These are some of my finest creations. First, we have the red velvet, white truffle cake.”

  Penelope and Jacob looked at each other as Will jumped right into explaining each concoction on the platter. Penelope’s stomach let out a rumble and her mouth began to water.

  When Will finished explaining, he looked at Penelope and smiled. “This one is my favorite,” he said. “In fact, it’s the same cake that I made for your parents on their wedding day.” He glanced out the window and continued, “I guess would be about thirty-five or thirty-six years ago. It was one of the first ones I did with my dad, and it has been my favorite ever since.”

  Penelope looked at Will. “You did Gerald and Irene’s cake?” she asked, referring to Doug’s parent. Not everyone knew that Doug’s parents, Penelope’s godparents, adopted her when her mother and father died.

  Will smiled softly. “No, your real parents, sweetie.”

  A wave of sadness washed over Penelope.

  “As a matter of fact, hang on just a second.” Will set the tray on the table and motioned for Penelope and Jacob to start eating. He got up, disappeared into the back of the bakery and returned a moment later. His hands tightly gripped a photo.

  “See,” he said, showing them the old black-and-white photo. “Here’s the one of me making the cake with my dad.” Will sat down and looked at the picture with nostalgia. “Oh, wait, of course!” He jumped up again and ran to the wall and grabbed a framed photo. “Here, here’s the finished cake.” He held the framed picture out for Jacob and Penelope to see. “This is after we finished it, on the table at their wedding.”

  Penelope leaned in afraid to br
eathe too hard for fear of damaging the picture. The cake stood center stage, a seven-tier masterpiece of white buttercream garlands and latticework sitting atop royal fondant.

  “We used star and C-scrolls,” William continued, “It was my dad’s way of teaching me over piping, something we do to give each layer depth. And these bands . . .” William said, pointing to several of the delicate decorations on the cake, “these were inspired by the lace of your mom’s bridal gown.”

  Penelope searched the picture feverishly hoping to catch a glimpse of her mother or father in the background, but she couldn’t. Instead, her eyes rested on the confectionary bands and she delved into her memory, trying to recall the wedding pictures her parents had hung in the front hall of their home before they died in the flames that destroyed every photo on that terrible night.

  “It’s beautiful,” Jacob said. “I think we’ve found the perfect cake. Will, could you create one just like it for our wedding?”

  “Of course! Splendid idea.”

  “What do you think, Penny?” Jacob asked.

  Penelope let one tear slide down her cheek, and she nodded to Jacob. Then, she turned her face to Will. “May I get a copy of that photo?”

  Her parents weren’t in the picture, but it was the closest reminder she had. This picture was taken at their wedding. This was the cake that they ate. She needed something of them, and if this was all she could get, she would take it.

  “You can have that one, my dear,” he said, and left them alone to sample the cakes.

  Penelope looked at Jacob across the table and smiled. Soon this was what life would be like. They would be married and share moments like this one. It was a little thing, but sometimes the small things were the most powerful.

  They’d almost finished the tasting when Jacob’s cell phone rang. He looked up at her apologetically. She nodded knowing that he needed to answer, and that such responsibilities would be a part of their life together, as well. She would have to share him with the people who depended on him.

  “Dr. Gordon,” he answered curtly. He was all business now, and Penelope watched in awe at the change in his demeanor from loving fiancé to the no-nonsense doctor. “Really? Yes, I’ll be there soon.” Jacob’s eyes focused on nothing as he listened. “No, no. I’m all right. I’ll see you shortly.” He ended the call without saying good-bye. “That was the hospital—”

  “Go,” she said. “I’ve got this.”

  He rose and gave Penelope a kiss on the cheek. “I love you, Penny.”

  “I love you back, Jacob.”

  Jacob thanked Will on his way out and turned to wave to Penelope as he walked to his car. She returned the wave with a smile.

  CHAPTER 42

  First thing Tuesday morning, Penelope stopped at the Franklin Clinic to check on Jacob. When she arrived at eight thirty she spotted two Gainesville police cruisers in the parking lot.

  What’s GPD doing here?

  She parked her car and ran into the clinic. Nurse Taylor’s expressionless face greeted her in the reception area.

  “Morning, Genny,” she said in a rush. “What’s Gainesville PD doing here? Is everything okay?”

  “I told him not to hire her,” Taylor said, shaking her head slowly.

  “Who? Not to hire who?”

  “Belinda. I knew it was a mistake to hire her.”

  More confused than ever, Penelope asked again, but got the same answer. She tried a different approach, hoping for a more definitive answer. “Where is everyone?”

  Taylor gave her head a sharp nod to the left.

  Penelope flashed a tight-lipped smile and then hurried into the administrative area of the clinic. She walked past a uniformed officer standing by the receptionist’s desk; another officer milled about the hallway just past the double swinging doors. Neither officer tried to stop her.

  What’s going on here?

  Had the Clinic been broken into?

  Please, God, let Jacob be okay.

  Penelope walked to the end of the hall, and to her right she saw Jacob sitting at his desk. Detective Donny Greene stood next to him with two uniformed officers. She recognized Officer Caleb Meeks from the Franklin River crime scene. He looked a much better shade than he had the day they found Kevin Scott’s body. The older, female officer, she hadn’t met. Her silver nameplate identified her as G. Watson.

  When Donny noticed Penelope, he ushered Meeks and Watson out of Jacob’s office and motioned for her to come in.

  “Donny, what is going on? What are you doing here?” she asked in a clipped tone.

  Jacob looked up at Penelope and raised his eyebrows. Two butterfly bandages had replaced the large white bandage on his head. The reminder of how close he had come to death was as strong as ever. Even though she was concerned about the news she might hear, she was grateful to see that Jacob was okay.

  Donny flashed Penelope a smile. “Hey, Chance. We caught a break in the case.”

  Penelope looked at Donny with hard eyes. “What type of break? How come you didn’t call me? You promised to keep me in the loop.”

  Donny raised his hands as if to calm her, but she was having none of it. “Okay, listen, we didn’t have much until last night.” He saw her eyes grow wide, and he continued before she could say anything. “We, meaning the Gainesville PD,” he said, reminding her of jurisdiction. “We located the vic’s car yesterday at the apartment complex. There was a lot of blood in the stall opposite his car. We think he was shot during a drug exchange. Forensics is going through the car now.”

  “So you’ve located and processed the primary crime scene?”

  “Yep. Finished up late last night.”

  “That’s great, but what does that have to do with Jacob and the clinic?”

  “After we located the vic’s car, we searched his apartment. There was no sign of the drugs, but we did find a few dozen blank prescription pads.”

  Penelope looked at Jacob.

  “They were from the clinic,” he said. “And they had my name on them, but they were old.”

  “Old?” Penelope asked.

  “Yes. As I was explaining to Don, we switched to tamper-resistant pads a couple of years back—a Medicaid mandate.”

  “The pads we found were plain white pads,” Donny said. “I couldn’t tell you last night because of your relationship with the people here at the clinic.”

  Penelope let out a sharp breath. “I understand what you’re saying, Donny. But you’re way off base here. No one at the clinic’s involved. Not in this. They’re probably counterfeits.”

  “Maybe. But this is exactly why I didn’t call. I knew how you’d react.”

  Heat rose in Penelope’s skin. He was right. She was anything but objective when it came to the people at the clinic, especially Jacob. “Go on,” she said.

  “So, I showed up here at seven o’clock this morning to see if I could get some more information and I ran into Nurse Taylor. I told her about the prescription pads we found at the vic’s apartment, and asked her if she knew where the prescription pads were kept and who had access to them, and if any were reported stolen.”

  Penelope nodded and Donny continued. “The doc arrived around 7:20. He showed me where everything is kept. That’s when he noticed that one of his prescription pads was missing.”

  “The pads are sequentially numbered, similar to how banks number checks,” Jacob explained. “I keep them in order and that’s how I knew a pad was missing.”

  “I asked if he could have left one in an exam room or lying out somewhere,” Donny said.

  “I keep them locked up or in my pocket.”

  “So together we did a quick search of the clinic and questioned the staff.”

  “And?” Penelope prompted.

  “And,” Donny said. “When we got to Belinda’s desk, we found several bottles of the same drugs that were stolen during Friday’s robbery.”

  Belinda? How could she be involved in something like this?

  “You were
looking for the missing prescription pad and found drugs? In Belinda’s desk?” Penelope asked.

  “That’s right,” Donny said.

  Penelope looked at Jacob and saw the same disbelief on his face. “There’s got to be some sort of mistake,” Penelope said, voicing her opinion out loud. “Belinda can’t be involved.”

  Donny rolled his eyes slightly. “We have enough to conduct an interrogation.”

  Even though she didn’t want to believe that someone who worked so closely with Jacob could be involved, she couldn’t shake the gnawing words in the back of her mind. The words Gabriel spoke at the Franklin River scene suggesting the possibility that the person that killed Kevin Scott could be the same person that returned Jacob’s belongings. And that person might be someone Jacob knew. Could Belinda be that person? Was Belinda a cold-blooded killer?

  “What about the missing prescription pad?” Penelope asked.

  “It was in my spare lab coat pocket,” Jacob said, looking a little guilty and pointing to the coat hanging on the back of his office door.

  Donny went on. “The doc told me Belinda started work at eight o’clock, so I radioed for a transport unit. We were just wrapping up when you arrived. I was going to call you on my way back to Gainesville.”

  Penelope’s expression didn’t change.

  Donny added, “And to see if you want to observe the interrogation?”

  Jacob’s kind eyes pierced Penelope’s heart as she looked at him across the room. “I don’t think that’s a good idea, Penny,” he said.

  Penelope shifted her weight and looked at Donny. “Where’s Belinda now?”

  “Officers Watson and Meeks are getting her ready to take in,” Donny said as he began to walk out of Jacob’s office. “She’s been read her rights.”

  Jacob walked around his desk, joined Penelope, and they followed Donny down the hall.

  “Did you find anything else?” Penelope asked.

  “Like the murder weapon and a typed confession? No, not yet. But we’re gonna keep looking.”

  They walked into the lobby where the rest of the clinic staff had gathered. Nurse Taylor and two other nurses stood silently, watching as Officer Watson handcuffed Belinda.