Killer Cannoli (A Terrified Detective Mystery Book 2) Read Free

My hands curled into fists and I pounded them together out of frustration.
    Ed pulled up and honked. He flung open the passenger door for me. “Sorry, kiddo. Hit every red light getting here.”
    Ordinarily, I’d smile and assure him it was fine. But this time, in a thin, high voice: “16543 Center Ridge Road and hurry.” I pointed straight ahead. 
    “Hang onto your hat.”
    Before I could hook my seatbelt, Ed gunned the motor and we sped off. We took a corner so fast my soul had to run to catch up with my body. I decided it’d be best if I closed my eyes, but they popped open when my phone rang. It was Aunt Lena. My heart lubbed when it should have dubbed.
    “Claire.” She voice quivered.
    “What’s wrong?” It was only 6:50. Larry couldn’t have stood her up yet, but maybe she had second thoughts about her date.
    “It’s Larry.” Her voice rose. “He’s dead.” Her sobs came so hard and fast, I couldn’t be sure she’d be able to tell me much more. But through the breaks in her voice she added, “Shot.”
    My hand clenched the phone tight. “Where is he?” I held my breath, hoping he wasn’t anywhere near my aunt or her bakery. I hoped it’d happened in some flea-infested hotel where the other guests were skimpily clothed women and guys named John.
    She swallowed loudly. “Here. At Cannoli’s .”
    Great God. He’d been shot at the cafe. I flashed onto a scary scene in which his blood dripped down the éclairs, like Hannibal Lector’s idea of a tasty treat. “Are you all right?”
    She sniffed. “How could I be?”
    “I’m on my way there. Call 911.”
    “I did. They’re on the other line. Her voice sounded muffled. “Hello, 911 operator? You still there?” Then, “Claire, they’re still on with me.”
    I tried to breathe evenly. I’d read that keeps you and the person you’re talking to calm. I didn’t know if it worked over the phone, though. “I’ll be right there.”
    Ed continued to floor it and I kept one hand on the dashboard, as if that’d protect me if we crashed.
    We swerved into Cannoli’s back lot and rushed into the kitchen. Aunt Lena was still on the phone with the 911 operator. Mascara streaked down her cheeks and her wiry hair stuck out in every direction. She looked like the end of an all-night party.
    Resting the phone against her shoulder, my aunt clutched my arm. “Police will be here soon.” She chewed a knuckle. “Who’d do this?” Her voice turned thick and tears filled her eyes.  “Yes, operator, I’m still here. My niece just arrived.”
    I put my arm around her and whispered, “You didn’t touch him, did you?” That was about as comforting as alcohol on a burn.
    Ed walked over. “I’m Ed. Sorry for your loss.”
    Aunt Lena waved her hand in which she clutched a used tissue. “Thank you.”
    Ed stared at Aunt Lena then looked away, suddenly awkward.
    I stepped in. “Ed works with me.”
    He stood straight. Sounding like a Canadian Mountie, he added, “I’m here to help, Ma’am.” I thought he was going to salute her.
    Aunt Lena wiped her eyes. “Appreciate it.” 
    The sound of sirens grew louder and when Aunt Lena explained that the police had arrived, the 911 operator let her go.
    Aunt Lena, Ed and I walked into the dining room to meet up with the police. My aunt shivered and then wailed as soon as she spied Larry’s body. If Ed hadn’t been right there, she might’ve collapsed. “Don’t look, Lena,” he murmured in her ear.
    Like a nerd to a computer game, my eyes went straight to where Larry sat, his body slumped over. His head rested on the table, his hands limp by his sides. A bullet hole in the middle of his back. I closed my eyes, willing myself not to keep that image in my mind. I only opened them when four uniformed police announced their presence.
    Ed muttered, “Let the games begin.”

Chapter Three
    M y aunt started crying again when she explained to the police how Larry came to be at Cannoli’s . She’d just