Unraveled
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright Page
Acknowledgements
One
Two
Three
Four
Five
Six
Seven
Eight
Nine
Ten
Eleven
Twelve
Thirteen
Fourteen
Fifteen
Sixteen
Seventeen
Eighteen
Nineteen
Twenty
Sweet Summer Tee
Yummy Chocolate Cake
Berkley Prime Crime titles by Maggie Sefton
KNIT ONE, KILL TWO
NEEDLED TO DEATH
A DEADLY YARN
A KILLER STITCH
DYER CONSEQUENCES
FLEECE NAVIDAD
DROPPED DEAD STITCH
SKEIN OF THE CRIME
UNRAVELED
Anthologies
DOUBLE KNIT MURDERS
THE BERKLEY PUBLISHING GROUP
Published by the Penguin Group
Penguin Group (USA) Inc.
375 Hudson Street, New York, New York 10014, USA
Penguin Group (Canada), 90 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 700, Toronto, Ontario M4P 2Y3, Canada
(a division of Pearson Penguin Canada Inc.)
Penguin Books Ltd., 80 Strand, London WC2R 0RL, England
Penguin Group Ireland, 25 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2, Ireland (a division of Penguin Books Ltd.)
Penguin Group (Australia), 250 Camberwell Road, Camberwell, Victoria 3124, Australia
(a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty. Ltd.)
Penguin Books India Pvt. Ltd., 11 Community Centre, Panchsheel Park, New Delhi—110 017, India
Penguin Group (NZ), 67 Apollo Drive, Rosedale, Auckland 0632, New Zealand
(a division of Pearson New Zealand Ltd.)
Penguin Books (South Africa) (Pty.) Ltd., 24 Sturdee Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg 2196, South Africa
Penguin Books Ltd., Registered Offices: 80 Strand, London WC2R 0RL, England
This book is an original publication of The Berkley Publishing Group.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental. The publisher does not have any control over and does not assume any responsibility for author or third-party websites or their content.
PUBLISHER’S NOTE: The recipes contained in this book are to be followed exactly as written. The publisher is not responsible for your specific health or allergy needs that may require medical supervision. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse reaction to the recipes contained in this book.
Copyright © 2011 by Margaret Conlan Aunon.
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights. Purchase only authorized editions. BERKLEY® PRIME CRIME and the PRIME CRIME logo are trademarks of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Sefton, Maggie.
p. cm.
eISBN : 978-1-101-51596-9
1. Flynn, Kelly (Fictitious character)—Fiction. 2. Knitters (Persons)—Fiction. 3. Murder—Investigation—Fiction. 4. City and town life—Colorado—Fiction. I. Title.
PS3619.E37U67 2011
813’.6—dc22 2010047532
http://us.penguingroup.com
Acknowledgments
First, I want to thank Kristin Aamodt of Bellingham, Washington, for the novel’s title, Unraveled. I had a “Name a Kelly Flynn Mystery” contest on my website last year and received many wonderful title suggestions, but Kristin’s was a particularly apt description of what had happened in Kelly and Steve’s relationship. Thank you again, Kristin.
Second, I want to thank my oldest daughter, Christine, for helping me describe in words what actually happens on the volleyball court. Christine was a star volleyball player in high school and in college years ago, playing in the SEC Division I. As a proud parent, I spent many a year on the bleachers watching the game as a spectator. Those skills come in handy when you’re a novelist, and particularly when I wrote the “amateur” volleyball game scene that takes place in Unraveled. However, I did want to make sure I had the correct terminology when I tried to describe the action. Christine has coached secondary-school volleyball for years (in addition to a full-time business career and a mother of four) and is presently the Head Volleyball Coach for Fairfax High School in Fairfax, Virginia. If there are any mistakes in the description of the scene, please chalk it up to my notetaking.
Next, I want to thank Liesbeth Gren of Northern Colorado who sent me the recipe for the Yummy Chocolate Cake. I met Liesbeth briefly at a Bridal Show in Loveland, Colorado, two years ago when I was writing Skein of the Crime. That’s the book where Kelly and her friends accompany Megan on a tour of several bridal shops in the search for the “perfect” wedding gown. Liesbeth told me about her yummy recipe then.
And last, I’d like to mention the exhibition that I attended in Chantilly, Virginia, in April 2010. I wanted to research particular scenes and found all the information I would need. The exhibition was organized and run by C & E Gun Shows and Showmasters of Blacksburg, Virginia.
Cast of Characters
Kelly Flynn—financial accountant and part-time sleuth, refugee from East Coast corporate CPA firm
Steve Townsend—architect and builder in Fort Connor, Colorado, and Kelly’s ex-boyfriend
KELLY’S FRIENDS:
Jennifer Stroud—real estate agent, part-time waitress
Lisa Gerrard—physical therapist
Megan Smith—IT consultant, another corporate refugee
Marty Harrington—lawyer, Megan’s fiancé
Greg Carruthers—university instructor, Lisa’s boyfriend
Pete Wainwright—owner of Pete’s café in the back of Kelly’s favorite knitting shop, House of Lambspun
LAMBSPUN FAMILY AND REGULARS:
Mimi Shafer—Lambspun shop owner and knitting expert, known to Kelly and her friends as “Mother Mimi”
Burt Parker—retired Fort Connor police detective, Lambspun spinner-in-residence
Hilda and Lizzie von Steuben—spinster sisters, retired schoolteachers, and exquisite knitters
Curt Stackhouse—Colorado rancher, Kelly’s mentor and advisor
Jayleen Swinson—Alpaca rancher and Colorado Cowgirl
Connie and Rosa—Lambspun shop personnel
One
Kelly Flynn stepped out onto the wooden deck of Jayleen Swinson’s rustic mountain log home. Clutching her ceramic mug of coffee against the cold, Kelly stood by the railing and gazed out at the snow-covered mountains in the distance. From this high up in Bellevue Canyon, north of Fort Connor, she could glimpse peaks of the Colorado Rockies behind the canyon ridges. A chilled early March breeze set the tall ponderosa pines to swaying and caused Kelly to shiver. Winter wasn’t over yet, despite the sound of her friends’ laughter coming from inside. They all knew their End of Winter, Welcome Spring Barbeque was premature. March was usually Colorado’s snowiest month. But the gang never needed much excuse to gather for a party, especially when food was involved.
Jennifer Stroud stepped out onto the deck. “Hey, what’re you doing here in the cold? Come on in. Megan’s going to slice that chocolate cake she made. I’ve gained three pounds just looking at it.”
“I came
out for some fresh air and a glimpse of the mountains. You know, a mountain fix.” Kelly smiled at her friend.
Jennifer wrapped her shamrock green knitted wool shawl around herself and joined Kelly by the railing. “I know you love looking at these views, but aren’t you glad you’re not living up here in the canyons in the winter? Especially since you’re having to work in Denver so often. Driving on these icy roads would get old pretty fast.”
Kelly sipped her rapidly cooling coffee and snuggled into the bright blue sweater Megan had knitted her for Christmas. “You’re right. My fascination with canyon properties extends to spring, summer, and fall. Sliding down those icy roads once was enough to change my mind.”
Jennifer visibly shuddered. “Bad memories. Let’s change the subject. Guess what? I’ve finally got a real estate client.”
“Whoa, that’s fantastic news, Jen,” Kelly said, then leaned forward and gave her friend a hug. “I’m so happy for you. I know it’s been hard these last months.”
“Hard doesn’t cover it. I was about to throw in the towel until this recession was over, but my broker came to the rescue. He gave me a new client. A real estate investor here in Fort Connor who’s selling one of his mountain properties. It’s up in Poudre Canyon.”
“Boy, that was good of your broker to give you his client.”
Jennifer gave her a crooked smile. “Well, it’s not all kindheartedness. This guy, Fred Turner, has a reputation for being really disagreeable. My broker can’t stand working with him. So he practically begged me to take Turner off his hands. Of course, I knew about the bad rep, but hey . . . beggars can’t be choosers, as they say.”
Concerned about Jennifer’s financial situation, Kelly added, “Remember, you promised you’d let me know if you needed money, okay?”
“I remember. Don’t worry. Pete’s catering jobs have picked up since February. Apparently some local businesses are weathering the downturn better than others.”
The front door opened again, and sounds of laughter and conversation poured out. Lisa stood on the threshold and beckoned. “What’re you guys doing out here in the cold?” she demanded in her familiar bossy tone. “Come on in so we can cut the cake. Marty and Greg are about to run out the back door with it.”
“Lisa’s in bossy mode. We’d better do what she wants,” Jennifer said as she and Kelly followed their friend inside.
“My coffee’s cold, anyway. I need a warm-up.”
The warmth inside felt good, and Kelly rubbed her arms as she glanced at her friends scattered around the spacious great room with its wide glass windows and gorgeous views. The high vaulted ceiling allowed even more windows above the glass patio doors. Light poured into Jayleen’s house even when the weather was cloudy. And the views of the sky were magnificent. Kelly wanted views like that someday.
Lisa’s boyfriend, Greg, and Megan’s fiancé, Marty, began one of their favorite pastimes—vying with each other for first crack at the dessert of choice. Suddenly red-haired Marty held up both hands and started to speak.
“Hey, guys. Before Greg and I start demolishing this chocolate cake, Megan and I wanted to say thank you again to Jayleen for offering to let us have our wedding and reception here on her ranch this fall.”
Megan jumped from her chair to join Marty in the center of the room. Her face was flushed with excitement. “Thank you so much, Jayleen, for the very best wedding present ever. This is such a gorgeous setting. We can’t thank you enough.” She and Marty began to applaud, and the rest of Kelly’s friends around the room joined in.
Jayleen saluted them all with her coffee mug and a big smile as she stood beside the bookcase with Lambspun shop owner Mimi Shafer. “It was my pleasure, folks. Indeed it was. And you’d better wait till you taste Curt’s present before you start awarding prizes. It’s hard to beat prime beef steaks.”
“Whoa, I forgot about that!” Greg cried. “Sorry, Jayleen, I’m changing my vote.”
Tall, silver-haired Colorado rancher Curt Stackhouse strode to the center of the great room and beckoned to a short, balding elderly man behind him. “While we’ve got everyone’s attention, I wanted to introduce you all to my houseguest, Eustace Freemont,” Curt said in his deep voice. “Some of you have already had a chance to speak with Eustace, but I wanted to make sure the rest of you met him. It’s not every day that a famous writer comes to visit.” Curt gestured to his guest. “Eustace here has written a series of bestselling history books on the Old West. In fact, I’ve got every book he’s ever written. Let’s show Eustace a Colorado welcome.” He began applauding.
Kelly joined the rest of her friends in applause and watched the little man with the round happy face and big smile flush. Eustace held up his hands.
“Thank you so much for that warm welcome,” he said. “Curt’s introduction was a bit misleading, though. I’m certainly not famous. In fact, I’m probably only known to history teachers and lovers of American history.”
“What books have you written?” retired detective Burt Parker asked as his wife, Mimi, settled on the sofa beside him. “I love reading histories. Maybe I’ve read one of yours.”
“He’s written the two best ones about the Old West that I know of,” Curt said. “Cowboys and Heroes of the Old West and Outlaws and Villains of the Old West.”
“You’re kidding.” Burt sat up straighter. “Cowboys and Heroes was the first book I had a chance to sink my teeth into once I retired from the police force. It was great.”
“I told you folks he was good,” Curt said. “I’ve been a fan since his first book. I wrote Eustace a letter a few years ago, and we’ve been corresponding ever since.”
“Curt graciously extended his hospitality when I told him I was coming to Colorado to research a new book,” Eustace said with a genial smile. Kelly thought Eustace looked like a clichéd movie version of a college professor, dressed with a vest over long-sleeved shirt, gold chain dangling from a watch stuffed into his vest pocket.
“Are you a gun collector like Curt?” café owner Pete asked as he walked up beside Jennifer. “He’s got one of the best collections of Western revolvers and rifles I’ve ever seen.”
“No, I’ve never owned a gun,” Eustace replied. “But I’ve certainly admired Curt’s collection. Those are some beautiful Colt .45s.”
“What’s your new book about, Eustace?” Greg asked as he perched on the chair arm beside Lisa. The better to pounce on the cake when it was time.
“More cowboys and outlaws?” Megan teased.
“Actually, yes. But I’m not researching personages from the past for this book. This time I’m writing about the cowboys and outlaws of the New West.”
That answer sent a buzz around the room. “Well, in that case, you’ve got to include Uncle Curt,” Marty said, gesturing toward the broad-shouldered rancher.
Curt held up his hands. “Count me out, folks. You’re not pigeonholing me in some book.”
“Aw, c’mon, Curt. You’re a natural,” Lisa persuaded.
Curt shook his head. “Nope. I value my privacy too much, folks.”
Kelly recognized the familiar sign that her mentor and advisor on all things ranching had made up his mind. Even so, she couldn’t resist cajoling. “Just think how excited your grandchildren would be to see your name in a history book, Curt.”
That comment brought a general buzz of agreement from the group, but Curt simply continued to shake his head.
Eustace stepped up then. “Believe me, everyone, I tried my best to convince Curt to change his mind, but he’s resolute.”
“Can you convince him, Jayleen?” Jennifer suggested.
Jayleen shook her head, glancing toward her close friend. “Nope. I’m not one to argue with someone when his mind is made up. It’s a waste of time.”
Knitting shop owner Mimi asked, “I’m curious, Eustace. Who do you think are the cowboys and the outlaws today?”
“Actually, I’ve already started interviewing some real estate developers and ener
gy developers who’ve become successful and managed to stay successful during this recession. That takes talent, hard work, and luck,” Eustace replied, hands behind his back in teacher position. “They’ve had to use a cowboy’s courage and sometimes, an outlaw’s cunning.”
Greg shook his head. “Well, Eustace, we used to have a whole lot more in that category. But several good people saw their businesses collapse last year.”
Kelly noticed a subdued quiet momentarily fall over the group, and she knew the reason why. Everyone was thinking of Steve. Her former boyfriend Steve. Driven out of Fort Connor and out of business by the collapse of housing construction and development when the real estate bubble burst around the country. Even honest, hardworking, smart builders and architects like Steve Townsend went out of business. “Belly-up,” as Curt called it.
Kelly also felt the surreptitious glances cast her way. She understood. It was impossible to separate Steve’s business collapse and the breakup of their relationship. Steve had moved to Denver permanently six months ago. Right after he walked out on her.
Kelly decided she had to break the subdued mood herself. “If you’re looking for successful real estate investors and developers, then you should interview both of my clients. Arthur Housemann and Don Warner. Housemann’s in Fort Connor, and Warner’s based in north Denver. They’ve both weathered this recession and prospered. So far.” She held up crossed fingers.