Page 56 of Toxic Apple Turnovers

“Hey, look at that,” I say, pointing over to that familiar dark-haired duo ditching into the thicket of dimly lit trees.

Everett straightens. “Was that Connie?”

“Yes. Connie Canelli and Chrissy Castaneda. I think they were holding hands.”

“It sounds as if they’re having a good time, too. You think they hit the appletinis?”

I make a face. “I don’t know, but we’re about to find out.” I pull Everett along until we get to the mouth of the entry, and sure enough we spot them kissing like a couple of teenagers.

Huh.

Everett walks us back a few feet out of their line of vision, and far enough away where they won’t hear a thing we’re saying.

“Looks like Connie has a new man. Good for her. Chrissy seems like a nice guy.”

“Everett.” I glance around as a thousand thoughts click together in my mind at once, but before I can expound on any of them, Everett’s phone rings.

“It’s Noah,” he says, picking up and putting it on speaker

“Everett—is Lottie with you? She’s not picking up.”

“Yes.” Everett holds the phone out my way.

“Lottie. Are you okay?” Noah’s voice is tight and anxious. “I just had to check in.”

“I’m fine. I lost my phone. I’m here with Everett. Did you catch the rest of the thieves? Did you find out anything else on Pastor Gaines?”

Noah gives a hard sigh from the other end of the line. “It looks like we’re about to close in on the rest of those idiots responsible for the bank heist. These two are singing in hopes for a good deal. As for Pastor Gaines, I don’t know much. All I could figure out is that the pastoral committee that hires for the church didn’t do much digging. They got a few false references and a feel-good interview from the guy. There are a lot of legitimate reasons someone might want to change their name, but considering his line of work—I’m a bit stymied by this one. I wouldn’t worry about it tonight.”

“Sounds good.” I shrug up at Everett as we say a quick goodbye to Noah. “I don’t want that man anywhere near my mother—at least not dating her or God knows what else. And I’m afraid I know exactly what else.”

The sound of caustic voices erupts from behind, and Everett and I glance toward the orchard.

Everett leans in. “Lover’s spat?”

“I don’t know, but curiosity killed the cat, and I’m pretty sure I’m next. Don’t you think it’s interesting that Connie and Chrissy are together? This must be new. I didn’t get the idea they were together before.” Their voices pick up as their argument grows more heated. “I have to know what they’re saying, Everett.”

“I’m not going to be able to stop you, am I, Lemon?”

“Nope.”

I hustle us back down into the orchard as the sound of their voices carries to the sky.

“You’re not going anywhere,” Connie grunts.

“We made a deal,” Chrissy snaps back in haste. “I took care of Mark, remember?”

“You didn’t take care of Mark,” she tosses it back at him in a mocking tone. “You took care of Amanda.” Connie laughs as she says her name.

My mouth falls open as I look to Everett.

Oh my God. We have our killer.

A sparkle of light shimmers up above as Owlbert floats down our way.

“I heard everything, Lottie,” he purrs as his wings flap wildly in the night. “Arrest them.”

I shake my head at him. If only it were that simple.