Berry Mocha Murder (EBOOK)

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Chapter 1
Lucas pulled his sedan into his parents’ driveway in Everly, the tires crackling over the familiar gravel. He cut the engine and sat for a moment, taking in the sight of the two-story colonial with its blue shutters and trimmed hedges. It looked exactly as it always had. A postcard of suburban perfection that seemed frozen in time while the rest of the world kept moving.
It was 4:30. He’d made good time from Boston, hitting less traffic than expected on the interstate. The twinge of guilt he felt at how rarely he visited outside the holidays was something he’d grown used to. Phone calls and video chats were his usual method of staying connected, but they were poor substitutes for actually being here.
It was a relief, an escape, to leave the tough cases, the files, and the paperwork behind. This week would be all about family and getting to know his niece better. He climbed out of the car, thankful to stretch his legs, then grabbed his duffel from the backseat.
Before he even reached the porch steps, the front door flew open with such force it bounced against the wall inside.
“Uncle Lucas! Uncle Lucas! You’re here!” A small figure with bouncing pigtails and a bright yellow sundress rocketed toward him at full speed.
Lucas broke into a genuine smile, dropping to one knee just in time to catch the human missile hurtling his way. Lexie threw her arms around his neck in an enthusiastic hug that nearly knocked him backward.
“Whoa there, squirt.” He laughed, lifting her up and spinning her around once. “You’ve gotten too big for this,” he added, though he made no move to put her down.
“Mom says I grew a whole inch since Christmas!” Lexie informed him proudly.
Lucas studied his niece’s face, noting how her front teeth had grown in since he’d seen her last. “I believe it. You’ll be taller than me soon.”
“That’s silly. You’re a giant!” Lexie giggled.
In the doorway, his mom appeared, wiping her hands on a flour-dusted apron. The comforting smell of cinnamon and vanilla wafted out from behind her, unmistakably one of her famous apple pies in the oven. Her dark hair was pulled back in a loose bun, her warm smile welcoming.
“Right on time,” she said. “Traffic wasn’t too bad?”
Lucas set Lexie down and hugged his mom. “Not bad at all. Smooth sailing most of the way.”
His dad emerged behind his mom, dressed in khaki shorts and a collared short-sleeved shirt. Most would say that his dad, Phil, was an older version of Lucas. Just with more lines and a bit more silver. He owned a successful real estate agency.
“The detective returns to his hometown,” his dad said, clapping Lucas on the shoulder. “Bringing any big city crimes with you?”
“Left all that in Boston, thankfully,” Lucas said. “Just wrapped up a big case yesterday. Perfect timing for this little getaway.”
His mom ushered them all inside. The familiar creak of the floorboards under his feet was oddly comforting, like the house itself was welcoming him home.
“Abby and Sam already left for the airport. They called right before takeoff. Both so excited they could barely contain themselves.”
“I hope so. They’ve been planning this second honeymoon for what, two years now?” Lucas picked up his duffel bag again.
“Three,” his mom corrected. “But who’s counting?”
They moved into the living room, where Lucas noticed a corner had been transformed into Lexie’s play area, with books and toys neatly arranged on a small shelf. The sight of a stuffed animal tea party set up on a little table made him smile.
“Can I get you something to drink? Iced tea? Coffee?” his mom asked.
“I’m fine for now, thanks.”
His dad sank into his armchair with a sigh, immediately picking up the real estate section of the newspaper. “We’ve been entertaining the princess all morning. Trip to the park, two rounds of Go Fish, and a quite serious debate about whether unicorns could defeat dragons in battle.”
“Unicorns would win,” Lexie stated matter-of-factly from where she now stood beside Lucas. “Their horns are magic.”
Lucas observed his parents more carefully. Behind their cheerful demeanors, he detected a hint of fatigue. They were in their fifties and loved Lexie like their own, but keeping up with a seven-year-old’s energy was clearly taking its toll.
Lexie tugged on Lucas’ hand. “Did you bring your police badge? Can I see it?”
Lucas reached into his pocket and pulled out his badge case, flipping it open for her to see.
Lexie stared at it with wide eyes. “Do you catch bad guys?”
“Sometimes.” Lucas watched her reaction carefully. “Mostly I solve puzzles. Figure out what happened and who did it.”
“Like Scooby-Doo!”
Lucas chuckled. “A little more serious than that, but sure.”
“Lexie’s been counting down the hours,” his dad said, folding his newspaper. “Asking how many more until ‘Uncle Lucas comes to play.’“
That familiar pang of guilt returned. He should visit more often. Boston wasn’t that far away. It was amazing how life got busy. There was always another case, another file to review, or the pure exhaustion he felt when a case closed.
“Can we do something fun right now?” Lexie bounced, her energy apparently limitless.
Lucas checked his watch. It was only one o’clock. “Sure, why not? Any ideas?”
“Lucas, you just drove three hours,” his mom said. “You should rest.”
“I’ve been sitting in a car all afternoon. A little activity would do me good.” Lucas was also thinking his parents could use a break. “I can take Lexie somewhere while you two relax for a bit.”
“Where are we going? Where?” Lexie’s bouncing intensified.
“I’m not sure. Maybe your Gramps has a good idea.”
His dad considered for a moment. “Well, there’s The Beanery downtown. Lexie loves their hot chocolate.”
His mom nodded but couldn’t help adding, “She likes the small size, not the medium. And she’ll need to be back by 5:30 for dinner.”
“Got it,” Lucas replied, amused at how quickly his detective-trained memory was being filled with seven-year-old protocols rather than case details. It was a nice break. “I think I can manage that.”
“I need my sandals!” Lexie raced toward the stairs at hurricane speed.
While she was gone, his mom lowered her voice. “She’s been so excited, but this is the first time Abby and Sam have left her for more than a weekend. She gets a little clingy or emotional, especially at bedtime.”
Lucas nodded seriously. “Got it.” He assumed that’s what Gramps and Gram were for, not Uncle Lucas. He was there to be the fun uncle. Like taking her out for hot chocolate and letting her get the extra whipped cream.
Lexie returned moments later, sandals on and clutching a well-loved plush rabbit with one floppy ear.
Lucas raised an eyebrow at the new addition.
“This is Captain Hops,” Lexie explained with the gravity of introducing a dignitary. “He comes everywhere.”
“Pleased to meet you, Captain,” Lucas said, managing to keep a straight face.
They said their goodbyes and Lucas and Lexie headed downtown.
Lucas parked on Main Street, struck by how much and yet how little had changed since his last proper visit. The hardware store had a new sign, the old bookshop was still there, but otherwise, Everly remained the quaint New England town he remembered.
Multicolored banners hung across the street bearing the words “150th Annual Old Home Day – Next Saturday!” Workers on ladders strung twinkling lights between lampposts, and storefronts displayed posters advertising carnival games and fireworks.
“Are you going to stay for Old Home Day?” Lexie asked excitedly, following his gaze. “There’s gonna be fireworks and cotton candy and face painting and EVERYTHING!”
“It depends. Maybe,” Lucas replied, surprised at the slight disappointment he felt. He didn’t want to make any commitments he couldn’t keep.
Lexie’s hand felt tiny in his as they walked down the sidewalk. She seemed determined to give him a personalized tour of her Everly.
“That’s where I fell off my bike yesterday.” She pointed to a perfectly innocent-looking section of sidewalk. “And a black cat lives in that window,” she added, indicating an antique shop with a very black cat lounging in the display.
“Tell me more about you,” Lucas said. “What’s your favorite color these days?”
“Purple. Not light purple, though. Dark purple like grapes.”
“Good choice. What about school? What subject do you like best?”
“Science!” Lexie replied emphatically. “We’re learning about butterflies and how they’re born. Did you know they’re caterpillars first? They make a cocoon and everything changes inside!”
Lucas nodded, impressed by her enthusiasm. “Metamorphosis. That’s pretty amazing stuff.”
“Uncle Lucas?” Lexie looked up at him with sudden seriousness.
“Yes?”
“How come you don’t have any kids?”
Lucas nearly tripped over a crack in the sidewalk. He wasn’t prepared for such a direct question. “Well, I, uh... I haven’t found the right person to have kids with yet.”
“Oh.” Lexie considered this. “Mom says you date a lot of girls.”
“Does she now?” Lucas would have to chat with his sister later. He silently admitted to himself that Abby wasn’t wrong. Dating was easy; commitment was hard. Between his unpredictable hours and the darkness of some of his cases, relationships always seemed to fizzle out before they got serious. Part of him wondered if he subconsciously wanted it that way. Less complicated, less vulnerable.
“I started swimming lessons,” Lexie announced, mercifully changing the subject. “I can swim for real now, not just with floaties.”
“That’s impressive.”
“Mom says I’m like a fish. Maybe I’m part mermaid!”
Lucas smiled. “Could be. I’ll have to watch you swim sometime and see for myself.”
They reached The Beanery, and Lucas was immediately struck by how different it looked from the dingy coffee shop he remembered. The old booths and fluorescent lighting had been replaced by natural wood tables, comfortable seating, and warm pendant lights. Local artwork adorned the walls, and a small bookshelf labeled “Take One, Leave One” stood in one corner.
The air smelled of freshly ground coffee beans, vanilla syrup, and something sweet baking. Soft jazz played in the background, punctuated by the hiss of the espresso machine and the gentle murmur of conversation. Lexie immediately gravitated toward the glass display case filled with pastries, her eyes wide.
“Welcome to The Beanery!” A young man with curly brown hair and an infectious smile greeted them from behind the counter. He wore an apron with colorful coffee mugs printed on it. “Oh hey, Lexie! Who’s your friend?”
“This is my Uncle Lucas,” Lexie said. “He’s a detective and catches bad guys and solves mysteries.”
The barista’s eyes lit up with interest. “A detective? That’s so cool. I’m Bixby, by the way.” He extended a hand across the counter, which Lucas shook.
“Lucas Graystone,” he said. “You seem to know my niece already.”
Bixby knelt down to Lexie’s eye level. “Miss Lexie is one of our most discerning customers. Aren’t you, sunshine?”
Lexie giggled and nodded.
“You two are in luck today.” Bixby straightened up, his enthusiasm almost visibly bubbling over. “I just finalized my new creation this morning: the Berry Mocha Smoothie—and the coffee version. It’s got this incredible balance of chocolate and mixed berries with just a hint of mint. It’s absolutely life-changing if I do say so myself.”
“Just black coffee for me, thanks,” Lucas said. He always drank black coffee. The blacker the better. It was what got him through the midnight hours and what got him going first thing in the morning after a late night.
Bixby’s face fell slightly, but his smile quickly returned. “You sure? I’d love your opinion on it. First one’s on the house. It’s your lucky day!”
Lucas was about to politely decline again when he felt Lexie tugging on his hand. She looked up at him with pleading puppy-dog eyes.
“Please try it, Uncle Lucas? Please? Bixby makes the best drinks in the whole wide world!”
Between Bixby’s hopeful expression and Lexie’s pleading eyes, Lucas was outnumbered. “Alright, I’ll give it a shot. And a small hot chocolate for Lexie, I presume? Or how about the Berry Mocha smoothie?”
“The smoothie. With extra whipped cream!” Lexie added.
“Coming right up, partners!” Bixby spun around to prepare their drinks with theatrical flair that made Lexie giggle.
They settled at a corner table while they waited.
Lexie sat cross-legged on her chair, Captain Hops propped up beside her. “Captain Hops wants one too, but he can share with me,” she informed Lucas solemnly.
“Very generous of you,” Lucas replied, equally serious.
Bixby delivered their drinks a few minutes later. A mug of creamy coffee, infused with mocha and a berry syrup, topped with a small amount of whipped cream, for Lucas, and a small glass of what looked like purple iced-coffee with a mountain of whipped cream and chocolate shavings for Lexie.
“Enjoy the flavor explosion!” Bixby said with a flourish before returning to the counter.
Lexie immediately dove into her whipped cream, emerging with a white mustache that made Lucas chuckle. He took a cautious sip of his own concoction, prepared to politely hide his distaste. To his surprise, the drink was actually good. The berry flavor complemented the coffee rather than overpowering it, and the hint of mint gave it a refreshing finish.
“You’ve got a mustache too!” Lexie pointed, giggling.
Lucas wiped it away. Then, on impulse, he crossed his eyes and stuck out his tongue, making Lexie burst into peals of laughter. Her laughter was infectious, and Lucas smiled more genuinely than he had in months. The tension from his last case, the hours of paperwork, the grim crime scenes—all of it seemed to fade away in this moment.
“Will you come to my pool party?” Lexie asked, stirring her smoothie with serious concentration. “It’s going to be a pool party since I can swim now. Mom says we can invite ten kids from my class.”
“When is it again?”
“August 17th. That’s...” She counted on her fingers, then said, “Later in summer.”
“I’ll do my best to be there.” Lucas noted to request the day off as soon as he got back.
Lexie launched into a detailed description of her party, complete with mermaid decorations and underwater games. Lucas enjoyed her enthusiasm, asking questions and offering suggestions that made her eyes light up. For the first time in longer than he could remember, Lucas realized he was completely relaxed. No case to solve, no perpetrator to track down.
Just the simple pleasure of spending time with his niece in a cozy coffee shop. They should do this every day. It would give his parents a break.
The peaceful moment shattered when the door burst open, banging against the wall with enough force to make everyone in the shop jump.
An older woman stood in the doorway, dressed in expensive clothes that seemed at odds with her panicked expression. The overwhelming scent of floral perfume wafted into the room as she frantically scanned the faces of the customers.
Lucas’ detective instincts immediately kicked in, his body tensing as he assessed the situation. He hoped she had a flat tire or a runaway scarf in the wind. Something easy like that.