Read Online A Cup of Murder by Cam Larson - Free Book Online Page A

on
all sides, showed them in their youth. James had his arm around his
brother’s shoulder.
    "You both look very happy in this
photograph."
    James shifted and looked at the picture. "That
was definitely in our better times. Loyalty meant something to
Michael then."
    The Michael Simms mystery took on a different
aspect in my mind, and it was at that moment that I knew I was cut
out to be a full-fledged detective in this case.
    James led me to believe the changes in Michael
happened somewhat suddenly. Could it be related to his murder?

Chapter Nine

    During the interview with the Simms couple, no
opportunity to find out what Sarah Simms did outside the condo
presented itself. I could not shake the plush living quarters from my
mind and decided she spent her time in a social life of her own. Her
remarks about Michael’s opinions regarding the working poor told me
she didn’t do charity work. At least no charity work that followed
along the lines of helping the less fortunate. My curiosity about her
drove me to resolve to research the lives of Senator Simms’ family,
specifically Sarah Simms.
    When I returned from New York City that evening I
stopped to pick up Thor. I hoped Jacob and my dog had hit it off
well. When my boss opened the front door, Thor eagerly greeted me
wagging his tail with excitement. His almond shaped eyes lit up, if a
dog’s eyes can do that. I smelled fresh coffee brewing.
    "I’ll get you a cup of coffee," said
Jacob.
    Thor followed behind him. A tinge of jealousy shot
through me when I thought they hit it off too well. Of course, to
Thor, a kitchen meant food and he was disappointed when Jacob didn’t
hand any to him. When we sat down, Thor settled at my feet and I was
happy to know where his allegiance was.
    "I put my own special ingredients in your
coffee," said Jacob.
    I have to admit that comment shook me somewhat. It
seemed a bit out of line considering the circumstances, but Jacob had
seemed a bit unstable lately. I took a sip right away to let him know
I didn’t suspect him of poisoning Michael, or in this case, me. The
taste had a richness that was delicious.
    "This tastes better than at Roasted Love,"
I said.
    There was an underlying feeling that his comment
had meant to be a test. Maybe he was still hurt at my hesitation in
voicing his innocence the day he asked me. I chided myself that I was
reading things that weren’t there. Right now, I needed to relax.
    "Have the police been back to question you?"
I asked.
    "They did so again as I was closing the shop
today around five. With no evidence, because there is none, they
didn't arrest me as you can see."
    He set his coffee mug on the glass top table in
front of him and leaned back.
    "Laila, I will admit that when Michael died,
a part of me was more than glad. It was a huge relief that it
happened. I was getting tired of the constant battling between the
coffee houses and it was making me crazy. The more I think about it,
the more I realize his family and friends are suffering from his
loss. I’m beginning to look at the incident itself and how some
people are probably affected by it. I think of the whole incident
more than my opponent no longer here to compete with."
    His demeanor was one of remorse. I thought the
liberation of not having the owner of Sunrise in his life had
something to do with it, whether he realized it or not. A burden had
been lifted from Jacob and he appeared the same as before Michael
entered our lives.
    "I agree with that. I’m sure his family is
sad about the whole matter," I said. I hesitated and then said,
"I went to New York City to meet with his brother James Simms,
the Senator, today."
    Jacob sat up straight. "Why did you meet with
him?"
    "I'm investigating the murder of Michael."
    The cloud rose in his face, the same one I
recently witnessed whenever Jacob felt he had to defend himself from
murdering Michael. The teddy bear transformed to a deeply angered man
in a matter of seconds.
    "Why would you get