Shadows Over Thanksgiving

Shadows Over Thanksgiving

Libby Madsen Cozy Mysteries, Book 9

By Jennifer J. Morgan

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Books in the Libby Madsen Cozy Mysteries series:

Shadows in the Forest

Spa Shadows

Shadowed Treasures

Shadow Retreats

Spooky Shadows

Shadow’s Christmas Wish

Festive Shadows

Shadows in Alaska

Shadows Over Thanksgiving

The Christmas Fairy – a holiday novella

Dedication

For my dear friend, Aileen Brigman.

You have been my champion for nearly thirty years now … listening while I cried on your shoulder throughout the dating and child-rearing years. There for me as one of my mentors right from the beginning of my corporate world ventures. Behind me whenever my next crazy idea came around, including the one where I said, I think I’m going to write a book.

Not once have you discouraged me. In fact, your enthusiasm has always been infectious. Continuously, you lift me and encourage me to seek whatever I can dream up. You are a true treasure in my life and I look forward to many more years of friendship.

* * *

Acknowledgments

After reading through a manuscript at what feels like a trillion times, I’m always surprised at how much I missed and how great my editors are. Beta readers—you rock! Enormous gratitude goes out to: Lee Ellison, Sandra Anderson, Marcia Koopmann, Paula Webb, Susan Gross, Isobel Tamney, Eve Osborne, Dawn Hasiotis.

I’m also sending gratitude to my author friends who inspire me, and have given me a lift with their support since I began this endeavor. It takes a village and I have such gratitude to the community of authors who all help one another succeed. Thank you, Mary Seifert, Susan Yawn Tanner, Susan Slater, Jeffrey Poole, Connie Shelton, and Rebecca Barrett. I’m honored to be writing along with these fantastic writers. If you haven’t picked up their series yet, I strongly recommend you check them out.

PROLOGUE

She looked left, then right, carefully pulling out into the light traffic. This was an unknown area on the outskirts of town, but it was around here somewhere, she thought. Glancing at her Audi’s navigational screen, it looked like she had several more miles to go and then she’d turn right again. There was another moment’s hesitation; the same she felt earlier when she had agreed to dinner at his house, a man she’d only been around on a few other occasions.

She squinted to see the street signs. Headlights cut through the darkness with stark contrast, causing her eyes to avert. Miles down the road, with cars no longer in sight, the road stretched out ahead, a ribbon of asphalt disappearing into the inky blackness. This area in the Northeast valley sure seemed rural, yet she’d passed several extensive shopping areas only miles back. Nearly missing her turn, she slammed the brakes, skidding to a stop.

Letting out her pent-up breath, she questioned herself again as she made the turn. Why drive clear across the city for this man? Aren’t there plenty of men to date closer to where I live? she chastised herself out loud, while looking around at all the beautiful houses that lined the street. Well, he must have money to live in this neighborhood. She spotted the house number at the side of the garage and pulled into the empty driveway, not seeing a front door. Everything was pitch black. Unease gripped her stomach.

Pulling her phone out, she texted: I’m here. A chill crept down her spine as she watched the ellipses pulsate.

Great! Come on in!

Relief washed away her doubts, and she grabbed her purse, shoved her phone inside it, twisting around to look into the back seat. She shook her head and gave a chuckle. No, she’ll leave it here for now—too presumptuous to show up at his door with an overnight bag. Another nagging feeling slowed her down as she opened her car door. She shrugged it off, whispering to herself, It must be this darkness making my imagination run away, right? Settle down. This will be a great evening.

She locked her car and proceeded down a walkway, which snaked around before revealing the front door encased in darkness. She hesitated again as her eyes adjusted to the lack of light. With a deep sigh, her worries faded, seeing his bright smile greeting her as he opened the front door. His imposing height was yet again startling, although he was graceful and had a natural elegance that set him apart. Dark hair, almost raven-like, framed a face carved from stone, sharp angles softened by a hint of a beard. His eyes, the color of stormy seas, held a depth that drew her in. There was a quiet intensity about him, a magnetic pull that suggested a hidden world of complexity and passion.

Sorry, I don’t have shoes on or I would have come out to the car. And now I realize I forgot to turn on the porch light also, he said warmly, while lovingly reaching out for her hand. Find your way, okay? His hand settled in on her lower back, promptly ushering her inside the dimly lit home.

Her answer went unheard over the pulsating heartbeat pounding in his ears. Beneath his affable exterior lurked a darkness, a cold, calculating intelligence. His eyes, so warm and inviting only seconds before, held a chilling depth now, a predatory focus that hinted at a mind capable of great cruelty. It was this duality, this ability to be both captivating and terrifying, that made him so effective. His penetrating gaze glanced one last time over the neighborhood. No one was around.

Her car in the driveway would be a problem. He’d deal with that soon enough.

CHAPTER ONE

Aren’t family gatherings meant to be joyous occasions? That’s the picture I’d always held in my overly optimistic brain, anyway. Prior to my father’s passing, I fondly remember several summers where we traveled back to the Midwest to visit his cousins at family reunions. As kids, my sister and I would run off with the rest of the children, which I guess were our second cousins, and we made it our job to stay away from the adults as long as possible. We’d play all day long, creating make-believe scenarios about how we were pioneers living off the land, only coming home when absolutely necessary—you know, to eat and sleep. It was so much fun; I have always cherished those memories. Maybe that’s why I was so surprised by how much work went into planning and executing such a reunion as an adult. I certainly never considered this when agreeing to host Greg’s family for Thanksgiving.

By the time we arrived home from our long drive back from Alaska several weeks prior, we had decided to host Thanksgiving at our home. I created lists: whom to invite and what food to serve. Looking back, that was probably the point where I needed to manage my expectations better. Now I only needed a glass of wine.

Want something to drink? I’m pouring wine, I shouted to Greg, who had his feet up in a recliner in front of the TV.

A beer would be nice. Thanks, sweetie!

I poured a glass of Merlot and then grabbed him one of his lagers from the fridge and found the bottle opener.

Here you go, I set it down on the small table to his left. During our recent trip, he’d broken his right arm. It took several weeks before they removed the cast. Now, he was finishing physical therapy and doing so much better. Did you hear from Dana yet?

Not yet. Mom felt pretty sure she and the kids could come. They’re probably still waiting on Joe’s schedule to know whether he’ll join.

I’d met all of Greg’s family the previous winter when tragedy spoiled his college buddy’s wedding in Taos, New Mexico. I looked forward to spending more quality time with them and getting to know his family better. Bill and Anne Lawson were your average seventy-plus parents who spent decades ranching in Colorado. His sister, Dana, worked in real estate. Her husband, Joe, was an airline pilot. Larry, Greg’s younger brother, was an outdoorsman who had never quite settled down. During our first encounters, I found him to be very charming—quite the flirt. He was also a wanderer—never quite content where he was. Although he never settled on any one occupation, it seemed he made a fairly good living using his outdoors skills—skiing (snow and water), hiking, rafting, etc. He traveled many places and found work leading tours, and as an instructor in varying outdoor activities.

I sat down on the couch. What are you watching?

Oh, I’m just flipping channels, really. Anything special you’d like to see?

"There’s a new season of Bridgerton on," I suggested.

He muttered something, rolling his eyes. "How about True Detective instead?"

Sure, I love that series.

My black Labrador, Shadow, settled in at my feet. Greg found the channel, and we sat back, enjoying our evening drinks and watching TV together. Although I enjoyed the series, I found my thoughts drifting back to hosting guests and planning the enormous meal. At last count, there would be at least eighteen of us. My eyes scanned around the room, which was a combination of living, kitchen, and dining, all as one great room. Where would we fit them all?

My home was certainly modest sized, around fifteen hundred square feet. Plenty large enough for Greg and me. Still, it would be tight. My mind mulled that over and I never truly engaged in the detective show. Soon enough it was bedtime and thankfully, I slept well. I knew the days to come would be plenty busy.

The next day, after my morning’s massage appointments wrapped up at the spa, Mom and I met over at my house.

Maybe if you move the couch and recliners over here… Julia walked to the far side of the living room, pointing as she went along.

I guess for the meal, that’d be fine. But it won’t be convenient for football watching. I pointed out the wall-mounted TV.

Ah, yes, I see what you mean.

We both walked through the room, turning this way and that, trying to figure it out.

How many long folding tables do you have? she asked.

"I’ve got two, besides our dining table. I think we’ll be able to seat six at each folding table. So that will cover about twelve people. Then with the dining table, it could work. We might need to move a table outside, leaving the sliding glass door open."

That would work. Maybe put the kids out there?

Yeah. It might be tight inside, but I think we can pull it off.

Let’s review the menu again. We’ll divide and conquer on shopping.

Oh, and don’t forget the cooking sessions we’d planned at your house ahead of time. It’ll be fun—a great time for us gals to spend time together.

Julia Madsen gave me one of her famous side-eyes. A bunch of women in the kitchen? That sounds fun to you?

I laughed. It’ll be fine. Lexi is always a great help. Jordan—well, at least she’ll stay on task. I have no idea about Anne and Dana, but we’ll see.

We sat at the kitchen table and reviewed the lists I’d compiled. Thank goodness for Mom. She noticed several things I’d missed and after revamping the shopping list, we had another entire page.

When does Greg’s family arrive? she asked me.

Sometime tonight.

Mom’s eyes glanced across the room. And they’re staying here?

No, heaven’s no. They arranged for a vacation rental nearby. There’s seven of them, Mom. We only have the two bedrooms.

Oh good. That’s one less hassle, anyway. Okay, we have exactly one week to get this meal together. Plenty of time.

After splitting the shopping list, Mom went about her day and I went back to work.

* * *

Cody, our new receptionist, greeted Shadow and me warmly as we walked in the door at Dharma Inspired Day Spa. Thankfully, the phone rang before he captured me in the lobby for too long. He had a way of pulling people into conversations, and it was difficult to get away. That wasn’t a bad thing; his customer service skills were exemplary. However, I was already running late for my morning session with a client. Shadow stuck close by Cody, her newest buddy, because she was no dummy—he had a supply of dog treats in his desk drawer.

I hurried to my office, throwing my bag on my desk, before rushing out again. My business partner, Alexis Johnson, caught up to me in the hallway nearest the therapy rooms.

Lexi’s aura was one of peace and confidence, a magnetic pull that drew people in. Dressed in flowing, earthy tones, she embodied that spiritual essence. Silver jewelry, adorned with intricate patterns, complemented her bohemian style. Her brilliant white smile and glowing cocoa complexion radiated her warmth.

Hey, stranger. It’s okay if Kathleen and Diane join us next week, right?

Sure! I agreed, quickly checking my watch. Yikes, I’m late. Let’s talk later, and I’ll fill you in on all the plans.

Okay, good. Hey, I’m taking off now. Call me when you’re done, she shouted over her shoulder as she made her way to the lobby.

It felt as though the afternoon melted right into evening. At some point, I knew Greg had come by to pick up Shadow, but three massages later, I had completely lost track of time. By the time I finished cleaning massage tables and shuffling laundry, I made my way to the Serenity Room and poured myself a cup of tea. Silence filled the area and that’s when I wondered whether everyone had gone home. I opened the swinging glass door and poked my head into the lobby. Beyond the front glass windows, darkness enveloped the parking lot, except for a few street lamps. The dimmed lobby lights showed me that Cody had already shut down his work area, so I closed the door and made my way to the back, toward the employee kitchen. A little flutter filled my stomach. The last time an employee was alone in the building, someone broke in and assaulted Lexi. From that point forward, we made a two-person closing rule.

Walking through the kitchen, I opened the door that led into the physical therapy unit next door. Healing Solutions was our tenant and a terrific health and wellness partner, as we frequently shared clients. Peering into pure darkness, I immediately shut the door and locked it, looking around our kitchen and seeing no one had cleaned up yet. I turned off the coffeepot and rinsed out the decanter, while trying to remember who was on the schedule to close with me tonight.

I strolled down the hallway leading to our offices, calling out, Anyone still here? My words echoed off the walls. Silence filled in behind that echo. Hello? I tried again as I stepped into my office.

Quickly, I grabbed my purse, making sure my phone was still in there. I’d missed several calls. Greg, my mom, and my sister, Jordan. Sheesh. I pressed the button to play back the messages as I walked down the hallway, shutting off all the lights in the therapy rooms.

First my sister’s message: Libby, Apple is wondering if she can help you bake pies. I was sure that’d be okay. Just wanted to give you a heads up. What day are you planning on baking? I smiled as I deleted. My twin nieces were two of my favorite people—Apple and Annie. I kid you not.

Next my mom’s voice sounded: Hey there, I have everything on my shopping list purchased now. Let me know what time to bring things over. That’s tomorrow, right?

Greg’s message was more insistent. Uh, hon. We have a huge problem. Call me the second you get this message. He’d left the message over an hour earlier.

A tremendous bang sounded from behind me. I jerked around, eyes wild, looking for the source. Cautiously, I stepped toward the kitchen. As I passed the opening for the Serenity Room, I caught movement.

Who’s there? I shouted.

I caught a shadowed figure slinking through the darkness. I backed up a couple of steps and ducked behind the wall, even though I knew it was too late. My fingers fumbled with my phone, preparing to call the police.

There you are, Libby.

Cody! You scared the … My heart pounded in my chest as I caught my breath.

"Sorry. I got locked inside Healing Solutions, but thankfully I