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A Grande Romance (a Grande Mystery)
A Grande Romance (a Grande Mystery)
A Grande Romance (a Grande Mystery)
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A Grande Romance (a Grande Mystery)

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Life was just grand for Julian Grande. His dream of opening a bookstore had come true. He loved the town he was living in and had his best friend Noreen working for him. And the sexy fireman Jaxon Reed had entered his life. But then things take a turn for the worse. Lives may hang in the balance unless Julian and his friends can get to the truth of things. They need to solve a puzzling mystery that has the whole town in its grip.

LanguageEnglish
PublisherGerald Lopez
Release dateJun 26, 2016
ISBN9781310917578
A Grande Romance (a Grande Mystery)
Author

Gerald Lopez

Gerald was called to write at various times in his life. When he was young, the writing consisted of plays and short stories. Then he explored the fine arts and literature, earning a bachelor’s degree in the latter while minoring in art history. In his studies he was fascinated by and enjoyed analyzing characters, their personalities and motivations. To him it’s always been the characters who make a story special. Once again writing has taken hold of him. In the past it was just an amusement, but now—for Gerald—writing is a passion to live, eat, and breathe.

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    A Grande Romance (a Grande Mystery) - Gerald Lopez

    Copyright © 2016 by Gerald Lopez

    All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

    This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

    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.

    Cover Art Copyright © 2016 by Gerald Lopez

    Acknowledgments

    My special thanks go to the following:

    To John for his helpful comments and suggestions.

    To my wonderful Beta readers for their comments, and often extremely helpful suggestions.

    And to my best friend J. C. for always being there.

    Table of Contents

    Chapter 1

    Chapter 2

    Chapter 3

    Chapter 4

    Chapter 5

    Chapter 6

    Chapter 7

    Chapter 8

    Chapter 9

    Chapter 10

    Chapter 11

    Chapter 12

    Chapter 13

    Chapter 14

    Chapter 15

    Chapter 16

    Chapter 17

    Chapter 18

    Chapter 19

    Chapter 20

    Chapter 21

    Chapter 22

    Chapter 23

    Chapter 24

    Chapter 25

    Chapter 26

    Chapter 27

    Chapter 28

    Chapter 29

    Chapter 30

    Chapter 31

    Chapter 32

    Chapter 33

    Chapter 34

    Chapter 35

    Chapter 36

    Chapter 37

    Chapter 38

    Chapter 39

    Chapter 40

    Chapter 41

    Chapter 42

    Contact the author

    About the author

    Other books by Gerald Lopez

    A Grande Romance

    (A Grande Mystery)

    Chapter 1

    Rainy Day Blond

    I SEE YOUR SWEET little baby dog has adjusted to being behind the counter with you, honey, Noreen said.

    Julian Grande watched his old friend Noreen Cooper feed his Irish Setter puppy Kingsley. The excited red dog wagged his tail as he gobbled down treats from Noreen’s hand.

    Watch out or he’ll slobber all over you, Noreen, Julian said, as he straightened up the counter in front of him.

    He’d be the only male to do so in quite some time, Noreen said. A sudden loud crack of lightning made her jump. Looks like I beat the storm here. I’ll just go wash my hands in the little girl’s room, then I’m your slave for the rest of the day.

    You almost make that sound dirty, Julian said, then reached down to pet Kingsley who was trembling beside him because of the noise from the storm.

    If only, Noreen said. "You’d be the perfect man for me… if only you were straight."

    Julian smiled as he crouched down to rub Kingsley’s nose. Noreen had been Julian’s friend for twenty years. They’d met when he was twenty-five and she was a—never to be mentioned—fifteen-years older. There’d been an elaborate celebration the previous month when Noreen had hit the big six-zero. In two weeks Julian would be forty-five. Truth be told, she was an attractive woman with hair a sort of orange-auburn shade that bore no resemblance to any color found in nature. She’d managed to keep her hourglass figure and caught many a man’s eye due to her ample bust and curvaceous bottom. But as shapely and sweet as she was, Julian had no interest in her of a romantic nature. He had no interest in women sexually.

    Excuse me, could you tell me where the children’s books are located? an older woman with gray hair said to Julian. I’m looking for something for my grandson… he’s an avid reader. He can’t get enough of books.

    That’s good to hear, Julian said, once he’d stood straight up again to address the woman. The children’s books are located to the right… near the back.

    Thank you, The woman said.

    Were you looking for anything specific? Julian said.

    Not really, the woman said, as the sound of hard rain falling on the roof of the building was heard. It seems like I came in here just at the right time.

    It certainly does sound that way, Julian said. My name is Julian Grande, feel free to stay in my bookstore and browse until the rain lets up.

    Thank you, the woman said again.

    I just put on a fresh brew of coffee a few minutes ago, it’ll be ready in a jiffy, Noreen said as she reappeared from the bathroom in back. It’s not fancy designer coffee like what they serve in those big chain bookstores, but it’s warm… and free.

    You can’t beat that, the woman said. I’d love a cup when it’s done. I sure am glad you decided to locate your bookstore on our small, historic, Main Street, Mr. Grande.

    I’m happy about that myself, Julian said. I liked the look of this old brick building. The fact I could own it outright made it even more enticing to open here. In a modern strip center or mall I’d be paying rent without ever actually owning.

    That’s certainly an advantage, the woman said.

    Unfortunately that also means he has to pay for anything that might go wrong with the place, Noreen said.

    The glass front double doors directly across from them opened wide, the howling wind blew rain inside, and Kingsley barked. The lights flickered for a moment then Julian and the others looked at the sight in front of them.

    Holding a duffel bag and his umbrella that had turned inside out, a barefoot and shirtless man with short and wet blond hair stood by the entrance.

    The wind took the door right out of my hand, sorry about letting all that water in, the man said, then smiled.

    Julian wanted to say wow out loud. The man who’d entered was tan, with a perfect chest, and even great feet.

    You poor baby, you’re soaked, Noreen said, then headed his way and handed him a paper towel she held while she wiped at his chest with another paper towel.

    The woman’s positively shameless, Julian thought, secretly wishing down deep that he was in her place patting down the stranger.

    Noreen stopped drying the hunk’s chest for a moment, turned, and looked at the older woman. Honey, you didn’t get wet, did you?

    Oh no, don’t you worry about me, the woman said.

    My policy is usually that a shirt and shoes are required on these premises, Julian said nervously. Not that I’m a prude or anything—it’s just that you might stub your toe or something. He rubbed his forehead trying not to stare into the man’s sparkling blue eyes.

    No problem, the man said, then held up his duffel bag. I’ve got some clean clothes in here. He wiped his wet chest some more with the paper towel he held then spoke to Noreen while freeing himself from her. Thank you, Ma’am. And, Sir, I’d be happy to leave my bag behind the counter if you have concerns about it—safety first and everything.

    I don’t recall seeing you in our fair town of Manderley before, the woman customer said to the young man.

    Manderley… the name alone makes me think of a nice roaring fire, the man said. Wouldn’t that feel nice about now. Of course I wouldn’t burn down an estate just to feel warm.

    No, that just wouldn’t do, Julian said, impressed with the man’s reference. "Manderley as in the estate from Daphne du Maurier’s novel Rebecca."

    Exactly, the man said, putting his umbrella into a large blue and white ceramic umbrella stand by the door.

    "You two can discuss Rebecca and Manderley later, Noreen said. Let me show you to the bathroom where you can dry off better… Mr…?

    Name’s Jaxon Reed, I just got to town last week. I’m currently employed as a firefighter.

    How exciting, Noreen said before walking Jaxon toward the hall next to the front desk leading to the bathroom. When she looked back at Julian he was waving his pointer finger at her and mouthing the words no-no—too young.

    Mr. Grande do you have a mop or some towels, the woman customer said. There’s quite a puddle by the front door and I wouldn’t want someone to slip.

    There’s a mop in the bathroom, Noreen said upon her return. I’ll be happy to go and get it.

    I’m sure you would, Julian said, pushing up the silver-rimmed glasses he wore on the tip of his nose. I’ll get the mop. Stay here with Kingsley, he’s still cowering in the corner.

    Julian was halfway down the back hall when he heard the old woman talking to Noreen.

    "Jaxon Reed is quite the hunk… and imagine knowing about Manderley—the estate in the book and movie Rebecca not our small town."

    The woman was right on both counts, but Julian remembered the words he’d mouthed to Noreen and repeated them to himself—Jaxon looks and probably is way too young.

    Julian entered the bathroom and was surprised to see Jaxon wearing only tight red briefs and drying himself with a cotton towel he must’ve had in his duffel bag.

    I didn’t mean to bother you, Mr. Reed, Julian said. "I thought you’d be changing in one of the two stalls.

    They were a bit small to change in, Mr. Grande—I’m assuming you’re the Grande of Grande’s Bookstore.

    I am. I’ll just grab the mop and then you’ll have your privacy again.

    "I’m a fireman, Mr. Grande. It doesn’t bother me to change in front of other men. Most of whom have never even heard of Rebecca—the book, film, or musical. Julian chuckled and Jaxon continued. I’m twenty-nine by the way. That’s not so young. Sorry, from where I stood I had a clear view of your lips."

    Yes, well, um, Julian said, grabbing the mop and bucket that were in a corner of the bathroom. I’ll just leave you to things.

    This is a surprisingly large bathroom for a bookstore, Jaxon said.

    It’s because this building once housed a large restaurant that probably needed bigger bathrooms. Julian said. This entire space is a bit of a maze since it actually housed two former businesses—the aforementioned restaurant and an arcade. Neither of which I owned or saw when they were up and running. He quickly left the bathroom but a vision of just how well Jaxon filled the front of the tight underwear he wore filled his mind.

    Took you long enough, Noreen said, with a naughty grin on her face. She was cradling a whimpering Kingsley in her arms.

    Rather than reply, Julian set to work mopping the entrance area.

    Noreen, aren’t you Willy Beaver’s daughter? the woman customer said. When did you move back to town?

    I remember you now, Noreen said. You’re Mrs. Nelson. To answer your question, I moved back here two weeks after Julian, aka Mr. Grande, opened his bookstore. I needed a friend and a part-time job to occupy my time.

    Divorced, huh?

    Widowed, Noreen said.

    Older man? Mrs. Nelson said.

    Seven years my junior, Noreen said, then whispered the next part. He died while we were in the middle of se—

    No—not that, the woman said. How embarrassing.

    He always said he wanted to go in the sack doing you know what, Noreen said. And he did have a smile on his face. She grinned. I go by my married last name these days—Noreen Cooper. I can’t tell you how much I was teased as a child because of my last name being Beaver.

    Imagine your poor dad, Julian said. His name was Willy Beaver. He couldn’t resist a chuckle.

    Oh, yes, I do seem to remember seeing your daddy being teased by the other kids, Mrs. Nelson said. But Willy was named after his uncle William and William was a war hero.

    Yes, he was—God bless the man, Noreen said then petted Kingsley’s head when he jumped on hearing more thunder.

    Julian put the mop in the bucket before moving both items behind the glass front counter where the register was located. Once the bucket was in place Julian gently took Kingsley from Noreen.

    I think that coffee’s probably ready, Julian said.

    Maybe we should wait and offer that nice young man some, Noreen said.

    I’ll be sure to let him know where the coffee and cookies are to be found should he want some, Julian said.

    Some warm coffee would hit the spot, Mrs. Nelson said.

    Don’t get into too much trouble while we’re gone, Julian, Noreen said, then went with Mrs. Nelson to get coffee.

    Chapter 2

    Setter Talk

    IN MY BOOK Irish Setters are the best dog you can have, Jaxon said as he walked down the hall toward Julian. And your puppy is adorable.

    Julian looked up and saw a perfect Adonis dressed in gym shorts, flip-flops, and a snug tank top. Jaxon plopped his duffel bag in a corner behind the front counter then turned to Kingsley and placed his palm under his nostrils. Once it’d been sniffed he rubbed the top of Kingsley’s head and the front of his snout.

    Beautiful, Jaxon said.

    Oh, yes, Julian said in a daze accidentally referring to Jaxon. He smiled and attempted a quick recovery, hoping Jaxon hadn’t caught his slip. Irish Setters are a magnificent breed.

    Jaxon thought Mr. Grande might’ve initially been referring to him rather than the dog. He finally shrugged it off as just his overactive imagination hearing something that wasn’t there then looked at Kingsley and spoke. Regal

    Loyal, Julian said. Kind and….

    loving, both men said together then chuckled.

    If only more people could be like setters the world would be a better place, Julian said.

    Amen to that, Jaxon said.

    What can I help you with today, Mr. Reed? You must’ve braved the weather outside for some reason.

    I did, Mr. Grande. You’ll have to excuse the clothes I’m wearing. They’re my gym clothes, but they’re clean and more importantly dry.

    Yes, I can see where dry clothes do come in handy at this particular moment in time.

    Am I right to think I can trust you—leaving my clothes in the duffel bag behind the counter and all, Jaxon said and smiled.

    Julian looked at the lines on either side of Jaxon’s mouth. They weren’t wrinkles but signs that the owner of the lines smiled often.

    You didn’t leave your wallet or anything valuable in the bag where it can be ruined by the wet clothes, did you?

    Nope, my wallet’s right back here. Jaxon slapped the back pocket of his shorts, drawing Julian’s attention to his perfect bubble butt.

    I’m looking for books on Southern architecture, Jaxon said, jarring Julian from his thoughts. I’d also be interested in seeing some of your art books.

    They’re down the hall to the left, I’ll take you there, Julian said. This place is a bit larger than it seems.

    I see what you mean, Jaxon said after following Julian down one hall, turning right, walking down an aisle, and turning right again.

    A large crack of thunder shook the building causing Kingsley, who was still in Julian’s arms to bark, and Julian to fall back against a bookcase. He’d lost his footing but Jaxon caught hold of him and held him up for a moment.

    Are you OK, Mr. Grande?

    Yes, thank you. Poor Kingsley’s stuck with a daddy that resembles a skinny bone and who has slightly bad balance these days.

    Luckily for you and Kingsley dogs are known to be fond of bones. And slim suits you, Mr. Grande. Not everyone can carry off a fitted Brooks Brother’s dress shirt and dress pants.

    Thank you, that’s kind of you to say. Here we are. The two rows in front of you are art and architecture. I don’t have many chairs in the store but there is one at the end of the row directly in front of you—a particularly plush one.

    I’ll make use of it, thank you. When I find what I want I’ll bring it right up to you. If I may ask, what made you decide to open your bookstore in a small Florida town miles away from a mall or what some folks would consider civilization?

    This is a nice size town, and being close to a mall would mean my bookstore would have competition from a big chain store or two. Besides, I’m not a huge fan of too much civilization. I prefer a quiet way of life. What brings a young man like you here?

    Like I said earlier, I’m not so young. And maybe I prefer a more quiet life too.

    Jaxon smiled and Julian thought it was nice. There was real warmth behind the smile and just a hint of mischievousness.

    Oh, I forgot to mention, Noreen—the woman who showed you to the restroom—made some fresh coffee and there are some homemade cookies to go with it.

    I don’t drink coffee, but the cookies sound good. What kind are they?

    Homemade chocolate chip. I made them myself.

    Really? Jaxon said. "I’ll definitely have to try a couple then.

    Go ahead and start browsing and I’ll get you some cookies.

    Julian left and found he’d been holding his breath near the end of his conversation with Jaxon.

    He’s young, remember, Noreen said when Julian walked up to the table where they kept the coffee and cookies.

    I didn’t say anything, Julian said.

    You didn’t have to, darling, it’s written all over your face. Besides, Jaxon Reed is a total hunk. My God the things one could do with a body like that on a stormy night like this—mmm, just sends shivers down my spine.

    You already killed one man with that line of thinking, you don’t want to make it two.

    But Jaxon is so much younger than my poor Teddy was, Noreen said and smiled. Couldn’t you just gobble Jaxon up?

    No, I couldn’t. He’s handsome, more handsome than mere mortals have any right to be… but he’s young. Only twenty-nine and I’m about to be forty-five.

    And I’m, whatever age, and I’ll tell you what. If I had a chance at him I’d go for it. What’s the harm, he’s more than legal?

    Noreen Cooper you should be ashamed of yourself. You have a son and daughter older than him.

    And? Oh, darling, don’t worry yourself over it. I’m just having fun, indulging in some harmless fantasy in this horrid weather.

    Here, take care of Kingsley, I told our resident hunk that I’d bring him some cookies and I need to go wash my hands before I handle them.

    If I didn’t know you like I do, Noreen said. I’d say that statement sounded borderline dirty, Julian, She then took Kingsley.

    Julian walked to the bathroom, washed his hands, and looked in the mirror. He did feel skinny next to the hunky firefighter Jaxon. His hair—light brown with distinguished looking gray at the sides, looked good today which was not a bad thing. People often commented on how much they liked the gray in his hair. He was content just to have a full head of hair. Using his hand, he brushed back the front part of his hair—it always swooped down over his right eye if given half a chance. The last person to cut his hair had told him that brushing his hair back made his already narrow face seem even more so, but Julian liked his face. It matched his slim body.

    You certainly took your time, Noreen said when Julian returned to the coffee and cookies. You look fabulous, darling, and I think our firefighter thinks so too.

    You don’t know what you’re talking about.

    Oh yes I do. I saw the way he looked at you—just a second too long.

    I didn’t notice any gazes from him directed toward me, Julian said then used a napkin to gather up several chocolate chip cookies.

    "You were preoccupied with Kingsley. Just because you didn’t notice anything doesn’t mean I didn’t. Why

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