Copper Mill Mystery

C.A. Mozgawa

Description

In this exciting mystery, a famous author seeking a peaceful retreat in Upstate New York embarks on an unexpected journey filled with romance, adventure and danger.
Famous author Poppy White has been a widow for five years. While she has been busy traveling the world to promote her latest book, all she really wants to do is get off the merry-go-round and relax. After she calls her agent and requests three months off, Poppy heads on her private jet to a small town in Upstate New York to unwind and recharge in a private, beautiful setting.
As soon as she arrives and meets handsome local resident, Jack FreeMan, Poppy cannot seem to shake the feeling that she knows him from somewhere. Even more unsettling, Poppy feels like someone is watching her while she explores the town and surrounding area that includes the old Copper Mill. While she makes new friends and tries to settle into a more peaceful existence, a chain of mysterious and frightening events begin to unfold, leading her down a dangerous path she never expected.
In this exciting mystery, a famous author seeking a peaceful retreat in Upstate New York embarks on an unexpected journey filled with romance, adventure, and danger.

Sujets

• Cozy
• Detective
• Mystery
• Fiction

Informations

• Publié par: Archway Publishing
• Date de parution: 11 juillet 2023
• Nombre de lectures: 2
• EAN13: 9781665740005
• Langue: English

Extrait

COPPER MILL Mystery
FIRST IN THE SMALL TOWN MYSTERIES
C.A. MOZGAWA
 

Copyright © 2023 C.A. Mozgawa.
 
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.
 
This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.
 
 
Archway Publishing
1663 Liberty Drive
Bloomington, IN 47403
www.archwaypublishing.com
844-669-3957
 
Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.
 
Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.
Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.
 
ISBN: 978-1-6657-4001-2 (sc)
ISBN: 978-1-6657-3999-3 (hc)
ISBN: 978-1-6657-4000-5 (e)
 
Library of Congress Control Number: 2023904136
 
 
 
Archway Publishing rev. date: 06/19/2023
Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-one
Chapter Twenty-two
Chapter Twenty-three
Chapter Twenty-four
Chapter Twenty-five
Chapter Twenty-six
Chapter Twenty-seven
Chapter Twenty-eight
Chapter Twenty-nine
Chapter Thirty
Chapter Thirty-one
Chapter Thirty-two
Chapter Thirty-three
Chapter Thirty-four
Chapter Thirty-five
Chapter Thirty-six
Chapter Thirty-seven
Chapter Thirty-eight
Chapter Thirty-nine
Chapter Forty
Chapter Forty-one
About The Author

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
THANKS TO MY FAMILY FOR ALL THEIR SUPPORT. THIS WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE
CHAPTER
One
I was standing on a small patio outside my room ; it was a late fall morning. The weather we were having was unusually warm—this late in fall. There should have been at least a light dusting of snow by now.
All this thinking about changing the season made me think about my late husband, Martin. He would love being back in Upstate New York. He always liked the changing of seasons; how I miss him. We used to do everything together. Now that he’s gone. It’s been five years now. Wow, where did the time go? Sometimes I get the feeling he is still with me, helping me. He was a great father, too. I wiped the tears away. He would be happy that I picked such a great, small town to move on with my life.
I moved back through the sliding glass door, catching my reflection of long dark-brown hair mixed with white. It runs down to the middle of her back. The wind kept blowing it into her face. Her skin was tan; She had a thinly shaped mouth with a smile line showing off her cheekbones which were like two small red apples. Now that I had been out in the wind. I looked deep into the light blue-/gray eyes with dark bags under them staring back at me. I smiled., “I look good for fifty.” But the bags and dark circles under my eyes told a different story. It has been a long time since I had a break. Well, it’s been a long time since I did anything for myself. Now that I have three months off, let’s see what trouble I can get into?”
Ned was right about this getaway. With my travels I have meet so many interesting and wonderful people like Ned. I just wish my family was here.
He would talk about the small town where he lived, how his room at the hotel hadn’t changed in over seventy years. But, of course, there were some updates, like the electricity, plumbing, and heating, and they added central air. But the appearance hasn’t changed. The owners also want the decor to be the same, just updated as well. So new carpets, hardwood floors, and the bathrooms had a walk-in shower and a double vanity. But the light fixtures have stayed the same.
He also told me about his town, how everyone was friendly along on how quiet it was. This time on the plane, I fell asleep as soon as I sat down. Ned lightly shook my shoulder and offered to take me to his small town. “You need to get some rest even if it’s just for a few days. Just your family and I will know where you are.
It didn’t take me long to make my decision. I called my publishing agent and told her I wanted three months off. She argued with me, but I stood firm. She was reluctant but allowed me the time off. How good of her, I thought. I thanked her. The weight was off my shoulders. When I got off the phone it felt so good.
The publishing company I worked for assigned me a new publishing agent. I don’t know where or why they moved Margert.. She was a lovely young lady. Margaret would only call or email me a few times a month. I knew she didn’t come to see me but my youngest son, Jacob. Margaret also never talked about business while there. She was always very professional about business, a place and time for it, and never at family functions.
JoAnne is the assistant from HELL! She’s about twenty, with long blond hair, everything in the right place if you get my meaning. She comes across all sunshine and buttercups, (like my Nana would say), but you know it’s all FAKE! She Called twenty-four hours, seven days a week—day or night. The woman takes no time off.
So, I can’t finish my work, spend time with my family, or help on our farm.
I decided to call my daughter, Evelyn. To let her know what was going on.” “That’s great, Mama. I hope you get the rest you need and some work done.”
“Thanks, my dear, Maybe I could find a home away from home. So, we all can get away from work. If I think the town suits us. I promised to check in every day. I was thinking of getting a pay-as-you-go cell phone. So, I could shut mine off. I will call you on it to have the new number.”
“Sounds good, Mama; please be careful. You always get into trouble on your own, and it will take one of us three to four days to get you.”
“I promise not to get into any trouble, don’t worry so much. I love you and the boys. I will call you when I get the new phone. Bye, my dear.”
After Ned landed, he called for a cab. I loaded up my bags while he did his checks on the aircraft. I waited by the taxi, talking with the driver about the town. He wasn’t a friendly man. Most of his answers were yes or no. That’s ok. I have met people like him before. You have to do all the talking.
Ned finished up. Thank goodness, I was running out of things to say. Ned opened the door for me, and I got in. He came right behind me. He tapped the driver and told him to head up to the Lodge. It was a beautiful drive out there. We went right through town, and Ned pointed out where he lived. The whole town looked like it had stepped back in time. I would say the early fifties. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. Old pickups and cars were all in mint condition as we came out of town and started up a winding road deep into the forest. I rolled my window down and breathed a deep breath of fresh air.
We got to the Lodge. It was rustic and large. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. As we got out of the cab, Ned paid. I unloaded my bags from the trunk. A very tall, handsome man came out and said hi to Ned. Ned turned and looked at him. Once he knew who it was, he smiled, “Hi, Jack. What are you doing up here?”
Jack stopped and turned to Ned. “I was helping Brian move things around for some big wig writer coming. Brian is so excited about it, but he wouldn’t tell me who it is. Do you know anything about it?”
“Ned smiled and reached out to touch my elbow. “This is your big wig writer, Poppy White.”
Jack turned white and looked at me. He smiled and, for a few seconds, I smiled and told him, “Don’t worry about it.” But there was something about him. I was getting the feeling we had meant before.
Jack just stared. and finally, he said. “I’m sorry! Welcome to our little piece of heaven.”
I put my hand out to shake his, “Thank you. I hope to see you again.” I turned to Ned, “I think I should get checked in.” When I turned back to Jack, “It was very nice meeting you.” and turned to go but stopped., “Are you sure we haven’t met before? I get the feeling we have. There is something about your eyes.” I’m sorry if I have made you feel uncomfortable.” Jack smiled, “I’m sure you’ll see more of me. Have a nice stay.” I do hope to see more of you soon. I thought.
“Well, let’s get you settled in. Ned walked me in and introduced me to Brian. He is one of the owners. Mary, his wife, is in charge of the kitchen and helps all over the place. Brian was a very nice middle-aged man.; I would say late ‘forty’s or maybe early ‘Fifty’s. Brian called for the bellboy to take my things up to my room. “I hope you didn’t go into any trouble. I would be happy with a king-sized bed. I can use it as a workspace.” Brian smiled., “I put one of our medium tables in your room and filled the fridge with things you like. If you want anything, call down, and we will send it right up.”
“Well, that was very sweet of you, but how do you know what I like?”
Brian looked down and then ba