Driven to Death (Aspen Valley Sisters Series Book 3)

By Sara Robbins

Veronika Mays Book/Gift shop is unique in every way. When one of her new book club members is murdered, she jumps at the chance to solve another mystery with her sisters. But the victim has quite a past. Can she figure out the clues before her brother in law, Sheriff Wyatt Graves forbids her from investigating? Forbid Vernonika from anything? Not likely. Come to the Colorado mountains for a story that is sure to entertain.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sara Robbins
• Release date: Oct 22, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310402272

Book preview

Prologue

The observer studied each arrival from the hidden niche near the doorway. One by one, they opened the door of Heart and Soul and disappeared inside the unique store. A few carried a book. Some were young and some were older. Some had backpacks others did not. A snort escaped from the tightly clenched lips. All of them thought they were so smart. So clever, trying to use their brains. None of them was as smart as they thought they were. The lips smiled with the knowledge that no one would ever suspect who the person was that was lurking only a few feet away.

Some of the participants were a surprise. There was no need to worry though because the one that needed to be here was inside. Hatred bubbled up and threatened to explode through the eyes that stared through the window. The shadowy figure averted the malignant gaze that surely must be glowing brighter than the lights spilling onto the sidewalk.

Fighting to swallow the taste of revulsion, the viewer had to use the promise of revenge to push it down. Oh, they would pay; they would pay the ultimate price.

The onlooker calmed down by visualizing the carefully laid plan. There was no escape, this time justice would prevail. Once the appropriate penalty was delivered, then, then this life of sickening abhorrence would right itself. Maybe happiness could finally replace the thick black loathing that inhabited every cell of whatever remained of a human being in this tormented soul.

The figure whispered that everything would be okay, it will all work out, and it’s okay. The whisper became a chant interspersed with soothing reminders that the perpetrator was now found. The bad one was in reach; the only thing left to do was to carry out the plan. The plan, the plan. Yes, the plan, the plan, sing songs through the weary mind.

The internal coaching helped. Now the expression looked almost normal. The face would not crack when a smile had to force its way through the skin and muscles. The shoulders relaxed, the tightly clenched fists unfurled. Feeling ready for the final step towards righting the terrible wrong, the viewer became an innocent stranger.

Only one more detail remained undecided. Whether to go inside and join the group or wait out here until the quarry came out.

Chapter 1

Veronika Mays surveyed the group of people gathered in the center of her store. She was pleased to see more people than she had anticipated. She smiled across the room at the thin middle-aged woman who had been the first to arrive. She introduced herself as Sabrina Lewis and asked if she could speak with Veronika for a few minutes after the meeting. She wondered what that was about, but didn’t have time to dwell on it.

Veronika had opened the shop, a mixture of romance bookstore and unique gifts a few months ago. The store was located on Main Street in Elkville Colorado. While the town was small with only a few thousand permanent residents, it was a mecca for tourists. Travelers and sightseers had to pass through Elkville on their way to Pikes Peak and Cripple Creek. The entire state of Colorado was scenic and boasted many popular tourist stops, including Garden of the Gods, one of the most visited national parks in the United States.

Veronika had spent years traveling the world to promote her own impressive list of best-selling romance novels. After Veronika’s sisters had opened Aspen Valley Inn and Enchanted Events nearby, she had decided to settle down and spend more time with them.

She carried her own books in the store, of course but preferred to promote other less well-known writers as well. The gifts that filled the shelves came from all over the world. Veronika handpicked each one of these treasures. She chose to make her purchases where they would do the most good. This meant using her contacts to locate groups of women or girls who sold these handcrafted items to provide safe living environments and a wage that allowed self-sufficiency. The stories behind these crafters were devastating, some displaced by war or other violence. Others simply had nowhere to go.

She had nervously opened Heart and Soul and it had been more successful than she had ever imagined. Now she was moving on to the next phase of her dream. She wanted to provide a place to bring people together. She would like to eventually host classes, guest speakers and of course book signings. She was open to anything that would be a positive addition to her new community.

For this first event, she had consulted her sisters, Lacey, and Charlotte, who were successful business owners in their own right. Together they had decided that starting a book club that met in the store was the next logical step. When she posted the sign-up sheet, she had expected one or two participants, but surprisingly almost a dozen names appeared in just a few days.

As usual with these things, only about half had shown up. Nevertheless, Vernie was thrilled with the turnout. She checked the massive aspen wood clock and then stepped into the center of the cluster of people.

Welcome to the formation of Heart and Soul’s very first book club. You may have heard about my shop, or at least I hope you have heard of it. Before we get started, please help yourself to Aqua Fresca, cold or hot tea and coffee from the table at the back of the store.

A handsome, clean-cut young man commented to the girl next to him, What in the world is Aqua Fresca?

The girl giggled and said, That’s why I’m going to the table, I need to find out.

Sabrina Lewis overheard the conversation and stepped closer to the couple. Speaking sotto voice, It’s just water with lemon slices or other fruit floating in it.

The man scowled at Sabrina, obviously not appreciating her interruption of his attempt at flirting.

The girl smiled, Oh…okay, thanks.

Vernie had rearranged some of the store shelves and displays to carve out a cozy area with folding and deep cushioned chairs. She waved the group to take a seat in the inviting nook.

After everyone had settled and turned expectantly towards her, she asked, How many of you have participated in a book club before?

Sabrina along with two others raised their hands. Vernie nodded, Great. Please feel free to share your experience with the others. And of course, ask any questions that you have. This group is for you.

Ms. Mays, I’ve read all of your books. I can’t believe I’m here with you, the blond girl who had been giggling about her water said shyly.

Vernie smiled warmly at the pretty girl, Thank you for reading my books, but I really don’t want the focus on me. I opened this store to be separate from my life as a writer. So let’s get started, shall we? I was going to go around the room and have everyone introduce him or herself and tell us why they want to join a book club. But I guess we can start with you.

The girl looked around self-consciously, Um, okay, my name is Tara, Tara Redmond. I have the world’s most annoying roommate. She knows everything and claims the books I read are stupid. She calls me illiterate and I’m joining to prove her wrong. Tara raised her chin defiantly as she faced the group.

A man sitting directly across from Tara nodded his head sympathetically, I hate those know it all’s.

Since all eyes turned his way, Vernie said, Do you want to go next?

He looked taken aback to be singled out, and said tentatively, Okay, I’m here because of my wife. Let me explain about my wife, she works on Thursday nights. I used to use this night as my boys night out’ but apparently that is not a ‘good use of my time’. She wants me to do something educational while she works. Anyway, it was either this or take a class at UCCS, this seemed easier."

Vernie smiled, Well I hope that your wife isn’t the only reason you are here. Do you at least like to read?

He looked at the floor and fidgeted in his chair, Yeah, I’ve always liked to read. I mean I probably don’t read the kind of stuff a book club reads, if you know what I mean.

Vernie nodded and said, Reading is reading. I want no judgment here. I’ve worked with kids who only read comic books, but at least they are reading.

He ducked his head self-consciously and his face was deep brick red, Um, yeah, sure, thanks. Oh and my name is Gary Brooks. He turned to the woman sitting next to him, visibly willing her to speak and save him from any further conversation with the teacher.

The middle-aged woman gave Gary a sympathetic glance and spoke, I’m Cora Green. I’m here because my third child just left for college. I know it’s a cliché, but the empty nest is making me crazy. I’m hoping for something I can focus on besides the fact that my house is quiet. Oh and it would be nice if I could quit calling them four times a day. I’m sure they would appreciate that as well. She smiled around the room and then sat down with a perky flounce.

Welcome, Cora. I’m sure we can keep you busy, Vernie assured her and pointed to the next person.

I’m Brent Nelson and I don’t really know why I’m here. I was just having a bad day I guess when I saw the signup sheet, Brent said with a big smile. He was in his mid-twenties and was tall dark and handsome with a brilliantly white grin. He smiled at the cute girl he had attempted to flirt with in the refreshment line.

An urgent knocking on the shop door interrupted them.

Chapter 2

Vernie rushed to the door to see what the commotion was all about. A woman gestured frantically to Vernie to open the door. She held a book in her hand and was dressed in sweat pants and a t-shirt. It seemed obvious that she was there for the book club meeting, so Vernie turned the key and opened the door.

Before Vernie could ask anything, the newcomer spoke in a rapid-fire manner that was hard to follow, Thank God, I thought I was going to miss it and God knows I hate it when people are late. But I couldn’t find my keys and then I got behind a slow car…

Before she could go on any longer, Vernie said, Well you are here now and we are just getting started so come on in and find a spot. Vernie guided her firmly into the cleared area, where the others waited curiously.

After she had chosen one of the few remaining chairs, Vernie said, Welcome, we were just introducing ourselves and sharing why we signed up for a book club. Perhaps you would like to go next?

The newcomer’s fingers clung tightly to the book in her hand, Sure, I’m Shannon Turner and my life is just so messed up. I’m hoping this book club thing will help me be more focused.

There was a soft twitter of laughter from the rest of the group. Vernie was quick to speak, I’m glad you made it here, Shannon. We do not need to pry into any details about your life. However, I am sure we will make this a challenging enough experience for you. Who wants to introduce themselves next?

A pleasant blond haired young man raised his hand; he looked like a twelve-year-old but had to be at least eighteen to join the group. I will. I’m Keith Sawyer. I was in a reading group at camp, if that even counts. I came here because I just need to meet people and this seemed like a good way to do that.

That’s great, Keith. What type of books do you like to read? Vernie asked.

Keith looked confused, I don’t know. I guess, maybe, science fiction?

Another ripple of shared nervous laughter swept the room. A woman who appeared to be the oldest person in the room said loudly, I’ll go next. My name is Liz Decker and I have always been a reader. And I couldn’t possibly single out one genre. I do really like your books, Ms. Mays. But I’ll read anything, including the back of cereal boxes.

Vernie smiled at Liz in recognition of her attempt to divert the attention away from the very embarrassed Keith.

Sabrina Lewis raised her hand exuberantly, Me next? Hi everyone, I’m Sabrina Lewis. I’m so glad to be here. I love broadening my horizons and there is no better way than in a group of people you don’t know. I also love to read. She smiled warmly around the room.

Looking around the room she said, Thank you, Sabrina. Looks like we have one last introduction.

Everyone in the room turned to look at the girl huddled in the back corner, as far away from anyone else as she could possibly get. She clutched a lavender backpack tightly to her chest as if it were a life preserver on a sinking ship.

Apparently uncomfortable with all eyes on her she stared at the floor and mumbled, Wanda Moore. I don’t know why I joined this group.

Cora spoke and her voice was gentle, That’s quite alright. Sometimes we don’t know where we are going until we reach our destination.

Sabrina Lewis nodded and added, That is so true and as I always say, I believe that those that are supposed to be here will be here.

Vernie moved to stand in front of