Murder for Good Measure

By Devon Delaney

Not long after her family’s store suffers serious damage in a punishing nor’easter, things go from bad to worse for Sherry Oliveri when her new neighbors’ nanny is killed. It soon comes to light that the sous chef for her brother’s food truck was with the young woman the night she was murdered, and the police have him squarely in their crosshairs as the main suspect. With the store closed for repairs, Sherry puts her extra free time to work trying to clear his name.

Juggling impromptu cook-offs and her investigation, Sherry learns that before the nanny was murdered, she was an endless source of old Irish folktales and superstitions, most of them forecasting gloom and doom for any who didn’t heed their warnings. Wondering if the young woman foresaw her own demise, Sherry starts looking for hints she might have left behind—and discovers an enigmatic clue in her own store’s attic. Deciphering the note and unraveling the case will take Sherry on a trip through Irish mythology that leads right back to her family store’s very doorstep . . .

Includes recipes from Sherry’s kitchen!

Praise for the Cook-Off Mysteries:

“The Cook-Off Mystery series by Devon Delaney is a very tasty treat!” —Cozy Mystery Book Reviews

“This is a very fun and rollicking mystery that stays light-hearted even as the case gets more complicated . . . Cooking, holiday celebrations, and moving family drama all make for the perfect escape.” —Kings River Life

About the Author:

Devon Delaney has been handsomely rewarded for her recipe innovation over the last twenty-plus years. Among the many prizes she has won are a full kitchen of major appliances, five-figure top cash prizes, and four trips to Disney World. She is a wife, mother of three, and grandmother of two. She’s a lifelong resident of the Northeast and currently resides in coastal Connecticut.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Beyond the Page Publishing
• Release date: Sep 13, 2022
• ISBN: 9781958384152

Devon Delaney

Devon Delaney has been handsomely rewarded for her recipe innovation over the last twenty-plus years. Among the many prizes she has won are a full kitchen of major appliances, five-figure top cash prizes, and four trips to Disney World. She is a wife, mother of three, and grandmother of two. She’s a lifelong resident of the Northeast and currently resides in coastal Connecticut.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Our luck has run out, Sherry said as she paced across the wide plank floors of the Ruggery. She came to a stop facing a man in a denim shirt and well-worn utility pants. She wondered if all the pockets and loops adorning construction workers’ pants found a use, or if they were merely for show—a costume of sorts. Halloween wasn’t more than a few days away. The man could put on a hard hat and go straight from work to trick-or-treating with his family. She blinked the thought from her mind and addressed the man. How much of the repairs are an emergency, rather than something we could put off for a while?

In the end it’s up to you, ma’am. I can give you the list of must-dos.

The sooner the better. The store will have to close for at least two weeks right away, maybe up to a month? Is that what I’m hearing? The questions rattled out of Sherry’s mouth before she could take a breath.

Yes, ma’am. That’s what our damage inspection team has come up with. The nor’easter was a tough one. Not necessarily the windiest storm the Connecticut coast has seen but the relentless rain combined with a full-moon high tide was a recipe for disaster. He cleared his throat. Your sump pump’s not in tip-top shape. That’s where the trouble began. The man pursed his lips and aimed an accusatory glance in Erno’s direction.

Dad didn’t realize his maintenance plan hadn’t been renewed. As a result, he didn’t get a reminder service was due. I suppose we’re lucky this hasn’t happened before. She took a lingering look at her father. He remained quiet, taking the bad news in stride. After a few moments of silence, he spoke.

Don’t have to make excuses for me, sweetie. I take full responsibility for the damage caused when the basement flooded. Sherry’s father nodded his head. His gray wisps of hair were nearly long enough to rest on his red and yellow flannel shirt’s collar.

Why didn’t Evette’s store next door suffer any flood damage? Sherry asked.

Remember all that construction she subjected us to before she opened her lingerie store? No parking available to us? Dumpster always blocking our side entrance? Erno asked.

Who could forget? I always had muddy shoes from trekking through the swampy truck tire gullies when I took out the garbage out back, Sherry said. Amber and I used our garden boots to make the trek from our parked cars to the store’s back entrance. The boots became our standard footwear, so we didn’t ruin our other shoes.

Evette is so smart. She outfitted her basement with a new drainage system and dehumidifier. Surely cost her a pretty penny but we now see the value. Erno’s voice trailed off.

Hindsight is twenty-twenty, Sherry said. She wasn’t sure the trite saying applied but it made her feel better to encapsulate the matter in so few words.

Sherry exchanged looks with her friend and coworker, Amber. They traded smiles. The woman with the strawberry blonde hair was the person Sherry gained strength from when she first heard the news about her father’s hooked rug store suffering a flood. Amber’s positive outlook on nearly everything beamed across the room, lifting Sherry’s sinking spirits.

Amber, looks like you’ll have some free time on your hands.

I guess so, Amber said. Her smile faded. Not much we can do about the situation except do as we’re told. As assistant manager, I volunteer to monitor the work any time you need me, Erno, whether you just need me to come in and check on the progress or make phone calls to customers to explain the delay. Anything you need.

I can always count on you, Erno said. Full steam ahead with the cleanup. Sooner we get started the sooner the job will be done. Erno turned to the workman. We’ll store the merchandise safely away while your crew works their magic. I can get my helping hands on board and the job will be done in no time. When can your crew start?

The man checked his phone. I have you requested for a slot tomorrow or the following day. Can’t tell you until I see what the day brings. Our scheduler tells me where to go, not vice versa. It’s my wife, so you understand. When the time is cleared by her for the guys they can begin. He abruptly turned and walked to the far side of the room, scanning in all directions as he moved. I’m going to make one more pass through the basement while you’re all here. He disappeared into the kitchen, where the basement stairs were located.

Sher and Amber, you both should enjoy your time off, Erno added. Hope all your hobbies can keep you out of trouble. Sherry, your new neighbor could provide some distraction if you show her around town.

A woman was standing behind Sherry with her two children. Sherry worried that what started as an inside introduction to her family’s hooked rug store had blossomed into a construction drama with the unwitting tourists caught in the middle.

I’d be thrilled to be your Augustin tour guide, Joy. I always start with the Ruggery and that’s why we’re here. Never been under these circumstances, though, thank goodness. You’re probably bored to death at this point.

Are you kidding? Not at all. She directed her comments toward Erno. Sherry told me all about her various jobs and hobbies, Joy said with a smile. The list was so long I agree she could really use a little me-time. Let’s see if I can remember what she told me. Besides working part-time at the Ruggery, she edits the town newsletter. She helps a woman named Frances Dumont, when needed, sell pickles at the Farmer’s Market. She’s subbed in her boyfriend’s office with his commuter boat business and advises her brother, Pep, on his food truck business. Oh, and she volunteers at the Augustin Community Garden. Did I include everything?

Mom, a gangly boy with a mop of curly brown hair said. You forgot her most important hobby of all.

Joy’s eyebrows lifted. Give me a hint, Wynne.

Wynne’s twin sister, Tori, giggled as Wynne mimed spooning food into his mouth.

Of course. Duh! You’re the world’s greatest competitive cook, Joy said as she knocked her balled-up hand on her forehead. How could I forget?

Well, you’ve certainly given my daughter a promotion in that department, Erno said and laughed. World’s greatest?

Not the world’s greatest. Only a marginally successful cook-off contestant, Sherry said with reserve.

Excuse me, Mr. Oliveri, the workman said as he approached from the far side of the room. I’m going to need you to clear out the attic, too. We’re going to run some duct work up there for our drying fans and I can’t be responsible for damaging your beautiful artwork.

Erno’s line of sight lifted toward the ceiling. We don’t keep anything up there. These old buildings are very fussy when it comes to maintaining a constant attic climate. Always too hot, too cold, too damp or too dry.

The flood damage isn’t even visible until you go down to the basement, and somehow it affects every room in the store. Up here looks perfect. But water can be the devil when it’s in the basement of such an old structure, Sherry said. She aimed her next comment at the twins. Tori and Wynne, can you guess how old this building is?

Wynne, being the taller of the twins, scanned the surroundings. Tori turned to face the front door.

I’ll guess one hundred years old, Wynne said.

Guessing isn’t very precise, brother. There are visual clues to work with. Judging by the flooring, beams, and trim work I’d say closer to two hundred, Tori said. One clue is if you see the Ruggery building from the outside there used to be dormers on the top floor and now only a patch job remains where they were removed. That’s an indication the building is colonial revival, eighteen hundreds.

Interesting, Amber said.

Did you know in buildings as old as this one, attics were mostly meant to let the house breathe, Tori said. Not to be living quarters, unless you’ve upgraded from the eighteen hundred’s functional design.

The young lady knows of what she speaks. I’m impressed, Erno said. No, we never did upgrade more than the bare minimum insulation, and only then in order to get through a New England winter in one piece. Thought I’d like to keep the charm of the quirky old place intact.

Tori’s my up-and-coming architect, Joy said. "Always has had a fascination with a building’s structure, ever since I read her Richard Scarry’s book Busy Busy Town years ago."

I wonder why someone would remove the dormers? Sherry asked. They add character to a building.

My guess is an attempt at regulating the attic temperature. Dormers can be drafty and even leaky. Tori’s right about the age, Erno said. Around two hundred years old.

I was only a hundred years off, Wynne said.

An interesting side note, in those days basements were used to store food and whatever may have been harvested. They weren’t built as waterproof living spaces, Tori said in a display of her twelve-year-old self-confidence. Another clue to the building’s age.

Dad added the sump pump decades ago, but clearly there’s a lot more we need to do down there, Sherry said. Mother Nature’s on a tear recently. The weather’s only going to get wilder.

Erno sighed. You’re one smart lady, Tori.

Thank you, Tori said. Sherry watched her give her brother a quick glance. Wynne cocked his head and produced a nasal huff. The unspoken language between twins was a mysterious phenomenon Sherry envied.

I know who to turn to if these construction guys try to throw fancy architectural terminology at me, Erno said. He gave the workman a pat on the back as he came to stand next to Erno.

Tori giggled, throwing her shoulder-length chestnut curls in all directions.

Would you mind humoring me by just taking a look up there for any stored items? the man asked. A touch of impatience crept into his tone. In all my years I have yet to see a completely empty attic.

I’ll take a look, Sherry said. I’ll leave you to arranging the details of our next steps, Dad. Text me when to show up with Pep and Angel and we’ll get the entire reorganization job done.

Sherry and Amber backed away from Erno’s negotiations with the workman. They joined Joy and the twins, who had moseyed over to the demonstration table to try their hands at rug hooking. Tori was instructing Wynne on the art of punching the hook tool through the canvas to produce a series of yarn loops.

My brother and his coworker will make short work of relocating the store’s rugs so nothing gets damaged during the repairs to the store, Sherry said to Joy. After that’s complete, looks like I’ll have plenty of time to show you around the nooks and crannies of your new hometown, if you’re interested. The kids will love the beach, if they haven’t already checked it out. Beautiful in the fall. I’ll show you the best bakery, coffee shop, tennis courts, library. The list is endless.

I would love that, Joy said. We’re looking forward to settling in and getting to know the town. But, you have a lot on your plate. Please don’t worry about us. We’ll get to know Augustin in no time. Since we’re next-door neighbors, there’s no escaping us. She patted the top of Wynne’s head. He snuggled up next to her, nearly reaching the top of her shoulder. Their shade of their green eyes were in perfect synch, along with their similar angular faces. Funny how a mother and son could have such similar looks while the daughter shared their father’s, Max’s, facial characteristics, with a stubbier nose and rounded cheekbones, Sherry considered as she watched the family interact.

Amber placed a hand on Sherry’s forearm. Your dad is about to wrap things up. He’s signaling to come over and talk for a minute.

Excuse us one minute, Sherry said as she left the family to their own devices. Tori had taken control of the hook tool and was filling in a red apple on the autumn-themed canvas.

We’re all set, Erno said when Sherry approached. We’ll clear space and the work will begin. When your wife says. Erno’s sly smile didn’t perk up the workman’s perma-frown.

Sherry nodded in agreement.

I appreciate that, the man said. I’ll type up my estimate for the repairs and proactive protections, explaining everything we hope to accomplish, and we can get this project underway. In the meantime, a crew will be over to address the water in the basement and get that taken care of. We charge by the hour for these kinds of emergencies.

Erno’s dramatic grimace was her father’s way of coping with the bad news. She’d only seen that expression a few times in her life and it was always a harbinger of the worst of times.

You have enough hands to move your inventory to a safe room?

My son and his friend will be over later and my daughter here is a beast. Right, honey? Erno asked. Amber, you’re certainly not obligated to help out, but we sure could use your expertise on the best storage environment for raw materials.

Sherry’s mouth dropped open as she considered her father’s description of her physical capabilities. She’d been exercising with conviction over the last few months while maintaining a weekly tennis game. She’d even been offering Don assistance with heavy lifting of supplies for his boat, an offer he accepted multiple times. The physical work must be paying off. Maybe she was a beast.

We’ll clear a path for the work to be done and we’ll safeguard the rugs with tarp covers, Sherry added. Won’t be pretty but it’ll be effective.

Have a good afternoon. Watch for my email, the man said as he let himself out.

All hands on deck, Amber said. First, I better run home and walk Bean. I’ll be back later. Amber let herself out, giving the brass bell over the front entrance a jostle, resulting in a resounding sweet tone.

A moment later another chime sounded, alerting everyone to someone entering the store.

Chapter 2

A head peered around the edge of the door.

Hello? The sign says ‘closed,’ but I saw you all in here through the window.

A woman Sherry knew to be in her early twenties took a step inside the store. She wore a green knitted cap perched askew on her head. Waves of straw-colored hair cascaded beyond the edge of the hat. Multiple ear piercings featuring delicate gold circles and tiny gemstones decorated her visible ear space.

Come on in, Cara, Sherry said. We’re finishing up the tour of the store.

Cara was dressed in a knee-length jean skirt and loose-fitting button-down shirt. Sorry to miss it, I needed the time to run some errands. I tried to leg it over as quick as I could.

"Leg it over means get here fast, Wynne said. Cara has a lot of cool sayings from Ireland."

Cara, this is my father, Erno, Sherry said.

"Nice to meet you. I like that phrase, leg it over. I don’t move as quickly as I like these days, but I can still leg it over if I have to," Erno said with a twinkle in his eye.

Cara let loose a melodic laugh. The pleasure is mine. I am gobsmacked how much you look like my pappy. My grandfather. A younger version. So handsome, he was.

Well. On such a gray day, you are a ray of sunshine, young lady, Erno said. His grin was wide.

Erno, Cara is the twins’ nanny. We’re lucky enough to have her for the year, Joy said as she approached.

Wynne, following close behind, kicked an imaginary stone with his foot. Because next year we’ll be too old for a babysitter.

We’ll see, Joy said with more than enough sternness to shut down any rebuttal. And she’s not a babysitter, she’s a mother’s helper.

You love me, don’t you? Cara said with a teasing tone. We have tons of fun together.

Wynne rolled his eyes. Sure, but I’m just saying this is the last year I need someone watching every move I make. Right, Tori?

Cara’s the best. Enjoy her while she’s here, Tori said.

You have a beautiful accent, Erno said.

Thank you, sir, Cara said with a slight curtsy and dip of her head. You have a grand store here.

And your Irish eyes are smiling. I like that. Sherry’s mother and I made a trip through Ireland before our kids were born. I’ve never seen such lush greenery, even to this day. No wonder it’s called the Emerald Isle. Seemed enchanted to our young hearts. Erno’s eyes lost focus. Sherry imagined he was returning to his childless days and his youthful dreams. Even before we left we talked about going back on our fiftieth wedding anniversary. At the time that was forever in the future and added to the anticipation of the future trip. Unfortunately, that milestone was never to be.

Cara’s gaze shifted to Sherry.

She passed away, Sherry said.

I’m very sorry, Mr. Oliveri, Cara said. I’m so glad you both got to visit Ireland while she was alive.

Thank you. We had a lovely marriage and I have lovely children as a result. Please, call me Erno.

Yes, sir. Erno. Come here, my little treasures. Cara held out her arms and the twins found their way into her embrace.

She does have a spell over the kids, Sherry said with a broad smile.

You have to see the apple I hooked, Tori said. It’s so fun. The Oliveris have the most amazing store.

Show me, Cara said. But first, I’m embarrassed to ask, but may I use the bathroom?

Of course. Sherry pointed and said, Second door to the right once you get in the kitchen.

When Cara left the room Joy stepped closer to Sherry. I’m afraid Cara is getting homesick. and she’s only been with us for a month. All she talks about is her home and family. I’m getting a little worried she may not want to stay with us much longer.

She’ll be fine, Sherry said. I don’t have any experience with young nannies but I have been homesick myself. Takes some time but the adventure will outweigh her longing for home soon enough, I bet.

Joy shrugged, as if not convinced. I hope you’re right.

Show me your handiwork, my love, Cara said when she returned. She and Tori crossed the room to the demo table.

When Cara returned, Joy gave Erno a handshake. Thank you again for the tour. I can’t wait to go home and come up with a design for an Oliveri rug. I have the perfect spot for one in the front hallway.

Cara loved my apple, Tori sang out as she skipped back to the front of the store.

Maybe she can help choose a design for a rug after the store reopens, Joy said.

How about leprechauns in a clover field? Luck of the Irish will find you if you show the wee ones respect, Cara suggested.

That sounds cool, Wynne said.

Not only cool, it’s a real thing the Irish believe, Tori said.

Cara has an unwavering belief in Irish superstitions, Joy said to no one in particular.

I’m with you, Cara, Erno said. First thing that struck me and my wife when we visited your country. Ireland had a different feeling. As if spirits from the past were roaming everywhere and the citizen folk ought to do all they can to keep the peace or a restless soul may have a temper tantrum. Here in the U.S., we do as we please with no reverence to what may be lurking over our shoulders.

Dad, you’ll scare the kids, Sherry scolded.

Nothing they haven’t already been told recently. Joy glanced in Cara’s direction. Enough of this spooky talk. Time to go, kids. Thank you so much for the tour of your store, Joy said to Erno. I’ll be placing an order for a wonderful hand-hooked rug runner for my newly purchased home’s entryway.

You’re so welcome. Mark your calendar, we’ll be back in business in two to four weeks. Oh, and I give these out to anyone under eighteen who comes in the store.

The kids beamed with smiles as Erno handed them oversized lollipops he pulled from beneath the sales counter.

Joy tsked her tongue and shook her head. Not sure these two did much to deserve those treats. But I don’t look a gift horse in the mouth. Say thank you, guys, Joy said. She paused while Tori and Wynne followed her instructions.

You’re most welcome, kids.

I’m sorry Max wasn’t able to join us. New job and all, he can’t sneak away from his office quite yet.

Next time, Erno said.

Hope so, Joy replied.

Nice family, Erno said after the Wanners let themselves out.

And great neighbors.

Erno glanced at his watch. I’m meeting Ruth for a midmorning muffin and tea at Honey Buns Cafe. Pep and Angel texted they would be here after lunch service. Maybe around four. Does that work for you to come back and squirrel the rugs away?

No matter what the day presented Erno managed to fit in a date with his longtime girlfriend, Ruth. Sherry admired his commitment to the woman, who brought him companionship and hours of laughter. Sherry worried far less about her father since Ruth became a fixture in his life.

Perfect. I need to get home and feed Chutney. When I come back, I’ll look in the attic. I’m curious to see what’s up there. I think I’ve only been through the attic hatch door once and only to secure the dangling pull-down chain that releases the folding stairs.

In case I’m not here when you venture up there, watch your head, Erno warned. You may not remember if you’ve only been up there once, the ceiling is pretty low. The high point at the peak of the roofline is about the only place a tall person can stand up straight. He made his way to the front door. See you in a couple of hours.

After Erno left, Sherry checked the time. Erno and his recruited helpers wouldn’t be back for hours so she locked the Ruggery’s front and back doors and headed home. On her way, she stopped the car at a red light on Augustin’s