Murder by Night: Serenity Bay Mysteries, #3

By J.J. Brass

Welcome to the enchanting town of Serenity Bay, where secrets lurk around every corner, and mysteries await in the most unexpected places.

 

Follow Lucy Larkin, marketing maven turned local florist, as her quiet life takes a dramatic turn. When a routine night deposit at the bank ends in robbery, Lucy once again joins forces with the determined Detective Johnson. With a series of muggings turning deadly, can they catch the culprit before more crimes are committed?

 

Get ready for a charming, humorous, and heartwarming story that will keep you guessing until the very end. "Murder by Night" is the perfect cozy mystery for those who adore small-town allure, quirky characters, and a touch of comedy. Dive into this captivating tale of secrets and suspense in Serenity Bay.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rainbow Crush
• Release date: Nov 7, 2023
• ISBN: 9798201446215

Book preview

Murder by Night

Serenity Bay Mysteries

Book Three

By J.J. Brass

Chapter 1

Serenity Shattered

Monday night settled over Serenity Bay like a cozy quilt. Inside Serenity Blooms Flower Shop, Lucy Larkin sighed as she glanced around the dimly lit store. The hustle and bustle of the day had given way to a hushed stillness.

The shop had been closed for hours, but Lucy and Uncle Frank still had work to do.

Frank Larkin, with his trademark green gardening apron, was meticulously arranging a bouquet of lilies. The fragrance of fresh blooms hung in the air, a comforting scent that had always made Lucy feel at home. But tonight, the shop felt different.

They'd spent the evening working on funeral arrangements, crafting floral tributes to honor the departed. The delicate art of expressing sympathy through flowers was Uncle Frank's specialty and his solace.

Lucy turned to her uncle, who had been her pillar of strength since her parents passed away. I think that's the last one for tonight.

Uncle Frank straightened up and nodded, wiping his hands on his apron. You're right, Lucy. Time to call it a day. His voice carried a hint of exhaustion, a shared weight that they both carried in their hearts.

Lucy had always been fond of her uncle, but the loss of Lucy's parents had drawn them even closer. Together, they had navigated grief, and ever since they started working at the flower shop owned by their dear friends Irene and Jovedi, the familiar space had become a sanctuary of memories, love, and support.

Frank reached for his coat, slinging it over his arm. I'll head home and whip up something for dinner. You go ahead and make your way to the bank before it closes.

Very funny, Lucy replied, since the bank had been closed for hours.

Like most businesses in Serenity Bay, they took the day's earnings to the night deposit, which was simply a drop box built into the bank's exterior wall. Very convenient for the many restaurants in town, which were open until all hours.

But seriously, Lucy went on, I'll be quick. I'm tired to the bone tonight. Can't wait to shovel some food into my mouth and hit the hay.

Good thing you mention a meal fit for a shovel, her uncle replied. Because I don't have the energy to prepare anything more decadent than macaroni and cheese.

Macaroni's fine by me, Lucy said, meeting her uncle's tired gaze across the shop.

As she watched him leave, Lucy felt a pang of sadness. Even if it was merely macaroni, her uncle's offer to prepare a late dinner even on the busiest of days was a simple, loving gesture that meant the world.

With a final wave, Uncle Frank disappeared into the cool evening air, leaving Lucy alone in the flower shop. She'd already filled out the deposit slip, but gave it a once-over before stashing it inside the dark blue zip pouch that contained all the cash they'd brought in that day. After taking a brief moment to gather her belongings, she exited the shop through the front door and locked it behind her, hearing the familiar click that signaled the end of another day.

The night was quiet as Lucy made her way down Main Street, Serenity Bay. Early autumn had transformed the small town into a tapestry of russet and gold. The soft glow of streetlights cast warm amber hues upon the sidewalks. Lucy cherished every step of her short journey to the bank, the gentle rustle of fallen leaves underfoot adding a comforting crunch to the tranquil ambiance.

As she approached the bank, a chill ran down her spine. The night deposit drop box was situated in a dimly lit corner on an exterior wall of the building.

The silence was almost eerie.

Lucy reminded herself that she'd made this trip countless times without incident. Why was she feeling so ill-at-ease tonight?

Taking a deep breath, she reached into her bag and retrieved the deposit pouch. The canvas bag felt warm against her fingers as she held it tight. She glanced around, her senses on high alert, a lingering unease in the pit of her stomach.

With the envelope in hand, Lucy approached the drop box. Her footsteps sounded scratchy and dry thanks to the carpet of fallen leaves blanketing the sidewalk. The occasional whisper of an autumn breeze danced through the air, carrying with it the earthy scent of decaying foliage.

Just as she was about to slide the envelope into the night deposit slot, an unexpected rustling in the nearby bushes jolted her senses. She froze, her heart pounding in her chest as she cast a wary glance in the direction of the disturbance.

Before she could react, an assailant dressed all in black lunged out from the shadows, their face concealed by a balaclava. Startled and alarmed, Lucy instinctively took a step back, her breath catching in her throat. In the dim light, she could see the glint of something metallic, a weapon glimmering ominously in the stranger's hand.

A rush of fear surged through her, and she tossed the cash envelope into the air. The assailant's attention was diverted momentarily as they watched the deposit pouch fly.

It was the opening Lucy needed.

She spun around, turned the corner, and sprinted down Main Street. Her hurried footsteps echoed a desperate escape. She ran and ran, too afraid to even call for help.

Chapter 2

Unexpected Sanctuary

With adrenaline coursing through her veins, Lucy ran as fast as her feet would carry her. The rhythmic crunch of fallen leaves added a frantic percussion to the stillness of the autumn night. She couldn't stop running, her fear-fueled momentum propelling her forward.

When she reached a familiar corner, her gasping breaths clouded the crisp air. She instinctively hung a left and darted toward the cozy coffee shop where her friend Breanna worked. Lucy's heart pounded in her chest. She hoped to find refuge there, to share her harrowing experience with a friend.

But as Lucy reached the coffee shop's entrance and tugged at the handle, panic set in. The door was locked up tight, and not a soul in sight. The comforting scent of brewed coffee that usually welcomed her was absent, replaced by a mildewy odor of decomposition that sent shivers down her spine.

She stared through the glass window, her breath forming a misty veil against the cold surface. The empty coffee shop felt like an abandoned ship in the night, adrift in an ocean of uncertainty. The lights were off, and the once-cozy interior now looked desolate and unwelcoming.

Panic clawed at Lucy's throat as she wondered where her friend Breanna could be at this hour. It was as if the town had suddenly slipped into a quiet void, leaving Lucy alone with the echoes of her own ragged breath.

Lucy's heart raced as she stood outside the locked coffee shop. She looked around, trying to find a safe haven, a place to gather her thoughts and seek help. The park across the street was tempting, with its shadowy trees and hidden corners, but it felt too exposed. What if the thief pursued her there?

Her options seemed limited, and panic gnawed at her. Desperation drove her to retrace her steps, crossing the silent street toward the Crowned Eagle Inn, an imposing building that had always intrigued her. She'd never set foot inside. There were some swanky hotels in Serenity Bay, but the Crowned Eagle had to be the fanciest.

As Lucy approached the Inn, her breath came in anxious gasps. The Crowned Eagle's facade was resplendent, a monument to luxury that stood in stark contrast to the cozy charm of Serenity Bay's Main Street. The building's architectural grandeur echoed the opulence of any fine, historic hotel, a benchmark for sophistication and elegance.

Lucy stepped through the Inn's heavy wooden doors. Her breath caught in her throat as she entered the lobby. It was a sumptuous marvel, a sanctuary of decadence and refinement.

Marble floors gleamed beneath her feet, their smooth surface polished to a high shine, reflecting the warm glow of crystal chandeliers that hung overhead. The soft, golden light bathed the room in an inviting ambiance.

Dark wood features adorned the space, intricate carvings and moldings framing the doorways and walls, lending an air of old-world elegance. Rich, velvety drapes framed tall windows that looked out onto the deserted Main Street, their deep red hue adding a touch of dramatic luxury.

The lobby was adorned with fine furnishings that whispered of another era. Plush armchairs and sofas upholstered in burgundy velvet invited guests to linger and luxuriate. Intricately detailed side tables held delicate porcelain vases brimming with fresh flowers, their fragrance mingling with the scent of aged wood and polished marble.

Lucy felt like a schlub in her Summit University sweatshirt and a pair of ripped jeans. Uncertainty clung to her, and the weight of the night's events pressed on her shoulders. But for the moment, in the embrace of this luxurious surround, she felt a glimmer of safety at last.

As Lucy stood in the resplendent lobby, taking in the opulent surroundings, a voice gently disrupted her thoughts. Sorry for the wait.

Lucy turned to see a woman her own age smiling with genuine sincerity, her light blonde hair pulled back in a neat clip. The girl was impeccably dressed in black slacks and a starched white shirt, bearing a golden tag with the name Amie on her pocket—a uniform that spoke of professionalism and elegance.

How can I help you this evening?