Colorful Death by S. Y. Robins Read Free Book Online

gushed.
    “Trust me, very well. We’ve even been getting requests for your famous coffee cupcakes. I was thinking of making a small bakery in the store for your delights. What do you think? You don’t have to say yes, but it would be nice.”
    Hannah agreed rapidly, her eyes shining. Her head was filled of university, travelling, Jay and now cupcakes. She couldn’t wait to go out for dinner; it made her so happy just to listen to him talking. Most of all, she loved the stories he had of growing up; making her laugh with his tales of bickering with other children. Hannah was an only child and giggled every time Jay spoke of his brother, Adam. Hannah had grown up making her mother join her in her make-believe stories and games. Hannah normally starred as a detective, meaning her poor mother had to pose as one criminal after the other. She wished she had a sibling like Adam to play with; she couldn’t wait to meet him and the rest of Jay’s family. They were yet to meet as Jay’s working schedule was always so hectic, although both Hannah and Jay’s family heard lovely words about the other. Hannah wondered the kinds of things Jay said about her to his parents and brother.
    “Shall we go then?” Jay asked, interrupting Hannah’s day dreaming. This was a regular occurrence and Jay always interrupted with a smile.
    “Ooh yes please. Where do you want to go? Shall we walk or get a bus? Have you planned anything, or are we going out totally on a whim?”
    “Instead of walking or taking the bus, how about we grab a taxi? We need to celebrate all your hard work; I’m so proud of you for juggling university, work and a burgeoning cupcake empire! You are always happy and pleasant to be around too. Perhaps one day, you will be as perfect as me? You’ve got a long way to go though,” teased Jay, laughing at the indignant expression on Hannah’s face. “I’m kidding, I’m kidding! Don’t get so wound up,” he laughed.
    “I’m not wound up,” countered Hannah defiantly. “I’m shocked you think so highly of yourself, Mr. Ego. I wouldn’t if I were you,” she pouted, the corners of her mouth betraying the smile that she was trying to hide.
    “Wow Han, that was brutal. Your put downs are always so personal. So, tonight? We can have dinner, a few drinks and go dancing. What do you think?” Smiled Jay.
    Hannah adored dancing, and she knew Jay hated it. “That sounds amazing. Where have you been all my life?” Hannah giggled. Where had he been all her life? He had moved to Newark in the last five years with his family. He hadn’t grown up there, but made every effort to talk to people and get to know them. All the locals accepted him as one of their own too. There was nobody like him in Newark; he was impossibly perfect.
    Jay and Hannah left the shop; arm in arm, laughing in sync with one another. Onlookers could tell that they were at ease and in love. They had the most perfect night and each had never been happier.
    *** ***
    The next day, back at work, Hannah was tired but did not want to show it; instead, she was extra alert and vigilant to compensate for such a wonderful, yet exhausting, evening. In her vigilance, she noticed a lot of strangers coming into the shop; all male and muscular. They all saw Hannah, and turned and left. She made a point to write down their descriptions and tell Jay; he tried to know each customer by name despite not being there all of the time. She hoped these strangers were not scoping the place out for a robbery; she kept detailed notes on the times the men came in, just in case. Jay said it was nothing to worry about and Hannah believed him; just like she always did. Jay gave her no reason to mistrust him whatsoever. He was one of the most trustworthy and honest people she knew.

Chapter Two
    It had been three months since Hannah and Jay’s celebratory dinner. Their anniversary had come and gone, with Jay presenting Hannah with the most beautiful sapphire earrings. They were