Return To Cobb Mountain (Cobb Mt Mystery Series Book 2) Read online

  RETURN TO COBB MOUNTAIN

  Once again, Kit DeCanti chose the unusual county she calls home for this romantic mystery. Get pulled along the dusty back roads as DeCanti spins a tail of intrigue and romance into a story of a young social worker who, while avoiding personal commitments which lead to heartbreak and self awareness, obsesses over a missing wealthy elderly woman and her young husband. Travel around Lake County with Kat Amoretti as she disregards danger to …

  Return To Cobb Mountain

  Wow! What an amazing story. Once started, I could not break away and read it in one sitting. I fell in love with Kat and shared her emotions right along with her as she journeyed in love and in life. Can't wait for the sequel. One way I know a book is great is how much I think about it later. It has been three days since I finished Return to Cobb Mountain and I am still pondering the events of the story. Great job!

  ~Kathleen Rogers- Seattle WA

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  A great sequel to "Secret On Cobb Mountain"! Does not disappoint as many sequels seem to do. What surprised and impressed me too, was that it could stand on its own and no one would be the wiser. That said though, you really don't want to miss reading the first one! Excellent story lines, lots of information about places and subjects and wonderful mysteries that keep you guessing all the way through! I read both books in two days. That should tell you that they weren't easy to put down! ~ Violet Baarsch, Ukiah, CA

  Excellent read! The story keeps you on the edge of your seat! I loved the details that went into the area of that part of California, makes me want to move there!

  ~ Dona Crifasi, Forest City North Carolina

  Captures you from the beginning page. I couldn't put it down. ~ Jeanie Larsen, Clearlake, CA

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  Just finished reading Return to Cobb Mountain and I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I was drawn into the story by the story itself and the wonderful descriptive way the story was told. Look forward to reading more by this talented writer. A great combination of romance and suspense. ~Marsha Olsen, Oakdale CA

  Great story and good mystery, and I really loved the descriptive details of, not only Lake County; but also the architectural detail of the homes. Made me feel like I was right there being chased through secret doors and passageways. The detailed description of Lake County made me want to go see it for myself and start exploring. I also appreciated that it dealt with an important social issue- Elder Abuse. Great summer read- something to curl up in a hammock or snuggle under an umbrella on a beach with.

  ~Teri Burns, Anderson, MO

  Intriguing ‘G’ rated romantic mystery that took will power to not skip to the end for a peek.

  ~ Angela Woodall, Ukiah, CA

  Look for

  Kit DeCanti’s books including

  SECRET ON COBB MOUNTAIN

  RETURN TO COBB MOUNTAIN

  SECRETS OF A LAZY COOK- Or How I Survived Marriage To An Italian When I Hate The Kitchen

  and THE ROCK HOUSE

  at your favorite book store or

  htpp/www.kitdeeproductions.com

  Published by KitDee Productions

  Most books by Kit DeCanti are available at special

  quantity discounts for bulk purchases for

  sales promotions, premiums or fund raising.

  Special books or book excerpts can also be created

  to fit specific needs by publisher; with prior permission

  from author.

  FOR DETAILS GO TO www.kitdeeproductions.com

  Or email [email protected]

  RETURN TO

  COBB MOUNTAIN

  BY

  Kit DeCanti

  >^..^<

  Published By KitDee Productions

  Copyright 2010

  This novel is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either a product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales or persons- living or dead- is entirely coincidental.

  Copyright © 2010 by Carolyn DeCanti

  Copyright © cover photo 2007 Jeff Tangen Photography

  Published by KITDEE PRODUCTIONS

  All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever.

  For information contact KitDee Productions [email protected]

  ISBN- 1451554400 and

  EAN-13 is 9781451554403

  First printing: March, 2010

  Second printing: June, 2015

  Printed in the U.S.A.

  I owe so many people gratitude for encouraging me to keep writing. Most especially my sisters Billie, Kay and Donna. I also want to thank my wonderful daughter Angela for being such an avid mystery reader which made me want to write something she would like. And of course Tony for being my biggest fan.

  I also want to thank the many readers who demanded a sequel to Secret On Cobb Mountain, I hope I haven’t let you all down.

  Thank you to Leann Matte for her tireless efforts in editing this book. I would never have finished without her help.

  And last but not least, a big THANK YOU to my good friend, Jeff Tangen of Jeff Tangen Photography, www.jefftangenphoto.com who once again provided the absolutely perfect picture for the cover!

  Thank you to the following businesses and locations for allowing me the privilege of using their names in the content of this book.

  Biggs 155 Diner~ Lakeport, CA

  Goombas Deli~ Lower Lake, CA

  Howard’s Grotto~ Clearlake, CA

  Judy Magoon~ Lower Lake, CA

  Konocti Harbor Resort and Spa ~ Kelsyville, CA

  Lower Lake Coffee Shop ~ Lower Lake, CA

  Magoon’s North Jewelers~ Lakeport, CA

  Rancho De La Fuente~ Kelseyville, CA

  Record Bee ~ Lakeport CA

  Tuscan Village ~ Lower Lake, CA

  Zino’s Ristorante ~ Kelsyville, CA

  Featherbed Rail Road Bed & Breakfast Resort~ Nice, CA

  Pastaria & Market~ Los Gatos, CA

  Dedicated to

  My Captain O My Captain-

  Tony

  RETURN TO COBB MOUNTAIN

  Prologue

  The moon hung low and bright creating moon shadows as the young woman ran from one shadow to the next. Try as she may she couldn’t get from the barn to the back of the house without creating a few shadows of her own. Each time she reached the safety of a shadow she paused to catch her breath and look around.

  The young woman’s heart pounded loudly in her hears… so loudly that she couldn’t hear the foot steps that had been following her shortly after she climbed over the tall security gate.

  Finally she got to the back of the large mansion and stood at the cellar door. She took a long deep breath trying to steady herself as she gazed around hoping that she was still undetected. Another deep breath helped her build up courage and strength to lift the door. She strained as she pulled the heavy old wood and iron door open as slowly as she could. As much as she tried, she couldn’t prevent the rusty old iron hinges from creaking; however she was relieved to find it unlatched from the inside.

  Leaving the door open, the woman crept slowly down the curved stairway, and was thankful that the steps were made of stone. No more creaking to worry about. As she turned the corner moonlight shone brightly through the tall ground level window giving her just enough light to move around. She was glad she wouldn’t have to use her flashlight because she didn’t want to chance anyone seeing a light coming from the cellar.

  Stealthily the woman crossed the floor to the far wall, making her way
around boxes and crates. A shiver ran up her spine as the thought of rats crossed her mind. Fighting to stay calm and focused, she stared at the wall which was carved from the same stones as the floor and steps.

  The small woman pushed a crate over to the wall, trying desperately to be quiet, but grimaced at the scraping noise it made. As she lifted her knee to step up on the crate a loud creak came from the stone stairway; then the deafening sound of the cellar door slamming shut ricocheted off the stone walls. She froze! There was another creaking and she realized that the cellar door had just been latched from the outside. Looking up she saw feet running past the high window towards the back door of the house. As the woman was remembering that the back door was at the top of a stairway leading down into the cellar, a shadowy figure came rushing down the stone steps into the cellar.

  The eyes of the young woman went to the dark corner seeking an escape; but just then she became aware of another presence. A gasp caught in her throat and she froze. She was trapped! Her heart was pounding and fear rose up trying to push out the scream that was trying to escape through her tightly clenched lips. She hid behind the stack of boxes she had been standing next to.

  Suddenly she felt a strong arm reach around her pulling her down to the floor. A hand covered her mouth and a familiar voice whispered a warning for her to be still and silent.

  CHAPTER ONE

  Kat and Ron

  three months earlier...

  Kathryn Amoretti slowly hung the phone back into its cradle and sighed. It had been Ron reminding her of their standing Friday night date, and telling her that he had made reservations at Zino’s for their favorite table.

  Absentmindedly Kathryn started twisting the diamond ring on her finger. Although she and Ron were engaged, and very much in love, her new job at Lake County Social Services was keeping her extremely busy and distracted. Ron was equally busy with the business of keeping Lake County safe as a deputy sheriff; even so he was beginning to pressure her to set the date.

  “The last thing I need at this time is more pressure. The very last thing I need right now is a wedding to plan,” Kathryn murmured and sighed.

  She wanted their wedding day to be perfect. Just as perfect as their courtship had been; and as perfect as the two of them were together. But a perfect wedding wouldn’t just happen. It would take lots of planning. Lots of time. “And I just don’t have that time right now,” she told herself and sighed again.

  Caroline Amoretti was being patient about it. She knew her daughter was very serious and conscientious about her career; and she understood that Kathryn wanted to get settled into her new job without the distraction of wedding planning.

  Besides, Caroline herself had reser-vations about such a fast courtship as well as Kathryn marrying a sheriff deputy. Even so, she couldn’t stop herself from buying gift subscriptions to every wedding magazine she could find. She entered Kathryn’s bedroom, bringing in her fresh laundry and mail which included the latest magazine; and was dis-heartened to find all the wedding magazines in a stack in the corner of Kathryn’s room; most of which were not even unwrapped. But still, she was determined to say nothing about it to Kathryn.

  Kathryn’s younger sister Angela, whom everyone called Angel, on the other hand, would not keep silent. She was anxious to be a bridesmaid and didn’t miss an opportunity to jab Kathryn and Ron about dragging their feet.

  Kathryn’s Uncle Lenny was equally looking forward to walking his niece down the isle. His wife Antoinette, whom Kathryn and her sister called simply ‘Auntie’ was already busy planning the menu; and had a list of caterers.

  “So what’s the problem Kat?” Auntie complained more often than Kathryn could count. “Your mother and I can do this! You won’t even have to give it a second thought.”

  But Kathryn was not willing to give the reins over. This would be the most important day in her life and she wanted- No! She needed to be the one doing the planning and decision making. Just not now.

  Kathryn looked down at her ring, and wondered for the one hundredth time if she was too quick to say yes. She missed the light hearted days of dating Ron.

  “Actually not dating Ron,” Kat chuck-led to herself, as she took a moment to rem-inisce about the succession of pretend blind dates with ‘Buddy’. That was the nickname she had given Ron, before they knew each other’s real names. Ron had been the first to call her Kat. ‘Kat’ stuck- but ‘Buddy’ was replaced with his real name as soon as she heard it. Ron fit him.

  It seemed so long ago when actually it was only about a year ago that they met. “Yes! It was a year ago. Spring break,” Kat smiled as she remembered seeing Ron for the first time.

  She had been out with some friends enjoying the lounge at the Konocti Harbor Resort and Spa, when the tall good looking Ron walked into the room. At first he seemed to be looking for someone; but when he settled into a quiet corner and leaned against the wall, Kat decided to take a table near by and perhaps bump into him. However just as she was about to sit down, he turned to leave and bumped into her.

  Kat’s breath caught in her throat as she remembered the feelings that filled her when their eyes met that first time. So many emotions welled up from the depths of her soul in that one brief moment that she couldn’t name them all- attraction, fear, excitement, panic… and so many more that it took her breath away. It took her breath away now just remembering it.

  Then Kat chuckled as she recalled how Ron became flustered and was at a loss for words that spring evening. She also remembered being impressed that Ron hadn’t tried to toss out a line. She had been glad that he obviously was not a ‘lounge lizard’, as she and her friends referred to guys who hung out in bars ever ready with an arsenal of ‘pick-up lines’.

  But she had been disappointed when Ron left without even trying to start a conversation with her. Without even asking her name.

  That was why, when they bumped into each other again in Santa Rosa she thought she would teach him a lesson, by not telling him her name. Kat laughed out loud at how that turned into the game of ‘Buddy and Kat’ which lasted for several months of ‘blind dates’.

  The phone on Kat’s desk rang again, bringing her back to the moment. She sighed. She had better get back to working on the bottomless pit of her ‘inbox’.

  It wasn’t that she didn’t like her job. She actually loved it. She was doing what she always hoped to do. Protecting children and the elderly. But right now she wished her job didn’t keep her so busy. She needed time to think. She wished she was brave enough to ask for a ‘mental health day’ as some of her co-workers called personal days. But Kat was new on the job, and too insecure to ask for one. She didn’t want her supervisor, Kay, to think she couldn’t take the pressure after so little time.

  As usual, Ron was at the door sharply at 6 PM. And as usual Kat was running late. She heard the door bell followed by the low murmur of her mother and Ron making small talk as she finished applying her make up, and ran a brush through her hair; then quickly sprayed it and fluffed it up with her fingers.

  Kat could feel the tension coming from the first floor. Ron’s usual easiness with people didn’t carry over to her mom. He was uncomfortable and stiff around Caroline Amoretti. Oh, his conversation with her was always polite, but conversation was forced on both sides.

  Kat was certain that Ron could sense the disapproval that her mother barely tried to disguise, but he never brought it up. Although Caroline claimed to be very fond of Ron; Kat knew that she was uneasy with Ron’s career choice. Having been made an early widow herself, Caroline Amoretti did not want the same fate for her daughters.

  Caroline had always expressed a desire that Kat would marry “a businessman, a banker, a butcher or a baker- anything that did not include a gun as part of his daily wardrobe!”

  Caroline knew first hand how hard it was on the people who loved men who wore a badge and depended on them. Her older brother Lenny was in law enforcement. In fact he was Ron’s supervisor. Caroline had sat up with both
her own mother and then later with her sister-in-law, Antoinette, on occasions when Lenny was on dangerous duty. She didn’t want either of her daughters to have to go through that- or worse.

  Kat quickly threw on an off shoulder summer frock, and slipped her dainty feet into a pair of shinny heels, spun around in front of the full length mirror; grabbed her bag and headed for the door. It was six fifteen by the time her bedroom door shut behind her.

  Kat hurried down the hall to the stair well wanting to ease the pressure for both her mom and Ron. “Hello… you’re early aren‘t you Ron?” Kat called as she descended the stairs, knowing quite well he wasn’t.

  Ron stood up quickly unable to hide the relief from his face, which was replaced with a wide grin as he turned and saw Kat. He laughed as he hugged her, “Yeah. I guess I am,” then added, “our reservations are for seven, so we’d better go.”

  Turning to Kat’s mom, “Goodbye Mrs. Amoretti” he said formally.

  Kat hugged her mother goodnight, and then noticing her mom’s new dress said, “Looks like you have plans tonight too. Well, have fun!” And over her shoulder added jokingly, “Don’t wait up for me, I’m in good hands!” as she took Ron’s arm.

  “I need to stop for gas.” Ron said as he opened his SUV door and helped Kat inside. He stepped quickly around to the driver’s side; got in, started the engine and headed into town- the opposite direction from Zino’s. Kat glanced at him, but said nothing. She was surprised again when even though they were pressed for time, he went inside to pay instead of paying at the pump. Ron had left the music playing and Kat recognized it to be the CD he had burned for their first blind date. The picnic in the pink blossomed cherry orchard.