A Dear Abby Cozy Mystery Collection Books 1 - 3: End of the Lane, Be Still My Heart and The Last Ride

by Sonia Parin

  She played around with a few keywords but nothing came up. “You’d think if the man named the circus after himself, he’d name the house too. Kinsley Manor. Kinsley Lodge. Kinsley Estate. Kinsley Park.” Nothing.

  Hearing a vehicle approaching, she turned. “Okay. They’re about to take the body away.” Her instinct told her to stay put and watch, but the cringe factor took over and she stepped away. “I’m feeling way too jittery to take in those images. Come on, Doyle. Let’s see if we can get something out of the detective.”

  She hovered close to the patrol car, waiting for Joshua to finish interviewing Kinsley Roberts. “This might be a long-shot, but she could be related to William Kinsley. What do you think, Doyle? Yes, it could be a long-shot but worth looking into You know I don’t like coincidences.” Hitting the speed dial, she called Faith.

  “Please tell me you’ve made some progress,” Faith said. “I’m jumpy and lethargic at the same time. I simply cannot go another day on limited rations of coffee.”

  “It’s only been half a day. What are you complaining about? You know what they say? What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”

  Faith groaned. “Please spare me the platitudes. And why do you sound so cheerful?”

  Did she?

  “Hang on. Are you faking it?”

  Abby laughed.

  “You are. That’s a forced laugh if ever I heard one.”

  “Hey, I’m doing my best to be supportive. You should try it. At least you’re in the office. I’ve been driving around looking for a place without an address. Martin only pointed me in the general direction.”

  “And?”

  “Oh, I sort of found it.”

  “You might have started with that. Does that mean you also found Kinsley Roberts?”

  “Yeah, sort of. That’s why I called. I have something to take your mind off your caffeine withdrawal. See what you can find about the Kinsley Circus.”

  “Why does that name ring a bell? Oh, right. Kinsley Roberts. Is there a connection?”

  “That’s what I want you to find out.”

  “Why?” Faith asked.

  Abby bit the edge of her lip as she weighed the pros and cons of sharing the information over the phone. Some things were best explained in person. “Something happened.”

  “You have my full attention,” Faith said. “Hang on. Now it’s gone. No, wait… Sorry. My mind is straying.”

  Abby heard what might have sounded like a slap. “Did you just slap yourself?”

  “Needs must. My focus has been stalling. I think I stared at the wall for a full five minutes before without even blinking. Okay. You have my full attention. Quick, grab it while you can.”

  Abby bit the edge of her lip. “I can’t tell you over the phone.”

  “Oh, no.” Faith groaned. “You have to give me something otherwise I’ll go stir crazy.”

  Abby waited until a police officer strode past her. Lowering her voice, she said, “I walked in on a situation and the police are here. In fact, I have to go. Joshua is headed my way.”

  “Don’t disconnect the call,” Faith hollered. “I want to hear.”

  “I’m sure there’s a law against that,” Abby whispered.

  Clearing his throat, Joshua said, “I need a favor.” Then, he frowned. “Why are you holding the phone up?”

  “My caffeine withdrawal is kicking in. I need Faith to be my back-up in case what you say goes in one ear and out the other.” Abby grinned. “Ask away and, remember, it’s give and take.”

  “Does Joyce have anything to do with your caffeine withdrawal…” He shook his head. “Never mind.”

  When he turned to leave, Abby said, “Wait.” She couldn’t let him change his mind and she definitely couldn’t afford to miss a single opportunity. “Don’t worry about Joyce. Go on. Ask away. I’m eager to help out.”

  He raked his fingers through his hair. “Fine. But you have to promise to keep Joyce out of this.”

  “Cross my heart. I promise. I won’t mention her name again.”

  He looked up at the house. “Kinsley lives here alone. I’ve offered her police protection but she doesn’t want to stay in the house. She’s not in any fit state to drive and she refused to let me drive her. Can you take her to the pub?”

  Abby mulled over the strange request. “Sure thing.” Abby looked over his shoulder. Kinsley remained in the patrol car, her hands still holding the coffee mug. She noticed the police officer leaning down to ask something but Kinsley looked away. Did she have issues with the police? “I guess she’s not a suspect.”

  Joshua shook his head. “She has an alibi. She’d been out and about taking photos and they have time stamps. Also, we didn’t find any gunshot residue on her hands.”

  So, the man had been shot. “Have you identified the victim?”

  He shook his head again.

  That meant Kinsley Roberts didn’t know him either. Or maybe she did but she hadn’t told the police. Abby signaled toward the patrol car. “Did she say anything at all?”

  Joshua took his sweet time answering. Clearly, he remained reluctant to share police information. “I haven’t had any luck getting any worthwhile details out of her.” He looked down at the ground. “I guess that’s my next favor.”

  Faith called out, “He wants you to put the squeeze on her.”

  Abby grimaced. “Sorry, we’re both on caffeine withdrawal.”

  “Maybe it’s not such a good idea. I think Kinsley might actually need a stable, reliable presence.” Joshua took a step back. “Yeah, I should just follow normal procedure and assign a female police officer, whether she likes it or not.”

  “No. Wait. You know I’ll do a better job. We’re sort of in this together. I was here when she discovered the body. She’s likely to open up to me.” Slipping the cell phone inside her pocket, Abby clasped her hands together. “Please.”

  Joshua brushed his hand over his chin. “She seems to know who you are.”

  Abby gave him an encouraging nod. “Yes, she does.” At least, she thought so. When Kinsley had run toward her, she hadn’t hesitated.

  “You promise to report directly to me when and if she says anything?”

  “Cross my heart.”

  “Don’t make me regret this, Abby Maguire, or so help me, you’ll be blacklisted from any and all future crime scenes.”

  Chapter Three

  Abby drove straight to the pub. She hadn’t wanted to leave Kinsley Roberts alone so when Faith had called for an update, she’d had to fill her in on all the details she had at hand over the phone.

  “Another murder?” Faith exclaimed.

  “I swear, if Kinsley Roberts hadn’t had an alibi, I would be pointing my finger of suspicion at her. When the store owner, Martin, spoke with her earlier to ask if he could give out her address, she said today wasn’t a good day. That would have set alarm bells ringing.”

  Faith barely held back her laughter. “Today is not a good day for visitors because I’m busy killing someone?”

  “We don’t really know how the criminal mind works.” Abby gave a small shrug. “Anyhow, she hasn’t said a word. I went inside the house to help her pack some clothes.” Abby tried to work a knot out of her neck. “You should have seen her. She moved around like a zombie. By the time we got to the pub, I suggested she see a doctor. He’s in there with her now.”

  “Why are you whispering?” Faith asked.

  “I’m outside my room and I don’t want any of the other guests overhearing my conversation with you.” Since arriving in Eden, Abby had been living at The Gloriana, the local pub owned by the Faydon family. While Joshua had suggested bringing Kinsley to stay there, Abby belatedly wished she’d thought to go elsewhere. “Do you have any spare bedrooms at your place?” she asked Faith.

  “Not really. I use my spare bedroom for storage. If she’s afraid to stay in her house alone, I think it’s best for her to be at the pub. It’s central and you have Mitch and Markus to call in case yo
u need help.”

  “Where did that come from?” Abby looked over her shoulder. “Why would we need help?”

  “I don’t know. You said she’s afraid. I must be experiencing a moment of clarity. I assume she’s afraid the killer will come after her.”

  That hadn’t occurred to Abby. She’d simply assumed Kinsley didn’t want to stay anywhere near the place where someone had been killed and Abby didn’t blame her. She also assumed Kinsley would want some peace and quiet and she would definitely not get it at the pub. “I’ve no idea how she’s been living in that large house. The rooms are massive and empty. The little furniture I saw was stacked in corners. She didn’t even have a bed. Instead, she’s been using a sleeping bag.”

  Faith hummed under her breath. “There’s a mystery there waiting to be unraveled. Joyce said she comes into the café but then disappears for long stretches of time. Maybe she travels around. Hey, can we tell Joyce about Kinsley staying with you and you being a step closer to getting her to admit she’s responsible for writing the blog?”

  Abby yelped. “Heavens, no. I don’t want Joyce storming in here and interrogating her. And, let’s not jump to conclusions. We don’t know Kinsley is the one responsible for writing the blog.”

  “Fine. I guess you know best. I only wanted to bring a swift conclusion to this ridiculous situation. I need my coffee and everything that goes with it. Joyce’s Café is a hub for social engagement. Anyway, I’m surprised Joshua put so much trust in you. You must have made a huge impression on him.”

  “He’s desperate. He couldn’t get anything out of Kinsley. He can’t exactly badger her. After all, she’s a victim of sorts. That reminds me. She didn’t seem to be too eager to talk with any of the police officers. I wonder if there’s a way to find out if she’s had a run-in with the law?”

  “You have the advantage,” Faith said. “She’s staying with you. This is your chance to get her to open up to you.”

  “That’s what Joshua is hoping will happen.” Abby checked the time on the phone. “It’s nearly your home time.”

  “Yes, I’ve been counting down the minutes. I’m swinging by the pub for some coffee. It won’t be the same as Joyce’s coffee but at least it’ll be potent. I had no idea I relied so much on my caffeine fix. I’ve been in a daze all day. Hey, do you think Joyce has been duping us? What if half the magic of her coffee is in the actual names she gives them?”

  Abby looked heavenward. “My mind is going elsewhere. Do you think we should use this opportunity to purge ourselves? You know, cleanse our bodies? Go into detox?”

  Faith gasped. “In case my voice doesn’t convey the message, my eyes just widened in horror. If I gave up coffee, I’d have to find something to replace it with. I know myself too well. There isn’t an ounce of willpower in me. Besides, there are few pleasures in life, why do I need to deprive myself?”

  Abby laughed. “Don’t you want to take ownership of your life? We depend far too much on Joyce’s brew. What if this power she holds over us goes to her head?”

  “It already has and I’m fine with it. Let’s just toe the line, behave and go about our lives without stirring up trouble. Please. I’m begging you, do not antagonize Joyce Breeland.”

  Abby was about to dig her heels in and suggest an uprising against Joyce’s Café when the door to her apartment opened and the doctor came out. “Talk to you later.” Abby disconnected the call. “How is she?”

  The doctor shook his head. “She refused sedatives and sleeping tablets and insists she’ll be fine. You appear to have made a connection with her. I suggest you try to take her mind off what she witnessed today. If she wants to talk about it, tread with care. Don’t force her. Just let her set the pace.”

  Moments later, Abby eased the door to her apartment open and poked her head inside. “It’s only me.”

  Kinsley sat on the couch with Doyle curled up beside her like a comfort blanket. She looked up and gave her a wobbly smile. “I’m so sorry to impose. You must think I’m being silly.”

  “What? No, not at all. I would have done the same.” Abby settled down on the edge of the armrest. “Hey. I was going to order some food. Would you like some? I’ve got a menu handy, or you can order whatever you fancy. Hannah will be only too happy to throw something together for you.” She hadn’t had much to do with the pub’s chef, but whenever she saw her out and about they stopped for a friendly exchange of information about the weather.

  When Kinsley looked undecided, Abby suggested getting a platter of gourmet sandwiches. “And perhaps some wine.”

  “That sounds good.”

  “Meanwhile, feel free to make yourself at home. This apartment has an adjoining room and Mitch opened it up so whenever you feel like calling it a day, feel free to just go.”

  Kinsley tucked her feet under her. “If it’s okay with you, I’ll stay here a while longer.”

  “That’s fine. Take your time.”

  “You must think this is strange.” Kinsley tugged a lock of her hair and gave Abby a brisk smile. “After all, I’m a complete stranger.”

  Abby took a sip of her wine. “You might be a stranger to me, but I get the impression you already know about me. That’s called having an advantage.” An unfair one, Abby thought.

  Kinsley’s smile didn’t reach her eyes, but at least she made an effort. “Hard to miss noticing you. When you first arrived in Eden, you made quite a splash solving a murder.”

  Abby couldn’t hide the surprise from her voice. “You know about that?”

  “I tend to stay away from town but I’m not exactly living under a rock. News like that doesn’t go away overnight. There are still people talking about it.”

  Okay, so she shouldn’t be so surprised. On the first day of her arrival in the small town of Eden, she had stumbled on a crime scene. News about her had been quick to spread. Abby stopped blinking and her caffeine deprived mind wandered. On that first day in town, Detective Joshua Ryan had been responsible for making her addicted to Joyce’s coffee. He had a lot to answer for…

  “Are you okay?” Kinsley asked.

  Abby snapped out of her stupor and straightened. “How do you manage to keep up with the news?” She swirled the contents of her glass around. Who needed coffee when there was great wine to be enjoyed? “I mean, I can’t remember seeing you in town and I spend a great deal of time at Joyce’s Café or out and about.”

  Kinsley shrugged. “Every time I come into town, there’s something happening. I sit back and I hear things. Parts of conversations. Nothing but snippets, but it’s usually enough to put two and two together.”

  Abby couldn’t quite get her head around the notion. As a reporter, she couldn’t afford to miss anything. Yet, in the time she’d lived in Eden she hadn’t once seen Kinsley. “Don’t take this the wrong way, but I honestly can’t say I’ve seen you around.”

  Kinsley gave her hair a light flick. “I’m what you might call a nonentity. I have the type of features people rarely remember.” The edge of her lip quirked up. “I think I would have made a great spy, weaving my way around undetected. No one would have remembered my face.”

  Abby had to agree. Kinsley had regular features. Nothing actually stood out. She had a regular nose. Not too big, not too small. Her eyes were a light shade of blue. She had light brown hair styled into a short bob. Again, nothing particularly unusual.

  Except…

  “You’re tall. Taller than the average woman and you have a sort of sporty look about you. I think I would have remembered you.”

  “I do a lot hiking,” Kinsley explained.

  “For the record, Joyce knows you but you haven’t actually set off alarm bells with her.”

  Kinsley chuckled softly. “Add boring to nonentity. I go to the café, have my coffee and then I leave.”

  Did she make a point of flying under the radar? It would work in her favor if she wanted to sit back and observe the comings and goings of everyone going into Joyce’s Café. Abby fiddled w
ith a cushion. “So, what do you do with yourself when you’re not hiking or coming into town for coffee?”

  Kinsley studied her sandwich. “I take photos.”

  Shifting in her seat, Abby told herself to go easy. She didn’t want to come across as being overly eager to delve, but… she really needed to get to the bottom of the elusive blogger.

  Luckily, two glasses of red wine had made Kinsley more relaxed and chatty.

  “I sell the photos to magazines but I also put together coffee table books. You know the type. A day in the life of, wild flowers of the Midwest, out of the way streets in Paris, Rome…”

  “So, you travel around. That’s fun.”

  Kinsley nodded. “I always knew I wanted to be a freelance photographer. Somehow, I managed to make enough to support my love of travel.”

  And enough to buy a huge mansion deep in the heart of a forest? “How did you end up living in that house?”

  “My renovator’s delight.” Kinsley gave her a small smile. “I inherited it.”

  “Lucky you.”

  Kinsley chortled. “You’d think. I don’t want to seem ungrateful, but it’s been nothing but a ball and chain and a money pit in the making. I mean, have you seen the state of that house? The plaster in one of the bedrooms nearly fell on my head. Local vandals broke some of the windows and I had pigeons nesting in the upstairs rooms.”

  “I guess you’re attached to the house.” Otherwise, she would have sold it. When her cell phone beeped, Abby glanced at the caller ID but decided to ignore it for now.

  Kinsley looked into her glass. Sighing, she said, “The house came with a caveat. I can’t sell it, so I’m stuck with it. The property taxes alone have nearly ruined me.” She glanced at Abby. “How are you settling into the town?”

  Swift change of subject. Abby didn’t want to steer away from talking about the house and she didn’t particularly want to talk about herself, but she supposed Kinsley needed to take her mind off what she’d seen today, so she went along and told her about her life. “It took a while to get used to living so far away from home. Then there are the locals. They took some getting used to. Especially Joyce Breeland. The moment I think I have her all figured out, she pulls a new surprise right out of her bag of tricks.”