The Bead Seller

by Wendy Meadows

  “Anyone who listened to that psychic woman should have known whatever she said was off the top of her head. She’s probably picked up a lot just listening to conversations around the bed and breakfast. She could have told them anything made up from what she already knew about them.”

  Brenda laughed. “You really are pessimistic, aren’t you? I didn’t see any harm in the entertainment side of it all. I just hated to see a guest get so upset like that.”

  “She’s an actress and a grown woman. She will get over it.”

  “I suppose we’ll know how it really affected her after tonight’s performance,” Brenda said. “I hope it’s as good as everyone said last night’s was. I’m a little sorry we didn’t choose to go to the first performance and see for ourselves.”

  They enjoyed their chicken salad sandwiches and Mac mentioned several cases he was working on. Brenda made comments here and there. “Is Bryce working with you?”

  “Yes, and he does have good insight. Right now, he is a little distracted with the baby on the way. He told me he hopes he knows how to be a father.” Mac laughed at the memory of the short conversation earlier with his son-in-law. “I told him he’ll learn as he goes along. I don’t think that was exactly what he wanted to hear, but then again, I’m no expert.”

  Chapter 4

  Walk on the Beach

  During dinner later that evening, Brenda reminded the cast members there would be refreshments served again after the second night’s performance. The same nervous anticipation permeated the troupe. Kathryn and Tiana sat at opposite ends of the elongated table. Once again, Kelly felt Tiana’s eyes on her and especially on her necklace. She fingered the Tree of Life on its silver chain and attempted a smile at the psychic. Tiana asked about the chain.

  “My father gave this to me the night I landed my first lead role in a Broadway play. He always makes sure I get something special after a production. We are very close to one another and this is the first time in a long while that he will miss a show.”

  “I’m sure you are very special to him,” Rocky said. Kelly smiled her agreement.

  Rocky glanced at Tiana, who held her eyes on the beautiful young actress. He distracted her by asking her opinion of the smoked salmon. She commented appropriately.

  Tim Sheffield realized he was too late to crash the dinner and so he opted to enter through the back door into the kitchen.

  “I’m a little late for dinner, Morgan. I hope you have something you can send my way.” His eyes sparkled when he looked at the chef. She fumbled with the spatula that hung on the edge of the skillet. “Or I can help myself if you are busy right now.”

  Morgan’s smile curved almost to her ears. “I’ll get a plate for you, Tim. I haven’t eaten yet either but will as soon as we get desserts out there.”

  “Then I’ll wait for you.” He looked at the engagement ring he had placed on her finger. They had finally satisfied everyone with the long-awaited announcement.

  “Have you talked with Brenda about an upcoming party to celebrate our engagement, Tim?”

  Tim opened his eyes wider. “I thought we agreed it would be low-key.”

  Morgan nodded. “That’s why I’m asking. I think we should have a long and convincing talk with your daughter. She and the others are ignoring the fact that we don’t want any celebrations other than the wedding itself. And we may have to just elope if she and Phyllis keep on like this.”

  “We’ll talk to her together. If she ignores us, then I’m all for eloping.” Both knew how that would go over with their friends in Sweetfern Harbor. Elopement would never be a viable option.

  Morgan clucked her tongue and Tim asked what else was on her mind. “It’s that psychic who is here. Something tells me she is taking people for a ride right and left with those readings. She upset one of the actresses last night with whatever she told her.” Morgan explained the aftermath from all the rumors swirling around the bed and breakfast. “I’m just sorry she booked the same weekend as the acting troupe.”

  “We can’t worry about it, Morgan. I’m sure the actors meet people like that all the time in their careers.”

  When the guests finished eating, Tim helped Morgan and the others clear the table in the dining room. Brenda came in to see her father balance three plates up his arm and his left hand held a half-full pitcher of water. She teased him about hoping to be paid for his work. Tim told her he and Morgan had to have a heart-to-heart talk with her about their wedding plans. Brenda agreed. She knew she was in for a lecture reminiscent of childhood, which made her imagination run wild.

  “I’ll be free once everyone leaves for the performance.” They agreed to meet in the kitchen when Morgan and Tim finished their dinner.

  The actors left for the next production of “Mystery Along the Nile.” The bed and breakfast grew quiet except for the few employees left tying up loose ends. Several would return in two hours to help prepare refreshments for the cast. Rocky Masters offered to help out and was told they would appreciate his help but as a guest, he didn’t have to do that. Morgan was happy he wasn’t imposing and if she didn’t know of his fame, he would have come across as a guest who offered to help out and nothing more. Rocky hurried to catch up with Arthur and Jeffrey. Tiana walked ahead of them.

  When things settled, Brenda met with her father and Morgan. Tim asked Phyllis to join them.

  “You can come along, too, William. We may need back up,” Tim said.

  He and Morgan explained their wishes regarding their wedding celebrations.

  “We hope you understand our feelings on the matter and respect them,” Morgan said. “We will agree with ideas you have for the wedding itself, but we must do this our way.”

  “It’s your day, and we will respect your wishes,” Brenda said. “We promise not to go overboard.”

  “Promise us you won’t plan anything at all, Brenda,” said her father. “Morgan has agreed to give you ideas for how the wedding will go but we seriously don’t want anything else before that day.”

  Brenda slumped slightly in her chair, thinking of the lovely party she had envisioned in her head. “All right, we promise,” Phyllis chimed in. William shook his head. He recalled broken promises like that when he and Phyllis married. He winked at Tim to let him know it was all in good fun when the women of Sweetfern Harbor were concerned, and everyone enjoyed a laugh together.

  Later that evening the play ended, and everyone returned to Sheffield Bed and Breakfast. It seemed the second night turned out better than the first. Kelly told Brenda there was a larger crowd there and many wanted autographs from every cast member.

  “I feel like taking a walk down by the waters,” Kelly said. “Does anyone else want to go along? It’s a beautiful night.” Tiana noted she fingered the necklace her father had given her.

  “It’s too bad your father wasn’t here to see your superb performance, Kelly,” Rocky said.

  Kathryn kept her eyes on Kelly, who basked in her successful night. She didn’t miss the tears that threatened to spill. “I missed having him here.”

  Scott stepped forward to relieve the tense moments. “Let’s go down as Kelly suggested.” Most voiced the desire to enjoy the ocean under the stars.

  Carol drew Kelly aside. “I’m going to bed now. I’m bushed. Enjoy the sea air, Kelly. You were great tonight.”

  Once outside, Kelly led the group, followed by Keith. Scott walked at a clip to catch up with her. Kathryn tripped twice to get to his side. She wanted to ruffle Kelly’s smug feelings of success.

  “Kelly, you did all right tonight, but I noticed you had a hard time when facing death along the river. You just looked very distracted. What happened?”

  Kelly hesitated and merely glanced at her tormentor. “I didn’t know that. I’ll have to work harder so as not to cause the audience to doubt my expressions.”

  “I didn’t notice anything like that,” Keith said. “I thought you did a great job, Kelly.”

  She thanked her co-star an
d hoped they would veer away from the subject of work. Kathryn sidled closer to Scott and was dismayed when he moved forward. He wished Kathryn had opted to go to her room rather than join the others for the evening stroll.

  “I love the sea at nighttime,” Kelly said. “Look at the ocean liner out there. I wonder if they are all enjoying the cruise.”

  “I’d like to go on a cruise like that one day,” Scott said. “I’d have to have the right person by my side.”

  Kathryn noticed how Kelly let his hopeful comment go over her head. “I’ll go with you any time, Scott. You just name the date.”

  The grim expression on Scott’s face showed no positive reception to Kathryn’s comment. He took two long strides ahead of her and struck up a conversation with Rocky Masters instead.

  Dr. Walker stood alone and gazed at the waters. His focus shifted to the starry sky and back to the ocean. He took several deep breaths and from a short distance, observed the group on the beach. The only reason they were thrown together was because they all acted in a play. Otherwise, he thought, few would be considered capable of real friendships with one another. He knew Scott must regret letting Kelly go. And the doctor was aware of the deep-seated jealousy Kathryn Parker held for Kelly Reed. He had seen more drama among these actors than ever in the prestigious hospital he left.

  Tiana and Jeffrey caught up with the rest of the group. Keith stood a short distance apart and looked around the area. He was astute when it came to picking up details, and this time was no exception. He concentrated briefly on the pile of flat rocks near the waters. The others sat on the sand and enjoyed their surroundings for a while. Keith was the first to state he was ready for bed. Several others followed him until only Kelly, Scott, Kathryn, Tiana and Rocky remained. Kathryn resembled a leech next to Scott. He was tiring of her advances with no hope of unleashing her from his side. Tiana walked from the group and studied a natural niche among the rocks.

  A few feet beyond her, a lone figure moved in the semi-darkness and observed the people enjoying the late-night rendezvous. Eyes locked onto the beautiful olive-skinned woman and shifted to the pristine young woman who resembled a piece of artwork carved by an expert.

  They all turned to leave except Kelly. Scott asked her if she was coming and Kelly told him she wanted another fifteen minutes to take it all in.

  “Let’s go, Scott. She’ll come back in her own good time.” Kathryn tossed her head and again looked for some sign of acceptance from Scott Wilson. None came.

  “Kathryn, can you not leave me alone for one minute?” he asked finally, pulling her aside. “I hoped to come down here to relax and rejuvenate. Instead, I’m more irritated with your actions. We broke up and I’ve told you we’ll never get back together again. Why can’t you get that?”

  Kathryn stopped and put her hands on her hips. “You broke up with me, Scott. You knew I wasn’t ready to let you go. You keep hoping Kelly will forgive you and she’ll be yours again. It won’t happen. She doesn’t care about you, but I do.”

  Scott glared at her. Tiana watched the episode with interest. Scott was one of the best-looking men she had ever met, but she had been right about his arrogance. On the other hand, she could see why Kathryn would be hard to love. She was all about herself and that was not a good thing in any relationship. It didn’t help make her a real actress either, Tiana thought.

  Kathryn’s anger shifted from one target, Scott, to another, which was Kelly Reed. Kelly stood a few yards from them, still gazing at the ocean as if she heard none of the exchange. Her polite demeanor caused more anger to surface in Kathryn, but this time she said nothing to her.

  “What if Kelly suddenly died, Scott? Would that be enough to take me back?”

  Everyone stopped walking. Even Kelly appeared distracted when she heard the words. The light from a fishing hut cast a dim glow onto Scott’s face. No one missed the anger that flared.

  “You are completely out of line, Kathryn,” Tiana said. “You need a good night’s sleep and need to promise to stop disturbing everyone’s peace around here.”

  Kathryn flounced around. “There you go again, telling people what to do.” She started up the incline toward Sheffield Bed and Breakfast. Rocky told Scott he was sorry Kathryn was so intrusive.

  “She’s always been like that,” he said. “We don’t match. I’ll never agree to be in the same production with her ever again.”

  Rocky and Tiana followed the other two back to the bed and breakfast. Rocky took one last look at Kelly, who seemed to recoup a little, though she looked shaken by the exchange.

  The figure in the shadows of the rock scuffed worn shoes in the sand, as if searching for a treasure.

  Scott ignored everyone and went to his room. Brenda greeted them and asked how the walk had gone. From Kathryn’s expression, she surmised not so well.

  “The sea is lovely this time of night,” Tiana said. “We had a chance to take in the wonderful air and the peace that surrounds everything down there.”

  “There weren’t many people around. By the time we left, we were the only ones on the beach.” Rocky rubbed the back of his neck. “I guess I’ll head for bed. It’s getting late.”

  “Morgan will serve breakfast an hour longer in the morning in case anyone wishes to sleep in,” Brenda reminded them.

  They thanked the hostess and went their respective ways to their rooms. The bed and breakfast grew quiet, and Scott stood in front of the double window. His room gave a view of the seawall parallel to Sheffield Bed and Breakfast. When Kelly decided to come back, he would get a glimpse of her when she reached the pathway to the old mansion. He stifled a yawn and then a second one. He decided to wait for the sound of her footsteps on the planked hallway floor instead and stretched out on the bed.

  No one heard the padded footsteps that made their way down the back stairway. No lights shone in the windows of the Rivers’ cottage behind the old Queen Anne structure. With shoes in hand, someone moved stealthily across the wide yard and slipped over the seawall. Slithering down the other side, a muffled voice almost cried out in pain when socked feet landed on sharp pebbles. Shoes were quickly donned, and the beach was in clear view. Only sea life moved with their nocturnal tasks deep in the waters. Another shape did the same but remained in the foliage until reaching the wall.

  The lithe figure on the sand appeared to sway in the light breeze. Her arms reached to the sky as if stretching in fatigue and then fell back down by her side.

  * * *

  Scott glanced at the digital clock on his bedside. He jerked awake, knowing if Kelly had returned to her room, he had missed hearing her. An uneasy feeling engulfed him, and he opened his door to the hallway. No light came from under the door of her room. He knocked lightly on it and then more sharply when he did not hear anyone answer. He called her name softly. Scott recalled when he and Kelly were close, he often admonished her for failing to lock her doors. This time was no exception. He concentrated on the made-up bed and his eyes surveyed the entire room. Nothing was disturbed. Kelly had not returned from the beach. He ran from the house at a desperate pace.

  When Scott got to the waterfront, his heart lurched to his throat. Kelly Reed’s body lay extended face down in the sand. He rushed to her side and felt for a pulse. Scott’s impulse was to wail and blame the ocean for what had happened. Instead, he fumbled for his cell and called 911.

  The phone on Mac’s nightstand rang and he picked it up on the first ring. He was used to strange calls in the night, but this was worse than usual. His face was set in a grim expression when he hung up the phone and turned to his wife and gave her the tragic news. “Call Dr. Walker, Brenda. I’ll get Bryce down here and we’ll meet at the beach.”

  Arthur answered his phone right away. The horrific news Brenda gave him caused him to throw on clothes and run down to the sandy shoreline. An ambulance arrived at the same time and began trying to resuscitate the victim. Brenda joined her husband and Bryce. Everyone was told to stand back as more guests a
ppeared. Rocky Masters stood next to Tiana, who kept shaking her head.

  “I warned her she may never make it to the top of her game.”

  Brenda heard the psychic’s words and really looked at her for the first time. The lights the police set up showed her somber expression, but something in her eyes made Brenda wonder if she was a sane woman.

  “She was strangled,” Arthur said. He stepped back for the emergency crew who had already attempted and failed to resuscitate the woman. “It’s too late.”

  “We have to be sure,” said the EMT. He notified the local coroner, who arrived fifteen minutes later.

  Chapter 5

  Acting or Not

  The scene on the shoreline seemed grotesque. Shadows created the illusions of vast dark places hidden among the rocks. Several guests clustered together and watched the unfolding of events. Officials did their jobs somberly, without many words between them.

  Detective Bryce Jones realized the onlookers stood too close to the murder scene. “Everyone needs to move back,” he said, walking towards the gathered observers. He gathered the small crowd of onlookers next to his squad car and informed them that the beach and the bed and breakfast were considered a crime scene for now. “No one is to return to their rooms until either myself or Detective Rivers interviews you. For now, please go back to the bed and breakfast and wait in the sitting room.”

  There was a shocked silence. Tiana, Rocky and Jeffrey turned to do as told. Keith Moore wiped pending tears from his eyes. Brenda noted everyone’s reactions. Scott’s face looked as if someone hit him with a sledge hammer. His eyes remained glued to the body of Kelly Reed.

  “Do you want me to awaken the other guests, Mac? As I understand it, most of them were down here with Kelly earlier tonight.”

  “I think they can be interviewed in the morning. We can’t let anyone leave the bed and breakfast until we’ve talked with all of them.” He looked at Kelly. “I wonder if she stayed down here by herself, or was someone with her?”