Dune House Cozy Mystery Boxed Set 2

by Cindy Bell

  “Hello hello? Is there someone who can get my things?”

  Suzie looked up with surprise. Priscilla Kane stood in the doorway with a large birdcage in one hand and a tiny glittering purse in the other. It looked like it was encrusted with diamonds. The same extravagance was reflected in the outfit she wore which was as colorful as it was expensive. Priscilla appeared to be in her early fifties, but Suzie knew that she was closer to sixty. She became interested in Priscilla when she found out that she was planning on building a resort in Garber and was staying at Dune House.

  “Ms. Kane, I apologize, I didn’t expect you so soon. I will go and get your things for you.”

  “Never mind that, just get me checked in. You can get my things once that’s settled.”

  “That will just take a moment.” Suzie pulled up Priscilla’s file on the computer and began entering in her arrival information. “Your room is all prepared for you. Breakfast is included with your stay. We can also provide lunch and dinner if you let us know. I’ve booked the room across the hall for your business partner.”

  “Oh dear, I’m not sure that I need to be that close to Runkin.”

  “I can switch his room if you’d like.” Suzie did her best to conceal her surprise. She assumed that they were friendly since they had booked the same place to stay, but working together and staying together might have become tedious. So far Priscilla’s visit was not going very well.

  “It’s fine. I’m sure he’ll keep himself occupied with the most expensive things he can. What time is dinner tonight?”

  “At six, but if you need to come later you’re welcome to. Dinner is available until seven-thirty.”

  “That’s very flexible of you. I’m sure I will have no problem being there by six. I’m going to take a little nap. The drive was a bit much for me.”

  “Of course.”

  “Please make sure that there is no draft in my room as I would not want my Benita to get sick.” She smiled at the bird through the bars of the cage.

  “We’ll make sure.” Suzie assured her. She peeked in through the bars of the birdcage at the parakeet. “She’s beautiful.”

  “Yes, she is. She talks, too.” Mary walked up to the desk as Priscilla continued to rave about her bird. “Although, sometimes I wish she didn’t repeat so much.” She rolled her eyes. “Let me tell you it’s caused some rather awkward moments.”

  “Really?” Mary’s smile widened. “I always wanted a bird as a pet.”

  “Oh no, no. She’s not a pet. She’s my family. It’s very important to me that she is well taken care of, understand?”

  “Yes, of course.” Suzie smiled to assure her. “We will treat her as if she is another guest.”

  “Thank you.” Priscilla sighed with relief. “Some people don’t understand, but Benita is the closest family I have.”

  “I’ll show you to your room if you would like.” Mary gestured down the side hallway.

  “I’ll go and get your things.” Suzie walked around the desk.

  “Wonderful.” Priscilla smiled.

  “Here, let me get Benita for you.” Mary reached for the cage.

  “No, no. Only I carry my Benita. Thank you.” She picked up the cage and followed after Mary. Suzie stepped outside to find Priscilla’s driver waiting beside the trunk.

  “Where can I place these?” He adjusted his cap.

  “If you’d like you can take them right into Priscilla’s room.”

  “No, I’m sorry. I’m not allowed to do that.”

  “Why not?” Suzie picked up one of the suitcases. It was not heavy.

  “Priscilla prefers that not many people are allowed into her living areas. When I drive her home I may leave things in the foyer, but I may not actually enter any further into the house.”

  “Isn’t that a little strange?”

  The middle-aged man lifted his shoulders in a mild shrug. “When you work with the very wealthy you get used to strange. I’d be happy to take them into the lobby for you.”

  “No, that’s quite all right. I’ll take them in. Are you staying nearby?”

  “Yes. A motel.” He nodded. “I will be available to Ms. Kane whenever she needs me.”

  “All right.” Suzie picked up the other suitcase which was also fairly light.

  “There’s one more thing.” He hauled out a hard shell overnight case. When Suzie tried to take it from him she nearly fell over. It was heavier than both of the suitcases. “Bird seed.”

  “Ah.” Suzie nodded. “I’ll come back for that.” She carried the suitcases to Priscilla’s room. She arrived just as Mary stepped out.

  “Oh, Priscilla wants to take a nap and not be disturbed until dinner.”

  “Okay, I just have one more bag to bring in.” Suzie hurried back to the front of Dune House just in time to see another car pull up. It was a flashy, bright orange sports car, the kind that she had only seen in the movies or on the cover of magazines.

  “Here’s Neil.” Priscilla’s driver grinned. “That’s my cue to leave.” He climbed into the car and drove off just as Neil opened his car door. He was a tall, clean-cut man. He appeared to be in his forties, the suit he wore was as simple as it was immaculate.

  “Hello.” He nodded to Suzie who struggled to hold on to the small, but very heavy bag.

  “Hello, Mr. Runkin, welcome to Dune House.”

  “Ah, I see that Priscilla remembered the bird seed.” He grimaced. “She’s always afraid that Benita is not getting enough to eat. No one seems to be able to get through to her that Benita is a bird not a person.”

  “Some people do consider their pets to be family.”

  “Sure.” He wiggled his eyebrows. “Family.”

  “Right this way, Mr. Runkin, I’ll be with you in just a moment.” She led him into the lobby, then left him at the front desk as she carried the last bag to Priscilla’s room. Mary passed her in the hallway.

  “Neil Runkin has arrived, can you check him in for me?”

  “Absolutely.” Mary held the door open for Suzie and cringed as Suzie heaved the bag into Priscilla’s room. Priscilla was already settled in her bed with a sleep mask to shield her eyes. Suzie hurried out of the room to avoid disturbing her. However, before she could pull the door closed behind her the bird in the cage began to shriek.

  “Nuts! Nuts!” Suzie shut the door with a shake of her head. “I hope she packed some ear plugs, too.”

  Suzie arrived at the desk just behind Mary. Neil was standing at the desk and before they could say a word he looked at Mary and started talking.

  “Good afternoon. I’d like a wake-up call, turn down service, and I will not be having dinner here.”

  Mary smiled. “Well, good afternoon to you, too, Mr. Runkin and welcome to Dune House.”

  “Yes, yes. I know all of what you intend to say. Please spare me and just show me to my room.”

  “As you wish.” Suzie stepped forward and nodded. “We can settle the paperwork later.” She led him to the room across the hall from Priscilla’s. “Priscilla Kane’s room is just across the hall,” Suzie said as she pointed to the door.

  “Oh good. I’ll be sure to look in on her. Thanks.” He pushed the door closed behind him. Suzie stood outside the door for a minute. She was accustomed to showing the guest around the room and answering any questions they might have. Mary met her at the end of the hallway.

  “I guess Neil isn’t the friendly type,” Mary said.

  “Yes, Priscilla was downright warm compared to him.” Suzie and Mary walked back to the front desk.

  “It certainly seems that way.”

  “Although, apparently Priscilla does have some strange ways according to her driver, but she did seem very nice. She didn’t ask for much at least.”

  “That’s true.” Mary frowned. “That doesn’t change how the town is going to receive her though.”

  “I’m afraid that you’re right about that. However, I hope that we can still show her a good time.”

 
“I still think we should be careful about how friendly we get with Priscilla. Suzie, you know if the deal goes through we’re going to have to choose a side.” Mary straightened some paperwork on the desk. “It doesn’t pay to be neutral.”

  “I didn’t expect this from you, Mary.” Suzie leaned against the desk.

  “It’s not just about what we feel, Suzie, it’s about how we show our support to the community. If the town doesn’t want the resort, and we show support to it, then the town is not going to want to support us.”

  Suzie sighed. “I guess you’re right about that. We’ll have to keep a close eye on things.”

  “Wes warned me that things could get ugly. He’s seen things like this create huge feuds in the community and residents become violent. He’s even seen the meetings erupt into the street.”

  “I think that’s a little extreme.”

  “I guess that we’ll see.” Mary straightened up.

  “That’s it for check-ins, right?” Suzie peered at the appointment book.

  “Yes, unless we have any last minute guests. We have a light load over the next few days. Wes and I are going to go to German tomorrow night instead of tonight so I’ll be here for dinner. I thought that we can have the leftover beef stew from yesterday and I’m also going to try a new soup. Do you think that will be all right?”

  “Yes, of course I do. I love your creations.”

  “Wonderful. I’ll just get some of the vegetables ready. Let me know if you need anything.”

  “I’m going to take a quick walk around the grounds to check on things, then I’ll be back in.”

  Suzie stepped out through the front door. She noticed that there were several cars passing Dune House. They drove slowly, but sped up when she appeared on the porch. Suzie looked towards the small town of Garber. The main street was lined with tiny, privately owned shops. The library was well-stocked but small. Even the police station was just large enough to look imposing. There was nothing grand about Garber, aside perhaps from Dune House. She tried to picture the massive resort, stretched along the majority of the beach. Maybe some would consider it progress, but she couldn’t imagine Garber being any other way than it was now.

  When Suzie stepped back inside she was greeted by the heady scent of soup. The flavorful aroma tickled all of her senses.

  “Oh Mary, that smells delicious!”

  “I think so, too.” A man’s voice drifted out of the kitchen. Suzie walked towards it.

  “Wes? Is that you?” Suzie asked.

  “It is.” Wes smiled and started to speak again, but his mouth was occupied when a spoon was thrust towards it.

  “Try it now, I added a few more spices,” Mary said.

  Wes savored the soup with a deep moan. “I don’t think it can get any better, Mary.”

  “Well, you’re wrong, it just needs to simmer a little while longer and then it will be perfect.”

  “I could get used to home-cooked meals.” Wes licked his lips. “Microwave dinners can’t compare now that I’ve tasted this.”

  Suzie eyed the pair as they shared a quick kiss. It warmed her heart to see such affection between them, but it also worried her just a smidgen. She hoped that Mary wouldn’t be in any rush to set up house with Wes. They might not have known each other terribly long, but they were quite comfortable with one another.

  “Are you joining us for dinner tonight, Wes?” Suzie peered into the soup pot.

  “No, I’m afraid I can’t. I’m due at work in half an hour.” Wes was a detective in the neighboring town of Parish.

  “I’m making him a container to take with him.” Mary smiled. “And some rolls, some stew, and some dessert.”

  “Aw.” Suzie winked. “You’re spoiling him, Mary.”

  “I don’t mind.” Wes grinned. “Though my waistline is starting to pay the price.”

  “You’re perfect.” Mary patted his stomach.

  “Thanks.” Wes’ cheeks flushed.

  “I’ll leave you two lovebirds alone and set the table. Did any of the guests opt in for dinner?”

  “Just Priscilla. I haven’t heard a peep out of Stewart, and Neil made it clear that he will not be eating here.”

  “That’s fine, more soup for us.” Suzie winked. She carried the dinner service tray out to the dining room table. As she set the table for three she could hear Mary and Wes chatting in the kitchen. A subtle squeeze in her chest reminded her that she missed Paul. It was a new feeling for her to long for a man. She smiled at the thought that he would be back soon. Sometimes the time away made the reunion that much sweeter. Once the table was set Suzie started back towards the kitchen. Mary and Wes passed her in the entrance.

  “I’m just going to walk Wes out to his car.”

  “Okay. Good night, Wes.”

  “Night Suzie. Enjoy the soup. I know I will.” He held up a brown paper bag. Suzie smiled and ducked into the kitchen.

  As Suzie washed a few of the dishes that Mary had used while making the soup she considered what a conversation with Priscilla might be like. She didn’t have to wait long to find out as Priscilla walked into the dining room a few minutes later with Benita in her cage.

  “I’m sorry, I know I’m early, but I just couldn’t wait any longer. I’ve been absolutely tortured by that scent. It is so divine.”

  “Well, there’s no reason why we can’t have dinner a little early. It will just be the three of us.”

  “Four!” Priscilla held up the birdcage with a smile.

  “Oh yes, of course, four.” Suzie smiled.

  While Suzie settled Priscilla at the table Mary began to serve the soup, along with bread, and a homemade cheese spread. Benita’s cage was perched on the chair right next to Priscilla.

  “Would you like some wine?” Suzie offered.

  “No, thanks.” Priscilla shook her head and then tasted a spoonful of the soup. “Oh, this is delicious. What is that flavor?”

  “Ginger.” Mary smiled. “It’s a new recipe I wanted to try. I hope you enjoy it.”

  “I do, very much.” Priscilla dipped her spoon back into the soup. “I’m so glad that I decided to stay here for dinner. Neil insisted on making a reservation at some five star place in Parish. I just have a hard time enjoying restaurant food over and over again. It’s really been a long time since I’ve had anything home-cooked.”

  “Mary’s meals are always delicious.” Suzie raised her glass of wine to her friend. “I promise you, you will never leave the table hungry.”

  “Speaking of hungry,” Mary said. “I’ll just dish up the stew.” She stood up and started spooning the stew onto three plates.

  “Thank you! This is like a feast,” Priscilla said as Mary placed a plate in front of her. “I have to say that I didn’t expect such a warm welcome.”

  “Oh?” Mary sipped her wine.

  “No, I’ve done this many times you know. I like to find small towns so I can help them grow. In each and every town there is resistance. This is the first time I’ve been treated like a guest rather than an invader. I really appreciate that.”

  “Well, we’re very happy to have you.” Suzie smiled. “Our first priority is providing a comfortable, warm environment for our guests.”

  “I’ll have to remember that motto for the resort. Too many people these days forget that a vacation is actually supposed to be a vacation with as little work as possible.”

  “That’s the truth.” Mary nodded. “We have some guests who arrive here with every minute of their vacation mapped out from start to finish. It amazes me that they aren’t more exhausted from their vacation than their regular work schedule.”

  “I don’t know, I’ve always enjoyed a good adventure.” Suzie gazed out through the double glass doors that led onto the deck. She wondered what kind of adventure Paul was having out there on the water. She enjoyed boats and she wanted to join him. “But I also love the quiet nights curled up in front of a fire with a good book.”

  “Oh yes.” Priscilla sighed
at the idea. “That I do love. Thank you, ladies, for the company, I guess I should turn in.”

  “There are books in the living room if you’d like to pick one out.” Mary smiled.

  “How lovely.” Priscilla picked up the birdcage.

  “Nuts! Nuts!” The bird squawked.

  “You’ll have to excuse her, she gets a little excited.” The bird continued to squawk as Priscilla disappeared down the hall. Suzie and Mary exchanged a look over the remainder of their stew.

  “I guess that Benita is more of a fan of nuts than ginger,” Suzie said.

  “Must be.” Mary grinned.

  Chapter 3

  The next morning was a busy one. Suzie prepared breakfast, while Mary tidied the rooms. Priscilla appeared in the kitchen just as Suzie stacked up a platter full of french toast.

  “Oh, that looks tasty!” Priscilla said as Neil stepped into the kitchen behind her.

  “You’re not really going to eat that are you?” Neil scrunched up his nose at the french toast that Suzie had prepared. “It’s loaded with sugar.”

  “It looks fantastic to me.” Priscilla smiled. “If you want to starve that’s your choice. I’m going to get a good breakfast under my belt before we start our community tour.”

  “Fine, fine.” Neil sat down beside her and reluctantly accepted a plate.

  “Thank you, Suzie.” Priscilla smiled at her as she picked up a fork, ready to dive in.

  “You’re very welcome.” Suzie offered a warm touch to the woman’s shoulder. Then she turned her attention to Neil. “I can assure you, Neil, I didn’t put too much sugar on the toast.”

  “Sure.” He pushed the toast around his plate.

  “Runkin, don’t be so rude.” Priscilla rolled her eyes. “If it isn’t made by a chef on television he thinks it isn’t worth eating.”

  “Well, I can tell you that I’ve never been on television, but this is my favorite kind of french toast. Mary taught me the recipe.”

  “I’m eating, aren’t I?” Neil shoved a forkful into his mouth. Suzie did her best not to be insulted by the grimace that swept over his face.