Dune House Cozy Mystery Boxed Set 2

by Cindy Bell

  “You believe him?”

  “It all adds up. At the moment Leanne is our best suspect.”

  “So, you have enough to arrest her?” Suzie asked.

  “Not yet, I’m just going to question her further, but it might lead to an arrest. She was in town at the time of the murder. She was seen with the victim not long before her death. She has all kinds of motive.”

  “But what about Stewart? He saw Priscilla return to Dune House alone,” Suzie said.

  “Stewart isn’t exactly a reliable witness. However, even if he did see her return alone, that doesn’t mean that Leanne didn’t meet her there. Also, I want to try and get a search warrant for Leanne’s room to see if there is any evidence that she was involved.” Suzie was relieved to hear that because if Jason could search the room then he would probably get to see the entries in Leanne’s datebook and he would have more evidence.

  “Is there any evidence in Priscilla’s phone records?”

  “No. She didn’t receive any calls that night. That’s the frustrating part. Stewart looked like the perfect culprit because he was right there. The only problem is, there’s no motive that we can find. He had nothing to gain from killing Priscilla. Even with his history of assault I find it hard to believe that he would kill Priscilla for fun.”

  “So, you’re not going to question him?”

  “Once we catch up with him we will. But I’m hoping to get enough information from Leanne to clear him entirely. I think this is one of the only murder cases where I’ve had so many good suspects. One of them did this, and I am determined to figure it out soon.”

  “You will!” Suzie said with confidence.

  “I hope so.” Jason frowned as he looked towards the church. Leanne exited alone with her gaze towards the ground. “Time to get to the bottom of all of this.” He strode towards Leanne. Suzie followed right behind him. She wanted to see Leanne’s reaction.

  “Leanne Kay, I need to take you in for further questioning concerning the murder of Priscilla Kane.”

  “What?” Leanne looked from Jason to Suzie. “You think I had something to do with the murder. That’s not true. You can’t accuse me of something that isn’t true. You can’t.”

  Mary walked up beside Suzie. “What’s going on?”

  Suzie pulled her back slightly and shushed her.

  “Ms. Kay, I am not accusing you of anything, I just want to get to the bottom of this. It would be best if you cooperate.” Jason met her eyes. “I don’t want to have to forcibly bring you in for questioning. I don’t want to have to handcuff you here. If you come with me willingly, I won’t have to.”

  “How can you do this to me? How could you think that I would kill my own mother?” Leanne looked into Suzie’s eyes. “I wouldn’t do that. You know that I wouldn’t. You have to know.”

  Suzie glanced away from her. Jason led Leanne away. When they reached the patrol car Leanne turned back to look at Suzie again.

  “The bird. She is still at the motel. Please, will you take care of Benita? If anything happens to that bird I will have really failed my mother.”

  “We’ll take care of her, Leanne.” Mary offered her a sympathetic smile. “We’ll make sure that she’s safe.”

  “Let’s go.” Jason guided her into the car.

  “Why did you say that we would take care of that bird?” Suzie looked over at her.

  “Because we will. Someone needs to. Dune House could use a pet, even if it’s not permanent.” Mary frowned. “If Leanne didn’t do this she’ll be out to take her back. It’s the least we can offer, Suzie.”

  “Do you really think we should be offering her anything?” Suzie crossed her arms. “She killed her own mother.”

  “Allegedly.” Mary shook her head. Wes walked up to both of them. He put a hand on Mary’s shoulder. “It’s not the bird’s fault.”

  “Are you okay?” Wes asked.

  “I will be,” Mary said.

  “Suzie?” Wes looked at her.

  “I’m okay.” Suzie closed her eyes. “I just can’t believe that a daughter could do that to her mother.”

  “It is a tragic case.” Wes frowned as Paul walked over to them.

  “Where have you been?” Suzie looked at Paul with surprise. “You missed the entire ceremony.”

  “I’m sorry. Wes and I were having a conversation with Jason.”

  “The three of you?” Mary looked at them both. “About what?”

  “Uh, well, that’s personal.” Wes cleared his throat.

  “Yes. It was boy talk.” Paul winked at Suzie. Suzie’s throat grew dry. Was Paul talking to them about the ring? She hoped that wasn’t the case.

  “Can we go home now?” Mary leaned her head against Wes’ shoulder. “This day has worn me out, I think I need a little beach time.”

  “Anytime.” He wrapped his arm around her waist. “Suzie, will you join us on the beach?”

  “I don’t think so.” Suzie met Paul’s eyes. “Something about this case has left me on edge. I think I just need some time to think it all through.”

  “I’ve seen it far too many times. When it comes to murder within the family there is never anything but sadness.” Wes drew his lips into a tight line.

  “I couldn’t imagine either of my children ever being angry enough at me to cause me harm.” Mary sighed. “It breaks my heart to think that things were so horrible between Leanne and Priscilla.”

  “Love can make you do the strangest things.” Suzie sighed.

  “No, it can’t, Suzie.” Paul took her hand in his. “Love doesn’t make you do that. Hate, resentment, anger, can all make you do that. But love never makes you do that.”

  “Maybe. But not everyone is cut out for love, or uh, marriage,” Suzie said.

  Mary cleared her throat. Paul narrowed his eyes. Wes let out a quiet whistle. “I guess we’d better get going,” Wes said.

  “Suzie, I have my car if you want to ride with me.” Paul gave her hand a light squeeze. “We could get lunch, or take a walk.”

  “Oh no, thanks Paul. I think I just need a little time to myself.” Paul held her gaze for a long moment.

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yes, I’m sorry. You don’t mind do you?”

  He studied her. “If that’s what you want, I don’t mind.”

  “Great.” Suzie smiled. Despite Paul’s flexible response she detected a hint of frustration in his voice. A twinge of guilt summoned a subtle ache in her heart, but it didn’t make her change her mind. “Thanks Paul.” She leaned close and kissed his cheek. As she walked back towards the car she could feel Paul’s eyes trained on her back. Her stomach twisted with regret. The last thing she wanted to do was hurt Paul. But she had no idea what she would say when he popped the question. She hoped that if she kept avoiding being alone with him she’d come up with the perfect response. Once they were in the car together with Wes, Mary glanced over at her.

  “Are you okay, Suzie?”

  “Sure.” Suzie kept her eyes on the road.

  “It just seems like maybe you’re having a hard time with something.”

  “Mary, I’m fine.”

  “You don’t seem fine. Does she seem fine to you, Wes?” Mary looked in the backseat at Wes.

  “Uh, I, well.” Wes frowned.

  “I’m fine, really. I’m just nervous I guess.”

  “Nervous about what?” Mary asked.

  “I found something on Paul’s boat. An engagement ring. You were right, Mary, I think he’s going to propose.”

  Wes coughed in the backseat.

  “And you really don’t want that do you?” Mary frowned.

  “No. Honestly, I’ve tried to get used to the idea, to open my mind to it, but it’s just not the right thing for me.”

  “So, just tell him that, Suzie. Paul will understand.”

  “Would you understand, Wes?” Suzie looked in the rearview mirror at him. Wes’ cheeks were red. He looked away from her.

  “How I would r
eact doesn’t matter. But Paul seems like the type of guy that respects honesty. I think the hardest thing for a man is to be lied to by someone he trusts. So, if you want my opinion, I agree with Mary, you should just tell him. I’m sure if you two talk it through things will clear right up.”

  “Maybe.” Suzie bit into her bottom lip. She wasn’t prepared to get married, but she really wasn’t prepared to lose Paul.

  Chapter 17

  When Suzie, Mary and Wes pulled up to Dune House there was a car in the parking lot that Suzie didn’t recognize.

  “I wonder who that is.” Suzie parked the car and stepped out. As the three approached Dune House Suzie saw that the door was open. Her heart pounded. Had she left it open? She didn’t think so.

  “Mary, didn’t we lock up when we left?”

  “I’m not sure.” Mary frowned.

  “Let me go in first.” Wes pushed past the two women and jogged up the steps and across the porch. Suzie and Mary hurried after him. When Wes stepped inside a man at the front desk turned around with a frown.

  “Do you work here? I’ve been waiting here forever.”

  Suzie moved past Wes. The man was tall, thin, and carried a soft-sided briefcase. He didn’t appear to be a threat, but Suzie knew better than to judge a person by looks.

  “Excuse me, can anyone help me here?” He tapped his palm on the desk. “Does anyone even work here?”

  “I’m sorry I’ll be right there.” Suzie left Mary and Wes and walked up to the front desk. “I apologize, we weren’t expecting another guest.”

  “I’m not a guest. I’m here on behalf of Priscilla Kane’s estate. I’m her real estate lawyer. I need to get the paperwork that was in her possession.”

  “I’m sure you’re aware of what happened to Priscilla?” Suzie said.

  “I am. It’s quite unfortunate. But the deal stands. I was awaiting the fax of the final signed paperwork. Since she obviously can’t fax it now I need to get the paperwork from her room.”

  “What about her daughter?” Suzie frowned. “Shouldn’t she be the one to handle all of this?”

  “Absolutely not. She would never agree to the deal. As long as the paperwork is signed the deal stands. Now, please let me retrieve it from the room.”

  “The police should have all the paperwork,” Suzie said.

  “Well, they don’t have this particular piece, so it must still be in her room. So, you must let me get it,” he said with authority.

  Suzie glanced over at Mary and Wes. She knew that the locals would be infuriated if the deal stood despite Priscilla’s death. She felt uneasy as she looked up at the man before her.

  “I’ll need some proof of identity.”

  “Sure.” He pulled his wallet out of his back pocket and withdrew his driver’s license. “There you are. Now?”

  “I’ll just need to make a copy.” She carried the license with her as she walked over to Wes and Mary. “It looks like there’s been a wrinkle. This man, Tyler Grants is here to pick up the paperwork to finalize the deal.”

  “But how can he do that if Priscilla is dead?” Mary’s eyes widened.

  “As long as the paperwork is signed then the deal stands.” Suzie shook her head.

  “The police should have it in evidence,” Wes said.

  “Apparently, they don’t,” Suzie said. “I’m trying to stall him, but there’s nothing that I can do about it.”

  “We could get to the paperwork first and hide it, or burn it even,” Mary suggested.

  “No.” Wes put his hand on Mary’s shoulder. “You can’t do that, Mary. If you do you, Suzie, and Dune House could be sued. It’s not something you should risk.”

  “Then what? Garber is going to be destroyed after all?” Mary asked.

  “I doubt it’s in the room if the police didn’t find it. Even if it is maybe she didn’t sign the paperwork.” Wes shrugged. “Maybe Leanne was telling the truth and she had a change of heart.”

  “Maybe. But I doubt it. Priscilla was quite confident in her decision the last time I spoke with her. I’m sure the paperwork was ready to go. That is even more reason why Leanne would have taken drastic action to protect the seabirds,” Suzie said. “Maybe Priscilla told her that the deal was done and Leanne thought the only option was to kill her mother.”

  “Then she obviously didn’t know that it wouldn’t matter.” Mary frowned. “All right. I’ll show him to the room. Wes, will you accompany me?”

  “Yes, of course.”

  “I’m going to go to the motel and get Benita,” Suzie said. “I’m sure that no one has tended to her, and since you’ve decided she’s our new, or at least temporary, mascot, we’re going to want her to be healthy.”

  “Thanks Suzie.” Mary smiled. Suzie grabbed her purse and headed for the door.

  As she walked to the car she thought about the shock in Leanne’s eyes when she had found out that her mother had been murdered. It bothered her. It wasn’t something that could be easily faked. But if her reaction had been genuine then could that mean that Leanne was innocent?

  The entire drive to the motel Suzie thought through what she knew about the murder. Leanne had motive to murder her mother. She expressed her hatred openly. On the night of her death, Leanne was with her for a considerable amount of time. When Priscilla left the restaurant she looked drunk, but maybe that was because Leanne drugged her or maybe simply because of her broken heel. The one piece of the puzzle that didn’t fit was how Leanne got her mother’s body out of Dune House. Suzie parked the car in front of Leanne’s room, but when she got out, she headed straight for the office. She gave the bell on the front desk two sharp swats. The tinny sound summoned Maurice from the back room.

  “You again. Come to accuse me of yet another murder?”

  “No, not at all. I’m here to collect Benita. I need the key to Leanne’s room, please.”

  “You have a warrant?” Maurice sucked his teeth.

  “Maurice, I really don’t have time for this. I need to get to the bird before it croaks.”

  “All right. I don’t want to have to deal with that.” He snatched a key from behind the desk and handed it over. “I know what’s in there, so no stealing.”

  “What’s in there?” Suzie clutched the key tightly in her hand.

  “Towels, soap.” He shrugged.

  “Oh, okay. I’ll try to restrain myself.” Suzie smirked and shook her head as she walked away. When she returned to Leanne’s room she slid the key into the lock. It was a lot easier than climbing in through the window that was for sure. She turned the knob and stepped inside. She left the door open so that it would be easy to carry the cage back through the door. As soon as she walked in Benita began to chirp.

  “Pumpkin!”

  “Yes, I know, Pumpkin’s with the police.” Suzie peered through the bars of the cage at the bird. “Let’s get you home.” She started to pick up the cage, but noticed that the bird’s water bottle was empty. She opened the door of the cage and pulled out the water bottle. As she did her cell phone rang. She paused and pulled her phone out of her pocket. She saw that it was Mary calling.

  “Hello?”

  “Suzie, I know you’re getting Benita, but I wanted to let you know what we found.”

  “What is it?”

  “The paperwork Priscilla was supposed to fax to her lawyer was found in evidence. Jason managed to locate it. After the lawyer couldn’t find it in her room he called the police again. It was tucked away in a special section of her laptop case that the police didn’t notice so they didn’t find it originally. But the lawyer was determined it had to be somewhere. After the lawyer told Jason about the compartment he found it. All of the documents she signed were crossed out.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I mean the paperwork was ready to go to finalize the deal, but Priscilla crossed it all out making it invalid.”

  “Are you sure it was Priscilla?”

  “She left her initials on each page. It’s possible
they were faked, but if they were, why would Leanne make the paperwork so difficult to find?”

  “So, you think Leanne was telling the truth about her mother having a change of heart?”

  “It sure seems that way. If Leanne was able to convince her mother to change her mind, then why would she kill her mother?”

  “That wouldn’t make any sense at all. I think you might be right,” Suzie said. “Maybe she had nothing to do with her mother’s death after all.”

  “Maybe. Are you headed back to Dune House?”

  “Not just yet. I am refilling Benita’s water and then I’ll be on my way. Poor Leanne. If this is true she’s been arrested in error.”

  “I know. Hopefully Jason will think this is enough to release her.”

  “If it’s not Leanne then Jason will have to look at the other suspects.”

  “I think we need to look more closely at one person.”

  “Who?” Mary didn’t answer. “Mary?” When Mary didn’t respond Suzie looked at her phone. She saw that the call had dropped. With a sigh she set down her phone on the table beside the birdcage. She was better off getting back to Dune House and discussing things with Mary there. She walked over to the sink to fill the water bottle. When she turned on the water Benita began to shriek.

  “Relax Benita, I’m getting it right now.” Suzie shook her head. “I don’t think I’m a bird person.”

  Her mind returned to the information that Mary had just given her. If the killer wasn’t Leanne, then who was it? Who would lose the most if the resort didn’t go ahead?

  When Suzie turned back towards the cage a shadow fell across the room. It drew her attention to the window. For an instant she froze as a sensation coursed through her of being watched. The water bottle fell onto the floor. Benita shrieked even louder. Suzie was sure that she saw someone duck away from the window. Were they looking for Leanne or had she been followed by the real killer? She hurried out of the motel room to try to catch whoever peeked in the window. Maybe if she did she could find the final piece of the puzzle and save Jason the headache. Who had something against Priscilla? The driver?