Painted Spirits: A Chocolate Magic Cozy Mystery - Book 7

by Olivia Swift

  Ava came through the cellar double doors and handed Magda some papers and photos.

  “My gran says these are designs of this tribe. They were well known for the items they sold. They don’t live in any reservation or group nowadays but there are still several people in the area that were part of the tribe. Lots of them lived over by Jennington township and there are still quite a few in that area.”

  “She didn’t know about any outstanding horse rider and breeder by any chance?”

  Ava shook her head.

  “Sorry.”

  “Thanks for these pictures. They will be useful,” Magda said and handed some to Rula to look at.

  Magda told her what she and Sam had thought the night before and called Branston to see if he could compile a list of breeders or horse owners who might know how their stock was bred.

  “Sam and I will do some hunting on ancestry sites and if I send the new information from Ava, Bart might be able to search in the Jennington area.”

  “Can you scan the papers from Ava and send them to all of us - especially Chloe and Declan. It might just be that the materials are similar to what Maiya was wearing.”

  “Good thinking, cousin. Gotta go. Customers. See you Sunday.”

  The café was a hive of activity for the entire morning and it wasn’t until Sam and Declan came for their midday meal that she had time to hand over the photos and ask them to send them to everyone. Sam fed his daughter and held her on his knee, and it was Declan who went through the papers that Ava had brought.

  “Sam,” he said and handed over a picture. “I could swear that was the pattern on the material of Maiya’s dress.”

  “Send it to Chloe and see if she says the same,” Magda requested.

  Declan sent off the pictures to everyone and then went to see how the gallery was doing. He freed up Mikey to go to his own shop and told Katie about the dress material. Ava was doing a good trade with several folks wandering around her stall. In fact, the exhibition was a huge success and several stallholders had asked when the next one would be.

  He and Sam had a small job to do in the afternoon and went off as the rush was easing off. Jay had left the twenty frames plus a spare one for Shelby for the art display the following week and Katie paid him for them out of petty cash where she made a note and thanked him.

  “Had a wonderful week. Thanks. Let me know if there’s another.” The others more or less said the same and packed up their boxes. Katie took the frames upstairs and started to put the pictures into them.

  “My oh my,” she said. “They look wonderful.” She stood them along a shelf and then stepped back to look at them. She suddenly felt as if Declan had come back and was standing behind her looking at them as well.

  14

  She turned around but there was nobody there. She felt a warm touch like a cobweb on her face and heard the sound of a horse nickering quietly. Katie had never seen a spirit, but she was married to a man who saw them every day. She had learned to trust the feelings that surfaced.

  “If that’s you Cody, these are superb. I hope we find the children of your children.” A breeze wafted through the room. Magda had appeared in the doorway. Katie smiled.

  “Wasn’t talking to myself. I just thought that Cody Jones was looking at them as well.”

  “He must have been so proud of them. They will sell like hot cakes.”

  “I think we need another craft exhibition soon. The stallholders were really keen,” Katie said.

  “It has been a good week. The café also has done well and Mikey said the camping shop has had more business than usual.”

  “I sure need a day to relax on Saturday,” Katie added. “One lazy day, I think.”

  They closed up the place and left the cleaning until Monday morning. They had all decided at the beginning of the week they would be closed tomorrow, Saturday. Signs were posted around so that customers and visitors would be aware of the change in schedule. Everyone and everything had been moving at great speed and it was agreed they needed a ‘chill out’ day. Those who were meeting up at the ranch said they would see each other soon. After one last look, Magda closed the café gates. She always felt the same little thrill when she saw her colorful little café. Samantha was popped into her car seat.

  When they arrived home, they found the cats asleep in a heap and no messages or broken picture frames.

  Mmm, Crystal is very quiet these days, Magda thought. “Is that a good thing or a bad thing, my precious little girl?” she said out loud. The baby was ready for her dinner, so Magda did that before anything else then placed the little one in a playpen. She had slid something into the oven for herself and Sam and while she was waiting for it to heat up, she grabbed her tablet and brought up her favorite ancestry website.

  She put in Shelby’s name and Jennington township as search words, but nothing came up. Then she went back to Google and searched for famous horse riders in Jennington. Painted ponies in Jennington was another search phrase. The search kept changing her spelling to Ryder instead of rider and it was annoying. It gave her someone called Gladman Ryder, but he was a timber merchant and there was an obituary from when he passed away. She had just given up when Sam came in the door. The meal was ready, so they ate together as the little one played. Afterward they sat on the sofa watching television with Samantha between them. Magda felt her eyes closing.

  “It’s been a busy week,” she said and yawned. “Busy but good.”

  “An early night, I think, or you might go to sleep on Jessie on Sunday,” Sam said. They bathed the baby and settled her for the night and turned on the baby monitor. Magda was glad to slide into bed. She settled into Sam’s arms and thought how lucky she was.

  They enjoyed a lazy Sunday morning and then packed whatever Samantha would need for a visit to Auntie Merle. Rula was already there and bouncing with excitement. Mikey was more restrained because he was still getting used to being on a horse. Branston had him up on Baron in the paddock and was giving him some instruction. Chloe arrived with Shelby and they unloaded Merlin from the trailer.

  It was a hive of activity as the horses were saddled. Merle waved them off as she held Samantha in her arms.

  Magda rode alongside Rula.

  “Like the old days,” she grinned and set off at a canter. Rula kicked Beryl into action and then Chloe could not resist chasing and overtaking them. The men all stayed at a gentler pace to stick with Mikey who said he would try a little trot when Branston suggested it. Sam was happy to walk along and bring up the rear.

  Rula shouted that Mikey was doing great as the girls had another race. They reached the lakeside and Branston challenged Chloe to some practice games. The others sat and watched and enjoyed the scenery.

  When they came back, Branston said that he had been asked to give a demonstration at the rodeo.

  “Wow, that’s fantastic,” Chloe said and was stunned when he asked if she would like to be part of it. She looked at Shelby.

  “Will Mom let me?” she asked. He grinned.

  “I’ll back you up,” he said.

  “And get some sketches of the exhibition,” Magda added.

  Branston told her that it was the things they had been doing anyway and they would work out a list of what to do.

  “Oh, that’s just wonderful,” the girl said.

  “I tried looking for a clue as to where Cody Jones had gone last night but didn’t find anything,” Magda said. “I was looking at Jennington township after Ava said the designs were from that area. Declan thought that the photos from Ava showed the same sort of design as the dress worn by Maiya.”

  “Did you find anything?” Shelby asked.

  She shook her head and said that the search kept giving her Ryder spelled with a Y when she searched famous horse riders.

  “There was Gladman Ryder, but he was a timber merchant and he died.”

  “I know a Gladman Ryder-James,” Branston said. “He used to ride once upon a time. He must be in his forties now. W
hen I think about it, his son was like Chloe and a great rider at a young age. The lad must be about sixteen now.”

  “Did he come from the Jennington area?” Magda queried and Branston nodded as he thought about it.

  “Are you thinking that it might be a connection?” Shelby questioned.

  “It was the only thing that came up when I looked for horse connections. I used your name Shelby in the ancestry site, but nothing appeared other than your own family.”

  “Would you be able to get in touch with the Ryder man?” Sam asked. “He might know more about that area if nothing else.”

  “I’ll try and find a number for him later,” Branston said.

  Rula, Magda, and Chloe all went for a further ride along the shore of the lake with the men deciding to have a lazy time and sit on the grass admiring the view.

  The girls arrived back with hair flying and had obviously enjoyed themselves. Rula said that Beryl was fantastic, and she just had to have the stable done soon so that she could see the mare every day. She went over and gave Baron a pat as well and then found a stone to use as a step up and took the big gelding for a short ride. Shelby climbed on board the horse he was using and caught up to her.

  “It’ll be fantastic to think that you will have these horses in the very stable my great-grandfather used.”

  “Can’t wait,” Rula answered. “Race you back.” She kicked the big gelding and he proved there was still life in a quiet horse as he stretched his legs in response.

  “He’s a lovely horse, Branston,” she said. “Thanks.”

  The whole group made their way back to the ranch and rubbed down the horses. Sam made a call to Katie’s dad when he had led the horse into the corral. Then he came over and told Rula that the gang was coming to lay the concrete floor the next day.

  “Whoop, whoop, whoop,” she yelled and kissed Sam on the cheek.

  Magda laughed and told her to stay at home until she saw everything was underway.

  “We can open up without you for once.”

  “Fantastic,” Rula cried. “What great friends I have.” Mikey shook his head and told Branston that he would pay for the horses. The two went off to the main house and the others followed slowly.

  “Will there be another séance?” Chloe asked.

  “Take at least four days for the floor to be ready to walk on,” Sam told her.

  “After that, I bet we all want to see Cody again,” Magda told her. Branston reappeared and told Chloe he would be in touch about the program for the display. She did a little happy dance and climbed into the cab of the horse trailer. Shelby drove away. Magda collected her daughter from Merle.

  “I’ll talk to Ryder-James and see what he says,” Branston told Magda. “I’ll let you know.”

  “Did you enjoy riding?” Sam asked as they drove away.

  “Loved it.”

  “And are you jealous that Rula gets to have her horses at home?” He glanced across and knew he had spotted the little niggle. He knew his wife so well.

  “I can’t get anything past you, can I? But I love Jessie and Branston will look after her for me.”

  Wrapping up another fantastic Sunday evening, they fed the baby and ate something themselves. Just as they were finishing, the cell phone rang and Magda answered.

  “News, cousin mine,” Branston said. “Wait for this and put it on speakerphone.” She signaled to Sam to listen. “You ready?” Branston asked. She said that she was and he should get on with it.

  “Gladman Ryder-James is the great-grandson of Goodie Ryder. His mother was the descendent and wanted to keep the Ryder connection, so she became Ryder-James. Her father and grandfather were both named Ryder and Goodie Ryder was married to a native girl … and,” he paused for dramatic effect, “he bred and rode painted ponies and they still have some of the stock.”

  “Oh, my Lord,” Magda said. “Does he think it’s the man we were searching for?”

  “Yes. Their family always did know the story of Cody Jones and Goodie Ryder was the name that Cody Jones took when he and Maiya moved away.”

  “That’s unbelievable,” Sam joined in. “We have managed to find the two strains of the family that connect to Rula’s stable.”

  Gladman was really excited about the stable and what we have been doing. His son is keeping on the family riding skills and wants to breed horses again. He’s desperate to meet us all and see the stable.”

  “Concrete won’t be set until Thursday,” Sam added.

  “Have you told Rula?” Magda asked. He said that he would call her and pass the information on. They ended the call and Magda looked at Sam.

  “The whole story will come together because their family knows about it. How wonderful.”

  “I wonder how Cody will react. No doubt that we need another séance,” Sam said.

  15

  Magda sent messages to everyone and they all answered almost immediately and were hugely excited.

  “Can we meet them?” Chloe texted.

  “Branston thinks so,” Magda texted back. “Case of when we can get away. Next Sunday might be the only time we’re free to go. Maybe a séance on Friday after the floor has hardened.”

  Bart said that he had found the connection in the Jennington area records and was sending it to everyone. Rula called Magda and the two of them talked about the descendants of the families who had been best friends and horse breeders.

  “Shelby’s great-grandfather must have always known where they were. I wonder if the Ryder family knows about the bones that were found,” Rula said. “I can’t wait to see if Cody will appear and admit that we have found the family.”

  “Get the floor laid tomorrow and we can have a séance on Friday evening. Then Branston can see if we can meet up with the Ryder people somewhere. Jennington is about sixty miles away.”

  “I’ll come in as soon as the men know where they are working. Ooh, Beryl and Baron will soon have a new home.”

  “And Goodie Ryder to keep an eye on them,” Magda laughed.

  Magda and Sam sat and continued talking about what was transpiring as well as the various upcoming events.

  Monday was an early start. Magda knew that there would be cleaning up to do after the craft exhibition and if she did the clearing, Katie could start hanging pictures. She switched everything on and served the few early bird customers who came for their on-the-way-to-work coffee. Rita arrived and took over the serving. Magda went to relieve Katie. Mikey had stayed with Rula to see the start of the stable.

  “Let me do the clearing and cleaning and you can set up the exhibition,” she told Katie. “Bart is giving it a push today and hoping for visitors tomorrow.”

  “So exciting to hear about the name Cody Jones took,” Katie said. “Are we having a séance to see how he reacts?”

  “Friday evening,” Magda said as she opened a plastic bag to take the trash. She sprayed and wiped the surfaces and watched as Katie expertly set up a totally different experience from the busy one that the craft people had generated.

  “They’re just gorgeous,” she said as they stood back to look.

  “Shelby needs to do so little to say so much. I love it,” Katie added.

  Magda left her to it and went back to help Rita as the morning rush grew. Rula arrived and joined in as Bart came and slid onto his favorite stool.

  “Friday night séance and maybe Sunday to meet the Ryder-James people,” Magda said and handed him his usual coffee.

  “I’m longing to hear what stories have been handed down in their family. The family of Shelby kept everything quiet to protect their friend.”

  “I think Shelby will be over soon to see how the pictures look,” Magda said. “Have a look as you go out. They’re beautiful.”

  Rula and Mikey arrived together and were really excited.

  “Katie’s dad says the boards will take time, but the concrete is easy on one flat surface. He says it will be finished by lunchtime, but we mustn’t test it until Thursday,” Rula
told them as she put on her white work coat. Mikey went to check to see if Katie needed any help before going to make sure the camping shop was fine. His staff was good at keeping the place going.

  Shelby arrived at the gallery and Katie stopped to ask him if he was happy with what she was doing.

  “It’s the artist’s choice about how work is displayed,” she told him.

  He only wanted his favorite painting in a more prominent position. They moved it and he told her that the overall design looked great. She had made a special display of the painted ponies. It was already catching the eye of all of them.

  Bart came to look at the display and showed Shelby what was going in the paper later in the day.

  “The story of your family being related to Cody Jones should bring people in.”

  “Fame at last,” Shelby grinned.

  “Can you spare some time each day to sign prints and things?” Katie asked.

  “Afternoons,” he told her. “Dad needs me in the mornings. I’ll come back about two o’clock.”

  Bart said that he would add that to the article to say the artist would be in residence to sign prints from two until four each day. Then he left for work. Shelby also left saying he would be back, and Katie asked Magda to stay for a few minutes so that she could pop over to the café to get a hot chocolate.

  Magda slowly walked around the display to take it all in. She stopped in front of the cowboy picture and smiled.

  “Mornin’, Cody Jones,” she murmured. “The ponies look wonderful.” As she spoke, one of them slipped slightly. She smiled and straightened it. “Enjoy it, Goodie Ryder,” she added as Katie came back.

  “You talking to yourself?”

  “Just telling Cody that the ponies look great.”

  The café was not quite as busy as it had been with the craft exhibition but that was a bit of a relief. Samantha was picked up from her playpen as Sam and Declan came in for their noon meal. Declan went to see Katie. He came back grinning and told them that Cody was standing in the corner watching the exhibition.