by Essie Lang
“I hope you have time for a few questions,” he began. “I won’t take up much of your time, but I need to talk to you while yesterday’s events are fresh in your mind.” He glanced around the store as he took off his police hat and laid it on the counter. His hair was much shorter than she’d thought, almost an old-fashioned buzz cut. Maybe he had some military background. “I thought you’d prefer doing it here rather than taking time out this morning to come in to the station. Even though I know you have capable staff.” He ended with a smile, and Shelby couldn’t help but relax and smile back.
“That’s fine, but you do know we open at ten.” She quieted her hands, hoping not to sound or look too perturbed.
He nodded and pulled out his notebook. He looked much like he had the day before, hat in his hand and dark-brown hair with obvious graying at the temples. There was no smile, either. The notebook looked like the pages were slowly detaching from the spiral binding. “I just wanted to clarify the times yesterday. You say you went for a short walk around the island before the shuttle was due to arrive at four PM?”
“That’s right. It usually gives a long toot as it’s getting close to docking, so I thought I’d have time to hurry back when I heard that. Of course, you know all about the horn, don’t you?”
He didn’t answer but came back with his own question. “Tell me again about the walk. Where did you go? What did you see?”
Shelby thought back, wanting to make sure she included all the same details she had yesterday, and more if they came to her. “I walked out the front entrance and took the stone walkway to the left, hooking around the castle and leading down the hill on the side. When it intersected with the path from the dock, I turned left and followed it into the woods. I’d been on it a couple of minutes when I heard a branch snap, and out of the corner of my eye saw a flash of red off to the left. Nothing else happened, so I continued walking to the grotto, and that’s when I heard a boat engine, so I glanced out to the river but didn’t see a boat. Inside the grotto, there were waves splashing along the sides as the wake from the boat came in. I looked down and saw Loreena. I backed out screaming and Matthew came running over shortly after.”
“How did you know it was Loreena Swan? She was floating facedown.”
“Because I recognized what she was wearing. It was the same blouse she’d had on earlier in the day.”
“When you had your run-in with her?”
Shelby swallowed hard and nodded. How did he know about that? She was certain it hadn’t been mentioned yesterday.
Guthrie was eyeing her closely as she nodded. “Okay. Can you be more specific as to how long it took Matthew Kessler to reach you?”
She thought carefully, reliving it in her mind. “No more than a minute, I’d say.”
Shelby definitely felt uncomfortable under his gaze, but she couldn’t think of a thing to add. Or say. Finally, he flipped his notebook shut and stuffed it into his shirt pocket.
“Thank you, Ms. Cox. I’ll be working out of Chief Stone’s office for today, and I do need you to come by after you finish up here today to make a formal statement.”
Shelby nodded. “Not a problem.”
He nodded as he stuck his hat back on and left.
Taylor joined Shelby at the counter.
“I hope you didn’t mind my sticking around. I do tend to get a bit nosy.”
“I’ve been accused of that myself. By my dad.” She took a deep breath. “Did I look as scared as I felt?”
Taylor looked startled. “Not in the slightest. Why were you scared?” She opened the box of cupcakes that had been set on a small table temporarily placed next to the cash register to hold the food offerings for customers.
“I don’t know. I guess it was like being sent to the principal’s office as a kid.”
“I can’t imagine that happened to you too often,” she said with a warm smile.
Shelby shook her head, returning the smile. “Not often, but my dad made sure I learned my lesson from it.” Tell her more, a little voice at the back of her head said. She could turn into a friend. “My dad had high expectations of me in the behavior department.”
“What about your mom?”
“It was just Dad and me. My mom died when I was three.”
“Oh, gosh, I’m sorry. That must have been hard, growing up without a mom.”
Shelby hesitated. She didn’t usually talk about herself so much, but she had made the decision to be more open to making new friends. “At times, but my dad did his best to play both roles. It must have been tough on him,” she continued with a wistful smile. “He died three years ago.”
“So now there’s your Aunt Edie and you. Any other siblings?”
“Yes and no, in that order. I haven’t seen much of Aunt Edie over the years because, although I was born here, we moved to Boston when I was young, but I’m hoping to make up for missed time. And I’m an only child.”
“Edie’s pretty special. I really appreciate that she offered me a job even though I had no retail experience. And even better, that she allowed me to choose my schedule.” She paused, looking thoughtful. “I do love reading, though.”
“I’d say that’s a top priority in this job. To tell the truth, I don’t have a retail background either.”
“You don’t? I guess I assumed that since you’re part owner, you had been in the business. What did you do before moving here?”
“I was an editor at a very small regional press, Masspike, in Lenox, Massachusetts.”
“Wow, I’ll bet that was fun. So, you’ve got the literary background, anyway.”
“Same as you.”
Taylor smiled just as the horn on the tourist boat sounded. “Guess we’re open for business. The first hour will probably be the busiest once the tourists check their gift bags and find a certificate from the bookstore. It’s really clever of the Heritage committee to hand out a gift bag to everyone on the first boatload on opening day.”
“I’m tempted to ask for one myself, just to make use of some of the bargains that the village stores have contributed,” Shelby said, then quickly added, “But don’t worry, I wouldn’t do that.”
Taylor laughed. “I’ve thought about it too, in the past. It’s about that time. I’ll check on the coffee and open the door.
Shelby took a deep breath. “Bring it on!”
Chapter Seven
The first hour had been staggeringly busy, as Taylor had predicted, and Shelby felt she needed a breather once the crowds had dwindled. She checked with Taylor, who assured her everything would run smoothly for however long Shelby stepped out. It was just the encouragement she needed. She left through the front door of the castle and slowly walked down the wide stone stairs, focused on what lay in front of her.
The lawn had been decked out in streamers with helium balloons strung from the trees. Several white tents, their sides rolled up, had been staged at various intervals near the gazebo, the Sugar Shack, and the upper patio. These all had small square tables for four and chairs, begging merrymakers to stop a while and enjoy the scenery and the food. A couple of the tents showcased fresh baked goods and small takeaway meals prepared by businesses in Alexandria Bay. And those who chose to take a break, along with a drink and some food, would be treated to the breathtaking view of rolling green lawn and the somewhat choppy river surrounding Blye Island.
For those with good binoculars, there were glimpses of the surrounding islands, some with mansions visible, and of course, the mainland with its array of hotels and green space. Shelby realized it all took her breath away. But not as much as the castle itself did.
She could hear the string quartet, which was located on the patio. They were playing Vivaldi’s “Spring,” appropriate for sure. At least she thought that was what they were playing. Titles, except those on books, had never been her strong point. Later she planned to take a walk to the Sugar Shack, the outdoor coffee and snack shop down by the wharf. When she’d first spotted it on the island, Shelby h
ad wondered who’d come up with the name. Maybe Edie, she’d thought, chuckling to herself. Of course, the CDs being played were all from the sixties, with the shop’s namesake, “Sugar Shack” as sung by the Fireballs, popping up at least a couple of times an hour. The first time Shelby had heard the song, she’d been delighted and had looked it up on the Internet. Definitely a sixties free spirit at work there, which added to the fun feel of the place.
There was a nineties rock band scheduled for later, after the string quartet finished. And, although she couldn’t hear them, she could see the four singers, a four-part group thrown together from the local theatre group, as they wandered throughout the grounds. She knew this was a daylong event and wondered, hoped really, that they would be spelled off at some point. From her own short stint in a community choir in Lenox, she knew how taxing a couple of hours of singing could be.
She made her way around to the back, where an outdoor games area had been set up, courtesy of the Alexandria Bay recreation department. The tents that adorned the area had a medieval flare, with spired tops and flags waving in the breeze. Kids of all ages would find something to try, and the prizes had all been donated by the villagers.
Shelby felt the little kid in her bubbling up, wanting to get in line and give the ring toss a try. She’d always been good at that. Or maybe she should sign up for the crokinole tournament starting at noon. She knew one of the prizes for an adult player was a massage at the spa in town. Now that would be a treat. On the other hand, as a sort-of staff person, it might not be kosher for her to win prizes meant for the guests.
Although she had been given an agenda for the day’s activities, Shelby found she was quite unprepared for the sight of the occasional couple or group of women wandering around in their nineteenth-century dresses and suits. There were even children dressed in bloomers and breeches, spinning yoyos, running with hoops, and down on their knees shooting marbles. She’d known, but she hadn’t given it much thought beyond deciding that, in the bookstore, they’d be wearing everyday contemporary clothing for the big day. It wasn’t that she was against costumes or dressing up; it’s just that she wasn’t comfortable doing it. There had been no Halloween costume parties for her as a child. She’d also had to find her own outfit each year for trick-or-treating. Usually they were quite bland and easy-to-put-together affairs.
She sat on one of the many stone benches placed strategically around the island and watched two couples, one pushing a stroller, stop for a chat. The hoops under the women’s dresses guaranteed there was some distance between them. When she glanced to the side, she noticed the official party, the mayor of Alexandria Bay along with some notables from the Heritage Society, making their way from the shuttle toward the castle. The guards in their blue tunics, white breeches, and long rifles were a dead giveaway. Tourists made way for them and joined in behind, following this new-style Pied Piper to the side patio that had been set up with a podium and sound system, awaiting the speeches.
Shelby was keen to hear what they had to say but decided to skip the ceremony and get back to the bookstore, where there was always something that needed doing. She took a deep breath as she gave a final look around and realized, This is what happy feels like.
The only downer was the sight of Lieutenant Guthrie threading his way across the lawn. A stark reminder that today’s festivities contrasted greatly with the horror of the day before.
Chapter Eight
Midafternoon, Shelby stretched and did a couple of neck rolls, finally deciding that what she needed was another infusion of fresh air and exercise. She’d chosen to work right through lunch, but she needed a short break before Taylor left early on the two-thirty shuttle—something about a family picnic if her husband could be torn away from work. Fortunately, Cody Tucker, the high school student who worked part-time at the main store, would be coming in to help out even though both locations would be feeling the retail rush that day. Most stores in Alexandria Bay were also celebrating the official start of the tourist season, and the main bookstore would feature refreshments and specials.
Shelby chose to walk through the castle, enjoying the excitement buzzing from the crowds and out the side door leading from the music room, with its massive grand piano that was roped off to protect it from inquiring hands, to the wraparound terrace.
She could see Matthew in the distance, down on his knees, digging in one of the hundreds of colorful flower beds on the island. She was not a plant person, but she knew that whoever had arranged the mixture of short green shrubs and taller bursts of color knew what needed to be done. She wondered if it was Matthew or a professional landscaper. She must remember to ask, at some point. She nodded and smiled at some tourists and made her way down the stairs and in Matthew’s direction. This would be a good opportunity to ask some questions that had been niggling at the back of her mind since her talk with the lieutenant.
“Hi, Matthew. You’re one of the lucky ones, being able to work outside on a beautiful day, but in the shade.” She was watching a couple of young men applying a coat of sealant to one of the small gazebos overlooking the water. She’d thought all that type of work was supposed to have been finished before the tourists arrived. She mentally shrugged. It wasn’t her problem.
Matthew followed her gaze as he pushed himself off the ground, wobbling a bit on one knee before successfully standing up. She wondered about his age. He looked like he might be in his mid-sixties, like Edie. He pushed up his New York Rangers ball cap a bit and squinted.
“It’s what I do best. Now, what can I do for you?” he asked, the original look of annoyance on his face giving way to a friendly smile. “Do you need any heavy lifting done today?”
She wondered if that might be a safe way to put him at ease. There were always boxes to be moved, and then she could ask him some intrusive questions, but she decided on the straightforward approach. It was odd how comfortable she felt with him. Then again, having grown up with only a man in the house most of the time, she often found it easier to talk to men.
“I know this is none of my business, really, but since I was there yesterday and found the body, I think I deserve some answers.” She hurried on before he could react. “Was it you I saw hurrying through the woods as I walked toward the grotto?”
She hoped he would answer, but his face gave away nothing, and he took his sweet time before saying anything. Finally, his shoulders seemed to relax, and he took a deep breath. “It was me. I heard the boat motor and I was rushing back to my place to get my binoculars. I’d been hearing, on occasion, smaller motors coming close to the island, and I wanted to start tracking which boats were getting too close and watching what they were up to.”
“What do you think they’re up to?”
“Possibly looking for an easy landing spot where they can tie up and get onto the island. We don’t allow that, you know. Terry’s Boats and the proper Thousand Island Boat Tour companies are the only ones who have permission to dock here.”
She thought about what he’d said. It made sense, but then again, if this was a concern, why didn’t he have his binoculars with him at all times? As if he read her mind, he answered, “You’re probably wondering why I didn’t have them with me. I did when I started out that morning, but they must have dropped out of my pouch somewhere along the way. I have spare ones at my cabin.”
She eyed the dull-green canvas pouch slung from one shoulder across his chest and resting on his hip. It looked like the fisherman’s pouch her dad had used in his days of fly-fishing.
“Look.” Matthew sounded exasperated this time. “I know what they say about me, especially Chief Stone, but I’m no killer. Wasn’t before, and I’m not now. As much as I disliked Loreena Swan, she was more of an annoyance, like a fly that you swat away rather than a mosquito that you squash.”
Shelby shuddered at the very real picture that presented. She had to refocus on what Matthew was saying.
“Although I wouldn’t be surprised if she did some bloodsucking
from time to time. Mean disposition along with a feeling of entitlement.”
“Entitlement to what? Just because she was a director in a volunteer organization?”
“I see your aunt has been filling you in.” He grinned. “Now, there’s one fine woman.”
“Yes, she’s been filling me in on the background of the castle and the bookstore, but she doesn’t know anything about what’s currently going on. Do you? Why would someone kill Loreena? Or did she just slip and fall? And if so, why are the police back again today asking so many questions?”
Matthew snorted. “You’re the one with a lot of questions, I’d say. I heard the cops talking yesterday, and apparently they’re going with the theory that she was murdered. That gash on the back of her head? I assume you saw it.” He watched as Shelby struggled not to visualize it. “Well, if she’d slipped and fallen, it wouldn’t have been quite so high up, meaning the killer was taller than her. Also, there was a depression in the wound that couldn’t have been made by the rock siding inside the grotto. In my opinion, that is.”
“You sound so professional,” Shelby said. “You sure you were never a cop?”
His face darkened, and she saw the pain in his eyes. She wished she could retract the statement and give herself a good kick at the same time. He turned away from her as he said, “I’ve had some practice with police speak. I’d better get back to work. I guess you’ve taken the river cruise. You know the Ivy Lea Bridge? This garden is much like that. The minute you finish tending it, it’s time to start all over again.”
Shelby had heard the story about it taking forty years to manually paint the Ivy Lea Bridge. You couldn’t use a spray gun on those spans without covering everything in sight. She’d been one of the first to take the Uncle Sam’s boat tour that season and had soaked up the local history and that of the River, as they called it in Alex Bay, as the locals referred to the village. She knew a lot of the jargon, which helped make her feel at home, or at least on the road to reclaiming her birthplace.
