Trouble on the Books

by Essie Lang

  Shelby started her climb along the stone pathway to Blye Castle.

  She heard the boat horn from one of the tour boats and knew that a fresh crop of eager sightseers would be shortly pushing through the doors. That was her cue to stop daydreaming and get back to work. She hoped Cody would be on that boat, too.

  She took a final moment to enjoy looking at the store through the open doorway. It truly did look inviting, like someplace a tourist would be drawn into in search of more reading material about the castle. That’s what she hoped, anyway.

  * * *

  By late afternoon, Shelby was totally exhausted. She hadn’t realized how much energy it would take to talk to customers and dash around the store, pulling out books to recommend. Of course, it was the schmoozing that felt the most overwhelming. In her old job, she’d been left mostly to herself and spent most of the time at her computer or reading, her desk tucked behind a pale-green baffle in a medium-sized room where noise was muffled by a thick carpet and low ceilings. She’d never stopped to wonder whether she was an introvert or extrovert. She liked people, but she fiercely guarded her privacy. She’d learned that from her dad. But at the bookstore, she had to be pleasant and inviting, hoping the customers would relax and spend money. Of course, that wasn’t her only concern. She was a book person, first and foremost, and she knew she was in the right job now, matching readers with authors they would love.

  Cody, on the other hand, was in his element. He had an easy, friendly style that kept shoppers talking and buying, perhaps a bit more than they’d intended. With his dark hair, worn a bit on the long side, tucked behind his ears and held there by his thick-framed glasses, he looked more like he was in grade school than finishing his year of high school this year. It was the bow tie—a trademark, she guessed, because every time Cody had come to work he’d been sporting one—that gave him the appearance of having an older soul. Today’s was a cheery statement of red polka dots on a navy background. She’d once seen him in a knit vest that was the same combination. Maybe that too was a signature look of some sort. And he was tall, which gave Shelby an eye-level look at those bow ties whenever he stood in front of her.

  Shelby wondered briefly what they’d do when he finally went away to college. By then, she hoped, they’d have more part-timers on staff, but Cody really knew his books and, she’d noticed, had a real way with people.

  “I’m glad you didn’t mind switching over to the castle today, Cody,” she said as they were straightening things up at the end of the day.

  “Happy to, ma’am, I mean Shelby. In fact, any time you want me over here, just let me know. I’m really into old things, you know, and this castle has a cool history. Did you know that when Joe Cabana owned it, he had a smuggling operation working from here?”

  Shelby nodded, hiding a smile at his enthusiasm. “I’d heard.”

  “I’ve got a couple of good books about the castle, if you’d like to borrow them.” He looked momentarily embarrassed. “Of course, you’ve got a lot of books right at your fingertips here.”

  “I have been known to borrow some from the shelves, but I’m a careful reader and no one would ever know I’d read them. That’s our secret, okay?”

  He grinned. “’Kay.”

  Shelby looked at the clock and suddenly felt all the fatigue of the day. Between the two of them, she and Cody managed to get all the tasks done quickly, and after he’d dashed off to meet up with some friends who worked in the gift shop, she treated herself to a truffle. It had been an excellent idea to include the chocolate section in the bookstore. And the fact that they were locally made was a huge selling point. Besides, they tasted amazing and she knew word would spread. Sales had been brisk, and she’d have to be sure to pick up some more the next day on her way in. She sent Erica Bryant a quick email to place an order, which she intended to pick up on her way to the shuttle the following morning. She probably would have stopped by anyway, just to touch base with her new friend. Whenever she thought of Erica, she felt happy they’d bonded so quickly. She hadn’t really had a chance to meet many other women her age since arriving.

  She waved to a couple of volunteers who were placing new stacks of brochures in the racks as she left. Part of her plan to become the friendly colleague. She’d hoped to say goodbye to Matthew but saw no sign of him.

  She sat on one of the wooden benches, leaning back, facing the late-afternoon sunshine, and felt herself dozing as the horn blasted her to attention. First that stop at the police station, then a quick trip to the main bookstore. It would be closed by then, but she wanted to have a look around. Not that she didn’t trust the staff to make sure everything was just right. She just needed to see it and almost reassure herself that all this was happening. Then she’d head home and have a relaxing glass of wine. Day one, over and out.

  Chapter Nine

  After supper, Shelby took the cup of coffee she’d left chilling in the fridge all day and added a scoop of vanilla ice cream to it, then climbed to the upper deck. She settled onto one of the two mesh outdoor chairs that faced the river, the best view to enjoy the sunset. She’d just taken a sip and set her treat down on the wooden outdoor table when she heard footsteps approaching along the dock, followed by a knock on her door.

  She stood and went to the railing and looked down at the man, but all she could see was the top of his ball cap.

  “Who are you? What do you want?”

  He stepped back and looked up at Shelby. He was wearing a New York Yankees cap, jeans, and a checkered black-and-white shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows.

  “Who are you?” she asked again.

  He flipped open his wallet and waved his ID at her. “Special Agent Zack Griffin, CGIS.”

  “What is that? I’ve never heard of it.”

  “It’s the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service.”

  “Never heard of that, either. Can I see your ID again?”

  He pulled the wallet out of his pocket and flipped it open. “I have a few questions about what happened on Blye Island yesterday. May I come on board?”

  “How do I know that ID is real?” she asked, even though he sort of resembled the guy who’d tagged along with the cops to the murder scene. She hadn’t gotten a good look at him, though, so she couldn’t be sure. “I’ve never seen one before and you’re not in uniform, which seems odd if you’re trying to question me.”

  “Really?”

  Shelby was struck by his deep bass voice, very masculine but also somehow soothing, but she wasn’t about to give in that easily. “Yes. As far as I know, there could be a murderer running around the Bay. I wouldn’t be very smart if I let every stranger on board, would I?”

  “Why do you say a murderer? It could be an accidental death. Look, I’ll give you a number you can call and check me out.”

  “How do I know the number is legit?” She stood blocking the top of the ladder, just in case.

  He widened his stance and stared at her. “You’ve got to be kidding.”

  She shook her head.

  “All right, why don’t you call Chief Stone and ask her? Do you have a cell phone handy?”

  “I do and I will.” Fortunately, she’d added the police to her contact list on her phone just after arriving in case there was trouble at the store. Or elsewhere. She punched it in and then spoke briefly to the chief, who was working late. “All right. Thank you, Chief Stone. Sorry to have bothered you.”

  She hung up but hung on to the phone. “Okay, you’re approved.” In a quieter voice, she added, “She was laughing at me.” She stood back, gesturing for him to climb the ladder.

  Griffin was grinning when he stepped onto the deck. “Not at you, at me, Ms. Cox. She loves it when I’m not believed.”

  “You’ve dealt with her in the past, then?”

  “She likes to remind me of some of my antics during my misspent youth. My family has a summer place here. And, yes, we have also had the odd professional standoff.”

  “She w
on, I take it.”

  “Got it. She did start out as a teacher, I’m told, and that training made her a tough interrogator with the desire to win. Now, if I could just ask you a few questions?”

  Shelby could see he’d wanted to add more, possibly something sarcastic, and gave him points for self-control. He looked around and Shelby’s eyes followed, wondering what he thought of her place. Why does that matter? “I guess I do recognize you. You were at the castle yesterday, along with the police.”

  He nodded but didn’t offer any further details.

  “Would you like something to drink? I don’t have any more iced coffee, but I can make it hot or give you a dish of ice cream or both.” She felt a moment’s panic but wasn’t quite sure why. The fact that he was a police officer of sorts shouldn’t have bothered her. She had nothing to hide.

  His sandy-colored hair and blue eyes were a combination she secretly found hard to resist, although it had been a while since she’d had any romantic entanglements. His eyes were what really held her attention though. Crinkly at the edges, they seemed to be smiling even when the rest of his face looked serious. And he was the perfect height, maybe two inches taller than her. Oh man, what am I thinking!

  He shook his head. “Maybe I’ll take a rain check,” he said, so softly she almost missed it.

  Also, it took her a few seconds to realize what he was talking about. She’d been so lost in thought, she’d forgotten her question.

  He motioned her into one of the two mesh lounge chairs, then sat on the other one. “I need to talk to you about the body you found on Blye Island.”

  “How did you know where I live?”

  “It’s not a secret, is it?”

  “Uh, no. But why would you be questioning me? Does the Coast Guard also investigate murders? I thought that would be more a matter for the local police, not that I have any experience with this.”

  He looked like he might smile but said instead, “It may be related to something we’re working on.”

  “Okay.” She’d think about that later. She did have another thought first, though. “Did you know Loreena Swan, personally, I mean, since you spent a lot of time in the area over the years?”

  “I’m the one asking the questions.” His voice still sounded stern, but the corners of his mouth twitched. “And I did know who she was, although that has no bearing on my questions to you,” he continued. “Now, may I get back to my questions?”

  Shelby nodded. “Of course.” She had an intense desire to trace the webbing on the arm of the chair but knew that fidgeting would put her at a disadvantage.

  “In your statement, you said that you’d heard a boat engine close by just before finding the body. A small engine, I think you said. Tell me more about that.”

  “I don’t know how small because I’m really not a water person. I’ve lived in Boston most of my life, and we never even went on one of their ferries, but judging from the sound of Captain Terry’s shuttle and the large tour boats, it sounded quieter and smaller.”

  “And there was backwash in the grotto? How high up did it rise?”

  “Not much. It was more like little splashes.”

  “And the motor sounded very close?”

  She nodded again. “What’s this all about?”

  “And you didn’t see anything of the boat?”

  “No. Now I’m getting curiouser and curiouser, as Alice said. You know, Alice in Wonderland.”

  He shook his head. “Thanks for your time, Ms. Cox. I’ll see myself out.” He grinned at the last bit and walked over to the same ladder he’d come up, although she was sure he’d noticed the stairs.

  “Wait a minute.” She leapt out of her chair. “You’re not going to tell me anything, like what’s happening with the investigation and why you’re talking to me?”

  “Afraid I can’t,” he said, holding her gaze for a few seconds before climbing down. “I’ll probably be getting back to you if I need more information.”

  She watched him leap off the boat to the dock and walk away, his cell phone held to his ear.

  What a frustrating man. But she did hope he had more questions. It might be nice to see him again.

  Chapter Ten

  Before heading to the store on Tuesday, Shelby rushed through her morning tasks at the houseboat, washing the breakfast dishes and straightening anything that looked out of place. All the while, her mind ran through her agenda for the day, things she’d noted down on Sunday during a quiet period at the store. The excitement of the opening weekend had continued, and she’d been happy it was Taylor’s Sunday to work. Shelby couldn’t imagine handling that crowd on her own.

  Her final morning chore was placing a dish of cat food from a freshly opened can outside the door. That cat was making its own hours, but Shelby didn’t want it to go hungry, even though part of her brain said the regular feeding routine was a bad idea. It was definitely an open invitation to move in. She glanced around as she locked the door, then sprinted along the wharf to the parking lot. She checked her watch. She had time to walk, if she was quick. The car would stay parked again today, as it had most days since she’d moved to the Bay. She made it to the shuttle just in time and settled onto one of the benches near the front of the boat, hoping to be left alone to collect her thoughts.

  Edie had persuaded her when she’d first agreed to take over the running of the castle location that she’d need a day off, and Monday would be the quietest day of the week. She’d readily agreed and had spent the previous day doing housework, finishing with a visit to any house within a short walk asking if they owned her new companion cat. She’d shown the photo she’d taken, and although many said they’d seen the cat, no one knew the owner. She wasn’t quite sure how she felt about that news, but she did give the cat an extra treat that morning.

  The shuttle ride was colder than she’d expected, and Shelby spent most of it with her coat collar turned up, huddled next to the cabin. She’d challenged herself to stick it out on deck no matter the temperature. If it rained, she’d head inside. That made her feel somewhat virtuous.

  It didn’t take Shelby long to figure out, as she made her way up the walk to the castle, that the voices she could hear arguing belonged to Matthew and Chief Tekla Stone. She slowed her pace, hoping to overhear some of the conversation but not wanting to appear nosy if spotted.

  The chief’s final words reached Shelby just as a young couple started walking toward her.

  “There are many eyes watching you, Kessler. You’re not going to get away with anything this time,” the angry chief said.

  Shelby cringed and picked up her pace, nodding at the couple as they passed. Fortunately, they seemed oblivious to what was going on around them.

  Poor Matthew. The chief really seemed to have it in for him. As she entered the bookshop, Shelby nodded at Taylor, pleased to note that Taylor not only had gotten to the bookstore first but also had the coffee going and the dust cloth tucked away.

  By the time she had stashed her purse under the counter and poured herself a cup of coffee, customers were arriving. Shelby smiled at an elderly couple and then noticed that they were followed in by Chief Stone. The chief paused at the doorway and looked around the room, then adjusting her belt, walked over to where Shelby was standing at the counter, slicing open a bubble mailer that contained a book for their inventory.

  “Good afternoon, Shelby. Do you have a few minutes to talk?”

  Shelby’s heart started pounding. Was she in trouble? What did the police want with her? She’d given her statement. She nodded while saying, “Sure.”

  Tekla pointed to the door, and Shelby, after making sure Taylor noticed what was happening, followed the chief out into the hallway. They ended up at the window seat next to the indoor garden. Shelby’s heartbeat sounded as loud as the indoor fountain, and she focused on it, telling herself to breathe slowly and relax.

  Tekla sat in one of the hunter-green wicker chairs and waited until Shelby had done the same, then sai
d, “Take me through the minutes before you found Loreena’s body again.”

  Shelby stared at her. What was she getting at? Was the chief trying to trip her up? Was she now a suspect? Oh, well, she’d already made her statement, so she’d just repeat what she’d said then.

  “And this all happened within a time period of, what, ten minutes?” the chief asked when Shelby finished her retelling.

  Shelby thought about it and nodded. “At the most, I’d say.”

  “And Matt Kessler could have come out of the grotto before you arrived there?”

  Uh-oh. “I don’t know where he came from. I didn’t see him.”

  “But you saw his red plaid shirt on one of the trails. Which could mean he’d come from the grotto?”

  “I don’t know what you want me to say. Or maybe I do, but I can’t because I have absolutely no idea where he was before I saw him.” She folded her arms across her chest and sat back in the chair. No way was she playing this game.

  Chief Stone leaned even farther forward as she asked her next question. “And how long would you say you were in the grotto before you screamed?”

  What? Shelby’s mind raced through a variety of scenarios. Does she think I had time to commit murder?

  “I … I’m not sure. It was probably only a few minutes, but it felt like a lifetime.” Dumb thing to say.

  The chief smiled, but Shelby didn’t feel the love.

  “What are you getting at?”

  “Just checking my timelines,” Stone replied. “I’m a stickler for the details, you might say.” She stood. “Thanks for your time, Ms. Cox. We’ll talk again.”

  She nodded and focused her attention on the group of volunteers at the bottom of the stairs. Shelby slipped away before the chief had a chance to think of anything else.

  Taylor sat relaxing in a chair when Shelby slid in through the open door. Shelby debated sharing what had just taken place but decided it would be better not to. She took a closer look at Taylor.