Trouble on the Books

by Essie Lang

  “You looked wiped, Taylor. I hope everything’s okay. You’re welcome to leave early today if you want.”

  “Thanks, Shelby, but I just got here.” She chuckled. “I didn’t sleep well, that’s all. I’ll get to shelving those books you brought back from the store and then maybe take a walk. That should wake me up.” She went over to the counter, pulled out the box cutter Shelby had been using earlier, and was about to slice the top of a box when she suddenly put it down and looked up at Shelby. “I have two things to tell you.”

  Uh-oh.

  “First,” Taylor went on without waiting, “I asked Chuck about the autopsy. If he thought it was odd that I asked, he didn’t say anything. But he did tell me Loreena had a ‘laceration to the back of her head’—those were his words—but the cause of death was drowning. So, according to Chuck, she could have slipped and fallen into the water accidentally, hitting her head as she went in. However, the bruising on her shoulders was made when she was forcefully held underwater.”

  Shelby felt suddenly chilled to the bone. “So, she was murdered?”

  Taylor shrugged. “I guess.”

  “Huh. Well, thanks for finding out, Taylor. I hope he’s not suspicious about your asking him.”

  “Actually, he’s got other reasons to question some of the things I’m doing these days. I’ve been meaning to tell you my news.”

  Shelby felt another uh-oh in the pit of her stomach. She hoped it wasn’t bad news.

  “I’m going to have a baby,” Taylor said, her face beaming.

  “A baby. I had no idea. Well, of course, why would I? I mean, how exciting. I’m happy for you, Taylor.” She hesitated a moment, then gave Taylor a hug. “Is everything all right?”

  “Oh, yes. I had some difficulties with my last pregnancy, though, so the doctor is keeping a close eye on me. I may need more time off.”

  “Don’t worry about it. When are you due?”

  “The end of September or early October.”

  Shelby couldn’t help clapping her hands. “That’s so exciting. Wow, that’ll be quite a difference in your lifestyle.” Would she need to look for a new employee?

  “I haven’t allowed myself to go there yet. I’ve been so worried, but now I’m feeling more comfortable that things are on the right track.”

  “Is it a secret, or can I tell Aunt Edie?”

  “For sure, I’d like her to know. Trudy, too.” Taylor paused, and it looked like there were tears in her eyes. “Thanks, Shelby. I’m relieved now that I’ve told you and that you’re okay with everything.”

  “Of course I am. And don’t be hesitant to ask if you need anything. Please.”

  Taylor nodded and dabbed at her eyes as she opened the box.

  Shelby hadn’t really been close to anyone who was pregnant. Would this be an emotional time for them all? she wondered.

  “I take it the chief had some more questions.”

  “She did, but I don’t think she liked my answers.”

  Chapter Eleven

  Shelby decided a short break after a couple of hours of intense hand-selling would be a good idea, even though it was getting close to closing time. She was surprised at how many tourists were actually visiting the castle for tours but happy they were including the bookstore in their stop.

  She bought a double-scoop vanilla ice cream cone at the Sugar Shack, and then wandered around the grounds for ten minutes. She realized, on her way back to the bookstore, that she’d been hoping to see Matthew and maybe find out what he and the chief had been arguing about. Tactfully, of course. She figured he must be busy on the opposite side of the island, but there was always tomorrow.

  Shelby was back in the bookstore and had just finished ringing another purchase through the cash register when the phone rang. She noted Edie’s number as she answered.

  “Hi, Aunt Edie. What can I do for you?”

  “Oh, Shelby. I want you to come straight here after you close tonight, if you don’t mind.” She sounded panicked.

  Shelby was instantly alert. “Sure, I’ll be there. What’s up?”

  “I’m sorry, I’m too upset to talk right now, and besides, Trudy just arrived. I’ll tell you when you get here.”

  “Are you okay? Are you in pain? Did something happen to you?”

  “No, no. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to alarm you. I’m just not thinking straight. I’m perfectly fine. But I do need your help.”

  “Okay, I’ll be there as soon as I can,” Shelby said. She heard the click of Edie hanging up before she had a chance to say goodbye. This didn’t bode well.

  She brooded about it the remainder of the afternoon but was hesitant to talk to Taylor about it. She needed to find out what the problem was before she alarmed anyone else. She suggested they close the shop a few minutes early, and they both made the five o’clock shuttle back to the Bay.

  She debated about stopping in at the Mango Lagoon for some takeout—she loved their mango coconut curry—but decided she could get the food after, if need be. When she arrived at Edie’s house, she was out of breath from fast-walking up the hill. She took a few seconds to calm her racing heart before knocking and entering.

  Edie called out to her from the sun-room in the back.

  Shelby found her sitting in her usual chair, a cup of tea on the side table. Trudy had obviously already left.

  “What’s wrong? What happened?” Shelby asked, hurrying to her side.

  Edie looked at her, and Shelby could see the anxiety in her eyes. “It’s Matthew. They’ve taken him in for questioning in Loreena’s death. I know he’s innocent, Shelby. I just don’t know what to do.”

  “If he’s innocent, the police will find out. That’s why they’re questioning him so thoroughly.” She didn’t really know how the police worked but thought it sounded good, and it might put Edie’s mind at ease.

  “No. You don’t know Tekla Stone. She works with horse blinders on, and once her mind is set, there’s no changing it. I told you she had it in for him.”

  “But she’s not the only law enforcement involved. The State Police are working on it too. They might not be thinking the same thing. And then there’s the Coast Guard Investigative Service, although I’m not sure how much involvement they have.” She straightened. “Unless it’s tied in to something they’re investigating, which is what the agent suggested. Maybe something like smuggling.”

  “Well, that would be all too easy to tie Matthew in to, I’d think, if that’s even the case, since he lives on the island. We have to do something, Shelby.”

  “Like what?”

  “I want you to drive me over to see Tekla.” Edie grabbed her cane and struggled to stand.

  “What? We can’t just stop in and ask about Matthew. The police won’t tell us anything, for starters.”

  “Maybe not, but I’ve got to talk to Tekla. I think there’s a lot more going on here than Matthew being a handy suspect. I think it’s time to make the attempt to clear the air. Then she might start focusing on what’s happening now rather than what happened back then.” Edie’s eyes were pleading.

  “What do you mean, clear the air?”

  “We don’t have time to talk about it right now. We have to get over there right away.”

  Shelby didn’t feel convinced. It might just make Tekla dig her heels in more. From what she’d seen and heard, she was one cold woman. But Shelby knew that Edie probably wouldn’t take no for an answer. Talk about an immovable force.

  “Fine. You realize at this hour there’s probably nobody there.” She looked at Edie, hoping for a change of mind. What she saw was a set line to her mouth. Shelby nodded. “Okay, we can go now if you like. I’ll just go home and get my car.”

  “No, we can take mine. It needs a drive, although it’s not a very long one. Maybe you should take it home with you and on your next day off take it for a long drive. Maybe to Clayton. I don’t think you’ve been there yet, have you?”

  “We’ll see. Okay, are you ready to go?” />
  Edie nodded as she grabbed her sweater from the back of a chair and hobbled toward the door.

  Shelby couldn’t help wondering if they were making a mistake. From what she’d seen, Chief Stone was a thorough investigator. And the State Police were also involved. And what if Matthew Kessler really was the murderer?

  Chapter Twelve

  The door to the police station, situated at the side of the municipal building on Walton Street, was locked just as Shelby had suspected. She knew the police station wasn’t open twenty-four hours a day and that there was a phone number to call instead. But after hours that number connected to the Jefferson County Dispatch Center. She wondered what Edie would suggest next as she walked back to the car. The old Chevy Impala had a small dent on the right front bumper and hints of rust along the wheel wells, but aside from that, it seemed reliable, and it was easy to maneuver.

  “It’s closed,” Shelby reported.

  “I thought as much, but it was worth a try. Sometimes she works late if she needs to. We’ll just go to her house. Turn left and go back again the way we came until Bolton Avenue, then take another left. She lives on the other side of Church, right near the end.”

  Shelby wondered how Edie knew where Tekla Stone lived. Obviously not in touch didn’t mean not in the know. Edie signaled for her to pull up in front of a two-story light-blue clapboard house, much the same as the one Edie lived in. A black-and-white police SUV was parked in the driveway, and they could hear hammering in the garage as they got out of the car.

  Shelby led the way, walking slowly and wondering what to say to the police chief. Maybe she’d just let Edie do all the talking, since it had been her idea in the first place. The side door of the garage had been propped open, but there was a slight ledge, so Shelby knocked first, then walked in and turned back to help Edie step over and into the garage. The hammering had stopped and Shelby was hesitant to turn around.

  “Tekla,” Edie said.

  “Edie,” came the abrupt reply.

  Shelby turned and noted that the chief was standing at a worktable about waist high on which an Adirondack chair had been placed on its side. The blue paint had chipped in many places, and one of the arms sat askew on top of the frame. Chief Stone, dressed in a plaid shirt and jeans, held a hammer in her right hand. Her hair was tucked under a faded black ball cap with the town logo, equally faded, on the peak.

  “Shelby.” The chief acknowledged her, then turned her sights back on Edie. “What do you want?”

  Shelby glanced around to see if ice crystals actually hung in the air.

  Edie took a few steps closer. “I want to talk to you about Matthew Kessler.”

  “Ha. It’s none of your business, Edie. I’m police chief here, and you know nothing about police business. So I suggest you leave.”

  “I will not leave until I say my piece.”

  Shelby noticed Tekla stiffen, but she stayed silent.

  Edie must have seen it also and took it as her cue to continue. “First of all, he couldn’t have done it. He’s not the kind of man who would kill. Anyone.”

  “And you know that how?”

  “Because I know the man. And I also know that you’ve had it in for him since he got here.” She paused to take a deep breath. “Now I’m thinking you might also have heard talk that Matthew and I are good friends. And if that’s the case, it might have put you in a mind-set to finally get even with me.”

  Tekla dropped the hammer on the bench, and Shelby flinched. She noticed that Edie stood her ground.

  “You, as usual, don’t know what you’re talking about, Edie. That’s water under the bridge. I haven’t given it a thought in years.”

  “Oh, yeah? So, why do you go out of your way to avoid me? And if you can’t totally avoid me, you just give me that phony smile and say whatever needs to be said, but only if someone’s watching. I can understand you not wanting to have any contact with us while Jimmy was alive, but he’s been gone a while now. Surely we can be friends again, or at least share some pleasantries. It’s a small village, Tekla.”

  Tekla looked like a stone maiden to Shelby. No sign of emotion. Not even anger, whereas she could hear the strength in Edie’s voice turn to pleading. She looked at her aunt, who seemed visibly shaken.

  “You don’t know what you’re talking about,” Tekla finally said after a few minutes, which felt like an eternity to Shelby. “Now, please leave.”

  “I’m actually begging you, Tekla, to put old grudges aside. For Matthew’s sake and for yours and mine.”

  Tekla turned away. “You’re trespassing, Edie.”

  Edie stood staring at Tekla’s back for a few moments, and then her shoulders collapsed. She shook her head and slowly turned to leave.

  Shelby stood feeling lost. She couldn’t think of a thing to do or say to help these two women, so she followed Edie out the door and back to the car.

  Edie sat in silence on the drive home, and Shelby didn’t push her into talking. Besides, she was too busy trying to absorb what had just gone on and what it all meant. That there was no love lost between Tekla and Edie was no surprise. She’d heard about it before, after all. She knew that Edie had been married to Jimmy Birch, but he had died when Shelby was in her early teens, according to her dad. He’d also said Edie had never changed her last name—something to do with being a feminist, he’d added with a shake of his head.

  The shock was that, knowing how Tekla felt about her, Edie would want to approach her about Matthew. What did it mean? The most obvious reason was that Edie had feelings for Matthew, deep feelings. So why hadn’t Edie just out and told Shelby about it? They had discussed Matthew several times. She must have her reasons, but Shelby was now determined to find out more.

  Edie exited the car and hobbled into the house in silence as soon as Shelby stopped the car. Shelby felt almost like she was the one being punished. However, when she entered the house, she found Edie with the teakettle on and a jar of soup on the counter. Shelby sat down at the kitchen table and watched while Edie emptied the soup into a saucepan and then started slicing bread that had been stored on the counter.

  Finally, Edie asked, her back still to Shelby, “You’ll stay for supper?”

  “Yes, thanks.” You couldn’t keep me away at this point. Too many questions.

  Edie first made the tea, poured a cup for each of them, and, after serving Shelby, went back to stirring the soup. When it was finally heated, she prepared a bowl for each of them and brought everything to the table.

  “Let’s eat first,” was all she said.

  Shelby nodded and dipped her spoon into the soup. Celery. She knew it was homemade; Edie prided herself on her soups, but this was so thick and creamy it tasted and felt like comfort food. Edie needed comforting and Shelby felt that was her job. But she’d let Edie lead the way.

  After supper, they took their refreshed tea into the sun-room and sat looking out at the backyard. The sun hadn’t yet started to set even though Shelby felt like the last few hours had been twice that amount of time. The sunlight played on the multiple bird feeders that Edie had spread throughout the garden. The colors of the flowers, too many to name, were a cheery backdrop to the neatly mown yard. Shelby had been relieved to find that Edie had someone to do the outdoor work for her while she was recuperating. Shelby had been worried it might be one of her tasks, and her outdoor skills were nil. She now found herself wondering if Matthew was the one responsible for the picture-perfect yard.

  Finally, Shelby could hear Edie take a deep breath, but she kept her eyes straight ahead as Edie started speaking.

  “I guess you have questions about me and Matthew.”

  “I am wondering.” And about you and the chief.

  “Uh-huh. Well, there’s not really anything going on, so I didn’t feel there was a need to talk about it until now.”

  Shelby turned to face her. “I’m listening.”

  “We’re good friends. He often brings his skiff over and comes for supper, or
during the winter months, he would sometimes stay over if there was a bad storm or something.” She looked at Shelby and added quickly, “I have several guest rooms, as you know.”

  Shelby tried to keep from smiling.

  “We’ve talked a lot. It took quite a while, but eventually he told me all about his wife and her death. And what it’s been like for him since then. That’s why I’m so certain he’s innocent. I know how he abhors that anyone would commit a violent act against another human being. And death? Well, he’s written about true crime for a long time, and that was part of the reason. He wanted to gain an understanding of why one person would kill another. When it happened to his wife, he was totally crushed until he fought back and tried to use his research skills to find the killer. Unfortunately, it hasn’t happened yet. But he hasn’t given up, and that’s what keeps him going.”

  And now he has you, Shelby thought, looking at Edie. But she stayed silent.

  “He just wouldn’t do it, Shelby. I’d stake my life on it.”

  A shiver ran down Shelby’s spine. “So, now what?

  Edie continued, “I have to get Tekla on board. She’s so stubborn, when she has an idea, she can’t be shaken. But she’s wrong, totally wrong. We have to figure out a way to convince her.”

  “We?”

  “Yes, you and me. You like Matthew, don’t you? Surely you must have realized what a gentle man he is.”

  “Well, yes. I like what I know of him. He’s been kind and helpful to me, and I can see he means a lot to you.”

  “Okay, that’s a start. I’ve been thinking about this a lot. There’s not been much else for me to do but read. So, I’ve decided I’ll start talking to the folks I know in the Bay who might know something about Loreena.”

  “How can you do that? You’re still recuperating.”

  “By phone, of course, and email.”

  Shelby dreaded asking the next question but knew it had to be done. “And what about me?”