Trouble on the Books

by Essie Lang

  “I don’t know how those two think. But I do know that Tekla Stone was tickled pink when Loreena Swan protested at the town council meeting after Edie announced she had asked you to come back and run the stores.” Trudy looked momentarily abashed. “I guess I shouldn’t have said that, but you know, Loreena thought Edie should promote one of us or hire someone from the community, you know, with an Alex Bay pedigree, like her nephew, Carter Swan.”

  “Seriously? To step in and temporarily run a family business?” Shelby couldn’t believe it.

  “I never said Loreena made a lot of sense most of the time. She just had a bee in her bonnet about it. Anyway, Edie stood right up at the meeting and told Loreena to stick a cork in it. You know how Edie can be. Or maybe you don’t. But that’s so typical. Loreena had steam coming out of her ears as she stormed out. The whole village saw it or at least heard about it the next morning.”

  Shelby thought about it for a few minutes while she savored the truffle Trudy had handed her. Trudy picked up her original payment and put a five-dollar note down instead.

  Finally, Shelby said, “If the whole village and the chief know that Edie and Loreena were at odds, that could be a reason to add Edie to the suspect list.” She frowned, but then immediately let out a small laugh. “But, of course, she couldn’t have done it. She can’t even get out of the house, much less over to the grotto. Who else in the village has had a run-in with Loreena?”

  “Who didn’t might be a better question,” Erica answered. “She usually had to stick her nose into everyone’s business. Like the time the sisters had a new awning installed at Driftwood and Seawinds. Loreena thought it should be bright blue to fit in with the others on the block. The only thing is, there’s only one other awning, so their choice of green worked quite nicely. Loreena didn’t really push it too hard though, possibly out of respect for their advanced ages.”

  Trudy snorted and looked surprised at the sound. “Sorry. You know, I don’t think she knew that word, honey. Respect.”

  Shelby took a closer look at Trudy. Although she and Edie were the same age, Trudy seemed to positively ooze vitality. Maybe it was her hairstyle. Shiny silver hoop earrings peeked out from under the natural silver-gray hair that was cut in a straight bob falling just beneath her ears. Shelby had noticed she was less flamboyant in her clothing, too, sticking to a lot of black with pops of color in her discreet accessories. Opposites attract.

  “Well, it seems to me there’s an overabundance of possible suspects around. That should keep Matthew Kessler off the hot seat.”

  “What makes you think he’s in that position?” Trudy asked. “I know it hasn’t been exactly easy for him since he moved here, so I hope they leave him alone. And I can’t imagine any of the volunteers doing it. What would be the motive?”

  Shelby shrugged. “I don’t know, although I do know that he and Loreena were often at odds. Chief Stone seems to have her sights set on him.” Surely Trudy must know how her aunt felt about Matthew, but if she didn’t, it wasn’t Shelby’s place to tell her.

  “That’s another of Tekla’s faults. She wears blinders most times, and since Matthew comes with a bit of a reputation, she’s bound and determined to make him into the bad guy when one is needed.”

  “Now that’s really too bad. Edie seems to think well of him,” Shelby ventured.

  “Most of us do. Now”—Trudy leaned across the counter and patted Shelby’s arm—“I wouldn’t worry too much about all this. Tekla Stone, underneath it all, is one smart cookie, and besides, I’ve heard that both the State Police and Coast Guard are involved. That should keep things moving along the right path.”

  Erica nodded. “And I don’t think you have anything to worry about.”

  “Have you ever heard Loreena ream someone out?” Shelby asked. “She can be quite vicious. I still shudder to think about it. That just could lead to a motive for murder. By the way, Trudy, do you know Izzy Crocker?”

  “I do, but not as friends. You cannot live in this village without knowing the Crocker name. Why do you ask?”

  “It was suggested I talk to her about my mother. Do you know where she lives?”

  “Here, I’ll write down the address,” Trudy said, grabbing a small pad and pen from the counter. “From what I hear, she’s not out and about as often as she used to be. You’ll probably find her in her gardens most times, but it might be wise to call first.”

  Shelby nodded. “Thanks.”

  Finally, someone who might actually give her information about her mom. Now, if she could just find someone to tell her all about the killer.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Shelby spotted Matthew the minute she stepped off the shuttle the next morning. He was wearing the same red plaid shirt from the other day with a ball cap pulled low over his forehead as he trimmed back the natural greenery that had grown into a wild mass over the spring. He made eye contact with her but gave no other sign that he’d seen her. She wanted to talk to him again but didn’t want to cut into his work time, so she followed the others up the walkway to the castle. Later. Besides, she had her own work to get started on.

  Taylor had asked if she could come in an hour late because of another doctor’s appointment, and Shelby had readily agreed.

  By the time the first of the tourist boats pulled up to the dock, Shelby had the coffee going and was enjoying her second cup of the day. She looked up expectantly as she heard the first visitors exclaiming when entering the castle. It had that effect on everyone. Ohs and ahs and look at thats emanated from the entry hall as those who were seeing it the first time took in its splendor. By the time they’d recovered, the volunteers would be handing out maps and brochures, offering to answer any questions.

  Shelby had been alerted, as seemed to be usual on Fridays, that there’d be a school visit of twenty-five ten-year-olds coming on the second boat from the Bay. She doubted many would be wanting books, although chocolate truffles might be another matter. If she was lucky, Taylor would be in and working by then.

  The first shopper through the door was a well-dressed woman sporting an unnaturally blonde French twist and a thick southern accent. She wore a peach-colored sweater set and cream linen pants and carried a straw hat with a wide red, white, and blue scarf wrapped around it. Shelby thought she looked about Edie’s age, even though the man who followed her in looked much older. His hair was totally white and he carried a cane, although it looked to be more for a dapper look than any actual function.

  The woman walked straight to Shelby, hand outstretched. “You must be Shelby Cox. You look so much like your mama, I’d know you anywhere. I’m Priscilla Newmarket, but everyone calls me Prissy. I’d heard you were back in Alex Bay, and I just had to come around to see you.” She had grabbed hold of Shelby’s hand and was holding it tightly. “We live in Clayton, y’know.”

  Shelby was at a loss for words. Finally, someone who had known her mom, but from what an unexpected quarter! She wasn’t sure what to say. She felt so overwhelmed by this larger-than-life southern lady. Shelby could actually picture Prissy in a long skirt with a hoop at the bottom and matching bonnet.

  “Now, do tell me what you’ve been up to all these years since your papa whisked you away. This is my dear husband, Jefferson, by the way.” Prissy paused and took her first look around the bookstore. She focused back on Shelby. “So where did you go and when did you come back? And where is Edie? I’m really upset with that woman. She could have told me you were coming back, but instead I had to hear it on the grapevine. Now, where were we?”

  Shelby thought it easiest to answer in reverse order, and besides, she’d already forgotten what the first question was. “My Aunt Edie is at home recuperating from knee replacement surgery, so she asked me to come and run the stores until she’s back at it.” She wouldn’t fill in too much info until she had a feel for the woman. In fact, even then she probably wouldn’t share her life story. It really wasn’t her style.

  “Well, I am just so tickled to see
you. What are you now? Thirty? And how is Edie doing? Do you think she’d like visitors? Should I send some flowers or a fruit basket?”

  Shelby took a deep breath, hoping to calm Prissy, who talked a mile a minute. She herself chose to answer at a slow, measured pace. “I’m twenty-nine, and although I’m sure Edie would enjoy seeing you, it’s best to call ahead. I think fruit would be a good choice.”

  Prissy clapped her hands. “Oh, goody. I’ll do that. Now, you must be wondering who I am. It seems your mama and I married ourselves Yankee boys and moved to Alex Bay at the same time. I’m from Raleigh, North Carolina, so we didn’t know each other until we moved here, but we became close friends. My Beau was born around the same time as you, and then we moved to Clayton, where Jefferson was hoping to construct a large hotel, but it turns out his business partner wanted to do it in Alex Bay. But we weren’t about to move back here. So, here we are, still in Clayton after all these years. It’s only a twenty-minute drive, after all.”

  “And did they build a hotel here?” Shelby knew there were several and wondered which it might be.

  “Sadly, no. The partners had a parting of ways. Jefferson wanted to take Alex Bay back to its glory days of wooden boat building and elegant living, but his partner was more a speedboat man. In the end, Jefferson decided to retire, so now I have him all to myself.” She looked over at him and gave him a huge smile.

  Either he had hidden radar or he was used to responding periodically to his wife. He looked up from the book he was holding and smiled in return.

  “Now, I’d love to stay and chat all day with you, dear, but we want to hop the next boat and attend to some business in the village. I just had to come over and say hey to you. I want to have you over to visit us real soon at our place. We have a gorgeous view of the water, y’know, and we’ll get all caught up.” She gave Shelby a big hug before turning to her husband.

  “Are you buying that, Jefferson?” Prissy asked.

  He looked over again and seemed surprised they were leaving. He put the book down, much to Shelby’s regret, nodded at her, and followed his wife out the door. Shelby realized she hadn’t been able to get a question in edgewise but hoped to make up for it one day soon, now that the contact had been made. She wondered how hard it would be to find Priscilla Newmarket in Clayton.

  Taylor arrived, as promised, and along with her, a handful of book browsers. She handled questions on the floor while Shelby kept an eye on those needing to make a purchase. It turned out, even without the school kids, to be a busy day, much to everyone’s surprise. Tuesdays, especially Tuesdays in early May, were rarely overwhelming.

  Once everything had settled down, Shelby left Taylor in charge and finally went in search of Matthew. She found him in his workshop, gathering some tools for what looked to be a repair job, if the hammer, nails, and saw were any indication.

  “Hey, Matthew. How’s it going?”

  He looked startled. She could have bet he didn’t get many visitors back here.

  “Good, I guess. Nothing unusual happening, anyway. I see it’s a busy morning in the castle, though.”

  “It is, and I’m relieved.”

  “Oh, yeah? Why so? I mean, I thought everything was going well with the store.”

  “It is, but I just want to have dynamite sales, every day if possible, to impress Aunt Edie.”

  He chuckled. “Oh, I’m sure she’s just fine with how things are going under your watch. You know you have nothing to prove.”

  “Just that I can actually run a store or two.”

  “And you think Edie isn’t quite sure about your capabilities? Is she always phoning to see how things are going? Does she expect reports every night? I don’t think so. Just relax, kid. You’re doing fine.”

  “Thanks, Matthew. I needed to hear that.” Time to get back on track. “Do you get a set break time or anything?” She thought she might treat him to a coffee from the Sugar Shack and they could have a chat at the lookout by the grotto, mainly because few tourists knew about the spot and they were unlikely to be interrupted.

  Matthew grunted. “I run by my own schedule, Shelby. As long as it looks like everything is being attended to, I do what I want and when.” He held up a hammer. “Time to replace that missing board on the picnic bench in back. Why do you ask?”

  “I just was hoping I could treat you to a coffee break and we could have a little talk.”

  “Hm, you’ve got a lot of questions on your mind, I’m betting.”

  “You could say that.”

  He stared at her a moment before answering. “Okay. Coffee would be nice, and we might as well get this over with.”

  She waited while he put his tools back and locked the shed door, then took the lead along the narrow path to the Sugar Shack. She felt some guilt because of his reaction. He must be thinking she was going to query him about his past. Although she was dying to know the details, she’d wait until he felt comfortable enough with her to make the decision to share. If it ever happened. She paid for the two coffees and then led the way to the grotto lookout.

  “This is a great vantage point to watch the channel,” she began. “Why is it out of bounds for the tourists? Or is that just because of what’s happened?”

  Matthew pointed downward. “No, it’s not recent. It’s too dangerous. We can’t have families up here with kids running amok. If someone went over, that would be it.”

  Shelby eyed where he was pointing. “I get that.”

  Although a variety of greenery, including all sizes of deciduous and evergreen trees, seemed to frame the edge of the lawn, Shelby knew there were no fences to block off a downward trajectory to the rocks below. She couldn’t even begin to estimate how far such a fall would be, but she knew it wouldn’t be pretty.

  “Why don’t they just fence it off?”

  “I’ve never heard. I guess they just figure that some areas are best left to nature rather than as another tourist lookout. And they still won’t let tourists into the grotto.”

  “I saw that. I wonder how the investigation is going,” she commented as casually as she could.

  He shrugged. “They don’t tell me anything. Just ask questions. And I’ll bet you have some, also.”

  “I don’t really know what to ask, but it’s bugging me that all this is going on around us and we’re kept in the dark.”

  “Why does it matter to you? Just let the police go about their business.”

  Interesting, coming from you. And, obviously, he knows nothing about Edie’s desire to help him. “Because I keep hearing about people who had connections with Loreena, one of them somebody I care about, who had possible, well, tenuous really, motives.”

  He looked at her sharply. “Like who?”

  “Well, my Aunt Edie for one, although like I said, it’s tenuous at best. And then there’s me, also tenuous, I admit. But Loreena and I did have that argument the day she died. And Loreena’s nephew was in the store the other day, and I got to thinking, what, if anything, does he gain from her death? And then, there’s you.” There, she’d said it.

  The look on his face shouted surprise. “Me?” he snorted. “I’m always in someone’s bad books and expect I will remain there. Don’t you go giving it another thought.” His expression turned serious. “Although I do appreciate your concern, Shelby. Now what’s Edie on the hot seat for?”

  “Oh, it’s just the fact that Loreena got so mad when Edie said she’d asked me to come and take over rather than employing Loreena’s nephew. Or so I’ve heard.”

  “Employ him? Loreena wanted Edie to sell to him.”

  “What?”

  “You heard right. That was one of the things Loreena did best—meddled in others’ affairs, and her nephew was not immune. Secretly, she thought he should do more with his life than sit on his trust fund.” Matthew took a sip of his coffee and looked surprised that he’d already finished it.

  Shelby’s eyebrows shot up. “How would you know that?”

  He grinne
d. “I’m not above eavesdropping, you know. I heard her reading him the riot act one afternoon right over there in the gardens. He, true to his upbringing, ignored her.”

  “Maybe he’s got a motive, although I’d think overbearing aunt isn’t the best excuse for murder.”

  “Nor is what you say about Edie. It should have been the other way around.” He stood up and looked like he was ready to leave. “What else worries you about her?”

  Shelby shrugged. “I guess I’m a bit worried that Chief Stone has it in for her. If that’s truly the case, then she could manipulate the investigation to give Edie a hard time, at the very least.”

  “Sounds like you don’t have much faith in the law, and I’d join you in that. But from what I’ve seen of Chief Stone, she’s pretty much on the up-and-up. Although I wish she’d find another hobby.”

  “What do you mean? What’s her hobby?”

  “Me.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  When she woke the next morning, Shelby’s brain scrambled to catch up to all that her subconscious had been working on while she slept. First and foremost was trying to find something that would get Matthew off the hook. For Edie’s sake as well as his own, despite what he’d said.

  She realized right away that the statement she had given the police was part of the problem. She’d seen his red shirt and he’d then admitted to being in the area. His explanation all sounded reasonable and true, but she knew that Chief Stone had taken it another way. Practically as proof of guilt.

  Well, there was nothing Shelby could do about her statement now. She had told the truth. But the other thing she’d mentioned was hearing a small motored boat. What had it been doing in that area? Was it part of the smuggling ring? If there even was one, but somehow that boat had to tie in. Unless Loreena was killed by someone from town who’d managed to blend in on the island. That wouldn’t be hard to do. Or maybe she’d been killed by Carter.