Trouble on the Books

by Essie Lang

  She heard Zack chuckle. Then he added, “I thought so, at the time. But my dad didn’t agree, and if it wasn’t for the fact that he’d inherited the family vacation house when my grandfather died, we wouldn’t have set foot in the Bay again. I’m certain of it. He had a reputation to uphold.”

  “So, you didn’t grow up here?”

  “No. I’m from Seattle originally, but we came here every summer when I was growing up. You couldn’t find a spot more different from our house. Besides, I love being close to the water. That’s why I rented the house from Dad when I was transferred here.”

  “But transferred means you move around. What will you do with the house when that happens?’

  He smiled. “It will be my vacation destination.” He looked at his watch. “No wonder I’m so hungry. Would you like to grab a bite to eat?”

  Such a casual question. Was it a date or just a matter of convenience? Either way, she wasn’t really hungry, but it sounded like the ideal way to get some more information. “Food sounds good.”

  He pointed at Riley’s by the River, a two-story brick pub restaurant overlooking the dock. Shelby had eaten there several times and had always enjoyed the food. She hoped they could get a table by the window, as she never tired of looking at the water.

  “That sounds good. Sure.”

  She felt the pressure of his hand on the small of her back as they crossed the street. He held the door open, and she followed him up a few stairs to where the hostess stood. After they were seated, he asked if she’d like something to drink.

  Why not? He obviously wanted information from her. He could reward her with a glass of wine. He ordered a Corona Extra for himself, and they perused the menus until their drinks arrived, at which time they placed their orders.

  “Cheers,” he said, tipping his glass toward her.

  “Cheers. Okay, I’m really curious what you want to know,” she said, all out of patience.

  He crossed his arms on the tabletop and leaned on them. “I know you’ve been asking some questions around town about all this, and I’d like to know what, if anything, you’ve found out.”

  “How about we do a trade?”

  He raised his eyebrows. Those eyes again. Even though this was serious talk, his eyes looked like they were laughing. Such an enticing look.

  “I’ll tell you what I’ve found out if you tell me why the Coast Guard is interested. Is it because of smuggling?”

  He shook his head. “Why do you keep bringing up the subject of smuggling?”

  “Because that’s what you do, isn’t it? Of course, I know you do a lot more, too. But since this murder didn’t take place in the middle of the river, and, if there were any smuggling going on in the area, the Coast Guard would be on it, right?”

  He sat back and let out a deep breath. “You’ve obviously been doing your research, but why does that matter to you?”

  “Why? Because Blye Island, the grotto in particular, has a history of smuggling.”

  “So?”

  “So that’s where my store is located.”

  “And?”

  “And I did find the body, after all.”

  “So this is just curiosity, is it? You’re being nosy.” He crossed his arms on the table and leaned forward on them.

  He had a point, sort of, but she wasn’t about to admit it. She also couldn’t read him. Was he teasing her, or did she detect a hint of annoyance? “Well, not really. My Aunt Edie is really worried about Matthew.”

  “Which in itself is not a good enough reason for you to get involved in all this. However, I will tell you that I don’t think Kessler is involved in any smuggling, if there is any going on, that is.”

  It was Shelby’s turn to sigh. “You’re not very helpful.”

  “And here I thought I was. Ah, saved by the meal,” Zack said as the server brought their orders. The waiter took great care in placing the dishes on the table, then asked if they needed anything else. They both shook their heads.

  They spent a few minutes in silent appreciation of their choices until Zack finally said, “Look, I know this is important to you and your aunt both, but I don’t know a whole lot about what’s happening with the local and state police. I have a specific avenue to investigate”—he paused and held up his hand—“and I’m not sharing what that is with you. Now, tell me what you’ve learned. Please.”

  “Nothing.”

  “Really?”

  “Well, nothing relevant. I know about the politics of the castle, the store in particular, and how Loreena wanted her nephew to take over the store in Edie’s absence. I’m just not sure of the why. It doesn’t make a lot of sense to me. And I know that Loreena was a tyrant at work. As for her personal life, she’s been romantically linked with Barry Pellen.”

  “The hotel developer?”

  “The same. And I kind of think Duncan Caine, the realtor, was also interested in her.”

  “Busy woman.”

  Shelby shrugged. “Maybe none of which has anything to do with her murder, but it could make for an interesting and possibly deadly triangle, don’t you think? And then there’s the fact that she was a bully in her domain at the castle, from what I can gather and from what I knew personally, so there might be a better motive somewhere there.” She took a bite of her crab cake, and when she’d swallowed, she added casually, “Of course, if there is smuggling going on at the grotto, maybe she was involved in some way and that’s why she was killed. I mean, she was well placed to oversee anything that was happening. Maybe she was the mastermind of the operation. Or maybe love is blind.”

  “You’re now suggesting that either Pellen or Caine is a smuggler?”

  She shrugged, then looked around her, suddenly hoping nobody else in the restaurant could hear their conversation. No one seemed interested even if they had heard.

  “Okay, maybe I’m way off base. If it’s not that, I’m going with the love triangle.” She watched him for a reaction, hoping to discover if she was on the right track.

  Zack shook his head, a wry twist to his lips. “How are your crab cakes?”

  “Very tasty.” Shelby feigned excessive delight, knowing a change in topic when she saw one. “And your meal?”

  “The same.”

  Of course it is.

  Zack smiled, appearing to Shelby like he thought he’d won that one.

  We’ll see about that.

  Shelby turned her attention to what was happening on the wharf. Two couples were wandering along its length, one on the older side seemingly in deep reflection about the stunning scenery, the other much younger and stopping frequently to peer into the water. A group of young children several feet in front of harried-looking parents ran onto the dock and knelt down, excited about what lay under the water. Shelby would have loved to join them and take a look. She turned her attention back to her tablemate.

  “So, tell me some more about Zack Griffin from Seattle.”

  She could tell by the look on his face that she’d caught him off guard. She was pleased. Then came the calculating look. She felt like he was weighing the pros and cons of telling her so much, or maybe nothing at all.

  “Hmm. Okay, since you asked. Zachary Griffin the Third, that would be. Father, an attorney with a high-powered law firm, as was the original ZG the First. Of course, I was expected to carry on the family tradition, and when I dug my heels in, choosing a career that offered more adventure and less prestige, I was no longer the family favorite. So, here I am, on my own, in Alexandria Bay, a proud member of the Coast Guard Investigative Service. That, in a nutshell, is that, as they say.”

  So not what Shelby had expected to hear, but then again, she wasn’t really sure what she had assumed, not since she’d found out he wasn’t born and raised in the Bay. And not since she’d realized she actually was really interested.

  “That must have been hard for you,” she finally said.

  He shrugged. “At times, but my dad and I have been at loggerheads most of my life. It�
��s a good thing I have siblings who fit more into the mold. I miss my mom, though. If I could figure out a way to avoid an argument with Dad, I’d visit them more often.”

  He turned to gaze out the window. “There you have it.”

  Shelby didn’t have a clue what to say, and she resisted the urge to reach out to touch his hand. He probably wasn’t telling her all this to garner sympathy. It was just a fact of life for him. She turned and spent a few minutes watching scenery.

  Finally, after she declined dessert, Zack suggested they leave. He walked her back to the houseboat, and she debated about whether to invite him in for a drink, deciding that since this wasn’t a date, it wouldn’t be a good idea. She felt less anxious after making the decision and dared to ask him some more direct questions.

  “If it turns out Loreena’s murder is related to smuggling, what would they be smuggling?”

  She felt the hesitation in Zack’s steps. “That’s not information I can share, Shelby. And, if there is anything going on, it has nothing to do with you.”

  “Is that just another way of saying it’s none of my business?”

  “Yes.”

  “But you know, if there’s smuggling, it adds to the legend of the castle and the island itself.”

  “You’re a romantic.”

  “I never thought of myself as one.” That was the truth. She’d never been one to believe in heart-thumping, breathless reactions. Probably because she’d never met a man who’d ever caused one. “Would that make a difference? What if I wanted to further the legend in order to increase the traffic to the castle and thus the store?”

  “I hadn’t taken you for the calculating type.”

  She felt her spine stiffen. “I’m not. It’s just that everything isn’t always as it seems.”

  “Don’t I know it. I’m in law enforcement, after all.”

  “Ha. Well, I hope this seemingly enjoyable dinner has provided you with some information relevant to your enforcing.”

  He glanced at her. “Best check I ever paid.”

  She hadn’t expected that answer. “Good.” She quickened her pace and turned to face him at the dock. “I enjoyed the meal. Thanks.”

  “My pleasure.” He smiled and she hastily retreated along the wharf and to her houseboat, unsettled by the talk.

  And that smile.

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Shelby’s cell phone rang as she was struggling to unlock the door to the houseboat. She should have just put her purse down on the deck before inserting the key. Instead she pushed the door open and almost tripped over T.J., who made a mad dash outdoors. Finally she managed to pull her cell out of her purse. She answered, trying not to sound too breathless.

  “It’s Drew. I was just wondering if you’re free for dinner on Monday, as in tomorrow night.”

  His voice sounded warm and inviting. “Monday?”

  How uncool. She could have slapped herself.

  He chuckled. “Yes, short notice, I know, and also an odd night for a date, I know, but the restaurant is closed on Mondays, so I actually have a day and evening to myself. I was thinking we could drive to Clayton. There are a couple of newer restaurants I’ve been wanting to try. How about it?”

  She tried to corral her thoughts. They were all over the place. She remembered Erica’s warning, and she thought about Zack. Plenty of good reasons to say no, except for the Zack part. He had no interest in her as someone other than a pesky citizen poking her nose in police business. And since when had she been concerned about that, anyway? Drew was the question at the moment.

  “Sure, that would be nice.” She couldn’t believe she’d just said that. But what did she have to lose? Nothing, and like tonight, she’d at least have some tasty food.

  “Great. What time works best for you? I know you’ll probably be back on the last shuttle, right?”

  “Oh, right. Tomorrow is Monday and usually my day off too, but I’m covering for someone. How about five forty-five? Would that make it too late?”

  “Not at all. I’ll make the reservation and pick you up at five forty-five.”

  “Uh, no need to come up to the houseboat. I’ll wait on shore in the park.”

  “Sure. Whatever you say. I’ll see you then. I’m looking forward to it.”

  “Me, too.” She hung up feeling a bit dreamy, followed quickly by a deep sinking feeling. What had she just done?

  * * *

  Shelby awoke Monday morning with Zack Griffin on her mind. She sure hoped she hadn’t been dreaming about him. Surely she was too old for that silly schoolgirl romantic stuff. She hadn’t even gone through that stage at the right age. Maybe she was making up for lost time. Ugh! And then there was Drew Bryant. Two dates, sort of, with two different men all within a few days. What was going on in her life? Of course, Zack hadn’t really set up a date with her; it was just a chance meal. And Drew, although it was a date, had a girlfriend, sort of, so it probably wouldn’t be overly romantic.

  Besides, she wasn’t interested in a romance. Right?

  She did notice that she’d awoken without the help of the alarm and in plenty of time for a run or jog, or at least a power walk. An omen, at the very least.

  Shelby was kept hopping at the castle bookstore all day long, not even taking a lunch break. It was exactly what she needed. She was so pleased she’d decided to go in to work to cover for Taylor, who had wanted the day off, since her husband had it also and they needed to pick up something in Watertown. Shelby could have asked Cody to cover but thought a day of work was better than sitting at home thinking about murder.

  Oh, well. She’d wished for a busy day to keep her mind busy. And now it felt like someone had heard her wishes. Not only were the school tours noisy and crowded, but there seemed to be boatload after boatload of tourists stopping by at regular intervals. She tried to re-stock the empty spaces on the shelves but eventually gave up. By five PM, Shelby was more than ready to leave. She debated about just taking the cash and counting it later, maybe getting away a bit early herself. But then she wondered why. She’d just have to wait for Drew. So she eventually locked the door and settled in to do the counting. All in all, a very good day.

  She realized, however, that she was excited about the date, as she should be. She admired the colorful short-sleeved tunic top she’d recently bought as she took a quick glance in the mirror in the back room. She ran her fingers through her hair and tried to make herself as presentable as possible.

  The shuttle ride was smooth and not too crowded. She spotted Drew waiting in the parking lot as she walked up the dock. He waved, and she gave him a small one in return.

  “This is great, Shelby. I’m glad you were able to fit me into your busy schedule,” he said as he kissed her on the cheek.

  She glanced at him sharply. Was he being sarcastic? No, he looked to be a combination of serious and pleased. It was nice to think he thought she might be in demand or, at least, have a lot on her plate.

  He led her to his car in the parking lot, a fairly new black Mustang convertible, its top down. Of course. It so totally fit the image. She couldn’t resist a smile and a quick look around. What if Zack were to see her now?

  They said little during the twenty-minute drive to Clayton, finding it hard to compete with the noise of the wind. However, Drew would often tap her on the arm, drawing her attention to, among other things, a couple of frisky Shetland ponies in a paddock off to the right of the road. She enjoyed glimpses of the river also as it sped by. She’d driven this road a couple of times but had not been able to enjoy the view. That was one nice part about having someone else behind the wheel. She really needed to make time to drive out again soon though, to visit Prissy Newmarket and find out what she remembered about her mom.

  The restaurant Drew had chosen was right downtown and on the water’s edge in a tall and narrow heritage-looking red house. She admired the outside as they walked up the steps.

  “You have an affinity for older houses, I’d say,” she sugg
ested.

  “Got me there. This house has been in a few hands over the years. The location is great and the menu has been varied, but for some reason … well, I said there were several owners. I’m not quite sure why. Anyway, I’ve been anxious to try it in this newest iteration. I hope you like Italian food.”

  He held the front door open for her, and she didn’t get a chance to answer. They were seated fairly quickly at a table with a view of the river.

  Shelby looked around and spotted the sign for the restrooms. “I don’t mean to abandon you right away, but I think I need to make use of a brush.” She smoothed her hair and smiled a bit hesitantly.

  “You look great, but I do have a sister, so I know how that works.” He patted the top of his head. “Maybe I should do the same?”

  Shelby realized he was kidding and laughed. “I’ll be right back.”

  When she returned, Shelby took a few minutes to admire the view of the river before turning her attention back to Drew.

  “First impressions?” he asked.

  “Full marks for the view, that’s for certain.” She swiveled in her chair for a better look around the interior. “And more good marks for the decor. I like this combination of blue and green. It blends well with the outdoors. What about you?”

  He propped his elbows on the table and leaned his chin on his hands. “I totally agree. If they weren’t competition—and I know that’s stretching it—I’d probably want to dine here fairly often. Good thing it’s a bit of a drive. Of course, if we lived in a big city, twenty or thirty minutes would be nothing to get to an evening’s entertainment. You were raised in Boston, right?”

  “I was. We moved there when I was three. I love the city, but there wasn’t a lot to hold me there after my dad died.”

  “That’s rough. I was twenty when my dad died, from throat cancer. I still miss him, but I’m glad I had some time with him as an adult. What about your mom?”

  “That’s why we moved, after she died.” Suddenly, it was a topic Shelby didn’t want to dwell on. Here she’d been spending so much time trying to find out details about her mom, but tonight, she wanted to let it go.