by Lyndsey Cole
“Yes, as a matter of fact, you do, as long as your he’s-not-a-date doesn’t distract you. And believe it or not, I’ll be there, too. Our guest in Cottage Four, Clara Hayes, gave me two tickets.”
“Great! You’re bringing Cal?” Samantha wiggled her eyebrows. “You know it’s a fancy affair and you’ll have to get dressed up.”
“Clara already gave me instructions.” Hannah pulled her braid forward. “She even told me to do something else with my hair.” She rolled her eyes. “If it wasn’t for the chance to gather information, I wouldn’t go.”
Samantha stood and did a little jig with her arms in the air. “After a couple glasses of champagne you’ll be out on the dance floor with Cal doing some Salsa moves right alongside me and Blake.” She wiggled her hips and threw her head back.
“Sure,” Hannah agreed, since that seemed easier than arguing with Samantha in her enthralled-with-Blake state of mind. “Speaking of Cal, I’d better let him know about this garden party. I’m not sure he’ll want to go.”
“You two are such party poopers. Don’t you ever have any fun?”
Hannah felt her checks warm with memories of the fun they had together. Not often enough, for sure, but still fun.
“See you at the party. Toodle-oo.” Samantha waved on her way out.
Hannah made her way toward her new cottage-in-progress. With each step, she felt a bit lighter and happier. She felt pride in having her own place, fresh and new to stamp her uniqueness on. She pictured the clean, bright, wood interior and her sunlit, wrap-around porch, with Nellie and Patches lounging while she rested on her hanging swing.
But if Hannah wanted Patches in this idyllic scene, she had to find something from Dwayne to appease Ebony. With any luck, the garden party might just be her ticket to figure out how to keep Patches safe from the clutches of Dwayne’s estranged wife.
13
Hannah watched as Cal worked on her cottage. She admired his strong work ethic and his willingness to always help her.
But, she still had a flicker of worry about another side of him.
Could his dislike of Dwayne and concern for her have pushed him to do something to Dwayne? It didn’t fit with Cal’s personality, even if revenge could be his motive.
She wanted to shove those dark thoughts away but they refused to leave.
“Hey there. Are you going to just stand and watch all night?” Cal asked, bringing Hannah back to the present and the reason she was here. He leaned against the door frame with a broad grin and a twinkle in his eyes.
Hannah walked the remaining distance to inspect his work. “You’ve made good progress today.”
“I suppose so, considering the late start because of…” His voice trailed off but Hannah knew exactly what he was referring to and she didn’t need a reminder of their search for Dwayne earlier in the day.
The two garden party tickets appeared in Hannah’s hand. “Would you like to be my date tonight?”
Cal’s smile grew, but suddenly disappeared when he read the words on the tickets. “A garden party? At the Dunn’s? Sorry, but I have to pass. I’ll keep working here to catch up to my goal for the day.” He gently put both of his strong hands on Hannah’s shoulders. The warmth of his hands seeped through her cotton t-shirt. “Do you understand? I have too much history with them. It would be—” he paused, “awkward.”
“Sure,” Hannah said, but she didn’t understand. She was discouraged. What history was he referring to? The story he told her about his long-ago girlfriend that left town because of Dwayne? Or something more recent, like following Dwayne to his campsite. “I’ll ask Ruby. She’ll probably love to go with me.”
Hannah walked away; fear grew in her mind with the bang of every stroke of Cal’s hammer. She had to get to the bottom of this mess around Dwayne or else her suspicions would drive her crazy.
The sound of pots clanging and laughter met Hannah’s ears as she entered the kitchen of The Fishy Dish. Ruby was busy cleaning the stainless steel surfaces and putting dirty pans in the sink. Meg had a new batch of clam chowder on the stove.
“Look who decided to show up. We thought you had enough of this place and up and left us,” Meg teased. She lifted her apron to wipe the sweat from her brow. “We were just talking about you.”
Hannah rolled her eyes. “Of course you were. I don’t even want to imagine.”
Meg stirred the chowder. “Yeah, when we heard Cal’s hammer stop, I said the two of you were, you know, up to something. And I wasn’t thinking it had anything to do with designing your new cottage.” She smirked. “More like christening it.”
“Actually,” Hannah said, “Cal just blew me off. I invited him on a date tonight but he said he’d rather keep working.”
Meg’s eyebrows jumped up and Ruby’s jaw dropped.
“He said no? Where were you planning to take him, to watch some dumpster fires or something like that?” Meg asked.
“To the garden party at Marty Dunn’s house. Do you want to come, Ruby?”
“I’d love to but Olivia has one of her six year old friends sleeping over.”
Meg stood with her head cocked and one hand on her hips. She bent her other arm with her hand tilted at a right angle. “I’m available. I’ve always dreamed of attending one of those la-di-da affairs. I’ll even be happy to chauffeur you in my elegant pick-up truck.” She managed to keep a straight face for approximately two seconds before she bent over, laughing out loud. “Can you imagine the looks on those uppity faces if we arrived in my truck?”
“I’ll drive. Can you be ready at seven thirty?” Hannah asked. “And you have to wear something nice and flowery, or so I’ve been advised. I want to fit in, not stick out, if you get my meaning.”
Meg grinned. “Don’t worry about me. I can play this part. But what about you? Do you have anything appropriate to wear?”
Ruby took Hannah’s arm. “I can fix you up so no one will even recognize you. Has anyone in this town ever seen you dressed up?”
Hannah shrugged. “Probably not. Let’s get started. You have a lot of magic to perform on me.”
Ruby lifted Hannah’s braid. “And I’ll fix up your beautiful hair into a stylish messy bun for a change. This will be fun.”
Meg shooed them out of the kitchen. “I’ll finish the cleanup and meet you back here at seven thirty. I know exactly what I’ll wear so I don’t need too much time.”
As the two sisters walked to Ruby’s house, Ruby asked, very gently, what happened with Cal to refuse this date.
Hannah felt tears begin to well up in her eyes but she blinked several times and kept control of her emotions. “I’m worried about him. He had a history, and not in a good way, with Dwayne Dunn which has me concerned that he might have done something to Dwayne.”
“You think Cal murdered Dwayne?” Ruby asked in shock.
“I don’t know what to think. He told Dwayne to stay away from me and he knew where Dwayne was camping. That’s how we ended up finding the body. What would you think?”
They walked several paces in silence before Ruby spoke. “It sounds like a coincidence. If Cal murdered Dwayne, why would he lead you to the spot where he had been murdered? He was only trying to help you find Patches.”
“I hope you’re right, but there’s something else. I found Dwayne’s hat floating in the water where Cal’s boat should have been this morning.”
“Does anyone else know?”
“Blake McVee was there and he helped me fish it out with some fishing spear thingy he had on his boat, but he assumed the hat belonged to Cal. And I let him assume that. I also told Cal I found it.”
Ruby draped her arm over Hannah’s shoulder. “Put all that aside for now and try to think about who else might have wanted Dwayne dead. If you figure that out, then you and Cal can get back on track. He’s worth it.”
“Clara told me that Dwayne’s brother Marty was always jealous of him, and there’s always Dwayne’s estranged wife. The two of them showed up after t
he police arrived at the clearing. They did act strange. And today, Ebony showed up in my office asking me if Dwayne left anything behind. She specifically asked about papers.”
“Great. There’s your starting point—Marty and Ebony and some missing papers.”
Hannah felt her muscles relax. “Thanks for being my sounding board. I was about to go crazy with worry about Cal but, you’re right, I’ll set that aside and concentrate on making sure Deputy Pam Larson finds someone else to focus on.”
“Now, to what’s really important—getting you all fixed up so you make a big splash at this fancy garden party. I wish I could be there with you but I can’t disappoint Olivia.” They went straight to Ruby’s bedroom closet. “Sit on the bed and I’ll show you what I’ve got.”
Ruby pulled dress after dress out but Hannah shook her head at each one. She threw herself back on the bed and stared at the ceiling. “Your dresses are all beautiful but they aren’t me. What am I going to do?”
“I’ve saved the best for last. Sit up and close your eyes.”
Hannah held her breath. Why was she thinking that this could ever be a good idea?
“Okay, take a look.” Ruby held up a sweetheart floral asymmetric dip hem chiffon dress.
Hannah’s eyes popped. She could actually see herself wearing this understated cream colored dress with only a few bold red and orange flowers for a splash of color. With the hem cut higher on one side, it would show off her leg nicely. She wondered what Cal would think of her in this dress, and with a bit of sadness, she wished he was going with her.
“What do you think?”
“I’ve never seen that dress before; it’s beautiful.” Hannah rubbed the fabric between her fingers.
Ruby beamed. “Try it on.”
It didn’t take long for Hannah to yank off her jeans and t-shirt and slide the soft fabric over her body. It was snug through her bodice but flowed freely from her waist down. Ruby added a loosely knit, short white sweater. “In case it gets cool tonight.”
Hannah twirled around and liked how the fabric flew out before it wrapped around her legs. She hugged her sister. “You are a savior!”
“I was about to give up and send you to the party in your birthday suit,” Ruby scolded. “I’m going to pick up Olivia at her friend’s house and bring the two of them back here for the night. Take a shower, and when I get back I’ll fix your hair.”
Hannah saluted her sister. “Yes, ma’am.”
Ruby smiled and shook her head. “Cal’s missing something tonight. He better hope someone else doesn’t snatch you up.”
“Should I stop by and let him see what he’s missing?”
“Sure. He needs to get his priorities straight.”
Ruby left with the promise that she’d be back in about twenty minutes.
Hannah sang to herself in the shower. She was beginning to look forward to this evening. Maybe she could even have some fun while she kept her eyes and ears open.
Maybe.
Meg was waiting at The Fishy Dish when Hannah—all spruced up in Ruby’s borrowed flowery dress, her twisted messy bun, and even high heel sandals—arrived.
Meg whistled at Hannah, then she twirled herself around for inspection. “This gal cleans up pretty well, too, don’t ya think?”
“Not bad.” Hannah held her arm out. “We’ll make a dashing pair. Your blue flowers plus my red and orange ones mix together for the perfect summer bouquet.”
As the two marched in step toward Hannah’s car, another whistle broke through the air.
Hannah’s head twisted to see who was behind them.
Cal.
He carried his tool belt in one hand and his coffee mug in the other. “Is it too late to change my mind about going with you?”
He looked tired. And sad. Hannah’s heart caught in her chest. “Sorry, but yes. It’s too late.”
“Have fun,” he said, but his voice was flat.
Hannah was completely torn between her feelings of attraction and her worry about Cal. She told herself she would sort it all out tomorrow.
For now, she needed to be on her best game—shoulders strong, eyes focused, and ears tuned in for any tidbits she could pick up at the party that might help get to the bottom of what happened to Dwayne Dunn.
If she could do that, she would either rid her mind of anxiety about Cal’s involvement, or know the sad truth.
14
The circular drive at the Dunn estate was jam packed with cars. Not with the run-of-the-mill Hondas or Chevys, but the sleek and very expensive imported beauties that Hannah knew she would never be able to afford.
“My Volvo is on the older side, but at least it has some character,” Hannah said as she parked on the grass behind a black BMW.
“I think this is the only station wagon here, if that’s what you’re calling character,” Meg teased as she slid out and smoothed her dress. “Fortunately, you managed to find a nice dark spot so no one will even notice.”
As they walked toward the well-lit garden area, Meg’s grip on Hannah’s arm tightened until she felt Meg’s nails pinch her skin.
“Are you nervous?” Hannah asked as she noticed butterflies fluttering around in her own stomach.
Meg leaned close to Hannah and whispered, “This is way more intimidating than I expected. What are we walking into?”
They walked along a manicured hedge under leafy trees toward the well-lit area. That seemed the most logical direction to find the garden party, besides the fact that other men and women were also fluttering toward the lights like moths. Music and voices increased in volume as they followed a cobblestone path around the side of the gigantic home.
A large fountain in the middle of the party area made Hannah stop and cross her legs. She pretended to be admiring a stone statue at the entrance to the gala. “I need to find a bathroom. With my nerves, combined with the sound of the splashing water, I’m about to embarrass myself and we’ll be needing to make a hasty exit.”
“Me too,” Meg admitted. “Who are these people? I expected to at least recognize folks from around Hooks Harbor. This is about as far from any crowd that I’ve ever been in. Remind me why you got invited?”
With her bladder under control for the moment, Hannah maneuvered Meg around the edge of the party as she scanned to find Clara to help her navigate through the guests. “Clara, the guest staying in Cottage Four.”
Meg nodded. “Yeah, Clara Hayes. She was a friend of your Great Aunt Caroline’s. I saw her around.”
“She knew Dwayne and she told me that Great Aunt Caroline kept important papers for him. I haven’t found them yet, but there could be something that links Dwayne to Marty’s riches. We’re here to listen to any chatter about Dwayne.” Hannah held up her hand and wiggled her fingers. “There’s Clara. I think I got her attention.”
Hannah pulled Meg into the crowd which also brought them into the brighter light.
“What are you doing here?” a nasty voice hissed in Hannah’s ear.
She forced a big smile and turned toward the voice. “Well, hello, Ebony. I’m looking for Clara who so kindly gave me two tickets to this incredible event. It’s such a shame that Dwayne can’t be here with you.”
Ebony flinched as if Hannah had slapped her. “Dwayne wouldn’t be caught dead at something like this.” As soon as the words left her mouth, crimson crept across her tanned cheeks. “I didn’t mean it that way,” she stuttered. “He never came to Marty’s big events. He didn’t like crowds.”
“No, I suppose he wouldn’t. He seemed to be more the loner type with a few good friends. Am I right about that?” Hannah kept her eyes focused on Ebony.
Ebony searched the crowd and avoided meeting Hannah’s stare. “If Dwayne had any friends, I wouldn’t know.” She finally managed to pull her mouth into a grin of sorts and leaned close to Hannah. “Don’t forget about our little meeting in your office. I always suspected that your great aunt managed to get some of Dwayne’s papers away from him and I want the
m. All of his work belongs to me, now.”
Hannah’s muscles quivered. She forced her voice to stay strong and steady. “Give me a clue as to what I’m looking for. Caroline left a jam packed file cabinet of papers behind.”
“You’ll know when you see it. And if not, well, poor little Patches may have to take a long trip.” She straightened and chortled.
Hannah took the opportunity to bring Ebony back to reality. “If anything happens to Patches, the police will be looking for you.”
“What are you talking about?”
“I’m only saying it’s awfully convenient for you that Dwayne is dead if you’re hoping to cash in on any of his work. Watch your step.”
Ebony’s face turned ashen. The small quartet that had been playing in a corner of the garden came to the end of their piece. Voices buzzed around Hannah’s ears but she kept her glare on Ebony. Hannah felt Meg tug at her arm but she didn’t budge.
This was important. Hannah refused to let this horrible woman try to intimidate her. She was determined to win this staring competition.
Ebony blinked first before she smiled and exhaled a nervous laugh. “I think you’re the one that should be careful, Ms. Holiday. You have no idea whose toes you are stomping on.”
With that barely-veiled threat, Ebony Dunn stuck her nose in the air and disappeared among the guests.
Meg tugged Hannah’s arm again, and this time she followed. “What was that all about?”
“Ebony just drew a line in the sand. She thinks I have some valuable papers hidden in Great Aunt Caroline’s files and she wants them. She just confirmed my suspicion.” Hannah’s eyes scanned the crowd. “Dwayne’s death is an attempt to get something from him that she couldn’t get when he was alive. I don’t know what it could be. Yet. But, like Ruby suggested, I need to try to figure out who wanted Dwayne dead the most.” Hannah looked at Meg. “Ebony Dunn, estranged wife, is definitely on that list.”
