Cupid's Corpse: A Cozy Mystery (Gemma Stone Cozy Mystery Book 3)

by Willow Monroe

  “Thanks a lot, Nick,” Gemma said and then clapped her hand over her mouth. “I mean William, darling.”

  Nick laughed. “You’re doing fine.”

  “I confided in the manager that I’m not really your wife,” she told him. “It seemed to be the right opportunity to let that slip.”

  “Interesting,” Nick said, rubbing his chin. “Because they put us in a different cabin at the last minute.”

  “Very interesting,” Gemma echoed just as their drinks arrived.

  “Is there anything else I can get for you?” the waiter asked politely.

  “No, thank you,” Nick said. “We’re just fine.”

  “Please do not hesitate to ask for anything,” he said and Gemma thought he was going to bow before moving away from their table.

  They had taken no more than a few sips of their drinks before Gemma spotted Joel Cunningham coming toward them with a woman in tow. She was almost as tall as him, slender with jet black hair and a cream colored, silky, flowing dress that ended just below her knees.

  “Mr. and Mrs. Vanderhaden, I hate to interrupt but I have someone I want you to meet,” Joel said when they reached their table.

  Nick stood up.

  “This is Natasha Muzak,” Joel explained, touching Natasha’s arm lightly, almost as if he couldn’t keep his hands to himself. “She and her husband own Cozy Valley Lodge.” The dour expression on his face had turned to one of pure adoration for the woman at his side.

  “Very nice to meet you,” Nick said politely and with a little bow as he took the woman’s limp hand in his own. “And this is my beautiful wife Carolyn,” he said, reaching down to stroke Gemma’s hair.

  “So nice to meet both of you,” Natasha said with an elegant smile that did not reach her dark eyes. “I do hope you’ll enjoy your stay here with us.”

  “I’m sure it will be a wonderful, relaxing little get away for us. A slower pace is just what we’re looking for,” Nick explained.

  Before Natasha could answer, boisterous laughter from the lobby invaded the quiet restaurant. Joel grew tense, glanced briefly at his watch and then clasped his hands together in front of himself.

  Natasha frowned but composed herself quickly. “I do apologize for the noise,” she said. “My husband is a hopeless romantic and every year he invites the people from Love Match here so their clients can meet and mingle,” she explained slowly, obviously trying to hide the agitation in her voice.

  Gemma had already heard about this and even though she thought it was a wonderful idea, she wrinkled her nose, hoping to show something close to disdain.

  “I’m sure it adds nicely to your bottom line as well,” Nick said to Joel and Natasha. “I might mention that strategy to one of my business partners. We own several hotels in Hawaii. Perhaps later we could share some other lucrative ideas. You seem to be doing quite well here...”

  “Absolutely, that’s a wonderful idea,” Joel put in.

  “William, please. You promised,” Gemma reminded him gently.

  “Oh, I am sorry, dear,” Nick said quickly and then turned back to Natasha and Joel. “I promised my dear wife that this weekend would be nothing but pleasure. I do apologize.”

  Joel seemed to take it in stride. “In your position, sir, I understand perfectly.”

  Gemma spotted a shorter woman marching toward them across the restaurant, wearing dark slacks and a white blouse. She carried a clip board in one hand. She was older than Joel and Natasha with shots of gray through the tight little curls covering her head and it was obvious that she was not happy.

  “Mr. Cunningham, I’d like a word with you please,” she snapped.

  “Of course, Missy,” Joel said as though trying to soothe her. “First I’d like you to meet Mr. and Mrs. Vanderhaden. They’re our guests for the weekend.” And then he turned to Gemma and Nick. “And this is our event planner, Missy Tyler,” he explained.

  Again, Nick was already on his feet. “Nice to meet you, Ms. Tyler,” he said and shook the woman’s hand. Gemma noted that her grip was not limp like Natasha’s had been.

  “Hello,” Gemma said politely.

  Missy Tyler stared at Gemma for a moment. “You look familiar,” she said.

  “My wife was a model until just recently,” Nick explained quickly.

  Gemma didn’t think Missy Tyler was the type to recognize a model but she kept the smile plastered on her face and prayed the woman didn’t somehow know who she really was.

  After several moments that sent Gemma’s heart rate soaring, Missy finally said, “Tomorrow night we have a special Valentine’s Day dinner served in the old theater. We do hope you plan to attend.”

  “Wouldn’t miss it, would we dear?” Nick asked.

  “Oh, we’ll be there,” Gemma said. “It sounds like fun.”

  “It’s really the highlight of the weekend,” Joel assured them.

  Missy turned her attention to Joel, all business again. “I really need to talk to you about this...this...” she waved a hand, “...fiasco.”

  “Alright, meet me in my office in fifteen minutes,” Joel told her.

  With a quick backward glance at Gemma, Missy left them.

  “She’s such an unhappy woman,” Natasha said, almost as if to herself.

  Before anyone could respond, Joel called out to the tall, skinny young man who had greeted them when they first arrived. It looked like he had combed his hair, or at least tried to. “Harold, could you please come here?”

  Harold came toward their table, his lanky frame slouching slightly. Gemma realized this was the young man who had assisted the clerk at the front desk earlier. Perhaps he was one of those employees who wore several different hats. However he seemed to be in his element around the computers and extremely uncomfortable when confronted with a guest.

  “This is Harold Holland. He’ll be available any time you need something or if you have any problems with anything,” Joel made the introductions.

  “My pleasure,” Harold mumbled, but it was clear he had other things on his mind.

  “I trust you made sure their cabin was ready?” Joel asked.

  “Yes, sir.” Harold replied.

  “Good.”

  Natasha opened her mouth to say something to Harold when another uproar of laughter spilled into the restaurant, followed by a crowd of people.

  Leading the way was a short, round bald man wearing what appeared to be flowing white robes that reached the floor, barely covering the silver slippers on his feet. Attached to his plump shoulders were gauzy wings trimmed in silver. They seemed to flutter with his movements. Hanging at his side was a quiver made of the same white fabric as his robe and filled with what looked like tin foil arrows. He carried a simple bow in his right hand.

  The crowd followed him into the restaurant, cheering wildly.

  “Cupid?” Gemma gasped, looking at Nick, who seemed just as surprised. “Is that Cupid? How cute!”

  Chapter Two

  “That is Mr. Boris Muzak himself, actually,” Joel informed them. He looked grouchy again.

  “I’m afraid my husband really is a hopeless romantic,” Natasha said. Even though her face remained placid, her little smile locked in place, Gemma didn’t miss the sneer in her voice. “Valentine’s Day is his favorite holiday and he insists on dressing like this for the whole weekend,” she added.

  “Is that a bow he’s carrying?” Nick asked.

  “Unfortunately, it is,” Natasha told them. “And he’ll be shooting those little foil arrows at everyone throughout the weekend.”

  “You’re kidding,” Nick said with a laugh.

  Gemma coughed softly and placed her hand over her mouth, hoping to hide her smile. Oh, this was going to be fun.

  Mr. Muzak led the crowd through the restaurant. He moved lightly on his feet, almost like a ballet dancer. When he saw Joel and Natasha at Nick’s table he joined them, his smile growing wider at the sight of his wife. It was almost too wide, as if he were forcing it. Maybe not
, Gemma thought. After all, a man who loved romance like he did must love his wife. Unfortunately, his expression of adoration was not returned by his wife.

  Joel made the introductions and then glanced quickly at his watch. “If you’ll excuse me, I have a meeting.”

  “How wonderful to have you here!” Mr. Muzak turned to Nick and Gemma with a delighted smile and spread his hands wide in welcome.

  Gemma thought he was probably the most genuine person she’d met since they’d arrived and she liked him immediately.

  “Our Joel is quite a stickler for schedules,” Mr. Muzak said and then turned that rosy smile to his wife. “Isn’t that right, dear?”

  “Yes, it is but that’s what makes him such an invaluable employee,” she said to her husband, but she did not take her eyes off of Joel until he disappeared in the crowd.

  “Welcome to our home,” Mr. Muzak said, shaking hands with Nick. “I certainly hope you have a romantic weekend planned for your wife.”

  “I do indeed, sir,” Nick replied.

  “Good. Keeping the love alive is what it’s all about. Don’t you think so, sweetheart?” There he was, beaming at Natasha again.

  “Yes, yes it is,” she answered but she didn’t sound nearly as enthusiastic as he did. “Why don’t you show the Vanderhadens to their cabin?” she suggested. “We’ve put them in Number 12.”

  “I will be happy to lead the way,” he said, aiming his bow at a young couple who had just entered the restaurant.

  The young man looked up in surprise when the foil arrow struck him, bounced off and hit the floor. Then he smiled, picked it up and nodded at Mr. Muzak. The couple were holding hands by the time they reached their table.

  “Come on, you little love birds,” he said and skipped ahead of them, lighter on his feet than Gemma would have imagined.

  As they walked along the wooded path behind him holding hands, Mr. Muzak told them about various interesting sights on the property and reminded them that they were free to roam at will. He also told them that the shops in Valentine were a very short drive away and contained so many treasures, both imported and hand made, that they were sure to find a wonderful keepsake to commemorate their Valentine weekend.

  In spite of his over the top salesmanship, Gemma found that she liked him more and more. He obviously loved this place and his wife and his life here. But most of all, he seemed to love playing his part, shooting those little foil arrows at other couples that passed them.

  “So how long have you been playing Cupid?” Gemma asked.

  “As long as I can remember,” he answered. And then he got a faraway look in his eye and sighed heavily. “Since we came here. I guess I just love love.”

  “Nothing wrong with that,” Gemma assured him.

  The guests Cupid hit with the arrows played right along, pretending to fall in love with their partner in some of the most dramatic ways, which made Gemma and Nick laugh. By the time they reached their cabin, Gemma found that she was looking forward to the weekend Mr. Muzak had planned for his guests.

  “Here we are. I do hope you enjoy your stay with us,” he said with a dramatic bow as he swept the door open.

  “I’m sure we will,” Nick told him, following Gemma inside.

  “And if you need anything, please call the front desk. Mr. Holland or one of our other staff will be happy to assist you,” Mr. Muzak reminded them.

  “Yes, sir, we will. Thank you,” Nick said.

  Gemma was so busy trying to take in the luxury and beauty of her surroundings and stay in character that she could barely breathe. Even though their cabin was basically really just one huge room, it was one of the most sumptuous places she had ever seen in her life. Tastefully decorated in relaxing shades of blue and gray, the room just seemed to draw her in. Gleaming hardwood floors added to the warmth of the space as did the huge fireplace which dominated one wall. A roaring fire crackled merrily.

  In front of the fireplace was a small seating arrangement, a leather sofa and two smaller chairs, anchored by a colorful rug. To her left was a small kitchenette which she would almost bet was fully stocked with just about anything two lovers would need for a long weekend. The bed was separated from the rest of the room by what appeared to be a hand painted, folding screen. The colors were deeper here, the luxurious bedding a rich mixture of brocades and satin.

  Gemma had to keep reminding herself to keep up the act, just in case the cameras were already rolling.

  “Oh, my...” Nick said, once he’d closed the door behind them and locked it.

  “It’ll do,” Gemma said. She walked over to the fireplace and held out her hands in front of her, soaking up the warmth with a sigh.

  Nick joined her and fell right into character as well. “Now that I finally have you alone,” he groaned and took her in his arms.

  Gemma allowed him to kiss her but as the kiss continued, grew deeper and more demanding, her acting skills were tested to the limit. She could feel herself sinking into his familiar, solid body. This was worrisome, and she needed to slow down.

  Nick’s kisses had always thrilled her, but she reminded herself that loving a man’s kiss wasn’t the same thing as loving him enough to spend the rest of her life with him. Tingling from head to toe, she managed to pull away gently, heart thudding.

  “Let’s go take a shower before dinner,” she suggested, catching his hand and leading him toward the open door on the wall opposite from the foot of the bed.

  The bathroom was as big as her kitchen back home with gleaming, white marble floors and stacks of the biggest, fluffiest towels she had ever seen. Once again, Nick pulled her into his arms and kissed her mouth, the tip of her nose and her forehead. “I need to check for cameras in here,” he whispered.

  Gemma nodded, her head resting on his shoulder. “I’ll just go unpack first.”

  She had just finished hanging up the one good dress she’d brought to wear for the Lover’s Toast banquet when Nick opened the bathroom door and called to her.

  “Carolyn.”

  It took Gemma a few moments to remember that she was supposed to be Carolyn Vanderhaden. Finally she answered, “Yes, dear?”

  “Your bath is ready, darling,” he said loudly.

  “Did you remember the rose petals?” she called out.

  “Why, yes. Yes I did.”

  “And my special oil?”

  “Yes,” he answered.

  “Good, I’ll be right there.”

  Once she was in the bathroom with the door closed, Nick leaned against the marble-topped vanity with his back to the mirror. “What was that all about?”

  Gemma shrugged and tried to look innocent. “Just playing my part.”

  Nick laughed. “Well, it’s all clear in here at least, as far as I can tell from what Ross’s team taught me about looking for cameras.”

  “Good. I don’t want those perverts watching me in the bathroom. It’s going to be hard enough knowing they’re watching us in the bedroom,” Gemma said.

  Nick laughed and pulled her into his arms, kissed her forehead and ran his fingers through her reddish-gold curls. “It’s only for a few days, baby. Relax. This is supposed to be a vacation, too.”

  “I’m just not good at pretending,” Gemma reminded him.

  “You’re doing pretty great so far,” Nick assured her.

  “Don’t you have to have the Escalade back to your brother-in-law on Monday?” she asked, noticing how the diamonds at her ears, throat and especially the one on her left hand glittered in the bathroom mirror.

  “I promised Buddy I’d have it back on his lot Sunday night and leave the keys under the seat,” Nick told her.

  “I’ll bet he was impressed when you asked to borrow it to do some investigative reporting,” Gemma said.

  Nick nodded and then added. “However, my big sister was not.”

  Gemma smiled. Gina, Nick’s big sister was just a little overprotective of her brother. “Buddy could at least have cleaned it out first,” Gemma sai
d, making a face when she remembered the car seats, candy wrappers and the funky smell inside the expensive vehicle when Nick brought it to her house.

  Nick laughed again. “Well, now all of that stuff is either in my vehicle or the dumpster and I appreciate you helping me clean it up. And those diamonds that look so good on you don’t have to be back until sometime next week. Wally said he had plenty of diamonds at the pawn shop and was in no real hurry to get them back.”

  “It was nice of him to trust you with them,” Gemma said, holding her hair up off her neck so she could admire the diamonds at her ears. She preferred her birthstone, opal, over almost all the other gems but now that she’d worn these gorgeous jewels for a few hours, she was thinking that maybe diamonds really were a girl’s best friend.

  “I am fortunate enough to be surrounded by great friends, and that includes you, my dear,” Nick said, hugging her a little closer. “I mean, pretending to be a man’s mistress is really going above and beyond.”

  “Well, we were scheduled to come up here anyway,” Gemma reminded him.

  “What’s your take on the Muzaks?”

  “I like Mr. Muzak a lot. And he appears to be madly in love with his wife.”

  “Who appears to be more interested in Joel Cunningham,” Nick mused.

  Gemma nodded. “That’s the feeling I got as well. Do you really think they’re capable of the kind of crime we’re investigating?”

  “I think they might have some help. Not sure from where. The websites where the videos are uploaded are run by various offshore companies. The private detectives that contact the people who were filmed and offer to have their stuff removed for a price don’t really seem to exist at all.”

  “Evidently the money they take is real enough or we wouldn’t be here.”

  “Do you think Missy Tyler is involved?” he asked after a few minutes.

  “I don’t know, but she’s certainly angry about something,” Gemma said. “I could almost feel the rage rolling off her.”

  “Maybe she’s mad because Mr. Muzak won’t shoot her with one of his little arrows.”