by Fiona Grace
“Fat Cat is my handle in the real estate forums,” Rehm said. “I’ve spent months trying to make this deal. Now I’ll get the house anyway, only you’ll be dead.”
“What is he talking about?” Connie said, staring at Rehm and back at Mia, who was nursing her jaw.
“He killed Cindy Moore and he plans on murdering us too,” Mia said.
“Goodness gracious, why?” Connie said.
“Because you refused to sell Elmswood to him,” Mia said.
“But why kill Cindy Moore?” Connie said. “She was just the agent.”
“I had no plans to kill Cindy,” Rehm said. “I stopped by the house that night to reason with her, but she said the decision was out of her hands. You refused to sell to me. I pushed her a bit, I even offered her a piece of the project, but she snapped and threatened to report me to the state board and have my license stripped! She was going to destroy my career. I wasn’t going to let some uppity residential broker take me down,” Rehm said, his eyes so filled with rage that his face was transformed into a nightmare grimace.
“So you made her murder look like a suicide,” Mia said. “Using Cindy’s own car to gas her.”
“That’s right. And I would have gotten away with it too. But you stumbled onto the crime scene and made things more complicated. Did you think I didn’t know who you were when you walked in my office, Mia Bold? Someone on the force told me about you the day you found the body. Once I realized you were a suspect in Cindy’s murder, I knew you were the perfect patsy.”
“Patsy?” Connie said, holding nutmeg tightly. “For what?”
“He’s going to kill us and blame me for your murder,” Mia said.
“Are you crazy?” Connie said. “Why?”
“To get the house, he needs you dead, Connie,” Mia said, watching Rehm. “He wants to force an auction.”
“An auction?” Connie said. “You mean a county property auction?”
“Let’s see,” Rehm said. “Mia Bold found out she was about to be arrested, so she headed to your house, Connie. She needed an alibi for the night Cindy Moore was murdered, but you refused to help. Desperate not to go to prison, she shot you, and then she shot herself. Case closed.”
There was a long silence as Connie stared at him. Then she suddenly burst out laughing with a deep contagious guffaw that rang all the way through the rafters of the house.
“Oh, you really are a screw-up, aren’t you?” Connie said.
Dominic Rehm looked at Connie in shocked surprise. Then the toxic glower returned, contorting his face.
“What the hell is so funny?” Rehm hissed.
“Why you are,” Connie said, through fits of laughter. “I’ve already filed my will. This house is going to the Salem Athenaeum. I sent that information to them this morning.”
“No!” Rehm said, his expression crumbling.
“Do you know why I did that?” Connie said. “The ironic thing is, Mr. Rehm, it was after you tried to buy the property. That property won’t be turned into condos, not now or ever. Over my dead body.”
“That can be arranged,” Rehm said and began to shake. His eyes seemed to explode into two black pits of anger. He grabbed a couch pillow to silence the gun and put his finger on the trigger. “I’ll deal with the Athenaeum later!”
Mia stepped in front of Connie to protect her.
“Out of the way!” Dominic said in a low grumbling voice. “Or I’ll wound you first. I hear stomach wounds are an unpleasant way to die.”
Suddenly there was a screech of tires at the front of the house. A door slammed, followed by footsteps and a fist pounding on the door.
“Mia? Are you in there? Answer the door!” Detective Landry’s voice was loud and clear.
Dominic Rehm looked at the front door and panicked for a moment.
That was all it took.
Connie Carol reached down and grabbed the fireplace shovel and swung it hard, hitting Rehm on the back of the head.
Rehm dropped to the ground with a thud.
The 9mm Ruger spun across the floor and landed at the base of the fireplace.
Mia looked at the older lady, amazed. “Good shot, Connie!”
“I used to have the best batting average on the women’s softball team,” Connie said and grinned. Rehm curled into a ball, groaning and holding the back of his head.
Mia raced to the front door and opened it. Detective Landry saw she was all right and smiled in relief.
“Thank goodness,” Landry said. “It took me a while to piece it together.”
“I found the killer,” Mia said. “Meet Dominic Rehm.”
“So, he was going to kill Connie to get the house?” Landry said, stepping over to examine the man who was groaning on the floor.
Mia nodded, rubbing her sore jaw.
A police SUV pulled up behind Landry with its lights spinning but no sirens. Detective Charlie Waite climbed out of the front seat and walked slowly up the stairs. He stepped inside and scanned the scene.
“Well, well, well,” Waite said. “What have we got here. Dominic Rehm of Halcyon Commercial Realty, huh?”
“This man just confessed to killing Cindy Moore,” Connie said. “He was about to kill me too when this young lady stood in front of me, ready to take a bullet. Bravest thing I ever saw.”
Waite nodded his head and spoke into his radio.
“I need some EMTs at the intersection of Elden Street and Burpee Avenue. A man’s been hit on the head. He’s breathing fine. Looks like a goose egg to me but you can’t be too careful.” The detective walked over to the Ruger and carefully bagged the gun.
Dominic tried to sit up with a groan. “What happened?” he said, holding his head.
“Better stay down,” Detective Waite said. “There’s a pair of dangerous women here. Which one of you hit him?”
“I did,” Connie said. “What’re you going to do, arrest me?”
“Oh Lord no, Connie, I most certainly am not,” Waite said. “Ms. Bold, can I speak to you outside for a moment?”
As they stepped onto the porch the ambulance crew arrived and hurried into the house to deal with Dominic Rehm. Landry crossed his arms, watching the scene as Detective Waite steered Mia to a quiet place on the front lawn.
“First off, I owe you an apology, Ms. Bold,” Detective Waite said. “It’s very clear you had nothing to do with Cindy Moore’s death.”
“Thank you, Detective,” Mia said.
“So now that we’re on the same page, I wonder if you could do me a favor?” The detective looked down at his feet rather sheepishly.
“Of course, Detective,” Mia said.
“That brother-in-law of yours, Jeffrey Costa? Could you call him off? I’m in serious hot water down at city hall. He’s called every official in town including the mayor. He’s threatening a multimillion-dollar lawsuit. If he keeps this up, I might be out of a job by the end of the day. And now with you being innocent, it looks pretty bad for me.”
“Consider it done,” Mia said and smiled, but her jaw stung. “Ouch. Now, can I get a favor from you and Connie so I can save my job?”
“Sure, what?” Waite said.
“We’d like to interview you about Elmswood House. That is, if Connie gives us permission to film.”
“It’s the least I can do. What do you say, Connie?”
Mia and Detective Waite looked to Connie for an answer.
“No sweat off my back,” Connie said. “Now where’s that dog of yours? Nutmeg needs a playdate.”
CHAPTER THIRTY
The noisy herd of Middletons clomped down the stairs of the Salem Inn and into the quaint lobby. Daniel Middleton was busy checking his pocket watch every five minutes for the limousine that was due to take them to the airport. Mia was still frustrated with her family, but she loved them and appreciated the effort they made to visit. She wouldn’t miss seeing them off.
Daniel looked Mia up and down and nodded his reluctant approval.
“Well, this tow
n certainly has some history,” Daniel said finally. “Even if the showfolk have turned the place into a three-ring circus.”
“I’m glad you enjoyed yourself, Daniel,” Mia said. She was used to her stepfather’s faint praise and could see right through it. This actually meant he liked the town very much.
Reynolds arrived and pushed his way through the front door, having come from his friend’s house. He walked across the carpet, wheeling his suitcase behind him, and stood beside Daniel.
“Hey, Mia, good to see you,” he said before turning to Daniel. “I’ve made shipping arrangements for all of our purchases.”
“Good man,” Daniel said, checking his itinerary.
“So you did find a few treasures?” Mia said sweetly.
“Perhaps. We’ll know for certain when we see how they sell,” Daniel said and turned his full attention to Mia. “I’m not sure about that actor boyfriend of yours, but at least he was polite. I’m impressed you landed on your feet.”
Mia blushed. From Daniel that was high praise indeed.
Madison walked up to Mia, dressed nicely in her tasteful travel suit with her hair pinned back into an elegant twist.
“Well, dear, I can’t say that I approve of this gypsy lifestyle you’re leading,” Madison said. “But your new friends seem awfully nice, so I’ll try not to worry about you so much.”
“Thanks, Mom. Will you also try not to interfere so much?” Mia said.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Madison said. She took a compact out of her bag and started powdering her nose.
“I’m talking about Mark,” Mia said. “I know you plotted to bring him here, Mom. That was a real pain.”
“I just wanted to make sure you were happy, that’s all, dear,” Madison said and tucked the compact away. She reached out and turned Mia’s chin to have a look at the bruise along her jaw.
“How did you get that again, sweetheart?” Madison said, changing the subject deftly.
“It happened at the gym,” Mia lied.
Brynn swept up beside them.
“Come on, Mom. Kickboxing class, remember?” Brynn said and winked.
“Are you sure you want to stay in Salem?” Madison said, her eyes tearing up a little.
“Yes, Mom, I am absolutely sure,” Mia said and hugged her.
“Well, at least you don’t look as bad as Jeffrey,” Madison said. “I don’t know what he’s been up to without you, Brynn. Maybe you should make an appointment with a neurologist.”
“I’ll keep an eye on him, Mom,” Brynn said and rolled her eyes.
Madison dabbed the tears away and joined Daniel, who was deep in conversation with Reynolds about the architecture of the building.
As if mentioning his name had conjured him, Jeffrey came down the steps with his suitcase bouncing behind. The hotel staff cringed when they saw him. Along with the lump on his forehead and the black eye, a new bruise had appeared, a bright red claw mark on his hand.
“How’d you get that? Mia said.
“Dunno, I might have gotten some kind of rash,” Jeffrey said loudly and glared at the desk staff, who looked down at their work, trying to ignore him.
“Listen, Jeffrey,” Mia said in a low voice. “I wanted to thank you for what you did for me. You helped get me out of a very difficult situation.”
Jeffrey nodded and puffed up his chest.
“Let some backwater cop infringe on my sister-in-law’s rights? Not going to happen. Ever!” Jeffrey said. “Next time, call me and I’ll fly out, okay?”
“I will,” Mia said and smiled. Maybe Jeffrey wasn’t so bad after all. She’d never seen this side of him; the way he’d fiercely protected her was surprising and impressive. So, she had finally seen Jeffrey’s valiant side. Her sister had always alluded to his skillful arguments. Mia noticed the pride in Brynn’s expression. They were back together again, all right. All it took was Mia almost going to jail!
“Come on, Jeffy, my big, strong warrior,” Brynn said and hugged him.
“Ow, babe, I think my ribs are bruised. I fell out of bed last night.”
The limousine pulled up in front, and the herd of Middletons headed out to the street. Mark stepped out of the back of the limo and walked up to Mia while the driver packed each piece of luggage into the trunk.
“Hey, Mia,” Mark said, with his hands stuck deep in his pockets.
“Hey, Mark,” Mia said. “Have a safe trip.”
She was about to turn away when Mark reached out and touched her arm.
“Listen, Mia, I know you said that Johnny Astor is your boyfriend, but are you sure that’s the way you want to go? I mean, we had a good thing going.”
Mia looked at Mark. She’d known him a long time, but a lot of her best memories of him were when she didn’t know him very well. When they were in college together he had been charming, but once they got out into the world and started working on their dreams, he’d turned into a very different person, someone with whom she didn’t have a lot in common.
“I’m sure, Mark. I’ve moved on and you should too. Nobody is to blame. We grew up and we grew apart. You should find someone who wants the same kind of life you do.”
Mark paused, as if he was actually thinking about what she had to say.
“Okay. Thanks, Mia. Good luck,” he said and climbed back into the limo.
It felt like real closure for Mia. She hoped it did for Mark too.
The herd of Middletons all piled in the limo and waved to Mia as the long black car pulled into traffic, heading for Boston and their late flight home to Pennsylvania.
At that moment, Mia’s phone buzzed. It was a text from Ollie Cooper.
Mia braced herself for the bad news. She’d been so distracted with her family’s visit and Cindy Moore’s murder, she’d been neglecting the show. She’d also brought some negative publicity to Bell, Book, and Candle when rumors swirled that she might be connected to Cindy’s murder. Now that she’d sent the Middletons away, finished with Mark, and cleared her name, she was ready to focus on work one hundred percent. But would Ollie and Graham forgive her? She feared there was strong possibility she might lose her job and the life she’d built for herself in Salem. But instead of the axe, Mia was amazed to see a simple text.
Bell, Book, and Candle
Episode 3: Elmswood House
Night shoot tomorrow
Call time: 6pm
EPILOGUE
Johnny and Mia stood in the abandoned playground behind the house on Elmswood. Mia held her breath, trying to be absolutely quiet. Even though it was dark and she was in the exact place where she had possibly seen a ghost, the creepy feeling that had plagued her for days seemed to be gone.
What had changed? Mia wondered. She wasn’t sure, but something was different. Whatever had haunted her dreams seemed to be a warning. Now that the danger had passed, the house felt less threatening, although the mystery remained.
A breeze rustled through the leaves and the swings creaked back and forth. Jake kept the camera focused on the two stars of Bell, Book, and Candle while Will held up the boom mic.
“Lydia?” Johnny said. “Can you tell us why you’re here?”
The ghost box Johnny carried crackled to life and an eerie voice emerged.
“Lost,” said a soft, sweet voice.
Johnny looked at Mia, who nodded for him to continue.
“Why are you haunting the Elmswood House?” Johnny said.
“Home,” said the voice.
“Did you hear that?” Johnny said, turning to Mia.
“I did. It sounded like the word home,” Mia said. “And I have to admit I can’t explain it.” Mia was not just saying that for the theatrics, she had come to a crossroads in her mind. The path she had always walked was that of a skeptic. But over her last three investigations something had changed. She was no longer the skeptic she had once been. Was she “sensitive” like Johnny thought? She wasn’t sure, but she knew one thing. She was more passionate than eve
r about understanding what ghosts were, where they came from, and why they appeared to people. But science was still her chosen tool.
The ghost box died back down to a low static and silence enveloped them.
“Cut,” Graham yelled out. “That’s a wrap!”
A murmur of relief rippled through the crew as Jake and Will lowered their equipment. Tandy understood the word cut and immediately ran up to Mia, who gave him a hug.
“You’re such a good boy,” she said and ruffled his ears.
“Great work,” Ollie said. “I think that was your best investigation yet.”
The last few hours had been grueling as Jake and Will filmed and recorded Johnny and Mia’s journey through the creepy house. The EMF readings had spiked in the same places as the walk-through. They had recorded EVP for Sylvie to analyze. And by the time they reached the abandoned playground, Lydia had spoken through the ghost box. Things couldn’t have gone better. But it had been a long night.
“Okay, tomorrow we have a two p.m. crew call at the office to film Detective Waite’s interview and the postmortem section of the show. Looks like we’ll be ready in time for the cable network,” Graham said, excited. “See you at the Black Cat Inn!”
“That was brilliant stuff about Lydia,” Johnny said. “The way you brought in her history, how the original house was moved. Amazing stuff.”
“Thank you,” Mia said, excited. She was relieved to put the Elmswood House behind her. But the most remarkable thing was the horrible feeling that had gripped her every time she walked into the house—was gone.
She breathed a sigh of relief as they stepped out of the wooded area. Across the backyard, standing by Sylvie’s editing table, was Detective Charlie Waite with Connie Carol and special guest of the show Howard Adler, who beelined toward Johnny Astor to get an autograph.
As Sylvie packed up her equipment, Tandy ran over to greet Connie’s little poodle, Nutmeg. The two dogs pranced on the lawn under the moon.
“Well, I gotta say, that’s an interesting job you got,” Connie said. “We could see and hear everything on Sylvie’s computer here.”
