Pelican Cove Cozy Mystery Box Set 2

by Leena Clover

  “I didn’t know you were a country music fan.”

  “I’m not. I mean, not really. But I do know the latest hits.”

  “Is he from around here?” Jenny asked Heather.

  “He’s not,” Heather confirmed. “What’s he doing out here in the boonies?”

  “Why don’t you ask him?” Jenny suggested.

  Heather couldn’t get over her shock. She sat in a kitchen chair and went over different scenarios. She couldn’t believe a big music star had checked into her inn.

  “Shouldn’t you be at the inn, making sure he’s taken care of?” Jenny asked.

  “He went out,” Heather told her. “He’s got this big RV. It’s like a tour bus. He’s in there working.”

  The Magnolias arrived for their daily coffee break. Heather repeated everything she had told Jenny.

  “I don’t like the look of him,” Betty Sue said suspiciously. “He better not steal our towels.”

  “Come on Grandma!” Heather said, scandalized. “He sold a million records just last month. He doesn’t care for our towels.”

  “You never know,” Betty Sue said staunchly. “He’s not an islander after all.”

  Heather looked irritated.

  “Most of the people who come to our inn aren’t,” she told Betty Sue.

  “And they steal stuff,” Betty Sue said triumphantly. “Don’t they? Didn’t we just replace a dozen towels and five bath robes?”

  Heather opened her mouth to object. Jenny stepped in to calm them down.

  “Let it go, you two. How long is this illustrious guest staying in town?”

  Heather’s face lit up again.

  “He’s paid a big advance. He should be here for a couple of weeks at least. Why?”

  “Just a thought,” Jenny said. “Do you think he will sing at our fall festival?”

  Jenny’s question created an uproar. Everyone started talking at once. Star wanted to go and talk to him at once.

  “Isn’t the Pelican Cove fall fest too low key for this guy?” Molly provided a practical opinion.

  “Fall festival is a month away,” Betty Sue said. “Surely he won’t stay with us that long.”

  “How much will he charge?” Jenny asked. “Can we afford to hire him?”

  “All of these are good questions,” Heather said. “We need to come up with a solid plan before we approach him. I think we need Mandy’s help.”

  “What does she know that we don’t?” Star asked.

  She was still holding a grudge against Mandy.

  “Mandy’s good at her job,” Jenny reasoned. “She is used to dealing with celebrities. She will know how to approach this Bobby Joe.”

  “What’s this country music star doing in Pelican Cove?” Molly asked.

  “I think he needs a break. This is the best place for someone who wants to fly below the radar.”

  “I’m tired of talking about this boy,” Betty Sue said, pulling out her knitting from a tote bag. “And I’m hungry.”

  Jenny took the hint and went in to get some fresh muffins.

  “When are we going to the city, Jenny?” Heather asked. “I thought you wanted to leave early.”

  Jenny had received another call from Mr. Jones in Richmond. He wanted to meet her.

  “You can leave now,” Star told them. “Lunch is caprese sandwiches. I can easily make them.”

  Jenny made sure her aunt had everything she needed. She packed some lunch for herself and Heather and they set off for Richmond. It was a good two hour drive.

  The butler ushered them into the parlor. Mr. Jones was waiting for them this time. He looked pale and had a racking cough.

  “Are you sick, Mr. Jones?” Jenny asked with concern.

  “Don’t worry, gel,” he croaked. “I’m not dying anytime soon.”

  Jenny couldn’t figure out if he was irritated or being humorous. Mr. Jones asked about the progress Jenny had made.

  “I seem to have hit a wall,” Jenny admitted.

  She told the old man about the two suspects.

  “But you don’t think much about them, eh?” the old man asked shrewdly.

  “I do believe they are both innocent,” Jenny admitted. “But that leaves us with no suspects.”

  The old man cleared his throat.

  “What do you think of my son?” he asked bluntly.

  Jenny hesitated.

  “I haven’t really met him, Mr. Jones. What possible motive could he have to harm Tyler?”

  The old man was quiet. Jenny gave him some time and then spoke up tentatively.

  “How is he situated financially?”

  “My son is a very wealthy man,” Mr. Jones said. “So is my grandson.”

  “And he gets even more money now that Tyler is gone?”

  “He does,” the old man nodded. “My son believed he was entitled to that money.”

  Jenny sensed there was more to the story. She sat back in her chair and waited for Mr. Jones to continue.

  “Tyler …” the old man began. “Tyler was the apple of my eye.”

  His rheumy eyes filled up as he spoke about his grandson.

  “He was a good person, a better person than my son.”

  Heather nudged Jenny and pulled a face. Was the old man just rambling or did his talk have a purpose? Jenny gave Heather a stare, silently warning her to be quiet.

  “I loved Tyler very much,” the old man continued. “That didn’t sit too well with my son.”

  He looked up at Jenny and she sensed he was about to say something important.

  “You see, Ms. King. Tyler was adopted.”

  Jenny let out a gasp. She hadn’t seen that coming.

  “I still remember the day his parents brought him home,” the old man reminisced. “He was barely a month old. He was a Jones from that moment on.”

  “Was he related to you?” Jenny asked.

  She wondered if Tyler had been adopted from a poor relative.

  “No idea where he came from,” Mr. Jones said. “It was a closed adoption. My son, Tyler’s uncle, was against it at the time.”

  “How did he treat Tyler?”

  “He rallied around,” the old man told them. “Tyler was such a sweet kid. He looked up to his uncle, especially after his parents died.”

  “What changed?” Jenny asked.

  “It was the music,” Mr. Jones said with a sigh. “Tyler was supposed to start learning the business. But he seemed more interested in writing songs. My son thought it was a waste of time.”

  “Tyler could have written his music in his spare time,” Jenny mused. “Surely he was brought up with certain expectations?”

  “He was,” the old man agreed. “Tyler was groomed to be at the helm of a bunch of companies.”

  The old man’s gaze hardened.

  “Tyler was doing fine until he found out he was adopted.”

  “You had never told him?”

  “His parents might have at some point. But he was just a child when they died. I guess it was my job to tell him when he grew up. But I decided not to. Still don’t know how he found out.”

  Jenny thought it was kind of obvious but she didn’t say anything.

  “He took it hard?” Jenny guessed.

  The old man’s voice shook as he replied to Jenny.

  “He started behaving erratically. He stopped going in to work. I think he must have latched on to this troubadour business around that time.”

  “Your son didn’t like that, I guess?”

  “They had a big fight,” the old man said. “My son warned Tyler to clean up his act.”

  Jenny leaned forward and patted the old man’s knee.

  “What are you afraid of, Mr. Jones?”

  “He wouldn’t … he wouldn’t do something drastic, would he? He can’t be that heartless.”

  “I don’t think so,” Jenny soothed.

  She told him what she had learned from Ocean. It seemed like Tyler’s uncle just wanted him to come back home.

/>   “That does seem more plausible,” Mr. Jones said, sounding relieved. “Sounds like something he would do. Throw money at a problem and expect it to go away.”

  Jenny wasn’t taking any chances. She asked Mr. Jones if she could look around a bit. She pointed her phone toward some photos on the mantel and started clicking pictures. She did the same thing with a couple of cars parked outside.

  “What are you doing, Jenny?” Heather whispered. “I thought you agreed the uncle was innocent.”

  “I’m just making sure,” Jenny said softly. “I will explain later.”

  Mr. Jones was talking to his son when they went back in. He gave Jenny and Heather a withering look.

  “Are you here to poison the old man against me?”

  Jenny decided to beard the lion in his den.

  “You have made it clear you didn’t like Tyler.”

  “I didn’t like how he was throwing away his life. He was going to be twenty five soon. He needed to get his act together and start acting responsibly.”

  “That’s all?”

  “Believe it or not, yes,” the man thundered. “If you think otherwise, prove it.”

  “I am working on that,” Jenny said boldly.

  “You are on the wrong track,” he said, his voice full of scorn. “Obviously, you have nothing better to do. Tell me, how much is my father paying you? I will pay you triple to stop nosing around.”

  “You fool!” Old Mr. Jones roared. “Everything can’t be measured in money. Ms. King has very kindly agreed to help us. She isn’t taking a cent from me.”

  “Don’t be naïve, Dad. Someone else must be paying her. Some trashy tabloid, probably.”

  Jenny tried to curb the anger she felt. She decided to exit gracefully. She said goodbye to Mr. Jones and promised to stay in touch. She walked out with Heather following close behind.

  “That was intense,” Heather gushed as Jenny drove her car out of the massive iron gates. “Were you provoking him on purpose?”

  Jenny cracked a smile and shrugged.

  “Where to?” she asked Heather.

  “You still haven’t chosen your wedding dress,” Heather reminded her dourly. “Why don’t we check out a few bridal stores while we are here? I have a list with me.”

  “Molly’s not with us again,” Jenny reminded her.

  “I know,” Heather grimaced. “But do you want to waste this opportunity?”

  “I still think we should look closer to home,” Jenny said. “Coming to Richmond for fittings sounds like a chore.”

  “Why don’t you choose something first?” Heather sighed. “We can figure out the rest later.”

  “What about your dress?” Jenny asked. “You can choose any style you want. No hideous bridesmaid dresses at my wedding.”

  “We already thought about it,” Heather smirked. “We are going with fall colors. We are all wearing shades of yellow, orange or russet.”

  “That sounds beautiful,” Jenny said, her eyes filling up.

  “Don’t you get maudlin now, Jenny King!” Heather warned. “We are just getting started on our wedding chores.”

  Chapter 14

  The town square was jammed with people. Tourists mingled with locals, looking on with interest as volunteers set up a makeshift stage. It was the day of the debate. Peter Wilson had challenged Barb Norton for the first public debate before the election and she had no choice but to accept.

  Supporters on both sides had plastered the town with flyers advertising the event. Everyone was invited. No one would have dreamed of missing it.

  People sat on camp chairs with coolers by their side, ready to enjoy a good show. Some people had brought picnic hampers and reclined on blankets. Kids scurried about, chasing each other and screaming their heads off.

  Jenny had her own agenda for the debate.

  The Magnolias had set up their chairs in two semi-circles. Betty Sue and Star sat at either end. Heather and Jenny sat in between. Molly sat in the second row with Chris. The other two spots were reserved for Jason and Adam. Adam was on duty, keeping the crowd in check. Heather had made gallons of popcorn. Jenny had brought her latest batch of truffles and Molly had brought brownies. They were all set to listen to arguments from both sides. Star was confident Barb would win. Betty Sue was the only one who supported Peter Wilson.

  A lot of locals stopped by them to greet the ladies. Jenny had her phone out. She flipped through the screen and showed them the photos she had taken at the Jones residence.

  “Do any of these people look familiar?” she asked. “What about these cars?”

  Most people barely glanced at the screen before shaking their heads. Others peered at the screen ghoulishly and reluctantly gave it back.

  “You really think you can catch a murderer that way?” Star asked skeptically.

  “I just want to find out if one of them came to town.”

  “What if they did?” Molly asked. “That doesn’t prove anything.”

  Jenny didn’t have an answer for that. She admitted to herself that she was just grasping at straws.

  Captain Charlie came and sat with the women. Betty Sue started talking to the old salt.

  “Do you agree we don’t need more tourists in town?”

  Captain Charlie ran fishing tours. His business depended on the tourists.

  “I wouldn’t say that exactly,” he said, stroking his beard. “This town as good as runs on tourists, you know.”

  “But what about all the mess they create?” Betty Sue cried. “Look around you. The town’s never been this dirty.”

  “We need more people on cleaning duty then,” Captain Charlie said with a shrug.

  He looked at Jenny for support. Jenny thrust her phone in his face.

  “Can you take a look at this?” she asked. “Anyone look familiar?”

  Captain Charlie scrolled through all the photos patiently before shaking his head.

  “You better eat some of this popcorn, Jenny,” Heather said, her fingers smeared with butter. “It’s almost gone.”

  “She’s right,” Chris said, licking his fingers.

  Jenny could barely think of food.

  She started working the crowd, showing the photos to random people, urging people to look carefully as her frustration rose.

  Someone grabbed her arm and pulled her aside. She whirled around to complain and found herself staring into a familiar pair of blue eyes.

  “Adam!” she breathed. “It’s you.”

  She put her arms around his neck and leaned in for a kiss. Adam jerked back and flung her hands away.

  “Not here, Jenny. I am working.”

  Jenny’s face fell as she tried to hide her disappointment.

  “We saved a seat for you,” she told him. “You can’t miss us. Almost everyone’s there except Jason and Emily. But they will be along soon.”

  “What do you think you are doing, Jenny?” Adam asked angrily. “People are beginning to complain.”

  “I have some pictures of Tyler’s family,” she began to explain. “I just want to know if anyone saw them in town.”

  “I don’t care,” Adam snapped. “I am warning you, Jenny. Stop this nonsense right now.”

  “Nonsense?” Jenny asked, placing her hands on her hips.

  “I don’t have time to argue with you,” Adam said, starting to walk away. “Stop harassing people or I will have to take you in.”

  “You can’t do that,” Jenny challenged.

  “I can and I will,” Adam said, sounding exasperated. “Don’t test my patience, Jenny. I won’t be able to do you any favors. You are being a nuisance.”

  Adam turned his back on her and walked away. Jenny’s eyes filled up as she stared at him. Why couldn’t he cut her some slack? Then she remembered how Adam preferred to keep his professional life separate from his private one. She forced herself to admire his integrity.

  “You look like someone slapped you,” Star commented as soon as she spotted Jenny.

  “Ada
m must have said something,” Heather piped up. “He can be so nasty.”

  Jason had arrived with Emily. She sat in her stroller, dressed in a cheery yellow frock and stared around her with interest. Jason’s nose twitched in annoyance as he looked at Jenny.

  “What is it? What grave crime are you supposed to have committed this time?”

  “Forget it,” Jenny said feebly. “It’s nothing.”

  “Why don’t you eat something?” Molly coaxed. “Jason brought pizza.”

  Jenny forced herself to eat a slice and immediately felt better.

  Eddie Cotton from the pub joined them. He sat with Betty Sue and Star, arguing about whether Pelican Cove needed tourists or not.

  “I thought you would be at the pub,” Star said.

  “Most of the people are here,” he said. “I thought I would stretch my legs. I wanted to put up a beer stand but Barb said no.”

  Jenny flipped through her phone again, moodily staring at her pictures.

  “What’s that you have there, Jenny?” Eddie asked.

  Jenny handed over her phone to him.

  Eddie scrolled through the photos half heartedly, continuing an impassioned dialog with Betty Sue and Star. A few moments later, he let out a sudden exclamation.

  “I know him,” he said, jabbing his finger at the screen. “I bet he has been to the Rusty Anchor a couple of times.”

  Jenny realized he was pointing at a picture of Billy Jones, Tyler’s cousin.

  “Tell me more,” she pressed. “Was he alone? Was he talking to someone?”

  “I don’t remember that much,” Eddie said, handing the phone back to her. “At least not now. Maybe it will come to me.”

  “Please try to remember,” Jenny urged him. “This may be important.”

  “Okay, missy,” Eddie nodded. “Give me some time.”

  The loudspeaker crackled as Mandy came on stage and began testing the microphone. Both the candidates climbed up on stage and greeted the crowd. A wild cry went up. Both Peter Wilson and Barb Norton had worked hard for the debate. Jenny forgot everything else as she listened to them in rapt attention. Questions flew from the crowd and both candidates handled them deftly. The debate ended in a tie.

  “That went better than I expected,” Star said as Jenny drove them home. “I never expected Peter would speak so well. Not with his background.”