Shortbread and Shivers

by Ramona Ransom

  “I think Alana lied about going to my house. We both saw her pass right by. So, see, she does dislike me. I also think that Raymond hated Percy almost more than I did. But Clifford wanting the house makes a whole lot of sense. He moved away and regretted every minute of it. Remember my friend I told you about, the one who used to live here and goes to the meetings? She told me about how Clifford and she would talk about old memories, and he’d always tell her how much he missed it.”

  Nessa considered what Melanie had to say and agreed. Raymond and Clifford were both looking like solid suspects.

  Chapter Fifteen

  “Are you alone?” Bizzie asked, looking around.

  “Chloe is at the bakery,” Nessa answered.

  “It was Raymond. It had to be,” Bizzie said, sure of herself. “Why else would he need to buy a hose like that?”

  “He could be doing something as simple as watering his lawn. It’s not like he was doing anything that crazy, but I see where your head is. Did he see you?” Nessa asked.

  Bizzie shook her head. “I don’t think so, but I can’t be sure. Killers are definitely stealthier than I am.”

  “Oh, stop. You have no idea what he was doing or why. I will say, though, that they are a very odd couple. I wish I could go back to the day when Joy found Percy and get her to talk. She kept saying how it was all her fault.”

  “Maybe she did it and Raymond bought the hose to replace the one she used.”

  “Or maybe Raymond did it and she was just protecting her husband.”

  “But you told me that his car wasn’t there. How could he have done it if he wasn’t home?” Bizzie asked.

  “Five seconds ago, you were sure it was him.” Nessa shook her head.

  “Well, yes, but that was before you said all of the other things. I think I’m sure that it wasn’t Melanie now.”

  “Same here. She admitted to stealing the invitations and found her hose.”

  “Unless!” Bizzie exclaimed.

  “Don’t even say it. Melanie didn’t do it. I’m kind of leaning toward Clifford, to be honest with you. After hearing what Melanie had to say about him saying how much he loved the area, and how Alana went on about how Clifford wanted the HOA back, I think it could have been him. He could have wanted Percy’s house for all we know.”

  “So, Clifford killed Percy so he could get his house and then live here. That’s what we’re going with?”

  “Did I tell you about the day I talked to Joy? Not the day Percy was killed, but after that. Raymond was on the phone with Percy’s daughter, and Joy said that the daughter was tired of all the calls about her father. Do you know what that might mean?”

  “That she’s tired of getting calls. I think it’s as simple as that. Wouldn’t you feel the same way?” Bizzie asked.

  “I would, absolutely. But I think you’re missing the point. Why are people calling her to say anything other than condolences? She wouldn’t be annoyed by those, so there has to be something else. I know Raymond was calling to ask her about getting the boat off his property.”

  “Which is a whole other story in itself. Why are those two so worked up about who goes on their property? They’ve owned it for all of ten minutes and they’re acting like people are searching for gold or something. They’re causing more trouble by acting that way.”

  “I think they are just trying to take care of their purchase, but yes, I agree.”

  “So, who else do you think called her?” Bizzie asked.

  “Maybe Melanie called her,” Nessa said, trying hard to think.

  “What if…” Bizzie said, taking off her shoes and laying down on the couch. She stretched out her legs, her feet nearly touching Nessa, who scoffed and got up to move. “Eww, really?” She paused, giving Nessa a look.

  “Me really? You just touched me with your foot. In my house. On my couch. So much eww.”

  “Anyway, crybaby, what if we’re right and Clifford did want Percy out and he killed him, then called Percy’s daughter to ask her about the house?”

  “How awful,” Nessa said.

  “We’re talking about a murderer, here. They aren’t supposed to be warm and fuzzy.”

  “What about Melanie’s boyfriend, Ted? We sort of forgot about him entirely. Just because Melanie didn’t kill Percy, doesn’t mean that he didn’t. If he thought Percy treated Melanie badly, he could have very well killed him. I saw him on the dock that day, and then he disappeared. Of course, I never would have known that if he hadn’t come to talk to me at the bakery. It probably wasn’t him, either. My gut tells me.” Nessa paused.

  “Tells you what? That thing is always right, so spit it out.”

  “I can’t stop thinking about how Joy acted when I found her at Percy’s. I have no idea how I would have reacted, but what I do know is that I wouldn’t have ever blamed myself. She had to be in some weird headspace to think that saying it was all her fault was a good idea.”

  “You know what?” Bizzie asked. “We should go talk to her. Maybe if we both go there and act sympathetic to her, she’ll tell us something. Whether it was her or Raymond, or anyone else for that matter. We need to do something other than sit here.”

  “You’re the one all sprawled out like it’s nap time. Let’s go do something.”

  “Wait!” Bizzie said. “Why don’t I call Percy’s daughter? I can ask her who else called her?”

  “It would have been nice to think of that sooner, but you might as well. You call her and I’m going to change my clothes. Someone touched me with their foot and now I feel dirty,” Nessa joked, but really did feel the need to change.

  She went upstairs and left Bizzie to make her call. When she came back down, she didn’t see Bizzie. She went outside and saw her on the porch. The look on Bizzie’s face told her something important had happened.

  “Tell me I’m amazing. Go ahead.” Bizzie cackled. “Guess who called her?”

  “Who?” Nessa asked, unable to contain herself while waiting for the answer.

  “Alana.”

  “What for?”

  Bizzie smirked. “She called to find out about the house. She wanted to know if it was for sale or what was going to happen to it. She asked about Percy’s will and who the house belonged to. She also told her that she had a buyer when it was ready to be sold.”

  “Wow. That’s so inconsiderate. Who does something like that? I do hope she at least offered her condolences.”

  “I think you should be more worried about who the buyer is.”

  Nessa’s interest was piqued. “Who is it?”

  “Clifford.”

  “So, then it was Clifford who killed Percy!” Nessa said, still somewhat surprised.

  “I don’t think so. I think it was Alana.”

  “You’re right. From the very beginning, we knew that she and Clifford wanted the HOA back and that Percy was against it. He went to all of those meetings when he was here, and he knew the ins and outs of everything. It wouldn’t have been hard at all for Alana to kill him. He trusted her. She could have come in at any time of day or night, and he’d never have questioned why she was there. With all that gardening stuff Percy had, he probably had a hose just like Melanie’s and Alana used it to kill him.”

  “I think she killed Percy to get him out of the house so Clifford could move in. It makes perfect sense,” Bizzie agreed.

  “How do we prove it?” Nessa asked.

  “She’s not going to admit it, and it’s possible that Clifford doesn’t even know what she did. Do you think Melanie could help at all?”

  Nessa didn’t see a way Melanie could be helpful, but when she spotted Joy and Raymond outside, she had an idea. She told Bizzie where they were going and to follow her lead.

  “Nessa, Bizzie, nice to see you,” Joy said. “What can we do for you?”

  “We were wondering if you’d be willing to tell us which one of you killed Percy? We know it was one of you and since the police are already on their way, I thought you might want to pr
actice your story on us first.”

  “What!?” Raymond exclaimed, jumping out of his skin. “What are you talking about? Neither one of us killed Percy.” He looked to Joy, who didn’t look as confident. “Joy,” he said, reaching out to her.

  “I told you it was all my fault,” Joy cried.

  “You… You killed him?” Raymond croaked.

  “No, I didn’t. It wasn’t me, but I know who it was,” Joy said slowly, not making eye contact with anyone.

  “What happened Joy? You can tell us,” Nessa said, taking the woman by her arm to steady her.

  “It was Alana,” she breathed. “I knew she did it and I hid it from everyone. She did so much for me that I felt like I had to do something in return.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me?” Raymond asked.

  “What do you mean she did so much for you?” Bizzie wanted to know.

  “She, ugh,” Joy groaned. “She told me about the property before anyone else knew so I could make sure I had the money ready. She said she’d make me part of the HOA board. She made me feel like I belonged here, so when she came running to the house after she killed him, I let her in. She told me what she did, and I told her that I’d cover for her. I went over to Percy’s riddled with guilt, to show him the proof, but really, I just wanted him to be found. When I actually saw his body lying there, I felt even worse, and that’s why I kept saying it was my fault. I felt like it really was.”

  “Oh, Joy,” Raymond said, trying to console his wife. “What are we going to do?”

  “We could leave,” Joy suggested. “But Nessa said the police are already on their way, so they’d probably catch us.”

  Bizzie opened her mouth but Nessa shook her head no.

  “Joy, I think you should tell the police the truth. Sure, knowing about the murder and keeping it a secret is bad, but it’s best if you’re honest.”

  “So, you think I should tell the police that Alana did it?” Joy asked.

  “I already did that for you,” Bizzie said, shrugging. “The police really are on their way, but they’re going to Alana’s first.”

  Nessa shot Bizzie a look. She went over to her, leaving Raymond with Joy. “What did you do?”

  “I texted Daniel to call Raff before we even came over here. You’re little gut feelings are always right. You said you believed that Joy had something to do with it and that’s why I did it. I believed in you and I was right, too. Raff is going to Alana’s, and he’s sending another officer over here.” She held out her phone, showing her the text from Daniel.

  “Thanks, Bizzie,” Nessa said.

  “Don’t mention it. I told you we were in on this murder thing together.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  “You’re here,” Daniel said, hugging her. “And you’re alive.”

  Nessa hugged him back but then pulled away. “What do you mean I’m alive? Of course, I’m alive.”

  “You don’t have to keep it a secret. Bizzie already told me about how the two of you apprehended the killer.”

  Nessa, seeing Bizzie heading toward them, waving her arms and with a stern look on her face, smiled at Daniel. “I’m glad to be alive, too,” she said. She couldn’t wait to be alone with him so she could tell him the truth, but for now, she’d let Bizzie have her moment.

  “Nessa, Daniel,” Bizzie said, hugging her brother. “How is everything?”

  “I’m great, but I do still have to work, so I’ve got to get going for now. I’ll see you guys soon.”

  Daniel left, going back inside The Shack, the local restaurant on the lake where he worked.

  “I have something for you,” Nessa said, turning to the table behind her.

  “I didn’t know we were supposed get each other sleuthing presents. Is that a thing?” Bizzie worried.

  “It’s not a present really. You just told me that I should always have shortbread on hand for my guests. We aren’t at my house, but I made this for you.” Nessa revealed her shortbread caramel pie and proudly held it out to Bizzie.

  “You baked me a pie?” Bizzie asked, her typical demeanor much softer.

  “Technically, I no-baked you a pie, but yes.”

  “I love it. I don’t even care that it’s going to taste horrible because you made it, either. I’m just so appreciative.”

  “Gee, thanks,” Nessa said, taking the compliment even though it had been hard to see one there at all. Bizzie meant well and because that didn’t happen very often, Nessa knew she had to take it.

  “Who else is here so far?” Bizzie asked. She’d invited everyone to The Shack for lunch.

  “My grandfather and Faye are going to rotate working at the bakery so they can both be here. Chloe is talking to Melanie and Ted over there.” She pointed. “And Dart, Jill, and Raymond are on their way. I guess they decided to drive over together.”

  “Really? It was just yesterday when they didn’t get along,” Bizzie teased.

  “I guess finding out that your wife was an accomplice to murder will do that to a guy. When I talked to him earlier, he told me that he was on his way to the bank to see about donating the land or giving it back to everyone so it would go back to its intended purpose.”

  “Oh, wow. I never saw that one coming,” Bizzie said. “He must really be worked up about what Joy did.”

  Nessa nodded. “He told me that he was going to do whatever it took to make sure that every single one of his neighbors was happy and felt like they belonged.”

  “That’s really sweet, actually,” Bizzie said. “What about Clifford? Is he coming?”

  “I’m not sure, why?” Nessa asked.

  “Well, I talked to Percy’s daughter last night after everything happened. I thought it would be better if she heard from a sort of friend about what happened. I know I probably wasn’t supposed to say anything, but I did, and she should be here soon.”

  Nessa didn’t know how she felt about that. Was it too soon for her to come? Would it be awkward having Raymond there with them? Or even Melanie who never got along with Percy?

  “Are you sure that’s a good idea?” Nessa frowned.

  “When she tells Clifford that she’s going to sell the house and wants him to be the first to know, yes, I do think it will be a good idea.”

  “She wants to sell it to him?!”

  “Unless there is some reason why you don’t think it’s a good idea.” Bizzie looked around and waved to Chloe, Melanie, and Ted.

  “If he’s going to try to force us to turn our neighborhood into an HOA, then I think it’s a bad idea. We don’t need anyone with any ulterior motives coming around and causing more trouble than we already have.”

  “Let’s go ask him,” Bizzie said, shrugging and grabbing Nessa by the arm. She dragged her all the way to Clifford, who was sitting alone at a picnic table.

  “Hey, Clifford,” Nessa said, sitting across from him.

  “You must be Nessa!” he exclaimed. “And hello, Bizzie. How kind of you to invite me after everything that happened.”

  “Sure, glad you could be here. Now, can you please tell me something?” Bizzie asked him. She stayed standing and looked around.

  “I’ll do my best. What’s going on?” he asked.

  “Did you ever want the HOA to come back?”

  Clifford looked to Bizzie and sighed. “I wanted it if Alana wanted it, but really I just wanted to feel a sense of community again. I moved out of the neighborhood and I’ve regretted it from the beginning. The place I live now.” He huffed, “It’s horrible. No one even says hello to one another when they pass in the street. And I’ve got neighbors that don’t even have any grass. Their lawns are just piles of dirt and some even keep their trash cans at the front of their house. Can you believe that?”

  Nessa tried not to laugh and thought about the rules of a homeowners association. She didn’t want her property to be messy, but she didn’t love the idea of rules either.

  “What do you mean by sense of community? HOA meetings at the hall? Dues and r
ules that none of us want?” Bizzie asked as if reading Nessa’s mind.

  “No. I mean, the hall is open for use. I’d love it if we could all meet there once a month for a potluck or something. We don’t need to bring anything back or have any rules. That’s never what I wanted. I only went along with Alana because she was trying so hard. I hate knowing that I even led her to believe that I wanted it as bad as she did. If I hadn’t, Percy might still be alive today.”

  Nessa felt bad for Clifford. None of this was his fault. Even if he had made Alana think that he wanted to help her get the HOA back, he didn’t ask her to kill Percy in order to make that happen. She did that all on her own.

  “Well, Nessa, I think we have our answer,” Bizzie said, smiling. “It’s time for us to go.”

  Clifford looked up, worry washing over his face. “Did I say something wrong?” he asked.

  “Nope.” Bizzie swatted at Nessa to get her up. “Someone is here to see you.”

  They left Clifford and Percy’s daughter alone to talk and went to a table of their own.

  “You know, that was really nice of you to do,” Nessa said.

  “Right? And usually you’re the nice one.” Bizzie laughed. “So, what now?”

  “What do you mean?” Nessa asked.

  “Are we friends or are we just pretending?”

  Nessa smiled. She loved seeing Bizzie in a different light. She didn’t know if they’d ever have a normal friendship, but whatever it was they had was going to be interesting because it had been from the very first day they met. Years ago, Bizzie had called her little Nessie No-Bake, and now, here they were, sort of getting along.

  “I think this is going to be the beginning of a beautiful friendship,” Nessa said.

  “Okay, that’s enough. You sound like a greeting card. Let’s go eat some of that pie before I think better about everything and convince myself that this is all just some set up to poison me and get me out of your life for good.”

  Nessa stared at Bizzie, blinking slowly and trying to come up with a good response. But there wasn’t one. This was as good as it was going to get.