Cedar Bay Cozy Mysteries #3

by Dianne Harman

  “I couldn't agree more with you, and I'm sure Mike would agree as well. He's told me several times when I've mentioned possible suspects that if he was teaching Suspect 101, he'd give a student an F if he or she thought a suspect should or could be charged based on evidence as flimsy as what there is against Jack.”

  “Okay, that takes care of Jack. What did you find out about Dudley's wife, Patricia?”

  “She's from a family whose pedigree goes back centuries in England. Seems like everybody in her family was an earl or a duke or a dame. She's from the south of England, and her parents had a huge castle there. She's an only child, so for the first time in the family's history, there was no male heir to pass it on to when her parents died. She inherited the castle and the income from all the lands surrounding it. She and Dudley lived there, and he commuted to London when it was necessary. The area she's from is well-known for its superb fishing. People come from all over the world to fish the rivers there, and Dudley was the boy wonder of the area when it came to fishing expertise.”

  ”Sounds like you googled Dudley as well.”

  “I did. It didn't take long to find out everything about Patricia. Oh, one thing I didn't mention. Naturally she went to private schools, and she graduated with honors from Cambridge. There was one reference to the fact she wanted to be a doctor, but her parents felt that a marriage to a man who had a pedigree to match hers, and evidently Dudley did, was far more important. They wanted the best for their daughter. Women of her class were not usually women who worked for a living.”

  “Wow. Kind of explains why it doesn't sound like their marriage was one made in heaven. She wanted to be a doctor, and then her parents tell her she has to marry Dudley. Who knows? Maybe she and Stewart were lovers in college or something. I know this might be a stretch, but if either one of them or both of them was unhappy enough, and the cause of their unhappiness was Dudley, maybe they decided to get rid of him and take a stab at happiness.”

  “Could be,” Kelly said. “Here's what I found out about Dudley. His family goes back in history about as far as hers, but after he and Patricia were married it was discovered his father had a gambling addiction, and he lost the family castle and all the land surrounding it on one bet in a poker game. His mother died soon afterwards. The article I read said she died from shame. His father followed her in death in less than six months. The article indicated that while it was never proven, the evidence pointed to the fact he had taken his own life.”

  “So Patricia was more or less forced to marry Dudley because of his impeccable lineage, and then her father-in-law loses everything on the turn of a card,” Carola said. “Her mother-in-law dies, and her father-in-law commits suicide. It’s no wonder Dudley and Patricia never got divorced. He may have wanted to get rid of her, but she was his ticket to still being a member in good standing of the elite class of English society. If his father lost everything, there's a good chance he was living off of her money as his was gone. There was no way he would ever let her go.”

  “That's true,” Kelly said. “And it certainly seems to me that Patricia would have a very good reason to want him dead. Not only would she be free to pursue her relationship with Stewart, she'd be rid of a leech that was living off her money. I don't have any idea what fishing guides make, but I don't think it's on par with someone who owns a huge castle in England and receives income from all the surrounding lands.”

  “You've got that right. It's almost time for Jack to come back. Think I'll go down and see if the front desk has any information on a possible storm, or heaven forbid, a hurricane. The sky has gotten even darker during the time we've been talking. If I find out anything, I'll give you a call.”

  Kelly stood up and hugged Carola. Even though she had one of the most positive attitudes of anyone Kelly had ever met, the threat of her husband possibly being arrested as a suspect in Dudley's murder might be the reason she had dark circles under her eyes. She hadn't said anything, but Kelly wondered if she'd gotten any sleep the night before. “Carola, I don't know who killed Dudley, but rest assured I will do everything I can to clear Jack's name. Okay?”

  Tears started to well up in Carola’s eyes, and as she wiped them away, she said, “Thank you, Kelly. I've never been through anything like this, and I feel utterly helpless. I really don't know what to do.”

  “You're doing everything you can, but the most important thing you can do is be there for Jack. He might seem like a guy without a care in the world, but something like this is bound to eat away at him. We've got to clear his name, and we will.”

  “Thank you again for everything you are doing for both me and Jack,” she said as she walked out the door and down the steps.

  Kelly looked out at the ocean and the gathering clouds. I don't like this, she thought, every antenna I have is giving me a resounding high alert. I hope it's nothing. She turned on the television set and found an English language weather channel which was talking about the coming storm, now predicted to be a category one hurricane with winds from seventy-five miles an hour and up. While some damage was predicted, it was not expected to be major. It was bound for the southerly coast of Cuba. Oh swell, it’s headed exactly towards where we are. Cayo Largo is sixty miles off the south coast of Cuba, so it will hit us first before it makes landfall on Cuba.

  While she was thinking about what she should do, the room phone rang. “Hi, it's me,” Carola said. “I just talked to the front desk, and they told me they're expecting a category one hurricane to hit tomorrow. They think we'll be fine because stronger ones have hit this area in the past with only minor damage, but we'll probably have some power outages tomorrow morning. They suggested that Jack not go fishing in the morning, but knowing him, that advice will probably fall on deaf ears. A taxi just pulled up, and I can see Jack. Let's meet in the bar at 7:00. Any chance Mike will be able to join us tonight?”

  “I have no idea. I haven't heard from him this afternoon. If I do I'll let you know, otherwise I'll see you at 7:00.”

  CHAPTER 21

  Kelly picked up the ringing phone. “Hello,” she said.

  “Hi, sweetheart, it's me. How was your day?”

  “It was interesting. I have to tell you that lobster lunch is right up there as one of the top meals of my life. Did you enjoy it as much as I did?”

  “Not only enjoyed it, I suffered from overeating almost all afternoon. We've been on the phone and the computer trying to find out more about everyone. Fortunately, Jack checked out very clean. Francisco, the constable, was very impressed with what he found out about him. I think I told you I was going to let him do the research on Jack. I didn't want there to be any sense of impropriety on my part because I came to Cuba with him. As far as Dudley and his wife, they're a rather interesting couple.”

  “Yes, I did a little research too, because I was curious.”

  There was a pregnant pause on the other end of the phone and then Mike said, “Kelly...” She interrupted him.

  “Mike, it's not what you think. The only thing I've done is look on the computer for some of the people that might be involved, because I've been curious about them.”

  “Uh-huh, and would I be out of line to ask what conclusions you've drawn?”

  “Of course not,” Kelly said. “Here's how I read it. I think the three most viable suspects are Philip, Stewart, and Dudley's wife, Patricia. Certainly from what I saw and what you told me Patricia and Stewart would love to have Dudley out of the way, so he’s no longer an obstacle to their romantic affair. From what I've read, they've been in love for a long time. Then of course, there's Philip. There is something so off about him.”

  “I agree, but I can't put my finger on exactly what it is,” Mike replied.

  “Nor can I,” Kelly said, “but there are a number of things that bother me, and they just don't add up. First there's his family life, which seems very sad, and I hate to say it, but from all appearances it looks like he's abandoned his wife in her hour of need. Secondly, from what y
ou've said, it appears that he's bleeding her bank account dry and depositing those funds into an account in his name in the Cayman Islands. That smells. Then there's the fact I've never seen him at dinner since we’ve been here. I've seen him get two glasses of ice in the bar and then leave. I'm curious why he's getting two glasses of ice. Does he have someone in his room? And where is he eating? You say you've seen him at breakfast, but that's it.

  “All the other fishermen want to tell war stories and brag about their day, so they all congregate together before the dinner hour but not Philip. And lastly, what about taking over Dudley's group of fishermen and having those cheesy business cards made? Hate to say it, but he would be real high on my list of possible suspects.”

  “It almost kills me to say this, Kelly, and please pretend like you never heard it from me, but I value your insights, and I have to tell you I think you may be on to something. Maybe I'd better look at Philip a little closer. I've been looking at Stewart and Patricia, primarily Stewart. Maybe I just don't want to see some American like Philip committing murder on the off chance he can get an exclusive contract to fish in the waters surrounding Cayo Largo. Gotta go, sweetheart, Francisco’s motioning to me. Don't know what's happening. I'll probably be late. Go ahead and eat without me.”

  “Will do. Be careful. Carola told me the front desk told her a category one hurricane is on its way. I love you.” She hung up the phone and turned to Cayo, “Well, guess this goes with being married to someone in law enforcement.” He answered her by lifting up his head and purring, but a few moments later he was fast asleep. Meanwhile, Kelly listened to the whistling of the wind as its intensity seemed to increase with every passing minute.

  CHAPTER 22

  As Kelly and Carola had discussed earlier, the three of them, Kelly, Jack, and Carola met in the bar at 7:00. After they’d seated themselves at a table, Kelly said, “Jack, Mike just called, and it looks like you passed the litmus test, and you’re no longer a suspect in Dudley’s murder. Seems like the only thing the constable could find on you was simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time, the wrong place being the ocean at the time Dudley was murdered.”

  “That's a relief,” Jack said. “I mean, I know I didn't do anything wrong, and I've never been arrested for anything, but there's always the chance that law enforcement will find something they don't like, and I’d end up in jail. I definitely don't want to find out what the inside of a Cuban jail looks like.”

  “Don't blame you. Looks like there's going to be some weather tomorrow. Are you planning on going fishing?”

  “Yes. My guide said they fish in all kinds of weather, and unless it's a category two hurricane or more, I’ll be going out. I'm assuming Mike won't be able to join me again. Correct?”

  “That’s right. He said the constable has pretty much narrowed it down to three people, and he and the constable will be continuing their investigation during most of the day tomorrow.”

  Jack turned and said, “Hi, Philip. I thought I heard your voice. Hear you qualified for the Grand Slam Club today.”

  “Yeah, I’ve really been lucky,” Philip said as he stood next to their table. “It was an awesome experience out there today. Definitely have to put that in my diary. Don't see too many fish like those. The pictures the guide took of me turned out great. Got to add them to my Facebook page and maybe even have a new business card made with a picture of one of the fish on it or maybe all three, since it’s representative of fishing in Cuba. By the way, Jack, I'd like to talk to you when we get back to the States about becoming partners in this Cuban fishing thing.

  “I've got a lot of ties in the Florida Keys, and I know you're the number one guide whose name appears when anyone searches for fly fishing on the Internet. Since all the fishing here at Cayo Largo is fly fishing, I think we could work really well together as a team. I'll give you a call when we get back. Now that Dudley isn’t around, looks like it's just you and me competing for the Bartolo contract. We might as well join forces. What's the old saying? Something about when we're united we stand stronger. Anyway, you know what I mean. Looking forward to fishing with you tomorrow,” he said as he walked away from their table.

  Jack looked at Kelly and Carola. “That guy is really a good fisherman. Maybe I should join forces with him. He could have the East Coast, and I could have the West Coast.”

  “Don't even think about it,” Carola said. “Something about that guy is downright oily. I don't trust him as far as I could throw him.”

  “Ditto,” Kelly said.

  “What are you talking about?” Jack asked. “Do the two of you know something I don't?”

  “Maybe, maybe not,” Kelly said wiggling the palm of her hand back and forth. "Let's put it this way. There is nothing he can bring to your plate but heartburn, and that you don't need.”

  “I have no idea what you mean,” he said as he stood up. “I'll be back in a minute. I need to visit the men’s room and then let's eat. Fishing all day in this heat and humidity really tires me out."

  As soon as Jack was out of earshot, Carola leaned toward Kelly and said, “Did you hear Philip say he kept a diary? I would love to see what's in it. I wonder how we could go about getting a quick peek at it.”

  “That thought occurred to me as soon as the word diary came out of his mouth. I know tomorrow is supposed to bring some bad weather, but with Mike helping the constable and Jack and Philip out fishing, maybe we can find a way to get into his room. Have you developed a relationship with any of the maids?”

  “I've talked to the one who's cleaned our room the last couple of mornings, but I have no idea where Philip's room is, or if she cleans his room. What do you have in mind?”

  “I'm just wondering if there's any way we can get into his room and look at that diary. If we could find something in it, maybe it would be enough for the constable to arrest him and charge him with murder.”

  “I’ll ask our maid. I'm sure there are strict rules about something like that, but it's been my experience people are often willing to help, particularly if money's involved.”

  “You think she would take a bribe?” Kelly asked.

  “I have no idea, but it wouldn't hurt to have some Cuban money on hand in case she’s interested. She and I did talk about money, and I found out she doesn't make much. Having a little extra cash with no questions asked might interest her.”

  “Jack's almost here. Let's meet in my room at 8:30 tomorrow morning and figure out what we're going to do.” She looked up as Jack walked towards them and said, “Hi, Jack. I'm ready to eat. Let's go see what terrific things they have for us at the buffet tonight.”

  CHAPTER 23

  Kelly tossed and turned all night, listening to the wind and just before dawn, she heard the sound of rain over the hum of the air conditioner. Mike left at 7:30 for breakfast and to meet Francisco. After he left she got up and opened the drapes. The trees were swaying back and forth in the strong winds, and rain pelted against the windows. The sea looked angry.

  She quickly dressed and hurried down to the restaurant. It was filled with people needing their morning jolt of caffeine, but unlike every other morning, no one was seated at a window table. The servers had taken the linens off of those tables due to the slanting wind-driven rain which had covered them with rainwater. “Hola,” Kelly said to the server whose area of the restaurant she had been seated in for the last few days. “Cafè, por favor.” A moment later the server set a hot cup of coffee in front of her. In broken English she said, "We have much rain. It will last all day and get bad about noon, but we will be okay. Do not worry.”

  “Gracias,” Kelly said inwardly thinking that it was easy for the server to say not to worry, but she was definitely worried. She took a napkin from the table and walked over to the buffet, put some sausage and scrambled eggs on a plate, and then stood near the restaurant entrance, dreading the walk back to her room. Cayo had made his rounds, but evidently he’d been watching her, because as soon as she walked out o
f the building into the rain, he was right beside her. She was glad someone had thought to put an umbrella in her room, and she gratefully opened it as she hurried back to the room. Although it was almost 8:30 in the morning, the sky was very dark. She shivered and couldn't decide whether it was from the unusual quiet or a sense of foreboding. Usually whenever she walked out of her room she could hear music playing and the lilting voices of the workers talking to one another echoing across the hotel grounds. Not this morning.

  Kelly had barely closed the door when there was a knock on it. “Who is it?” she asked. She knew it was probably Carola, but Mike had made it very clear she was never to open a door without knowing who was on the other side.

  “It's me, Kelly, open up. I'm beginning to feel like a drowned rat out here.”

  Carola walked in, leaving her umbrella on the porch outside the room. “I don't know who had the foresight to put that in my room, but I'll be forever indebted to them. This is horrible. I didn’t bring a raincoat, but even if I had I wouldn't have worn it, because it’s too hot and humid for one. And from what they told me at the front desk this morning, it's going to be a little worse than they thought."

  “That's just great. Now what?”

  “I called the front desk last night after dinner when Jack was taking a shower and asked them if I could have my room cleaned at 7:30 this morning. They said that would be fine. Shortly after Jack left for breakfast and fishing, the maid I've spoken with several times came to the room to clean it. I made small talk with her, and then I told her I had a problem. I said I was sure she was a woman who understood that sometimes a man and a woman are attracted to each other outside of one's marriage. I told her there was a man I was very attracted to, and I would like to surprise him by going into his room and waiting for him, but I couldn't let my husband or anyone else know. I asked her if I gave her the number of a room if she could let me into it. I could tell she didn't want to do it, so I took a hundred peso Cuban bill out of my money belt and put it on the table next to where we were talking. I saw her eyes keep straying to it. I never said anything. She became very quiet, and then she told me if I would give her the bill she would do it.”