by Cindy Bell
A Fishy Discovery
A Dune House Cozy Mystery
Cindy Bell
Copyright © 2016 Cindy Bell
All rights reserved.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
This is a work of fiction. The characters, incidents and locations portrayed in this book and the names herein are fictitious. Any similarity to or identification with the locations, names, characters or history of any person, product or entity is entirely coincidental and unintentional.
All trademarks and brands referred to in this book are for illustrative purposes only, are the property of their respective owners and not affiliated with this publication in any way. Any trademarks are being used without permission, and the publication of the trademark is not authorized by, associated with or sponsored by the trademark owner.
Table of Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
From the Author
About the Author
More Books by Cindy Bell
Chapter One
Mary drank in the sweet sound of Summer’s laughter. Sometimes she forgot that the medical examiner was still a young woman. As she studied the assortment of fabrics that Suzie spread out before her, it was clear that she was excited about her upcoming wedding.
“I can’t thank you enough for allowing us to have the wedding here.”
“Are you kidding?” Suzie smiled. “I wouldn’t let you have it anywhere else. There are plenty of rooms for all of your out-of-town guests, and we can convert the living area into a nice buffet and bar. We’ll work hard to make sure it will be perfect for you.”
“It’s going to be perfect, as long as Jason shows up.”
Mary raised an eyebrow. “Are you concerned about that?”
“Not really. I mean, doesn’t every bride worry a little?”
“I wouldn’t know.” Suzie grinned.
“I did.” Mary laughed. “Right up until the moment that I saw him at the end of the aisle. A million things run through your mind, and it’s all normal.”
“Still, you don’t need to worry. My cousin is an amazing young man, and quite dependable. He will be there, barring some disaster,” Suzie said.
“Oh please, don’t even say that.” Summer shook her head and looked back at the fabrics before her. “It’s hard enough to pick out a tablecloth, I don’t want to even think about disasters.”
“It’s all going to be just fine.” Mary patted the back of her hand. “I can tell you this much, you’re not going to remember what color your tablecloths were or how many times you stutter during your vows. All you’re going to remember is that perfect moment, when you look into each others’ eyes and promise to be together for the rest of your lives. It’s that moment that counts.”
“I keep trying to tell myself that, but then something reminds me of things I haven’t even thought about and I start to panic.”
“No need to panic, we’re here to help you, Summer. Anything you’re worried about, you just let us know.”
“Thanks so much.” She sighed with relief. “I’m so lucky to have the two of you to give me some help with all of this. My mother isn’t really interested in organizing a wedding. She is happy I’m marrying Jason, but she doesn’t know what all of the fuss is about.”
“We’re honored to be part of it all.” Suzie ran her gaze over a list of different tasks that needed to be completed. “By the way, Paul’s friend, Robbie, should be docking today or tomorrow. We will be meeting with him to organize the amount of shellfish we will need for the wedding. If we add that to the fish Paul will supply, we’re going to have plenty of food.”
“Fantastic. I love the idea of offering a local buffet,” Summer said. “I arranged with the butcher in town to get some chicken and beef as well so there is a variety, and in case there is anyone who doesn’t like seafood.”
“Good idea.” Mary nodded and pointed to a white, linen tablecloth with small roses embroidered on the edge. “This one is pretty.”
“Yes it is, but it seems a bit flowery,” Summer said. “I was thinking something a bit more nautical would be nice.”
“Maybe this one?” Suzie dug through the pile of samples and showed her a white tablecloth with wavy blue stripes along the edges. “Will it compliment the centerpieces?”
“The centerpieces.” Summer’s eyes widened. “I haven’t even thought about them!” Panic caused her voice to grow shrill.
“Relax, we have plenty of time to put them together. Remember, decorating is my specialty. Let me pull up some ideas so that you can start to think about what you might like.” Suzie picked up her cell phone and began sorting through different options. She tagged a few that she thought Summer might like.
“What about the cake? Where are you with that?” Mary leaned closer to her.
“I know that I’m going to use the bakery in town. I know it’s just going to be two tiers and I’ve narrowed it down to four flavors, but Jason is supposed to make the final decision. He has been so busy since Kirk has been off on medical leave that he’s barely had a chance to choose anything with me.”
“I’ll make sure he gets there this afternoon, that way the baker will have enough time to prepare the cake,” Suzie said.
“Good luck. That’s why I’m a little concerned about him showing up for the wedding. At this point we’re not even sure that he’s going to be off duty on the day of the wedding.”
“Are you serious?” Mary gasped. “That needs to be settled.”
“I know, I know. But he keeps telling me his boss is trying to get someone to come in from Parish. So far it hasn’t been confirmed.”
“I’m sure they’ll find someone.” Mary smiled at her. “Just take a deep breath. By the end of today we’ll have the tablecloths picked out, the centerpieces narrowed down, and Jason will choose a cake. Right Suzie?”
“Absolutely.” Suzie nodded, then looked into Summer’s eyes. “We are in this together, sweetie. Your job is to stress as little as possible.”
“I’m trying.” She grinned and began to look through the options on Suzie’s phone. Suzie glanced at her watch. Paul was due to arrive at the dock around four, and she couldn’t wait. As accustomed as she was to him being out on the water, she still counted down the hours to when he would be back. It wasn’t so much that she missed him, but that she wanted to hear about his experiences out on the open water. He was so passionate when he spoke about them, and his skin always smelled like the ocean for a few days when he returned.
“What do you think about this one, Suzie?” Summer pointed out one of the centerpieces.
“Sure, that would be simple to do. I’ll head out and pick out some supplies. You two finish choosing the table settings. Okay?”
“Thank you so much, Suzie.” Summer handed her back her phone.
“I’m happy to do it.” Suzie winked at her then waved to Mary. She grabbed her purse on the way to the door.
The moment Suzie stepped outside she was greeted by bright sunshine. She squinted against it for a moment, then allowed it to wash over her. The view from Dune House was always a welcome sight. She looked back at the beautiful bed and breakfast by the sea and smiled. Running Dune House filled her with a sense of belonging that she had never experienced anywhere else. As she walked to her car she scanned the horizon for any sign of Paul’s boat. It was still early, but it didn’t hurt to look. Only flat open sea was in sight. At least it was a calm day.
Suzie drove towards town and parked in front of the craft supplies store. By the time she had everything that she needed it was close to three. She walked a few blocks down to the bakery. As soon as she arrived she placed a call to Jason.
“Something very suspicious is happening at the bakery. Can you please come and check it out.”
“Suzie, are you okay?”
“Yes, but please come and have a look around.” She hung up the phone before he could say anything else.
Minutes later the siren of a patrol car wailed down the street. Jason pulled to a stop in front of the shop.
“Suzie? Is everything okay?” He jumped out of the car and rushed towards her.
“Everything is fine.” She smiled. “Now that you’re here.”
“What?” He glanced around for any sign of trouble.
“It’s time to pick a cake, Jason.”
“Suzie, I’m on duty.” He frowned.
“You’re always on duty. Summer needs you, too.”
“I just can’t right now, I’m too busy. You really shouldn’t have placed a call like that.”
“Really? Are there that many calls flooding the police station right now?”
“Well no.”
“You have your radio on, don’t you?”
“Yes.” He adjusted it on his hip. “I guess I could spare a few minutes.”
“It’s important to show Summer just how important she and this wedding are to you. So, I think it would be best if you took the time to get this settled. If I have to pin you down and force the cake into your mouth myself, I will. You know that I will.”
“Okay, okay, that will not be necessary.” He opened the door to the bakery. “Let’s pick a cake.”
Suzie followed him into the bakery. She was going to make sure that he followed through with a choice so that Summer didn’t have to worry anymore. But as she glanced over at him she was a little worried. His skin was pale, his eyes had fairly dark circles beneath them, and his general attitude was more sour than usual.
He gestured to the woman behind the counter. “I’d like to pick a wedding cake please. My fiancée, Summer Rose, said you would have a few samples for me to choose from.”
“Are you doing okay, Jason?” Suzie asked as the bakery assistant organized the cakes.
“Sure.” He nodded.
“I know this has to be hard for you with your parents gone.”
“Suzie, I’m fine. I’m just a little worn out from pulling all of these extra shifts. Kirk picked the wrong time to get appendicitis.”
“That’s for sure.” Suzie shook her head. “But don’t worry we have everything for the wedding under control.”
“The shellfish?”
“We are arranging it today.”
“Good. I’m glad to hear it. Summer’s family loves shellfish. You know I’m grateful for everything that you and Mary are doing to help us out.”
“We’re grateful to be there for the both of you. Plus, the photographs will be perfect for the wedding brochure.”
“I’m not exactly model material.”
“You’re far more handsome than you give yourself credit for.”
“I don’t know about all that.” He smiled as four small plates were placed in front of him.
“There’s several different kinds of frosting we can do as well.”
“Something light and creamy.” He picked up a fork. “You’re going to help me choose, right Suzie?”
“Absolutely.” She laughed and picked up a fork as well. Four small slices of cake later she waddled out of the bakery with Jason. “I’m glad you found one you like.”
“I just hope that it is the one that Summer liked the most, too.”
“Either way you know she will like it. She’ll also be very relieved to know that you ordered the cake.”
Just as he opened the door to the patrol car his radio began to chatter. “Right on time.” He laughed and shook his head. “Back to work.”
“Thanks, Jason.”
He waved to her as he drove away. Instead of walking back towards her car Suzie headed for the docks. If Paul wasn’t in yet he would be in soon. When she approached the dock she was pleased to see that his boat was in the slip.
“Paul?” She smiled as she boarded the boat. “Paul?”
“How I have missed that voice!” He chuckled as he emerged from the small cabin. “I was just going to call you. How did you know I was in?”
“I just thought I’d take a chance.” She offered him a light kiss. “Good trip?”
“Yes. I got quite a haul and the weather was nice. Too nice.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Oh, you know, calm before the storm. Too much good weather worries me sometimes.”
“Hopefully it will be nice for the wedding.”
“How are the plans coming along?” He grabbed a rag from the cabin and began wiping down the railings on the boat.
“Pretty good. The couple is nervous which is to be expected.”
“I’m sure it will be perfect with you and Mary at the helm. Oh, look at that.” He pointed further down the dock. “Looks like Robbie is already in. That’s odd, I thought he would let me know when he got close.”
“Should we go say hi?”
“Sure. I can’t wait for him to meet you properly.” Suzie had only been introduced to him in passing, they had never had time to stop and have a conversation. “I only really know him from the docks, but he’s got great stories. He likes to talk and he’s always into something.” Suzie knew that Paul was a loner and only had a few friends, most of whom were fishermen.
“Sounds interesting.”
He helped her down off the boat then they walked together towards Robbie’s boat.
“He’s a real good guy, you’ll see. Hey look.” He shaded his eyes as he looked out over the water. “That’s Simon’s boat. Simon!” He waved in an attempt to get Simon’s attention. The boat continued away from the dock. Suzie expected that the man at the helm could hear Paul’s hollering, but he didn’t turn to look. Maybe he was busy with something or the noise of the engine drowned out Paul’s voice.
“He must be busy.” She tugged at his sleeve. “I’m eager to meet the man with so many stories.”
“Sure.” Paul stared out at the water for a moment longer. “Simon is the one who introduced us actually. Simon and I go way back, and I guess he took Robbie under his wing.”
“That was nice of him.”
“Nice in some ways. Dangerous in others.” Paul chuckled and raised an eyebrow. Before she could question him further about his comment, he paused in front of Robbie’s boat. “Robbie?” Paul knocked on the side of the boat. “Are you in there?” He waited a moment for a response. When none came he glanced over at Suzie. “Maybe he went into town for some food.” He started to turn away, then stopped. “Hm. That’s odd.”
“What?” Suzie looked past him at the boat.
“One of the storage bins is unlocked and it’s got some shellfish in it,” Paul said as he looked inside. “Robbie would never leave it that way. Anyone could just walk up and help themselves.”
“Maybe he’s inside then and just didn’t hear us.”‘
“Maybe.” He climbed onto the boat then reached back to help her up. “If not we can just wait for him.”
Suzie steadied herself w
ith the railing of the boat and watched as Paul glanced around.
“Robbie? Are you here?” Paul walked towards the cabin. She followed after him as the smell of fish surrounded her. “Robbie, bud, you on the boat?” Paul knocked on the cabin door.
“Paul, look!” Suzie pointed to the bottom corner of the door. “Is that blood?”
“Sure looks like it. Robbie?” He tried to push the door to the cabin open. He got it part of the way open then it hit something hard. “Something is blocking it. Let me see what’s in the way.” He stuck his head inside and gasped. “Robbie? Robbie? Are you okay?” He crouched down to take a better look. “Suzie, call Jason, call an ambulance.”
“What’s wrong?” Suzie pulled out her phone and started dialing.
“It’s Robbie. I don’t think he’s breathing.” Paul pushed the door the rest of the way open. Suzie caught sight of Robbie’s body stretched out across the floor.
Chapter Two
“Suzie, I can’t do a fake call right now,” Jason said quickly.
“It’s not fake I’m afraid. We need police and an ambulance as soon as possible, at the docks. Slip nine.”
“I’m heading out right now.”
She hung up the phone and squeezed through the door to check on Robbie’s vitals. It was easy to see that he was already gone and from the stab wounds it was clear that he had been murdered.
“How did this happen?” Paul stared down at his friend’s body.
“Jason is on his way.” Suzie shook her head. “He’s gone, Paul. I’m sorry.” She quickly looked over the cabin as she opened her arms to him.
He shook his head and pulled her back out of the cabin. “I just don’t understand how this could happen. Who would want to hurt Robbie?” He stared into her eyes. Suzie recognized the signs of shock in his pale skin and wide eyes.
“Let’s get off the boat. Anything we touch can taint the evidence.”
“Evidence,” he muttered. “He was murdered wasn’t he? How could that be? I just spoke to him yesterday.”
