by Liz Mugavero
“I need to talk to you. Can you come by my place on your way back?”
“You have a story for me?”
“Maybe,” she said impatiently. “Just come over. Kevin, will you be there too?”
“Wouldn’t miss it. I’ll head back there right now.”
“Great.” And if Tony and her mother were going to be at the house also, it was her chance to get Tony’s reaction on all this too. Hiding it from her wasn’t helping anyone.
Now she just had to get them all talking. Honestly.
*
Cyril must’ve been more eager than he’d let on. He was at Stan’s door within an hour.
“I enjoyed your talk tonight. Your father is certainly passionate on the subject,” she said as she led him into the kitchen.
“I’m glad. Yes, he is. It was good for him to get back into the news world, even if it’s just for a night.” He glanced down at the dogs surrounding him and awkwardly patted each of them. Cyril wasn’t a huge dog person. “So what’ve you got for me?” He paused when he saw Patricia and Tony sitting at the table with Kevin. They’d dropped Char off at the B and B at Stan’s request. “Hello.”
“Cyril. Excellent talk tonight,” Tony said. “We need more events like that.”
“I agree,” Cyril said. “I was pleasantly surprised by the turnout.”
“It was very impressive,” Patricia agreed.
Small talk exhausted, all heads turned to Stan. She’d only mentioned that she’d asked Cyril to come by to talk about something to do with Seamus, but hadn’t said what. She figured they’d all think she was crazy, but what the heck.
“Thanks for coming over,” she said. “Cyril’s talk got me thinking and I wanted to see what you all thought. I know this is going to sound insane, but bear with me.” She took a deep breath. “Did anyone else think perhaps Seamus was involved in the Book of Kells theft?”
The room went completely silent. Even the dogs seemed to be holding their breath, waiting for a reaction.
Patricia finally spoke. “Kristan. I’m worried about you. Have you been getting enough sleep?”
Kevin sat back, arms crossed, an amused smile on his face.
“Why is that so far-fetched?” Stan demanded. “Think about it. He disappears and you”—she turned to Kevin—“come here with this crazy story about a cargo ship from Ireland and a carjacking that happened the same night. He promised his friends some high stakes poker money, according to his pals. He told his girlfriend he was coming into some money and they were going to disappear to Turks and Caicos. He had to know he wouldn’t be back, because he got a replacement Santa. So why couldn’t he be part of it?”
Patricia frowned. “Cargo? Carjacking? Whatever are you talking about?”
“I wondered if anyone would put two and two together,” Cyril said.
All heads swiveled in his direction.
“What?” he said.
“You thought the same thing?” Stan asked.
“Once I started having some of the same conversations you mentioned, absolutely. It makes perfect sense,” Cyril said. “It’s going to be the story of the year. And it originated here in Frog Ledge.” He rubbed his hands together gleefully. “See, Stan, I told you you’re cut out to be a journalist. I’m impressed.”
“We need to think through the repercussions of this,” Tony said. “And we need to make sure we’re safe. Because if Seamus tries to come back here with the goods, there could be trouble.”
Patricia’s jaw nearly hit the table. “You think this is true?”
“I’ve been doing some research on Seamus,” Tony said. “Purely from the perspective that this is my town and I want to know what’s going on here. After learning about some of his … acquaintances, I don’t think it’s as far-fetched as it sounds.”
Stan sat back, not sure what to say. She’d put the idea forward but hadn’t been sure anyone would buy into it—or whether or not it had any merit. But if Tony was taking it seriously, that was something. “What about you?” she asked, turning to Kevin. “Do you think he could’ve been involved?”
Kevin’s amused smile stretched even wider. “Never underestimate the power of a man who loves money.”
Which was as good as a heck yes, in Stan’s mind.
“Are you writing about this?” Tony asked, turning to Cyril.
He shook his head. “Not until I have some facts confirmed. But when I do … hoo boy, will I write about it.”
“Do you have evidence?” Stan asked, surprised.
Cyril shook his head. “I don’t know anything more than what we’ve speculated on.” But he looked like the cat that had swallowed the canary. He would be terrible at poker.
“So you think someone killed Harold—thinking he was Seamus—because they think he stole the book?” Patricia asked. “Jessie really should know about this, then. Given that she’s bothering Izzy and that other poor man.”
“Well,” Cyril cautioned, “it’s possible there are still two lines of inquiry here. Lester Crookshank is a valid suspect in Harold’s murder. So, I’m afraid, is Izzy Sweet.” He cast a sidelong look at Stan. “Although you don’t agree.”
Tony held up a finger. “Let’s get one thing clear about Lester. He may have known that Harold was going to be in the Santa suit, but he didn’t kill him.”
Stan gaped at him. “You knew he lied about that?” She’d completely underestimated Tony. He was way more engaged in the goings-on around here than even she was.
Tony nodded. “He had a good reason. He was protecting his son.”
“Eddie? What happened to Eddie?” Stan asked.
“Harold caught him … selling an illegal substance on the farm. He tried to hold it over Lester’s head. It didn’t end well. The boy gave Harold the black eye. Lester panicked and tried to protect him. No one else knows this, but he actually took Eddie to see a counselor Friday, late afternoon. He wasn’t even in town when this would’ve happened. He’s reluctant to tell anyone—especially Jessie—because of the potential ramifications to Eddie.”
Stan felt like doing a fist pump, since the Izzy theory was wrong too. Although the more the two of them tried to hide their real alibis to protect themselves or others, the more damage it was doing. “So I’ve been right all along. This is related to Seamus.” She could barely contain her excitement. “We should be able to get some real traction on this now, no?”
“I’d be very careful about how you go about looking into this,” Kevin chimed in, more serious than Stan had ever seen him. “If our friend has gotten himself involved in this caper, chances are good there are some bad people looking for him. If they haven’t already found him. I wouldn’t recommend discussing it outside of this room.”
Chapter Forty-three
When they arrived at Jake’s parents’, it was a full house. All the McGee relatives who’d come to town for a party were getting their party. Except for Declan, who’d gone home to his wife and kids. Stan couldn’t help but wonder, after the conversation with Izzy and Liam, if Seamus had been equally horrible to Declan’s wife for some reason and that was why she didn’t interact with the family.
It was too bad, she thought. She’d wanted to like Uncle Seamus. Especially since Jake adored him. But someone who’d treated Izzy that way would have a long way to go to come back into favor. If he’d survived his latest expedition to come back at all.
The gang of four staying at Char’s B and B were also in attendance, which Stan thought was hilarious. Kevin was not, even though they’d extended the invitation. Or maybe he’d arrive later. Who knew—he seemed to be having a grand old time in town doing his own thing. Miss Viv and Victoria were there too. Miss Viv stood in the middle of Seamus’s friends, clearly enjoying the attention, while her sister sat alone on the couch. Stan felt sorry for her and made a mental note to go sit with her once she’d greeted Jake’s parents.
“I’ll go put our coats in my parents’ room,” Jake said, helping Stan off with hers. “Be right b
ack.” He gave her a quick kiss and headed upstairs.
“Thanks for coming, honey.” Nora McGee swept over and gave Stan a welcoming hug. “I know there’s a lot going on for you right now.” She stood back, holding on to Stan’s arms, appraising her with knowing eyes. “How are you doing?”
“I’m okay,” Stan said. “It’s been a long week for everyone, right?”
Nora chuckled. “That’s an understatement. Come, let’s get you a drink.” She led Stan into the kitchen, where they’d set up a makeshift bar on the kitchen counter. Stan had to smile. If her mother was in charge of this party, there’d be a “real” bar with a bartender on staff. She much preferred Jake’s family’s way of doing things.
“What’ll you have?” Nora surveyed the offerings. “I make a nice gin and tonic. Or I do have wine.”
“I’ll take the gin and tonic,” Stan decided. As she waited for Nora to mix the drink, she leaned against the counter. “How are you and Paul doing? With … Seamus and everything?”
Nora sighed. “That man has been a thorn in my side for years,” she admitted.
Stan’s eyes widened. “He has?”
“Sure. He’s the classic younger son. Can’t get his act together, expects everyone to bail him out constantly, always in some kind of trouble. Not big trouble, but enough trouble. And a womanizer. Good Lord, such a womanizer.” She shook her head, then dropped her voice, shooting a guilty look over her shoulder. “I shouldn’t say that with Miss Viv in the next room. I’m starting to sound like her sister. Victoria has never liked Seamus. Thinks he’s always treated Viv poorly. I can’t say I disagree with her.”
“Wow,” Stan said. “I had no idea. I mean, I thought—”
“Don’t get me wrong, he’s family,” Nora said. “And we are loyal to family. Paul loves his brother, so of course I love him too. And my son has always adored him. But sometimes I want to wring his darn neck. This is one of those times. To leave all of us hanging, and that poor woman …” She trailed off and shook her head. “I just wonder what foolishness he’s gotten himself involved in this time. And to drag Ray Mackey into it is so wrong.” Nora stirred the drink and handed it to Stan. “But listen. I know my son can be as pigheaded as my husband sometimes. Don’t let him get away with it, okay?” She winked. “He’s got himself a good match in you. You keep him on his toes.”
Stan didn’t quite know what to say to that. She’d wondered what Jake’s parents really thought of her. This had to be a good sign. She sipped her drink. It was perfect. “I think we’ve both found a good match in each other,” she said.
Jake popped his head into the kitchen. “I always worry when I see you conspiring with people, Ma,” he said. “Especially my girlfriend.”
“Well, you should worry,” Nora retorted. “Now come make sure your girlfriend is having a good time.” She linked arms with Stan and pulled her back into the dining room, where people clustered in small groups, laughing and talking. “I’ll see you in a bit,” she said, giving Stan a kiss on the cheek, then went to mingle with her guests.
Jake slipped his hand into Stan’s. “Why do I get the feeling I was the topic of that conversation?”
“Oh, get over yourself.” Stan poked him. “We are perfectly capable of having a conversation that doesn’t revolve around you. Now, is it weird that everyone is having such a good time, with everything still so … up in the air?”
“Not in this family,” Jake said. He nodded toward the corner of the room. “Although there’s one person not having the best time.”
Stan followed his gaze. Liam leaned against a wall by himself, a beer in his hand and a miserable look on his face. Clearly he hadn’t told anyone about Izzy yet, because she wasn’t here. She felt sorry for them. It wasn’t a fun way to have a relationship. “Let’s go talk to him,” she said, tugging Jake over.
“Hey,” she said, giving Liam a hug. “We weren’t sure you were coming, since you weren’t at the house when we left.”
Liam shrugged. “I was at Izzy’s. She’s working. I wanted to spend some time with her.”
Stan nodded. “I figured. She never called me. What happened at the barracks?”
“They pulled her into a room and asked her a bunch of questions about her run-in with Harold. The lawyer advised her not to say anything, so she didn’t. It was pretty anticlimactic, from the sound of it.”
“That’s good news, right?” Stan asked.
“I guess if you call being brought to the police station and questioned about a murder, sure, it’s good news,” Liam said with a humorless laugh. “Makes me want to throttle my cousin, for sure.”
Jake sighed. “I know she’s tough. But she’ll figure it out, Liam. Trust me. Stan’ll tell you. She’s been on the receiving end of this before.”
Liam looked at Stan, new respect in his eyes. “You have?”
Stan nodded. “When I first came to town. Jessie was sure I killed the town vet. Took me a while to convince her otherwise.”
“Wow.” Liam thought about that. “I don’t doubt she’ll figure it out,” he said finally. “But she’s dragging Izzy’s reputation through the mud along the way.”
“Well, an easy way to stop it would be to tell her Izzy’s alibi,” Stan said reasonably. “And while you’re at it, get the rest of the family on board with your relationship. Seamus won’t stand a chance when he gets back, if he’s still trying to fight it.”
“Jakie!”
The three of them turned, Jake cringing slightly at the use of the nickname, to find Miss Viv wobbling toward them on heels that seemed way too high for her. “Hi, Miss Viv,” he said, giving her a kiss on both cheeks. “Careful,” he added, when her ankle turned beneath her.
“I told her not to wear those silly things,” Victoria said, joining them and handing her sister a glass.
“They’re not silly!” Miss Viv said indignantly.
“When you fall and break your neck they’ll seem really silly,” her sister said.
Liam slipped away into the kitchen before he could be pulled into this conversation.
“Why don’t we go sit.” Stan interrupted the sisterly bickering by taking Miss Viv’s arm and leading her to the couch.
“I had to wear my nice shoes tonight. Seamus’s friends were going to be here,” Miss Viv explained, leaning on Stan. She looked behind her to see if her sister was listening. Victoria was talking to Jake. Miss Viv whispered to Stan, “And I hope tonight will be the night Seamus comes to get me.”
“To get you?” Stan repeated.
“Why, yes, dear. For our trip that I told you about.” Miss Viv stared at her somewhat reproachfully. “You were listening, weren’t you?”
Before Stan could reply, they were both startled at the sound of shouting from somewhere behind them. Stan whirled just in time to see Liam deliver a perfect right hook to Redhead’s face, sending the other man down to the floor in a listless heap. Someone screamed. Within seconds Jessie was there, grabbing Liam, who looked like he was literally about to kick the other man while he was down.
“Stop,” she commanded.
Liam wrenched his arm away. “Don’t talk to me.”
Redhead’s friends crowded around in shock. “You can’t do that, man,” said Bald Guy.
“Just did,” Liam said. “You want to be next?”
“Liam. For God’s sakes. Let’s go.” Jessie clamped her hand on his arm and began to pull him away.
“What, are you going to arrest me too? Go ahead,” he said defiantly. “At least you’ll have a reason to. Unlike Izzy, who was with me the whole afternoon and night that Harold was killed. So why don’t you let her off the hook!”
Stunned silence settled over the room. Stan hid a smile. That was one way to make an announcement.
“You should arrest him,” Redhead slurred from the floor, gingerly feeling his jaw. “I think he broke my face.”
A crowd had gathered. Nora went to reach for her nephew, but Jessie sent her mother a look. “Are you askin
g me to press charges?” Jessie asked Redhead.
“Jessica,” her mother murmured.
“Hell yes,” Redhead said. “He just punched me out for no reason!”
“No reason?” Liam’s voice rose. “You don’t call making a racist comment about someone no reason?” He looked like he was about to go after him again. Jessie planted herself in front of him and gave him a shove in the other direction.
“Are you telling me you’re seeing Izzy?”
Liam nodded.
“And you’re her alibi for Friday?”
“Yes, alright? My father and his friends”—here he glared at Redhead on the floor—“had opinions about it. So we were keeping it to ourselves. But since you’re crazy and you’re trying to pin a murder on her, I’m telling you!”
“Are you still going to arrest him?” Redhead demanded.
Liam raised his foot as if he was going to step right on the guy’s face. Stan silently cheered him on.
Jessie grabbed him, pulling him off balance. “Let’s go,” she said. “We’re going to the barracks. You need to cool off.”
Chapter Forty-four
The entire room watched as Jessie led her cousin out of the house. Nora looked like she was about to go after the two of them, but Paul restrained her. “Let it be,” he said quietly. “She’ll do the right thing.”
Miss Viv turned back to the room full of people. “Well!” she said brightly. “Who wants a drink?”
As people started to chatter amongst themselves again, Stan was distracted by her ringing cell phone. She pulled it out of her pocket and glanced at the caller ID. A local number, but no name attached. She answered.
“Hello, this is Alarm Central. We’re getting an alarm report from 140 Revolutionary Road?”
Her shop. Stan felt her heart sink. “I’m not there right now. Can you send someone?”
“Yes, ma’am. The police have been dispatched.”
Stan thanked her and hung up, turning to Jake. “The alarm’s going off at my shop.”
