Death At The Zoo: A Culinary Cozy Mystery (A Murder In Milburn Book 5)

by Nancy McGovern

  “They’re in Thailand right now,” Degas said. “They’ll arrive here after three days. They already video-chatted with her, but I don’t think it helped. That’s why I took a bit of time upstairs. They called. They were actually pretty glad that all of us were keeping her company, which makes me wonder… may I ask you for a terribly big favor?”

  “What is it?” Nora asked.

  “Do you mind… do you mind terribly if you stayed here until her parents got back? I know it’s… I know it’s unusual, but under the circumstances, Elly’s taken a liking to you three, and I think she’ll be much happier if you’re there. She works crazy hours, and was always an introvert, so she doesn’t have too many friends on the island. Plus… well, plus she works for me part-time, and the others don’t like that much.” Degas hesitated. “I know Elly would rather not be alone, but if I asked her to come stay with me, well, that would look very wrong. You know?”

  The three looked at each other, wondering what to say. It wasn’t completely unexpected, but it was still an odd request.

  “You can take your time to decide, of course,” Degas added. “And if there’s any worries about the cost, well, I’ll be happy to pay off your cottage—”

  “Degas. Not the money again,” Simone groaned. “If we do it, we do it out of friendship.”

  Tina shrugged. “I say let’s do it. Elly does need help. Nora?”

  “I’m fine with it,” Nora said.

  They all looked at Simone, who took a second to look into Degas’ eyes. Finally, she said, “Sure.”

  “Fantastic!” Degas exclaimed. “Here, these are the keys to my garage. You can take use any of the cars. Pack up and be back here as soon as you can. I’ll let Elly know you agreed. She’ll bring her stuff too. Shall we meet again at 4 pm today?”

  “Sure,” Nora said. “Anything we can do to help?”

  “You’re doing enough already,” Degas said. “I’m going to go meet Chief Kahane, see if there’s any way I can help with the funeral arrangements. I’ll have to figure out what’s being done about Neo too.”

  “Neo?” Tina asked.

  “The snake you nearly stepped on,” Degas said. “There has to be a way to trace him. Chief Kahane was saying something about sniffer dogs.”

  “Right,” Tina said. “Hey, wasn’t there a professor who was coming down to see the snake today?”

  “The professor!” Degas put a hand on his head and gave himself a shake. “I forgot all about him, Thanks Tina, I’d promised to send a copter out for him.” He paused, and bit his lip, “With any luck, his expertise will help us in tracking the snake.”

  “Well, we better get going then,” Nora said, standing up.

  “Right. The car keys are in a panel in the garage wall. The code is 0919,” Degas said. “Feel free to take any car you like.”

  “Feel free to take any car you like,” Tina mimicked, as they reached the garage. “Simone, you’d have to be completely clueless to not realize how hard he’s hitting on you.”

  “Well, I can’t be bought over,” Simone said. “So he’s got a few fancy cars. Big deal.”

  “A few fancy cars?” The garage door slid open, and Tina stood still for a moment gaping at them. “Wow. Just wow. Look at these beauties.”

  “Gape another time, Tina,” Nora said, choosing the most sensible looking sedan she could, and ignoring the row upon row of gleaming sports and vintage cars.

  “If Sam wasn’t the love of my life, I’d be throwing myself all over this guy,” Tina said, patting her hair into shape. “You’re losing out Simone.”

  “I think he likes her because she isn’t throwing herself all over him,” Nora said. “Just a theory, though.”

  “Yours are almost always right,” Tina said.

  *****

  Chapter 10

  Ransacked

  When they reached the cottage around noon, they found it completely vandalized. The windows were broken, and toilet paper was strewn all over the cottage. Slurs had been spray painted across the cute yellow walls, and the garden had been virtually uprooted. Sad daisies and rose petals lay splattered across the garden, heavily trampled upon.

  The trio stared, unable to believe that this was the same sweet cottage they’d been staying in.

  “This is horrible!” Simone said, with a shudder. “Who could have done this?”

  “We need to call the police immediately,” Tina said. “The owner too. I hope they have good insurance.”

  “Insurance or not, someone took a great deal of effort to make this house a home,” Nora said. “It’s a great pity their hard work has been undone by… well… by some stranger.”

  “I think we all know exactly who’s done this,” Simone said. “We’ll call the police, all right, but I won’t be surprised if Akamai’s never put behind bars. He was making threats just yesterday, Nora.”

  “Yes,” Nora said, lost in thought. “Yes, he was. Very convenient, that.”

  “What do you mean convenient?” Tina said, outraged. “It’s not convenient to come back to this. This is… it’s… criminal!”

  “You think they’ve ransacked our clothes too?” Simone asked. “The windows are smashed to bits, but the door looks all right.”

  “What’s spray painted on the wall?” Nora moved to it.

  “Nothing pleasant, I’m sure,” Tina said. “Don’t bother reading it, Nora.”

  “Do… do you three think we’re in some danger here?” Simone asked. “I mean, whoever did this, do you think they’re still around?”

  “I wish they were,” Tina said. “I’d give them a piece of my mind.”

  Nora was staring at the words on the wall, looking nearly transfixed. “Go Back Home Or Else,” she read out loud.

  “They never specify what the or else is, do they?” Tina asked. “Cowards. These type of people are all cowards.”

  Simone had opened up the door, and gave a little yelp. “What the—”

  “What is it?” Tina ran around to be by her side.

  In a pile in front of the door, stood their luggage, completely packed.

  “Wow. That needs to go in the laundry twice,” Tina said.

  “I’ll call the police.” Simone pulled out her phone and dialed the emergency line.

  Nora stood next to Tina, still looking transfixed.

  “I’ll just–” Tina moved toward their luggage, but Nora stopped her.

  “Don’t,” Nora said. “Whoever did this might have left a clue. If it’s the murderer…”

  Tina paled a little. “That never even occurred to me. Nora…”

  A twig snapped, and the both Simone and Tina gave out a little scream, hiding behind Nora. Nora stood a little straighter, prepared to fight. The bushes in front of the house parted, and Akamai stepped forward, clutching his head.

  “What… where…?” His voice was slurred. He blinked at the three. “Where am I?”

  Tina had her hands out in a karate pose, and was shaking a little. “We’re armed, and dangerous, and if you take one more step—”

  Akamai rubbed his head, looked at his hand, and gave a little gasp. There were specks of blood on it. “I…”

  “You need to get out of here,” Simone said. “We’ve called the police and they’re on their way.”

  “Would you like some water?” Nora asked. “You should sit down instead of standing, but don’t fall asleep. You might have a concussion.”

  “Nora!” Tina exclaimed. “This is the guy who ransacked our cottage.”

  “I don’t think it is,” Nora said thoughtfully. “Did you do that, Akamai?”

  “I have no memory of it,” Akamai said. “I came out here at night to talk to you, and the next thing I know, kapow!”

  “Oh, please,” Tina said. “You probably got drunk, slipped and hit yourself, and now you’re using that as an excuse.”

  “There’s the police now,” Simone said. “I guess they’ll take him to the station.”

  “They ought to take him to
the hospital,” Nora said. She was bending down, waving her fingers at Akamai, who blinked and looked away, then groaned. “I think there’s a real chance he’s got a concussion.”

  “What is all this?” Chief Kahane slammed the door of his car, and put his hands on his hips. He took one look at the cottage, and his lips pursed. “Akamai, this is the final straw. The absolute final straw! You promised you’d apologize to these girls yesterday and instead… oh, that’s it. I’m going to put you in jail and throw the key away. I’ve had enough of your antics.”

  “I didn’t do it, father!” Akamai said.

  “You ought to have thought about your mother, at least.” Chief Kahane snapped handcuffs on him. “She’s already going through a terrible time, and now you’ve forced me to put you into jail.”

  “I didn’t do it, father. I promise you, I’m not responsible for this. I’ve done a lot of things I’m not very proud of, but this isn’t one of them.”

  “Deputy. Haul him in.” Chief waved. “I’ll talk to the ladies.”

  “I didn’t do it, father! Are you listening? I didn’t, I really didn’t.” His voice was soon muffled as the he was hauled into the backseat of the car, and the door slammed shut.

  “I’m so terribly sorry about this,” the chief said, taking his hat off as he strode towards the three. “I know how badly my son’s actions reflect on us all, and I’d like to apologize to you. I’m sure we’ll be able to offer you another place to stay.”

  “There’s no need of that,” Tina said. “We’ve already made alternate arrangements.”

  “Well, then I’d be happy to talk to the owner and let him know that none of this is your fault,” Chief Kahane said.

  “I don’t think he did it, Chief,” Nora said.

  “What?” The chief looked baffled. “Of course he did.”

  “Actually, I think it can’t possibly be him,” Nora said. “When did you see him last, Chief?”

  “Last night,” Chief Kahane said. “I had a talk with him about how he was behaving. He told me that he’d threatened you girls in front of Elly and Degas, and I warned him not to do anything stupid. We had a heart to heart, and I really thought he’d begun to understand his responsibilities. He promised to change, and to apologize to you three.” Chief Kahane sighed. “I suppose I was a fool to believe it. My son has always had a hot temper. But… I didn’t know he was a liar and a sneak too.”

  “What was he wearing?” Nora asked.

  “Excuse me?”

  “When you talked to him last night, what was he wearing?”

  “Well… clothes.” Chief Kahane frowned. “A red T-shirt with a picture of a baseball and glove on it, light blue jeans and white sneakers.”

  “Exactly,” Nora said. “Now that’s the same thing he’s wearing right now. Whoever did this to our house, I’m very sure his or her clothes got soiled in the process. Akamai’s are nearly spotless. Except for the back of his clothes, which have leaves all over them, since he was knocked out and lying on the ground. But his shoes, for example, they’re very clean. I don’t think you’re going to find any fingerprints in the house, but even if you did, they won’t be his.”

  “I did find something,” the Deputy said, coming forward with an empty spray can in a ziploc bag. “That’s got prints on it, Chief.”

  “There we are,” Chief Kahane said. “That should prove Akamai’s guilt, or innocence.”

  “I’m confident you’ll find him innocent,” Nora said. “There’s no way he’s done this.”

  “I’m just hoping so,” Chief Kahane said. “I’ve never seen anything like this, in all my years on this island. We’re peaceful here, you know? We believe in love and goodwill. But the coroner just confirmed that Haku was murdered. The weapon was a syringe, and the second puncture mark was made to imitate a snake’s bite. The murderer is a clever man, but doesn’t know much about forensics.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that,” Nora said. “About Haku, I mean.”

  “It’s… it’s a blow.” Chief Kahane nodded. “He and I had problems, sure, but I can’t believe anyone on this island would want to murder him. He was a good kid, loved by everyone.”

  “Akamai hated him, didn’t he?” Simone asked.

  Chief Kahane winced. “Brothers fight sometimes. It doesn’t mean anything.”

  The deputy nodded, but Nora saw the look of disbelief on his face. Clearly, he thought Akamai had done it. Which meant he doubted his own Chief’s ability to solve the case.

  “Any luck finding the snake yet?” Tina asked.

  “Not yet,” the Deputy said. “Our task force was up quite late looking for it.”

  “Did you… did you check near our cottage?” Nora asked.

  “Yes, as a matter of fact. We were here between 11 and 1 last night,” The Deputy said. “It wasn’t vandalized then, if that’s what you’re asking. Whoever did it, they got up real early. Or didn’t sleep at all.” The Deputy looked sideways, at the car where Akamai now sat motionless. “I’d bet they didn’t sleep at all.”

  “You should get him to a doctor,” Nora said. “He’s been hit on the back of the head.”

  “In my line of work, you’ll know how easy it is to fake that if you’re determined,” the Deputy said.

  “Why would he fake it, though?” Nora asked.

  “Well, because you caught him at the crime scene,” The Deputy said.

  “Why not just run away from the crime scene?” Nora asked. “He had plenty of chance to. It’s almost noon, after all.”

  “Well… I…” The Deputy frowned. “I don’t know.”

  “Why leave his fingerprints behind, and show himself to us?” Nora asked. “No, I’m convinced that Akamai hasn’t done this.”

  “But if he didn’t, who did?” The Deputy looked baffled.

  “That’s the question, isn’t it?” Nora asked. “I wish we knew. I think it’d help us find answers to a lot of our questions.”

  “It’s a pity.” The Deputy sighed. “I know the lady who owns this cottage. Really nice lady. She’s away on a cruise right now, but she’s going to feel quite terrible about this when she comes back.”

  “It’s a nice piece of land, isn’t it?” Nora asked. “Right in front of the beach and all.”

  “Oh, that it is,” the Deputy said. “Your friend Degas has been trying to buy it from her a long time, but of course, old lady Chaka won’t sell. The land’s been in her family for generations. She’s turned down some very generous offers, I’ve heard.”

  “Degas wanted to buy this land?” Tina could almost see Nora’s ears perk up.

  “Yep. Half a million, that’s how much he offered, I heard. Anyway, we’ll be in touch with you ladies. Do you need any help with your luggage now?”

  Simone shook her head. “Thanks, we’ll manage.”

  Nora was looking at the house, a very thoughtful expression on her face. Tina sidled up to her. “Your face changed when the Deputy mentioned Degas,” she said.

  “Did it?” Nora asked.

  “What are you thinking, Nora?” Tina asked. “Degas is a good guy. He was with us last night.”

  “Yes,” Nora said. “But we weren’t sleeping in the same room as him, and he’s got a huge house. He was the first to wake up today, wasn’t he?”

  “He was awake when I came down,” Simone said. “Nora, you can’t possibly think that Degas came and did this.”

  “I don’t think so,” Nora said. “Still, with any crime, you have to see who profits, right? Degas wanted us to stay over at his house. Even if we’d refused him earlier, I think we’d have agreed now. Degas wanted to buy this land. Even if the lady had refused him earlier, she might agree now.”

  “That’s ridiculous.” Simone sounded angry. “Degas has been a perfect host in some trying times. Don’t go about slandering him.”

  “I don’t mean to,” Nora said. “It’s just… interesting. That’s all.”

  “I know that tone,” Tina said. “I’d reckon that’s defi
nitely not all. I don’t know what the coming days will bring, but I for one, am going to be more careful.”

  “Yes,” Nora said. “It’s very likely that whoever did this is the murderer, in which case, the murderer has made a direct threat to us. Let’s not forget that.”

  *****

  Chapter 11

  The Fake Professor

  “Well, I didn’t think I’d be saying this but I’m glad we’ve got a flight out of here in three days,” Tina said. “This relaxing holiday has turned into a total nightmare.”

  “I’d prepone our tickets but we’ve already promised Degas we’ll stay to keep Elly company,” Simone said.

  “They’d be too costly anyway,” Tina said. “Oh, I really do wish Sam were here. I’d feel so much safer.”

  “I’m just glad Will isn’t here,” Simone said. “I’d feel so much worse if he were.”

  They were driving back to Degas’ house, having taken their luggage with them. As they rounded the corner, Nora pumped the brakes hard, and all three experienced a severe jolt.

  In front of them, a blue and yellow snake slithered out of the underbrush, across the road, and then back into the wilderness. A few shouts and screams followed, and Degas came crashing through the bushes, with three other men behind him.

  “I’ve got him!” a voice exclaimed from the other side. A tall man emerged, triumphantly holding up the hissing snake in a net.

  “Careful,” Degas said. “Careful, man!”

  The man yelped, and dropped the net as the snake hissed furiously, and within seconds, the snake had escaped. Giving yells of frustration, the men chased after it.

  As quickly as they had appeared, the group disappeared into the wilderness, and Nora, Tina and Simone were left staring at the empty road from their car.

  “Well,” Tina said. “Seems we can’t take a breath before someone comes and ruins it.”

  The tall man stepped out of the wilderness, and leaned on the tree, sweating profusely. He pulled out a handkerchief and wiped his face, then straightened and nodded as he saw the girls in the car.

  “Are you the staying at Degas’ mansion?” he asked.