by C A Phipps
He laughed softly. “Can’t say I’m surprised.”
“Me either.”
“I have something for you.” He dropped her watch into her hand. “Guess you left that for me to find?”
“You’d be a great detective,” she grinned at him. So happy to have it back because it had been a gift from Grandad.
“Actually, it was me who found it,” Detective Jones came through from the hall and gave her a small smile, his attention focused on Angel, whose hands went to her hair as she tried to get it into some semblance of order.
“In that case, I’d better make coffee,” Gran sighed but looked lovingly at her expanding brood.
“I’ll do it. You’re busy with the food.” Laura offered.
“Thanks, dear. Use the big mugs for coffee. I’m sure they’ll be here a while, since there will be plenty of loose ends to tie up with you Girlz, and I dare say I’ll learn more than the bits you’ve told me.”
A few minutes later the table groaned with all sorts of enticing food. Gran must have been baking all night in anticipation of their reunion. Maddie let Ethan help her up and over to the table, while Detective Jones did the same for Angel. It was so sweet how completely awkward he was, and Gran saw it too. She winked at Maddie, then turned to Suzy.
“You stay right there,” Gran admonished, as Suzy tried to get up. “You’re close enough to hear the conversation, and I’ll bring you a plate.”
Suzy sank back with no resistance, accepting her cup, then a plate of deliciousness which Gran balanced on her lap and placed a small table beside her for her drink.
Maddie lifted her own cup and carefully took a sip. She could smell lavender, chamomile, and raspberry. It was indeed a calming drink but the food called to her.
Ethan handed her the plate of warm rolls. She took one, slathered it in butter, and bit into its softness.
“Mmmm.”
Waiting until everyone had a plate of food she broke off another piece of bread but left it on her plate. “So, how is everyone at the station?”
“Is Brad okay?” Angel asked, causing the Detective’s often present frown to dig deeper.
“What happens to him now?” Suzy demanded.
Ethan put a hand up. “Soon enough, ladies. Does your head hurt, Maddie?”
She was flustered at their questions being highjacked. “A little. Why?”
He shifted in his seat. “I was worried that you might have a concussion. You don’t, do you?”
In a bad move, she shook her head, wincing. “I don’t think so.”
“Just in case, my sister’s coming by to check since you refused to go to the hospital.”
Maddie was shocked. “Pardon? Coming here? Please don’t make her come out tonight. She’ll have to drag the boys from their beds.”
“Too late. Judging by those lights, her car just pulled up outside,” Detective Jones said evenly and went to open the door.
The twins burst inside like a small tornado, literally making the Detective spin as they ran to Maddie.
“You really got beaten up?” Jesse asked.
“Wow! Did you get punched in the face?” James was awed.
“Get away, both of you,” Layla’s tone was enough to make the twins back off. “Sorry, I had to bring them.”
Maddie tutted. “I told Ethan he shouldn’t have called you.”
“Of course he should. We’re all but family.” She took Maddie’s chin gently and turned her face left and right. “Your mouth looks sore. I’ve got some cream that will help. What else hurts?”
Maddie snorted. “Just about every part of me, but nothing’s broken.”
Layla tipped her head the way Ethan did. “I guess you’d know if it was. Want me to check you over somewhere private?”
Maddie shook her head and winced at her stupidity. “Seriously, I’m fine.”
“Okay, but let me take a look at your eyes, to make sure you don’t have a concussion.”
“That’s your brother talking,” Maddie mused.
Layla raised an eyebrow. “No, that’s a nurse doing the best job she can.”
“Sorry.”
“No need. I’ve had far worse patients than you.” She helped Maddie turn her seat to the side then she pulled a torch from her bag and proceeded to check her eyes and reflexes. “You’ll do, but should you feel nauseous, no mucking about, get straight to the clinic and call me. I can meet you there.”
“I’ll make sure of it,” Gran said, piling up plates for the twins.
“No way, you two. They’ll never sleep,” she begged her.
“Ah, I forgot about how sugar affects children. How about I put it in some takeout trays, then they can have it tomorrow.”
“Yes, please, if it’s no bother?”
“How can it be a bother? We’re almost family.” Gran gave a cheeky grin as she ushered the boys into the kitchen with their plates. “You get yourself something, Layla.”
“Can I get you something to eat?” Laura offered, already on her feet.
“I’ll take a coffee, please, even though it’s bound to keep me awake. Although, how any of you will sleep after the things that have happened, I don’t know.” Layla shook her head.
“Could you please check on Suzy while you’re here? She twisted her ankle badly.” Maddie asked.
Layla went straight to Suzy’s side. “I thought you were rugged up against the cold. Your foot was hidden by the blankets.”
“That’s okay.” Suzy pulled the blanket back to show her the damage, her face contorting as Layla moved the ankle to test it.
“You did a good job of spraining it, but I’m pretty sure nothings broken. You’ll need crutches to get around for a few days, and if it doesn’t feel better by then, you’ll need an x-ray. Meanwhile, I’ll strap it heavily which will help with the swelling.”
The boys hung over their mother’s shoulder with their cartons clutched in their hands, then looked over to the table.
“You’re always getting into trouble, Maddie,” Jesse told her.
“Yeah. Maybe you’re in the wrong job.” James chimed in.
Layla gasped. “Boys! What did I tell you about thinking before you speak?”
“It’s hardly a lie,” Suzy snorted.
“Nothing we haven’t commented on before,” Angel gave her a pointed look.
“Hey, I’m not the only one who got involved in this case, and for the record all the other cases.” Maddie objected.
Angel sighed. “I’ll willingly put my hand up, and this time it was all because of me. I just wish that Maple Falls would go back to being the quiet little town it was.”
“It didn’t happen because of you. The brothers brought this to town, and there were always going to issues when you’re talking about greed.” Gran said in her no-nonsense manner.
Maddie sipped her tea. “That’s true. Brad’s brother wanted more than his share, and he chose the lengths he was prepared to go to. Not us, and certainly not the town.”
Ethan smiled. “Well said.”
Her heart expanded at the warmth in his praise, and finally, she ate, enjoying watching Angel and the Detective avoid each other’s gaze.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Maddie woke to a bird outside her window. Only, it wasn’t a window in her apartment. This was the view she’d had for most of her life after her mom left her here, and before she went to college.
Too tired to go anywhere, even with Ethan’s suggestion he’d be happy to carry her, Gran had made up Maddie’s old bed and tucked her in just like she’d done every night all those years ago.
Angel and Laura had gone back to the apartment over the salon, since most of Laura’s clothes were there, while Suzy was happier on the couch in Gran’s sitting room.
Truthfully, everything had become a little hazy before her head hit the pillow. She lay for a moment, while Big Red put his paws on her chest and reassured them both that they were together and safe.
By the time Maddie showered and d
ressed in the freshly laundered clothes Gran sneaked into the room at some stage and gone downstairs, Gran had a full breakfast on the table.
“Good afternoon, sleepyhead,” Suzy said, spreading maple syrup on a stack of pancakes.
Maddie looked at the cuckoo clock on the wall and couldn’t believe her eyes. “It’s lunchtime?”
Gran laughed and put a plate of pancakes of the same proportions in front of her. “Relax. People would understand the shop not opening today.”
Maddie gaped. “It didn’t open?”
“I never said that. Laura and Luke opened as usual and are doing just fine. I popped down to check, while Big Red never left your side. Not even to eat.”
Maddie sank onto a chair, her stomach grumbling. “Well, I guess it won’t hurt to be a little late, and these do look particularly good.”
With the best intentions she’d been unable to eat much last night, and Suzy was the same. It was time to put that to rights as they grinned over mouthfuls of the lightest, fluffiest pancakes ever.
“When you are all rested, and together, I’d really like to hear the story from scratch,” Gran poured tea into their special cups. “Last night it was all over the place, and I’m still confused about several things.”
Maddie swallowed. “How about after we close the shop?”
Gran folded her arms. “As I said, you don’t need to go there today, and I have so much left over from last night that everyone should come back for dinner.”
“That would be wonderful,” Suzy said. Would you mind if Mom and Dad stopped by to take me home afterward? I don’t think I’ll be driving for a while.”
“The more, the merrier. Tell them to come and bring their appetites. I confess I might have gotten carried away baking yesterday.” Gran admitted, not at all sorry.
Maddie laughed. “You certainly did. I will go down to the shop, just to see for myself. I trust them, but I’ve taken them both for granted lately.”
Gran sighed. “I told them they shouldn’t count on me keeping you away for a whole day. Eat, would you?”
And she did until she couldn’t take another mouthful, then Maddie helped Suzy back to the couch.
“You’re not going to get an x-ray?” she asked her once she was settled.
“No, the swelling is going down, and Gran says that yellow is a good color for a bruise, it means it’s healing already. Which is great, but it’s really not my color. Mom’s got a set of crutches at home she can bring over later so I can get back to school tomorrow.”
“That must have been a long conversation?”
“I said I was still exhausted and that I’d tell her everything when she comes by after the Gallery closes. Dad was over in Destiny watching a football game, so he’ll be fired up as well by the time he gets here.”
Gran was clearing the table, refusing to allow Maddie to assist her. “Ethan will come by later too, with the statements. He called earlier and had them then, but I told him to leave you be. A few more hours won’t change a thing.”
Maddie sighed. “So, there really is nothing left to do? The bad guys are in jail, and Brad isn’t one of them.”
“Seems that way. Although, how he can prove he isn’t involved in the worst of it if Caleb’s going to say he is. If only we knew where the proof was about Caleb. I’d hate for him to get away on a technicality,” Suzy mused.
“It is frustrating,” Maddie agreed. “Well, if you’re okay here, I’ll get to the bakery now and then we can relax together this afternoon before everyone gets here.”
“Your bag’s by the front door,” Gran said and kissed her cheek. “Don’t be too long, Sweetheart.”
Honey sat at the end of the path, looking a little worse for wear with pine needles tucked into every crevice. Picking out a few, she decided it could wait until tomorrow. The sleep had been good, but she still ached all over.
Big Red jumped in beside her, and she drove down Plum Place with Suzy’s words ringing in her ears. Where would the proof be? If Brad and Caleb didn’t take the tin, who did? She ran through the list of suspects as she pulled into the driveway and Luke met her on the path.
“You weren’t supposed to come back today, but I am glad to see you’re alright.”
“Of course!” Maddie yelled.
Luke took a step backward, shocked by her outburst. “Pardon?”
“Sorry, I have to go. Please call the Sheriff and tell him I’m going back to the cabin.”
“But . . .”
“I’ll explain later. I promise. Come for dinner at Gran’s tonight. Bring Angel and Laura.”
She waved to the gaping teenager and Big Red, who didn’t know whether he was coming or going, then throwing her bag back into Honey, keeping to the speed limit, just, she drove out of town. All the while her thoughts ticked over and she hoped she wasn’t building this into something it wasn’t. She did have a vivid imagination, after all.
When she got to the clearing at Grandad’s cabin, she parked, shivering at the memory of yesterday. Taking her backpack, she jogged down to the lake and the pier. It was much easier going in daylight and without rain.
It was a beautiful day with a crispness that spoke of cleansing, and the droplets on leaves sparkled in the weak sunshine. She looked out across the lake to where the mountains created a picturesque backdrop, making it doubly hard to imagine something so awful taking place anywhere near this.
There at the end of the pier was the piece of rag on its nail. Unhooking it, Maddie searched the rest of the dock. Her Grandad had taught her that you don’t know when you’ve missed something, but if you poke around in every nook and cranny, you’ll find a darn sight more than if you didn’t, with the bonus of putting your mind at ease.
This little piece of cloth happened to be the same as the shirt Magnus Tuft had been wearing the day he was shot. Or, it was a lookalike, but it seemed too much of a coincidence, and she wished she had remembered about it yesterday.
She found nothing else but knew she needed to check the one place she didn’t particularly want to. Everyone she could think of that needed to be apprehended had been. Yet it didn’t mean someone else wasn’t involved, so she scanned the lakefront nearby to ensure she was alone. Stripping down to her underwear she slipped into the water. The coolness was exactly as she imagined, which didn’t stop it from taking her breath away.
Why couldn’t this have happened in the summer?
Holding on to the jetty she took several gulps of air, then duck-diving using one of the main poles of the pier to assist her she descended into the slightly murky depths.
Down she went, confident of holding her breath for a good while but not especially fond of doing so, she stood on the sandy bottom while another cold stream ran around her body.
Apart from the usual shells and vegetation, plus the rubbish not so careful campers left behind, there wasn’t anything she could attribute to another clue. She needed to get air soon, and in that second, she found something.
Wedged against the bottom of a pole was a bundle of plastic with something shiny inside, protruding just enough into a shard of light that filtered down through the water to be visible. Perhaps it was nothing to do with what was happening, but it hadn’t been there long enough to have moss growing so maybe it had been placed here recently.
Maddie tugged, and it came away easily from its perch. She was carrying it to the surface when she saw something else. Gasping for air, she had been at her the uppermost limit, and she flung an arm over the top of the jetty and hung there until she regained her breath. Placing the package on the wood, she dived back under, picked up the item tied to a large rock, swam back to the end and climbed up the three exposed rungs of wood.
Shaking herself like a dog, regretting that immediately when a sharp pain went through her forehead. Maddie squeezed out as much water as she could from her braid. Her clothes were about to get soaked, but she could hardly drive home half-naked, even if it weren’t freezing. Dressing quickly, she untied the rock,
picked up the two packages plus her backpack then jogged back to her car.
Honey was old enough that her air-conditioning and heater weren’t as good as she’d like, but the seats were as comfortable as a good-fitting pair of jeans. Grabbing an old towel from the back, she placed it on the worn leather. Deciding not to waste time with a phone call, Maddie headed for the station, hoping that Ethan would be available since he hadn’t put in an appearance.
All eyes in the reception area turned to her as she stood in the doorway feeling like a drowned rat. Deputy Jacobs looked up.
“Madeline Flynn, what’s the meaning of this?” he asked harshly.
Maddie had a shotgun over her forearm, broken apart as Grandad always insisted.
“I believe this is the weapon that killed Magnus Tuft. I wasn’t so careful of getting fingerprints on it since I found it underneath the pier out at the lake. Maybe you can find out who it belongs to, although I think we can all take an educated guess.”
Her smile lasted a few seconds as footsteps came down the small hall.
“I was on my way. What the heck were you doing out there alone?” Ethan came out of his office, clearly having heard the conversation and not happy about it.
“I got a feeling that something had been overlooked, and I wanted to see for myself. I asked Luke to call you and let you know.”
He frowned. “I’ve been with the suspects all day, and I thought you were resting, so I only just got the message from Rob.”
“Sorry. It hit me all of a sudden that there was another clue, I missed, and I was right.”
His gaze shifted from the gun on the front counter to the package in her hand. This one she hadn’t unwrapped and it was still dripping.
“What’s that?”
She grinned. “This is what I found first. The gun was a bonus.”
Ethan looked at her as though he had no idea who she was, so she explained about the ripped shirt.
“I get that you figured Magnus had dropped something in the water, but how did you know he was capable of holding his breath long enough to position this?”
