Ruffled Feathers (Dune House Cozy Mystery Book 7)

by Cindy Bell

  “Uh yes. I think about living with Wes all the time.”

  “Oh, no you’re not…”

  “No, we’re not. But I do think about it. I rather miss having someone to snuggle up to and wake up next to.”

  “I’m not much for sharing my room.” Suzie shook her head. “No, no, that would be a disaster.”

  “Aw.” Mary hugged her. “Well, maybe I’m wrong. You never know. If he does propose though, make sure you let him down easy, Suzie. A man’s heart gets broken very easily, and once it is, it’s hard to fix.”

  Suzie frowned. “We’d better get to the motel before we miss our chance to talk to Leanne.”

  “You’re right.” Mary sighed. “I’m sorry that I didn’t make you feel better, Suzie.”

  “It’s all right. I just hope that you’re wrong. I think I’d rather find out he’s dating someone else.”

  Mary held her gaze. “No you wouldn’t, Suzie. That I don’t believe for a second.”

  Suzie offered her a half smile and nodded. “You’re right.”

  Chapter Ten

  As Suzie drove with Mary towards the motel she thought about what Mary had said. She sorted through her memories in an attempt to remember whether she had ever spoken to Paul about marriage. He seemed to be as content as she was with the way things were. She couldn’t imagine what it would be like to have someone live with her, in her room. To take turns for the shower.

  “Ugh, no thanks,” Suzie said under her breath and shuddered. She pulled into the parking lot of the motel. Maurice stood outside near the front door of the office, but there was no sign of Leanne. Suzie and Mary got out of the car and walked towards Maurice. Maurice glared at Suzie as she approached.

  “Where is she?” Suzie glanced at the row of doors that led to the motel rooms.

  “As far as I know she’s still in there. Room three. That’s as much as I’m getting involved. Understand?”

  “Perfectly.” Suzie glanced over at Mary. Mary grimaced. The two walked towards room three. Suzie knocked on the door. After a moment, the door opened. Before them stood the person who was in the photograph that Louis had printed.

  “Leanne Kay?” Suzie met her eyes. They were hooded with dark circles underneath.

  “Yes. What is it?” She wiped at her eyes. “I’m not doing any press.”

  “We’re not the press.” Mary’s voice was gentle as she spoke. “May we come inside?”

  “Why?” Leanne narrowed her eyes. “What is this about?”

  “It’s about your mother, Priscilla.”

  “What about her?” Leanne stood straight up. Suzie and Mary exchanged a quick glance. “She’s passed away.”

  Suzie and Mary relaxed slightly as they felt a sense of relief that they wouldn’t have to be the ones to break the bad news to her.

  “We’re sorry for your loss,” Mary said sympathetically.

  “Thank you. I just don’t know why it happened, now.” Leanne wiped at her eyes. “She and I just fixed things.”

  “Fixed things, how?” Suzie raised an eyebrow.

  “She finally saw things from my point of view. I took her to see the nests. I took her to Redhawk River.”

  Suzie’s stomach lurched. Had Leanne just revealed where Priscilla was murdered?

  “Did you and your mother have a disagreement while you were at the river?” Suzie asked.

  “No. My mother and I fought at dinner, but after dinner I showed her the reality. I showed her the nests and how much damage would be done. You know she loves that bird she has. I guess I finally got through to her when she realized that she would be hurting birds. She was going to call off the deal. She promised me that she would.”

  “When was the last time that you saw your mother, Leanne?” Suzie asked.

  “It was that night. It was the last time I saw her. But I called her driver to drop her off at the bed and breakfast where she was staying. She broke her heel, and I was afraid if she walked she might get hurt. So, I called her driver. I don’t even know if she made it home.”

  Suzie’s eyes narrowed. Conner hadn’t mentioned anything about picking up Priscilla. She began to think that maybe Leanne was telling the truth. Suzie reached into her purse and pulled out Jason’s card.

  “Have you spoken to the police?” Suzie asked.

  “No why?”

  “You need to contact him right away,” Suzie said as she handed the card to Leanne. “He’s investigating the murder…”

  “Murder?” Leanne gulped and her eyes widened. “She was murdered?”

  “Yes, Leanne, I’m so sorry.” Mary gave her a hug. “I know this is a lot to take in. But anything you can tell Jason might help.”

  “Okay. Okay.” She nodded. “I’ll call him right now.” She went back into the motel room and retrieved her cell phone.

  Mary tugged Suzie aside.

  “We need to be careful what we say,” Mary said. “She looks so upset.”

  “People can fake it. She certainly had motive to kill her mother. And means and opportunity,” Suzie said.

  “Do you really think that she did it?”

  “I think that there’s one good way to find out. I’m going to go to Redhawk River and get a sample of the water. If Summer can match it, then we will at least know where Priscilla was killed.”

  “I’m going to stay with her until Jason gets here. I don’t think she should be alone.”

  “That’s good. I’ll let you know what I find at the river. Call me if you need a lift.”

  “I will but I’m sure I’ll be fine, I can walk.”

  “Okay, I won’t be long.”

  “Suzie, be careful.” Mary squeezed her hand.

  “I will be.”

  Suzie climbed into her car. Just as she was about to start it, her cell phone rang. Her heart stopped when she saw that it was Paul. For a moment she considered ignoring it. Before it could go to voicemail she grabbed it up.

  “Hello?”

  “Hi beautiful.”

  She smiled, despite her concerns. She loved the way he greeted her. “Hi handsome.”

  “I just got in, I heard about what happened. Are you doing okay?”

  “I think so.”

  “Can we meet for a bite?”

  “I’m on my way to go for a hike.”

  “A hike?”

  “Yes, near Redhawk River.”

  There was a long pause. Suzie bit into her bottom lip. She wondered what he was thinking.

  “I’ve been looking forward to seeing you.”

  “I’m sorry, Paul. We can meet up later.”

  “Maybe I could join you for the hike?”

  Suzie grimaced. She knew that he was lying to her about just getting in. Why would he do that unless he was hiding something?

  “Of course you can. I would love that. But you’re not too tired?” Even though she suspected he was up to something she still wanted to see him.

  “I’m never too tired to spend time with you, Suzie.”

  “Aw. I’ll be there in five minutes.”

  “That’s what I call service.”

  Suzie laughed as she hung up the phone. Despite the stress of the murder, Paul always found a way to make her laugh. She changed direction and drove towards the dock. As she approached it she thought about how lucky she was to have found him. It was an unexpected relationship, but one that she was very happy with. She just hoped he wasn’t going to do anything that would change that.

  Chapter Eleven

  When Suzie pulled up to the docks she noticed that there were not very many people milling about. Suzie thought about the resort taking over part of the coastline of Garber. It wasn’t until that moment that she truly understood why everyone was so upset about the possibility. The quiet piece of paradise was all theirs for the time being, the moment that it became a resort town, it would no longer be a hidden gem for mainly the local residents to enjoy. She was lost in thought when Paul opened the passenger side door of the car. The sudden movement an
d sound caused every muscle in her body to jerk.

  “Oh Suzie, I’m sorry if I startled you. I thought you saw me.”

  “It’s okay.” Suzie laughed. “I guess I was just distracted.”

  Paul leaned across the car to hug her. His familiar scent and warmth surrounded her. “I missed you.”

  “I missed you too, Paul.” Suzie lingered in his arms for a moment, then she pulled away. “Was it a good trip?”

  “It wasn’t bad.” He shrugged. “It could have been better. I’m sorry about what happened to Priscilla. It’s hard to believe that someone could be so cruel.”

  “It’s even harder to believe that it might have been her own daughter, Leanne that did it.”

  “Her daughter?” Paul gasped.

  “That’s why I’m going to the river. If I can prove that the water in Priscilla’s lungs is the same water that runs in the river then I think Jason will be able to make an arrest.”

  “I can’t say it surprises me that you’re involved in all of this. Thanks for letting me tag along.”

  Suzie shot him a smile as she started the car. She drove towards the river based on the directions that the GPS provided. It took her down several windy, tree-lined roads. When they arrived at a small dirt parking lot she stopped the car. Paul hopped out and walked around to meet her at the other side of the car. The two embraced again and shared a small kiss.

  “I’m so glad to be home.” He smiled as he looked into her eyes. Suzie smiled in return but broke the visual connection before it could linger.

  “I just need to get a small sample of the water.”

  “Are you sure this is the right place?” Paul looked at the thick underbrush. “It doesn’t look like anyone has been here for a long time.”

  “I know that Leanne and Priscilla were here together the night that Priscilla was killed. Leanne claims that her mother changed her mind about the development deal, but I find that hard to believe.”

  “Maybe she came to her senses.” Paul pulled back some branches so that Suzie could step through. “I’d rather think that, than anything else.”

  “Me too. But the water will reveal the truth. Someone drowned Priscilla and then dumped her body in or near the ocean.”

  “If they drowned her here then why would that person move the body to another location?”

  “In an attempt to make it look like an accident. I guess whoever did this thought that people would just assume, as the police first did, that it was an accidental drowning. Without an investigation into the death, they would have gotten away with it.”

  The foliage was dense around the edge of the river. Suzie held on to Paul’s hand as they made their way through it.

  “Do you really think this will help the investigation? It will be enough for Jason to make an arrest?”

  “I don’t think that it can hurt it. Summer said that if she had a sample to compare the water to then she might be able to pinpoint the crime scene. If the water matches then I think we can be fairly certain Leanne killed her mother. At the very least the crime scene investigators can search the area for any evidence.”

  Paul shoved his hands deep down into the pockets of his thick jeans and looked out over the area. Suzie pushed some reeds aside from the water’s edge. She dipped the small container into the water and collected a sample. When she stood back up Paul grasped her arm to keep her steady.

  “This should do it.” Suzie sealed the vial then dropped it into her purse.

  “We’re already out here we might as well enjoy a little stroll.” Paul tipped his head towards a trail that led away from the river. Suzie eyed him for a moment. She had heard plenty of proposal stories over the years and most involved a beautiful setting, such as the woods they were in.

  “Oh, I don’t know. I really need to get this sample back to the lab.”

  “A few minutes?” He stroked the back of her hand. “I’d love just a little time alone with you.” Suzie tried to think of any excuse to prevent a walk through the woods, but from the way Paul’s eyes squinted, she knew he would see right through any ploy.

  “Okay sure. A short one.”

  As they walked hand in hand along the trail Suzie glanced over at him. His expression was as casual as always. Nothing about it indicated that he kept a secret. But Suzie was certain that he was.

  “How was the weather on the water?”

  “It was nice. Not a single squall.”

  “I’m glad. You got back a bit late.” Suzie left the opening there for him. She wanted him to admit that he docked earlier than he claimed.

  “Hm.” Paul shrugged. He paused beside a very large flowering tree. “Isn’t this gorgeous?” Suzie looked up at the tree.

  “Yes, it is quite beautiful.” When she looked back at Paul he was down on one knee.

  “Oh no, Paul. No!” Suzie stumbled back a step. Paul glanced over at her.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “This isn’t the right time and…”

  “Huh?” He tugged the laces on his shoe and tied them tightly. “It’s not the right time for what?” He stood up. Suzie flushed as she looked away from him.

  “I’m sorry, I don’t know what I was thinking.”

  “Hey, it’s okay. You’ve been through a lot of stress lately.” He locked his eyes to hers. “I’m a little worried about you. I know that your instincts are good and you can solve any problem, but maybe this one is a little too intense for you.”

  “No. I’m fine, really. I was just confused.”

  “Not about me I hope.”

  “No, not at all.”

  “Okay good.” He took her hand again.

  Suzie smiled, but the heat in her cheeks did not fade. “I should really get this sample to Summer. I don’t want it to sit too long.”

  “Okay. Let’s head back.” He slid his arm around her waist. Her skin prickled with a familiar warmth in reaction to his touch, but her rapid heart rate remained. “Suzie?” He met her eyes. “Is something wrong?”

  “I’m just a little shaken up by all of this.” Suzie glanced away.

  “I don’t believe that for a second.”

  “What?” Suzie looked back at him.

  “I’ve seen you shaken up, and this is not that. What’s going on?”

  Suzie smiled a little. Paul did know her better than she expected. “I’m just a little uneasy I guess.”

  “All right, if you don’t want to talk about it that’s fine. Have dinner with me tonight? On the boat?”

  “Oh, I don’t know.”

  “Please.” He smiled.

  “With all that’s going on it might not be a good idea.”

  “All that’s going on is exactly the reason that you need a break. I’m sure that there’s one hour of the day that you can spare. Hmm?” His jaw set and his shoulders squared. Suzie was quite familiar with the stance he took. It declared that he was going to be stubborn.

  “Yes.” Suzie leaned into his shoulder. “For you, definitely.”

  “Great. Now let’s get that sample back to Summer. The sooner you get to the bottom of all of this the sooner this town can go back to normal.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Suzie dropped Paul off back at the dock before she continued on to the medical examiner’s office. When she stepped inside she heard Summer’s music playing.

  “Hello?”

  “Hold on, Suzie, I’ll be right out.” The music turned off. Summer walked out of the back room to greet her. “What’s up?”

  “I have a sample from Redhawk River. I think it’s the area where Priscilla might have been killed.” Suzie held out the vial.

  “Oh wow, great! Thank you, Suzie.” Summer took the vial. “I will get this tested right away. If it is a match then I’ll obviously have to get a sample tested that was collected through the official channels, but we can start with this. We really need to find the crime scene. I think that will make all the difference in the case. I’ve never seen Jason so frustrated. He has plenty of sus
pects, but nothing solid to go on. So, hopefully this will help.”

  “I didn’t realize this was getting to him so much.”

  “Something sure is. He’s been jittery and distracted. I tried to get him to have lunch with me and he turned me down. I think it’s the first time he ever has.”

  “Well, there’s a lot of pressure around this case and a lot of attention. Jason’s probably in a hurry to get it over with, just like we all are.”

  “To be honest with you, Suzie, I’m in no hurry. In my line of work a slow, steady pace and precision is key. If I make one mistake, it can mean that Priscilla never gets her justice. That’s why I evaluate everything about the body.”

  “You do a very good job, Summer. Will you let me know when you get the results of the water test?”

  “Absolutely. Thanks for going to so much trouble. What made you think that the river might be the place?”

  “I spoke with Priscilla’s daughter, Leanne, and she said that she and her mother went out to the river together the night she died.”

  “I see.” Summer frowned. “I’ll let you know.”

  “Thanks.” Suzie left the office and drove towards Dune House. When she parked she noticed that Wes’ car was there as well. She walked into the lobby to find Wes and Mary cooing at the bird.

  “What are you two doing?” Suzie tried not to laugh.

  Mary grinned. “We’re trying to get this bird to say anything other than pumpkin.”

  “Good luck.” Suzie shook her head. “I haven’t heard it say anything else since Priscilla’s death.”

  “It’s not unusual for a bird to parrot a word they hear frequently,” Mary said. “Pumpkin is just a rather odd word for it to hear often enough to retain.”

  “That’s true.” Suzie laughed. “I think I’ve said it more since the bird has arrived than I have in a lifetime.”

  “Oh, by the way I ran into Jason in town and he had just finished questioning Leanne.” Wes straightened up and turned to look at Suzie. “I thought that you might want to know what he found out from Leanne.”