Bones, Booze & Bouquets

by Marianne Spitzer

  “Yes, in this part of the state, but I never heard of anyone getting bit. I’m sure it was a squirrel or a rabbit.”

  Georgie grabbed my arm. “Do you hear that? I think I hear breathing, more like panting.”

  I thought I heard it, too and then I heard a male voice call out. “Brutus, where are you? Brutus?”

  “Who’s Brutus?” Georgie asked.

  Her question was answered a moment later when a black shape leaped through the air straight at me. A bear? I was so shocked I couldn’t scream, and then a large tongue licked my face. I pushed my way out from under it and looked up at Georgie.

  “I think this is Brutus.”

  Georgie was doubled over in laughter, and Brutus sat wagging his tail.

  “Brutus,” the man’s voice carried through the trees again.

  I patted the large black dog on the head and whispered, “Go, Brutus.” He whined but turned and ran in the direction of the voice.

  Georgie wiped tears from her eyes, “That was close. I thought it might be a bear, or the killer, or even Bigfoot.”

  “Bigfoot in southeastern Wisconsin? Really, Georgie?” I joined her in laughter while I pushed myself off the ground and dusted the dirt from my jeans.

  “You never know, he has to live somewhere” she insisted as we resumed our trek through the woods.

  “Okay,” I admitted. “I suppose anything is possible. Look, I see a clearing up ahead. The cabin must be close.”

  “I hope so,” Georgie replied. “I’ve walked enough in these woods. I think we should take the drive on the way out. We’ll never find our way out again in the dark.”

  “Sure, we will. We found our way in here.”

  “Right, and nearly eaten by a monster.”

  “Brutus wasn’t a monster.” I laughed as I walked into the clearing. “There’s the cabin.”

  Georgie and I crept closer not speaking. The full moon illuminated the cabin well and we could see where we were walking. Maybe she’s right, and we should use the drive and go back the easier way.

  “Okay, we’re here,” Georgie announced. “What now?”

  “Let’s walk around the place,” I said and strolled toward the back of the cabin.

  “We can peek in the windows. There’s police tape across the door.”

  Two steps led to a wooden deck with several chairs scattered around. I walked up to the back door and turned the knob. “Hey, it’s unlocked.”

  “You can’t go in there. That’s breaking and entering,” she gushed and ran to my side grabbing my arm to stop me.

  “Nope, only entering. I didn’t break a thing,” I grinned at Georgie.

  “Maybe not, but we can’t cross police tape.”

  I scooted under the only piece of yellow tape hanging across the doorway. “Not crossing just ducking under.”

  “Uh huh,” Georgie mumbled as she followed me into the cabin. “I’m pretty sure the police will call it breaking and entering and crossing police lines. They’ll arrest us.”

  “You worry too much,” I told her.

  We stood side by side in the kitchen lit only by the moonlight coming through the windows.

  “Now what?” Georgie asked.

  “I’m not sure. We look around and see if the police missed anything important. Since they’re trying to link Willy Wylie’s family with Lizzy’s grandfather, we need to find something to prove them wrong. They can’t close Fred’s Flowers forever. It isn’t right. Lizzy supports her mom running that shop. The mayor’s an idiot.”

  “I agree, but what are we looking for?”

  “I’m not sure. I hope we’ll know when we see it.”

  “We need more light. Can I use my phone’s flashlight now?” Georgie pleaded.

  “Only for a second or two if you spot something important. I still don’t want anyone to see us.”

  “That’s true. I still think They’ll arrest us.”

  “Georgie, calm down. No one knows we’re here.”

  As soon as the words left my mouth, a bright light filled the room. I squinted, and Georgie grabbed my arm.

  “Evening, ladies.”

  I couldn’t see who was talking, but I knew the voice.

  “Clark? Is that you?”

  “Yes.”

  “What are you doing here,” I inquired.

  “That should be my question,” he quipped.

  “Told you,” Georgie whispered still gripping my arm. “Paul is going to kill me.”

  “How did you get here before us,” I asked as my eyes adjusted to the light. I smiled at Clark hoping he wasn’t too angry.

  Clark leaned against the wall with his arms folded across his chest. Still dressed in his suit and tie, maybe he was out on a case and passed by to check things out. I’m doomed.

  Think of something to say, Annie. Think quickly. Oh, my goodness gracious. We’re in trouble now. Paul will try and ground Georgie again. He’ll stop her from being in my wedding. My wedding? I’m sure Clark will cancel it anyway.

  Clark tried to hide an amused smile and answered, “I saw you and Georgie drive past the police station when I left. You were heading away from town. There was only one reason you’d come this way. I took the back way and arrived first.”

  “Back way? There’s a back way in here?” Georgie asked. She slugged my arm. “See we didn’t have to creep through the woods and get attacked by Bigfoot.”

  “Bigfoot?” Clark asked.

  “Never mind,” I responded.

  “You know, I should arrest you both,” he said and walked toward me.

  “Please don’t.” I looked up at him trying my best to look pathetic.

  He laughed. “Okay, I won’t this time, but you have to promise to stay away from crime scenes and let the police do their job. If Lizzy’s grandfather weren't involved, the shop would be able to reopen. I’m sure she can fight the closure in court either way. Please stop trying to save the world, Annie.”

  I nodded.

  Georgie swallowed and looked at Clark. “Are you going to tell Paul?”

  Clark laughed harder. “This isn’t second grade, and I’m not the principal, Georgie. If you two pull something like this again, he’ll know because you’ll be arrested. You’re lucky I saw you and knew you were up to something. If someone else found you, you’d be on your way to jail. Come on; my car is less than a five-minute walk. I’ll drive you to wherever you stashed Georgie’s car.”

  “Thank you,” Georgie said as she ducked under the yellow tape and stepped into the backyard of the cabin. “Paul says Annie and I still act like kids.”

  “I agree with Paul,” Clark answered. “The problem is now you do things that might get you killed.”

  Clark closed the door, and we walked silently to his car. I knew he was right about solving mysteries being dangerous, but I can’t help it. How can I let a friend down? The police seem sure of their conclusions. I think there’s more to it. Georgie and I will get to the bottom of this one way or the other.

  Georgie crawled in the backseat of Clark’s car while I scooted into the front next to Clark. We drove in silence back to Whistlers.

  Clark pulled into the lot and looked at me. “You two are getting sneakier. I didn’t think you’d hide Georgie’s car in plain sight. Maybe you need an ankle monitor to keep you in line.” He grinned the grin that let me know he was more amused than angry.

  Georgie rushed from the backseat and headed for her car. I didn’t blame her. I had a feeling a lecture was coming.

  Clark reached for my hand. “Seriously, Annie, you need to stop doing things like this. What if the killer came back and found you? You and Georgie might be dead. How would I continue to survive if you died? You’re worried about Lizzy and our wedding. How can we get married if you’re dead?”

  “You still want to marry me after tonight?” I whispered praying the answer would be yes.

  Clark pulled me to him and kissed me. “Of course, I do. I love you. A little breaking the law isn’t going to s
top that nor will time in jail, but I’d prefer you were out next to me. You wouldn’t do well in jail for long.”

  I threw my arms around his neck and kissed him back. “I promise to do my best and not get arrested.”

  He squinted his eyes at me.

  “Okay, I promise to do my best to stay out of trouble.”

  Clark shook his head and said, “I guess that’s all I can expect. I’ll call you tomorrow. Please stay out of trouble.”

  I promised I would as I slammed the car door and headed for Georgie’s car.

  Clark waited until Georgie pulled out onto the highway headed back to town.

  Georgie’s hands trembled as she gripped the steering wheel. “That was too close. I knew we’d get arrested, and we’re lucky it was Clark at the cabin or we’d be in a cell right now.”

  “I’m sorry I involved you. You’re right. We could have gotten arrested. Next time, I’ll do the investigating alone.”

  “Annie Ryan, have you lost your mind?” She inquired.

  “What?”

  “Don’t you dare go investigating without me. We’ve done things together since grade school. We’re not stopping now. I have to admit I had fun even meeting Bigfoot.”

  “Brutus.”

  “Whatever, he still could have eaten us, but we survived, and we’ll solve this mystery.”

  “You’re the best, Georgie.” She smiled, and I knew we’d work this mystery out together or die trying. Well, maybe not die, I hope, but we’ll do it.

  Georgie dropped me off at home, and I took a deep breath of relief to be home and safe. It was another adventure for the record books. I’d keep a diary of all this, but no one would believe it, and it could be used as evidence against me. I’m not sure for what, but at this rate, I’m going to get arrested again at some point. Thank goodness Clark was there tonight.

  ~ * ~

  When I walked in the door, Laci and Yummy waited for me. Laci glared at me.

  “Where were you at this time of night, Mom,” my indignant daughter demanded.

  “Georgie and I checked out the mansion to see what light might be needed since the wedding is going to be at sunset. We’ll need a lighted yard,” I lied.

  “Until after eleven, Mother, really?”

  This was not the night for a confrontation.

  “Laci,” I began trying to count to ten mentally. “I stay out late all the time when you’re at college. I’m an adult, and I can take care of myself.”

  “I heard some of the stories about you and Mrs. Roberts. It seems the two of you get into more trouble than I ever did. Where were you really?”

  “That’s none of your business,” I snapped. “You ignored me for months at school and certainly didn’t tell me what you were doing. How dare you question me, young lady.”

  Laci stood and glared at me. “Well, I don’t care what you do, but if you get in trouble, I’m not going to bail you out. Besides, I’ve decided to move out,” she yelled.

  “You can’t move. You have nowhere to go and no money,” I insisted raising my voice.

  “I’ll work it out,” she yelled back as she stomped off. I could hear each footfall echo on the stairs as she stormed to her room.

  I dropped onto the sofa and rubbed my eyes with the heels of my hands. Where and when did our roles reverse? I’m the parent. Of course, I enjoy solving mysteries and, at times, it can be dangerous, but I know what I’m doing for the most part. Laci’s bad attitude is back. I know she’s upset because she thinks Clark blew off most of the barbeque, but he was at a murder scene. I believe that this is going to be a long summer. Where does she expect to live?

  My phone chirped. It was a text from Clark.

  You get home okay?

  I texted back saying I was fine, but I should have stayed out.

  My phone rang immediately.

  I heard Clark’s voice ask, “Annie, what’s wrong?”

  I repeated the conversation with Laci. Hoping for a little sympathy, his words took my breath away. I fought back tears as I stared at the phone. Did I hear him correctly? Yes, I did because he just repeated it.

  “Annie, did you hear me? I think we should postpone the wedding.”

  Clark verbalized my biggest fear. He’s calling off the wedding. I did it this time, and all I did was want to help a friend. I can’t live in this town with everyone laughing at me. Laci doesn’t like me very much right now, and Clark wants to walk away. I can’t blame him; I must be an embarrassment to him at work.

  I swallowed and answered. “There’s no reason to postpone it. I’m canceling it. I’m moving to Arizona to stay with my folks. I’ll be out of here on the first available flight.”

  I hung up the phone and tossed it across the room. It began to ring, and I lay on the sofa and cried.

  Goodness gracious, Annie. What’s happened to your life? Just a few short days ago you were happy--blissfully happy. My daughter was coming home, and I was getting married. Now, none of it matters. I inherited enough money from Inga Kelleher to move and live anywhere. I can open a bookstore somewhere else. Yummy and I will be happy. Lucas can handle the sale of the house and bookstore. He can also make sure the mansion is deeded to the city immediately, and I won’t need to be in town. Get up, Annie. Pack your suitcase and book a flight. Maybe you can leave tomorrow.

  I pulled myself off the sofa and picked up my phone. Fortunately, it didn’t break. My legs felt like lead, and I began to shuffle toward the stairs.

  The sound of someone pounding on the door hard enough to rattle the windows made me jump. Laci ran out of her room and looked at me with wide eyes.

  By the time I made it to the door and peeked out, she was behind me asking, “Who is it?”

  “Clark,” I said opening the door.

  Clark reached for my wrist. He looked right at Laci and said, “Your mom is going out. She’ll be home late, very late, if at all. Don’t wait up.”

  I stepped out onto the porch following Clark to his car when I heard Laci slam the door.

  “Get in,” Clark growled.

  Now, what? Here I go again.

  Chapter Seven

  Clark didn’t say a word to me as he drove away from my house. When he pulled into the road that took us to the mansion, I began to wonder why especially when he passed the mansion and continued to the Kelleher’s private beach. He stopped the car and threw it into Park.

  He turned toward me and stared into my eyes without saying a word.

  “What?” I asked.

  “Why is more like it? Why are you leaving me? What have I done?”

  I looked out the passenger window to hide my tears. Why did he bring me out here just to ask why I was leaving when he wants to postpone our wedding? Did he expect me to stay in town? My hurt turned to a bit of anger and I turned to face him.

  “I’m not leaving you. I’m saving face. Do you expect me to live here after you postpone our wedding? This is a small town. People talk, and I’ll be the laughing stock. Poor Annie dumped by the handsome detective. It sounds like the plot of a sad movie. I won’t be the laughing stock of the town. I can go anywhere. Anywhere will be better than here. My daughter won’t talk to me, and you’re dumping me.”

  “Annie,” he answered taking my hand. I pulled it away.

  “Listen to me, Annie. I only suggested we postpone the wedding to give Laci enough time to get used to the idea. We can push it back a month. She’ll still be here on summer vacation and maybe by then she’ll accept the idea. I never said I would dump you. Your imagination gets you in more trouble. I love you, silly woman.” He took my hand, and I let him hold it this time.

  “Come on,” Clark said. “Let’s walk on the beach.” He climbed out of the car and walked around to open my door.

  I took his hand and said, “I don’t care what happens, I don’t want to postpone the wedding. If you don’t want to marry me, let me know. Otherwise, I’m going ahead with our plans.”

  He pulled me to him and kissed me long and
hard. “Does this feel like I want to dump you? I want to marry you. I just thought…”

  “Stop thinking and kiss me again.”

  He did.

  It was a warm night, and we sat on the beach until nearly three discussing wedding plans, the future, the stars overhead, and little tidbits of nonsensical ideas to make each other laugh. By the time I almost fell asleep on his shoulder we had made one decision, no matter what we were going ahead with the wedding plans.

  ~ * ~

  My third cup of coffee started to kick in, and I think I’ll survive the day. Yummy and I opened the bookstore at nine. I didn’t get enough sleep last night. I hope it’s a quiet day. Ah, the front door chime. A customer and Yummy is growling at whoever it is. It can’t be good.

  I hurried upfront and stopped dead in my tracks. A man stood just inside the door. At least I think it’s a man. I kid you not; this man looks like the grim reaper in a suit. Tall, gaunt, pale skin and eyes, gray hair, and a strange smile made me look twice.

  “Mrs. Ryan,” the man’s gravelly voice grated my nerves.

  “Yes, may I help you find a book?” I asked hoping he would leave.

  “Not today. I’m Detective Wilton, and I have a few questions about the body found in your home.”

  “It’s not my home. I inherited the mansion, but I don’t live there.” I picked up Yummy to keep him from growling at the odd detective.

  “Okay,” he mumbled jotting something in his notebook. “How well did you know the Kelleher family?”

  His eyes seem to bore into my soul. I shivered.

  “I spent some time with Inga Kelleher. She liked reading, and I brought her books. We’d chat and have tea. I met her husband a few times before he passed away. That’s about it.”

  “I see, but she left you her fortune and estate. It seems odd for someone she barely knew.”

  “Maybe, but if you read her will, it has a lot to do with her dog, Yummy, who’s my dog now. I also inherited him. Inga and I both loved living in Heavenly Corners and cared about the town’s future. I think that also played a part in her decision to leave me the mansion. We never discussed any deep, dark secrets or anything.”

  “So, you think she had deep, dark secrets?” He raised his eyebrows.