Lenses, Lust, and Murder: A Crystal Coast Case (Crystal Coast Cases Book 2)

by A M Ialacci

  “When was the last time you heard of some big-shot from DC or Raleigh ever thinking they needed help from one of us?”

  “Now you’re starting to sound like a local, Mike.”

  “Don’t forget, I am a local, Allie. Or close enough.” He paused. “Just because you want it to happen, and even if it makes the most sense in the world doesn’t mean that’s how it’ll turn out.”

  Allie said nothing, tasting just a hint of bitter disappointment. She’d struck out on her own, getting her PI license to do some good and make a difference, but mostly, she was following scummy husbands and check kiters, with an occasional stalker thrown in. Nobody that wasn’t going to go right back out and keep doing what got them into trouble in the first place. She was spinning her wheels, or at least it felt like it.

  “I guess we’ll see,” she said with a sigh. The quiet descended again and maintained its throne for the rest of the ride home, Mike and Allie each courting their own anxieties alone.

  Chapter Seven

  After the short ride from Frankie’s house, Mike pulled into the extra spot in front of the trailer and smiled at Allie.

  “Do you want to come in?” she asked.

  “No, it’s late. And y’all need to get to bed,” he said, pointing to Ryan, half-asleep in the back.

  “Okay,” she said. “Are you sure you’re not mad?”

  “I’m sure,” he said, pulling her close for an intense kiss. “I just want you to be safe.”

  “I know you do,” she said.

  “Call me tomorrow when you find out more, okay?” he said.

  “I will.”

  “Do you need help with Ryan?” he asked.

  “No, he’s awake enough to walk,” she said, already slipping down from her seat and opening the back door. “C’mon, Ryan. Time to head inside and go to bed, okay?”

  Ryan mumbled some sleepy thoughts and climbed out of the back grasping his binoculars and the word puzzle book Charlie had given him.

  “G’night, bud!” Mike called after him. “Sleep tight, Allie.”

  She blew him a kiss, shut the truck door, and followed Ryan up the steps to the trailer.

  As Mike pulled out, Peg opened her door. “Y’all okay?” she asked.

  “Yeah, just tired. Come on over,” Allie offered.

  Peg must have been prepared because she turned around, shut her door, and hopped up the steps before Allie could close the screen door.

  “So who died?” Peg asked.

  Allie laughed. “Hold your horses, woman. Let me put my stuff down!”

  Peg said, “Let me fix us some tea. You get Ryan into bed.”

  “That would be wonderful,” Allie said and followed Ryan into his bedroom.

  When she returned, Peg was seated at the dining room table, tea in hand, with one set for her at the next seat.

  Allie all but fell into the seat, grateful to rest at last. “This was supposed to be a fun date night,” she said.

  “Ryan found the body?” Peg asked, worry lines etching her forehead.

  “He did. I think he’s okay. It scared him, but I don’t think too badly. I’ll keep an eye on him for the next few days.” Allie wrapped both hands around her warm mug.

  “He wasn’t with you?”

  “No, he didn’t want to do the lighthouse climb so a ranger there offered to keep an eye on him and a few other kids because she knew them from their visits to the Autism Center. So while Mike and I were at the top of the lighthouse, I heard a cry and I knew it was Ryan. I raced to the bottom, and found Jenny—she’s the ranger—unsure of where he had gone. I didn’t have time to be angry. Mike and I split in different directions to find him, and it didn’t take me too long. He was sitting on the ground with his friend Frankie and said, ‘she’s dead.’ He pointed to an area and I went to look, and sure enough, there was a dead woman covered by some burlap.”

  “Did you see who it was?”

  “I’m not sure I would have known her if I could have seen her face, but I couldn’t—it was covered. The NPS law enforcement officer thought she knew who it was, but couldn’t be sure and couldn’t touch anything until the scene could be processed. This thing is a mess, Peg. Because it’s a National Park, and because she was an administrator of some kind, they’re thinking the FBI will investigate, and who knows who else. I’m just hoping Charlie gets to be in on this too. If they have to start questioning locals, they’re going to clam right up unless Charlie’s the one doing the questioning.”

  “No doubt about that. I’m still an outsider, and I’ve lived here for thirty years!” Peg said.

  “Don’t get me started,” Allie said. “It’s all about who you’re ‘kin’ to, and if you don’t have any kin here, you’re not worth talking to!”

  “That’s for sure. Do you think they’ll let Charlie work the case?”

  “He knows the FBI agent who came up from Wilmington tonight, so I’d say chances are good. He also knows the Park Superintendent Dwight Goodwin. I’m not sure if he has any say, but he definitely has allies who know his worth,” Allie said.

  “And if Charlie’s involved…” Peg prompted.

  “I might get to help,” Allie said with a smile.

  Peg patted her knee. “I know you’ve been itching for something more meaningful.”

  Allie nodded.

  “What does Mike say?”

  Allie shrugged. “He’s worried about me, but it’s my decision.”

  “Of course, it is. And of course, he’s worried about you. He loves you.”

  Allie blushed. “I know. But like I told him, there is manpower behind this one. And Charlie. He’s not going to let anybody hurt me.”

  “You’re absolutely right,” Peg said, finger wagging. “Because he knows if he does, he’ll have me to answer to!”

  Allie laughed. “I’m sure that’s crossed his mind a time or two.”

  “I know it has. I’ve made it clear.” Peg smiled.

  “Tomorrow, the representatives from Homeland, the Interior, NPS, and who knows who else should arrive and have a meeting.”

  “And Charlie?”

  “Yep,” Allie said.

  “So you’ll find out more tomorrow.”

  “I hope so,” Allie said.

  “Good. Then I’ll get out of your hair and let you get some sleep.” Peg went into the kitchen and put her mug in the sink.

  “Thanks, Peg.” Allie paused. “Thanks for looking out for us, I mean.”

  “No thanks necessary. You two are like family to me. And I look out for my own.” Peg gave her a quick hug and was out the door before Allie could say more.

  Chapter Eight

  Allie got a text from Charlie in the morning that the task force meeting had been set for ten at the Harkers Island Visitor Center. He suggested she show up but not expect a seat at the table. She texted Frankie’s mom, cleared her morning of a few small tasks for ongoing investigations, and got Ryan up, dressed, and fed before hopping into the truck.

  Allie pulled in to the driveway and cut the engine. “I’m sorry I have to leave you today, bud.” She patted Ryan’s knee.

  “No sorry,” he said. “Like Frankie’s house.”

  Allie looked at her brother, even taller this year with broader shoulders. When did he turn into a man? Looks-wise, he’d fit right in on any college campus, in any fraternity. Short, dark hair, a light smattering of freckles across his longish nose, and depth in those blue eyes. He’s a handsome man.

  “I’m sure Frankie likes hanging out with you, too,” she said. They gathered his things and went to the door. Allie let Ryan ring the doorbell. He still loved the instant reaction from people and pets inside, and the Knights had a German Shepard named Fritz that barked his head off until the door was opened, and then licked Ryan’s hands and wiggled until he pet him.

  Mrs. Knight opened the door, allowing Fritz and Ryan their little ritual, and Frankie was right behind. She knelt down and pet Fritz, too, as she greeted Ryan, and they giggled and struc
k up immediate conversation. With her shorter, wavy dark pixie hair and fair complexion, she looked like she could be another sister to Ryan.

  “Pretty dramatic evening last night for the kids, huh?” Mrs. Knight said.

  “For us all,” Allie said. “I’m just sorry they had to be there when it happened.”

  “Ryan found the body?” Mrs. Knight asked.

  Allie nodded. “And Frankie found him.”

  “They have a special bond, don’t they?” They looked at the two young adults and smiled.

  “You know, he protected her? Wouldn’t let her anywhere near the body.”

  “He’s so sweet,” Mrs. Knight said. “You’re doing a great job with him.”

  Allie blushed. “I’m still learning.”

  “Aren’t we all. I’m just glad they have this connection. It’s so hard for them to find close friends.”

  “I didn’t realize anything was missing from his life until they became friends this year.”

  “Maybe not missing. They all make friends in their various programs. But to have what they have is something special,” Mrs. Knight said.

  “Are you sure you’re okay with him spending the day here? I’m not sure how long I’ll be,” Allie said.

  “Go do your thing. We’ll be fine here. Just keep me posted.” Mrs. Knight patted her arm.

  “All right, Ryan. I’m going to hit the road,” Allie said. “Do you have everything you need?”

  “I’m good,” he said, linking arms with Frankie. “Go catch bad guys.”

  Allie laughed and waved as she went back to the truck, climbed in, and prepared herself to meet the task force.

  Morehead City was hopping with traffic. A beautiful Saturday meant good charter fishing and lots of preparations for the upcoming Seafood Festival. She knew Beaufort would be busy too, with the tail end of the tourist season, and was happy the new high-rise bridge bypassed the traffic there. In order to get to Harkers Island, she had to go up and around the North River through Otway and Straits, home to generations of fishermen and shrimpers who still knotted their nets by hand and named their boats after their wives.

  When she pulled into the lot at the visitor center, there were a half-dozen black SUVs parked where visitors might typically park. Allie guessed the ferry service staff was busy calling people to tell them the park was closed until the scene could be processed in its entirety. It was almost ten when she entered the lobby of the center, and she could see several men in varying uniforms seated at a conference table through an open door. Sitting next to the door in the lobby was Charlie.

  “Hey, there,” he said and patted the seat next to him.

  “They’re not even going to let you in?” Allie said, putting her purse down and sitting next to him.

  “Keep your voice down. This is how the game is played. I showed my worth last night, and I’ll let my allies do the arguing for me in there. It’ll come out all right,” he said as the door to the conference room was closed.

  Chapter Nine

  “Who all is in there?” Allie asked Charlie as they waited by the closed door.

  “I’m not going to bore you with names and titles because you’ll forget them and they aren’t important anyway. They’ll all be gone tomorrow.”

  Allie laughed.

  “What? It’s true! There’s someone from Homeland, the guy above him at the Department of the Interior is on conference call along with the Special Agent in charge at the field office of the FBI in Charlotte. Nick Cruz is in there, Dwight Goodwin, the superintendent of the park, is in there, a rep from the Coast Guard—”

  “The Coast Guard?”

  “Yep. The NPS maintains the lighthouse, but the Coast Guard maintains the light itself. So until the scene of the crime has been determined, the Coasties have a hand in this.”

  “Is that it? I bet they’re all men, too,” Allie said.

  “No on both counts. Officer Greer, who I believe you met last night, is in there as well.”

  “So why are you being shut out?”

  “It’s technically within my jurisdiction, but the federal interests supersede state and county interests.”

  Allie made an irritated noise at the back of her throat, sat back, and crossed her arms.

  After a few minutes passed, the door opened and they called Charlie in.

  “See?” he said with a smile.

  She took his spot and checked to see no one was watching. Satisfied she was alone, she leaned toward the door and strained to hear what was being said. She thought it was Dwight Goodwin speaking, recommending that the FBI and Charlie take lead on the investigation.

  “Run your own separate investigations, of course. Or work together if you want. But I think the NPS law enforcement should defer to you, who has more experience with murder investigations and more resources at your disposal.”

  There were several interjections, but Allie couldn’t tell whether they were agreeing or dissenting with what Dwight had suggested.

  Another voice was speaking now. “And Allie Fox? She’s consulted on Charlie’s investigations before, has investigative experience, and was present on the scene, second to find the body. Will she have access to the investigation?”

  Who was that? she thought. I was hoping to fly under the radar, but there it is right there out in the open. What if they say no?

  More murmuring, and again she couldn’t tell what was being said. She felt like a jury was deciding her fate.

  Her phone rang. She saw it was Mike and she answered it.

  “Hey, Allie. I’m just checking on ya. How’s the meeting going?” he asked.

  “Still going. Charlie’s in, at least I think he is. But they just brought my name up in there, and I’m freaking out.”

  “Why?”

  “I was hoping I could help without being noticed. Nothing official, you know? But now that my name has come up, they can say no,” she said.

  “Who brought your name up?”

  “I’m not sure,” she said. “It wasn’t Charlie, and I don’t think it was the superintendent.”

  “Who else is in there?” he asked.

  “A bunch of people I don’t know. Officer Greer from the NPS law enforcement. Nick Cruz…” Cruz. Who acted like he knew her already. Who Charlie knew something about but wouldn’t say.

  “Well, maybe it’s better to be out in the open. Give you a little bit of clout,” he said.

  “If they agree to allow me to help,” she said. “And that’s a big ‘if.’” I sound like him last night.

  “Try not to panic. I’m sure everything will be fine,” he said. “Give me a call later when you know more, okay?”

  “All right.” They hung up and she began to pace.

  Ranger Dowling came into the lobby and smiled at Allie as she set up behind the welcome desk.

  “Good morning, Ranger Dowling,” Allie said.

  “Jenny, please,” she said. “Stuck outside, huh?”

  “They’re deciding my fate, I think,” Allie shared.

  “I know what it’s like, having the qualifications, if not the experience,” Jenny said.

  “You do?”

  “I came here expecting to work with the horses on Shackleford Island. I grew up with horses. Can read their moods, predict what they’ll do. But I got here, and the woman in charge of that program works alone and hand picks the few who help her. So I got shunted off the Cape. Miles of sand and scrub.” She paused. “So much sand. I wake up with sand in my mouth. How does that even happen?” Her eyes widened with the realization that she hadn’t stopped for breath and had shared criticisms of her superiors with a stranger. A stranger potentially connected to the investigation of the death of her direct supervisor. “Maybe I’ve said too much.”

  “Not at all,” Allie said. “I think it’s always like that when we take a new job. Expectations rarely live up to reality.”

  “I miss the forests out West,” Jenny said.

  “Is that where you’re from?” Allie ask
ed.

  “Home is Montana and I went to school in Nebraska,” Jenny said. “Sometimes on my day off, I go out hiking in the Croatan National Forest off Highway 24. But it’s no Yellowstone. I empathize with Greg wanting to get the hell out of here and go anywhere in the west.”

  “Do you think you’ll ever get to work with the horses?” Allie asked.

  Jenny smiled, and an inner warmth lit up her eyes. “Superintendent Goodwin said he’s going to recommend me to the Shackleford horse part of our program, so I’m hopeful,” she said. “He’s really the most amazing man.”

  Allie continued to make small talk with Jenny. After another twenty minutes, the door opened and the members of the task force filed out, several sizing her up as they passed. Officer Greer smiled at her and gave a friendly wave but didn’t stop to chat. Charlie, Nick, and Dwight Goodwin brought up the rear, and all three turned to her.

  “Well, sweetheart, it seems you’ve made a good impression on several people involved with this case.”

  Sweetheart? Allie thought. Ugh.

  “What I think Dwight is trying to say, Allie, is that they’re going to let you consult on the case.”

  “They are?” she asked.

  “Of course, Kat Matthews will have the final say,” Dwight interjected.

  Allie smiled. “Fantastic.”

  Charlie gave her side-eye but let the comment slide.

  “I’m glad we’ll be able to get to know each other a little better,” Cruz said with a wink.

  She tried to hide the grimace that came naturally. “Won’t you be running your own separate investigation?” she asked.

  “Yes, of course. But some things we’ll be sharing. Like reports from our Emergency Response Team,” he said.

  “And anything that could benefit the investigation as a whole,” Charlie said.

  “Okay, then. Sounds like we have our orders,” she said.

  “Are you sure Kat Matthews will give you the go-ahead? Her reputation precedes her,” Cruz said.

  “Kat and I have… an understanding,” she said. “She’ll give me her blessing.”