by Sarah Fox
“Marley?”
It was Rutowski, one of the sheriff’s deputies.
“You need to stay here. There’s been a report of a gas leak.”
“No,” I said, desperate to explain. “The murderer filled the vacant house with gas fumes. Brett and Del Harris went in to get Del’s son. He was unconscious in the cellar.”
It took only a second for Rutowski to register my words. “Stay here,” he said firmly.
He set off toward the house at a run, speaking into his radio as he went.
I spotted Deputy Devereaux at the back of the crowd, climbing out of his cruiser. I ran toward him on wobbly legs and grabbed his arm.
“The murderer is Debbie from the film’s wardrobe department. She’s on her way to the hospital to kill Max Fabel.”
“The journalist? Are you sure about this?”
“Yes!”
He spoke into his radio as another sheriff’s department cruiser pulled up behind his. Recognizing Ray Georgeson as the driver, I ran toward him.
“Ray!” I put my hand on the hood of his cruiser, steadying myself as my residual dizziness and weakness threatened to make me stumble. “Debbie from the film’s wardrobe department filled the vacant house with gas fumes, with me and Jamal Harris trapped inside. Brett and Del Harris went inside to get Jamal from the cellar.”
Deputy Devereaux jogged up from behind me. “Marley says someone’s on the way to the hospital to kill the journalist, Max Fabel.”
“Yes,” I said with growing desperation. “Debbie. Christine’s killer. She’s going to kill him and make a run for it.” I turned toward the house on Maple Lane, but the crowd of onlookers blocked my view of it. “And Brett’s in the house.”
“Mendoza is on her way to the hospital,” Devereaux informed Ray.
The sheriff nodded once, his face serious. “Marley, stay here.”
He hurried off through the crowd.
The wind blew my damp hair into my face and I brushed it aside as I followed after Ray, ignoring his orders. A man’s shout rang out from somewhere closer to the house, his words indistinct from where I stood. A moment later I broke through to the front of the crowd and spotted two firemen emerging from the side yard with a stretcher between them. Someone else was there, too. Someone with curly blond hair.
I nearly collapsed with relief. Brett caught sight of me and broke into a jog. When he got close, I barreled into him and wrapped my arms around him.
“Are you okay?” I took half a step back and put my hands to his face, wet from the rain.
He covered my hands with his. “I’m fine.”
“And Jamal?” I glanced over at the stretcher, which was mostly hidden from view by the paramedics now tending to their patient.
“He’s alive.”
I threw my arms around him again and he held on to me just as tightly. The rain was now falling in earnest, drops pattering against my head, but I barely noticed.
Brett ran a hand over my hair. “You’re shaking.”
I stepped back and looked up at him. “You scared me half to death.”
To my surprise, one side of his mouth turned up in a grin. “Look who’s talking. It only took a few minutes to cut the branch down at the Rigsbys’ and when you didn’t answer my texts, I had a bad feeling. Then when I saw you there on the ground…”
I hugged him again.
“You’re still shaking.” He spoke over my head. “Deputy Devereaux, I think Marley should get checked out by the paramedics.”
“I want to stay here with you,” I said into his chest.
Tears prickled at my eyes and as I stepped back from Brett, they escaped and trickled down my cheeks.
Brett squeezed my arms. “You’re safe now, Marley.”
“I know, but…” My next words spilled out of me before I had a chance to second-guess myself. “I was so scared when you went in the house. The fumes could have killed you. I’m completely in love with you and I couldn’t bear it if anything bad happened to you.”
“I’m okay,” he assured me, resting his forehead against mine. “And I’m completely in love with you, too.”
It took me a second to process what he’d said. “You are?”
“Of course. This isn’t quite the romantic setting I’d planned to tell you in, but, yes. I’m definitely in love with you.”
Slowly, a big smile spread across my face, and my heart felt ready to explode with happiness.
The rain pelted down, people milled around us, and my head ached fiercely. But I didn’t care.
I kissed him anyway.
Chapter 29
We didn’t have long to bask in our happiness. Devereaux sent a couple of paramedics our way and once Brett explained that I’d nearly lost consciousness from the gas fumes, they got me to lie down on a stretcher and fixed an oxygen mask over my face. I told the two attendants that I was already feeling better, with only a headache and some dizziness left, but with Brett’s help they convinced me to go to the hospital to get checked out.
“I’ll be right behind you in my truck,” Brett promised.
Another ambulance had already taken Jamal away from the scene, and I desperately hoped that both he and Max would be okay. I looked around for Jamal in the emergency room when I got there but didn’t spot him, and nobody I asked had any information to share about him or Max.
The medical staff continued to give me oxygen through a nasal cannula and told me they’d be monitoring my heart for the next twenty-four hours to check for any problems caused by the natural gas. I hoped Flapjack wouldn’t think I’d abandoned him when I didn’t come home that night, but at least I’d left him with fresh water and a clean litter box. I could probably get Brett to check on him in the morning.
Brett had yet to make an appearance, though. I had trouble relaxing, hoping he’d turn up at any moment, but the minutes kept ticking by with no sign of him. One of the nurses checked the waiting room for me, but he wasn’t there either. I did my best to simply focus on resting, but I couldn’t put a stop to my worries. Maybe it was silly of me to be so anxious, but I was still on edge from everything that had happened with Debbie, and by the time I’d arrived at the hospital the rain had been pouring down in sheets, the wind stronger than ever. It wasn’t the best time to be out driving on the highway.
It wasn’t until I’d been moved to a ward for the night that Brett finally appeared, his hair and jacket damp. I relaxed against my pillows as he took my hand and kissed my forehead.
“Sorry for the delay,” he said. “The storm’s terrible now. The rain’s torrential and a big branch came down across the highway right in front of me.”
“Did you hit it?” I asked, concerned.
“No, I was able to stop in time, but I had to clear it away before I could get any farther.”
I relaxed again. “I’m glad you got here safely.”
“What’s the prognosis?”
“I’m feeling much better, but the doctor wants to monitor my heart for a while to be on the safe side.”
“Good.”
“Do you need to see a doctor? You were in the house, too.”
“Del and I were in and out, and I held my breath most of the time. I’m fine.”
He brushed my hair off my forehead, and I was tempted to close my eyes and drift off to sleep while soaking in the comfort of his presence. But I still had too many questions circling around in my mind to shut it off.
“Have you heard anything about Max?” I asked.
“No, I haven’t spoken to Ray since I saw you last.”
“If Deputy Mendoza didn’t get here before Debbie did…”
“I’m sure hospital security was contacted right away. They would have watched over Max until Mendoza arrived.”
I hoped that was the case. “I don’t think I can rest until I know Debbie’s been caught. Could you give Ray a call?”
Brett did as I asked but got no answer. “I’ll try again in a bit.” He pulled up a chair and sat down next to
my bed, still holding my hand. “Don’t worry. I’m staying right here until we know she’s in custody. Why don’t you tell me what happened after I left you earlier?”
I did so, starting with my exchange of text messages with Jamal and our plan to meet up outside the abandoned house. When I reached the point of the story where Debbie tied me to the banister on the second floor, Brett’s hand tightened around mine.
“But I got out,” I said, giving his hand a reassuring squeeze. “And I’m okay.”
“Thank God for that.”
I smiled at him, feeling ridiculously happy despite all that I’d been through. “I really do love you.”
Mirroring my smile, Brett got up and stood over my bed, never letting go of my hand. “Nothing makes me happier than hearing that and telling you that I love you, too.”
He leaned down and kissed me. I closed my eyes, forgetting that I was in the hospital and all that I’d been through, until somebody cleared his throat.
Brett straightened and I saw Ray standing at the foot of my bed.
“Has Debbie been found?” I asked, sitting up.
“She has,” Ray said. “She was taken into custody here at the hospital.”
“And Max?”
“She didn’t get to him. He regained consciousness this morning and is on the road to recovery. Jamal Harris has a concussion and is being treated for natural gas poisoning like you are, but he should be fine.”
I sank back against the pillows with a rush of relief.
I was tired and still had a dull headache, but none of that bothered me.
Christine’s killer was in custody, Brett’s hand held mine, and all was well in my world.
Chapter 30
The following weekend started off on a high note with my date with Brett in Port Townsend. He’d arranged the dinner with the intention of telling me he loved me for the first time that night, but we kept the reservation despite the fact that he’d already made that declaration. I certainly didn’t mind hearing it again.
The good times continued the following evening with the viewing of the original version of The Perishing at my house. Brett, Chloe, Ivan, Lisa, Tommy, Leigh, Sienna, and Patricia all showed up for the event. Everyone brought some food or drink to share, and I supplied platters of nachos piled with bell peppers, black olives, and plenty of cheese.
We gathered in the family room and soon had the movie playing on the television. I didn’t mind that horror wasn’t a favorite genre of mine. I was happy to have my friends there with me and to be curled up on the couch next to Brett. Flapjack wasn’t as impressed by all the noise, however, and it didn’t take long for him to retreat to another part of the house for some peace and quiet.
The movie was creepy, but I couldn’t help but be amused rather than frightened most of the time. Lisa and Chloe turned out to be even more entertaining than the film, shrieking whenever something remotely scary happened on screen. Their shrieks made me and Sienna laugh every time. At first I worried that Ivan would disapprove of our laughter, but when I glanced his way, I was relieved to see that his scowl was no deeper or darker than usual. In fact, if anything, it was less obvious than normal.
About an hour into the movie, someone knocked on the front door.
“Want us to pause it?” Lisa asked as I jumped up from the couch.
“No, that’s all right. Hopefully I’ll be back in a minute.”
When I opened the door, I found Max standing on the front porch.
“Hi,” I said, pleasantly surprised. “How are you doing?”
“Pretty well. I’m still dealing with my concussion, but it’s nice to be out of the hospital.”
“I bet. It’s good to see you out and about. Would you like to come in?”
“No, thanks,” he said. “I won’t stay. I’m heading home in a couple of days and I wanted to make sure I thanked you for helping to find Christine’s killer.”
“I’m glad I was able to help.” Chatter and laughter floated down the hallway toward us. “Are you sure you don’t want to come in? We’ve got plenty of food.”
“No, I’m going to head back to the bed-and-breakfast and get some rest.” He took a step back.
“Are you going to write the story that brought you to Wildwood Cove?” I asked before he had a chance to turn around.
He flashed a brief, melancholy smile. “I already have. Although it’s not quite the one Chris would have envisioned.”
“What about Jamal? Have you talked to him recently?” I hadn’t seen the young man since I’d paid him a short visit upon my release from the hospital.
“I saw him on Thursday, just before the crew shipped out. He’s doing well.” He took another step back. “Anyway, I’d better be off.”
“Thanks for stopping by. I’m glad you’re on the mend.”
As he set off along the driveway, I heard footsteps behind me.
“Everything okay?” Brett asked.
I shut and locked the door. “Everything’s fine. Better than fine, even.”
“Ready to get back to the movie?”
“Definitely,” I said with a smile.
I took the hand he offered me, and together we rejoined our friends.
If you can’t get enough of The Flip Side, bring the pancake house home with these delicious recipes.
Pumpkin Waffles
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
⅓ cup brown sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon allspice
¼ teaspoon ginger
1 ¾ cups milk
2 large eggs
¾ cup pumpkin purée
2 tablespoons butter, melted and cooled
1 teaspoon vanilla
Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, brown sugar, salt, and spices. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, pumpkin, melted butter, and vanilla. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Cook according to waffle iron’s instructions. Serve with butter and maple syrup. Serves four.
Crêpes
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups milk
2 eggs
1 tablespoon sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla
Butter or oil for greasing pan
Sift flour and sugar into a mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla. Make a well in the dry ingredients. Pour in half the liquid ingredients. Whisk until smooth. Add the remaining liquid ingredients. Whisk until smooth again.
Optional: Refrigerate batter for up to six hours.
Heat crêpe pan or small skillet over low heat for several minutes. Grease lightly. Increase to medium heat and leave for one to two minutes. Pour ¼ cup batter into the pan. Tilt and swirl to coat the pan. Cook until lightly browned. Remove from pan. Makes 12 to 16 crêpes.
Pumpkin Pie Crêpes
Use crêpe recipe.
Filling:
1 ½ cups canned pumpkin
¼ cup brown sugar
½ cup white sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon allspice
2 large, slightly beaten eggs
1 ¼ cups milk
⅔ cup rich cream
Mix together pumpkin, sugars, salt, and spices. Blend in eggs, milk, and cream. Pour into well-greased, large pie plate. Bake at 350°F for approximately 50 minutes. To test for doneness, insert knife. If it comes out clean, the filling is done. Cool quickly. Spoon filling onto crêpe, roll, and top with whipped cream.
Apple Pie Crêpes
Use crêpe recipe.
Filling:
6 cups of apples, pared, cored, and diced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
½ cup white sugar
⅓ cu
p brown sugar
¾ teaspoon cinnamon
Place diced apples in a large bowl. In a small bowl, mix together flour, sugars, and cinnamon. Sprinkle over apples. Add the lemon juice and stir gently until the apples are well coated. Place the apple mixture into a greased pie plate or casserole dish. Bake at 375°F for 35 to 45 minutes.
Spoon filling onto crêpe, roll, and top with whipped cream.
To all the book bloggers in the cozy mystery community, with gratitude and appreciation.
Acknowledgments
While writing is often a solitary pursuit, publishing a book is a team effort. This book and series would not exist without the hard work and expertise of my agent, Jessica Faust, and my editors at Penguin Random House, Julia Maguire and Junessa Viloria. Sarah Blair, Nicole Bates, and Krista Walsh read an early version of the manuscript and provided me with valuable feedback while Ifeoma Dennis kindly answered all my medical questions (any mistakes in that regard are my own). The entire Alibi team has been such a pleasure to work with and I’m extremely grateful to everyone involved for their time and effort.
BY SARAH FOX
Pancake House Mysteries
The Crêpes of Wrath
For Whom the Bread Rolls
Of Spice and Men
Music Lover’s Mysteries
Dead Ringer
Death in A Major
Deadly Overtures
SARAH FOX was born and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia, where she developed a love for mysteries at a young age. When not writing novels or working as a legal writer, she is often reading her way through a stack of books or spending time outdoors with her English springer spaniel.
authorsarahfox.com
Facebook.com/authorsarahfox
Twitter: @TheWriteFox
