Ghostly Wedding (A Harper Harlow Mystery Book 17)

by Lily Harper Hart

  Rocky balked. “There’s no way I’m telling you that.”

  “I think I know,” Mel said on a sigh, shaking his head. “Would it be over in the Primrose area?”

  Rocky didn’t immediately respond, instead meeting Mel’s resigned gaze with a steady one of his own. “I’m not a tattletale. Since you’re the one who mentioned the street, though, I guess I feel okay saying that you wouldn’t be wasting your time in that area.”

  “That’s all I need.” Mel nodded in thanks. “We won’t keep you any longer. If you hear anything under the radar, give us a call.”

  “I’ll do what I can.”

  HARPER AND ZANDER TOOK THE FILES provided by Sal and spread them out on the carpet in the living room of Harper’s house. Then they proceeded to divvy up the information and meticulously pick through it.

  “It looks like he did multiple interviews with the three girls,” Zander volunteered, his back resting against the oversized chair Jared enjoyed watching SportsCenter from. “He was pretty diligent. He went over the information with them multiple times, came at them from different angles. He even asked the questions in a variety of different ways to trip them up. Nothing.”

  “He seemed professional, and genuinely fond of Lila,” Harper noted. “In fact, he’s a few years younger than her, but it almost seemed to me that he might have romantic feelings for her.”

  Zander arched an eyebrow. “I thought I was the only one who picked up on that.”

  “Not quite.”

  “Whatever it is he feels, he absolutely hates that butler.”

  “Yeah, I’ve been thinking about that.” Harper rubbed the back of her neck. “It could be that he’s projecting. He dislikes the butler, perhaps sees him as a romantic foil, and has decided he’s involved because it solves a problem for him.”

  “But?” Zander prodded.

  “But I don’t think he realizes he cares so deeply for Lila. I mean ... he feels for her. He acknowledges that. He doesn’t see the rest, though.”

  “So, you think any suspicions he has might be under the radar.”

  “Maybe.” Harper lifted the file on Wendell Sheridan and stared at Sal’s handwritten notes. “He was extremely thorough. Wendell lives on the property at Montgomery Manor. Apparently there are rooms in the basement for the help, and he lived in one of them when he started working for Lila. Now he has the guest house to himself, and that’s like a three-hundred-grand small house.”

  “With access to a pool and lake view,” Zander mused. “Not a bad gig if you can get it.”

  “We didn’t see them together,” she noted. “We only saw Lila. Jared said he wasn’t suspicious of Wendell, so maybe we’re barking up the wrong tree.”

  “But you don’t think so.”

  “I don’t know either way,” she clarified. “I don’t want to focus my full attention on Wendell and then discover that I was wrong. That doesn’t seem fair.”

  “Since when is life fair?”

  “Good point.” Harper tugged on her bottom lip, considering. “Maybe we should try to get back out there tomorrow and talk to him. I mean ... it couldn’t hurt, right?”

  “It might if we tick off Lila. She was pretty gracious today. That doesn’t mean she has to continue being gracious. If we push her the wrong way, she might push back. She doesn’t strike me as the sort of woman I would want to mess with.”

  “I just don’t want her to get hurt further,” Harper admitted. “Maybe we should find more evidence before we do anything.”

  “I don’t disagree.” Zander paused for a moment. “Of course, if we ended up spying on him a little bit and didn’t get caught this time, it wouldn’t be the worst thing.”

  “We did learn a little bit about Lila’s movements around the property.”

  “We did.”

  They stared at each other and then started to laugh at the same moment.

  “I need to think on it some,” Harper said finally. “Part of me worries that I’m desperate to give Lila closure so I’m willing to jump on any possibility, and that’s really not fair to Wendell. He’s done nothing so far to warrant our suspicions.”

  “Except be in a position of power in Lila’s house, which gave him convenient access to her daughter.”

  Harper wasn’t thrilled with the way he phrased it. “Yeah, well ... let’s keep digging.”

  They lapsed into amiable silence, the only sound coming from the rustling of papers. Zander was the first to break it, and not because he was feeling dramatic or in need of attention for a change.

  “I found something interesting.”

  Harper lifted her head. “I don’t want to hear a joke about Jared’s nipples or Jason’s bad centerpieces right now. We’re supposed to be focusing.”

  Zander made a face. “I do other things.”

  “Not lately.”

  “Yes, well, you’re tense because of the wedding. I’m tense because I’m your best friend and want everything to be perfect. I have to take out that tension somewhere and those two are the easiest targets.”

  “If you say so.”

  “I say so, and I legitimately found something.” He removed a sheet of paper from his file. “Sal found something extremely interesting after Penny disappeared. I don’t know if he ever followed up on it — he said we could call if we had a questions — but I definitely think it’s worth chasing.”

  Despite herself, Harper found she was intrigued. “What did he find?”

  “The day after Penny disappeared, a woman took a baby to Mount Clemens General Hospital in the early morning hours. That’s McLaren now, in case you’re wondering.”

  Harper didn’t bother to hide her eye roll. “I’m not so old I don’t remember when the hospital was called Mount Clemens General.”

  “I’m just trying to streamline the process. There’s no reason to get testy.”

  Harper could think of a few reasons, but she let them go. “Just tell me about this baby.”

  “A woman came in around five o’clock in the morning.” Zander was deadly serious now. “She had a newborn baby that she claimed was hers, said the infant was in distress, and wanted someone to look over the baby.”

  Harper’s stomach did a long, slow roll. “Did the baby die?”

  Zander shook his head. “Well, at least not that I’m aware of. The intake nurse asked the woman to submit for a checkup — said that she thought there was something fishy about the situation — but when they were securing the paperwork, the woman disappeared with the baby.”

  “That doesn’t necessarily mean anything,” Harper hedged, her mind busy. “I mean ... it was likely her baby.”

  “The nurse said it didn’t look as if the woman had given birth within the last twelve hours, that there are telltale signs, and that she had a full face of makeup and hair that looked to have been styled that day, although was a bit disheveled.”

  “That doesn’t sound likely, huh?” Harper mused. “Did the nurse say anything about the woman?”

  “Just that she was blond.”

  “Like the woman who hit Peter Humphrey.”

  “Yes, but that could be a coincidence. There are a lot of blondes out there, including you.”

  Harper couldn’t argue. “Still ... .”

  “Still,” he agreed. “It’s interesting, and no infant body was found. It’s possible the baby survived.”

  Harper did her best to wrap her mind around the situation. “This could be wishful thinking on our part,” she said. “We talked about it before. The baby surviving is a better outcome and doesn’t double the tragedy.”

  “Penny was close to her due date. One of the first conclusions we jumped to when talking about this story again was that someone took her because of the baby.”

  “It’s rare for babies to survive forced extractions, though.”

  “Maybe it wasn’t a forced extraction. Maybe someone kidnapped Penny and held onto her until she gave birth naturally.”

  Harper swallowed hard. “And the
n killed her after.”

  “It’s possible, right? There are drugs to hurry along labor.”

  “There are, but I would think you’d need ties to someone in the medical field to get them.”

  “Maybe our mysterious blonde had those ties. Maybe she was desperate for a child of her own and launched a plan.”

  “Maybe.” Harper absently scratched at her nose. “How can we possibly track down that information, though?”

  “I have no idea. I think it’s worth a shot, though.”

  Because it was their best lead so far, Harper nodded. “I’ll call Sal and see what he can give us. We’ll go from there.”

  “That sounds like a plan to me.”

  12

  Twelve

  Primrose Street was one of the quieter avenues in Whisper Cove so Jared was curious when Mel pulled into the picturesque neighborhood.

  “There’s no way anybody is running a chop shop in here,” Jared insisted. “It’s just not possible.”

  “Wait for it.” Mel drove two blocks and then pulled to a stop in front of a yellow ranch with a huge privacy fence.

  “Are you serious?” Jared narrowed his eyes as he studied the pink flowers decorating the front beds. The yard was meticulous, the trim painted and fresh, and there wasn’t as much as a discarded bicycle in the front yard.

  “Just ... wait for it,” Mel said on a sigh as he pocketed his keys and exited the cruiser. His knock was brisk when they reached the front door, and the woman who opened it was so small Jared initially mistook her for a child. A second glance told him she was well into her fifties, though, and the smile she graced the two police detectives with was nothing short of serene.

  “Hello, Mel,” she said in a booming voice. “What a nice surprise. Would you like some lemonade?”

  Mel didn’t return her smile. “Hello, Peggy. How are you today?”

  “Well, it’s summer in Whisper Cove. It doesn’t get much better than that.”

  “It doesn’t,” Mel agreed. “Is Stan here?”

  “I believe he’s resting. He hasn’t been feeling well of late. He’s got a touch of the consumption.”

  Jared’s eyebrows nearly touched his hairline. “Consumption?”

  Mel held up a hand to quiet his partner. “I’m sorry about the consumption. We need to talk to him, though.”

  Peggy moved her jaw as she glanced between the two men. “Is this an official visit? If so, I believe you need a warrant.”

  The sharp shift of her demeanor had Jared doing a double take.

  “I can get a warrant,” Mel replied. “I would rather not have to jump through those hoops when Stan can make things easier without breaking a sweat. If that’s the route you want to go, though ... .” He trailed off and waited.

  Peggy didn’t initially respond, instead staring holes into Mel. The sound of a man clearing his throat behind her caused three sets of eyes to snap in that direction.

  The behemoth of a man who moved behind Peggy was something of a shock. While Peggy didn’t reach five feet, the man — who Jared assumed to be Stan — had to be well over six feet. He had torpedoes for arms, obviously from time spent in the gym, and his hair was completely white.

  “Mel.” The man folded his arms over his chest. “This is a surprise.”

  “I’m happy to see you, too, Stan,” Mel replied dryly.

  “I didn’t say it was a happy surprise.”

  “Oh, don’t be like that.” Mel managed a smile but it was wan. “I have a few questions.”

  “I don’t believe I have to answer your questions,” Stan said. “This is a free country and all, which means you need a warrant to question me.”

  “Actually, if you cooperate, I don’t need anything.”

  “And why would I want to do that?”

  “Because it will be easier on you in the long run,” Mel explained. “I can have a warrant within the hour and we’ll remain parked in front of your house while waiting. I doubt you can take down the operation in the backyard in an hour. I mean ... you’re good, but nobody is that good.”

  Peggy immediately started shaking her head. “He’s bluffing. Don’t listen to him. Shut the door and get the guns.”

  Mel let loose a weary sigh. “There’s no need for guns.”

  “Definitely not,” Stan agreed, pinning his wife with a dark look. “Why do you always have to go to the guns? This isn’t Waco. Geez.” He made a disgusted sound deep in his throat. “Just ... let me handle this.” He pushed past Peggy and indicated Mel and Jared should back up with a chin bob.

  When everybody was gathered on the front lawn, he asked the obvious question. “What do you want?”

  “I want to know if a red Civic has been brought in over the past three days,” Mel replied, not standing on ceremony.

  “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

  “Don’t.” Mel extended a warning finger, and given the size of the other man, Jared found he was fairly impressed with the showing. “I’ve known about your business for a long time. I mean ... a long, long time. Acting innocent now is a disservice to both of us.”

  “Oh, that’s such a load of bull,” Stan complained. “We went to school together, Mel. I thought we were beyond stuff like this.”

  “So did I, which is why I’m here now. I don’t care what you’re doing in the backyard ... as long as you haven’t chopped a red Civic with front end damage in the last three days.”

  To buy himself time, Stan rubbed his chin and did an exaggerated survey of the neighborhood. Finally, when he did speak, it was in a low voice. “Is this about what happened on Main Street the other day?”

  “It is,” Mel confirmed. “I’m not interested in busting you right now. I don’t even really care, although I still maintain you could run a legitimate garage and make just as much money.”

  “Oh, what’s the fun in that?”

  “Stan ... .”

  “No red Civics,” Stan promised as he raised his hands. “You know I don’t do it that way. I wouldn’t take a vehicle I believed was used to murder someone.”

  “How do you do it?” Jared asked curiously.

  “None of your business,” Stan fired back. “Who is this guy, Mel? Why would you bring him to my house like this?”

  “He’s my partner,” Mel replied. “As for why I brought him, I would think that’s fairly obvious.”

  “Wait ... is this the one marrying little Harper?” Suddenly, Stan was all smiles.

  Mel nodded. “It is.”

  “Oh, you lucky dog.” Stan clapped Jared on the shoulder, hard enough to rock the detective to the side. “I’ve been in love with that little girl since she was this high.” He held his hand close to his knee. “I always wondered who would finally steal her heart. To be honest, you’re not what I had in mind.

  “I always wanted her for my kid,” he continued. “He’s doing a dime out in Jackson, though. He was never good enough for her, if you want to know the truth.”

  Jared had no idea what to make of the tidbit. “I ... um ... .”

  “Stan and Harper met when she was about eight if I remember correctly,” Mel volunteered. “Harper was out in the woods, on an adventure, and got lost. Stan was out there doing something else — although we never did figure out what that was exactly — and he stumbled across her and brought her back home. They bonded a bit because Stan bought her a milkshake as big as her head.”

  Stan snorted at the memory. “She was the cutest thing in the world. Told me she was out there chasing a ghost. I thought she was making up the story at the time — and I was charmed all the same — but through the years I’ve come to the conclusion that she really was out there looking for a ghost.”

  “And you brought her home even though it could’ve ended badly for you?” Jared asked, new respect for the man suddenly bubbling up. “That was ... really nice of you.”

  “Not nice,” Stan corrected. “I wasn’t being nice. I was doing the right thing. Whatever you may think of me,
I would never leave a little girl lost in the woods.”

  “You wouldn’t,” Mel agreed. “I also don’t think you would cover for a woman who purposely killed a man, even if she sold you a sob story.”

  “I haven’t been sold any sort of story,” Stan promised. “Nobody brought that car here. I can promise you that.”

  Mel held his gaze for a long time and then nodded. “Well, that’s good.”

  “I don’t want to tell you your business, but it makes no sense for whoever did this to chop the car right now,” Stan volunteered. “It would be damaged. People might see that damage when it was being driven between two destinations. The only smart way to do this right now would be to hide it somewhere until the heat dies.”

  “That could be months.”

  “That doesn’t change the fact that it’s the only smart move.”

  “Right.” Mel cracked his neck. “If the car is hidden for months, we might never find it.”

  “That’s why it’s the smart move.”

  “I don’t disagree. Still, if you could keep your ear to the ground, I would appreciate it.”

  “I’m not going to dime out anyone in the business,” Stan warned. “That’s not what I do.”

  “And yet all Harper wants right now is to solve this case so she can enjoy her wedding and honeymoon,” Mel offered. “You might think of it as a wedding gift to her.”

  “Oh, that was low,” Stan groused. “That was so low.”

  “It’s the truth,” Jared interjected. “She’s obsessed right now. If you can help down the road, I would greatly appreciate it.”

  “And what are you going to do for me in return?”

  “I ... .” Jared wasn’t certain how to answer. “I’m going to love her forever, take care of her until my dying breath, and be the best provider I can be. That’s all I can do.”

  Stan sighed. “Fine. If I hear anything, I’ll let you know. This is going against the code, though.”

  “We’ll keep it to ourselves,” Mel promised. “It really is the right thing to do.”

  “If you say so.”