Zee Town Paranormal Cozy Mystery - Complete Series Omnibus: Books 1 - 6

by K E O'Connor

  This was getting serious. If Nick was looking into Danny’s movements, then he must think there was something dodgy about his statement.

  “If you think of anything that might help you out of this, make sure you tell Nick,” I said.

  Danny’s tanned face paled. “I’m not going to lose my job at the theme park because I’m a suspect in this investigation, am I?”

  “No! As far as I’m concerned, you’re innocent until proven otherwise. Your job here is safe. Nick’s focusing so hard on you because he doesn’t have any other suspects left.”

  “I know he arrested a tourist,” Danny said, a hopeful glint in his eyes. “Has that led anywhere? He wouldn’t tell me anything when I asked.”

  “Nick let the tourist go. Although, I believe he’s still in town,” I said. “And Nick’s ruled out a zombie as a suspect. That’s it for his list of suspects. Other than you.” Although, I had yet to check out the whereabouts of Finlay Canfield. He might be added to my list if he appeared suspicious.

  Danny swiped his hands through his dark hair. “I wish there was a way I could convince him I’m innocent.”

  “You’re sure you were alone all evening on the night of Edward’s murder?” I asked. “We won’t mind if you confess you’ve got a secret karaoke addiction and get your fix at one of the clubs in Newquay.”

  Danny smiled. “If only it was as simple as that. I’d happily confess to having that addiction if it cleared my name.”

  Again, he only half answered the question. I could see why Nick thought he might be a suspect. Danny was hiding something, but what? It didn’t look like we’d get any useful information out of him. Certainly not anything that would help him with his missing alibi.

  “We’ll leave you to get on with your work,” I said. “And don’t worry about your job here. If you say you didn’t do it, then I believe you.”

  “Thanks, Cassie,” Danny said. “That means a lot, knowing that you trust me. I appreciate it.”

  We left Danny to his tinkering with the ghoul train and headed to the office.

  “What do you think?” Jen whispered as we walked away.

  “As much as I hate to admit it, Danny’s hiding something. That doesn’t mean he killed Edward, though.”

  “Why else would he keep quiet?” Jen asked.

  I chewed on my bottom lip as I thought through the possibilities. “He might be covering for somebody else.”

  “Danny knows who the murderer is and doesn’t want to reveal it?” Jen glanced over her shoulder. “Who would he want to protect?”

  “A family member?”

  “Danny doesn’t have family in Zee Town,” Jen said. “I don’t know about all of them, but his parents turned into zombies. He’s got a couple of siblings, but they don’t live locally.”

  “Perhaps one of his relatives moved to the area and got involved in this. Danny feels like he needs to keep them safe.” I was grasping for any reason to prove Danny’s innocence.

  “We could check with Archer,” Jen said. “He’d know if anyone new has moved into town. If they’re linked to Danny, they might have the same last name.”

  My cheeks colored at the mention of Archer. “We could do that.”

  Jen stopped and turned to me. “Why are you blushing?”

  “I don’t know what you mean.” I fanned my hand in front of my face in a futile attempt to cool my cheeks. “It’s so hot out here.”

  “Are you seeing Archer?” Jen took a step back and placed her hands on her hips.

  “No. Archer doesn’t do serious girlfriends,” I said. “Besides, I’d tell you if I was in a relationship with someone.”

  “Just like you told me about the date with Nick.” Jen arched an eyebrow. “So, what’s going on between the two of you? You don’t blush like that for no reason.”

  “I wish I knew,” I said. “I think Archer’s just having fun with me, or hoping he might be able to.”

  “He’s not a terrible person to have fun with,” Jen said. “You know you’d be safe with him.”

  I shook my head, dislodging dangerously naughty thoughts about Archer. “Archer’s idea of fun might be a little different from mine.”

  Jen grinned wickedly. “It could be interesting exploring that option.”

  “Another time. When I don’t have a theme park to get open and a murder to solve,” I said. “Archer’s not going anywhere. If he’s interested enough, he’ll stick around and be there when I have more time for him.”

  “Are you sure you’re not resisting because you’re interested in somebody else?” Jen asked as we reached the door to the office.

  “There’s no one else in town I like,” I said.

  “Not a certain police officer who happens to own your favorite three-legged dog?”

  “Nick! Are you joking?”

  “Not for a second. There’s so much tension in the room every time you meet, I always feel the need for a lie down afterwards.”

  “There’s not. That’s nonsense.” The blush on my cheeks intensified.

  “The two of you need to figure out if you actually like each other,” Jen said. “Go out on more dates, real dates, where you don’t talk about work, murder, or Stool. Get to know each other. You never know, you might like what you find.”

  I thought back over the last few months. The Valentine card Stool had given me, the few occasions I’d thought Nick had tried to ask me out, how protective he’d been of me when I’d had my rabid zombie near miss. Was I too stubborn to see that, for all of Nick’s bone-headed, terse behavior, he was trying to show that he liked me?

  And the biggest question of all, did I like Nick?

  “I wish everybody would stop trying to pair me up with Nick.” When did life get so complicated? I had a new job I didn’t like, two difficult, stubborn men showing me interest, a murdered zombie, and a suspect who was hiding something.

  “Prove to me that you don’t like Nick,” Jen said. “Go on a date with Archer.”

  “I sort of am already,” I confessed. “He’s my unofficial date for the park opening.”

  “There you go. This is the test you need. You can get over Nick by making use of Archer and his strong muscles. If it works, you don’t love Nick.”

  “Steady on! No one’s talking about love. Besides, it’s not like that. And I don’t need to get over Nick.” I swatted at her with my hand. “This thing with Archer isn’t a real date. We won’t get to spend more than five minutes together at the park opening. He insisted he accompany me, and I couldn’t say no.”

  “I bet it’ll be an amazing five minutes.” Jen grinned at me.

  I shook my head. “Come on, we’ve both got work to do, and we still have to figure out what Danny’s hiding from us, and who killed Edward.”

  Forget my complicated love life. We had a murder to solve.

  Chapter 13

  I forced myself to focus on theme park activities for the next few hours, but my mind kept going back to Danny and trying to prove his innocence. I couldn’t accept he had anything to do with Edward’s murder.

  I needed a break from all things theme park. It was time for a trip to the private jetties, where the super yachts and millionaires moored their vessels.

  Finlay Canfield wasn’t an official suspect, but I wanted to know more about how he’d treated Edward. If nothing else, he might have ideas as to who would want to get rid of Edward. And I was sure all the super-rich types on their fancy bits of floating wood would love to know about the theme park. Bumping into Finlay when I was there promoting the opening would simply be a bonus. Well, that’s what I’d tell Nick if he learned I’d been snooping around the posh boats.

  Leaving Zara in charge of the office, and a pile of flyers about the theme park in one hand, I walked the short distance past the harbor. The fishing boats were dry docked, awaiting the return of high tide, the hot summer sun glinting off the sea as it scurried away across the pale yellow sand.

  I turned right at the end of the harbor.
Technically, this was private land. Each mooring owner had the exclusive entry right onto their mooring. However, we were a relaxed bunch around here. I was never put off by signs saying private property or no trespassing.

  Some of the yachts docked on their moorings were enormous. Vast, gleaming hulls rocked gently in the water as I wandered past, no doubt rammed full of the latest gadgets and a fair few bottles of champagne. Some of them even had their own helipads! I’d been on a couple of these enormous yachts. Each time, I’d felt underdressed and outclassed. I was more a small, slightly rotten wooden boat sort of woman than a mega-yacht connoisseur.

  I ambled along the dock, keeping an eye out for Finlay’s boat, Storm Breaker, as I enjoyed the cool breeze that drifted in from the open water.

  Half a dozen yachts along, I spotted Finlay’s craft. On deck, was a bikini-clad redhead, model-thin, with huge sunglasses covering her eyes. She was propped on her elbows, and I saw her head turn in my direction as I stopped by the yacht.

  I resisted the urge to smooth down my windswept bob and suck in my stomach. “Is Finlay aboard?” I asked the redhead.

  She stared at me in silence for several seconds. “Finlay, you’ve got company.” She sank onto her towel without giving me another glance.

  “Shall I come on board?” I asked the redhead.

  Silence answered.

  I remained where I was, the sweat trickling down my back as I fought the almost overwhelming urge to hop aboard the yacht and tip the redhead over the side.

  “Did you call, my sweet?” Finlay walked out on deck. He was dressed in white shorts, a blue and white striped short-sleeved shirt, canvas deck loafers on his feet, and jet-black sunglasses shielding his eyes.

  I saw the redhead’s arm raise. She pointed in my direction.

  “Ah, we have company,” Finlay said with a smile, his white teeth almost dazzling against his deeply tanned skin.

  “Hi, Finlay. I don’t know if you remember me,” I said. “I look after the tourism activities in Zee Town.”

  “Yes, of course. Callie, isn’t it?” Finlay peered at me from over the top of his sunglasses, his dark eyes scrutinizing me.

  “Close enough. It’s Cassie,” I said. “Cassie March.”

  “Welcome to Storm Breaker,” Finlay said. “Would you like to come aboard?”

  “Thanks. That will be great.” I skipped quickly across the gang plank.

  Finlay extended a hand. I took it as I hopped onto the yacht.

  “I don’t believe I’ve ever had the pleasure of your company aboard my little boat,” he said smoothly.

  “You’re right. This is my first time aboard Storm Breaker.” I looked up at the three decks and also noted a pool at the other end of the deck I stood on. “She’s lovely.”

  “I’m rather proud of the old girl.” Finlay removed his sunglasses and tucked them in the top pocket of his shirt. “Mind you, it might be time for an upgrade. I’ve had her three years. There have been some improvements in the new models released.”

  “She looks in good condition to me.” I glanced around the deck. Everything looked barely touched. How often did Finlay actually made use of this yacht?

  “You could make me an offer if you really like her.” Finlay flashed me another one of his dazzling white smiles.

  “Thanks. She’s not my style.” I gave him a rueful smile.

  Finlay barked out a laugh. “So, what brings you here?”

  “I have information about the new theme park the Zee Town Council has approved. It will be open soon. I wondered if you’d like some details. You could visit while you’re docked.”

  “A theme park?” the redhead said from her prone position on the deck. “I’m a little too old for children’s rides and candyfloss.”

  “Do excuse my manners.” Finlay turned toward the redhead. “This delightful creature is Josephine Earl-Braithwaite.”

  “Hello,” I said brightly to Josephine.

  “Charmed,” Josephine muttered, not even lifting her head to acknowledge me.

  “It’s a lot more than children’s rides,” I said. “The Council has gone all out, making sure it’s as terrifying as possible. There are as many zombie themed rides and activities as we could cram in there.”

  “I recall old Tapping mentioning something about a new park coming to the area,” Finlay said. “He thinks it’ll be a real money spinner. Not that he needs anymore of that.”

  “Yes, that’s the idea.” I passed Finlay a flyer. “We’re having a grand opening. Councilman Tapping will be attending if you want to see him.”

  “To be honest, I find the old chap tedious,” Finlay said. “He’s obsessed with getting social media friends. He’s always asking me to befriend him. I don’t see the point, myself.”

  “Do you think you’ll be able to attend?” I asked.

  Finlay skimmed over the information and returned the flyer to me. “I doubt I’ll be free. Can I get you something to drink? It’s a heck of a hot day.”

  “Some water would be nice,” I said.

  “Nobody drinks water aboard this yacht,” Josephine sneered. “Open some champagne, Finlay. My glass is empty.”

  “Catherine can drink whatever she wants,” Finlay said. “I’ll get both.”

  “Actually, it’s Cassie,” I said as Finlay disappeared below deck. I looked over to Josephine. She was still flat on her back. I decided trying to make small talk was pointless.

  Finlay returned a few moments later with an array of drinks. He handed them around, insisting I take both champagne and water. I sipped on the water and admired the view as he sweet-talked to Josephine for a moment.

  “How are things in Zee Town?” Finlay asked, turning from Josephine and walking to my side. “I heard a rumor of something unpleasant happening not so long ago.”

  “Unpleasant things rarely happen around here.” My stomach clenched, and I kept a smile on my face. What did Finlay know?

  “I’m referring to the rabid incident,” he said, his voice low. “I always thought that sort of thing couldn’t happen here.”

  “It doesn’t,” I said swiftly. Who had he been talking to? No one was supposed to know about that. “It was a one-off incident and easily contained. You’ve nothing to worry about.”

  “Still, it makes one nervous,” he said. “I’m always looking for a safe place to settle down. I can’t seem to find one that’s a good fit.”

  I resisted the desire to mention how he’d handle his tax arrangements if he settled in Zee Town. Stay here a minute longer than he should, and the taxman would come knocking and might make Finlay sell his giant boat.

  “I can put you down as a VIP guest to the park if that will entice you to come along,” I said. “And your friend is welcome to join us.”

  Finlay laughed. “Josephine rarely leaves the yacht. I sometimes wonder if she’s a half-mermaid. She loves being by the ocean.”

  We both looked at Josephine. She didn’t move an inch. Perhaps he’d confused mermaid with sloth.

  “How about just you?” I asked. “You can see some of our placid zombies at work and judge for yourself how safe they are. How safe the whole town is.”

  “I’ve no real concerns about that,” Finlay said. “I use some of your local lot for the yacht now and again. Generally speaking, they’re a reliable bunch. I’ve never had one of them try to bite me.”

  That was the opening I’d been waiting for. “Did you hear the sad news about Edward Newton?”

  “I can’t say I recognize the name,” Finlay said. “Is he a local chap?”

  “Yes, well, he was a zombie who lived here,” I said. “Edward was found dead recently.”

  “It happens,” Finlay said with a shrug. “They don’t last so long, the zombies.”

  “You’ve had Edward on board Storm Breaker,” I said. “He’s done work for you in the past.”

  “Has he now?” Finlay rubbed a manicured hand across his stubble free chin. “I still don’t recognize the name, but I do us
e a lot of zombies. Human cleaning crews are difficult to get hold of and they always leave or go off sick. At least with the zombies, you know what you’re getting. They just keep working without complaint.”

  “So, you didn’t know Edward well?”

  “Not at all. Although, how do you really get to know a zombie well?” Finlay asked. “They’re so... primitive, for want of a better word. I had a sister who turned into one. Mother insisted on keeping her in the house. After a few months, none of us could see the point. She drifted around and slowly decayed. You couldn’t even be in the same room with her because the smell became so bad. In the end, we had to get rid of her.”

  “You got rid of your own sister?” I gulped down some water. Finlay wasn’t displaying fond feelings toward zombies. Maybe that had seeped through into how he treated the ones who worked for him.

  “She wasn’t my sister, not really. The grim virus that infected her had changed her into a feeble, half-brained zombie. It wasn’t what my sister used to be. She loved horses, visiting castles, and dreaming about being a fashion designer. The shell left behind wasn’t my sister.”

  “How did you get rid of her?” I asked, feeling a twinge of sympathy for his loss.

  “Same as I’ve done with some of the others who’ve worn out their usefulness and can no longer function.” Finlay gestured to the side of the yacht. “Mother had me handle the details.”

  My mouth fell open. “They go overboard?”

  “Only as a last resort,” Finlay said. “If we’re on land or close to shore, I’ll drop them off somewhere convenient and leave them to it. Out in the middle of the ocean, when one of the zombies starts to rot beyond saving, you have no option. I can’t exactly have old Storm Breaker begin to smell of rotten zombie.”

  “That would be terrible,” I said, hoping my sarcasm was clear. “And you don’t remember Edward at all? He was one of the sturdier zombies. He was well preserved and still had good muscles. Tall with dark hair, if that’s any help in jogging your memory?”

  “I don’t pay them much attention,” Finlay said. “Much like other domestic staff, they do their jobs quietly and discreetly and then leave.”