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

by K E O'Connor

  “I’m trying to sleep,” Josephine drawled, still on her back.

  “Sorry, dear heart.” Finlay pressed a finger to his lips. “Catherine, come below deck. We can continue the conversation there.”

  I nodded, not bothering to tell him my actual name this time. Much like the domestic staff, I was most likely forgettable to Finlay.

  “Behave yourself,” Josephine said as we descended the steps to the living quarters.

  “Always do, my sweet,” Finlay said. “Always do.”

  What could she mean by that? Finlay was hardly going to ravish me while his girlfriend sunned herself over our heads. At least, I hoped he wouldn’t try to do that. Finlay was attractive in a well-groomed, poised sort of way, and some women might find his overt wealth attractive, but not me. I just found it intimidating and wasteful.

  “Josephine may be a little on the shy side. When she opens up, she’s a sweet lady,” Finlay said as we reached the bottom of the staircase. “Her father owns half of Buckinghamshire. It pays to keep her on side.”

  “Only half of Buckinghamshire,” I said.

  “Yes, would you believe it,” Finlay said with a laugh. “Lord Earl-Braithwaite is a billionaire. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him open his wallet, though. That must be how he remains so rich.” He gestured to a plush gray couch.

  I sat and tried not to gape at the cherry wood furnishings, cashmere cushions, and plush velvet drapes. The look was regal and elegant. Maybe I didn’t mind a bit of overt wealth showing off, after all.

  Finlay refilled our glasses before joining me on the couch. “Tell me why you’re interested in this dead zombie? Was he a friend of yours?”

  “In a way he was,” I said. “I didn’t know Edward well, but it’s never nice when somebody’s killed.”

  “You didn’t mention anything about him being killed.” Finlay sat forward. “What happened to him?”

  “He was hit on the head,” I said, not wanting to reveal too much.

  “How terribly sad,” Finlay said. “Was it another zombie who attacked him?”

  “The police don’t yet know,” I said. “They’re interviewing suspects. Have they been in touch with you?”

  “I’ve not heard from them. If they’re contacting suspects, they won’t bother with me.”

  “Did you ever have a problem with him when he was working aboard Storm Breaker?”

  “My dear girl,” Finlay said. “I don’t know the zombie in question. I’ve also never been to your charming theme park.”

  I took a large sip of champagne without meaning to. The bubbles shot up my nose. “How did you know Edward’s body was found at the theme park?”

  “You told me,” Finlay said.

  “No, not many people know where the body was found.” I shifted in my seat.

  “Perhaps Tapping mentioned it to me. Or I simply assumed it,” Finlay said. “You were talking about the theme park. Then you mentioned the zombie. I put the two together. You’ll find out I’m a clever man if you get to know me better.”

  I inched along the couch. “You must be to afford Storm Breaker. What did Edward do for you on board?”

  “Being clever does have its perks,” Finlay said, ignoring my question. “You spot when you need, get rid of the dead wood, and don’t let yourself get held back from opportunities. No matter what it takes, you do it.”

  That didn’t sound clever that sounded ruthless. “The dead wood being zombies who’ve served their purpose?” I eyed Finlay cautiously.

  “I get rid of all humans or zombies who outlive their usefulness,” Finlay said, his gaze going to the ceiling for a second. “As well as wanting to upgrade Storm Breaker, I’m also wondering about getting myself a different model of girlfriend.”

  “That’s interesting,” I said. “Does Josephine know your plans for her?”

  Finlay shook his head, a smile on his face. “Josephine has her uses, but she’s as dull as dish water. If she continues to fry herself on the deck, she’ll soon look about fifty years old.” He leaned closer to me. “Do you tan easily?”

  “I fry like a kipper on a hot griddle if you put me in the sun.” I hopped off the couch and walked around the room.

  “I like the pale and interesting look,” Finlay said. “How would you take to a life on the ocean?”

  “Not well.” I pretended to inspect an oil painting on the wall. “I get sick. I’m meant for land, not the water.”

  “That’s a pity,” Finlay said with a sniff. “Still, you must have plenty of useful... talents.”

  I placed my glasses of champagne and water on the table. “Do you mind me asking when you arrived in Zee Town?”

  “I’ve been here a week,” Finlay said. “Why the interest?”

  “And have you made use of our zombie workers in that time?”

  “I had some here on my first day. They gave the old girl a good clean,” Finlay said. “Again, why the interest?”

  “Because one of our zombies is dead.”

  “And you think I’m involved?” Finlay traced a finger around the rim of his champagne flute. “What would you do if I was?”

  I swallowed my nerves. “Report you to the police.”

  “Do you think the Zee Town police could stop me from sailing away?” Finlay asked. “Do you think Councilman Tapping would let one of his closest friends be arrested because a zombie is dead?”

  “Yes, I do.” Actually, I wasn’t all that sure about Councilman Tapping. I had no idea how close they were. However, Nick wouldn’t let this over-priced, designer loafer wearing jerk out of Zee Town if he had killed Edward.

  “Then call them,” Finlay said. “Ring the Council. Contact the police, and tell them about all the evidence you have, and what a terrible person I am.”

  I hadn’t expected him to say that. “Well, I don’t exactly have lots of evidence. It’s just a hunch.”

  “Nor will you ever have any evidence,” Finlay said as he stood. “The reason for that is that I had nothing to do with this unfortunate creature’s demise.”

  I wasn’t convinced. “I could get the police to search your boat for evidence.”

  “My dear girl, no one in their right mind would authorize the search of my yacht.”

  “They would if you’ve done something wrong,” I said.

  “The consequences of such actions wouldn’t be good for anybody who got involved.” Finlay’s dark eyes narrowed. “Now, I believe it’s time for you to leave.”

  “So, that’s a no in regard to coming to the theme park opening?” I turned and marched ahead of Finlay back up the steps.

  “Sadly, you are correct,” Finlay said, his sarcasm clear. “And it’s also a firm no to the fact that I had anything to do with this zombie’s death. He might have worked on this yacht once or twice, but I didn’t know him. I had no reason to kill him.”

  Finlay most likely did have a reason and had forgotten about it, since he held zombies in such low regard. Maybe Edward didn’t polish the chrome taps to a bright enough shine, or left the loo seat up after cleaning it. “Can you at least tell me where you were on Wednesday evening?”

  “If you wish to question me any further,” Finlay said as he pointed at the jetty, “I’d advise you to speak to my lawyer.”

  “Is our new friend going?” Josephine asked.

  “She is,” Finlay said. “Cathy won’t be coming back.”

  “It’s Cassie!” I turned and stomped off the yacht.

  As far as I was concerned, Finlay was on my suspect list. How had he known that Edward had died in the theme park?

  Was it a coincidence, or did Finlay have something to do with this murder?

  Chapter 14

  I returned to the office and finished more tasks needed to get the theme park ready. I struggled to focus following my inglorious eviction from Finlay’s yacht and was glad when the working day ended and I could wander home to my cottage.

  The evening air was still warm, and the last rays of sunshine sent sha
rds of golden light through the gaps between the stores as I strolled past.

  My thoughts were a jumble of staff rotas, press releases, potential disaster aversion options, and the imminent arrival of some of the Zee Town Council members. Oh, and the question of who killed Edward.

  The cottage was blissfully cool when I entered, the thick stone walls helping to keep out the heat.

  I kicked off my shoes, padded into the kitchen, and made myself a simple dressed salad, accompanied by a long glass of cider over lots of ice.

  I sat in my courtyard garden at a compact metal table, surrounded by the late summer scents of honeysuckle and buddleia.

  My salad gone and the cider drunk, I felt in need of something else. Something sweet and calorie laden. It would have to be ice cream.

  The stand on the harbor stayed open until late in the summer evenings. I’d be able to get something delicious there. Something rich and fruity would be lovely. Or maybe chocolate. Or fruit and chocolate. And I could also have marshmallows on top.

  Shoes back on, purse in hand, I left the cottage and walked to the harbor. The tide was in as I walked along the edge, but there was barely a breeze, just a gentle, peaceful lapping sound of the water against the harborside. It was such a comforting noise. I could happily sit for hours listening to the water sigh backward and forward.

  Ice Cream Dream sold more than fifty flavors of ice cream and sorbet. It opened throughout the summer months and was run by Flower Woodstock, a hippie who lived up to the stereotype by drifting around in beautiful long skirts, the scent of patchouli wafting along with her, and her blonde hair, traced through with gray, floating down to her waist. Flower spent her summers in Zee Town and winters backpacking around obscure parts of the world.

  Approaching the pastel colored wooden store, I saw Flower bent over a piece of paper. She looked up as I drew near and smiled, before holding up the paper. “What do you think?” The sign read: Mystic Yoga for all. Every day at sunrise on the beach. The words were handwritten and surrounded by hand-drawn hearts and butterflies.

  “Are you planning a new business venture?” I asked.

  “I wasn’t thinking of charging for the yoga classes,” Flower said. “Donations would be welcome. After all, the beach is free for everybody to use.”

  “That sounds interesting,” I said, thinking about how much trouble I’d had bending to put on my socks last winter. I needed to take part in this mystic yoga.

  “Has my ice cream tempted you out for the evening?” Flower asked as she placed the flyer down.

  “Yes, my salad wasn’t doing it for me, tonight.”

  “You could try my new Morello cherry and dark chocolate ganache,” Flower said. “It’s dairy free. You’ll never know you aren’t eating real ice cream.”

  “That sounds amazing,” I said. “I’ll have a double scoop. Can you throw a few marshmallows on top as well?”

  “A woman after my own heart.” Flower scooped out the ice cream, scattered it with mini marshmallows, and handed it to me.

  I sampled the dessert and let out a sigh of pleasure. “That’s just what I need.”

  “I imagine your days are hectic at the moment.” Flower took my money and handed me my change. “It’s not long until your theme park opens.”

  “I’m trying hard not to think about it,” I said. “It’s taken over my life. I’m hoping things will quiet down once the park is open and the initial tourist interest fades. After all, it’s just another theme park.”

  “Well, it is,” Flower said gently. “But in a unique and beautiful part of the world. And it’s full of our wonderful zombies. That makes it special. It’s certainly a reason to celebrate the glories of Zee Town.”

  “You’re right,” I said. Until recently, that was also how I’d felt about Zee Town. The place was wacky, wonderful, and unique. Things had changed for me recently. I scooped up a big mouthful of ice cream and let it melt on my tongue, allowing the sweet sensation to push some of the worries from my head.

  “Ah! Another late night ice cream customer.” Flower looked over my shoulder. “Good evening, Abigail. What can I get you?”

  I turned and smiled at Abigail. “Are you in need of a sweet fix, as well?”

  “Yes, any excuse to get some air. I hate being inside when it’s so warm.” Abigail fanned a hand across her face. “I’ll have whatever you’re having. That looks lovely.”

  “It is,” I said to her. “Are you all ready for your first day at work?”

  “I’m looking forward to it,” Abigail said as she took the ice cream from Flower. “I hope I don’t mess up, though. It’s been a while since I’ve had a real job.”

  “You’ll be fine,” I said. “And Beth will be there to help you. Just ask her if you’re not sure about anything. And if you like it, I can offer you some part-time hours.” We said goodbye to Flower and walked away from the ice cream stand and over to the harbor’s edge.

  “That sounds good to me,” Abigail said. “Although, I’ll have to make sure I don’t eat all the candyfloss. I’ve got such a sweet tooth.”

  I glanced at her trim figure. “Have you made any decision about your new guy? Is he nice enough to keep dating, even though he’s not a millionaire?”

  Abigail shrugged. “He’s lovely. I need more than that in my life. I like to feel secure.”

  “And to be with someone who has a large... wallet?” I grinned at her.

  She grinned back. “Actually, I’ve been thinking about Archer. He’s a good-looking guy. He must earn decent money. I hear he does private jobs, working for royalty and rock stars. That must pay well.”

  I choked down some ice cream. “I wouldn’t know how much Archer earns. You’re right about the private work. His whole team does outside contract jobs. It must help to keep their skills honed and stop them getting too bored having to look after us.”

  “I was wondering about asking him on a date,” Abigail said. “If he’s interested in me, I could leave this other guy. Do you think Archer would treat me right?”

  “He would keep you on your toes,” I said cautiously. “But he’s not someone you want to mess around. It’s maybe not a good idea to date two guys at once. If Archer liked you and found out, he might use some of his special skills to get rid of the other poor guy.”

  “I won’t mess him around if he’s nice to me. Besides, I’m used to getting men to do what I want.” She winked at me. “I’m sure I can keep Archer on his toes, as well.”

  I could imagine she would. Abigail was gorgeous, a modern-day version of Marilyn Monroe, with pouty lips, big hair, and a serious set of curves. “In the spirit of full disclosure, Archer has sort of asked me to be his date at the park opening.”

  “Oh!” Abigail’s blue eyes widened. “I didn’t know you were dating. I thought you had a thing for Nick.”

  I jabbed at the remains of my ice cream. “Why do people always think that?”

  “Because of the way you are around each other,” Abigail said. “Nick has the hots for you. I always assumed you were playing hard to get and liked him, too.”

  “No, there’s nothing to get,” I said. “Nick aside, I’m not serious about Archer. He’s a little too hot for my liking. I’m worried he might burn me alive and abandon me once he’s gets what he wants.”

  “Yummy! He’s sounding better all the time.” Abigail sucked on her plastic spoon. “I don’t want to tread on your toes, though. If you like Archer, I’ll leave him alone.”

  I bit back a sarcastic retort. Abigail was stunning. I was sure she could get any guy she wanted when she set her sights on them. But I wasn’t a total disaster, and Archer had made his interest in me clear. Maybe I was more his type than she realized. Abigail could try treading on my toes, and she might fail.

  I studied Abigail out of the corner of one eye, noticing the way the low sun turned her hair into golden swirls and lit her skin, making her look like a fire goddess. Who was I kidding? I didn’t stand a chance next to her.

 
“I’ll see how our date goes at the theme park,” I said. “Archer’s fun, but dangerous fun. I don’t have room for that in my life right now.”

  “I always have room in my life for a little fun,” Abigail said. “If you decide you don’t like him, I’ll happily have that particular cast off.”

  I grinned. “Don’t let Archer hear you describe him as a cast off.”

  Abigail fluffed her hair with one hand and exaggerated her pout. “I’m sure I could convince him that I didn’t mean it.”

  I couldn’t help but laugh. Abigail was nothing if not confident in her ability to snare any man she wanted. I wished I had half her confidence. I’d probably be married with five kids by now if I could pout like her.

  “I’d better go. I don’t want a late night tonight. I’ve only got one day left until the big park opening and need every second to make sure it opens smoothly.” I scooped out the last of my ice cream and placed the empty carton in a nearby recycling container.

  “I’ll see you at the park for my first day of work,” Abigail said brightly, bouncing off in the other direction, her ice cream in hand.

  I gave Flower a wave, before walking back to my cottage. The ice cream had helped, but I still felt restless as dozens of conflicting thoughts flashed through my mind. The new theme park, my upcoming sort of date with Archer, everyone’s belief that Nick and I should be an item, and Edward’s murder. It might be time to take a vacation from this place.

  Chapter 15

  I peered out the office window, past the log flume and into the distance, where the fence sat around the theme park, twelve-feet of reinforced metal.

  “I’m sure the number of camper vans has doubled since last night,” I said to Zara. “There must be over seventy out there. I didn’t think the theme park would be this popular.”

  “People like to be scared,” Zara said. “It’s strange.”

  “It is.” I turned from the window. “Why spend all that money and travel such long distances to be terrified?”