Sabotage on Solitude Bay

by M. J. Mandrake

  He was quiet for a moment. “Tiffani, for one.”

  Kitty debated whether to ask any questions and then decided that if he was willing to tell her about the pooping log full of candies, he wouldn’t mind answering a few questions about Bambi/Tiffani.

  “She said you dated all through high school.”

  “Uh, not exactly. I mooned over her every summer, all through high school and she avoided me as much as possible. I grew up in Tallahassee, remember? Then senior year, she seemed to notice I existed, and we went out a few times. That broke the spell.”

  “Going out?”

  “Actually having a conversation.” He made a face. “I realized she couldn’t stand anything about me or my family. I have no idea why she agreed to a date.”

  “Well, I’m glad,” Kitty said, giving him a kiss. “She could be Mrs. Tiffani Estornell by now.”

  “I don’t think my sisters would have allowed that,” he said.

  Kitty wanted to ask what they thought of her, but was too afraid of the answer.

  Chica raised her head and pointed behind them. Kitty turned to see Penny and Elaine walking across the lawn. They wore red pantsuits with green shawls. Toto and Jack had little blinking lights attached to their collars and Kitty could hear small bells jingling as they walked.

  “Hey, you two,” Elaine said “I hate to interrupt such a romantic moment―”

  “No, you don’t. I told you to wait five minutes,” Penny signed over her.

  “Well, his mom asked me to call them in for supper and I’m not about to risk the wrath of a woman who had to rescue her children from a sinking boat, okay?”

  “OK, fair enough,” Penny said.

  Kitty and Leander stood up and started toward the house.

  “I was just telling Kitty about Midnight Mass,” Leander said. “After the dinner, we usually head to bed around four or five in the morning, so fair warning.”

  “That’s for young people,” Penny said. “All the little kids and old people are smarter than that. We just collapse in a heap somewhere while you youngsters party.”

  “Old people? Speak for yourself,” Elaine said. “A few years ago I was up until midnight. I think I can go a couple more hours.”

  “You were up because you drank a Diet Coke at five in the evening.” Penny rolled her eyes. “It took you a week to reset your schedule.”

  “Well, it’s the attitude that counts.” Elaine turned to Leander. “I’ll be ready. Life is a brief interlude between birth and death. We should enjoy it.”

  “Until you land in the hospital,” Penny said.

  “Or get arrested,” Kitty added.

  Chica stopped in her tracks and Kitty looked over, thinking she was distracted by Toto and Jack. Their hats were migraine-inducing in the dim light of the back yard, Chica was staring at the bushes near the back of the house.

  “What’s wrong, girl?” Kitty peered into the darkness. “Is there a possum under the porch?”

  “More like alligator, probably” Leander said.

  “That’s my cue to leave,” Penny said, hustling off to the stairs with Elaine, Jack and Toto.

  Kitty and Leander crept forward, neither bothering to ask whether the other wanted to investigate.

  “What’s down there?” Kitty whispered.

  “Basement.” The lattice work around the bottom of the porch shielded the area from view.

  “Look! There!” Kitty pointed to a glimmer of light in the basement window.

  “Someone’s down there with a flashlight.”

  “Let’s go,” Kitty said. She started to race toward the stairs and then stumbled to a halt. “How do we get in?”

  Leander was already headed the other direction and waved to her. She and Chica ran around the side of the house and up the steps to the kitchen as quietly as possible.

  The kitchen was warm and light. It was filled with boiling pots, dishes of food, and what seemed like half of Leander’s family. Jorge was drinking something by the stove and Mrs. Estornell looked like she was showing him ingredients.

  “Sorry. Excuse me. Be right back,” Leander signed quickly as they hurried through the crowded, large kitchen. “Just looking for something.”

  It took him a few moments to get the basement door open and then he turned on the light. Rushing down the old, wooden steps, they stepped into a large, open area. The metal shelving was filled with supplies like detergent and canned goods. Pipes stretched the length of the room and an old water heater stood in the corner.

  It seemed deserted.

  “This isn’t right. I know there’s someone down here,” Kitty whispered.

  Chica stalked past the shelving and then stopped, pointing with her nose.

  Kitty hurried to her, heart pounding in her throat. Whoever was there was most likely the person leaving the threatening letters, the person who had almost drowned a whole family, including small children.

  Mr. Candlewick stood at the end of the range, his back to the wall. He held a small flashlight in one hand and a large box of in the other. His long silver hair stood out from his head like he’d been out in the wind.

  “What?” he growled.

  “What are you doing down here with a flashlight?” Leander asked. He sounded tired and disappointed. “Why not turn on the basement light?”

  “Wastes energy,” he muttered. Pushing past them, he started slowly across the basement, his movements stiff and shuffling. “Had to find candles for tonight. For May.”

  After he had made his way up the stairs, Kitty turned to Leander. “He sounds like he’s not all there. It’s December. And lurking around here in the dark is very suspicious.”

  “I know he seems strange, but he’s always been that way. Maybe he doesn’t know the exact date anymore, but he does a good job.” Leander rubbed a hand over his face. “And I believe him about saving energy. That’s the kind of person he is.”

  “Wait,” Kitty said urgently. “When I was walking down to the bay with Penny and Elaine, we saw him by the shed. He had a little can of something. I thought it was paint because it looked yellow, but it could have been that glue.”

  “No, he was touching up the paint on my boat. He told me about it earlier in the day, apologized that it wasn’t as sharp as it could be with my ‘lady friend’ visiting.”

  “So, he was down by the boat, too.” She grabbed his arm. “Don’t you see? He could have done all of this.”

  “But why? He’s never bothered anybody. I can’t see why he would be trying to hurt anyone now.”

  Kitty had to admit Leander had a point. It made no sense that a caretaker would sabotage the property after years of diligent care.

  “I suppose. Also, Chica didn’t act like he was dangerous at all. She didn’t even react like she did to the notes.” Sighing, she headed back upstairs, Chica trotting after her. It was a relief to walk back into the loud and festive kitchen.

  Leander took one more last look in the basement before turning off the light and closing the door.

  “What were you two looking for?” Mrs. Estornell asked.

  Kitty translated for Jorge and then signed, “We saw a strange light in the basement, but it was just Mr. Candlewick.”

  Cat nodded. “When he came up here, he about scared me to death. I didn’t even know he was down there. We’ve been in here cooking for hours. Can’t imagine what he was doing in the dark for all that time.”

  “He must have snuck past you,” Kitty said, smiling. “We saw him outside just a few minutes ago.”

  Mrs. Estornell and Cat exchanged glances. “No, he didn’t come through here.”

  “They’re right,” Jorge said, slurring his words a little. “I’ve been here enjoying the coffee while they cook. He never came through.” He swept an arm, gesturing at the crowded kitchen. “Ask anybody.”

  As Kitty translated, the group nodded in agreement.

  Luisa set down a spoon covered in red sauce and signed, “I’ve been here since five and never saw h
im. He was already down there working on whatever. Maybe you were mistaken.”

  “Maybe so,” Kitty said, forcing a smile. “Well, let me get Chica out of your kitchen. Can I help set the table?”

  “Thank you, dear. Leander can show you where the plates are,” Mrs. Estornell.

  As they headed for the dining room, Leander’s face was somber. “Something very strange is going on here. We saw him outside. So, how did he get in the basement?”

  Kitty shook her head. She couldn’t understand it.

  “Oh, here’s one of the pictures I was telling you about,” Leander said, stopping in the hallway leading to the dining room. On the wall were three small, framed black and white photos. One showed the two houses side by side. There was no hedge between them and they looked identical except for the people on the porch. They were smiling and waving at the camera. The men were dressed in suits and wore fedoras, the women were in shirtdresses and high heels.

  “That’s my grandfather and grandmother,” Leander said, pointing to the one on the left. “And Mr. Perkins, his wife, and…” He paused. “His sister, I think. I’ll have to ask.”

  “Beautiful photos,” Kitty said, leaning in to get a better look. “I may be completely off, but I have a feeling that what’s happening is related to something long ago.”

  “I think you’re right.”

  “We need to explore that secret passageway as soon as possible,” Kitty said.

  “Agreed.” His voice was low and serious. “Before someone else gets hurt.”

  Chapter Ten

  “In the long run, we are all dead.”―John Maynard Keynes

  The meal was almost enough to make Kitty forget about the threat against life and happiness hovering over everyone at the Golden Pelican. As they all walked down to the pier with lights for the boats, Kitty told Leander, “Your mother obviously taught you how to cook. I remember the lunch you made in Cozumel.”

  He grinned. “Bingo.” Grimacing, he said, “And how are you holding up without your favorite pastime?”

  “I’m surprised she hasn’t organized a game or two,” Jorge said.

  “You two.” Kitty rolled her eyes. To be honest, she hadn’t missed it at all. She’d clearly substituted her addiction for Bingo for something else. She wasn’t sure if it was Leander or the excitement of chasing down a criminal, and she didn’t really want to know.

  Penny picked her way across the deserted beach. “Kind of eerie out here. I’m glad I’ve got Toto and Jack.”

  “Me, too,” Elaine said, huddling closer to their group.

  “Me, three,” said Jorge. He stumbled a little and Penny grabbed his arm.

  “What am I? Chopped liver?” Leander said.

  “You’re there to protect Kitty,” Elaine said. “No offense but I figure if we’re going to be attacked, you’ll be getting her out of the way first.”

  “You’re right,” Leander said, smiling.

  “Chica will save her first,” Jorge said.

  “True,” Leander said. He nodded at the group ahead of them. “I’m surprised the Webers agreed to come down here after their experience today. They’ve stayed about a day longer than I thought they would.”

  Kitty could see Mr. Weber’s silver hair far ahead, and Mrs. Weber making her way through the sand in a linen dress and kitten heels.

  “Promises are powerful things,” Penny said. “Especially to people who have died and gone ahead. If he told his father he would come and stay, he’s not going to go away before he fulfills that promise.”

  Kitty knew Penny was right but she couldn’t help wondering why the older Mr. Weber had felt it so important. As far as she’d seen, the Webers hadn’t found any special significance in the place, and they certainly wouldn’t return if they had the chance.

  As they reached the beach, Mr. Estornell handed Leander another box of candles. “Will you and Kitty put these out after you decorate your boat?”

  “Of course,” Leander said. “But what…” He was having trouble signing with a box balanced on his forearm and a bundle of lights under the other. Kitty had the extension cords looped over her shoulder and she reached out for the box so Leander could talk. “What about the kids? They usually set out the candles.”

  “I’m going to have them set some of the luminarias at the end of the pier, then head back to the beach for the fireworks.” He looked around. “I just don’t feel comfortable with them all out there tonight.”

  “I understand,” Leander said. As his father walked away, Leander said, “I don’t think I’ve ever known the kids to be kept off the pier for the decorating. Makes me angry that this… person has ruined it for them. And why? What has he accomplished?”

  Kitty tried to look sympathetic but she was glad Mr. Estornell was taking precautions. It would be a terrible tragedy of any of the kids went over in the dark. The water wasn’t deep for a long stretch of the pier, but about three fourths of the way the sandbar dropped off.

  With everyone working together, it only took half an hour or so to string all the boats with Christmas lights and plug the decorations into the onboard batteries. Everyone had a different theme. Some liked only blue lights, some multicolored, some were flashing. Luisa had strung hers with little chili peppers.

  Leander and Kitty stood back to admire their handwork. Small white lights outlined the boat from bow to stern, along the folded sail and all the way up the mast. Chica sat beside them, head cocked as if she didn’t quite know what to think of it. As the boat rocked gently on the water, Leander put an arm around her and she leaned into him. She could hear Jorge singing Feliz Navidad loudly somewhere nearby. His words sounded clearer, so the spiked coffee must be wearing off. The pitch black sky above them swam with stars.

  “Kitty,” he said softly. “I wanted to ask you something.”

  “Yes?” She turned to look at him. Something about his tone made her unable to take a full breath.

  “I― I’m really glad you came. Everyone really likes you.”

  “Oh. Good.”

  “I was wondering… if you― I mean, what do you think?” The lights reflected in his eyes.

  “Of Solitude Bay? It’s beautiful,” she said.

  “No, I mean everybody. My parents and sisters and everybody.”

  Kitty smiled. “They’re great. They really are.”

  “You’re not annoyed at how protective they are?”

  She shook her head. “What a gift you’ve been given,” she said softly. “Their love for you is better than,” she motioned to the bay, “any of this. It’s priceless.”

  “Good.” He sounded so relieved that she started to laugh.

  “What did you think I would say? I don’t know who anyone wouldn’t like them.”

  He nodded, smiling. “But I wanted to know what you thought before I asked if you―”

  Luisa stepped up beside them, her arms full of paper bags. She pushed them at Leander, who took them from her. “Thanks. Hate to interrupt your moment.” She winked to soften her words, but Kitty got the feeling Luisa enjoyed harassing her brother. “Can you guys put these out? I’ve got a box of candles, too.”

  “Sure,” Kitty answered. She looked down the pier and saw it was lined with glowing luminaria. They were regular white paper but each bag had cutouts of snowflakes, stars and crosses. “I thought these were usually put out on All Souls’ Day. At least, that’s the way it is in Mérida.”

  Another of Leander’s sisters, Marta, walked up just as Kitty finished signing. “They are, but our grandparents started this tradition because of a girl that drowned in the bay at Christmastime a long time ago. Sort of a memorial to her.”

  “That’s right,” Luisa said. “When was it again?”

  “In the forties, a few years after they bought the houses. I think she was Mr. Perkins’ younger sister.” The breeze pushed her dark hair across her face and she shook it from her eyes. “She went out to swim the day before Christmas Eve and didn’t come back. They never found her
body. There’s a picture of her in the house. She’s on the porch with Mr. and Mrs. Perkins.”

  “We saw it earlier. They looked so happy,” Kitty said. “I hope she’s at peace.”

  “I hope so, too,” Marta said. “When I was little, a neighborhood kid used to tell me stories about a ghost who prowled around here on Christmas Eve night. Scared me to death. I know it’s not true now. Just a really sad story.”

  “Everyone who knew her is gone now,” Leander said. “That generation has passed away. My parents never met her, but we still want to honor our grandparents’ wishes. We’re also really careful with the pool and swimming in the bay. We never want that kind of tragedy to touch our own generation.”

  Kitty couldn’t think of something to say that adequately expressed the sadness she felt at the idea of such a beautiful memorial at the death place of a young woman lost more than seventy years before. She opened a bag and set it on the pier. Leander lit a candle and carefully dropped it inside. They worked their way down to the end, a few of Leander’s sisters and Mr. Candlewick doing most of the work. She looked back toward the beach and the double rows of flickering lights made her feel sad and wistful. Christmas should never be a time of sorrow, but for the Perkins family, they had endured half a century of holiday mourning. She could only hope they’d found some joy, despite their loss.

  As Kitty and Leander made their way back down the pier, he said, “What happened to you. That was like a traumatic death, I think.”

  Kitty didn’t have to ask what he meant. “I think so,” she said. “I talked to a woman once who took a cruise every year on her dead husband’s birthday. She said it probably looked like she was celebrating, but she just couldn’t be at home. It was too hard. I understood what she meant. I think I needed to move in order to get away from the grief.”

  “You must have loved him a lot if you needed to leave the country,” he said, his voice softly teasing.

  She laughed. It did sound a little absurd. “I don’t think love should be any other way, do you? Loving by halves isn’t really love.”

  They’d reached the end of the pier and he turned to her. “I love you, Kitty.”