A Haunting Refrain: A Helen Bradley Mystery (Helen Bradley Mysteries Book 4)

by Patricia H. Rushford

  Claire examined the ID and frowned. "This is the guy Dad bought the castle from."

  "I thought it might be. Question is, what is he doing out here with Patrick?"

  Claire shrugged. "Got me. They are close to the same age, maybe Dad introduced them."

  Helen took the ID back and tucked it into the wallet and returned it to the V berth with only one thing missing—a business card from Antiquities, a well-known antique shop in Victoria.

  Moments later she was back on the Celtic Moon, drifting free of the Down Under.

  She showed Claire the business card and said, "What do you make of it?"

  "How odd. We talked about this earlier, didn't we? That maybe Werner resents the fact that he didn't get top dollar out of the place. Maybe when he found out how much all the 'junk' he gave away was worth, he decided to take some of it back. That's what he'd called all those gorgeous antiques, junk. He couldn't have been happy when Dad showed him how much everything was worth."

  "Maybe he felt Paddy's reimbursement wasn't enough so he joined forces with Patrick, who is having his own financial problems." Helen turned the card over, then placed it in her pocket.

  "Even if that were true, how would they get the stuff out of the castle? With security being so tight, it would be impossible for him to haul stuff out."

  "Apparently there are ways around that, and the answer may be in the caves. Luis said they didn't lead to anywhere, but he and his friend may have missed something. There's a cave near my place that's only visible at low tide." Helen glanced at the largest opening. "Paddy may have discovered what was going on. But what connection would there be between the detective Paddy hired to find Fabian and these two? And why try to kill me?"

  Claire frowned. "Maybe Patrick promised Ted Werner part of his inheritance. Maybe the detective found out what Patrick was up to. Oh, I don't know. It's all too confusing."

  Helen stared at the cave opening again. "We need to go in there."

  Claire nodded. "Remember when we were talking about contraband, stuff being smuggled across the border?"

  "What about it?"

  "Suppose there are connecting tunnels between the cave and the castle. Maybe Ted and Patrick are taking pieces of furniture or paintings from the castle and bringing them out here."

  Claire shivered. "Sounds rather gothic."

  "It's not all that farfetched, really. It might help explain some of those noises and how someone could come and go without being detected. They could steal a lot of furniture and paintings before anyone knew they were missing."

  "Maybe there's a secret passage into all the rooms."

  "That might explain why Richard was the last person seen in the hallway before Paddy's death. The real killer came in another way."

  “That has to be it. I know Richard didn't do it."

  "Unfortunately, we need proof if we're going to convince the sheriff.” Helen hesitated. “Let's anchor out here and take the life raft to shore. "I'd like to get into that cave."

  Claire was still looking at the mouth of the cave, frowning. "What's wrong?"

  "The tide is in. I'm just wondering. Helen, do you suppose Patrick and Werner have gotten trapped in the cave? I mean, the boat’s been out here an awfully long time."

  "That's certainly a possibility. All the more reason to go in."

  "You're right. Let's move."

  After anchoring, they lowered the rubber life raft, grabbed a couple of flashlights, and rowed to shore. The cave opening was deceivingly larger than it appeared from the boat. They maneuvered the raft into the mouth. Helen clicked on the flashlight. The cavern was as Luis had described, not extremely large, but roomy. A few feet inside the cave, the raft bumped against an outcropping of rock that made a ledge. The two women got out and pulled the boat up.

  "This must be the bigger cave." Helen moved the beam of light over the walls. "I'm sure it's the one Patrick and Ted were heading toward when I saw them leaving the boat."

  Claire's light joined Helen's, illuminating the darkness. The cavernous hole was not one Helen would have put on the top ten must-see places in Washington State. The black-brown rocks were jagged and lifeless—not a glimmer of crystal or pyrite or any of the glittery rocks that made other caves famous. This was basically a lava tube, created who knew how many years ago by a volcano or glacier.

  "Luis was right, it doesn't seem to go anywhere." Claire peeked into one of the deeper indentations while Helen looked into the other.

  "Hmm. Maybe we're in the wrong spot. Think about it for a moment. Patrick and Ted were wearing wet suits. They aren't trapped in here."

  "You think there might be an underwater entrance?"

  "It's entirely possible. That would explain why Luis and his friend didn't find one."

  She'd no sooner said the words than the restless water began to glow from an eerie light coming out of the rocks far below the surface.

  Chapter Twenty Two

  Helen stepped away from the edge of the water. "Douse the lights."

  Claire grabbed Helen's arm. "What will we do if they see us? I mean, if they are into something illegal and if they are killers. . .."

  Helen blew out a long breath. "I don't suppose you know self-defense."

  The fear drained from Claire's face. "I do. In fact, Fabian says I have a mean kick. We can surprise them."

  "Hopefully it won't come to that." Helen glanced back at her cousin. "If they surface and see us, we'll confront them. With any luck at all they won't see us. If anything happens to me, wait until they're gone, then . . .."

  "They're coming up." Claire pressed herself against the cave wall.

  Helen stopped breathing. The bubbles rose to the surface. Their lights cast an eerie pall around the men, highlighting their spear guns. Helen could clearly see the two forms emerging from an underwater tunnel about six feet below the surface. They swam swiftly toward the cave entrance and disappeared outside.

  "Thank goodness. They didn't see us." The words whooshed out as Claire exhaled.

  "No, but they will see the Celtic Moon." Helen pushed the raft into the water.

  "Patrick will recognize it."

  "I have an idea. Just follow my lead. Come on, get in." Helen climbed aboard the raft and motioned to Claire.

  "We're going out there?"

  "Claire. Trust me on this. They're going to see your boat regardless of what we do. If we're not out there nearby, they're going to suspect something. We'll be much safer if we get out of this cave and pretend we're doing something else."

  "What will we tell .hem?" She scrambled aboard and grabbed a paddle.

  "I'll think of something."

  When they emerged from the cave, she and Claire paddled furiously, trying to put a respectable distance between themselves and the island. Claire and Helen were halfway to the Celtic Moon when Patrick and Ted surfaced and swam the few feet to the Down Under. Without turning around, they climbed up the ladder. Once on board they shrugged off their tanks and removed their masks. They were so intent on removing and storing their gear, they didn't notice Helen and Claire advancing toward them.

  "Are you sure we should get this close?" Claire whispered.

  "Absolutely." Helen lifted her paddle and rubbed her shoulder. She'd dislocated it in a shoot-out a couple of months ago, and it was still giving her fits. Of course, the fall hadn’t helped. "They say the best defense is offense. We'll surprise them. Throw them off guard."

  "All right, here goes." Claire waved at the two men. "Yoo-hoo! Patrick, is that you?"

  Patrick and Ted looked up in surprise. A series of emotions flitted across their faces. Surprise, annoyance, guilt, fear?

  "Aunt Claire? Helen?"

  "I didn't expect to see you out here," Claire continued. "Your mother said you were working."

  "I got off early. I'm heading for the castle now. Thought we'd do a little diving first."

  "Really? What are you diving for? Buried treasure?"

  He chuckled. "Something like that.
I've always wanted to explore the caves out here. See if the pirates left anything behind."

  "And did they?"

  Patrick glanced at Ted, then back at his aunt. "Just a cup and a couple beer cans. Looks like someone had a party in there."

  "I'd like to check out those caves myself," Helen said.

  "They're not very impressive," Ted offered.

  Patrick's gaze shifted from the life raft to the Celtic Moon.

  "How come you're in the life raft instead of on the boat?"

  "It's a long story," Helen said. "Do you mind if we come aboard?"

  "No, come ahead."

  Claire and Helen secured the raft to the Down Under and climbed up the ladder. Helen was breathing easier now. Patrick and Ted looked nervous, but she didn't feel threatened, especially now that their spear guns were tucked away under the seat.

  Helen plopped down on the cushions. If they did decide to use their weapons, they'd have to remove her first. Claire sat down beside her.

  Ted stretched out his hand to Helen and Claire, introducing himself. The fact that he didn't try to hide his identity impressed her. Perhaps they were only exploring and had nothing to do with the murders or the thefts. On the other hand, they hadn't said anything about the underwater tunnel they'd just come out of.

  "You want something to drink?" Patrick asked. "We've got beer and Coke and some bottled water."

  "Water would be great," Helen said.

  "Me too." Claire leaned back against the rail.

  Patrick jumped down the six steps to the galley and was back in less than a minute with their drinks.

  "You said your name was Werner?" Helen raised an eyebrow and leveled a questioning gaze at Ted. "Any relation to the Werners who owned the castle?"

  Claire gave him a wide grin. "You're the one Dad bought the castle from, aren't you?"

  "Yes." Ted gave no indication of discomfort in the revelation.

  "Did you and Patrick know each other before the purchase?" Claire asked.

  "Actually, we did. We went to high school together." Ted took a drink of his Coke and ran his finger down the side of the can.

  "Really? Were you living in the castle then?"

  Ted shook his head. "No. No one was. My parents had inherited the place. They'd planned on renovating, but unfortunately, all they could afford to do was keep up the taxes. I in­herited it my first year of college when my parents were killed in a car accident. Since I was the only heir and had no money, I decided to sell. I was getting way behind on the taxes and was afraid I'd lose it. I knew Patrick's grandfather had tons of money and resorts all over the place, so I called Patrick and he put me in touch with Paddy."

  "How do you feel about it now?" Helen asked. "Do you ever wish you'd kept it?"

  "Not really. I'm glad to see it back in its glory and being used." He shrugged and glanced toward the island. "Sometimes I wish I'd had Paddy's talent and money. Maybe I could have kept it in the family. As it is, I and any family, when I have one, will have free passes to the resort whenever we want. Paddy wrote that into the contract. I figure I got a good deal. With the money I got from the sale, I was able to get a pilot's license. I'm just raking up hours, and it won't be long before I qualify to fly for Alaska."

  Ted seemed a personable young man. Helen liked him but had no intention of letting down her guard.

  "So," Patrick said, "what are you two doing out here?"

  Claire's gaze fastened on the Celtic Moon, leaving the explanations to Helen.

  "We were looking for a way to get onto the island without triggering the alarm system," Helen answered. "We think that's how the killer got onto the island."

  "Killer?" Patrick and Ted spoke at once.

  "Are you talking about the person who shot at Grandpa the other day?" Patrick set his Coke can on the console.

  "No." Helen chewed on her lip. He obviously didn't know what was going on. "I take it you haven't talked to your mother this afternoon?"

  He shook his head. "I haven't talked to her since last night when she asked me if I was coming to the island with her. Why? what's going on?"

  Helen pursed her lips. "There's no easy way to say this, Patrick. We have some bad news. Your grandfather was murdered last night."

  "Oh no." He covered his eyes for a moment then dragged his hand down his face. "How.? Why?"

  "He was poisoned. The police have taken your father into custody."

  "Dad? That's crazy." Patrick stared at Helen, then shifted his gaze to Claire. "I don't believe this. Poor Mom. I didn't know." His head wagged back and forth. "Dad didn't do it, did he? I know he was upset with Grandpa, but murder?”

  "I can't believe this." Ted sank into a deck chair. "I just talked to Paddy yesterday. He wanted me to come out and meet the rest of the family." He looked over at Helen, then Claire. "Is there anything I can do?"

  "I'm not certain there's much any of us can do. According to the videos from the security cameras, your father was the last one to go into Paddy's room last night." Helen sighed. "Claire and I were hoping we could find another way into Paddy's room."

  "Like a secret passage?"

  "I suppose we're grasping at straws here, but yes. Which brings us back around to why we were out here. We thought maybe there was a way into the castle, or at least onto the island, through one of the caves. A way that would bypass the security cameras."

  Patrick sat down on the second deck chair and looked at Ted. "Maybe we should tell them about the tunnel."

  "Tunnel?" Helen asked.

  "Go ahead." Ted nodded to Patrick. "I don't know if it will help, but it's a start."

  Patrick licked his lips. "I'm afraid we weren't being completely honest with you about the cave. We really were hunting for treasures. There's an underwater tunnel that goes in for about twenty feet but at high tide it's a little more. At the end there's a big cavern. We spent a couple hours exploring it today. There are two passageways leading out of it. One goes out to the airfield. It leads to the basement of the hangar. So yes, that would be a way to get onto the island without anyone knowing."

  "Is it all underwater?"

  "No. Once you get through the tunnel, you get to some concrete stairs. The cavern is on top of that."

  "You said there were two passageways. Do you know where the other one leads?"

  "Not exactly. We followed it in quite a ways. We got as far as a locked gate. From what we could see on the other side, the walls and floor were all concrete. Looks like someone built a maze down there. We figured maybe it had been used during the prohibition. That's where we found the cup."

  "It's corroded," Ted said. "But it may be a silver chalice. That's what got us to wondering if maybe there would be a treasure chest or something. It's a great hiding place."

  "This gate," Helen began. "How secure is it? Can we get through it?"

  "Maybe. The lock looks secure, but it wouldn't take much to break the latch. It's old and rusted."

  Helen nodded. "The passageway must lead to the castle."

  "We thought so too. It looked like someone has been living on the other side of the gate. There were papers and plastic bags and a water container." Patrick wrinkled his nose. "Smelled like a latrine."

  "Ted." Helen frowned. "Did you ever explore the castle? I mean from top to bottom?"

  "Maybe when I was eight or so. I remember spending a couple of weeks with my grandparents. They came out in the summertime. I think they died that winter. My parents didn't feel it was safe, so after my grandparents died we never went inside. We used the beach and pitched a tent. Dad boarded up the house. Like I said, he wanted to restore it but didn't have the money. I just wanted to get rid of it. I remember it being a scary place back then. I asked my grandfather once why they didn't live there all the time. He told me the place belonged to Mary and it always would. He said her music drove people away, and he didn't like sharing a house with a ghost. Said they were too unpredictable."

  "Music? They heard it back then too?"

&
nbsp; "Helen." Claire touched her arm. "The stories about her haunting the castle and playing her music started right after she died."

  "I heard it once," Ted said. "At least I think I did. It made me not want to go back. In fact, I still get chills thinking about it." He sprang to his feet. "Wait. I just remembered something. One night when I was staying out here, the music woke me up and I saw an opening in the wall with a light coming through. I knew it wasn't the door because it was on the opposite wall. The next morning I decided it had been a dream. I was too scared to let it be real. Anyway, that was twenty years ago. It couldn't have anything to do with what's happening now."

  "That may be, but it does suggest that there's a secret passage. What room were you in?"

  "I don't remember. I just remember burrowing under the covers and praying that God wouldn't let the ghost get me. Believe me, I couldn't get out of there fast enough."

  "I think it's time we headed back," Helen said. "I'd like to have another look around the castle."

  "Are you coming with us, Patrick?" Claire asked.

  "Is my mom still there?"

  "She and Greg went with your father. I imagine they're still at the sheriff’s office." Helen stood and eyed the raft floating below.

  "What about Marcie?"

  Claire shrugged. "Sandra took her along."

  "Poor kid," Patrick sighed. "I don't know what to do."

  "Why don't you have dinner with us?" Claire suggested. "You can call your mom from there. You're welcome to stay the night."

  Patrick glanced over at Ted. "What do you want to do? You want to eat with us? I can take you back to Anacortes after dinner. Or you can stay over too. I'm sure no one will mind."

  "I don't know about staying. It sounds childish, but the place still gives me the creeps."

  "Do stay awhile, Ted," Helen urged. "Maybe you'll be able to remember more about the opening you saw."

  "I'm not sure I want to. It might have been a dream, but it seemed real enough at the time.” He pressed his lips together. “Okay. I guess I could stay through dinner."

  Helen and Claire than led the way with Claire disarming the alarm as they moved into the channel and resetting it again once they docked.