Murder at Jade Cove (Cedar Bay Cozy Mystery Book 2)

by Dianne Harman

  He walked out the door and saw that the coroner was getting ready to transport Carlos’ body to the morgue. The front yard and the driveway were filled with crime scene investigators gathering evidence. Marcy and Kelly overheard Mike say to one of the investigators, “I’m pretty sure this 30-30 rifle is the murder weapon. I picked it up with my handkerchief so the prints on it should be Gabe Lewis’. I think if you compare the bullet that killed Carlos to a sample bullet fired from this gun, you’ll find they match. I think you’ll also find a match with the bullet that killed Jeff Black.”

  CHAPTER 22

  Kelly stayed with Marcy until her sister got to the ranch shortly after midnight. It was well past her usual bedtime when she was finally able get to bed with just a few hours for sleep before she had to get up and be at the coffee shop by 6:00 a.m. As the first light of dawn crept into the bedroom, she looked over at Mike who was sleeping peacefully beside her. He’d been asleep when she’d come home late last night.

  I’ll get more of the details about what happened with Gabe when I see him later today or this evening. Poor Marcy. It must have been devastating to find out the man you’ve loved for twenty years was going to kill you. Plus, he was the man who destroyed her marriage and caused her to become dependent on her son’s benevolence. I’ll never understand why people make some of the choices they do. Of course, it’s always a lot easier to sit back and Monday morning quarterback when it’s not you it’s happening to. Thank heavens I’ve never been in Marcy’s situation.

  Roxie, Madison, and Charlie were waiting for her at the coffee shop door when she pulled into the parking lot. She was barraged with questions from them as soon as she was within earshot.

  “I haven’t talked to Mike this morning, so I really can’t comment on what happened last night. And I’d like to know how the three of you already seem to know a lot about what happened out at Black’s ranch last night.”

  “Kelly, it used to be that we Indians communicated with one another by using tom-toms to get the word out. Now it’s as simple as a cell phone call,” Charlie said. “Glad the whole thing is over and everyone will know that no tribal members were involved in Jeff Black’s murder. I know we were under suspicion.”

  “I can’t comment on that, but I can tell you that there is conclusive proof that no tribe member was involved and I’m glad. I’ve come to really like your dad, Chief Many Trees.”

  “Yeah, he feels the same way. Said he just might make you an honorary member of the tribe since, from what we hear, you cleared us of any involvement.”

  “Sorry, but no comment,” she said as she unlocked the door and the four of them entered the coffee shop. In just a few moments the smell of coffee permeated the coffee shop and the lights cut through the semi-darkness of the early morning hour, bathing the coffee shop and the pier in a soft warm glow. “Better get ready for a busy day. You know how it is. Any time something major happens in this town, everyone wants to come to Kelly’s Koffee Shop and talk about it. Think this is going to be one of those days.”

  Kelly was right. Charlie cooked non-stop while Kelly and Roxie took orders and served them continuously throughout the morning. “Wish this was one of those mornings when Madison didn’t have classes at her cosmetology school. Too bad she had to leave to go there. I sure could use her now,” Kelly said to Roxie as the two of them almost collided when they both tried to go through the swinging kitchen doors at the same time.

  “I know, but from what she tells me, she loves it, and she’s really doing well. Sounds like life is looking up for the kid now that her dad’s stopped drinking and she’s become involved with the church. I couldn’t be happier for her. She deserves to have something good in her life,” Roxie said.

  “No argument there, plus she’s a huge help to me. I guess she’s going to start helping out Wanda at her beauty shop in the afternoons after she finishes work here at the coffee shop. Imagine she’ll start working there when she gets her license. They do grow up, don’t they? Guess I’ll have to look for a replacement in a few months,” Kelly said as she walked into the kitchen to check on some orders.

  Roxie stuck her head through the doors. “Kelly, Mike just pulled up. Thought you’d want to know.”

  “Thanks, Roxie.” She walked out of the kitchen and saw him just as he was opening the front door. She waved him over. “Better grab that table. It’s been crazy all morning and the lunchtime group will start arriving any minute now.” She looked up as the door again opened. “See, I was right. Doc’s always the first one here.” She waved to Doc and Lucky, motioning them over.

  “Doc, you’re just in time to hear what happened last night. And this must be Lucky,” Mike said, bending down to the pet the little puppy. Rebel had walked over to Mike as soon as he opened the door and put his paw on Mike’s leg as if to say, “What about me? I could use some petting or an ear scratch.”

  “Yeah, when I went to the clinic this morning I heard there was a little excitement out at the Black’s ranch last night. Kind of figured you two were involved. What happened?”

  Mike filled Doc in on the events of the previous evening at Black’s ranch. “Kelly, got time to sit for a minute?” Mike said. “I need to bring you up to date on what’s happening. Doc, you can stay if you want.”

  “I’ll make time,” Kelly said. “Just give me a minute to tell Roxie I’m taking a break.” She walked over to Roxie and then hurried back to the table. “Shoot. I’m all ears. Don’t leave anything out. You were sound asleep when I got home last night and I didn’t want to wake you up this morning.”

  “After I left you last night I drove to the jail. Rich had put Gabe in a jail cell and he was screaming and yelling that he wanted to call his lawyer, so I let him make a phone call. Surprisingly, he called his wife, not his lawyer. Guess he decided he’d rather get out of jail first and then talk to his lawyer. Long story short, he told his wife he’d been arrested and he was in jail. Said she needed to come over to Cedar Bay immediately and bail him out. She refused. Rich and I could overhear her tell him he could stay there for the rest of his life for all she cared. She told him she’d call his attorney for him.”

  “Wow!” Kelly said. “That took some courage. I’d heard that she’d talked to her lawyer about getting a divorce. Guess she’s going through with it.”

  “That would be my guess,” Mike said. “Gabe spent the night in jail and he was not a happy man. His lawyer came this morning and talked to him. I don’t know what they said to one another because that’s privileged information, but it must have had something to do with Gabe’s financial problems, because he’s still in jail. He hasn’t made bail yet.”

  “What happens now?” Doc asked.

  “Well, he’s being arraigned this afternoon and he’ll no doubt plead not guilty. If he still can’t make bail, he’ll go back to jail until he’s tried for murder or his attorney negotiates a plea bargain with the District Attorney. Either way, I don’t think we’ll be seeing much of Gabe Lewis for a long time.”

  “Have you talked to Marcy this morning?” Kelly asked.

  “Yes. She called to thank me for saving her life. She sounded much better than last night. She told me she was going to Portland to stay with her sister until the holidays, and then she planned on coming back to the ranch so Brandon could spend the holidays at the home he’s always known. She said she and Brandon needed to decide what they were going to do about everything. Since the ranch and all the money with the exception of the insurance proceeds are Brandon’s now, don’t know exactly what that means.”

  “I’m so glad it’s over and you can take it easy for awhile. Remember, we’ve got a lot more planning to do for the wedding.”

  “What are you talking about? We decided when, where, and who’s going to be in it. You’ve got your dress. What more is there to do?”

  Kelly stared at him in disbelief, shook her head, stood up, and started to walk over to the cash register. She turned back and kissed the top of Mike’s head. “
Sweetheart, I know you think finding killers is tough. Trust me, it’s a piece of cake compared to planning a wedding.”

  “Mike,” Doc said, laughing, “I’m a doctor and I have to tell you, you’re not looking all that well at this moment. The next couple of months may be a very interesting time for you.”

  *****

  “Kelly, the phone’s for you,” Madison said that afternoon as she helped Roxie clean up.

  “Thanks, Madison. Who is it?”

  “Don’t know. Didn’t recognize the woman’s voice.”

  “This is Kelly Conner.”

  “Kelly, we haven’t met, but I feel I know you very well. My name is Jackie Lewis. I’m Gabe Lewis’ wife.”

  Kelly wasn’t sure what she was expected to say. This was unchartered territory and a call she never expected to receive. “Jackie, I didn’t have the pleasure of meeting you when I was at Lewis Kennels the other day, but Angie was so helpful and the friend I gave the yellow lab to is thrilled with the puppy.”

  “I’m glad to hear that. I love my dogs. I understand that you’re responsible for my husband being in jail, is that correct?”

  Good grief, Kelly thought. I’m glad this is only a phone call and not a personal meeting. I don’t think this is going to be pleasant. She took a deep breath and answered, “That is somewhat correct. I was there when your husband was arrested by the sheriff and it’s true that I’m partly responsible for him being in jail.”

  “Well, you may think this is strange, but I’m calling to thank you. I was planning on divorcing Gabe and had met with my attorney to start the proceedings. As a matter of fact, even though he’s in jail, he’s going to be served with the divorce papers today. Rather ironic, don’t you think? Anyway, from what his attorney told me when he called and wanted money from me to bail Gabe out of jail, it sounds like he’ll be going to prison for a long time.”

  “I think that’s probably a fair assessment. I understand Gabe is still in jail, so I gather you didn’t arrange for him to get out of jail on bail.”

  “No. After all I’ve put up with him from one affair after another, his lies, his cheating, and his inept handling of his business affairs, this is karmic justice. He deserves whatever he gets. I met Marcy Black once and tried to convince her that Gabe was not the man he told her he was. She didn’t believe me. I don’t envy her. From what I hear, she’s suffered a lot of losses lately. It’s strange, but I feel the best I’ve felt in a long time. I feel free and it’s a new, refreshing feeling for me. Now I can concentrate on my dogs and the kennels. I’m even thinking of expanding my kennel business.”

  “I understood from Angie that your dogs are your passion.”

  “They are. I have three of my own and every time a litter is born, I feel like I have new little babies. Sounds crazy, but yes, they are my passion. Speaking of that, is there any chance you could come out to the kennel this afternoon? I have a thank you present for you.”

  “Jackie, you don’t need to give me anything. I’m just glad that something good is coming out of this.”

  “Well, I know I don’t need to give you anything, but I would like to thank you in person. How about four this afternoon?”

  “All right. I’ll see you then.” Well, that turned out a whole lot different than I thought it would. Wonder why she was so insistent I meet her at the kennel this afternoon.

  Later that afternoon Kelly drove up the tree-lined driveway to Lewis Kennels and saw the same car that had been at Marcy’s several days earlier, the SUV with Lewis Kennels written in bold white letters on it. Her tires crunched on the gravel as she pulled into the parking place in front of the office. Almost immediately Angie and another woman walked out the door.

  “You must be Kelly,” the attractive woman said, holding out her hand. “I’m Jackie. Thanks for coming. I apologize for my appearance. I was cleaning up one of the kennels and I’m sure I look like a mess.” Her jeans and blue denim shirt were stained and Kelly could see some strands of hay that had gotten caught in the long braid that hung down her back. “I’ve got something I want to show you. Please, come with me.”

  Kelly followed her into the yellow lab kennel where she’d bought Lucky. If possible, it seemed like there were even more dogs than there had been a few days earlier. Jackie walked down the center aisle to the back of the kennel and stopped in front of a wire enclosure. Inside was the most beautiful puppy Kelly had ever seen. It sat looking up at her with large chocolate brown eyes. Kelly knelt down and held out her hand, palm down. The puppy gently licked it and then held its paw out to Kelly. She took it in her hand and turned to look up at Jackie. “She’s beautiful. I wish I had someone who needed her.”

  “From what I heard, you might just be the perfect candidate for a new puppy. I heard you have a big beautiful boxer who’s pretty much been your guard dog. I also heard that the boxer is becoming attached to your fiancé and you need a little more feminine energy in your house. This little girl is a gift from me to you. You’ve done more for me than you’ll ever know and this is one small way for me to say thank you.”

  Jackie opened the door of the wire enclosure, walked in, and scooped the beautiful puppy up in her arms. She turned around and handed her to Kelly. “Her dam was the best in class at Westminster and her sire placed first in the Canadian dog show that’s on par with Westminster. Her lineage is impeccable. She’ll make a great family dog or she might just help you in some of the other things I hear you do. She’s one of the smartest little dogs I’ve ever had.”

  Kelly held the squirming little yellow bundle of fur in her arms as tears started to flow down her cheeks. “Jackie, where did you hear all this about me? This seems to be a lot more than random guessing on your part.”

  “Well, a little birdie by the name of Sheriff Mike told me when I called to thank him for arresting Gabe. I told him I wanted to do something for him and that’s when he told me about you. He said to tell you it was a wedding present from him to you and no, I refused to be paid for the dog. I just want the dog to have a good home and I’m certain she will.”

  “I’m totally speechless and from what people say about me, that doesn’t happen very often. Thank you so much.”

  Jackie reached out her hand and stroked the little puppy. “Have a good life, little girl.” She turned away, her eyes glistening.

  Kelly walked out the door to the minivan where a dog bed and puppy food had been placed next to it. Angie waved as Kelly carefully put the puppy in the dog bed and placed it in the back seat.

  Well, some days you just never know what’s going to happen in your life and this is definitely one of those days. She heard a contented sigh coming from the back seat as she turned the minivan south towards Cedar Bay.

  Recipes!

  There's a surprise following the recipes.

  CALICO BEAN BAKE

  ½ pound hamburger

  ½ pound bacon (cut in 1” pieces)

  1 cup chopped onion

  ½ cup catsup

  1 teaspoon salt

  ½ cup brown sugar

  1 teaspoon mustard

  1 16 oz. can kidney beans

  1 16 oz. can butter beans

  1 16 oz. can pork and beans

  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

  Brown the hamburger and bacon. Add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent. Place the mixture in an ovenproof casserole dish. Stir in the catsup, salt, sugar, and mustard.

  Drain kidney beans and butter beans and add to the mixture. Add the can of pork and beans, undrained, to the mixture. Stir mixture until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Bake for 40 minutes. Enjoy!

  MORMOR’S GRAVLAX

  1 salmon filet, approximately 3 lbs

  1 large bunch of dill (reserve a few sprigs for garnish)

  ¼ cup kosher salt

  ¼ cup sugar

  2 tablespoons crushed peppercorns (I crush them in a small food

  processor)

  1 tablespoon whole fennel seeds

&nbs
p; Pumpernickel bread, cocktail size rye bread, or crackers for

  serving

  Optional – diced red onion, diced hard-boiled egg, capers

  Remove any bones that may be in the filet using a pair of needle nose pliers or tweezers. Cut the salmon filet in half crosswise and place half of it, skin side down, in a flat deep dish. Wash and pat the dill dry and place it on top of the filet. Combine the salt, sugar, peppercorns, and fennel seeds in a small bowl and sprinkle them evenly over the filet. Place the other half of the salmon on top, skin side up. Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Place a pan weighted with food cans on top of the foil. Refrigerate the salmon for two days, turning the fish every 12 hours. Baste with the liquid that will accumulate in the bottom of the dish.

  Drain the liquid and wipe the fish clean. Using a sharp thin knife, slice the salmon filets across the grain in long thin slices, removing the skin as you cut it. Arrange the slices on a serving platter. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to serve, surround the salmon with bread or crackers and place the mustard sauce in the center. Scatter the chopped, reserved dill, on top of the thinly sliced salmon. You may also sprinkle the optional diced red onion, diced hard-boiled egg, and capers on top.

  MUSTARD SAUCE

  ¼ cup Dijon mustard

  1 teaspoon ground dry mustard

  3 tablespoons sugar

  2 tablespoons white wine vinegar

  1/3 cup olive oil

  3 tablespoons chopped fresh dill

  Combine the mustards, sugar, and vinegar in a small bowl. Slowly whisk in the olive oil and stir in the chopped dill. Serve chilled with the gravlax. Enjoy!

  DUTCH RICHARDS KILLER CHOCOLATE CAKE

  2 cups plain flour

  2 cups sugar

  1 teaspoon baking soda