by Essie Lang
Chapter Five
“That meal was absolutely delish—and filling,” Savannah said with a broad smile. “Thank you so much, Shelby. I want you to know that I’ve enjoyed this afternoon more than most signings. I’m just sorry we weren’t able to meet your aunt to also thank her. She and I have been carrying on a delightful email exchange.”
Shelby marveled at how Savannah had been able to keep up the cheery dialogue throughout the meal. In fact, she hadn’t mentioned the verbal encounter with Jenna Dunlop at all. Shelby had realized she should follow the woman’s lead and do the same. She did notice, though, that Savannah kept glancing at the door and had been startled when their food arrived. She looked exhausted whenever she stopped talking, and Shelby hoped she’d be able to get a good night’s sleep before the next day’s signing and her overnight stay in the castle. Who knew how restful that would be?
“Oh, I know Edie’s very upset about missing this too. She loves being in the bookstore and meeting authors in particular. I doubt she’ll be able to get around tomorrow, and she definitely won’t be able to come over to the island, but we’ll see.” Shelby sat lost in thought for a few seconds, worried about what was happening at the hospital.
“Well, please give her my best.”
“I will, and I know I speak for her, too, when I say we were really delighted you included Bayside Books in your book tour and allowed us to do a launch. How did you start writing true crime?”
“I really didn’t know what I wanted to write when I first started out. I just knew I wanted to give it a try, and then someone in my online writing group suggested a mystery. But when I got into doing all the research about murder methods, I got hooked on finding out more. True crime just seemed a good fit at that point. Does that sound a bit weird?”
Shelby smiled. “Nothing in the publishing world sounds weird to me. And that was obviously the right choice for you.”
“It was, but I’m starting to feel like I want a challenge these days, to try something a bit different. I thought that writing about a cold case would do it. And when I heard about Blye Castle and the unsolved murder of Joe Cabana, it just clicked.” Savannah took another sip of her wine. “I really like Alexandria Bay. It has a homey feel about it. Have you lived here all your life?”
“No, my dad and I moved away to Boston when I was three. It was just the two of us. I moved back only a few months ago, and it does feel homey but also sort of strange. What about you two? How long have you been engaged?” She looked from Savannah to Liam, hoping her abrupt change of subject didn’t seem odd to them. She didn’t want to get any further into the reason her dad had moved her away, and she found it so easy to talk to Savannah that she was worried she might do just that.
“Six months, two weeks, and some hours,” Liam answered. “Not that I’m counting.”
Savannah laughed and reached for his hand. “We met at a writers’ event, and after I signed my book for him, Liam swept me off my feet. Didn’t you, babe?”
“Yes, I’ll take credit for that. And, not to change the topic, but I also want to thank you for tonight, Shelby. I’m actually surprised to find such an amazing menu in such a small town. And this place looks trendy. Again, not what I’d expected.”
Shelby glanced around at what had started life as a mansion in the early 1900s. She guessed that some interior walls had been removed to give the layout an open and spacious feel. The earthy colors blended well with the stone fireplace that anchored one side of the room, right next to the massive dark oak staircase leading to what she imagined were offices and possibly more seating areas. She’d never asked. What had caught her attention the first time she’d been there was the wide wraparound porch that, in summer, offered another delightful eating area. She’d reserved a table for that night next to the large picture window in the front, which allowed a view of both the tiny white lights twinkling under the roof all year round and, in the distance, the larger lights of the harbor.
“The owner, Drew Bryant is Trudy’s son, from the bookstore. He’s a trained chef.”
“Really? How nice for Trudy,” Savannah said with a laugh. “I love the name of the restaurant, Absinthe & Aurum. It’s very memorable, as is the food. Now, if I could just get Liam cooking.”
He smiled. “Once you start doing all the housework, babe.”
Shelby laughed. She’d enjoyed the last two hours chatting with the couple.
“Well, we really are delighted you’re here, and I’m so looking forward to the signing at the castle tomorrow,” Shelby said. “As you may have noticed, we have many enthusiastic and avid readers in town, and tomorrow we’ll add the tourists to that customer base.”
“We’re both looking forward to seeing the castle, also,” Liam answered.
“Do you mind if I ask why you want to sleep in the castle?” Shelby asked, looking at Savannah.
Savannah glanced quickly at Liam before answering. “It’s for research, but also, partly, because I’m fascinated by it,” Savannah admitted, crossing her arms on the table and leaning toward Shelby. “The castle, the island—they’re romantic, and yet, so mysterious. Don’t you feel that way, spending all that time there?”
Shelby nodded. “I do. I totally understand. I remember when I asked my aunt why she wanted a bookstore on the island, she said it was because of the romance of it.”
“Exactly. She’s right. I feel the same way even though I’ve never been there. It would have been the perfect spot to spend the weekend with Liam, but I need to stay focused on the research. Especially if Joe Cabana is wandering around.”
She winked at Shelby, who glanced at Liam, but his face didn’t give away a thing.
“Why Joe Cabana?”
Savannah smiled and tucked a few strands of hair behind her ears. “I’m fascinated by his story, especially about all the rum running during Prohibition. It’s history, although it also seems so current, what with all the news items I’ve been reading about the smuggling going on these days on the river. Just like the old days. And then there are all the stories about his connections to the Mafia and, finally, his murder. From what I’ve read, it wasn’t a mob hit. Maybe something to do with love?” She paused and leaned forward, lowering her voice. “And also, what if those stories about Joe Cabana’s ghost are true? I’m open to that. Maybe he’ll speak to me and I can add a proper ending to his story.”
She grinned, but Shelby couldn’t tell how seriously she took the whole idea about the ghost. Savannah didn’t mention the curse, either. Of course, the first Shelby had heard about it was when Jenna Dunlop had mentioned one earlier. Maybe Savannah would find out about it in her research. Or maybe Shelby should ask her aunt.
“So, is it his ghost or the illegal activities that first caught your attention?” Shelby asked.
“Oh, definitely the smuggling part of it. I was intrigued when I read about the current-day smuggling ring that was broken up by the Coast Guard recently. In fact, I have an appointment on Monday morning with someone over at their station, but I’m hoping I won’t be handed the standard line. You wouldn’t happen to have any contacts, would you?”
She looked so hopeful, Shelby almost blurted out Zack’s name, but she knew it would be best to ask him first. “I do know someone, and I’ll ask him for you.” She glanced at her watch. “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to rush, but I’m anxious to get over to the hospital before it gets too late and see how my aunt is doing.” Edie had already arranged with Drew for the store to be billed for the meal.
“Of course,” Savannah said, reaching across the table and giving Shelby’s hand a squeeze. “Please give her our best wishes, and thanks again for everything.” She looked at Liam. “I think we’ll just hang around for another drink before heading back to the hotel, shall we?”
Shelby stood, resisting the urge to ask at least one question about the incident at the store. Not the time. “Please do. Enjoy the rest of the evening. I’ll see you at one thirty tomorrow afternoon. We’ll start the signi
ng at two and go for two hours. You’re all right catching the boat on your own?”
Liam stretched his arms out to the sides and leaned back in his chair, grinning. “I have been known to take various modes of transportation on my own. I can even handle a skiff or a small motorboat if need be.”
Savannah hit him lightly on his upper arm. “Don’t mind him. We’ll be there. Don’t worry about us. I’m really looking forward to it all. It’ll be quite the adventure.”
Chapter Six
The next morning, Shelby got up early after a restless night and took her time getting ready to go in to the store. She felt like she’d barely slept and wondered if she could hide away in the back room at the store later for a short nap. Not going to happen. For one thing, she didn’t have a chair in there. Something to think about? Probably not.
She wasn’t sure why she felt unsettled. After all, Edie was in good hands. Matthew’s. And she was prepared for the book signing. What could go wrong? Maybe that was it. She couldn’t think of anything, but she didn’t want to jinx the day.
As she fed J.T., she thought about how much she had enjoyed the dinner the night before. Usually, she felt on edge when in a new social situation, but with Savannah and Liam, she had been relaxed.
She sat at the kitchen counter, coffee in hand, watching the cat scarf down his food for a few minutes, then heated a croissant in the microwave and took it and her coffee to the upper deck. J.T. was right on her heels, and as soon as she sat, he leaped onto her lap. Like he’d been doing this for years. That brought a smile to Shelby’s lips. A nice change from the worry lines she was certain had been etched into her face the previous night, after what had happened to Edie. Incidents like that drove home how fond she’d grown of her aunt, even though part of her still struggled with the fact that both her father and aunt had deceived her about what had happened to her mom for so many years. She gave her head a shake, as she always did these days when the disturbing thoughts returned. She was grateful for what she had now.
However, she was a bit hesitant about the coming of the winter months and the fact that her home, the houseboat she rented, would be pulled out of the water and berthed on land. She’d have to move, giving up the somewhat exotic lifestyle she’d been enjoying for several months. Shelby’s contingency plan was to move into Edie’s house, the Cox family home since the mid-1920s. When she’d first moved to town, she’d been hesitant to give up her independence even for a few months. But now that she had made the decision to stay, she was sure a few months in the house would work out just fine.
Shelby had to admit it would give her the chance to ask some more questions about her mom and dad. What better way than to be in the same house as Edie for hours on end?
She had stopped by the hospital after dinner the night before to check on Edie. The fact that her aunt had refused to stay overnight had created a whole new batch of problems in Shelby’s mind, but she had been assured by both Edie and Matthew that everything would work out just fine. In fact, Edie had insisted the injury wasn’t all that serious. While Shelby highly doubted that, she knew when to back off and exit gracefully. Matthew had said he’d take care of Edie. She wanted to find him and have a talk about Edie as soon as they both got to the island in the morning.
Pushing worries about Edie to the side momentarily were other concerns about what had happened the afternoon before in the store. She still couldn’t believe that woman had actually made a scene, but she had seen and heard the encounter herself. She also realized that Savannah could easily have canceled the second signing. Shelby thought that was what she might have done in the same position. She was grateful that hadn’t happened and was determined to make sure the day’s event went smoothly and happily. Although she had a small fear the woman might show up again. Maybe she should mention it to Matthew and he could keep an eye out for her.
No wonder she hadn’t slept well.
She quickly checked her smartphone and looked for Jenna Dunlop on Twitter. If the woman had followed through on her threat, Shelby wanted to be prepared. However, she couldn’t find an account in that name, nor was there any hint of a scandal on Savannah’s Twitter feed.
Shelby glanced around the bay one more time, her eyes resting on several ducks floating away from her houseboat. She hated to leave such a tranquil spot, but on the other hand, she also loved being at the bookstore. She left J.T. on the chair, wondering if he would follow her inside and spend the day cooped up or decide it was a day for wandering.
She finished getting ready, grabbed her bags, and was just about to pull the door shut as she left when J.T. dashed inside. She’d made the right choice in leaving out some extra dry food.
She decided to go directly to the shuttle and save her usual visit with Erica for the end of the day. She looked forward to that part of her routine, but today she couldn’t shake the apprehension that had plagued her overnight, and it wasn’t something she wanted to share. She was certain it wouldn’t take long for news about the bookstore confrontation to spread around town. She just hoped it didn’t bring out gossipers who’d want to bombard Savannah with questions.
The boat ride over to the island seemed choppier than usual, although there was lots of sun and not much of a wind. As she stepped onto the dock, she spotted Matthew at the bottom of the stairs. He was still there once she’d climbed them.
“I thought we should have a talk about Edie,” he said, and turned to lead the way up the path to the castle.
Uh-oh. That feeling had definitely returned. She’d planned to phone Edie from the store, not wanting to wake her if she was having a late-morning lie-in, but maybe she should have done so anyway. She unlocked the door and stepped inside, glad that Cody wasn’t due in for another hour.
“What’s up, Matthew? How is Aunt Edie this morning?” Shelby asked as she dropped her bags behind the counter.
“She’s assured me that she’ll be just fine and the whole thing happened because of that cat, so it could have happened to anyone, and not to fuss over her.”
Shelby chuckled. Her aunt sounded in fine form.
Matthew grinned and continued, “But I don’t think she should be working in the store on her own or even walking there.”
“I agree, and I’m sure we can work something out with Trudy. But when she does come back to the store, I could drive over in the mornings to drop her off before catching the shuttle. It’s overnight that I’m most concerned about.”
He leaned against the counter and pushed his ball cap back, leaving his hair in disarray. The look suited him, Shelby thought. Sort of intellectual, like her dad had often looked when he emerged from his study.
“She’ll probably be all right,” Matthew said. “There’s no reason for her to go upstairs in the house. It’s just getting her up the front steps and making sure she doesn’t go out back on her own.”
Shelby groaned. “Easier said than done.”
“I agree, but I think this really shook her up. The surgery had been expected, but this came from out of nowhere. Maybe she’ll be a bit more sensible in the future. There’s no way she wants to be housebound again and back to using a walker.”
“I’m sure she doesn’t, but she also seems to think she’s superwoman.”
“That kind of runs in the family.” He peered at her as if he was looking over the frames of nonexistent glasses.
Shelby chose to ignore that. “Do you have any suggestions?” She knew what she was hoping he’d say, that he’d stay over until she got better, but she was also prepared to volunteer if necessary.
He nodded. “I know you’ve got the cat to look after, so I could move in until she’s back on her feet. It’s slowing down on the island now, and as long as I get back here early in the mornings, it should be all right. I’ve got my own boat, as you know. Of course, I have to be here tonight for our overnight guest.”
Shelby tried to keep the smile from her face. “That would be great of you, Matthew. I know she’d appreciate it, and I certainl
y do, too. I could stay with her tonight.”
“I’m sure Trudy would be happy to do it also, if you give her a call.” He pulled his cap back down over his forehead. “Okay, it’s settled. Now I just have to convince Edie.” He winked and walked to the door. “By the way, that author sent over some flowers first thing this morning.”
She didn’t envy Matthew having to tell Edie of their new plans. But now she had a bookstore to run and a book signing to prepare for. And some flowers to enjoy. She found the bouquet of cut flowers, a variety of fall colors and varieties, in a green crystal vase, perched at the end of the counter. They certainly added a cheery note to the place. She wondered, yet again, about the encounter the day before and fervently hoped Jenna Dunlop didn’t reappear that day.
By one PM, Shelby wished she’d taken a break instead of opting to work right through her lunch hour. Although Cody had arrived on time, it had turned out to be a busy day, with lots of late-summer tourists. Shelby imagined many were anxious to get a final visit in to the castle before it closed for the winter. She bet it was like that at the other two tourist destinations in the Thousand Islands, Boldt Castle and Singer Castle, as well.
The bookstore door opened, and Shelby glanced up in anticipation. She hoped it wasn’t Savannah Page, because she planned to be at the dock to greet her, but the author could just as easily come early.
Chrissie Halstead, who handled PR and, temporarily, volunteers for the Heritage Society board of directors, entered and rushed over to the counter.
“Do you have any idea what’s happening out there in the main hall?” She pointed to the door.
“Uh, not really. I’ve been busy in here. What’s happening?”
“It’s crowded, that’s what, and I have them lined up and waiting for your signing to begin. I wonder if it had anything to do with that confrontation in your store yesterday?”
“You heard about that?”
“This is a small town, Shelby, and the news is all over. You shouldn’t be surprised. You know, they do say even negative publicity is good. But back to my concern. I’m worried about all these customers clogging the main entrance. They keep drifting towards it, and I can’t spare a volunteer to stand and keep an eye on them.” She glanced at the Fitbit on her wrist and gave it a tap. “Is your author here? Maybe you could start earlier to ease the congestion?”
