by Mary Ellis
BOOKS BY MARY ELLIS
SECRETS OF THE SOUTH MYSTERIES
Midnight on the Mississippi
What Happened on Beale Street
Magnolia Moonlight
Sunset in Old Savannah
CIVIL WAR HEROINES
The Quaker and the Rebel
The Lady and the Officer
THE NEW BEGINNINGS SERIES
Living in Harmony
Love Comes to Paradise
A Little Bit of Charm
THE WAYNE COUNTY SERIES
Abigail’s New Hope
A Marriage for Meghan
THE MILLER FAMILY SERIES
A Widow’s Hope
Never Far from Home
The Way to a Man’s Heart
STANDALONES
Sarah’s Christmas Miracle
An Amish Family Reunion
A Plain Man
The Last Heiress
HARVEST HOUSE PUBLISHERS
EUGENE, OREGON
Cover by Lucas Art and Design, Jenison, Michigan
Cover photos © Sean Pavone / iStock; Jon Bilous / Shutterstock; Joseph Leonardo / Wikimedia / Trolley / Flickr
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
SUNSET IN OLD SAVANNAH
Copyright © 2017 by Mary Ellis
Published by Harvest House Publishers
Eugene, Oregon 97402
www.harvesthousepublishers.com
ISBN 978-0-7369-6917-8 (pbk.)
ISBN 978-0-7369-6918-5 (eBook)
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Names: Ellis, Mary, author.
Title: Sunset in Old Savannah / Mary Ellis.
Description: Eugene, Oregon: Harvest House Publishers, [2017]
Identifiers: LCCN 2016039331 (print) | LCCN 2016047408 (ebook) | ISBN 9780736969178 (softcover) | ISBN 9780736969185 (ebook)
Subjects: LCSH: Murder—Investigation—Fiction. | Private investigators—Fiction. | Savannah (Ga.)—Fiction. | GSAFD: Christian fiction. | Mystery fiction.
Classification: LCC PS3626.E36 S87 2017 (print) | LCC PS3626.E36 (ebook) | DDC 813/.6—dc23
LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2016039331
All rights reserved. No part of this electronic publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, digital, photocopy, recording, or any other—without the prior written permission of the publisher. The authorized purchaser has been granted a nontransferable, nonexclusive, and noncommercial right to access and view this electronic publication, and purchaser agrees to do so only in accordance with the terms of use under which it was purchased or transmitted. Participation in or encouragement of piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of author’s and publisher’s rights is strictly prohibited.
DEDICATION
This book is dedicated to the late Mary Sue Seymour,
who was my agent for eleven productive years.
You picked me up out of obscurity and took me to…
a place a tad less obscure.
I miss our friendship and your wonderful,
positive attitude.
CONTENTS
Books by Mary Ellis
Dedication
Acknowledgments
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Chapter Thirty
Chapter Thirty-One
Chapter Thirty-Two
Chapter Thirty-Three
Chapter Thirty-Four
Chapter Thirty-Five
Chapter Thirty-Six
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Discussion Questions
About the Author
What Lies Beneath the Black Water of the Bayou?
How Can Music So Beautiful Hide Something So Deadly?
What Sinister Secrets Lurk in the Shadows of Yesterday?
About the Publisher
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Thanks to Catherine Neal, information officer for Chatham County, Georgia, and all the helpful folks manning the information booths throughout the historic section. What a pedestrian-friendly and bicycle-friendly and just-plain-friendly city Savannah is!
Thanks to the helpful dispatcher at Tybee Island Police Department. Although the island is relatively crime-free and hasn’t had a murder in recent history, she was willing to help with my plentiful what-ifs.
Thanks to David Laux, licensed insurance agent, for your insurance help, and to author Casey Daniels, for brainstorming with me. Where would I be without friends?
Thanks to Twisted Sushi and Grill of Medina. Although several of the restaurants mentioned in the book are real, Tanaka’s Culinary Creations is a figment of my imagination. I apologize in advance for any mistakes in my sushi making.
Thanks to my husband, Ken, who has accompanied me to Savannah many times. Researching with friends and family is so much more fun. I can’t wait to go back!
Thanks to my agent, Julie Gwinn; my editors, Laura Weller and Kim Moore; and the wonderful staff at Harvest House Publishers. Where would I be without your hard work?
ONE
September
If ever there was a perfect time for Beth Kirby to get out of town, it was now. While other parts of the country were enjoying the first crisp days of fall, the streets of Natchez, Mississippi, could melt the rubber off her worn-out tires. Her mother’s hints that Beth should attend dance lessons with her and Dad at the community college had become insistent demands. After all, lots of eligible men were taking lessons these days. Rita’s criteria would include any unmarried male between twenty-five and sixty who was still breathing without mechanical assistance. Then there was the obstruction of justice charge pending against her in district court. Despite her current partner’s assurance, the DA wouldn’t drop the second-degree felony until her former partner withdrew his complaint. And nasty Jack was living up to his reputation by taking his sweet time.
So why do I feel so uneasy? Beth parked in the shade and headed toward the back entrance of Price Investigations, only to be intercepted by her partner.
“I see you’re here on time for a change.” Michael Preston practically levitated out of his shoes with excitement.
“I’m always on time, give or take ten minutes.” She stepped around him. “Can we not act like sixth graders on a field trip to Graceland?”
Michael kept pace at her heels. “I thought you couldn’t wait to get out of Natchez for a while. Are you homesick already?”
“Hardly, but I know better than to get my hopes up too soon.” Beth pulled open the door and waved him in.
Always the gentleman, Michael refused to precede her inside. “You first, Miss Kirby.”
“On
e of you should come in,” said the office assistant. Maxine dragged Beth across the threshold by her sleeve. “Nate’s chomping at the bit to deliver some good news.”
Before she could free her arm from Maxine, Nate hollered from his office. “That you, Beth and Michael? Grab a cup of coffee and get in here.”
“Donuts, Miss Maxine?” Michael produced a bag from behind his back. “Cream-filled with icing and chocolate sprinkles—your personal favorite.”
Maxine snatched the bag from his fingers. “Be still, my beating heart.”
Beth rolled her eyes as she filled her mug. “Bring me a donut too,” she called over her shoulder. Belatedly, she remembered eating most of Nate’s M&M’s and then neglecting to replace the bag.
Their boss straightened in his upholstered leather chair, looking tan and well rested after his three-week vacation at the beach. “Make yourselves comfortable. I’m sorry that yesterday’s staff meeting deteriorated into an impromptu celebration, complete with mystery guests from all over the state.”
Beth took the chair closest to the door. “Never apologize for a party during work hours.”
“It’s not every day we hear a honeymoon was an unqualified success. A new baby on the way—congratulations, Nate.” Michael leaned against the windowsill, two donuts in one hand, coffee in the other.
“He and Isabelle have been married for two years, Einstein. It’s not like they’re rookies.” Recognizing the indelicate ground on which she trod, Beth swallowed a gulp of coffee and said, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean—”
“No problem,” laughed Nate. “The pregnancy came as a pleasant surprise, but enough about that. While Isabelle and I were sightseeing, I found a case for both of you.”
“Your wife said you were quite a hero in Mobile.” Beth reached for Michael’s second donut. “Chased some thug for three blocks, tackled him, and returned a little old lady’s purse to her.”
With his face turning a rosy shade, Nate waved off the praise. “I did what anyone would have done.”
“I don’t think so. Most bad guys pack loaded guns these days.”
“Fortunately, this particular miscreant carried no weapon to ruin my honeymoon or the other couple’s anniversary celebration. The woman’s husband offered me a reward, but I refused. Instead, I gave them some of our business cards to pass out when they got home, in case their friends need a good PI.”
“Is Mobile anywhere near Talladega?” asked Michael. “I’d love to see a NASCAR race.”
“It’s not, and the case isn’t in Mobile.” Nate took a tablet from his briefcase. “The couple I helped, Mr. and Mrs. Baer, had been vacationing in Mobile, but they live on the East Coast in Savannah. Thanks to the Baers talking up our talents, you two are going to a charming city steeped in history and home of the famous Oglethorpe Town Squares.”
“Like in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil?” asked Mike. “I read that book years ago. A couple of scenes kept me up all night.”
Beth swiveled to face her partner. “That book was fiction. Let’s stick to reality. What kind of case?” she asked, turning back to Nate.
“Surveillance. A friend of Mrs. Baer hired our agency to check up on her husband. Take some pictures and discern the facts. But we are not to intervene. You’ll create a file to present to her. What she does with it is her own business.”
“Ugh,” moaned Beth. “Spying on somebody’s spouse? Sounds like a job for Sleaze Incorporated.”
Nate’s jaw twitched. “The last time I checked, Miss Kirby, my name was on the paychecks around here. Which means we need to generate cash flow so those aforementioned paychecks don’t bounce.”
“She didn’t mean anything by that,” said Michael. “Beth just talks without thinking. Could you throw me the donut bag, Miss Maxine?”
Beth would have loved to put her partner in his place, but unfortunately Michael was right. “Sorry, Nate. Spending time in jail affected my judgment.”
“According to my sources, you were incarcerated for less than twenty-four hours. Your judgment was faulty long before that.” Nate reached for another donut. “What you need—what you both need—is a vacation. This new client has offered a hefty fee, plus a generous per diem for expenses. I would go myself, but Isabelle is eager to sleep in her own bed. I heard that Savannah is a lovely city with plenty to see and do, so tie up loose ends here within the next few days. I’ll handle anything that comes up while you’re gone.”
Michael scratched his scalp. “I’m confused. Are you giving us a free trip or a case to work?”
“It will be both. Plan to be gone a week to ten days, but the case shouldn’t take longer than a few days. With the generous per diem, you can stay someplace nice and enjoy some R&R with all expenses paid.”
Beth drained the last of her coffee. “It takes two PIs to snap grainy photos of a philandering husband?”
The legs of Nate’s chair hit the floor with a bang. “First of all, those photos had better not be grainy. Second, we don’t know that anybody is philandering. And if this assignment is beneath your dignity, Miss Kirby, you can always collect unemployment until something rolls in that meets your standards. What’s the matter with you?”
From the corner of her eye, Beth caught Michael shaking his sandy-blond head. How on earth could she admit the truth—that she hated spying on people who might be stepping out? “My mother has been asking that question for years.” Beth rose to her feet. “I would love to go to Savannah. Michael and I will do a great job. Our new client will be pleased as punch when we leave.”
“That’s better.” Nate pushed his notes across the desk. “Here’s the information you’ll need. Keep in touch. Call me at least every other day.”
“Are we driving or flying?”
“Your choice—fly and rent a car in Savannah or drive one of yours.”
They spoke simultaneously. “Fly,” said Michael.
“We’ll drive separately,” said Beth.
When the partners turned to face each other, Beth was quicker with an explanation. “Two cars will allow some personal free time. What if I want to go shopping while you search for the perfect workout gym?”
“Shopping for what—Cheetos and Diet Coke?” Michael quipped. “I’ve never known you to shop, Kirby.”
Nate wrote out a check and tore it from the pad. “This is part of the advance. Work out the details on your own, and remember to save receipts. I’ll tell Mrs. Evelyn Doyle you’ll be there in a few days to introduce yourselves and outline the services we’ll provide.” Nate’s forehead furrowed into deep creases. “Tell me now if this is a bad idea. If you two can’t play nice, I’ll send one of you on assignment while the other takes time off.”
Michael shook his head like a balky mule. “We got along fine when you were gone, Nate. Beth and I will sort out any concerns she might have.”
She glanced sideways to make sure Michael hadn’t been replaced by a politician on the campaign trail. Considering she would be the one taking time off, Beth smiled as widely as her lips allowed. “Don’t you worry about us. We’ll do the agency proud without unnecessary gunplay or public embarrassment.”
“Fine. When can you leave for Savannah?”
“I could be ready tomorrow—”
“We still have paperwork for the last case, Preston. Then there’s the small matter of criminal charges still pending against me. I’d hate to flee across state lines as a fugitive. Additionally, my girlfriend’s wedding is on Saturday. I don’t want to miss it.”
“Then plan to leave on Sunday. I’ll let Mrs. Doyle know, and I’ll call Chief McNeil and the Adams County district attorney to make sure all charges have been dropped. Now get out of here.” Nate pointed at the door. “I don’t want my crack detectives to hear me begging and pleading.”
“Thanks, boss. I owe you one.” Beth picked up the notebook.
“No, Miss Kirby. You owe me somewhere around one hundred fifty-seven.” He motioned for his door to be closed.
&nb
sp; On their way out, their assistant jumped to her feet as Michael passed her desk. “Let me know if I can print directions or set up hotel reservations.”
Amazing what donuts on a regular basis can do around the office, thought Beth.
“You’re a gem, Miss Maxine, but my new car has state-of-the-art GPS.”
“If Michael tries to make a wrong turn, the car ignores him and does what’s right.” Beth winked at her.
The fiftysomething assistant’s eyes grew round. “Is that true?”
“She’s pulling your leg. Hold down the fort while Beth and I do the agency proud.” Michael opened the door and waved Beth through like a trained dog.
“Don’t take any wooden nickels,” Beth said to Maxine.
“What’s the matter with you?” Michael asked the moment the door closed behind them. “I thought you would be eager to get out of Natchez and away from Detective Lejeune. Now you have got a week to let things cool down.”
“I am eager, but I don’t like taking photos of someone cheating on his wife.” Beth kept walking until they reached the street.
“You didn’t do anything wrong. You need to get over this…hang-up you have.”
“You’re right. I was just expecting a better case, that’s all.” Beth lifted her hair off her neck. Only sixty seconds without air-conditioning, and it felt hot and heavy against her skin.
“A case is a case, Beth. You want to get something healthy to eat?” Michael asked, glancing at his watch.
“Thanks, but I need to get my oil changed and stop at the drugstore. Then I must figure out what to wear to meet some rich society lady.”
“Pack some casual clothes too. Is there a Six Flags close to Savannah? I haven’t been on a roller coaster in ages.” Michael rubbed his palms together.
Beth laughed in spite of herself. “Why am I not surprised you love amusement parks? Okay, if there’s an amusement park, we’ll go. But you’d better not throw up on my shoes.”
“Not this trained professional.” He wiggled his eyebrows. “Are you sure we need two cars in Savannah? Parking could be expensive and hard to find. The more we economize, the more per diem we’ll have for the fun stuff.”
