Marriage and Murder (Cedar Bay Cozy Mystery Book 4)

by Dianne Harman

  “You’re the sheriff, I’m not, but yes, I think Celia would qualify as a suspect since she had a gun hidden in her nightstand. Other than being brother and sister, I have no idea what the relationship was between Jesse and Celia, or what possible motive she might have for wanting to kill Jesse, but maybe I should talk to her.”

  “No Kelly, if anyone is going to talk to her, I should be the one to do it.”

  “Right, you’re absolutely right, Sheriff Mike. That was simply a slip of the tongue on my part.”

  “Uh-huh.”

  “Anyway, back to the suspects,” she said. “So we have, sorry, I meant to say you have Celia, the Pellino brothers, and I’m kind of wondering about the guy at the Book Nook. He might qualify as a suspect.”

  “True, but the problem is the members of the group are anonymous and we don’t know who he is. I don’t think they even use their last names. I doubt if there’s a sign-in sheet or anything with their names on it. Kelly, I can see something going on in your mind. What are you thinking?”

  “Just wondering what I should serve with the Reubens, Mike, nothing all that important,” she said innocently, glad he didn’t have access to her mind. I think I know how I can find out the identity of the man at the Book Nook.

  Later, as they were finishing dinner, Mike said, “I don’t know how you can make a simple sandwich taste so good, but that was a perfect way to end the day. Now for that raspberry tart.”

  “I’ll be back in a minute. I never brought the pieces in from the refrigerator in the garage,” she said, carrying their dinner plates over to the sink. When she walked back into the room with the two tart pieces she saw Mike talking on his cell phone. She set a piece of the tart in front of him. He mouthed the words “Thank you,” and continued to listen as someone talked.

  “Thanks Leo, at least that gives us something solid to go on. I appreciate your calling after hours. Enjoy your evening.”

  “Who was that, the coroner?”

  “Yes. This is starting to get interesting,” Mike said, putting a piece of the tart on his fork. “This has to be the prettiest and best non-chocolate dish ever.” He continued, “Leo said he was pretty sure that the bullet he took from Jesse’s body was fired from a .38 caliber pistol. He’s sending it to the state police and they’ll give it to their ballistics expert for confirmation. Considering how long Leo’s been at this, I think I can take it to the bank that Jesse was killed by a .38 caliber pistol.”

  “If he’s right, that’s the same caliber gun that was in Celia’s nightstand.”

  “Believe me, sweetheart, I’m well aware of that, but the question remains, is that the gun that killed Jesse? Even if it is, it doesn’t necessarily mean that Celia did it. I know it’s quite a coincidence, but it still wouldn’t hold up in a court of law or before a jury. They want facts, and the fact they would demand to know is who used that gun to kill Jesse.”

  “I see what you mean. Don’t forget about Sydney, his ex-wife. If she knows about the life insurance policy, that’s a pretty good motive, and she and Celia are good friends. She might have even known that Celia had hidden the gun in her nightstand. She could have removed the gun from under the nightstand drawer, shot poor Jesse with it and then returned the gun back to its hiding place in the nightstand. Once Jesse is dead, she gets the life insurance money.”

  “Well, I see that I have my work cut out for me for the next couple of days. Should be interesting.”

  That it should be, Kelly thought. Now I need to see if I can find out some more about the Book Nook guy. I have a feeling about him.

  CHAPTER 13

  Kelly had just finished putting the dishes in the dishwasher and was getting ready to join Mike and watch one of their favorite television shows when her cell phone rang.

  She looked at the monitor, and saw that it was Julia. “Hi, darling. Appreciated the message from you last night that you and Cash made it back safely, and that you were able to get him to the airport in plenty of time to catch his flight. Actually, I was going to call you later on and thank you for coming up here and for all your help with the wedding. I do have some bad news. Remember Jesse Allen, the man who provided all the wine for the reception? The sad thing is he was shot and killed yesterday in his shop. Mike and I were the ones who discovered him. Mike has no idea who did it, so that’s kind of overshadowed our post-wedding plans. We only had a honeymoon for about half a day.”

  “Oh, Mom, I’m so sorry. He seemed like such a nice man. Was he married or did he have any children?”

  “No, he’s divorced, and to my knowledge he never had any children. I know his mother and sister. They both live here in Cedar Bay. His father passed away about a year ago. He was one of the regulars at the coffee shop, and towards the end I used to take his favorite foods to him at home a couple of times a week. I feel sorry for his mother. She’s a nice woman, and she said something to me when I told her about Jesse that’s so sad. She said no mother was supposed to outlive her children. You just never think you’ll outlive your children.”

  “Please give her my condolences if you see her. I assume you’ll be going to the funeral.”

  “I don’t think so. I heard today she’d decided not to have one. She’s going to have him cremated. Evidently she felt she couldn’t go through another funeral. Her daughter, Celia, moved in with her after her divorce, so at least she’s not alone. I think she and Jesse were pretty close. My heart really goes out to her, but enough of that. How are things in San Francisco?”

  “Things are good. I wanted to talk to you a little more about Brad and his daughters. I have a huge favor to ask of Mike. Do you think there’s any chance he could have a DNA test run on Brad and his daughters? I was able to get strands of hair from all three of them without any of them finding out, and I was hoping Mike could use them for a DNA test. I really don’t want Brad to know about this in case it turns out badly.”

  “Mike and I talked briefly about it. He’s concerned about what would happen if it turns out that Brad’s not the father of the girls.”

  “He’ll never know. I’ve decided not to tell him anything about this. If it’s good news, of course I’ll share it with him, and he’ll be ecstatic, but if it’s bad news, I’ll keep it to myself.”

  “Julia, that’s a big secret to keep all to yourself, and starting a marriage off with a big secret like that could present some problems down the road. Marriage is all wine and roses in the beginning, but as time goes by there will be some bumps in the road. I don’t know of any marriage that’s been one hundred percent wine and roses, and if someone says theirs is, it’s been my experience they’re not being honest, or their head is stuck in the sand.”

  “I know what you’re saying, Mom, and I understand why you’re saying it, but if Mike can’t or won’t do it, I’ll find someone in San Francisco to do it. I see ads for that kind of thing all the time. I even saw one recently where if you sent a sample of your dog’s hair in to them, their lab could tell you what kind of breed the dog was. I do have to admit it sounded kind of far-fetched, but maybe it’s legit. Anyway, do you think Mike would do it for me?”

  “I don’t know. I’ll talk to him a little more about it.”

  “Actually, Mom, I sent the hair samples off to you by FedEx this afternoon. You should have it tomorrow morning. How long do you think it will take?”

  “I have no idea. I know Mike is pretty reluctant about getting involved in this. I’ve heard that there can be a long wait to get the results, but if Mike’s willing, he might be able to have it done on a priority basis. Let me see what he says, and I’ll call you tomorrow.”

  “Mom, I really appreciate it, and don’t worry. I have a feeling everything’s going to work out fine.”

  “All right, if you say so, and you’re the one who knows Brad. I don’t. I’m just telling you what I think, but the ultimate decision is yours, and it sounds like you’ve made up your mind.”

  “I’ve got to go. I have to help Brad give the girls
their nightly bath. Talk to you tomorrow or the day after.”

  “Bye, love.”

  Mike looked at her when she walked into the room where he was watching television. “Everything okay?” he asked.

  “Yes and no. I just hope Julia knows what she’s doing. We’ll be getting test samples of Brad’s and the girls’ hair tomorrow by FedEx.”

  “So she decided to go ahead with the DNA test, right?”

  “Yes. You probably heard my end of the conversation. I’m not sure it’s a good idea.”

  “Well Mom, I’ve never had children, but I’ve often heard that at some point in time a child has to cut the apron strings. Seems like she’s snipped yours. I know this probably isn’t going to make either one of you happy, but after thinking about it, I just don’t want to get involved. It could be a disaster for all of us. I’ll call Julia in a day or so and tell her why I’ve made that decision, so you don’t have to get involved.”

  “I can’t say I’m happy about your decision, but I understand why. No matter what you tell her I’m still going to be in the middle of it. I’ll just have to make the most of it. I wish she’d never asked. You know, when I was a young girl, I remember thinking when I grew up I’d be able to control everything in my life once I was an adult. I thought I would be able to do whatever I wanted to do. I’ve certainly found that not to be true. Here I am with a friend murdered, and I don’t know who did it, and my daughter is sending her fiancé’s DNA evidence to us in hopes a lab will confirm that he’s the father of the girls he calls his daughters. No, I’m definitely not in control. Seems like the outside forces are winning!”

  “Why don’t you stick to just worrying about Julia and let me worry about the murder?”

  “Okay. It probably would make my life easier.”

  “Wrong, sweetheart, I think you have it backwards. I think it would make my life easier!”

  CHAPTER 14

  “Mornin’ Madison. How are you?” Kelly asked as she walked up to the door of the coffee shop.

  “I’m enjoying this week with no classes. It’s nice to have a little time when I don’t have to study every spare minute of the day.”

  “I’ll bet. I understand the cosmetology course like the one you’re taking is quite time consuming and difficult. Are you learning anything from working part-time at Wanda’s Beauty Salon?”

  “A lot. It really helps to see in person what I’m reading about in the books. I’m so glad I could go to cosmetology school. I just love it, and I have you to thank for it.”

  “My pleasure. I’m just pleased I was able to help you with the financial part. As I told you before, pay me back when you can. I’m happy that you’re still able to work here, although I know it’s just a matter of time before I lose you permanently.”

  “I’ll be here a few more months.”

  “Good. The customers really like you, and I know they’re going to miss you.”

  “Well, everybody needs their hair cut, men and women, so they can come to Wanda’s and see me,” Madison said, smiling.

  “To change the subject, how’s your dad doing?”

  “Great. It’s been almost eight months now since he stopped drinking. We’ve really developed a close father-daughter relationship.”

  “That’s wonderful. I know he consulted with Doc about his addiction to alcohol, but did he go to AA meetings or do anything else special?” Kelly asked.

  “Yes, he’s really active in AA, and I think it’s good for him. He goes to a couple of meetings a week. Matter of fact, his favorite one is today at lunch time. They meet at the bank. Guess there’s a room there the bank uses for staff meetings, and they let the AA group meet there once a week. Why?”

  “I’d like to talk to your dad. Is he at home this morning?”

  “Yes, it was too foggy this morning to take the boat out in the bay and fish. This talk of AA worries me, Kelly. You’re not having a problem, are you?”

  “No, honey. I just need a little information about the process for someone else, not for me. Would it be all right if I called your dad later this morning?”

  “Of course. When it’s foggy like this he usually goes back to bed, but he’ll be up around 7:00. Any time after that would be fine.”

  A few hours later, Kelly said, “Roxie, I need to make a call. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

  “Hi Dave, this is Kelly Reynolds, formerly Kelly Conner. I’m the one who owns Kelly’s Koffee Shop where Madison works.”

  “Of course, Kelly. I know who you are. By the way, I don’t think I’ve ever properly thanked you for getting Doc to help me with my drinking problem. You know, I’ve been sober eight months now, and I feel the best I can ever remember. Believe it or not, the fish seem to know, and I’m catching a lot more of them than I ever did before. Life’s pretty good, thanks to you!”

  “I’m glad I was able to help. I’ve got a little favor to ask of you. I understand there’s a man who attends AA meetings in the area who feels very strongly about people who own wine shops or liquor stores. I’ve heard that he says they’re doing the devil’s work. I’d like to know who he is, but I also know there’s a code of anonymity among the people who attend the meetings.”

  “That’s pretty much the main thing, Kelly. I don’t know any of their last names. I do know the man you’re talking about, and he rants constantly about liquor store owners, and how something should be done about them. Tell you what. I pretty much owe my life to you, so I feel like I owe you a favor. The guy will probably be at the AA meeting at the bank at noon today. We meet from 12:00 to 1:00 and I’m going to the meeting. Why don’t you be on the sidewalk a few minutes before 1:00, and when we come out, I can gesture or whisper to you what the guy’s wearing or something like that. Strictly speaking, that’s not giving his name or identity away. Whatever you decide to do after that is your business.”

  “Dave, I really appreciate it. See you a few minutes before 1:00. Thanks.”

  She walked over to the cash register. “Roxie, I have an errand I have to do today. I need to leave about 12:45. It starts to slow down about that time anyway, and Madison’s here to help. Okay with you if I take off then? I’m not sure if I’ll be back.”

  “Sure, Kelly. Everything okay? You’ve never done this before.”

  “Yes. Everything’s fine. I just need to check on something. Here’s a spare key. If I’m not back, please lock up. Thanks.”

  Roxie took a long look at her. “Kelly, don’t know what you’re up to, but somehow I don’t think Mike would be happy about it. Be careful, you hear?”

  “Yes, ma’am. I promise I will.” At 12:45 that afternoon, Kelly said, “Come on, Lady, let’s go.” They’d never before left the coffee shop prior to closing time. Lady sensed that something was definitely going on, and she wanted to be a part of it. She dutifully followed Kelly down the pier to the parking lot where they got in her minivan, Lady alert and ready for what she was sure would be a new adventure.

  *****

  Promptly at 1:00, Kelly stood a few feet down the sidewalk from the door of the bank. When several people started coming out at the same time, she was certain the AA meeting had ended. A deeply tanned tall, rangy man with blond sun-bleached hair walked over to her and said, “Kelly, it’s good to see you again.”

  “Hi, Dave! You look absolutely great. I almost wouldn’t have recognized you. I can see that the last eight months have definitely treated you well.”

  “They have indeed, thanks to you. Kelly, I think the person you’re interested in is the man wearing the blue sweater who is just walking out now. And I probably should tell you he said at today’s meeting it was about time someone took care of Jesse Allen, the owner of The Crush. I know he was the one who was recently murdered. Be careful.”

  “Don’t worry, I will, and thanks, Dave.” She turned away from him and crossed the street, watching the man in the blue sweater out of the corner of her eye. He walked to his car which was parked not too far from her minivan where
Lady was patiently waiting for her. He started his car and drove to the highway that led out of town. Kelly followed at a discreet distance, staying three cars behind him. Her minivan was grey, and Mike always teased her that she’d never be given a ticket, because it was a thoroughly unmemorable car and cops look for more memorable cars. Hope he’s right, she thought. Hope the guy doesn’t spot me.

  The man drove north from Cedar Bay for several miles then turned away from the ocean, driving up a gravel road. She saw a mailbox where the gravel road met the highway and read the name on it, “Richard Larson.” She took out her phone and made a note on it with his name.

  “Lady, think we’ll go home early today. Need to do a little research on the computer, and it’s probably better if Mike’s not home when I do it.”

  She made a U-turn and headed back towards Cedar Bay.

  *****

  “Okay, Lady, time for me to get to work,” Kelly said, heading down the hall to her home office where her computer was located, her footsteps clicking on the wooden floor. She knew she had a little time before Mike would be home, and she wanted to see what she could find out about Richard Larson. She booted up her computer and Googled Richard Larson. She quickly scanned the three pages where his name was mentioned and then went back to the beginning.

  An hour later and after printing out several articles about him, she felt she had a pretty good sense of the man. He was forty-five years old, divorced, and a former insurance executive who had moved to the area from Seattle. Evidently the insurance company where he worked had let him go. He’d been arrested several times for driving under the influence and had even spent some time in jail. One article said that he’d had a revelation while he was in jail that alcohol was the root of all evil, and he’d vowed to wage a campaign to eliminate all liquor and wine stores in the State of Oregon. He traveled throughout the state, speaking to groups about the evils of alcohol. He was presently working for an insurance agent in Sunset Bay, but all of Beaver County was his territory. He’d been interviewed multiple times by members of the press regarding his attempts to have alcohol banned in Oregon. One of his interviewers had described him by using the terms “rabid” and “fanatical.”