Aunt Bessie Invites (An Isle of Man Cozy Mystery Book 9)

by Diana Xarissa

  Studying her friend in the doorway, Bessie thought she’d been just about right in her description to John. Mona was tiny, with grey hair in a tight bun and brown eyes that looked more lively than Bessie remembered.

  “How are you?” Bessie asked, giving the woman a gentle hug.

  “I’m very well,” Mona replied. “I do think the south of the island agrees with me, after all those years up north.” She led Bessie into a spacious sitting room with gorgeous views of the sea below.

  “What a wonderful view,” Bessie exclaimed.

  “Yes, it’s something special,” Mona agreed. “Frank would have hated it.”

  Bessie laughed. Mona’s husband, Frank Smythe, had worked for the island’s ferry service for many years. He once told Bessie he couldn’t understand why people were so interested in sea views. “I see the sea all the time,” he’d grumbled. “When I’m at home, I like to see trees and grass.”

  Frank had died of a heart attack some years earlier, and Bessie had been surprised when Mona had almost immediately sold their small house in Laxey and bought this seaside flat in Port Erin. Bessie had only seen the woman a couple of times in the intervening years, but clearly Mona was happy with her choice.

  “Do the children like it?” Bessie asked.

  Mona shrugged. “They’re both too busy with their lives to bother much with me,” she said. “Paul is in London. He married a positively nasty woman who insists that they spend every holiday and special occasion with her horrid family. At least they don’t have children to ruin. Mary and her husband, Jack, live in Derby. They have two adorable little ones and I’d love to see more of them, but Mary and Jack are both teachers and have no money to speak of. I’ll go and spend Christmas with them; I usually do.”

  Mona took Bessie into the modern kitchen and put the kettle on. A plate full of biscuits and small cakes was already in the centre of the table in one corner of the room. They both sat down with tea and a few biscuits and quickly caught up on a few mutual acquaintances before Bessie brought the conversation around to the real reason for her visit.

  “I was surprised you didn’t want to talk about Jacob Conover when I rang,” Bessie said, trying to keep her tone casual.

  Mona shrugged. “It isn’t that I don’t want to talk about him, exactly. I just don’t see the point.”

  “The police need all of the information they can get if they’re going to track down his killer,” Bessie said.

  “Yes, I’m sure they do,” Mona replied. “But I haven’t any useful information, that’s what I mean. I had dinner with the man a couple of times, but it was just a couple of times and it was a long time ago.”

  “I’m sorry, but I’m going to ask you some rude questions,” Bessie told her. “You don’t have to answer them if you don’t want to.”

  “I didn’t go to bed with him, if that’s what you’re wondering,” Mona told her.

  Bessie found herself blushing under the other woman’s steady gaze. “That wasn’t it at all,” she said quickly. “I was wondering who decided to end the relationship, that’s all.”

  Mona laughed. “I suppose that’s a rude question in its own way,” she said. “But I don’t mind answering it. As far as I can remember, it was pretty much a mutual decision.”

  Bessie deliberately bit into a biscuit, hoping that her silence might get Mona to reveal more.

  “I know,” Mona said after a moment. “Everyone who has ever been tossed aside says that it was mutual.” She laughed and took a drink of her tea. “In this case, though, it actually was. I liked Jacob and he was fun to spend time with, but we both knew it wasn’t going to lead anywhere.”

  “Why not?” Bessie asked.

  “I didn’t want to be a farmer’s wife,” Mona said. “I had big dreams in those days and they didn’t include the long hours and hard work that comes with owning a farm.”

  “I can certainly understand that,” Bessie said.

  “I didn’t really want to get married at all,” Mona continued. “I wanted to go to university and, well, never mind all of that.” Mona stopped and drank some tea, her cheeks pink.

  “What did you want to do?” Bessie asked.

  Mona sighed. “I thought I was going to be a famous writer,” she said sheepishly. “I read a lot of Agatha Christie’s books and I thought I would write mysteries like hers and make a fortune.”

  “It’s never too late to try,” Bessie said.

  “Oh, really, Bessie,” Mona said. “I’m far too old to start now. Anyway, I was working as a secretary in one of the schools when I met Frank, and my parents thought I ought to marry him. I was already twenty-five when I met him and my mum was convinced I’d be an old maid if I let him get away.”

  “I’m serious,” Bessie told her. “You’re never too old to chase your dreams. You should try writing a book.”

  “I never travelled or did anything exciting,” Mona replied. “I’ve nowhere exotic to set my murder.”

  “What wrong with the Isle of Man?” Bessie demanded.

  Mona laughed. “No one would want to read murder mysteries set on the Isle of Man,” she said emphatically. “But let’s get back to Jacob, shall we? I didn’t want to marry him and he didn’t want to settle down, really. So we went out a few times and then he moved on to the next girl who caught his eye, and I didn’t mind a bit.”

  “Some of the women involved must have minded a great deal,” Bessie said.

  “I don’t know,” Mona said. “Like I said, Jacob was a lot of fun, but he was very honest about his feelings. He liked keeping company with pretty young women, but he wasn’t looking for a wife or even a steady girlfriend. I’m sure one or two women wanted more, but as far as I remember, no one got more than a few dinners from him before he moved on.”

  “What about Karen Corlett?” Bessie asked.

  “Did he go out with Karen?” Mona replied. She sat back in her chair, a thoughtful look on her face. “I simply don’t remember,” she said after a minute. “I wouldn’t be surprised, as Karen was beautiful and sweet, but I don’t recall hearing about them as a couple. Then again, he went through women so quickly, I’m sure I didn’t hear about most of them.”

  “Who can you remember him going out with?” Bessie asked.

  Mona thought for another minute and then mentioned a few names. Everyone she could recall was already on Bessie’s list.

  “I don’t think I’m much help,” Mona said as she poured more tea for them both.

  “Tell me about Jacob,” Bessie invited her. “I only spoke to him once or twice and only for a moment. What was he like?”

  Mona nibbled her way through a custard cream before she answered. “He seemed quite sophisticated to me, especially considering I’d never been off the island. I don’t know where his money came from, but he certainly seemed to have plenty of it and he didn’t mind spending it, either. He took me out for nice meals and brought me flowers, as well.”

  “Someone suggested that he tried to persuade one of the women he went out with to move across with him,” Bessie said.

  “When we were together, he made it clear that he wasn’t looking for a serious relationship,” Mona replied. “But maybe he found someone else that he did get serious about.”

  “Who might have killed him?” Bessie asked.

  Mona shook her head. “I’ve been wondering that ever since I saw the photo in the paper,” she said. “I was at the pub the night before he was meant to be going home. Everyone who was there seemed quite sad that he was going. But he was going, that was certain. I can’t imagine why anyone would have killed him when he was leaving anyway.”

  “That’s certainly one question the police have to answer.”

  “I said he had plenty of money,” Mona said thoughtfully. “Maybe someone hit him over the head to steal his money and then found that they’d killed him by mistake.”

  “Surely, if that were the case, they’d have taken the watch as well?”

  “Maybe they thought th
e watch was too distinctive,” Mona suggested. “Considering how many people recognised it even after all these years, they were probably right, if that’s what happened.”

  “So what connects him to the Clague farm?” was Bessie’s next question.

  “I haven’t a clue,” Mona replied. “He may well have taken Fenella out, of course. She’d have been the right age. But beyond that, I can’t think of anything to connect him to the farm.”

  “Did he make any male friends while he was here?” Bessie asked as the thought crossed her mind.

  “I don’t think he had time for other men,” Mona told her. “Anyway, most of the local lads resented the fact that Jacob took out just about every single woman in the village.”

  “Did any of them resent it enough to start a fight about it?” Bessie asked.

  “Not that I recall. Certainly not during the gathering at the pub. Jacob was buying the drinks, after all. Anyway, he was leaving. Even if some of the locals didn’t like him, he was getting on the ferry the very next day.”

  “You never saw him spending any time with Niall Clague or Eoin Faragher?” Bessie asked.

  “I’m sure they were both at the pub that last night,” Mona replied. “Just about the entire village was there, at least for a few minutes. But I don’t remember Jacob spending any time talking with either of them. While I was there, he was walking around talking to everyone for a few minutes and then moving on. Of course, I was only there for an hour or so. I remember hearing that Jacob and a few of the others didn’t leave until last orders.”

  “I don’t suppose you can remember hearing who was with Jacob at the end of the night?”

  “It was so long ago,” Mona protested. She sipped her tea, her eyes gazing into the distance. After a few minutes she shook her head. “I’m sorry,” she told Bessie. “I don’t remember. I’m sure it was a few of the men who drank at the pub on a regular basis, though. I think I’d recall if I’d heard anything unexpected or unusual about that night.”

  Bessie sighed. “I appreciate your help,” she told the woman. “And the tea and biscuits.”

  “It was nice to see you again,” Mona replied. “We should do this more often. I love living down here, but I do feel a bit isolated sometimes. I don’t really know anyone here.”

  “Let’s meet in the middle next time,” Bessie suggested. “We can have lunch in Douglas or something.”

  “Oh, I’d like that,” Mona agreed quickly. “Maybe one day next week?”

  Bessie was surprised at the woman’s enthusiasm, but she quickly checked her calendar. After a moment, the pair had agreed to meet for lunch at one of Bessie’s favourite Douglas eateries in a fortnight’s time.

  “I do hope the police will have everything wrapped up with regard to Jacob Conover by then,” Bessie said as Mona walked her to the door.

  “Oh, me, too,” Mona replied. “I hate thinking that someone I know might have had a hand in his death.”

  “Maybe by the time we meet again, you’ll have a chapter or two written,” Bessie said in the doorway. “I’d be happy to read it as you go along. I adore Agatha Christie.”

  Mona flushed. “I don’t think, that is, well, we’ll see,” she muttered.

  Bessie grinned and then turned and walked down the corridor. It was time to visit some other friends. While she was looking forward to seeing Mike and Sarah Combe, they wouldn’t be able to help with the investigation into Jacob’s death. Mike hadn’t grown up in Laxey and Sarah was too young to have interested the man. Still, the last several times she’d seen Sarah had been under very sad circumstances. Today was just a friendly visit. She quickly rang John to reassure him of her safety just before she knocked.

  “Ah, Bessie, you’re looking wonderful,” Mike said when he opened the door to their flat.

  Bessie smiled and followed him into the kitchen, where Sarah was just filling the kettle.

  “Bessie,” she exclaimed. She put the kettle down on the counter and rushed over to hug Bessie. “I’m so pleased that you stopped in,” she said. “Mike and I have been talking about trying to arrange a chance to see you, but we’ve both been so busy.”

  “You’re looking well,” she told the woman, pleased that her words were truthful. In July, Sarah had lost her mother, and not long after that she’d found out that her brother, long believed to have emigrated to Australia, was dead. The events had taken a toll on the woman, but today she looked as if she was sleeping and eating properly again.

  “I’m feeling better,” Sarah told her. “Mike’s been wonderful. He’s really looked after me and spoiled me. I think I’m starting to get back to normal now, although I still miss mum more than I should, considering how difficult our relationship was.”

  Bessie nodded. “I know what you mean,” she said. “I find that I’m missing a great many old friends, especially this time of year.”

  “Did my mum used to go to your Thanksgiving dinners?” Sarah asked.

  “No,” Bessie replied. “When they first started, I kept them very small, and if I had invited your mother, I would have had to invite all of the Raspberry Jam Ladies. It’s only in the last few years that I’ve started having larger gatherings, but I never felt as if I should include the Jam Ladies.”

  “I’m really looking forward to it,” Mike told her as Sarah poured the tea. “Even if I’m unlikely to know anyone else.”

  Bessie ran through her guest list in her head. “You might not know anyone at that,” she said after a moment. “Although I have invited Spencer. I’m sure you’ve met him.” Spencer Cannon was another child of one of the Raspberry Jam Ladies. He and Sarah had grown up together, although he’d moved off the island in adulthood. He was back now after Bessie had helped him locate a job on the island, and he was hugely grateful to her.

  “I did meet Spencer at, um, well, Adam’s service,” Mike said. “He and Sarah are trying to get together at least once a month, just to chat about old times, so I’ve seen him once or twice since as well.”

  “I didn’t care for him when we were younger,” Sarah said. “But then, I didn’t care much for boys in general. But he’s turned into a really nice man and his girlfriend, Beverly, is great fun.”

  The trio sipped tea and ate biscuits while they chatted. It was over an hour later when Bessie glanced at her watch.

  “Oh, goodness,” she exclaimed. “I really must be going. I do hope I won’t have too much trouble getting a taxi.”

  “Let us run you home,” Sarah suggested. “Mike’s been promising me dinner at La Terrazza for months.”

  “I don’t want to inconvenience you,” Bessie said.

  “It’s no problem,” Mike told her. “I keep making excuses not to drive to Laxey. This way, we’re already there, so we may as well have dinner.”

  Bessie laughed. “The food is excellent there,” she told the couple. “You won’t be sorry.”

  “Would you like to join us?” Sarah asked.

  “Oh, no, but thank you very much,” Bessie said. “I’m far too full of biscuits and tea to enjoy myself. Besides, you two should have a romantic dinner together. I’m told it helps keep marriages strong.”

  Sarah and Mike exchanged glances. “After everything we’ve been through lately, a nice romantic dinner together is probably just what we need,” Sarah said.

  “And I enjoy treating the woman I love to something special,” Mike said, taking Sarah’s hand in his.

  Bessie smiled at the pair, happy that they were coming through their rough times together.

  “I do hope you aren’t too involved in what’s going on at the Clague farm,” Sarah said she they made their way to Mike’s car.

  “I’m trying to help the police gather some background, but that’s all,” Bessie told her. “I don’t suppose you remember anything about Jacob Conover?”

  Sarah shook her head. “I have a vague recollection of his being talked about by my parents,” she told Bessie. “But he was an adult, so not at all interesting to me at the ti
me.”

  “That sounds about right,” Bessie laughed.

  The journey back to Laxey felt short to Bessie as the trio chatted about everything and nothing. At Bessie’s cottage, Mike insisted on walking Bessie to her door and escorting her inside.

  “It gets dark so early now,” he commented as he helped Bessie from the car.

  “It does,” Bessie agreed. “But I’m quite capable of getting myself inside anyway.”

  “Thank you again for taking the time to visit,” he said at her door. “We’ll see you at Thanksgiving dinner.”

  Bessie locked the door behind him and sighed. It was time for her evening meal, but she felt completely full after having tea with cakes and biscuits twice. Nothing sounded good, so she decided to read for a little while before fixing herself something. She’d just found her place in her book when her phone rang. As long as she’d been interrupted, she decided to answer the call.

  “Hello?”

  “Bessie, it’s Doona. I’ve just finished with my solicitor from across and, well, I just needed someone to talk to.”

  “Why don’t you come over?” Bessie suggested. “I’ve had two lots of tea and biscuits already today. Maybe you could bring something a little bit healthier than that with you?”

  Doona laughed. “I’ll bring fish and chips,” she said. “At least that’s what sounds good to me. Would you rather have something else?”

  “Fish and chips is fine,” Bessie said, even though she wasn’t sure that they were much healthier than biscuits.

  “I’ll see you in a few minutes,” Doona promised before she disconnected.

  Bessie used the time to wipe down her kitchen counters and check that her small downstairs loo was clean. Doona’s car was pulling to the small parking area outside Bessie’s cottage as Bessie finished.

  As Doona climbed out of her car, Bessie saw that her friend was upset. She opened the cottage door and rushed outside to greet Doona with a huge hug.

  “It’s nice to see you, too,” Doona said with a laugh as Bessie released her.

  “You looked upset,” Bessie replied.