Cranberry Bluff

by Deborah Garner

  Susie opened the door and walked into the living area, sitting on the couch. She ignored Dan when he glanced at her legs as she crossed one over the other. “You forget what a good detective I am, my dear Mr. Patterson. I never go out on assignments without thoroughly researching an area first. That’s one of the reasons you hire me, remember?”

  “And what did you find?” Dan prodded.

  “There is an exquisite restaurant north of here called Ocean.”

  “That’s it, just ‘Ocean’?” Dan asked. “Couldn’t they think up a better name?”

  Susie rolled her eyes. “You’re so small town, Dan. You really need to get out on some bigger assignments. Don’t you have those connections in Amsterdam that you used to have?”

  “What connections in Amsterdam?” Dan said.

  Oops. She tried not to get her detectives mixed up, but it happened now and then. Dan didn’t need to know too much about her other, more sophisticated jobs.

  “Oh, did I say Amsterdam? Sheesh, where is my mind today?” Susie laughed. “I mean Annapolis, maybe some D.C. jobs.” Close call. “Anyway, that’s where you’re taking me tonight. I’ve got a craving for lobster and I hear they fly it in fresh.”

  “You couldn’t have lobster the next time you’re in Maine, maybe? Think of the environmental benefit of saving the transport fuel.”

  Susie laughed. “I didn’t realize you were such an ecology-minded guy. Next thing I know, you’ll be telling me to recycle. Don’t hold your breath.”

  “I always hold my breath around you, darling.”

  “Am I going to have to take this crap from you the whole trip?”

  “You love it.” Dan laughed.

  Knowing he was annoying her on purpose only aggravated Susie more. It was like flashing back to junior high school.

  “Let’s get one thing straight right now,” Susie said. “I’m doing you a favor by coming out here to this rinky-dink town. You could have come on your own. But you asked me for help, so deal with it. When we work together, it’s on my terms. Those are the rules – always have been, always will be. Got that?”

  A sheepish smile was the only answer she got, which was what she’d aimed for. Some men just had to have the law laid down for them. For now, Dan was back where she wanted him.

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  Sadie sorted through the credit and debit cards in her wallet and headed into town for another round of shopping. This time she planned to entertain herself with a favorite game – spending money as if her characters were doing the spending. Withdrawing three hundred dollars from Jane’s account at the local bank’s ATM, she wandered along the town’s main street, stepping into stores to browse.

  Jane would have been the obvious choice for this job. She always managed to get to the bottom of things. And Binky trusted her completely, just as he trusted anyone Sadie recommended. He didn’t mind Jane’s constant travel and inability to connect in person, which was unusual for Binky. He was more inclined to insist on meeting anyone he hired, as well as to keep close tabs throughout a job. It saved time later, finding out in advance who could be trusted and who couldn’t. He’d never met Jane and loved her, anyway.

  The truth be told, most people in the business were afraid of Binky, though Sadie knew he’d never hurt her. His reputation was enough to scare most sane detectives away. But Jane was a good match for him. She feared nothing and got away with everything. She was a legend. Of course she was a legend, Sadie thought as she laughed. Occasionally she had to pat herself on the back for the creative identities she concocted. But this time, he wanted only Sadie.

  Still, security demanded that Sadie erase a few of her own tracks, so Sadie put herself in a Jane frame of mind and stepped into Lil’s Little Nothings. The modest negligees in the front display window didn’t fool Sadie. She’d shopped there before and knew the real gems were hidden in the back of the store. Jane didn’t live a conservative life. The flings she had around the globe required a steady acquisition of sexy lingerie.

  Sorting through the more risqué selections, Sadie lifted a lacey thong in the air, letting it dangle from her fingers. How did people wear these things, anyway? And why were they so expensive? There was almost nothing to them. Well, they suited Jane. Sadie did a quick note of the item’s details and set it back on the display.

  “Looking for something for a bridal shower, maybe?” The sales girl’s voice startled Sadie. In addition, she was rather insulted. Why would the girl just assume the thong was for someone else? Really! Besides – a bridal shower? My, times had changed.

  “No, dear,” Sadie said, thinking quickly. “This is for a retirement dinner! We just love to give little gag gifts at the office. But I’m going to think it over.” She smiled at the sales girl’s puzzled expression and moved to another rack, this time inspecting a fluffy chenille bathrobe. The coral shade was a little light for her personal taste, but the softness of the fabric made up for it. She handed it to the sales girl.

  “I’ll take this for now. It’ll be perfect for the cool evenings you have up here on the coast.” Jane wouldn’t be caught dead in this rag, Sadie thought. She’d go for the low-cut, slinky red satin number on the mannequin next to the counter.

  Sixty dollars down and two hundred forty to go, Sadie moved on to Boots ‘n Belts. Ignoring the four-inch black leather thigh-highs that Jane would have preferred, she picked up flats in a leopard print. They’d be easy on the feet and fun on the accessory front, perfect for wearing back in the inn with black pants and a similar animal print blouse. She’d wear that outfit for the wine and cheese hour, maybe try to chat up that hunky guest from breakfast.

  She had to admit to being impressed that he’d commented on her jogging suit. She wasn’t naïve enough to think the outfit was flattering, but admired a man who knew how to dish out compliments. Some men just didn’t have the knack for it. Morris hadn’t. He was the kind of guy who wouldn’t notice a new hairstyle for days. If he did, he wouldn’t say anything. Or he might, but it would be a casual comment, probably because he knew better than to admit he hadn’t noticed the change. Still, Morris had been devoted – good company and always wanting the best for her.

  Sadie loved shopping in Cranberry Cove, and she had no trouble finding other items to purchase. One window displayed a fuchsia silk shawl with abstract swirls of turquoise that she fell for. Another had a double row black beaded necklace that would go with half the clothing items she owned. She returned to the inn with only fifty dollars left. Just a little something extra for the next shopping spree, she thought as she tucked the cash away in a zippered pocket on her make-up bag. It never hurt to have a little extra cash around.

  Changing outfits and slipping on the new leopard-print flats, Sadie touched up her makeup and puffed up her hair. She pulled a tiny bottle of Chanel No. 5 out of her suitcase and placed a drop behind each earlobe – not too much. She never went overboard on fragrance. Too many people were sensitive. She’d seen the heads that turned in coffee shops when overly perfumed customers walked past tables. There had even been a waitress at one of her favorite haunts who had that unfortunate habit. The server was wonderful, but Sadie had to hold her breath when ordering, not something easy to do.

  Freshened up, she headed to the inn’s dining room and poured herself a glass of Chardonnay. She set a few crackers on a napkin and sliced some Gouda cheese to put on top of them. Picking an armchair next to an oak side table, she sat down and looked around. Molly had done a nice job decorating the place. She could see herself returning in the future, though obviously that could be a problem if the case played out the way Binky thought it would.

  She wasn’t certain the information she had was accurate, but everything pointed to Molly being connected to the bank robbery. The old news broadcasts from that night looked like her. Had she assumed the distance between Tallahassee and Cranberry Cove was enough to get away? Sadie had many questions and few answers.

  The quiet innkeeper didn’t seem the type to be inv
olved in a bank robbery, but then again, one never knew. There were plenty of circumstances on the news that proved this. The calm, next-door neighbor ends up being a murderer, much to the horror of those who thought they knew him. The loving husband or father is found to be exactly that, but to more than one family. All those business trips had been anything but work related. Didn’t anyone see it coming?

  Sadie considered the possibility that Molly might have been involved with the robbery, but not of her own choosing. Perhaps she was blackmailed into participating? But that didn’t make sense. In that case, the money would have reached Binky, or whoever was supposed to get it. Instead, the money was missing, making Molly appear guilty.

  No, Sadie told herself, letting her initial encounters with Molly sway her would be a mistake. She needed to stay on track. Appearances could be deceiving. She couldn’t let her own impression of Molly affect her objectivity. In any case, Binky didn’t care about Molly. All he wanted was to get the money back.

  It bothered her a little that Binky had given others information on the assignment. It was hardly necessary. Her reputation preceded her, which is why she was in high demand in the trade. She often had to turn down jobs because she had too many offers. But Cranberry Cove was a personal favorite destination. And the out-of-pocket expenses were almost nothing, a tank of gas and a few nights of lodging at a place she would welcome going to even without work. Plus the shopping – all those stores with unique items that big city stores didn’t carry! These all made the assignment appealing. If she found the money, that would be a bonus, a large bonus, according to the reward details. But if she didn’t it would simply be a nice weekend up the coast. She could deal with that.

  The fear of disappointing Binky was the one other factor. But that was a small possibility. If she didn’t find the bank stash, someone else would. Binky was all about money. He would be fine once he got his hands on it.

  Sadie heard someone walking toward the dining room. She was relieved to see Bryce Winslow instead of the odd Mr. Miller. Bryce’s smile was straight out of GQ. His casual clothing fit the bill, as well. Why hadn’t Morris ever dressed like that? Or looked like that, for that matter?

  Ah, Morris, Sadie thought, her mind heading off on a tangent. He’d been a good husband. Not a looker and not fond of social occasions, but a good man. As much as she loved her independent life, she missed him dearly.

  “Wonderful to see you, Sadie,” Bryce said. “How did your shopping excursion go? Find any good stores?”

  “Oh, my, yes,” Sadie exclaimed. “Cranberry Cove is one of my favorite shopping haunts! I get tired of those city stores. Besides, who wants to go out to an event and run into someone wearing the exact same thing?”

  “Sounds like you come here often,” Bryce said. He brought a glass of red wine over and sat down across from her, his back to the front hallway. Again, Sadie felt flattered. Rather than watching to see who else might enter, he was giving her his full attention. The man must be a pro at business functions and equally successful in the romance department, she thought. If only she were younger.

  “Every chance I can,” Sadie said. She sipped her Chardonnay and evaluated the possible directions the conversation might go. She was a pretty decent judge of character and Bryce seemed trustworthy.

  “I live in San Francisco, so it’s an easy drive up here.”

  “Ah, the city by the bay,” Bryce said. “I dated a girl from San Francisco once. It’s a wonderful city, full of culture, not to mention great bread and chocolate.”

  “Oh yes, the chocolate,” Sadie exclaimed. “I keep a stock of Ghirardelli on hand at all times, though there’s a fabulous local chocolatier next door to me, so I make sure to patronize that shop, too. You know, one must have the four food groups: wine, caviar, cheese and chocolate.”

  “Did I hear someone say chocolate?” Sadie recognized the sweet voice coming from the front hall as Susie’s. She was wearing the new sweater from the morning’s shopping trip with a soft floral print skirt and her hair pulled back in a ponytail tied with a scarf. She could have passed for a teenager, Sadie thought, though she suspected the girl was in her mid-twenties.

  “You look lovely in that sweater, Susie!” Sadie said. “I knew it was a good choice for you.” Sadie took another sip of Chardonnay and then set it down. “Oh dear, where are my manners,” she said. “You two missed each other at breakfast this morning. Let me introduce you. Susie, this is Bryce Winslow.”

  Bryce stood and turned towards the front of the room, already lifting his arm for a handshake. Sadie watched Susie’s face as Bryce turned around to greet her. Perhaps it was the surprise of seeing a man that handsome that caused Susie to pause. Dan was a nice guy, but he didn’t have Bryce’s style. This was the type of guy who could cause women to lose their breath at first sight. Which is exactly what Susie did, but it was accompanied with a split-second freeze in expression that Sadie couldn’t quite decipher. Whatever it meant, it was gone in a second. Susie stepped forward and shook Bryce’s hand, a sweet smile spreading across her face. Yes, Sadie thought – newlywed, but not immune to the charms of a handsome man.

  “Well now, am I not a lucky man,” Bryce said. “I have not one, but two lovely ladies for company.” He motioned for Susie to take his seat.

  “May I get you a glass of wine … Susie, is it?” Bryce posed the question to Susie with polished charm. Sadie could not see Bryce’s face, but watched Susie’s expression curiously as it became animated.

  “Why, of course!” Susie exclaimed. “And I’d just love some appetizers, too! Maybe you could make me a little plate of whatever’s there, to go with the wine.” Her smile seemed to grow even wider. Clearly, she was relishing the attention and playing it to her advantage.

  Bryce cleared his throat as he walked over to the table to pour the wine. “Of course,” he said over his shoulder. “Red or white? The red is a Merlot and the white…” He paused to look at the label, clearing his throat again. “The white is a Chardonnay – from Napa, an excellent year.”

  “Chardonnay would be wonderful,” Susie said, leaning back in the armchair and crossing her legs. Did Sadie imagine it, or did that same fleeting expression pass over Susie’s face again?

  Bryce returned with Susie’s glass of wine and placed it on the side table. He set a small plate of cranberry brie bites alongside it and then stood next to Sadie, leaning an elbow on the upper corner of her chair.

  “So, what brings you to Cranberry Cove, Susie?” Bryce’s throat clearing was gone and the beautiful voice was back. He took another sip of wine, sauntered to the main table to refill it and returned to stand next to Sadie’s chair again.

  “I’m here because….” Susie paused.

  My, Sadie thought, this girl needs help.

  “She’s a newlywed, Bryce,” Sadie said. “Isn’t that fabulous? Young love, such a wonderful thing.”

  Bryce laughed. “Well, yes, that is certainly wonderful. Who’s the lucky man and where did you meet him?” He took another sip of wine and waited.

  Susie glanced down, straightened her skirt and then looked back up.

  “His name is Dan,” she said, in a singsong voice. “We met…back in college. We were college sweethearts at Michigan State. You know, love at first sight and all that warm and fuzzy stuff.”

  Sadie watched the conversation.

  “Well, you are so lucky, my dear,” Bryce said. “And Dan is a lucky man. I’m afraid I haven’t been nearly as fortunate in matters of the heart. My ex-girlfriends have just been…well, you know…I just haven’t made the right choices.”

  “Is that so?” Susie said.

  Sadie was growing more and more amused at the discourse between the two.

  “Now, Bryce,” Sadie said. “I find that hard to believe. You seem like the type that women would throw themselves at.”

  “Yes!” Susie said. “You certainly do!” Turning to Sadie, she added. “He probably has to fight them off.”

  “What do you
do, Bryce?” Susie asked. “And what brings you to Cranberry Cove – surely not the wonderful shopping.” She looked at Sadie and laughed.

  “I’m working on a novel,” Bryce said.

  “Really,” Susie said, either choking on her wine or hiccupping. Sadie wasn’t sure which. “How exciting for you, well, for all of us, of course! Can you tell us what it’s about? In detail, please.” She leaned forward a bit, seemingly eager for his response.

  Bryce laughed again. “Now, that would give away the surprise, don’t you think?”

  “Just a hint,” Sadie said. “Surely you can tell us the genre.”

  Bryce paused, smiling first at Sadie and then at Susie. “Actually, it’s a mystery. It involves international espionage, government conspiracy, that kind of thing.”

  “How intriguing,” Sadie said. “I’ve never been able to follow that kind of story. But I’ll certainly read yours when it comes out. How soon do you think that will be?”

  “It’ll be awhile,” Bryce said. “I’m still doing some research. Government conspiracies are complicated, you know.”

  “I wouldn’t know. All that top secret stuff is beyond me,” Susie said, flashing another smile. “Sounds like just trying to figure out what the mystery is can be a mystery in itself.”

  “Yes, it’s something like that.” Bryce gestured towards the main table. “More wine, ladies?”

  “Not for me, thanks,” Sadie said.

  “And none for me, either, thank you,” Susie added, setting her wine glass down and standing up. “I’ll save it for dinner. Dan’s taking me to a fabulous place called Ocean. He’s like that, always treating me to the best in life.” She paused and sighed, placing one hand over her heart. “It’s such a miracle, finding a man who’s not afraid to make a commitment.”

  “As I said, a lucky man,” Bryce sipped his wine without breaking eye contact with Susie.

  “Oh, I’m the lucky one,” Susie added, extending her hand towards Bryce. “It was nice to meet you. Maybe we’ll see you at breakfast tomorrow.”