by MJ Miller
“Well, we also believe it’s from colonial times. But judging by the little shop of horrors that Annie and Chris visited? It had to have a mutinous crew!” Bill’s voice boomed, echoing throughout the cozy room.
“Yes, so we don’t think it was an accident at all. We believe the crew rebelled and hung the captain. But karma probably stepped in, and they got lost in a storm on their return, and with no captain to guide them, they sank.”
“Mutiny? Interesting theory,” Mrs. Bowers commented. A bit more interested.
“Oh, we’ll go next,” Julie said. She and Mark remained seated though, as Julie wasn’t really the center-of-attention type. “It was a British Ship, overtaken by pirates. The captain was murdered with the knife. His crew was captured, and they were all branded with the mark of the pirate, whose initials were TB. We believe that the pirate wasn’t even a real pirate. He was a privateer. But committing such atrocious acts, he had to pretend to be a pirate so nobody could identify him.”
“And once they’d taken over the ship, they realized their own ship had been hit with cannon fire. So they allowed it to sink. And sailed off in the British ship, lowered the flag and raised their own. The ghost ship was the pirate ship.”
“Privateering, eh?” Mrs. Bowers smiled. “Interesting theory.” She turned to Luce and Andy.
“And what have you two come up with? The detective and the reporter, I have high expectations, you know.” She seemed quite intent now. As if she really did expect something new, perhaps more noteworthy. Luce glanced at Andy, knowing their theory would disappoint. But they stuck to their plan anyway.
Andy spoke first. “Definitely a British ship. But not taken over by pirates, sorry guys… clearly they ran aground. Carrying colonial prisoners, which I deduced based on those shackles Annie and Chris have. Anyway, they crashed into the rocks, and everyone perished.”
“There’s more,” Luce added. “That’s not the phantom ship though. You see on board that crashed ship were the wives and children of several noble British families. The British sent another ship to search for it, but they never returned. To this day it can be seen traveling the waters of the Long Island Sound in search of the missing vessel.”
Everyone in the room sat in rapt attention. Including their hostess.
“Oh, that is truly wonderful. Nobody has suggested that before. You know, I have a feeling you are on to something. Yes, quite.” She was speaking almost to herself now and smiling.
Luce looked quizzically at Andy. The little story they’d made up didn’t fit their true theory at all. Yet Mrs. Bowers seemed all in on it.
Andy shrugged, turned and smiled at Mrs. Bowers.
“Thank you. We think it fits nicely as well. I take it we’re tonight’s winners, then?”
“Arrogant much?” Luce whispered, laughing.
“So I’ve been told,” he answered with a grin. At least they were both feeling more comfortable, he thought to himself. But he still couldn’t wait to leave.
The pop of a champagne cork startled everyone, as Peabody began pouring everyone a glass. Except Annie who waved him off.
After cheers all around, and much discussion, they prepared to leave.
“You have to be anywhere tomorrow morning or should we crash at your sister’s?” Andy asked.
“I’m in the mood to discuss all this with some rational objective observers, so let’s stay out here tonight.” Luce wasn’t sure if it was the bubbly talking or the fact that an hour’s drive alone with Andy might be a terrible idea. Relaxing with her sister would be the perfect distraction. At least she thought so, until Annie dropped the next bombshell.
Chapter Fourteen
“We lied.” Annie said the minute she opened the door. “Quick, come in.” She tugged on Luce’s arm practically dragging her over the threshold, causing a Rube Goldberg effect where Andy quickly threw an arm about her waist, steadying her. Luce stiffened up like an ironing board.
“What do you mean, you lied?” Luce managed to huff out while trying to compose herself. She felt like a rag doll being pushed and pulled by Andy and Annie.
“Just go sit.” Annie pointed to the sofa in the sunken living room. “Both of you.”
Luce and Andy shared a look, half disbelief, half guilt at not admitting to their own lies. Sharing the silent message, what do we do now?
Raising a brow, Andy nodded towards the sofa, and waved his arm indicating Luce should go first.
“Always the gentleman,” she muttered under her breath.
Leaving the recliner for Annie, Luce sat on the couch, only flinching slightly when Andy sat down next to her. And again when his arm rested on the back of the couch behind her head. He really was assuming too much, she thought. On the other hand, maybe she was too. She’d ponder it later.
“Did you guys find anything a little creepy about that whole thing?” Chris jumped in immediately. He had taken a seat on the floor next to Annie, one hand resting on his raised knee, the other on Annie’s belly.
“Try a lot creepy,” Luce replied, frowning. “But you guys seemed to be enjoying it. What was up with that?”
“Oh, we didn’t want to ruin anything!” Annie exclaimed. “When that creepy butler took us down to the basement, which by the way was terrifying, and then left us there with only a flashlight? The minute we saw the shackles I was sure we were all going to end up chained to those damp stone walls.” Annie was practically shivering. Chris appeared pensive. Normally he tended to smile and shake his head when Annie’s imagination took hold. But Luce noticed he didn’t this time.
“I convinced her it was all stage props,” Chris commented, “but clearly they weren’t.”
“The knife was coated in red paint, yes,” Andy jumped in. “But I could see the old grayish stains on it. And those were probably real.”
Luce glanced at him, nervously. “What do you mean?”
“Blood stains on metal will end up leaving a discoloration,” Andy explained. “The older the stain, the greater the discoloration. But I can’t know for sure without testing.”
“You said it was paint. You thought I was overreacting.” Luce poked his chest with her finger for emphasis. “You made fun of me”
“Sorry, but I didn’t want you all freaked out. I was calming you down. It worked, didn’t it?” Andy looked so apologetic that Luce nodded reluctantly.
“Just don’t lie to me anymore,” she crossed her arms in front of her chest, mostly to keep from poking him again. She’d noticed he was solid as a rock, and that was just too tempting.
“Too bad we couldn’t keep the clues,” Chris muttered. “There was one in particular…”
“Which one?” Andy probed.
“The branding iron.”
“Well, there’s something you all should know,” Luce said matter-of-factly. Perhaps a bit smugly.
“What’s that Ace?” Andy asked with a grin, using the nickname he’d given her the first time they’d met during her crime scene faux pas.
Luce pulled out her phone and held it up. “I took photos.” She smiled as she knew that would get them.
“Yeah, she photographed that signet ring.” Andy said, nodding.
“I photographed all of it,” Luce said, smiling proudly. “All 28 clues.”
She stole a glance at Andy who was staring at her with an odd look. Either he was angry or there was some other emotion swirling around his eyes. Always dark, they were practically blazing black.
“What? Nobody saw me do it, it’s not a crime, right? I mean you told me to…” Luce was just confused. Andy should be happy she did it. Overjoyed. He should be grabbing her and hugging her and — nope, not going there, she thought.
“Anyway, so maybe we can use your printer, Chris, and print out all the clues, and then we can use google image search as well.” Luce turned away from Andy’s glare. He still hadn’t responded.
Annie yawned, involuntarily, covering her mouth to hide it.
“Yeah, let’s do that tomorrow
. Right now, I think my girls need some sleep.” Chris said, standing and holding his hand out to Annie.
“Girls?” Luce asked with a grin. “You’re thinking I’m going to have a niece?”
“I know it,” Chris said proudly, causing Annie to giggle.
Luce just shook her head. She had to admit she was tired as well. Lucky for both Luce and Andy, they stayed over often enough they each had their own designated guest rooms and had left enough clothing and toiletries behind from their visits to make it easy to stay over when necessary.
The next morning, Luce entered the kitchen bleary-eyed and in desperate need of coffee. Annie was already up, looking like she was ready to take on the day.
“Since when are you a morning person?” Luce mumbled as she sat at the quartz peninsula.
“I don’t know, I think it’s hormones, sis,” Annie laughed. “I can’t sleep in, and I can’t stay awake at night. Everything is topsy turvy!”
“Coffee?” Luce asked hopefully.
“Sure, dark roast? Or Hazelnut?”
“Hazelnut. And you do have cream, right?” Luce’s tone was almost pleading.
“Of course, silly.” Annie busied herself making a single serve mug for Luce.
“Where are the boys?” Luce asked looking around.
“Out for a run,” Annie replied, handing her the freshly brewed nectar she was craving.
“Ugh, well, how much time do we have?” Luce asked curiously.
“Why? Do we have sizzling detective stories? Some dirt to dish?” Annie’s face lit up.
“Nah, sorry sis. I know you’re disappointed, but maybe next time,” Luce chuckled. Annie had been trying to fix her up with Andy for months. And truth be told, Luce was kind of warming up to the idea. It was only fear that kept it from happening. Nothing more than fear.
“I thought we could start going through those photos. I really think we have a shot at figuring out the ghost ship. And why that whole dinner was such a surreal experience.”
“That’s the word Chris used as well. Surreal.” Annie murmured. “I suppose we should wait for them though. It’s only fair.”
“Fair to who?” Luce grumbled and held her mug out to Annie. “More please.”
“I think you’re awake now, make your own!” Annie laughed.
“I liked you better as a night owl,” Luce shook her head and got up for a refill.
“I wish I had this kitchen. I love this kitchen.”
“You don’t even cook, Luce.”
“I could learn, Annie. Seriously. It’s perfect.” Luce sighed, gazing longingly at the white country cupboards with their antique bronze pulls. The sleek quartz countertops and the cleverly hidden appliances. Especially those. Microwave, dishwasher, trash compactor all faced with white cabinetry. It was straight out of HGTV and it had been Chris’s gift to Annie. He’d bought it for her. He really was that guy. The one who’d do anything for his one true love. Annie had to wait a long time for him, but looking at her now, Luce knew it was worth it for her. She radiated happiness. Luce couldn’t remember the last time she’d felt pure joy about anything.
The sound of the screen door slamming off the kitchen jolted her back to the present. She grabbed her mug and quickly escaped back up the stairs. A quick shower, some make-up and a fresh change of clothes and she would be ready to face the day. There was one quick thing she wanted to do first though. Grabbing her phone, she pulled up the site she’d bookmarked the night before, ran a quick name search, waited a moment, and seeing the results, froze. No time for a shower. No time to change.
Luce ran back down the stairs shouting. “I knew it. I knew it. Oh my God! You guys won’t believe this.”
She was so focused on her discovery she ran smack into a hard wall of muscle and sweat at the bottom of the stairs.
“Umph!” Luce’s reaction was muffled as an arm went flying around her waist holding her up. And holding her too close. Bringing her palms up to push away, she already knew who she’d run into. A half-naked Andy. Yikes.
“So um, you can let go. I’m good.” Luce looked up at his face, noticing the broad grin. Of course, he’d find this amusing. She would have too, if he wasn’t sending electrical impulses from her head straight down to her toes. And everywhere in between.
Releasing her, Andy stepped back and let her pass, then turned to follow. He’d been heading up to grab a shower, but whatever this was that had Luce up-in-arms, he’d need to find out first.
Chapter Fifteen
“Mrs. Adeline Bowers inherited that property.” Luce stood in the kitchen holding her phone up, pointing to the screen, even though nobody could actually see what was there.
“Well, yeah, her husband left it to her,” Andy said. Somewhat disappointed in the news.
“No, silly boy, not her husband. Her father, Arnold Bowers.” Luce smirked.
“Wait, what?” Andy was all ears now.
“Arnold Bowers was not her husband; he was her father.”
“Holy shit.” Chris looked at Andy.
“On it.” Andy pulled out his phone and began furiously tapping away.
“She’s right,” Andy said, sounding a bit surprised.
“Gee, thanks for the vote of confidence,” Luce muttered.
“Adeline Bowers, born in 1940. Arnold Bowers died, 1944, during the war.” Andy scrolled down his screen. “Get this, Adeline’s mother died several years later. Under a shroud of secrecy, it seems… this will take a bit of research. Who raised her, was she married, any children…” Andy was hunting for something. “She inherited from her father… interesting. As her mother was alive when he died.”
“So which is the bigger mystery?” Annie asked. “The lady or the ship?”
“I think I’ll call the others; we need to all put our heads together.” Chris grabbed his phone and immediately began dialing Mark. “I feel a new book coming on!”
“Who’s got the Born This Way ringtone?” Andy looked around.
“Oh… hell, that’s Kat” Luce murmured, reaching for her phone.
“What?” Andy gave Luce a glare.
“Oh, don’t be an idiot. She put it there, not me.” The idea that Andy thought she was mocking his niece? Seriously?
“Yeah, Kat, what’s up? Everything good?” Luce’s tone was rushed, rather than professional, but hey, it was Saturday.
“Yeah I was checking messages, got one from a Mr. Peabody,” Kat replied.
“Hang, on, Kat, I’m going on speaker.” Luce laid the phone down and pushed the speakerphone.
“OK, he says Mrs. Bowers would like to meet with you regarding an opportunity and can you come by and see her on Monday at 10am and if it’s a problem you can cancel.”
“Wait, they just assumed I’d be there? How did she get the number?”
“Probably just used the station directory.”
Luce frowned. “Huh. OK Kat, thanks. I guess I’ll be out of the office Monday morning. Hopefully I’ll get back by early afternoon. Give me the number just in case there’s a change in plans.”
Disconnecting, they all remained silent. This was a seriously shocking turn of events. Why was Luce being invited back? Alone? She wondered if she should go alone or bring someone along. Opportunity meant business. If it was business, she had to go alone.
“You’re not going alone.” Andy’s voice was firm.
“Excuuuse me?” Even though she didn’t want to go alone, now that he’d put it out there…
“Clearly she’s got a few marbles loose, and there’s some crazy-ass stuff going on. Look, I’m your ride, right? It makes sense that I come along with you.”
He had a point. But her stubborn nature insisted she get the last word. She just couldn’t think of one at that very moment.
“But it’s not until Monday,” she protested, somewhat weakly.
“Call her, tell her you’re headed back to the city tomorrow but you can swing by on the way.” Andy then turned and headed up the stairs skipping steps as he went,
calling out. “Jumping in the shower, back in a flash.”
“Um we’re having a discussion here,” Luce mumbled in return, shaking her head. “That man is going to drive me to drink.”
“Too late for that Luce,” Annie laughed. “Now quick, call Mr. Peabody.”
Luce held up her hand to silence everyone as she pulled up the contact she’d entered and hit send. She put the phone on speaker and laid it down on the counter.
“Bowers residence,” the stiff awkward voice echoed.
“Mr. Peabody? Luce Porter.”
“Ah yes, Ms. Porter, I take it you received my message. We’ll expect you Monday at 10 then?”
“I’m afraid that won’t work. However, I’m happy to stop by on our way out of town tomorrow, say about 11am?” Luce replied.
“Very well, I will confirm with Mrs. Bowers and let you know if there is an issue. Otherwise, we will expect you then.” Without waiting for a reply, he disconnected.
Luce frowned and shook her head, muttering a few choice words under her breath.
“Well, since we’re waiting on Mr. I’m In Charge of Everything, might as well have Julie and Mark pop over here, since they live so close. Then we’ll call Jen.” Luce grabbed her coffee and headed down into the living room and through the massive French doors to the patio. Collapsing into one of the fabulous comfy chaise lounges, she stared out at the deep blue waters of the Long Island Sound. She could see why Annie loved living on the beach like this. It really was quite the dream home.
She thought about the turn of events. What could Mrs. Bowers, if that’s even her real name, possibly want to offer her and why is Andy so gung-ho on her not going alone? The invitation was definitely creepy, but Luce wasn’t afraid. Should she be?
It wasn’t long before she was joined outside by the others, with Mark and Julie in tow. They lived only about a 2 minute drive away, 5 minutes walking along the beach. Clearly they’d driven this time. Luce smiled, knowing Annie must have made it seem urgent.
As they all took a seat, Andy reappeared as well, now dressed in jeans and a snug-fitting t-shirt. His wet hair slicked back. She noticed he hadn’t bothered to shave though. Which was fine by her. He looked pretty damn good that way. Luce was still in the shorts and tee she’d slept in. Her hair loosely tied atop her head. Perfectly presentable but suddenly she felt exposed. And her reaction to him made her nervous.
