The Milburn Big Box Set

by Nancy McGovern

  “But Harv-”

  “But nothing. Ellerton is a little weasel. After all the times you’ve helped him, he tried to use you! It burns me. I’m going to make sure he doesn’t get re-elected.”

  “He really isn’t that bad. He’s a good sheriff,” Nora said. “He’s just…calculated. That’s all.”

  “Well, he should have calculated better, then,” Harvey shot back. “Now, come on. That’s enough unpleasantness for the day. Let’s go join the kids and eat some cake.”

  “Cake!” Nora exclaimed. “That reminds me, I’d promised a cake to Deputy Sanders. I’ll just run down and give it to him.”

  Harvey gave her a fond smile. “You really are a sweetheart, you know. You bribed him with cake so you could see me, didn’t you?”

  “It was Sheriff Ellerton who gave me the nudge to do it,” Nora pointed out. “He helped us both.”

  Harvey scowled. “Still a weasel, as far as I’m concerned.”

  “People are complicated, darling,” Nora said. “They’re not all good or all bad. We all have a little selfishness in us. And a little selflessness, too.”

  “Sure,” Harvey agreed. “Except for you. You are 100% selfless.”

  “Not really,” Nora disagreed. “I have very selfish reasons for wanting to run away somewhere with you.”

  Harvey gave her a hug and leaned his forehead against hers. “You really want to go away? Just you and me? What about Hazel? What about Grace and the baby she’s going to have any day now?”

  “They’ve got lots of support here. They’ll manage just fine without us,” Nora said, not sure she really felt as confident as she was trying to sound. “When you were in jail, Harvey, you said you regretted not seeing the world. We’re still young, but we’re not getting any younger, you know? If you do want to travel, now’s the time for it. You spent forty years building your business. You deserve a long break now. Maybe the reason I made that deal with the sheriff wasn’t just because I was desperate to have you out. Maybe it was because I thought it’d be good for us.”

  Harvey nodded. “Maybe. But I just can’t leave until I’m satisfied that Nathaniel Realty is in good hands. I’m sorry, Nora. I can’t.”

  “I get it.” Nora felt disappointed, but she didn’t want to argue with Harvey on his first day back. “Let’s forget it for now and go to the kitchen, shall we? The others are waiting for us.”

  “Thanks.” Harvey slung an arm around her and they walked to the kitchen together.

  “There you are.” Grace smiled up at them. “We were all going to start digging into the cake any second now. You’ve kept us waiting for way too long.”

  “Are you alright, Grace? You look a little pale,” Nora said.

  “She’s been having pains for a while now,” Jacob said. “I think we need to get her over to the hospital!”

  “I’m fine. Stop fussing over me,” Grace grumbled. “Dad’s the one who should be fussed over today. Now give me some cake before I lose all control and swallow it in one piece like a python.”

  “She could do it, too,” Hazel said to Kaylee, her face completely serious. “One time when we were kids and she didn’t want to share her popcorn, she literally upended the whole tub into her mouth.”

  Kaylee giggled. “Really, Mom? You did that?”

  “Oh, please, Hazel. You were just as bad. Remember that Halloween when you licked all the candy apples because you didn’t want me to have any?” Grace laughed.

  “Hazel’s still pretty terrible about sharing her desserts.” Austin grinned. “She’s generous enough to give you the shirt off her back, but won’t share a single spoonful of her ice cream.”

  “Well, get your own.” Hazel poked him.

  “My own ice cream?” Austin tapped a finger on his chin, considering. “That’s just no fun. I’d rather share.”

  Jacob and Grace gave each other a look and then gave Austin the briefest of nods. Nora felt the hair on the back of her neck rise. She remembered suddenly - the feeling she’d gotten in the police station that Austin had something he wanted to say. She thought she could guess what it was now.

  Austin was licking his lips nervously and rolling his shoulders as if he were about to get into a fight. Hazel, oblivious, was still teasing him.

  “Speaking of sharing...” Austin began, “I got some champagne. I figured it’d go well with the cake. Some grape juice for Grace and Kaylee, of course.”

  “I’m old enough to have a little champagne,” Kaylee protested.

  “Not yet, kiddo.” Austin gave her a friendly nudge. “Shall we toast?”

  Nora tried to suppress the smile she felt rising on her face. She knew what was about to happen next, but didn't want to give Hazel any hints.

  “Champagne to celebrate Dad returning home! What a great idea!” Hazel kissed Austin on the cheek. “I’ll get out the glasses.”

  “Actually, I bought it before any of that even happened,” Austin corrected her. “But I guess it’ll serve two purposes now.”

  “Two purposes?” Hazel had several glasses in her hands and gave him a distracted, confused look as she put them on the table. “What do you mean?”

  Austin popped the champagne and let the frothing liquid flow into each of the glasses. When everyone had a glass, he raised his.

  “I’d just like to say thanks,” Austin said. “Once upon a time, I was a lonely little boy who’d lost his mother and had no home. Nora, Harvey, you literally saved my life that one stormy night. Then, you gave me the peace I’d been looking for when you captured my mother’s killer. But that wasn’t enough. You welcomed me into your family, gave me a place at the table and in your hearts. I’m so grateful to you both for it.”

  Harvey looked abashed and pleased. Nora felt like she was about to cry. “You were worth it,” she managed to choke out.

  “Well...” Austin cleared his throat. “Some people like grand proposals, but I know my Hazel. Family is everything to her and, so, I thought maybe she’d appreciate it most if I asked her the same time I asked you. Harvey, Nora, will you be my official family now? And Hazel...”

  Hazel had caught on by now, but looked like she was frozen. Her voice was weak. “Are you serious?”

  Austin went down on one knee. “Hazel Nathaniel, my friend, my partner in crime and food fights, if I promise never to ask to share your ice cream and to always give you half of mine, will you marry me?” Magically, a small, dark, velvet box had appeared in his hand. He popped it open to reveal a sparkling ring. Time seemed to stand still.

  Nora found herself squeezing Harvey’s hand, her breath caught in her throat.

  “I will! Of course, I will!” Hazel burst into tears and grabbed Austin in a hug, while Grace and Jacob whooped and cheered. There was clapping all around the table and then a chorus of congratulations and “welcome to the family” directed at Austin.

  Nora felt her heart swell with happiness. Austin and Hazel truly loved each other. She could see them growing old together - squabbling merrily, joking every day and being true partners always. She looked up at Harvey and was surprised to see he had a few tears welling up in his eyes, as well.

  “It feels like just yesterday when she’d fit perfectly in the crook of my arm,” Harvey said to Austin. “I’d keep her head in my palm and her little feet would just touch the inside of my elbow. She’s still the same innocent baby at heart. Take care of her, alright?”

  “Forever.” Austin smiled, one arm hugging Hazel tightly to him.

  *****

  Chapter 19

  Ones and Zeroes

  Nora woke up the next day feeling happier than she had in a long, long time. She headed to the diner as early in the morning as possible, wanting to tell Tina the exciting news about Hazel and Austin. She burst into the diner and quickly unloaded everything on her best friend. Tina, as usual, was even happier than Nora. There followed a flood of tears as both reflected on how quickly Hazel had grown up, and then a burst of comparing Pinterest boards as they went
into wedding planning mode.

  “This is amazing!! Have they set a date yet?” Tina asked when both friends had caught their breath.

  “They want to do it as quickly as possible,” Nora said. “But let’s not go overboard about wedding cakes and white gowns, Tina. You know Hazel has a very minimalist approach to things. Let her lead the way.”

  “Oh, but she has to have a three-layered naked cake, at least!” Tina demanded. “We’ll do the baking, obviously. Has she ever had a pistachio and pear cake? It's my new favorite. I can’t wait to make her a sample!”

  “She’ll want pineapple. It’s her favorite. Austin’s, too.”

  “Three layers: pineapple, pistachio and pear,” Tina said, smacking her lips.

  “Calm down, Tina. It’s still a long way away.” Nora laughed. Sobering up, she said, “By the way, did you hear the news about Eddie Shaw?”

  “I did. It’s all over town,” Tina said. “Poor Fred. Poisoned! What a terrible way to go.” Tina paused and gave Nora a sly look. “But you don’t think Eddie did it, do you?”

  “The sheriff was 100% sure he did,” Nora said.

  “And yet…you’re not,” Tina pointed out.

  “The sheriff even said that the handwriting was a perfect match,” Nora added.

  “And yet…you feel like something’s missing,” Tina countered. “Come on, Nora. It’s written all over your face.”

  Nora sighed. “I’m that transparent, am I?”

  “Either that or I’ve simply been your best friend for way too long.” Tina smiled. “Speaking of which, is Harvey doing okay?”

  “Now that he’s out of jail, he’s stressing out over Nathaniel Realty.” Nora shook her head. “That man doesn’t know how to let things go.”

  “Neither do you. Anyone else would have let Fred’s death go.”

  “I-” Nora was interrupted as the diner’s door flew open. A young man she vaguely recognized stormed in. It took a second for Nora to place him - hooded eyes, hooked nose, wavy black hair. Lillian’s son, Derek. He walked up to Nora, his face set and determined.

  “Nora,” he said, “you talked to Adriana yesterday, right? Did you say anything to her?”

  “Me?” Nora blinked. “Say anything about what?”

  “Well, someone said something to Adriana,” Derek said. “She’s got this ridiculous idea in her head that she’s not good enough for me. She told me we shouldn’t talk anymore.”

  Nora sighed. “Ahhh.”

  “Did someone threaten her? Say something to her?” Derek asked. “I’m her friend and I…”

  Young love was so ridiculous. Derek said “friend” like he really believed that’s all he was. In reality, it was transparently clear that he was head over heels in love with Adriana. From what Nora remembered of her conversation with Adriana, the reverse was true, too. But what good was love that was easily won? A few difficulties in the beginning often made things smoother in the long run. Nora couldn’t help but smile. Perhaps one day, like Austin and Hazel, Derek and Adriana would be married, too.

  “What are you smiling for?” Derek asked, a little aggressively. “I just want to know who’s been filling Adriana’s head with nonsense.”

  Nora was wondering that herself. “What did she say to you?”

  “She’s just refusing to speak to me,” Derek said, sounding wild. “She said that I shouldn’t ruin my life by dating her. She said it’s best if I forget her. Now what on earth does she mean by that? Why is she acting this way? Please help me!”

  Nora frowned. She remembered Dana, so confidently predicting that the sheriff would arrest Adriana. She remembered, too, how Adriana had begged Nora not to tell Lillian anything. "She’d go mad and kill me,” Adriana had said. Nora began to feel a faint prickle of unease. Yesterday, Adriana had been so confident. She’d sounded as though she meant to go to Derek and tell him her feelings. What had caused this about-turn all of a sudden?

  Nora got up. “I’m going to get to the bottom of this. For now, Derek, even if it’s hard, try not to do anything rash. If she doesn’t want to speak to you, give her some space.”

  “Space?!” Derek shook his head.

  “By any chance, did you tell your mother about Adriana?” Nora asked.

  Derek hung his head. “I got kicked out of my house for it, actually.”

  “What?!”

  “My mom told me it was either her or Adriana. To be honest…I’ve had it with living with my parents. A man needs his own place. I told them I’d found another apartment and I was going to be moving out this week. My mom packed all my stuff and just chucked it onto the lawn. She’s mad at me, alright. But she’ll come around.” He shrugged. “It doesn’t matter anyway. I won’t let anything get in between me and Adriana.”

  “I believe that,” Nora said. “But do me a favor and don’t make any more rash decisions. Just sit tight, okay? I’ll figure this out.”

  With that, Nora was out the door. With a good night’s sleep, some good food in her and, more importantly, with Harvey back by her side, Nora felt a lot more equipped to handle anyone and anything life threw at her. Right now, that meant she was ready to confront Dana.

  Because, the fact was, Dana had had the opportunity to poison Fred. It was very convenient that she and Rowan had never mentioned her being in the house. Dana had the motive, too, Nora mused. Even though she was Fred’s ex-wife, she’d always thought he’d eventually come back to her. Or that Rowan would inherit his empire and share the money freely with his mother. But, with Adriana in Fred’s life, perhaps Dana had panicked.

  Nora parked the car in front of Fred’s house and, for a few moments, she thought back to everyone she’d talked to since Fred had died. They all had motive, really. Fred had not been a very lovable man. But to go so far as murder? Who could have hated Fred enough to murder him? Not in rage but coldly, with great ingenuity. For the murderer had not only been cunning, he or she had been ice-cold enough to be patient. To let Fred, himself, decide the right moment in which to pop the cork.

  Nora closed her eyes, thinking of Eddie Shaw. Thinking of his confession. Why didn’t it make sense to her? Sheriff Ellerton was so sure. So…sure.

  For a long minute Nora sat in her car, eyes closed.

  Then a vision of Dana saying, “Lillian would kill for her career or her child” came into Nora’s mind. She opened her eyes again and smiled. Suddenly, she knew. It would be tough to prove - she’d have to be smart and duplicitous - but she knew who had killed Fred Bailey.

  *****

  Nora waited fifteen more minutes before she got out of the car. She knew Rowan was at work, which meant Dana would be alone in his home right now. Nora sent out a few texts and smiled. Then she looked up as the main door to Fred’s mansion opened.

  Dana wasn’t alone. In fact, Dana was just saying goodbye to a handsome, young construction worker. She had on a silky robe and a satisfied smile, while the construction worker walked down the driveway with a swagger. Nora felt disgusted, but kept her smile polite as she walked up and said hello to Dana. Dana’s face was instantly hostile. “What do you want?”

  “To talk. Are you too busy? Saying goodbye to a…boyfriend?” Nora asked.

  “My love life isn’t your business. I’m a grown woman,” Dana said. “But if you want to talk, come in.” She left the door open and turned and walked away. Nora followed her to the kitchen. Dana was pouring herself a glass of orange juice. She rolled her shoulders and stretched her neck this way and that.

  “Does Rowan know?” Nora asked.

  “What kind of stupid question is that? I’m his mother. I don’t tell him about all my…boyfriends.” Dana shook her head. “No, of course he doesn’t know.”

  “He doesn’t know about your affair, either,” Nora said. “About the real reason Fred left you.”

  Dana put a finger out and poked Nora in the chest. “And he better not find out. Got it?”

  “I’ve got no interest in telling him,” Nora said.

  �
�Then why are you here?” Dana asked. “Can’t you go away? I’ve got an appointment with my hairdresser soon. Plus I need to call my landlord and tell him I’m moving to Milburn.”

  “Are you moving into this house?” Nora asked, surprised.

  “Of course, I am. Rowan needs help,” Dana said. “Besides, it’s my house. Fred only lived in it. I’m the one who decorated it, I’m the one who brought it to life. He stole it from me, you know. That hurt even more than the divorce. I thought I’d at least get the house.”

  “But you didn’t. Fred took everything from you, didn’t he?” Nora asked. “Did that make you mad?”

  “Mad? I wanted to kill him.” Dana looked at her fingernails, a peculiar smile on her face. “I dreamt about it. Taking a knife and plunging it into him. He and I were very alike, you know. We’re vicious animals at heart. We live the way we like, taking what we want and paying for it. Well, I took what I wanted. Marco was a fine pool boy and an even finer lover. Poor boy.”

  “Lillian said Fred always loved you. That he was devastated when you cheated on him,” Nora said.

  Dana threw back her head and laughed. “Is that what he told Lillian?”

  “He told Lillian he’d caught you in the act.”

  “Well, that much was true, at least.” Dana’s smile was all ice, glittery and cold. “I made sure of it, after all.”

  “What?” Nora stared at Dana.

  “Fred and I had a complicated relationship,” Dana said. “He liked to think he could control me, and I liked to show him he couldn’t. He’d spent one too many nights away from me and, when I shouted at him, he had the nerve to tell me I was stuck with him because nobody else would want me. I struck back by cheating on him.” Dana shrugged. “I didn’t know he’d take it as personally as he did, frankly. I certainly didn’t think he’d start a cold war.”