Is This Suitcase Taken?
Sweetfern Harbor Mystery #13
Wendy Meadows
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Contents
1. The Wedding
2. The Dead Body
3. Summons
4. Observations
5. Witnesses
6. Main Suspect
7. Revised Confessions
8. Final Resolution
Thanks for Reading
About the Author
Read more by Wendy
1
The Wedding
Large bouquets of hibiscus and bird-of-paradise flowers arrived at Sheffield Bed and Breakfast in colorful sprays of tropical glamor. Brenda Rivers gasped at the beauty that would adorn the main table where her father and his new bride would sit after pronouncing their wedding vows. The day would represent the culmination of months of meticulous planning by Brenda, Phyllis and Allie. Her head housekeeper and good friend Phyllis was as excited as Brenda’s young reservationist Allie. Allie created the décor for the banquet and guest tables, and as the flower displays were carried inside, Allie was busy setting tiki torches into the lawn on either side of the walkway leading to the garden where the ceremony would take place.
“Everything looks perfect. That centerpiece is just beautiful, Jenny,” Brenda said. “You have outdone yourself this time.” The owner of Jenny’s Blossoms had just arrived bearing the main bouquet.
Jenny Jones beamed. “Your father and Morgan deserve only the best, Brenda. I selected flowers for the wedding from my research about Hawaii and I do feel the choices are perfect. These were flown in from Florida just this morning, believe it or not.”
“What about the loose orchid petals?” Phyllis said. “Did you get enough?”
Jenny laughed. “Of course, I did, Phyllis. There is nothing to worry about. The guest list is not too big, so there will be plenty of petals for everyone to shower down on the bride and groom.”
After her stepdaughter left to retrieve more arrangements from her flower shop, Brenda looked at the invoice and did not even balk at the cost. Her father deserved the best, and she had no problem with extravagance. For such an intimate wedding, every detail had to be perfect. The large Queen Anne house would be lit and decorated for the banquet reception, the porches and terraces with twinkling lights and garlands of tropical flowers echoing the overall theme, and the garden ceremony would take place under a canopy of trailing vines and billowing, gauzy linen.
“Did you convince your father to wear a Hawaiian-themed wedding suit, Brenda?” Phyllis’s tone held humor. “Are we going to see color on Tim or just his standard black and white and gray?”
“He agreed to wear a white jacket and to wear the leafy vine lei. I think that’s a lot for him.”
The women laughed, remembering how Tim Sheffield and Morgan Graber had insisted on a small wedding. The three women, once planning began, found it hard to hold back. The couple let it slip eventually that they planned to honeymoon in Hawaii and that was all it took for Brenda, Phyllis and Allie to plan the theme and a big splash for the reception afterwards.
“I almost forgot, Phyllis. Our seashell leis are at Jenny’s shop. She will bring them over along with Morgan’s orchid lei and Dad’s maile-vine lei, fresh right before the ceremony. Everything will be perfect.”
“I’ll call Molly to check if she needs help in her back kitchen.”
After a quick call, Phyllis asked Allie if she wanted to go down with her. Allie said her new guests would be arriving at any moment. Brenda began to pace as all their plans began to clash together at the last moment. Then Allie reassured her check-in would go smooth as usual, and Phyllis convinced her to expend her energies and accompany her to Morning Sun Coffee instead. With so much to do for the wedding catering, Phyllis’s daughter had hired extra help to take care of her coffee shop customers and had been busy in her catering kitchen behind the coffee shop for days.
Phyllis and Brenda entered through the back door of Morning Sun Coffee, right into the catering kitchen. Molly greeted them with a wave of her hand while she chopped pineapple slices into chunks. She wasted no time getting down to business.
“Do you want the pineapple on skewers, Brenda? I know there was some back and forth on how to serve the tropical fruits.” Brenda agreed that skewers were best. At Molly’s instruction, she and Phyllis washed their hands and donned aprons to cut more fruit into colorful wedges. Meanwhile Molly, notebook in hand, walked around her large kitchen and checked tasks off a lengthy list. As she chopped, Brenda peeped around in wonder. “I can’t thank everyone enough for pitching in to make my dad’s wedding a Hawaiian dream come true. It’s like everyone in Sweetfern Harbor is involved.”
“We know how much this means to your dad, Brenda. Besides, you’re family,” Phyllis insisted, wiping her hands on her apron.
It wasn’t long before Brenda and Phyllis finished the fruit cutting work. They washed up and bid Molly goodbye and good luck with the rest of her work and set out to return to the bed and breakfast.
Hope Williams, the baker, called Brenda’s mobile phone as the women walked up the slight hill to the mansion. Hope was on her way to Sheffield Bed and Breakfast to deliver the wedding cake and other morsels she’d concocted for the occasion. Sweet Treats never failed to deliver perfect baked goods, and Brenda could not wait to see everything. “See you soon, Hope! My mouth is already watering,” said Brenda.
When Brenda and Phyllis walked up to the front door of Sheffield House, Brenda noted her husband standing at the edge of the side lawn and waved gaily to him. William Pendleton, Phyllis’s husband, stood by Mac admiring the rose garden and waved down to his own wife with a fond smile.
Mac Rivers stood with his hands on his hips and shook his head slightly. William Pendleton chuckled. “What did I tell you, Detective?” he said. “Our wives simply can’t restrain themselves.”
“I suppose we have to hand it to them for at least keeping the guest list small like Morgan and Tim requested.” He glanced at the sky. “It’s a beautiful day for a wedding. I’m happy for the couple. Morgan has no plans to continue working here, according to Brenda, but I’m not so sure…I think she will ultimately fool all of us.”
Brenda walked up to Mac. “What do you think so far?” She gestured to the tiki torches and garlands lining the garden path to the ceremony location.
“So far? Do you mean there’s going to be more?”
“The food preparation is underway, and Jenny has more flowers to bring over. Allie is putting together smaller coconut and pineapple centerpieces for the tables. Dad and Morgan’s table will have a more elaborate centerpiece, but they will be able to see over it. It’s in our walk-in right now…”
Mac kissed his wife on the cheek. “It’s beautiful, Brenda. I don’t need every detail. I’m sure everything you’ve put together will be perfect.”
As Allie checked guests in, she told them of the wedding on the premises later that afternoon. Although it was intended to be a small wedding, rather than shut anyone out, they had decided to invite all the guests even though they didn’t know the couple.
“Dickinsons, checking in,” a male voice said cheerily, stepping up to the counter after the first group had checked in. “We are here for the wedding.” Shane Dickinson told Allie they were long-time friends of Tim Sheffield. He and his wife Sandra were from Michigan. “We have never met Tim’s daughter Brenda but have heard a lot about her. Tim often told us how proud he is of her.�
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Allie called Brenda to tell her of the guests’ arrival. Brenda came out and gave them a warm welcome and invited everyone for refreshments in the sitting room where they could become better acquainted.
Allie’s eyes lit on a couple arriving just then who appeared to be in their mid-forties. Carrie Porter and Rick Dawson smiled at her as they checked in and chatted amiably. Michael the porter came to carry their bags to their room on the second floor. He and Allie exchanged glances when they saw the very large black suitcase the couple had brought inside. Carrie had two overnight bags plus a normal-sized rolling suitcase. Rick pulled another suitcase along and picked up his overnight case. Luckily for Michael, the huge one was also on rollers.
Allie had little time to wonder why someone would carry in so much luggage for a four-day stay. She was distracted when Daniel Swift appeared before her. His friendly smile and charming demeanor drew Allie in. He told her he was taking advantage of the weekend to get away from his car dealership. Daniel explained he spent too much time there and the only way to escape was to leave town completely. He complimented Allie’s eyes and handed her his business card before he walked off to find his room.
A half hour passed with no new guests until a woman walked in. Her eyes darted from side to side as she stopped and took in the grandeur of the 1890s Queen Anne architecture. She had dark brown hair and amber eyes. Her frame was slender, and Allie thought she would be more attractive if she held her head up rather than hunched downward as she took in her surroundings. Allie welcomed her cheerfully, and the woman’s weak smile returned.
“I’m Alexandra Cornell,” she said. “I have a reservation for the next few days.”
“You are on my list,” Allie said. She told Alexandra about Sweetfern Harbor and the many specialty shops it was known for as she checked the woman in. “If you like to walk by the water, the ocean is at the bottom of that pathway behind the seawall. There is a wonderful beach area.” Alexandra nodded her head without speaking. “We have a Hawaiian-themed wedding that will take place on the side lawn at four this afternoon. Our guests are welcome to attend.”
Alexandra nodded again. Michael retrieved the woman’s two large suitcases and Alexandra slung the strap of her overnight case over her shoulder. Behind her back, Allie shook her head wonderingly at Michael. This weekend, the guests all seemed to have over-packed.
“You really should pull your hair back, young lady. All those curls, why don’t you try a bun? Don’t hide that beautiful face.” The presumptuous voice came from a middle-aged man who walked rapidly toward the front desk. “Some sophistication would do you wonders.” He extended his hand forcefully. “I’m Patrick Anderson. Nice to meet you. I don’t suppose you can give me any information about where to find a good sailing instructor in town?”
“I’m just the reservationist.” Allie attempted to maintain her pleasant demeanor, but she took an instant dislike toward the guest who had so rudely greeted her. “You might try Jonathan Wright’s boat rental business. He teaches water sports.” She handed him one of Jon’s business cards.
Michael noted her muted agitation and stepped forward to take Patrick’s bags. “I hope I’m not going to be stashed in some back room with a view of the parking lot,” Patrick said, leaning forward into Allie’s space. “I don’t care for that kind of treatment, and I’m not afraid to complain to the manager.”
“All of our rooms have great views and are airy and open,” Michael said, trying to rescue Allie. The guest did not seem to take the hint and looked around the entry hallway with a skeptical expression. He finally followed Michael when the porter took the two largest bags and started for the stairs.
Allie didn’t give Patrick Anderson any more information – not even a mention of the refreshments in the sitting room available for newly-arrived guests. She seethed at his rude comment. She was young, yes, but did that give him a right to tell her how she should wear her hair? Allie was artistic and creative, not the type to aim for sophistication, no matter what a stranger might say.
Phyllis had been dusting the small alcove a few paces away from the front desk. She’d overheard the exchange. “Don’t pay any attention to him, Allie. People who talk and act like that are insecure, in my estimation.”
Allie took a deep breath. “I can’t believe I let him get to me like that.”
“Forget him. We have a wedding today.”
Brenda and Mac had been asked to serve as matron of honor and best man. Phyllis and William were the only other attendants for the wedding. Allie and the other employees, along with Molly, Hope and Jenny, would make sure all wedding guests were served well.
Brenda hurried to her cottage with Mac after the Dickinsons and other guests had been shown to their room. They showered and dressed for the big event. Brenda felt overjoyed that her father had recovered from her mother’s death and found someone new in his life. He planned to travel in his retirement but always hesitated, lacking a companion. Morgan longed to travel and so far had had little time to do so. Brenda didn’t blame Morgan for planning to leave Sheffield Bed and Breakfast as head chef. She had given Brenda a month’s notice. If the temporary chef Brenda had hired for the wedding and honeymoon worked out, Brenda planned to offer him the job. But first, she also wanted to make sure Morgan was serious about wanting to quit.
Brenda smoothed down her dress, a jewel-colored sheathe with a spray of Hawaiian blooms embroidered in glittering thread along the shoulders. As she admired her dress in the mirror, Mac walked up behind her. “You look incredible,” he said, fastening the seashell lei around her neck. “Even more beautiful than the day we married.” Mac dropped a soft kiss onto the top of her head and together they walked downstairs to join everyone in the side garden.
On their way to the back door, they passed Hope Williams and her husband, local news anchorman David Williams. The Williamses carefully carried in the wedding cake to wait in the kitchen for the reception. The cake towered with three tiers of glittering sugar and flowers, each layer iced with bright tropical colors. On top, a couple wearing Hawaiian leis gazed at one another, holding hands. Brenda complimented Hope on once again astonishing them all with her baking expertise.
Out in the garden, the wedding attendants stood together on the stone terrace, looking across at the mingling guests and waiting for their cue for the ceremony to begin. “I haven’t heard from the ukulele player this afternoon,” Brenda fretted. “I hope he hasn’t forgotten.”
Phyllis laughed at her. “He called this morning, Brenda. Try to enjoy yourself, and quit worrying about things going wrong.”
Brenda smiled. “You’re right. I’ll just enjoy it like everyone else. Are all of the bed and breakfast guests planning to attend?”
“Allie told me several opted out, but it was kind of last minute, I suppose. Rick Dawson and Carrie Porter apparently don’t believe in marriage, whatever that means. Probably they just wanted to go downtown alone. In any case, they were polite to Allie. I don’t believe Daniel Swift plans to come, either. He told Allie he appreciated the invitation, but he wanted to take a walk down along the beach. Allie told me he was a bit of a flirt, actually, but I told her not to get carried away – the man’s a salesman, so he can probably flirt with anything that moves, as long as he might make a sale. He’s here to get away from his busy life as a car dealership manager, according to her.”
Just then, Phyllis pointed across the lawn, where the ukulele player waved to them. His name was Ben and he had driven in from several towns over. Ben made his living performing solo and with bands at weddings and small concerts, and he had a lovely repertoire of classic Hawaiian tunes. Ben took his spot at the side of the wedding canopy.
Everything waited in readiness and the afternoon sun shone down, gleaming golden on everyone’s finery. It was time for the ceremony to begin.
Phyllis and Brenda stood at the start of the pathway to the arbor, between the tiki torches garlanded with flowers. The ukulele player began the Hawaiian Wedd
ing Song. Brenda and Phyllis, and then Mac and William, processed down the pathway to stand at the arch awaiting the bride. When Brenda reached the arch, she stood on her tiptoes to kiss her father’s cheek, and he nearly teared up in happiness, his normally serious expression full of emotion. He stood in his fine linen suit, his hands clasped before him, his eyes glued to the doorway where his bride would appear. Everyone turned in anticipation, peering across the fragrant garden.
Morgan took a deep breath. Her brother, Amos, escorted her out the door and down to the lawn between the tiki torches. Morgan’s heart overflowed when she met Tim’s eyes. When they stopped under the arbor laden with colorful flowers and leafy green garlands, Amos whispered in her ear how happy he was that Morgan found a good man. She fought tears and moved forward next to her soon-to-be husband.
Brenda, too, swallowed several times during the ceremony to keep the lump in her throat down. She squeezed Mac’s hand when the officiant read the vows, which instantly reminded Brenda of their own wedding not so long ago.
After the groom kissed his bride, a great cheer went up among the guests, and the newly married couple swung their joined hands on the way back through the garden area while the guests tossed fragrant orchid petals over them. Tim tenderly held Morgan’s hand as she stepped into a white limo and then they were driven throughout Sweetfern Harbor with the windows down. Everyone in town stood along the main street and waved and cheered.
By the time the couple returned to Sheffield Bed and Breakfast, everything waited in readiness for the banquet. The new couple was escorted to the sweetheart table at the front of the room with the wedding cake posed in the background. Plates heaped with delicious food from the Hawaiian-themed banquet were set before them.
Is This Suitcase Taken? Page 1