Here Comes the Fudge

by Nancy CoCo

  “I’ve got Earl Grey and some orange zest,” she said as she brought out a tray with a teapot in a cozy and two cups.

  I made myself a cup of tea and we chatted a bit about the weather and the wedding to come. Mrs. Summer had come to the tea to meet the moms the day before.

  Glancing at my phone, I realized I didn’t have much time before the police would be knocking on the door. I wanted to get ahead of them. “Actually, I’m here to ask if you saw or heard anything unusual today,” I said.

  “Why?” she asked.

  “It looks as if someone broke into Shane and Jenn’s home after I left this afternoon,” I said, downplaying that they were missing and there was blood at the scene.

  “Did I hear anything? Well, I wear hearing aids and sometimes I turn them off because they squeal.” She winced. “I’m afraid I had them off for my afternoon nap.”

  “Did you happen to look out the window to see anyone around who isn’t normally here?” I asked.

  “No, dear,” she said and patted Mal’s fluffy head. “I don’t notice much during naptime.”

  “Okay,” I said. “Thank you.” My phone dinged and I saw I had a text from Frances.

  Rex is here asking for you.

  “Oh dear,” I said. “I have to go. Thank you for the tea and the visit,” I said and brushed a kiss on her cheek as I let myself and Mal out.

  So, the next-door neighbor didn’t hear or see anything. I suspected this break-in had something to do with Christopher’s murder.

  We hurried back to the McMurphy. I walked in through the back door, pulled Mal’s leash and halter off her, and she went running to the front.

  I followed close behind. Rex was in the lobby talking to my parents. I was pretty private about the men I dated. I didn’t want my mom to get any ideas about grandchildren. I didn’t want my father to think he needed to protect me.

  “Hi, Rex,” I said. “You wanted to talk to me?”

  “Yeah,” he said. He was in full uniform with his hat under his arm.

  “Let’s talk in my office,” I said.

  “Allie, don’t forget we have the rehearsal in an hour,” Mom called. “Wear something nice.”

  “I won’t forget,” I said. Rex followed me up the stairs while Mal stayed with Dad, begging for his attention.

  When we got to the office I unlocked it and stepped inside. Rex followed me, closing the door behind him. “Allie, have a seat,” he said.

  “I thought I was supposed to say that,” I said as I took a seat at my desk and he paced in front of me.

  “Where were you?” he asked. “Remember, you said we need honesty if we want to build a relationship.”

  “I was at Mrs. Summer’s house,” I said.

  “The next-door neighbor?”

  “Yes,” I admitted. “We had tea and caught up on chitchat. She loves Mal.”

  “And you asked her questions about Jenn and Shane, didn’t you?” he said with a soft voice, his face carefully set.

  “I did,” I said. “But she told me she had her hearing aids out and didn’t see anything unusual. So it was a dead end.”

  “You just couldn’t leave that to the professionals?” He blew out a long breath.

  “If you remember from my mom’s pointed comment, the wedding rehearsal is in an hour. How can we do it if the bride and groom are missing—possibly kidnapped? I wanted to get a head start on finding them.”

  “You think this is connected to Christopher’s murder,” he said. “And now we know the killer definitely isn’t Shane.”

  “Right, because why would he break into his own home and stage a kidnapping?”

  “Okay,” he said. “Tell me your working theory.”

  “I think Peter Ramfield roofied Shane and killed Christopher,” I said. “He was the last one to have a drink with Shane and he lied to me about taking Shane back to the house.”

  “Okay, so he had opportunity,” Rex said. “What’s his motive?”

  “I haven’t figured it out yet,” I said. “But no money was taken, so it wasn’t a mugging gone wrong. And with all those stab wounds . . . it appeared to be a crime of passion.”

  “So you think Peter put Shane in the alley, lured Becky and Christopher there, killed Christopher, stabbed Becky, and then ran off, leaving Shane to wake up with the knife in his hand?”

  “Yes,” I said. “I bet Peter thought Shane was remembering stuff. Word got out that you tried hypnosis on him. If Shane remembered something, Peter would have to remove the threat.”

  “So why take them?” Rex asked. “Why not just stab them and leave them for dead?”

  “I don’t know.” I shrugged. “Maybe Peter couldn’t do it. So he took them somewhere to let them die of exposure or something.”

  “Let’s say you’re right,” Rex said. “I’ll send some guys out to Peter’s home.”

  “There was blood at the scene, which makes me think someone was hurt. So Peter dumped them somewhere where he could seal it up and then ran home, showered, and burned his clothes. Then he’s just going to go about his day naturally. With Shane out of the way, there’s no worry of anyone exposing him.”

  “Except Becky,” Rex said. “I’m going to call the Cheboygan Police and ask that they put a guard on her room.”

  “Sounds good,” I said. “But we really need to find the bride and groom before their parents and relatives discover they are gone and start to panic.”

  “Yes,” he said. “I called in a handler with his cadaver dog. He’s going to search the island.”

  I swallowed. “A cadaver dog? Do you think they’re dead?”

  “I’ve also called in a search and rescue dog to find them if they are alive,” he said. “Both are best just in case.”

  “They can’t be dead,” I said. “I won’t let them be dead. They’re getting married tomorrow.” I took a deep breath to calm my racing heart. “I want to be there when you pick up Peter,” I said. “I want to watch the interrogation with my own eyes.”

  “I’m sorry,” Rex said. “That’s not going to happen. What you need to do now is to gather the family and let them know what’s going on. Tell them we are doing everything possible to find them and bring them safely home.”

  “Okay,” I said. “But they may storm the police station to find out what’s going on.”

  “Ask them to stay at the McMurphy until further notice. We need them safe.”

  “What about the rehearsal dinner at the Oak’s? I asked.

  “See if they can bring it to the hotel, serve it on the roof. Just don’t let anyone in or out until I say it’s safe.”

  “Yes, sir,” I said and stood.

  Rex took me by the hand and gave me a hug. “It’s going to be all right,” he murmured against my hair. “We’re going to find them and catch the guy who did it.”

  I rested my cheek against his shoulder and took a moment to collect his warmth, the scent of cologne and starch. Then I stepped back. “I’ll go make the announcement.” First, I went to my apartment to pick up five or six board games. Maybe having something to do would help them feel less isolated. I walked into the lobby with my hands full of games to find people laughing and catching up.

  “Hey, Allie,” Frances said. “Have you seen Jenn? She’s supposed to be here.”

  “I have an announcement to make.” I put down the games and stood by the fireplace mantel and shouted, “Excuse me, everyone. I need a moment of your time.” The crowd noise died down as they turned to me.

  “I just came from Shane and Jenn’s home. They weren’t there. The back door was broken into and there was blood on the floor. We suspect foul play.”

  The murmur of the crowd became a roar.

  “Everyone, please, stay calm,” I shouted until they quieted down. “The police are on the case. I have been asked to keep you all in the McMurphy for the time being. It’s your safest bet. We have a coffee bar, tea, and water. I’ve brought down some board games if you need something to do. As you know, t
here are also televisions in your rooms.”

  “What about the rehearsal?” Shane’s mom asked. “Are we canceling it?”

  “We can and should postpone it. The dinner is going to be brought here. We can eat it buffet style on the rooftop deck. Remember, this is for your own safety.” I stepped down and handed out board games.

  Then I went to Frances. “Rex said to lock the door and not let anyone in or out,” I said. “Do we have a room for Shane’s parents?”

  “I’m sure I can figure out something,” Frances said.

  “Good, because I’m sure they’ll want to stay on the island until we find Shane and Jenn.”

  “Got it,” Frances said.

  “I need to go to Doud’s really quick to pick up snacks for everyone to keep them busy.”

  “I’ll let you out the back,” Frances said. “Go straight there and back. We don’t need you missing, too.”

  “Okay,” I said. I grabbed my purse from the hook near the door and stepped out into the waning sunlight. I hurried along the alley and around the corner to the street beside Doud’s. Then I came face-to-face with Peter Ramfield.

  Chapter 16

  “Peter!”

  “Hi, Allie,” he said. “How are the wedding details going?”

  I shook my head. “What are you doing?”

  “Going to the pub to play snooker,” he said.

  Feeling like I was in a strange dream, I asked him. “Do you know where Jenn and Shane are?”

  “No, why? Are they missing?” he asked.

  “I heard Rex Manning was looking for you,” I said and took two steps back away from him. “You should go to the police station.”

  “Why?” he asked and cocked his head, looking strangely confused.

  I hit the button that dialed Rex’s phone. “Hang on,” I said to Peter, holding up my hand like a stop sign.

  “Manning,” Rex answered.

  “Rex, I’m standing beside Doud’s and Peter Ramfield is here.”

  “How close are you to him?” Rex asked.

  “Close enough,” I answered. “I told him you were looking for him and he should go to the police station.”

  “Don’t move, Allie. I’m on my way.” Rex hung up. I pretended to stay on the line.

  “Yes, that’s right, he helped paint Harry’s bed and breakfast,” I said and then put my hand on the receiver end of the phone. “Peter, I think he wants you to paint one of his properties.”

  “Then he should call the boss,” Peter said. “I didn’t have to go to the police station to tell him that.”

  “Do you have the boss’s number?” I asked.

  Peter gave it to me and I repeated it into my phone.

  “Right,” I said to the soundless phone. “Um, he still wants to see you in person. Do you mind going to the station? I can walk with you if you’d like.”

  “Naw, I’m good,” he said. “I’ll head over there if you think I must.”

  “I’ll go with you,” I said. “That way if it’s nothing, I can buy you an apology drink.”

  “But you looked like you were going somewhere,” he said.

  “It’s no trouble,” I said and casually eyed his gray T-shirt, work jeans, and heavy work boots, which were spattered with a variety of paint.

  We walked in step for a few minutes and then Rex came ripping toward us on his bike. We stopped on the corner of Market. Rex got off his bike.

  “Peter Ramfield,” he said. “I need you to come to the station. I have some questions for you.”

  “Sure thing,” he said, still seeming confused.

  Rex took Peter by the arm and escorted him down Market. I rolled the bike behind them. Any excuse to hear what Peter had to say about the missing couple.

  “What’s this about?” Peter asked.

  “We’ll talk inside,” Rex said as they crossed the street.

  I crossed behind and then kickstanded the bike just outside the station. Then I made my way inside, but the duty cop wouldn’t let me follow Rex to the back. “Allie, you need to go home. I’ll take care of this,” Rex said, stopping at the door to the back.

  “I just have one question for Peter,” I said. “Where are Shane and Jenn?”

  “Huh?” Peter said and acted confused.

  “What did you do with them?” I asked, stepping close to him.

  “I told you I didn’t do anything to them,” he protested.

  “Allie—”Rex said, warning me off, but I refused to be pushed away so easily.

  “We know you were the last person to see Shane before the murders and we know you lied about taking him home. Why? Were you looking for a scapegoat?”

  “Allie, enough,” Rex said and pulled Peter toward the door.

  “All right, so I lied about taking Shane home,” Peter admitted. “He was heavy and it was late.”

  “So you left him in the alley,” I said.

  “Allie,” Rex said. “Go home!” Then he dragged Peter into the police station and closed the door in my face.

  I blew out a long breath. My phone dinged. It was Frances, wondering what was taking so long with the snacks.

  I got delayed, I texted back. Going to Doud’s now. Any preferences?

  None, she texted back. Be safe.

  * * *

  I walked into the back of the McMurphy with four grocery bags of snacks, two in each hand. “Hi, all. How’s it going?” I asked Frances, who met me at the door. I locked the door behind me and hung up my purse. Mal came racing to greet me. I patted her head awkwardly. My hands were full of bag handles.

  “Let me help with that,” Frances said. She took two of the bags. “Douglas, we’re going to need some platters. Can you get them?”

  “Sure thing,” he said and hurried upstairs. I kept decorations and platters and other things in a closet on the second floor.

  “Where were you?” Frances whispered.

  “I ran into Peter Ramfield,” I said. “So I called Rex. Peter lied about taking Shane home the night Christopher died. I think he knows where Shane and Jenn are. Anyway, he’s the prime suspect.”

  “That was not at all safe,” Frances chided me.

  My mother arrived in the hall. “What’s going on? Do you need help with the snacks?”

  “Just a bit of local gossip,” I said. “You can take one of my bags. We need to put the snacks on platters so people feel festive. I bought two cheese plates plus crackers, chips and dip, two veggie plates, and pretzels and corn chips.”

  We unpacked the snacks on a table Douglas set up next to the coffee bar. He came back with platters and we set out the chips and crackers and such. I’d also bought a bag of assorted pops.

  I turned to Douglas. “Can you bring up a tub of ice?”

  “On it,” he said.

  After a few minutes he came back with an old-fashioned washtub filled with ice. I put in the pops, then announced the snacks were ready. Some of the guests were embroiled in board games. Others were watching a movie. I did a quick head count.

  “Are the others in their rooms?” I asked Frances.

  “Some went up to the rooftop deck,” she replied.

  “I’ll go up to let them know we have snacks,” I said. As I walked up the steps I thought about Peter admitting he’d left Shane in the alleyway. But he’d claimed he didn’t know where Shane and Jenn were. Why?

  The rooftop deck was accessed through a staircase that came off the far side of the third floor. It meant if I wanted to go to the roof, I had to go up to the third floor, but I didn’t mind.

  I came out on the roof and found people sitting in lounge chairs or standing at the railing watching events unfolding beneath them.

  “You guys,” I said. “We have snacks and pop downstairs. Go help yourselves and, as always, there’s coffee available.”

  “What, no liquor?” Jenn’s cousin Paul asked with a grin.

  “Sorry,” I said. “We don’t have a liquor license, so we can’t serve it.”

  “What about th
e open bar at the reception?” he asked.

  “The caterer is licensed. It counts as BYOB,” I said. “So don’t worry.”

  Paul laughed and patted me on the back and went down with everyone else to get snacks. When the rooftop was empty, I pulled out my phone and called Liz.

  “This is Liz,” she answered.

  “Hi, Liz. It’s Allie.”

  “What’s up?” she asked.

  “Shane and Jenn are missing,” I said.

  “What? They have rehearsal in less than an hour,” she said.

  “I don’t think they’re going to make it,” I said. “I went to their house to check on them and their bedroom was trashed, the window open, and blood on the floor. I think someone took them.”

  “Who? Why?”

  “Good questions,” I replied. “I told Rex that Peter Ramfield was the last person to see Shane the night of the murder. He has to be the murderer and he most likely took Jenn and Shane because they were figuring it out.”

  “Do we know where Peter is?” she asked.

  “Strangely, I ran into him on Main Street and called Rex. Peter is currently at the police station, but he claims not to know anything about Shane and Jenn’s disappearance, although he did admit to lying to me about taking Shane home the night Christopher was murdered. He said he left him in the alley because he was too heavy to carry.”

  “So he lied once,” Liz said. “How do we know he’s not lying now?”

  “He looked confused when I asked him where Jenn and Shane were,” I said. “Who else would take them? I mean, it has to be the killer. They must think Shane is remembering things.”

  “I’ll do some digging,” Liz said. “Where are you?”

  “I’m at the McMurphy, trying to keep everyone occupied. Rex asked us to stay locked down so no one else would go missing.”

  “Are people worried?” Liz asked.

  “The parents, of course,” I said. “But others seem to think it’s some kind of prank because Jenn helps me with investigations.”

  “Well, let’s keep them thinking that,” Liz said. “What about the rehearsal?”

  “It’s off. I’m having the caterer bring the dinner food here. We’ll set up a buffet for everyone.”