by J A Whiting
“It’s okay. It’s a thank you from me to you. You’ve been a good customer. I’ll miss you.”
Tori blinked a few times. “I appreciate it. I’ll come back some day and let you know how things are going for us.”
“I’d love to hear about it. Take care, Tori.”
With a heavy heart, Angie watched the woman leave the bake shop.
When everyone was in bed and the house was quiet, Angie, in her pajamas, and Violet came downstairs to sit in the sunroom for a while. They’d been doing this each night for several days. It gave Angie a chance to think over the facts and details of the crimes without being disturbed, and she enjoyed the time sitting with Violet. She had no idea how the spirit world worked, but she knew Violet was with them and she didn’t need to know anything more.
Violet cuddled close and Angie ran her hand over the ghost dog. She still couldn’t feel the dog except for some occasional tingling in her fingers, but Violet loved the petting.
“The cases are proving difficult. There isn’t a whole lot to go on, but we’re not giving up. Things are just going at a snail’s pace.” She told the dog about the death threat notes and talked about who might have left them. “Really, this is all speculation. We don’t know who might have put those awful notes in Rachel’s mailbox.”
Angie looked out the big windows at the dark night and sighed.
“Rachel’s work friend told me how you died. I’m sorry you didn’t have more time on earth. I saw that Rachel kept your picture and your collar on her mantle. The friend said that Rachel loved you very much.”
The dog leaned her head against Angie’s leg.
“You both left the earth too soon.”
Closing her eyes for a few minutes, Angie let her mind wander over the aspects of the murders. Occasionally, something would float by that seemed important, but then it would fade and disappear. It was like trying to catch and hold some mist that was moving in the air. Although both Angie’s and Jenna’s paranormal skills had strengthened after the birth of their daughters, in this case, their abilities didn’t seem as sharp for some reason. Angie thought about talking to Orla about it, or maybe she could speak to a friend with strong skills they’d met last summer who lived close by in the town of Hamlet.
Angie also wanted to inspect Mr. Finch’s painting for any hidden clues it might hold. She’d remember to do that in the morning. She held suspicions about Rachel’s sister, Rebecca, and the boyfriend, Jason, the park ranger and photographer. Something about them seemed off, but it might only be that their relationships with Rachel weren’t strong.
Angie would be returning to New Hampshire soon to talk to Jessica’s friend, Amy Windfall. They’d been friends since high school and Angie hoped the woman would have some insight on Jessica’s murder and the crime connection between Jessica and Rachel.
Angie said to the dog, “Someone, somewhere, knows a little thing that will break this double-murder case wide open. I just have to find that link and it will lead us to the answers.”
Pushing herself up from the sofa, Angie stretched and yawned. “Come on, sweet Violet. It’s time for bed.”
17
The kitchen buzzed with activity as everyone helped prepare dinner. Chicken pot pies and vegetable pot pies were baking in the oven while the sisters were busy making the side dishes and desserts. Courtney and Mr. Finch chopped broccoli, cabbage, red onion, pecans, and raisins for the broccoli slaw. Ellie made a fruit salad and a green salad, Jenna mixed ingredients for the cornbread, and Angie frosted an apple spice cake with maple buttercream frosting while a dark chocolate pear cake cooled on a wire rack.
“I think we have too much food.” Ellie looked around at all the work being done.
“There can never be too much food.” Mr. Finch grinned. “This way we can have leftovers.”
“For days,” Courtney smiled and reached for another onion.
Occasionally lifting their noses in the air to inhale the scents, the cats and Violet rested together on a big comfy cat bed in the corner of the room. Gigi and Libby played on a blanket on the floor next to the cats.
The four men came into the kitchen within minutes of each other. Rufus brought a bouquet of flowers for the table, Josh had picked up beer and wine, Tom made a cranberry sauce, and Jack brought a tray of corn on the cob with Cotija cheese.
When the food was ready, it was carried to the dining room table and everyone took their seats. Josh and Tom put their daughters in highchairs next to them.
“What a great idea. This is going to be a fun night,” Rufus wore a big smile.
“Where’s Betty?” Tom asked Finch.
“Miss Betty had to work this evening. She might join us later.”
“And what about Chief Martin and Lucille?” Josh asked.
“They wanted a quiet evening at home together,” Angie explained.
“That’s understandable,” Finch nodded. “Phillip has been straight out on the double murder case. It’s good for him to relax at home.”
The group discussed their days. Tom, who owned a construction and renovation business, told them about a new antique Colonial home his company had recently signed to renovate. The place dated back to the late 1700s and he was eager to get to work on it. Rufus and Jack talked about a free seminar on estate planning they were preparing to offer the public. They’d be giving the talk at senior centers on the North Shore to help people prepare their long-term health planning, wealth preservation, and transfer of assets.
“You don’t have to be wealthy to come to the seminar,” Rufus said. “It’s designed to help everyone with estate planning.”
“That sounds very interesting,” Finch said.
Josh told the group about a new wing being built at the resort and about all the weddings, conferences, and special events being booked through June of next year. “We’ve never had so many events booked so far in advance. I might need to hire another event planner to help out with all the business.”
Finch and Courtney reported that the candy shop was busier than any September so far and described some new candy ideas they had.
“We’ll bring some samples home to get your opinions on them,” Courtney told them.
“It’s a heavy burden to have to try new candies,” Tom kidded, “but someone has to do it.”
Jenna told them about the new jewelry line she was designing for the winter collection and that she’d already received a huge order from a Boston department store.
Angie said, “The bake shop was really busy today. It seems like more and more people are extending their vacations late into September. The town is mobbed and people are even going in the water.” She went on to tell them about Tori Brothers who would be selling her house due to problems with her finances.
“She’s the one whose husband passed away unexpectedly?” Courtney asked.
“That’s her. There was no life insurance and she’s having trouble paying the mortgage and taxes on her one salary,” Angie explained. “She’s moving in with her sister for a while. She’d love to stay in town, but there’s nothing affordable here.”
Ellie and Jack exchanged glances with one another.
“That’s really too bad,” Jenna said. “There should be more housing options in town. I’m sure there are a lot of older people who’d like to downsize and stay in Sweet Cove, but there aren’t enough smaller houses or townhouses for them.”
After dessert was served and enjoyed, the group cleaned up and then went outside to the backyard. Josh got the fire pit going while Tom pushed the wheelbarrow full of pumpkins to the patio table under the pergola. The lattice work and the beams and poles of the pergola were wrapped with tiny orange lights. Rufus and Jack lit the tiki torches and soon the yard was full of light.
Pumpkin carving kits were scattered over the tabletop along with pipe cleaners, feathers, buttons, and ribbons and everyone went to the wheelbarrow to choose a pumpkin to carve.
Gigi and Libby sat on a blanket with their toys, and
the cats and Violet sat next to them watching.
Ellie came out of the house with a tray of hot chocolates and hot toddies. Courtney brought out bowls of popcorn and pretzels.
Then they all set to carving their pumpkins. Some were scary, some funny, and some were pretty. Angie made a face like a woman on hers and used multi-colored pipe cleaners stuck all over the top and back for her hair. Tom carved a tiger, Josh created a bird, and Mr. Finch carved a silhouette of a witch into his and when he put the candle inside it backlit the design beautifully.
Courtney carved holes all around her pumpkin so the candlelight would shine through, then she painted it white. Rufus cut a haunted house into his, and Jack made a face on his pumpkin and carved out a bow tie on it, too. Jenna made a woman’s face on hers and carved a pearl necklace around the neck. Ellie cut out lines like flames from the bottom of her pumpkin to the top and when the candle went inside, it looked like the pumpkin was on fire.
They set all of them along the top of the stonewall and stood behind them for a photo, then they gathered around the fire pit to sip drinks, roast marshmallows, and nibble on popcorn.
Tom rubbed his stomach. “I’m about to explode. I should slow down, but everything tastes so good.”
Jenna looked over at Ellie. “You haven’t told us what you’ve been thinking about running for state representative. Have you made any decisions yet?”
Ellie and Jack shared a glance.
“I think I’ve made my decision.”
All eyes were glued to Ellie.
“I’m going to decline the offer of support to run.”
“Oh man,” Courtney sounded disappointed. “Why did you decide not to run?”
“I love running the bed and breakfast and I didn’t want to be away from home so much. If I won the seat, I’d have to be in Boston a lot and I’d be out most evenings at meetings. I don’t want to do that right now. I want to be with my family.”
“Good for you, Ellie,” Angie said.
“But I do want to be of service to others,” Ellie added.
“So we put our heads together,” Jack told them, “and we came up with a project proposal that we think would enhance life in Sweet Cove for a lot of people.”
“What’s this about?” Josh questioned, eager to hear.
“There’s a large piece of land for sale near the state park,” Ellie said. “It’s about fifteen acres in size. Jack and I want to buy it and plan a neighborhood of smaller homes like Capes and ranches, along with some townhouses. Some of the land will be kept as a park with walking and biking trails winding through the space. The homes will be affordable and manageable in size for a single person, a couple, or a small family.”
Jack said, “As Angie pointed out when she told us about her customer who lost her husband and couldn’t make ends meet, there are a lot of people who either grew up in Sweet Cove and want to move back, couples looking to downsize, single people who want a small house, or someone who has had a financial setback, but wants to stay in town.”
“The project would be helpful to the community. I want to do things that benefit the town and the people.” Ellie looked around the small group. “We aren’t out to make a bundle of money. We’d only make a very small profit to cover our time. We’d like to work with a bank in town that would offer low-interest loans so the houses will be affordable.”
“I think it’s a wonderful idea, Miss Ellie,” Finch smiled. “You could buy that land and build huge houses on it and probably make a million dollars or more of profit. I’m impressed with your concern for others.”
“We’re going to have to beat out some developers who want to do just that,” Jack said. “We’re taking our plans to the bank in a few days to see if we can get backing.”
“I really hope it works out,” Ellie said.
“I like the idea so much,” Finch said, “that I would like to invest in the project.”
“Really?” Ellie’s eyes went wide.
“We can talk about the particulars tomorrow if you like,” Finch said.
“I’d like to be part of that meeting as well,” Josh said. “As long as Angie is onboard, I think we’d like to invest in it, too.” He looked to his wife.
“I think it’s a great idea,” Angie told them.
“And not to be left out,” Tom said, “I’d be happy to volunteer as a contract consultant helping with the design and overlooking the work being done. For free.”
“Wow,” Ellie looked like she was going to cry. “I never expected this.”
“You know what?” Courtney asked. “I think this idea is a whole lot better than being a state representative.”
Ellie laughed.
“And you know we’ll all help out in any way we can,” Courtney added. “I’m proud of you ... both of you.” She looked from her sister to Jack.
Euclid trilled from his position on a lounge chair near the fire pit.
“What’s the neighborhood going to be called?” Josh asked.
Ellie smiled again. “Roseland.”
18
It was late afternoon when Angie stood behind the counter with Louisa, the woman who had worked with her for a couple of years and who now managed the museum bake shop Angie owned. They were discussing new additions to the menu for the fall and winter seasons. Soup and chili were at the top of the list for lunchtime selections and different pie flavors were being considered.
“Something more substantial and hearty would be good,” Louisa suggested. Her long black hair with blue tinted ends had been swept up into a bun. “What about apple-spice Bundt cake? Or the autumn fruit pie?”
“Those sound good,” Angie agreed. “I’ll bake them tonight and ask the family to taste test. I was thinking about a Nutella-s’mores pie.”
“Ooh, that sounds yummy.”
“I’ll try to make that one tonight, too. I’ll bring them down to the museum bake shop so you can try them,” Angie said.
The door opened and Chief Martin walked over to the counter. “Afternoon.”
The women greeted him and Angie brought over a black coffee and a slice of warm apple pie with caramel sauce.
The three of them chatted for a while until Louisa had to leave to return to the museum. “See you tomorrow,” she told Angie.
Leaning forward and keeping her voice down, Angie asked the chief, “Is there some news?”
“Some. Not much. I spoke with Rachel’s sister, Rebecca. She doesn’t have an alibi for the time Rachel was attacked.”
A frown pulled at the corners of Angie’s mouth. “Where does she say she was?”
“At home. The high school where she teaches gets out at 2:15pm. She could have easily driven here in time to commit the attack on Rachel. It would fit the timeline we got from the coroner.”
“Rebecca told us she and Rachel hadn’t talked for about six months. I wonder if she went to talk to her sister, maybe she wanted to make amends, but things didn’t go well and they got into an argument, and then Rebecca attacked her.” Angie thought of something. “What about her phone records? They’d show if Rebecca was in the Sweet Cove area at the time of the crime.”
“Her phone was off during the afternoon.” The chief’s face was expressionless. “She claims to turn it off when she’s at school, and she forgot to turn it back on when she got home.”
“That’s convenient.”
“Isn’t it?”
“It could be the truth,” Angie said.
“And it might not be.” Chief Martin ate some of the pie. “This is really good.”
“What will you do now?”
“We can try to get highway toll information to see if Rebecca’s car was on the highway that afternoon.”
“She could have taken back roads,” Angie surmised.
“Yeah, that would have lengthened the trip here though. If she drove the back way, it would have taken a little over an hour to get here. It’s still within the window of possibility.”
“Although, I don’t see w
hy she wouldn’t take the highway if she was simply going to see Rachel to try and make amends,” Angie noted. “She had nothing to hide. She was going to visit her sister. The crime didn’t seem premeditated. The attack might have been the result of an escalation in anger. Rebecca could have argued with Rachel, lost it, and grabbed the knife. It’s easy to make a case for it happening that way.”
“Right. But what about Jessica’s murder?” the chief asked. “We think the crimes are linked. What would have been Rebecca’s motivation to kill Jessica?”
“Maybe Rebecca thought Rachel told Jessica something damning about her. She might have been afraid she’d lose her job if the information came out.”
“I can see the attack on Rachel happening due to sudden rage,” the chief said. “But I’m having trouble tying Rebecca to a planned homicide. It would have to be something pretty big for her to kill two people over it.”
“Time will tell,” Angie nodded. “If she did it, you’ll find the evidence.”
“Eventually.” The chief shook his head. “I may be well into my nineties before that happens.”
Angie chuckled. “You’d better hurry up and figure it out then. Time flies. You’ll be in your nineties before you know it,” she kidded.
The chief just scowled.
“What about the boyfriend, Jason Field? Is there anything new on him? Was he in the state park at the time of the attack?”
“People saw him in the park, but no one saw him there around the time of the crime.”
“So another person who doesn’t have an alibi?”
“That’s right.”
“What would have been his motive?” Angie asked.
“Unknown.” The chief finished his last bite of the pie. “Don’t tell Lucille I ate that. She’ll skin me. I’m supposed to be improving my health habits.”
Angie leveled her eyes at the chief. “You should have told me that before I brought you a slice.”
“It slipped my mind,” the chief grinned.