Crumbling Up Crooks

by Emmie Lyn

“You really think Harry killed Nick?” I asked.

  “He has a lot of pent-up anger and that tends to come out in unpredictable ways. And look how his daughter is wringing her hands and worrying about him. I’d say she’s considered the possibility and is plenty worried. She’s hiding something.”

  I felt like Rose and I were a couple of naughty schoolgirls whispering and enjoying the bully in the room getting his due. And we weren’t the only ones at the open house mesmerized by the drama playing out in front of us. Everyone stared.

  Even with Christmas music playing in the background, the festive mood in the diner had evaporated.

  “Poor Marion,” I said. “Look at her. She’s like a kid who lost her way. I’m going to go over and talk to her.”

  “Just don’t forget that she could be a fantastic actress who murdered someone this morning,” Rose said. “Not that something like that has ever stopped you before,” she added mostly to herself but loud enough for me to hear.

  I began to walk toward Marion, and for some reason I remembered my mother’s impending visit. Maybe it was the actress image Rose had suggested that made me recall my mother’s style constantly seeking attention. Whatever it was, I had to tell Rose she was coming. I didn’t want her to be blindsided.

  “Rose?”

  “I don’t like that hang dog expression you have. It always means you have bad news for me.”

  Rose knew me too well. I sucked in a deep lungful of air and spit the words out quickly. “Mom is coming to my wedding, and she’s staying at the Blue Moon Inn.”

  After several blinks, Rose said without emotion, “Well, good for her. My daughter-in-law shouldn’t miss her only daughter’s big day. Are you okay with her coming?”

  “I honestly don’t know. She hasn’t been on my radar. Now I’m just trying not to think about something out of my control.”

  Rose patted me on my back. “Don’t worry, she won’t hog the limelight or make some kind of scene. It’s your special day, yours and Luke’s. I won’t let anyone spoil that. Not even this last-minute murder. Now,” she gave me a little shove, “go talk to Marion and maybe you can get a confession out of her.”

  I smiled, knowing that was Rose’s goal. She was one of a kind. One of her many talents, probably the one I loved the most, was knowing how to make me feel better.

  18

  Jane, with AJ’s help, led Harry Glassman out of the Little Dog Diner.

  Maggie was fit to be tied. “Did you see what she’s wearing?”

  “Who?” I asked, knowing full well she had to be referring to Detective Jane Winter.

  “Oh, come on, Dani. You were talking to her. You’re not blind. You had to see that slinky tight dress.” Maggie tossed her head back and drained the rest of the champagne in her glass. I hoped there wasn’t too much left.

  “You don’t trust AJ?” I asked. “He works with Jane and from what I can tell, he only has eyes for you, Mags.” I patted her hand sympathetically. “The quickest way to push him away is to be a green-eyed, possessive, and suspicious girlfriend.”

  “You didn’t see his eyes pop open when she walked over to get a glass of champagne.” Maggie was grasping at anything to support her emotions.

  “So what? Maybe he never saw her out of her uniform, and she did look fantastic in that dress. There’s nothing wrong with AJ looking at another woman. You’re the one he cares about.”

  Geesh, I thought to myself. How did this normally strong woman lose her self-confidence when it came to AJ Crenshaw?

  “Hey, Babe.”

  I turned around to see AJ tenderly place his hand on Maggie’s shoulder and plant a kiss on her cheek. Her eyes glowed.

  “Sorry to run out like that but I wanted to have Detective Winter’s back if she needed help. She didn’t, thank goodness.” He got right back to his job and refilled Maggie’s glass of champagne. “Harry calmed down as soon as we were outside, and he realized Jane meant business. The blast of cold air helped, too. Blew his anger away.”

  I left the two of them with their heads together, and Maggie all smiles. She had to get a grip on her emotions.

  I finally had time to wander by all the items set up for sale on the diner booth tables. Kelly did a remarkable job of arranging everything for maximum exposure to draw eyes toward beautiful pieces of exquisite craftsmanship. One necklace, in particular, practically jumped into my hands. The aquamarine sea glass sparkled like it held some of Blueberry Bay inside. The delicate silver chain, set with a large piece of glass and two small chips on either side, was simple yet elegant. Perfect for Rose. I curled it into the palm of my hand before someone else snatched it up.

  The next display featured ceramic mugs, plates, and bowls. I couldn’t resist the pull of a set of plates with a blueberry pattern hand painted around the rim. I imagined them on our breakfast table, a special surprise for Luke.

  With the two most important people on my list taken care of, I found a pair of dangly cupcake earrings for Lily—super cute—and warm wool socks for Maggie and AJ. Sue Ellen was the hardest to shop for because if she wanted something, she bought it for herself. But, when I saw a Christmas scene in a musical snow globe, I knew it had her name written on it.

  “I hope there’s something in that basket for you, Dani,” Kelly whispered in my ear. “I always say, once I find gifts for the people on my list, it’s time to treat myself.”

  I smiled at that thought because there was something I wanted, but it seemed too extravagant. “I love how you think, Kelly.” I set my basket of goodies down and pulled out one of Penny’s felted hats. I tried it on and turned to Kelly. “What do you think?”

  Her face lit up. “Stunning!” she said.” The greens and blues in that hat look perfect with your auburn hair. Wait a minute.” She grabbed a small silver sand dollar pin and attached it on one side and tilted the hat a bit. “There, now it’s uniquely you. Want me to ring everything up for you?”

  “Before I change my mind?” I teased.

  “Exactly. I try not to give customers time to rethink their impulses.” Her laugh told me the night was going well for her.

  “I see why your gallery does so well.” I handed the basket to her. “I’m not changing my mind about any of these. Finding one of a kind gifts are the only type I like to buy.”

  “And wrapped?”

  “You’re doing that tonight, too?” I had to admire Kelly’s business sense. She didn’t leave anything to chance. Well, except for a murder in her back room, I remembered.

  “You betcha!” she answered. “I have one assistant set up wrapping and the other running the cash register so I can walk around and help customers. Or,” she whispered in my ear, “talk them into buying more than they’d planned. The champagne is helping with that, too.” Kelly whispered, then grinned from ear to ear with pure happiness.

  “That hat looks great on you, Danielle.” I turned around to see a beaming Penny. “To thank you for providing the Little Dog Diner for the open house, I refuse to let you pay for it. Without you, I’d never be selling so many Christmas stockings, wool socks, or hats. And you know what’s flying off my table the fastest?” Without waiting for an answer from Kelly or me, she answered her own question. “My doggy sweaters, thanks to Pip. And, where is that little dog of yours? The two of you make such a cute pair.”

  Good question. Where was Pip? I looked around all the customers with bundles of packages enjoying cookies and drinks.

  I laughed when I spied my little Pipsqueak off in a corner enjoying the open house, too. In her special way. She’d charmed three young girls into showering her with hugs and belly rubs, while they all stayed out of the way of the crowd. I had to laugh at my clever trickster, Pipster. She was playing a very important role tonight.

  “I’m so disappointed that shoppers snapped up every last glass Christmas tree, but I did manage to buy myself six of those beautiful reindeer before they sold out, too.” Penny’s voice got through my daydreaming. “Did you get any?”

&
nbsp; Did I want any reminders of what I’d seen in the morning? “No,” I said without any explanation.

  “Well, before Marion followed her father out, she whispered to me that they’d probably be collectors’ items now since the artist wouldn’t be making any more.”

  “Is that what everyone is saying?” What a tasteless comment. Was she spreading this idea to inflate the price with the hope of more money in her father’s pocket?

  “Oh, yes. Nick North didn’t have much of a following when he was alive, but now? Those reindeer are flying, excuse my pun, right off the shelf.”

  “But Nick was accused of stealing them from Harry Glassman. You didn’t know that?” Kelly asked.

  “Oh.” All the air rushed out of Penny like a popped balloon. Popped with one of those reindeer antlers, I imagined. “Well, I guess Marion hinted at some controversy, but I thought the reason Nick canceled his reservation at my inn was because they’d had a romantic falling out. Oh dear, I really should pay attention to details better.”

  Did theft crumble their romance… and lead to murder?

  So many questions to sift through.

  19

  Kelly’s open house was wildly successful.

  She showered me with thanks for letting her use the Little Dog Diner for the open house despite the tragedy of Nick North’s murder.

  Of course, there was a whole team that made it work. Lily provided the delicious Christmas desserts. Sue Ellen, as the decorator diva, transformed my little diner into a Christmas wonderland, and Pip, the four-legged model, stole all kids’ hearts and kept them occupied so the parents could browse in peace. AJ and Maggie managed the champagne, well, AJ poured, and Maggie consumed more than her share in my opinion. But I guess it kept her out of trouble. And, my elegant grandma, Rose, welcomed everyone with her warm smile and calm presence.

  After cleaning up and helping Kelly repack the items that remained, Rose, Luke, and I returned to Sea Breeze. With our feet up, I thought we’d earned a relaxing evening.

  Rose had other ideas. “Now, to the real work,” she said. Trouble purred contentedly in her lap, but Pip watched the one-eyed cat suspiciously. They had developed an understanding, which amounted to Pip giving Trouble plenty of space.

  “You must be referring to me finishing your apartment, right Rose?” Luke asked. I knew this project weighed heavily on his conscience and he’d never relax until he’d pounded every last nail into place.

  Rose flicked her wrist. “I could move in there tonight if I had to. I don’t mind working around the last bit of trim you need to finish. No, Luke, I’m talking about figuring out who murdered Nick North. AJ’s off the case, and Jane doesn’t know the people in town like Dani does, so… ”

  “So, what? Dani and I have our wedding in less than a week. The open house went on as planned, well, sort of, so I don’t see why this murder should interfere with our wedding.” Luke crossed his arms, and I thought he might cry.

  “You do have a good point,” I conceded. “But do we really want that black cloud hanging over our big day? Plus, with AJ a suspect, he won’t have his heart into performing the marriage ceremony liked we’d planned. And, don’t forget that I found the body. Jane told me not to leave town. So, what about our honeymoon plans?”

  “You were schmoozing with Detective Winter at the open house,” he replied with a bit of a pouty tone. “You two appeared to be getting pretty friendly. Maybe you’re off the list now.”

  “Maybe,” I said. “But I don’t think she’s ready to write me off just because I told her she looked great in her dark green dress. And, even in her form fitting attire, did you see how she handled Harry Glassman?”

  Both Luke and Rose nodded.

  “Yeah, she’s tough and means business. I think she’ll get to the bottom of this murder, but—”

  “She needs help from you and doesn’t even know it, right?” Luke added. He tried to keep his expression serious, but a mischievous grin slipped through against his best efforts.

  He knew exactly what I was thinking.

  “Well, I wasn’t going to put it that way but… yeah, I think I can help.” I heard a twinge of defensiveness in my tone. Was I overestimating my abilities?

  “I did find out some interesting information about Harry and Marion Glassman when I went to the Blue Moon Inn.”

  Luke unfolded his arms, and crossed his ankles, his I’m-relaxed-now position. Rose stroked Trouble and waited for me to continue. I would say patiently, but with her foot tapping on the rug, I knew she was trying hard not to tell me to just spit it out already.

  Before I had a chance to get to my information about the Glassmans, Pip charged the door with her you’ll-have-to-get-by-me bark before any of us had heard anything. It worked on Trouble because he took refuge under the couch—his safe spot.

  “Does she have ESP now?” Rose asked. “I mean, that dog seems to stay a step ahead of us. How does she do it?”

  I grinned like a fool. It didn’t have anything to do with me, but I couldn’t help but feel proud when Pip got praised for being such an awesome dog.

  Rose headed toward the front door and Luke said, “Wanna make a bet who it is?”

  “Not really. Knowing how Maggie thinks, it’s got to be her dragging AJ over here to do some brainstorming.”

  “And, don’t forget Sue Ellen. She won’t be left out of any of this.”

  “Or Lily.”

  I sighed with resignation, knowing any hope of a relaxing and somewhat peaceful evening was just wishful thinking on my part.

  We’d both overestimated who had come knocking.

  AJ, alone, followed Rose into the living room. His step was determined but his face told another story with deep worry lines etched into his brow.

  “Sorry to bust in on you like this. I’m sure you’re trying to unwind from this crazy day, but—”

  “You need Dani’s help.” Luke finished AJ’s sentence. “We were kind of talking about this. Well, more that Jane needs her help, but I guess that means you do, too.”

  “But for different reasons,” AJ said. He sat down after giving Pip her required behind the ear scratch. “Jane is running the investigation. I’m not saying she’s not capable. I’m just afraid she’s trying so hard to prove herself that she might follow the wrong trails.”

  “You and Kelly?” I said with my head tilted, assuming I knew what AJ was thinking.

  AJ pursed his lips thoughtfully as he gazed around the room. He had something on his mind, but it was obvious that he was finding it hard to share his thought. Must be a doozy, I decided.

  “I’m concerned about Kelly,” he finally said so quietly I barely heard him.

  No one spoke. There had to be more.

  Honestly, I’d never seen AJ look more upset than he did as he sat with us.

  I hated to say what I was thinking, but I had to get this out in the open so we could figure out a plan. “Do you think Kelly killed Nick?”

  His head snapped up and his eyes pierced mine. AJ and I had known each other since we were kids, and we hadn’t had a chummy relationship. Things had improved once Maggie moved to town and got close to both AJ and me. Still, we had our moments and I hoped I hadn’t set our rocky friendship back with my question. But it had to be asked.

  His shoulders sagged. “Yes… I mean no. I don’t think she killed him, but I’m afraid Jane will come to that conclusion, especially if she discovers what Kelly and Nick were really arguing about. I know how easy it is to get stuck on one path during an investigation and not see other possibilities.”

  “They weren’t arguing about the theft?” This came as a surprise to me. “Because that’s what Kelly told all of us.” Why did she lie or mislead us? Did I want to hear the answer? Not really.

  “I heard them argue and Kelly made me promise not to go into the back room.” AJ hung his head. “About a week ago, well after Kelly had agreed that the glass reindeer and Christmas trees would be the featured work for her open house, Nick told
her about Harry Glassman’s accusation. He laughed it all off like it was a big joke. He said there was nothing to it and that Harry, who’d been Nick’s mentor, just didn’t like the attention Nick was getting. He claimed it was jealousy on Harry’s part and he even gave his opinion that Harry was all washed up as a premier glassblower. Kelly asked me what she should do.”

  “What did you tell her?” Stay away from that mess was what popped into my head.

  “I’m kicking myself for not looking into that relationship in more detail when I had the chance. I told her that if she trusted Nick, then go ahead. I know… stupid. But, at the time, I didn’t see it as her problem.”

  “So, what were they arguing about this morning if it wasn’t the alleged theft?”

  “Kelly did ask him again about the theft, and he denied it.” A dark cloud flitted across AJ’s eyes. “Then, Nick told Kelly he wasn’t interested in her. He’d only been flirting to get the spotlight at her open house.”

  “You heard him tell her that, and you didn’t rush right into that back room, AJ?”

  “Yeah, I sure did hear it all. Every stinking word. And, believe me, I was furious that he’d treat my little sister like dirt. I was two steps away from the door to the backroom when Kelly came out. I know she saw the fury on my face. She told me that Nick was packing up his stuff and would be gone by the time she returned from her errands. She begged me to stay away from him and not to get involved. She said, ‘I’m afraid you’ll kill Nick to protect my honor.’”

  Wow. I looked at AJ. Was he protecting his sister or himself?

  This was so much worse than I’d expected.

  20

  After hearing AJ’s bombshell, I was speechless. I knew that earlier they’d both suspected each other but with these details, it gave them both strong motives to have killed Nick North. Motive, means, and opportunity. A bad combination and a thought that gave me no pleasure.

  Kelly basically told AJ that she was worried he’d kill Nick. Did he? And AJ, at least, considered the idea that Kelly killed Nick for lying and deceiving her.