Turkey, Pies and Alibis

by Wendy Meadows

  “She was in back of the shop. Morning Sun Coffee was busy anyway, I knew I wouldn’t have much time to talk with her. I’ll catch her at the end of my route.”

  Brenda handed him the letter addressed to her father. Pete noticed the name.

  “I recognize the name Tim Sheffield,” he said. “It was quite a few years ago when I met him. I was very young at the time, but I remember when he stopped by to see his brother. Randolph was happy to see him, but Tim didn’t look all that enthused.” He stopped. “I’m sorry. He was probably just tired from the journey here.”

  “How did you pick that up if you were so young? And, I don’t recall him ever coming here to Sweetfern Harbor except the one time my mother and I came along with him.”

  “I remember him because of that big truck he drove. It enthralled me. I hoped he would let me ride in it, but he never offered.”

  Brenda was puzzled. “How long was he here?”

  “I think he hung around for a couple of days. At least, it seems like a short time. I knew he was gone because I missed the semi.” Pete had a busy route ahead so he waved goodbye to Brenda and left.

  Brenda made a mental note to ask Phyllis about the short visit her father made that time. It was puzzling to her, but perhaps there was more to her father’s relationship with his brother than she knew. Meanwhile, the missing money was more important.

  Chapter Two

  Invitation and Theft

  Brenda decided that panic would not help matters, so she scanned her list of to-dos for the day. She went into the dining room and ate a poached egg on toast and sipped another cup of coffee. Phyllis joined her before clearing the table. The guests had scattered and that left only the two of them. Brenda told Phyllis about the missing money.

  “I’ll have to go to the bank and draw out more as soon as I’m finished here. I can’t imagine what happened to it. Allie and I counted it out together like we always do before she left last night. Do you have any ideas?”

  “I am shocked, Brenda. I have no idea what could have happened to it. Ask Allie if she needed it for an emergency of some kind. That’s all I can think of.”

  “I saw Allie leave for home just after we balanced the cash for the register. I’m sure she didn’t come back. If there had been an emergency, she would have let me know right away.”

  “Who checked in the late guests?”

  “The Bernards weren’t supposed to arrive until around nine. There was no reason for Allie to stay that long, so I sent her home after we balanced the register. I came downstairs and saw Nick Bernard, so I checked them in. I didn’t see Mrs. Bernard at the time. I believe she was retrieving things from their car. Nick Bernard came in alone and signed in. I didn’t have to open the register at all since he handed me a credit card, so I’m sure he couldn’t have grabbed it when my back was turned...”

  Phyllis took hold of the situation before Brenda could get any more wound up about it. “Let’s talk with Allie and maybe she has a reasonable explanation,” Phyllis said.

  They caught Allie just as she went into her office. “Have you had to open the register yet this morning?” Brenda asked her.

  Allie looked surprised. “No one has checked out yet, so I haven’t needed to. Why do you ask?”

  Brenda told her about the missing money. The shocked expression on the young girl’s face told them she had no idea it was missing.

  “I’m going to the bank now to draw out more cash. I hope it turns up soon. That extra three hundred dollars will take away from what I’ll need to pull off this wedding of mine.”

  Brenda laughed softly but she meant her words. Sheffield Bed and Breakfast did well enough with almost solid bookings, but it took a lot of money to keep it running. She was counting on every extra penny to have the perfect wedding in December.

  After she left, Phyllis and Allie searched the office and the front desk area for the money. Allie thought perhaps it had fallen between the register and the wall. After a half hour they both determined it was nowhere to be found. Someone must have taken it. The frantic expression on the teenager’s face alerted Phyllis, who gave the young girl a comforting hug.

  “Brenda knows you well enough, Allie. She would never think you took it so don’t even think like that. It will show up and if it doesn’t then she will get to the bottom of it all.”

  “She is a good detective,” Allie said. Somehow that knowledge made both of them feel better.

  The crisp air washed over Brenda’s face and soothed her. She must think clearly. She was positive neither Allie nor Phyllis had anything to do with the missing money. She went over her actions when she checked in the latecomers. Everything had been normal. She had secured the front desk before showing Mr. Bernard upstairs to the room. The Bernards’ luggage was in the room by that time as far as she knew. They were only going to stay a couple of nights. She recalled thinking they brought enough luggage for a much longer stay, but it only reminded her of the way she packed, or rather over-packed, for trips. Other than that, there was nothing out of the ordinary. It was not unusual for guests to ask for late check-ins.

  Deep in her thoughts, she almost bumped into someone on the sidewalk. She looked up.

  “Where are you going so distracted?” Mac Rivers asked her with a smile. His thick head of blonde hair with only a hint of gray glinting in the sunlight caused the usual ripples of pleasure to rush through her.

  “I’m on my way to the bank. I guess my mind wandered. Where are you going?”

  “I had a few minutes and decided to enjoy the fresh air and make my way over to see you. You’ve saved me a few steps. Do you want to have dinner later this evening at our favorite Italian restaurant?”

  Brenda laughed. “Do you mean the only Italian restaurant in Sweetfern Harbor? The answer is yes, of course. What time suits you?”

  Mac told her he would pick her up at seven that evening. She purposefully didn’t tell the detective about her missing money. After all, she wasn’t even sure it was gone and hoped it was simply misplaced. That was a long shot since no one except herself and Allie dealt with it at the end of each day, but she still held out hope.

  After she left the bank, Brenda decided to stop and chat with Jenny Rivers at the flower shop on the way home. Jenny’s personality drew her in and they had struck up a friendship even before she had met Jenny’s dad. The blonde beauty was vivacious and always had some news from around town to bring Brenda up to speed on what was going on. Jenny and Pete both had this knack for knowing every detail before anyone else. When she entered the shop the colorful abundance of fall mums and asters took her breath away.

  “I have more than usual in here right now,” Jenny said when she noticed Brenda’s reaction. “There is a wedding coming up out in the country later this evening and they plan to pick them up instead of having me deliver them. I’ll miss their beauty when they are gone.”

  Brenda had no doubt her future stepdaughter would find a way to beautify and fill in the vacant spot again. “I just stopped by to say hello on my way home. How are you and Bryce getting along these days?”

  Jenny gave Brenda a look. “If my father has told you we may marry and take over his house, don’t believe him. We’re not at that stage yet.” Jenny’s melodious laugh rang out. “He is determined one day I will marry and raise my family in the home I grew up in. I keep telling him the two of you will need that house.”

  “We may just renovate the summer house at the edge of my property and make a home there. Of course, we’ll have to add on to it, but that won’t happen until after winter is over.” She smiled at Jenny. “I know he is very concerned that you are taken care of, so I suppose you will just have to bear with him for now.”

  “I know,” Jenny said fondly. “We are very close and I’ve always cherished our relationship. I’ll play along if that’s what you think is best.”

  “If you are out delivering later today, the bed and breakfast could use a fall bouquet for the dining room table. I’ll leave i
t up to you to choose the flowers and arrangement.”

  “I’ll be out once these mums have been picked up. I’ll make sure you get the best, Brenda.”

  “I’ve never doubted you, Jenny. I must be on my way. The bed and breakfast is filled and all hands are needed. Have a happy time with your flowers.”

  By the time Brenda walked into the foyer again, her heart felt lighter. The money had to be nearby and that was all there was to it, she thought. She replenished the register and summoned Allie to witness her counting it out. They were both satisfied of the amount and then returned to their work.

  “I meant to tell you, Brenda. I’ll have to come in closer to ten in the morning rather than eight. I’m on the planning committee for our class float for the Sweetfern Harbor Thanksgiving Day parade. And I’m sure my mother expects me to do something with her Sweet Treats float. She may have to be on her own this time, or convince my father to help with it.”

  “She may find that hard to do. You have enormous artistic talent and she knows it.”

  “I’m sure she will insist. I’ll let you know the exact time I’ll be in.”

  “Just leave me a reminder and I’ll be here to fill in for you.” Brenda realized she must start planning the float that would represent her bed and breakfast. Building a float was out of her realm of expertise so she knew she would need to find someone to work with her on it – and apparently the talented Allie was already spoken for. All she knew was that she needed a float display that stood out from everyone else’s. She recalled everyone threw candy out along the way. Brenda had no idea how one stored enough candy in the float to last the whole parade long. She needed help.

  That evening Brenda hurried to get ready for her date with Mac. She was thankful she didn’t require much makeup and she quickly brushed her hair. Mac was waiting for her when she came downstairs. He was chatting with Phyllis as she waited for William to pick her up. They were going to Wally’s large warehouse to see how some of the floats were coming along.

  “Let’s order a good bottle of wine tonight,” Mac said. “Not the cheap stuff.”

  “I’m fine with that…though I’m not an expert at telling an expensive wine from a cheap one.” She laughed gently at his crestfallen face. “You have taught me a lot about wine tasting, it’s true. By now I should notice the difference. What can I say? I’m learning.” He shook his head at her in mock resignation and took her hand as they went out into the beautiful late autumn evening.

  As they walked along Main Street, the little town was active with the signs of closing at the end of another satisfying day. Jenny waved from the window as she was closing her store, as did Molly who flipped the Closed sign over on the door to Morning Sun Coffee. They waved to Hope Williams, Allie’s mother, as she exited the bakery. Hope promised them the first taste of a new cupcake recipe the next day.

  “I don’t know how I could survive without Sweet Treats bakery,” Brenda said to Mac.

  They arrived at the restaurant and were thankful the line wasn’t impossibly long. Once settled at their table with Mac’s choice of red wine, Brenda told him about her desire to have her father with her this Thanksgiving.

  “I think that’s a great idea,” Mac said. “William invited us to his house for dinner. I’m sure he’d like to have Tim Sheffield there as well.”

  “I doubt very much he will even answer my invitation. I sent him a letter, but he has not responded to me in any manner for almost two years now.” She explained her estrangement with her father.

  “I’m sorry about all of that, Brenda, I had no idea. But maybe he’ll answer this time. Maybe he’s ready to mend the relationship between the two of you.”

  Brenda didn’t want to sink into despondency and changed the subject. She proposed a toast to love and family, and as they clinked their wineglasses together over the flickering candle, Brenda savored the look of contentment on Mac’s face. It was a lovely night and she didn’t want any unhappiness to ruin the moment.

  Chapter Three

  Floats and Surprises

  Brenda glanced across the table at her fiancé and admired how his handsome, rugged features looked in the light cast by the candle in a wine bottle. Mac’s greatest ability was reading facial features. He knew Brenda had something on her mind. He also knew to wait her out. They talked of the upcoming Thanksgiving parade.

  “I suppose you and Jenny will build the float for Blossoms again this year.”

  “Nope,” Mac said. “She prefers to have Bryce help her this year. I have no obligations at all. In fact, I have been thinking…I would be ready to work on one if you decide Sheffield Bed and Breakfast should enter the contest this year.”

  “Are you psychic?” They laughed together. “I was wondering whether to ask you! The more I get into these celebratory occasions in Sweetfern Harbor the more my enthusiasm grows. I discovered that I liked decorating the bed and breakfast for Halloween. I have thought about a float for my business, but I have no clue as to how to go about constructing one. So, yes, please, please join me.”

  “That’s settled. Now onto another topic I know you’ll also like. Where do you want to spend our honeymoon? December is fast approaching.”

  “I’m reminded of that daily. We both like Italian food and the Italian ambiance of this place. I’ve heard it is based on a former restaurant the owners had in Matera, in Southern Italy. I would love to go there. It’s an ancient area with a lot of attractions for us to visit.” She hesitated. “I’m sure it’s probably an expensive trip. I’ve been stashing as much money away for the big event as I can. My little nest egg is growing.”

  “It sounds like you have really thought this through. I don’t want you to worry about the cost of the honeymoon, Brenda. I have enough to get us there and have a good time along with it. Italy is a beautiful country and it will be a special treat to see it for the first time together.” He smiled in anticipation.

  “And don’t forget the great wines,” Brenda said. She perked up. “Maybe if our float wins the parade we can add the prize money to our honeymoon fund, too.” Her face clouded with worry. She couldn’t keep it from him any longer. “Speaking of money, I have to tell you about some missing money at Sheffield Bed and Breakfast.” She told Mac about the three hundred dollars and how they had searched everywhere for it.

  Mac looked concerned. “Do you want me to interview any of your staff or guests at this point?”

  “Not yet. We’re sure it will show up soon. I’ll let you know.”

  “Give it a few days more. I agree it may turn up soon. If it doesn’t, let me know and I can come and look over your security and other things that may pertain to the missing money. I mean there may be something in the way you secure your cash drawer that can be corrected.” He looked at the woman who had stolen his heart and hoped her bed and breakfast had not been invaded by a thief.

  “In regard to our security, I’ve never given that much thought until now.”

  Brenda knew he spoke the truth. That was one thing she had not changed since taking over the bed and breakfast, and she knew they were long overdue for a change. This was the first time anything had been missing and perhaps she took her safety for granted. She thanked Mac for his ideas and then asked him how they could construct a winning float. Her competitive nature kicked in and she meant to win the coveted trophy and the prize money that went with it.

  “Let’s go down to Wally Doyle’s shop and look at our competition,” Mac said. He paid the tab and they walked down to the shipwright’s shop, which was perfect for float construction during the cold months. They heard voices from inside the expansive shop and saw that Jenny and Bryce were there working on the Blossoms float.

  “That’s quite a sturdy base,” Mac commented as they walked up. “You must be planning a heavy float.”

  Jenny laughed. “We are doing just fine. You’re not here to supervise, are you?”

  “Not this time. We’re here to get ideas for a Sheffield Bed and Breakfast float,�
� Mac told his daughter. “Truth be told, I’m snooping on the competition.”

  They ribbed one another about plans and schemes to win the competition. Both Jenny and her father were artistic. Brenda knew that Jenny’s mother had been an artist. She painted many scenes of the coastal region. Brenda had seen one of her large watercolor paintings, depicting the famous sailboat races that took place every year in Sweetfern Harbor. The painting hung on the wall in the detective’s office and she had often admired it. Brenda recalled her surprise when Mac showed her several of his own artistic efforts. He liked to whittle and the lifelike details of the small sea creatures he created made them appear realistic. It was good she had a talented partner to help her out with the float.

  “I’m glad there will be a float from your bed and breakfast, Brenda,” Bryce said. “Mac, do you remember how Randolph used to go all out on his floats?” He turned to Brenda. “Your uncle had some fabulous floats in his day. He won the competition more than once. He sure spurred everyone to make theirs better every year.”

  “I remember that,” Mac said. “It seems everyone who lives in this town has something artistic in his or her blood.”

  Brenda wondered what her talent was when it came to creativity. Maybe some of it would rub off onto her from Mac.

  Phyllis and William came through the workshop doorway. “We heard voices and thought we would come in to see how the float is coming along, Jenny,” Phyllis said. “We took a supper basket down to the beach and had our evening meal there, but it was so chilly. The warmth in here feels good.” She pulled her tweed cardigan closer and looked at the float Jenny and Bryce worked on. “That’s going to be something special,” she said. “I can’t wait to see the flowers you pick out for it.”

  “That part is a secret until the night before the parade,” Jenny said with a wink. “I can assure you it will be the winner once we’re finished.”