Dead in Bed (Sweetfern Harbor Mystery Book 2)

by Wendy Meadows

  Dead in Bed

  Sweetfern Harbor Mystery #2

  Wendy Meadows

  Copyright © 2017 by Wendy Meadows

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, without prior written permission.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are a product of the author’s imagination. Locales and public names are sometimes used for atmospheric purposes. Any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, or to businesses, companies, events, institutions, or locales is completely coincidental.

  Printed in the United States of America

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Thanks for reading

  Be the First to Know

  About the Author

  Also by Wendy Meadows

  Chapter One

  The Seaside Theatre Festival Comes to Sweetfern Harbor

  When Shawn Quincy rushed into the sitting room with the news that a cast member of “The Rich Game” had been found dead in bed upstairs, Brenda almost choked on her coffee. As a talented ballet dancer and actor, Shawn had often told stories that made her sides ache with laughter. But Brenda could see by the look on his face that this time his news was real. The owner of the Sheffield Bed and Breakfast quickly set down her coffee and sprinted up the stairs to the room Shawn had pointed out to her.

  Breathing hard, Brenda stepped cautiously into the room just long enough to see a body lying unnaturally still atop the quilt. She closed her eyes for a brief moment, then stepped back into the hall.

  As she ushered a few curious guests and staff members away and prepared to call the authorities, she realized that the cherished serenity of the Sheffield Bed and Breakfast was about to change.

  The Sheffield Bed and Breakfast, a stately, historic Queen Anne-style mansion that boasted gorgeous flower gardens and a sweeping view of the Atlantic Ocean, was a beloved institution in the seaside town of Sweetfern Harbor. Its guests returned year after year, drawn to its charms, but also, perhaps, to its mysteries.

  Prior to that fateful morning, Brenda had been enjoying a successful summer season boosted by the notoriety some of her guests had brought with them. The arrival of the stars of the traveling summer theatre festival had been like a free advertisement for the bed and breakfast. The Seaside Theatre Festival was a famous summer event that toured up and down the Atlantic coast each year, performing a new play in town theatres and even outdoor parks. It had been a major coup that the festival had not only picked Sweetfern Harbor as a stop on their tour this year, but even better – the Sheffield Bed and Breakfast would be where the actors would stay.

  Word spread throughout Sweetfern Harbor like wildfire before their arrival. The well-known actress Ellen Teague was to feature as the star of the festival’s play. Another big draw was the young and devastatingly handsome actor Shawn Quincy, who drew younger crowds that swooned like Elvis fans of an earlier era. There was also Anna Quincy, Shawn’s young and talented wife, the acclaimed comedian Ricky Owens, and the young ingénue Bonnie Ross in her first role.

  When Brenda received the phone call informing her about this prestigious booking, she had stood in shock looking at the list of names in her hand. Now that it was the day of their arrival, she found herself gazing at the list again.

  “Are you nervous?” asked Allie. The sixteen-year-old beamed. Allie was her office manager when not in school. “I mean, it’s really something that Ellen Teague will actually sleep in one of the beds upstairs.” She breathed deeply and visibly swooned. “I have to say my favorite is that good-looking Shawn Quincy. Have you ever seen him dance? I’d love just one dance with him someday. I can only imagine his arms around me.”

  Brenda laughed fondly at the starstruck look in Allie’s eyes. “Who knows? You may get your chance. Though I should remind you that he’s married. I know Anna plays his wife in the show, too.” Brenda paused and then answered Allie’s question. “I guess I am a little nervous...but it’s because I’ve always been a huge fan of Ellen Teague. I wonder what she’s really like in person.”

  It was going to be a big weekend and everyone at Sheffield Bed and Breakfast scurried around to make things perfect. Brenda glanced through the wide sitting room window. In approximately one hour, the cast of the hit play “The Rich Game” would arrive.

  As Brenda watched, Jenny Rivers parked in front, then jumped out to swing open the back door of her van. The florist unloaded an armful of beautiful floral arrangements.

  “I have them all here, Brenda.” Jenny elbowed the front door open and Brenda took the large vase from her, inhaling the sweet perfume of the arrangement. “I’ll be bringing a lot more before this weekend is over. I’m already doing a booming business because of the theatre festival and your special guests.”

  “This is beautiful. I can always count on quality from you, Jenny. I’m glad this helps your business, too. Every shop on Main Street should have a good weekend.”

  “Are they here yet?” Jenny looked around the front hall of the bed and breakfast, her eyes wide with curiosity.

  Brenda shook her head. “No, but they’ll be here soon.” Jenny’s crestfallen face told her that the young florist, too, wanted to get a firsthand look at the prestigious guests. “Don’t worry. You’ll get to meet them all. Their first performance is tomorrow.”

  Jenny sighed. “I know, but I hoped I came at the right time to see them check in. I have a few more vases in the car. Where do you want them?”

  Brenda gave her instructions and Jenny offered to complete the arrangements by setting them up. Her talent was not just making beautiful bouquets, but choosing the perfect settings for them.

  “If you want to, we can take the large spray of roses and dahlias up to Ellen Teague’s quarters,” Brenda offered. She delighted to see Jenny’s reaction.

  “I’d love to see where she is staying,” said Jenny, fighting to refrain from gushing. She carried the large bouquet up to the suite reserved for the star. When Brenda unlocked the door, Jenny stepped inside and walked slowly around the spacious room that included a large walk-in closet with a dressing table.

  “I gave her this room because the extra closet will hold all the costumes, and the dressing table is perfect for makeup. It was something she specifically asked for.”

  “Everything is just beautiful, Brenda.” The florist gazed around the room, which had been polished and shined within an inch of its life.

  Brenda was pleased that Jenny liked it so much. Allie had helped her brainstorm a few extra special finishing touches. The rich Belgian chocolates perched on the lace pillow sham and bottle of Moët and Chandon Champagne on the antique bureau with crystal champagne glasses would be enough to tempt anyone. She double-checked that the bathroom was impeccably clean and stocked with fresh, fluffy towels.

  “Allie even had the idea to email Ellen’s assistant and ask her what kinds of books she likes to read,” said Brenda proudly, glancing at the small array of classics in several genres posed on the bedside console. A variety of movies had been added to the console as well, and an assortment of music, which included a couple of operas.

  Jenny gazed around the room in awe at the attention to detail. “I suppose you know Ellen Teague has won five Oscars and two Tony awards for her acting,” said Brenda.

  “And she’s a famous director, too,” a
dded Jenny, adjusting the vase carefully where she had set it on an antique lace doily so it was reflected in the bureau mirror. Brenda nodded in admiration. There was little she did not know about Ellen Teague. Brenda found the woman fascinating. She lived a glamorous life that led Brenda’s imagination in wild directions.

  “Do you have time to show me where everyone else will stay?”

  Brenda showed her the way to a smaller, tasteful room immediately next to Ellen’s, which was to be for her personal assistant. “This room has access to Ellen’s. It’s for her assistant, Chester Boyd. I understand he makes all arrangements for her and is responsible for all the show’s particulars. He also makes sure Ellen is comfortable and prepared.”

  They crossed the wide planked hallway to view the room where Shawn and Anna Quincy would stay and Jenny admired the stunning view of the cascading rose arbors in the garden below. After showing Jenny where everyone would be staying, Brenda turned to point out two doors at the far end of the hall.

  “Those two are lucky, they are the only guests here who are not with the Seaside Theatre Festival. They are regulars here and come twice a year in the summer and in the winter. When I told them in confidence, they insisted they did not expect to get their usual quarters. I think they are thrilled to be here at the same time the performers are.”

  Just then, they heard voices downstairs and turned to look at each other in realization of who it must be. Brenda smiled at Jenny and said, “Here’s your chance. If you want to see the cast firsthand, follow me.” In her excitement, Jenny nearly tripped on the top step. Brenda reached out a hand to steady her and together they descended the staircase. As they reached the first floor, they heard the actors practically bubbling with excitement as they exclaimed over the beautiful décor of the Sheffield house. Brenda gestured for Jenny to wait to one side while she greeted her famous guests. It was going to be a perfect weekend at the bed and breakfast.

  Brenda couldn’t help but look behind everyone to search for her favorite star.

  “If you are looking for Ellen, she is following us in her limousine. Chester is with her.” Anna Quincy stepped toward Brenda and introduced herself. Brenda had seen Anna in a few movies and was not surprised to see that she was even more beautiful in person. Anna introduced her to everyone else, and Brenda tried to suppress the nervous flutter in her stomach as she shook the hands of these stars who had just stepped into her bed and breakfast.

  When Brenda had everyone’s attention, she gave them a warm welcome and passed out the room keys. The guests were shown to their rooms on the second floor, not far from the suite waiting for Ellen Teague.

  “I hope everything meets your expectations,” said Allie, hovering at Brenda’s elbow as she watched Shawn open the door of the room for his young wife. Brenda pointed out Chester’s and Ellen’s rooms to Anna. “We felt this would serve their purposes, since he is her assistant. Also, there is plenty of room for costumes and makeup in her room.”

  “Are we the only ones booked this weekend?” asked Bonnie, who tucked one curling tress behind her ear as she stood in the doorway of her room.

  “We have two other guests who always come this weekend every year, but they are separate from your group at the far end. You can see where the hallway turns a little. They are down there.”

  “This place must have a lot of nooks and crannies...or maybe crooks and nannies,” said Ricky, cracking a smile, “and plenty of stories to tell.”

  “It has a ton of history,” Allie piped up eagerly, seeming to enjoy the moment when everyone’s eyes landed on her. Brenda watched her young employee with amusement as she continued to tell them a portion of the old house’s history with enthusiasm.

  Before Allie could bore their guests, Brenda gently interrupted her to invite them all for refreshments. “The sitting room is just across from the front entrance. Our tea and pastries are famous, so I hope I’ll see you downstairs.”

  When Brenda returned to the foyer, she found Jenny standing with her eyes wide and sparkling, watching as the entourage descended the stairs. As much as Jenny clearly wanted to linger, she excused herself with an excited smile at Brenda and then left to return to her shop.

  In the sitting room, the housekeeper Phyllis Lindsey had laid a sumptuous spread of delicate pastries, fruit, and other treats, with a beautiful antique teapot and china teacups at the ready. The actors were charmed to meet the capable Phyllis and exclaimed at her excellent tea, and as they sat to eat their refreshments, the conversations were lively.

  Bonnie Ross laughed easily and enjoyed everyone around her. Her curly auburn hair and warm demeanor seemed to spread a glow over every movement she made. When Brenda asked her role in the play, she smiled broadly.

  “I’m rather new to this but have been cast in the role of the young hostess of the country estate where the play takes place. It’s not a big part but it sure made me happy when I was cast for it. It’s my first big break.”

  Brenda congratulated her. “My wife and I play the married couple,” Shawn Quincy chimed in. “Do you know the play?” Brenda nodded, having read a brief description of “The Rich Game” in the local newspaper.

  “And my role is the lowly husband of our luminous star,” said Ricky Owens. The fortyish looking man tilted his head and humor was evident in his blue eyes. He stroked his beard as if by habit.

  “I have heard of you,” said Phyllis as she refilled Ricky’s teacup. “You have won many awards.”

  “I’d say his biggest role is pretending to be Ellen’s husband,” said Shawn with dry humor. “I’m sure you have to agree with that, Ricky.”

  Ricky rolled his eyes. “I’ve managed.”

  Brenda picked up a vibe she couldn’t put her finger on. The actors seemed at ease with one another, but they conveyed something more without words. Before she could ask a question, Allie jumped up at the sound of a limousine pulling up in front of the bed and breakfast. All eyes turned to look at the open doorway that led to the check-in counter. No one spoke and Brenda leapt to her feet with excitement.

  But when she reached the foyer, her enthusiastic welcome for Ellen Teague faded a little when she saw that the much-admired star stood coldly before her and barely returned her greeting. Her idol stood before her in a pale green silk dress, tasteful heels, and a wide-brimmed hat. It was a strange contrast to the amiable and relaxed scene she had just exited.

  A man stepped toward Brenda and extended his hand. “I am Chester Boyd, and this is Miss Teague,” he said, shaking her hand formally.

  Brenda had been expecting a young assistant, but Chester reminded her more of a butler. His perfectly coiffed dark hair held tinges of grey. His stance was erect and his attention was focused entirely on Ellen Teague.

  “I presume Miss Teague’s quarters are ready for her?” His arched eyebrows indicated a demand rather than a question.

  “Of course, please follow me.”

  When Brenda turned to lead them upstairs, she caught a glimpse of the coal black hair and pale skin of Ellen Teague. She knew the woman was younger than her own forty-six years, but right now the star looked ten years older than Brenda. And that famous face she had seen so many times on the screen looked different. Under the brim of her hat, her dark eyes were outlined with heavy makeup.

  Ellen surveyed the foyer from top to bottom, prompting Brenda to wait at the foot of the stairs. So far, her idol had not spoken. Brenda tried to chalk the aloof manner up to the tiresome drive to Sweetfern Harbor, even though it wasn’t that far from New York City. Brenda waited for the next move.

  At last, Ellen Teague turned toward the staircase, and Chester followed close behind her. When she opened the door, Brenda held her breath while the actress walked slowly around the suite. In the sunlight that fell through the lace curtains, a sapphire ring gleamed on Ellen’s slender finger and caught Brenda’s eye. She noted that it matched her earrings and necklace. The silk dress Ellen wore was from Versace. Brenda recognized the design instantly since she had d
reamed about owning one just like it ever since seeing it on the cover of Vogue magazine. Ellen lifted the large-brimmed hat from her head and Chester stepped forward in time to take it from her. At last, she spoke.

  “Every costume must be dry-cleaned and pressed before our opening night tomorrow. I take it that is one of your duties?”

  “I have someone who can take care of that right away for you, I know the owner of the dry-cleaner here in town. I am the owner of the bed and breakfast and I have very capable staff who will take care of that for you.”

  Ellen sniffed and her eyes ran over Brenda as if assessing her dress code as owner of the establishment. “That will be all.”

  Chester followed Brenda into the hallway. “You will have to excuse Miss Teague. She has had a trying last few days rehearsing and preparing for the performances this weekend.”

  Brenda smiled and assured him she understood. As she walked back downstairs, she tried to imagine the glitz and glamor of the life of a star – but also the work and the demanding schedule. She hoped the arrogant attitude Ellen displayed was indeed due to stress and fatigue, and was not her usual demeanor. Every time she had seen her in movies, Brenda had come away with an impression of her as a strong but ultimately warm woman, someone with tremendous depth and feeling. Surely it was not all an act.

  When she entered the sitting room, the atmosphere was noticeably subdued. Anna whispered something to her husband and Shawn nodded in agreement. Even Ricky Owens appeared lost in his thoughts as he gazed out the window, his eyes fixated on the side lawn and gardens of Sheffield Bed and Breakfast. Brenda glanced at young Bonnie Ross and caught her eye with a questioning glance. Bonnie answered her with only a lopsided grin and then excused herself from the room.