by Lynn Cahoon
“I’m worried for their reputations.” I curled up my legs beneath me. “Does this mean they have to get married?”
“Don’t you start. The guy is a wreck. He’s obviously in love with Sadie. I wouldn’t doubt he will tell her about the way he feels tonight.” Greg turned up the volume on the television.
“That would be nice. Sadie needs something good in her life. She’s been all about raising Nick, and then about her business. I don’t think she’s even had a date, well, except for that train wreck with Dustin Austin after her husband died.” I grabbed my book and scooted closer to Greg. “I’m glad you don’t have to work tonight.”
“I didn’t say that. I do have to work. But now I don’t have to run by Sadie’s in a few hours. The pastor saved me a sleepless night. I just want to watch some of the game. Then I’m going to dig in to Ben’s notebook. Let’s hope I find something. I’m not sure how long I can hold off the dogs from pushing for Paula’s arrest.”
“But…”
He put a finger over my lips. “I feel the same way, but the evidence isn’t supporting our feelings. Arguing with me isn’t changing the facts.”
He was right about that. The problem was, Sadie was counting on me to find the real killer. And, of course, Paula was innocent. But as I’d learned early in life, sometimes being innocent didn’t keep you out of jail. I focused on the book and got lost in the story.
Greg moved me over about an hour later, and I used the interruption to go grab another soda and let Emma outside. When I got back to the living room, he was already in the office, working.
I set down the book, grabbed my notebook, and wrote down everything I knew about Ben. He’d shown up about a year ago and moved in with Paula almost immediately. The guy must have been charming at the beginning because she fell hard. He had a website advertising his computer and electronic skills, yet Paula paid all the bills. I wondered if Greg had looked at Paula’s account to see if he’d been giving her money to help, but I could bet the answer was no. He had a lot of free time, so he hung around the Senior Project, where Paula worked, and helped with their computer systems. And people at the Senior Project had told Greg that he and Paula were having relationship issues. Yet from what she’d told me, she was still in love. So maybe the issues were one-sided. Maybe he’d taken on a new lover in all the spare time he seemed to have. And when he wouldn’t leave Paula, she killed him. I tapped my pen on the notepad. Plausible. I wrote down a few questions, including where had he met the new woman? And why wouldn’t he leave Paula?
I saw the light go out in the office, so I tucked my notebook back into my tote and picked up the book. Greg came out and kissed me on the forehead.
“I’m heading to bed. I’m beat.”
I lightly grabbed his arm. “Did you find anything?”
“On the notebook? Yeah, but I’m not sure what I’m looking at. I’m going to have Tim and Toby take a look tomorrow.”
I put on a bright smile. “Or I could look at it tonight? You know I like puzzles.”
He tapped my nose. “Good try, Sherlock, but I’ve locked the tablet in the desk and hidden the key. Leave this one alone, okay?”
“I wasn’t going to sneak in there to look.” Although, technically, it wasn’t sneaking if it was in my own house.
“Come to bed and leave it alone.” Greg pulled me up out of the couch. “We need to get some sleep so I can have a fresh outlook on this in the morning. For Paula’s sake.”
I followed him upstairs, turning off lights as we went. He had known what to say to get me to agree. Saving Paula was mission number two. Mission number one was making sure no one was trying to hurt my aunt.
I felt like I was failing on both fronts.
Chapter 16
Typically, when the bell over the door at the shop rings, it makes me smile. I’m either going to sell a cup of coffee and share my love for the brew, or I get to sell a book and give the new owner a trip to another world. Wednesday morning, when the bell rang, I looked up and silently groaned.
Mayor Baylor and another man were coming into my shop. If he’d wanted coffee and treats for his meeting, he would have sent Amy. I was pretty sure the guy didn’t read. So there was only one reason he was here: to talk to me.
Fake it till you make it. I turned on a hundred-dollar smile, “Good morning, gentlemen, what can I get for you this morning?”
The mayor’s eyes darted over to the other man, who nodded. “Two large coffees to go, Jill. That would be great.”
Okay, so I’d been wrong; there had been a coffee-related reason they’d come into the shop. “No problem.”
As I poured the coffee, the men sat at the counter. Mayor Baylor handed me a twenty and I counted out his change, then gave them the coffees. I turned to refill my own cup. “Thanks a lot for your business. I’ll be over on the couch reading if you need any refills.”
He held up a hand. “Actually, Jill, there is one thing I wanted to ask you.”
Uh-oh, here it comes. I took my cup back in front of them, keeping the coffee bar between us. “Sure. How can I help you?”
“Fred, Jill’s our business-to-business council manager. She handles all the meetings for the business community here in South Cove. She’s done an excellent job in the last five years of growing the group.” Mayor Baylor nodded to the other man. “Jill, this is my campaign manager, Fred Mucke.”
“Nice to meet you, Mr. Mucke.” I held out a hand. I could be civilized too.
“Fred, please. I always think about my dad’s pig farm in Illinois when I’m called Mr. Mucke.” He sipped his coffee. “This is amazing. I can’t believe I haven’t been here before now. I’m always visiting South Cove to talk to Marvin for one reason or another.”
“Thanks. We have it roasted especially for us. Well, and I provide the coffee for Diamond Lille’s too. So if you’re a coffee drinker here in South Cove, you’re probably drinking my blend.” I was chattering, but until I found out what they wanted to talk to me about, keeping my mind going was probably a good idea.
“Marvin tells me you’re involved with our local police detective, Greg King?” Fred studied me, and now I thought I knew what this was about. They were feeling out the water, even though Greg had probably assured Marvin a million times that he wasn’t interested in running for mayor.
I put on the smile again. “Yes. In fact, we’re living together. I suppose a lot of couples do; it just makes more sense, with how high the prices for houses are this close to the coast. Rent or buy, it doesn’t matter; you’re going to be paying an arm or a leg, right? One of the reasons I’m renting out the building behind me. People need affordable housing. I’m lucky I inherited my house.” Still chattering, but I wanted to watch the two men as they formulated what they wanted to ask me.
“Well, that’s interesting.” Fred glanced at Marvin, but when the mayor nodded, he turned his attention back to me. “We were wondering if you knew whether Greg was planning on setting up a political career. Many people in public service lean that way for their careers. It would be helpful if we knew who our opposition was for the early elections.”
“I bet it would.” I sipped my coffee.
When I didn’t continue, Fred narrowed his eyes. “You know, this isn’t a game. If he’s filed papers, we will be notified. You might as well tell us now.”
I set down my cup. “Why?”
Fred shook his head, obviously confused by my one-word response. “Why what?”
“Why do you think for the price of two cups of coffee I’d tell you anything about what Greg plans for his future career? Just because I’m his girlfriend? Honestly, you need to talk to Greg and see what he says. I’m not the boss of him, unlike other relationships I know.” I aimed that statement directly to the mayor.
“We have asked Greg. He keeps saying he’s not running.” Marvin didn’t wait for Fred to take the lead
now.
“Then you have your answer. Look, I’d love to sit and chat, but I’ve got a book calling my name. Let me know if you need more coffee.” With that, I took my cup and walked over to the couch.
Pretending to read, I kept them in my line of sight until they headed to the door a few minutes later, leaving their half-drunk coffee.
“Have a nice day,” I called out as the bell over the door rang. Sometimes people confused me. Greg had told the mayor time and time again that he wasn’t interested in the job, but for some reason, the guy didn’t believe him. So they came to me.
Frustrated, I kicked off my flats and curled up my feet underneath me. This time, when I focused on the book, I didn’t pretend to read.
Deek found me in the same position a few hours later. He glanced around the empty shop and then grabbed some coffee before joining me in the book area. “Busy day, huh?”
“No tour bus stops scheduled for the rest of the month. Everyone must be in New England watching the leaves fall.” I stretched and set the book next to me. “How are classes going?”
“About the same. I hate to say this, but I think I’m getting bored with the student life.” He grinned at the look of shock I must have been wearing. “Don’t get all worried; I don’t want to give up this plush job, but I may need some more hours starting in January when next semester comes. I’ve decided I’m going to write a book.”
“Really? What about?” Now I was interested. As a reader, I loved authors, but I didn’t want to be one. It seemed like a lot of work.
“High fantasy, but I think at the young adult level. We’ll see. My mom is actually all in and says I can stay in the basement if I keep my job and show her forward progress on the novel.” He grinned. “I may never have to move out.”
“Everyone has to become an adult at some time in their lives.” I studied the young man sitting across from me. He was our newest hire and had replaced Sasha when she went off to the city for a full-time internship for her last year of college. With Nick graduating soon, I would have had to hire another part-timer to cover his spot as soon as he got a real job in his field. This announcement worked in my favor. And Deek was amazing with the book clubs.
“Stop trying to wreck my dreams.” He started to stand, then returned to his relaxed position. “And I have a message from my mom. She says there are several groups active in the same con you told me about. She’s not sure if there is one in the area, but she confirmed with some friend of hers in the south that the people are out there. Does that help any?”
I nodded. I’d already determined that Jackie was being duped. And if there was a local group, Deek’s mom would have known about it. I knew she was legit now in her business, but I had a good source that had told me that she’d grown up in the grifter life, like Esmeralda. “It does. I knew my uncle hadn’t returned from the dead. So there was only one other explanation.”
“I don’t think you mean Spirit Cell Wireless.” He sighed as he ran a hand over his blond dreadlocks. “Growing up with a mother who talks to the dead for a living wasn’t the easiest thing. But I know she’s not trying to steal from anyone. She really has a gift.”
“I’m not a believer, but I know both your mom and Esmeralda give something to people they need. Hope, maybe. Or closure. Either way, it’s not a bad thing.” I slipped my shoes back on. I needed some time to think about Jackie’s situation. Maybe it was all over and I just needed to get her a new cell phone. It irked me that someone could just get away with this and move on to their next victim, though. “I’m heading home. I’ve got a dog to take to the beach to run.”
Deek followed me to the coffee bar, where I grabbed my tote. “Mom did say one more thing, but it’s a little woo-woo.”
“I’m always open to information, even if it’s coming from a weird spot.” I tucked a couple of books I’d set aside to take home into my tote. Maybe I’d hit Diamond Lille’s for lunch again. That thing with the mayor had made me crave some comfort food.
Deek slipped on his apron and leaned on the counter to watch me. “She said things are more connected than you know.”
“Like what?” My mind flashed to the discussion with the mayor and his bulldog, Fred. She couldn’t mean that.
“She didn’t say. In fact, she didn’t seem to remember saying that. I asked her the same question and she waved me away like she does. It’s a little creepy to watch.”
I nodded. I’d seen Esmeralda do the same thing when she had an announcement from the other side. Even without believing in their talent, watching her have one of her visions was unsettling. “Thanks. I’ll keep it in mind.”
I passed by Diamond Lille’s, thinking that maybe eating wasn’t the best way to get rid of this dull ache I’d had in my head since that morning. I’d run, then I’d make myself a grilled cheese sandwich. Or a grilled tuna and cheese sandwich. Both sounded great right now.
Focused on the food I was about to devour, I strolled the rest of the way to my house. Once I’d changed, Emma and I went running. I was still thinking about the grilled tuna and cheese when I got home and saw Toby’s truck in the driveway. He must have just gotten home from his night shift. I assumed the guy would be passed out in his apartment, but instead, he was sitting on my front porch, looking at his phone.
“Hey, Toby. I was just about to make lunch. You want some?” He looked drained.
He gave Emma a hug before standing. “I could use some grub. Thanks.”
He followed me into the house and we got settled into the kitchen. “I’m thinking that you don’t want coffee. You want a soda or tea, or maybe just water?”
“A soda will be fine. I wanted to let you know that no one came to the house last night, again. Greg wants me to stay out there one more night, but I don’t think anyone’s coming. Especially because they hit Sadie’s house.” He yawned as he opened the soda.
I quickly got out the cheese and butter and then set a box of cookies on the table. “You want a tuna and cheese melt or just grilled cheese?”
“Grilled cheese will be fine. I appreciate this. I ate some doughnuts at the station this morning, but I didn’t stop for lunch before I came home.” He took a couple of cookies. “Oh, and that tablet? It had a list of people and a whole bunch of stuff about them in a spreadsheet. Thousands of people. Where they lived, phone numbers, relatives’ names. The weird thing is, the sheet was divided into ‘active,’ ‘possible,’ ‘closed,’ and ‘pending.’ And guess whose name was on the possible list?”
Still holding a butter knife, I turned around to see his face when he told me what I thought I already knew.
“I see you’ve guessed.” He rubbed his face, like he could wipe away the tiredness that appeared to have wiped him out. “Your aunt’s name was there, along with a ton of information about her. I think Ben was the con artist who was posing as your uncle.”
I went back to working on the sandwiches. When I got one in the pan, I nodded. “That makes sense. The guy knew a lot about computers. He volunteered at the Senior Project.”
“Greg suspects that’s where he got the information. According to the people who work there, Ben had free rein with their servers and even set up their intake process.” Toby studied me. “You don’t look surprised.”
“I’m not. I didn’t know Ben was the guy behind the phone calls, but it makes sense why no one showed up or canceled the face-to-face meeting with Jackie last weekend. Ben was already dead by then.” I finished Toby’s sandwich and grabbed a plate and a single-serve bag of chips. I set the food in front of him, then joined him at the table. “You don’t know how glad I am that this is all over. I’ve been so worried about Jackie.”
“We still don’t know who killed Ben, but there seems like there are at least a few motives. Hopefully, you and your aunt have an alibi for time of death?”
“You have to be kidding. We’re not suspects, are we?”
“More than a year?”
Toby polished off the sandwich and opened the bag of chips. “A lot more than a year. Why?”
“Because he just moved here and got tight with Paula. Which got him into their server. Where did he get the information about his marks before that?”
Toby pulled out his phone and keyed something.
“What are you doing?”
He stood and took his plate to the sink. “I just texted Greg your question. I don’t think you’ll see him home tonight. Way too many records to get through and people to call. Thanks for lunch.”
I watched as he went out the back door and through the yard into the shed that was his apartment. The guy was beat. I was glad Greg got a good night’s sleep last night because until this case was solved, he’d be up until all hours of the night. I made my own sandwich and, when it was done, opened the book I’d been reading earlier and got lost in the story. It might be seen as escaping, but right now, I didn’t want to think about Ben or what he’d planned on stealing from my aunt.
A few hours later, my phone rang. “Hey, Greg, how’s the case going?”
“Kind of blowing up over here. The good news is, we probably know why Ben was killed. The bad news is, not only is Paula still a suspect, so are a ton of people he scammed money from. One of the state guys is tracking his off-shore accounts. I think once we total it all up, we’re going to find that Ben had quite a nest egg going. And a sugar mama in Paula to pay all the bills because he was claiming to be broke.”
“Which is why Paula’s still not off the list.” I set my book next to me on the couch. “That girl can’t catch a break.”