by Leena Clover
Jenny tried to give Peter Wilson the benefit of doubt as she drove home. She knew he had a criminal past but he had left it all behind him. Could Tyler’s music have driven him to insanity?
Heather and Molly were waiting for her at home. The looks on their faces made Jenny wince.
“You were supposed to be here an hour ago,” Heather pounced. “When are you going to start taking this seriously, Jenny?”
“We missed our appointment at the bridal store,” Molly clucked.
They had planned to go to a boutique in Virginia Beach. It was owned by a new designer who displayed her latest designs on her website. Heather had sent her the links to some of the dresses and Jenny had really liked them. But they needed an appointment to go try on the dresses.
“I’m so sorry,” Jenny apologized. “I ran into someone and lost track of time.”
“Were you playing hooky with Adam?” Star asked with a laugh.
She was sitting next to Jimmy Parsons, her special friend. Jimmy had admired Star from a distance for several years. They had recently reconnected and were taking it slow. Neither of them was in a hurry to take the next step in their relationship.
“I wish,” Jenny groaned. “Adam had to attend a seminar in the city. He’s going to be late getting back.”
“That’s good,” Heather said. “We need to make up for lost time.”
Molly backed her up.
“That’s right. Let’s start with the guest list. How many out of town guests will you have, Jenny? We will need to make arrangements for their stay.”
Jenny’s mother hadn’t approved of her divorce, even though she had been the victim. She felt everything would be as it was if Jenny just groveled before her ex-husband and asked him to take her back. Relations between mother and daughter had cooled considerably in the past two years. Jenny’s mother had declared she was never setting foot in Pelican Cove. Star, who had always been the odd one out in the family, was supposed to be a bad influence on Jenny.
“No one from out of town,” Jenny said, knowing her mother would never give her blessing for a second wedding.
Star gave her a sympathetic look.
“Remember, we want it to be small and intimate,” Jenny reminded the girls. “Fifty people at the most.”
“Fifty people from your side, right?” Heather said. “What about Adam’s family?”
Jenny and the girls argued over the list while Star started prepping for dinner. Heather had the first draft of the guest list ready by the time the linguini in clam sauce was ready. Jenny had already poured her favorite Chardonnay for them. Star set the table and dished up the hot, flavorful pasta.
The talk turned to the fall festival.
“Who’s going to head the festival committee, now that Barb is running for mayor?” Molly asked.
Barb Norton was an active organizer when it came to town festivals.
“Who says she can’t do both?” Heather giggled. “She has enough energy for all of us.”
“Why don’t you do it?” Jenny asked Star. “It’s one of your favorites, isn’t it?”
“I’m going to be busy with wedding prep,” Star said hesitantly.
“Don’t worry about that,” Heather said, fanning her mouth. “We got that covered.”
“Talk to Barb,” Jenny urged her aunt. “I am sure you can convince her to let you take the lead this time.”
“I have attended all the meetings,” Star said, “so I know what’s going on. You are going to love it, Jenny. We took your suggestion from last year. There’s going to be a big concert on the beach. We don’t really have any space constraints since it will be out in the open.”
“That sounds great,” Jenny praised. “The Boardwalk Café will provide dessert,” Jenny told them. “What about the rest of the food?”
“We are having a big barbecue,” Star told them. “Chris and Jason have already volunteered.”
“That’s what I want for my wedding,” Jenny said, feeling inspired. “A barbecue right here on the beach. And a potluck.”
“But I already shortlisted a few caterers from up and down the coast,” Molly protested. “I was thinking oyster bar, champagne and filet mignon.”
Jenny poured some more wine for herself.
“Keep the champagne but ditch the steak. Too fancy schmancy.”
“Nothing wrong with having a fancy dinner at your wedding,” Heather retorted.
“You forget,” Jenny sighed. “I have already done all that.”
“Twenty something years ago …” Heather began.
“Whatever,” Jenny insisted. “We want something down home and friendly. What could be more coveted than a dish lovingly cooked by our friends?”
“So what? You want corn casserole and potato salad?” Molly wrinkled her nose.
“Adam and I talked about this,” Jenny nodded. “We just want your blessings and best wishes. Money can’t buy that.”
“You don’t really need our help, do you?” Heather asked glumly. “You’ve already got everything figured out.”
“On the contrary,” Jenny said. “I need you to put it all together for me.”
“What about flowers then?” Molly asked, sounding defeated. “I suppose you want roses from your garden?”
Chapter 9
Jenny settled into the plush seat of Jason Stone’s fancy car. Even though it was the peak of summer and the air conditioning was on full blast, she was tempted to press the button for the heated seats. There was just something decadent about them.
Jason and Jenny were driving to Richmond. Jenny had received a call from old man Jones. He had suggested Jenny pay a visit to the family lawyer. Jenny didn’t know what to expect from the visit so she had asked Jason to go along.
“I really don’t see why this lawyer wants to meet us,” she said out loud. “I hope it’s worth the trip.”
“Relax,” Jason soothed. “You work too hard, Jenny. Just enjoy your time away from the café.”
Jenny tried to follow Jason’s advice. She cranked up the radio and enjoyed the view outside the window. They were crossing the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel and the Bay sparkled around the long curving road.
They stopped at a rest area on the way. It was too hot for coffee but they both craved a snack.
“How is the wedding prep coming along?” Jason asked as he handed her a large glass of soda and a cinnamon roll.
“Heather and Molly are immersed in it,” Jenny told him. “I couldn’t do it without them.”
“It’s your special day,” Jason said gently. “Make sure you don’t let them steamroll you.”
“They mean well,” Jenny said. “Sometimes I think they are more excited about the big day than I am.”
Jason pulled up before the offices of Gold, Mason and Arlington a few minutes before 11. The reception area was carpeted in burgundy. It had a look of understated opulence. Jenny guessed most of the firm’s clients were as affluent as the Joneses.
A pretty young girl escorted them to a large corner office. A small, wizened man perched in an overstuffed leather armchair, dwarfed by a massive cherry wood desk. He nodded at Jenny and offered his hand to Jason.
“Phineas Gold, at your service.”
He offered them coffee and nodded at the girl. She came back a few minutes later, carrying a tray with a silver coffee urn and delicate mugs. Jenny accepted a cup and thanked the girl.
“Thanks for driving all the way to town,” Phineas Gold began. “I suppose you are wondering why I called you here.”
Jenny nodded as she took a sip.
“The Jones family has a long association with the firm. Josiah’s father hired my great grandfather sometime in the 19th century. We have taken care of their legal affairs since then.”
Jenny had a lot of questions but she let the man continue.
“Josiah told me you are looking into Tyler’s death for him. I have some information that might be relevant to you.”
Jenny sat up in her chair, feeling
hopeful.
“You know Tyler’s parents died when he was young. He was their sole heir. All the money was tied up in a trust until he reached twenty five.”
“When was he coming into this trust?” Jason asked.
“This week,” Phineas said meaningfully.
Jenny was two steps ahead.
“Who gets the money now?” she asked.
“Tyler could have left it to anyone, but he didn’t have a will. He ignored our professional advice and never made one. Said it made him feel morbid.”
“He was barely twenty five,” Jenny whispered. “Of course he didn’t think he needed one.”
Phineas Herb looked impatient.
“Tyler’s parents did think of this scenario though. They left everything to Tyler’s uncle.”
Jenny remembered the tall, rude man she had encountered at the Jones residence.
“Doesn’t he have a son too?”
Phineas nodded.
“It will all go to him, eventually. But Tyler’s uncle gets it for now.”
“Did Tyler get along with his uncle?” Jenny asked. “I had the impression he didn’t approve of Tyler’s music.”
“Tyler wasn’t interested in the family business,” Phineas told them. “It was a source of friction between him and his uncle.”
“What about old Mr. Jones?” Jenny asked.
“The Jones family is loaded. Tyler could live in the lap of luxury without having to lift a finger. The old man just wanted him to be happy.”
“Isn’t this all kind of personal?” Jason asked. “I’m surprised you are telling us all this.”
“I am acting on my client’s instructions,” Phineas Gold grumbled. “I don’t see how this is going to help you find Tyler’s killer.”
“It opens up a line of investigation,” Jenny told him. “Tell me, what is your opinion of Tyler’s uncle?”
Phineas Gold looked scandalized.
“I don’t gossip about my clients, Madam.”
“Was he short of funds?” Jenny asked doggedly.
Jason caught Jenny’s eye and gave a slight shake of his head. The old man must have pressed some kind of button. The pretty young girl came in and started to show them out.
“Tyler may not have been practical but he was kind,” Phineas said as they were leaving. “I hope you find out who murdered him.”
Jason knew Jenny liked Chinese food. He drove to a local restaurant tucked away in a strip mall.
“Save room for dessert,” he told Jenny. “Their fried banana fritters are not to be missed.”
They ordered a generous lunch and began eating with gusto. Jenny deftly picked up a steamed dumpling with her chopsticks and looked at Jason speculatively.
“What was the whole point of that visit?” she asked. “Does the old man want us to suspect his son?”
“I’ve been wondering that myself,” Jason said, scrunching his face.
“Money is always a strong motive,” Jenny said. “And the uncle didn’t seem too fond of Tyler.”
“Shouldn’t the uncle be rich in his own right, though?” Jason asked.
“He might have needed the money for a secret project,” Jenny pointed out.
“So what?” Jason scoffed. “He bumped his nephew off? It sounds farfetched.”
“You know who else is beginning to look like a suspect?” Jenny asked. “Peter Wilson.”
“Come on, Jenny, Peter can be hot headed. But you don’t seriously think he’s guilty?”
“He hated Tyler and had several confrontations with him,” Jenny reminded Jason. “And he even threatened the poor kid.”
“That still doesn’t mean he did it.”
“We don’t have any other suspects,” Jenny muttered. “Unless you want to consider Ocean.”
“What does Ocean gain by getting Tyler out of the way?” Jason asked.
“He’s the sole troubadour in town now. That seemed important to him.”
“You’re getting mixed up,” Jason said, shaking his head. “Tyler is the one who wanted to drive Ocean out.”
“Whatever,” Jenny shrugged. “Ocean is the only entertainer in town now. He gets to rake in the moolah.”
Jason laughed at that.
“So he earns twenty bucks more than he would otherwise. Not a strong enough motive to kill someone.”
Jenny stared moodily at her Sichuan chicken.
“I’m completely out of ideas,” she admitted.
“What does Adam say about all this? The police must be doing something other than harassing Ocean?”
Jenny rolled her eyes.
“You know Adam doesn’t like talking about his work. He’s already warned me to leave this alone.”
“He’s not completely wrong,” Jason considered. “You are about to be a bride. Enjoy all the pre-wedding fun, Jenny. Forget all this running around.”
“But you’re the one who wanted help with Ocean,” Jenny reminded him.
Jason slapped his forehead.
“Guilty as charged. But you’ve been a big help so far. I don’t think there is any hard evidence against Ocean.”
“So you want me to drop all this?” Jenny asked, scraping the last bit of fried rice off her plate. “It’s not that easy. And I promised old Mr. Jones I would look into it.”
“I think you’ve done your bit,” Jason said with a sigh. “Forget all this for now. Let’s order dessert.”
Jason mentioned the wedding again on their way back to Pelican Cove.
“Where are you going to live after the wedding?”
Jason knew Jenny was very fond of Seaview, the beach facing mansion she had bought with her divorce settlement. She had clearly expressed she didn’t want to live anywhere else. Adam was equally adamant about his own house. Jenny’s friends had secretly started a pool about where the couple would live after they got married.
“We are still talking about it,” Jenny divulged. “But Adam will come around.”
“Now this wouldn’t have been a problem if you were marrying me,” Jason joked.
Jenny knew the remark was only half in jest. Jason had made it clear he would follow Jenny to the end of the world if needed. Everyone wondered why Jenny had chosen Adam instead of Jason. But as they said, love didn’t always follow logic.
“Emily’s growing up real fast, isn’t she?” Jenny asked glibly.
Betty Sue and Heather were watching Jason’s baby for the day. Jason’s hands tightened on the steering wheel.
“Am I doing right by her, Jenny?” he wondered out loud. “A baby girl needs her mother. Do you think I should get married?”
“What are you planning to do? Order a wife online?” Jenny scoffed. “Don’t be silly, Jason.”
“That’s not what I meant,” Jason murmured.
“If you are thinking about dating again, I think you should go ahead. You don’t lack baby sitters. We will gladly take care of Emily while you go out.”
“You think anyone will want to date a single father like me?” Jason asked, his doubt splashed clearly across his face.
Jenny gave him an encouraging smile and began to check off his attributes on her fingers.
“You are a successful lawyer, you own the house you live in, you are not bad on the eyes, and you have a heart of gold … wait a minute, you have a lovely baby girl. You, my dear, are a great catch!”
“If you say so, Jenny,” Jason mumbled.
Jenny tried to cheer Jason up. She fiddled with the radio and tuned into Jason’s favorite station.
“You like Springsteen, don’t you?”
They both sang their hearts out to ‘Born in the U.S.A’. Jenny broke off as Jason turned onto the bridge leading to Pelican Cove.
“What in the world!” she exclaimed, pointing to a large billboard.
Barb Norton’s face stared back at them, flashing a 1000 mega watt smile. ‘Barb Norton for Mayor’, proclaimed the large letters splashed across the poster.
“Barb does everything in style,” Jaso
n laughed. “She’s going to win in a landslide.”
“I wouldn’t be so sure,” Jenny said as Jason drove off the bridge.
She pointed toward the side of the road.
Peter Wilson’s auto shop was festooned with hundreds of balloons. Music played in the background and a small crowd had gathered. Jenny spied people holding small paper cups of lemonade. A line of cars snaked along the road leading to the garage. A car wash event was in progress. High school kids were busy cleaning the cars while the guests mingled. Peter Wilson could be seen moving around, shaking hands.
“Looks like Peter has upped his game too,” Jason remarked.
“Election canvassing is on alright,” Jenny said as they drove further into town.
Lawn signs had gone up before most of the houses. Jenny counted the election placards and tried to calculate who was leading the race.
“Barb may be a busybody but she has done a lot for this town,” Jason said. “She definitely has my vote.”
They came upon another crowd as they drove up to the town square. Barb stood in the gazebo, getting ready to give a speech. People waved tiny American flags and cheered her on.
“What is Peter offering to do anyway?” Jason asked.
“He’s going to put a stop to over-tourism,” Jenny said, putting double quotes around the word. “He doesn’t want the town to change too much.”
“You mean he’s against growth?” Jason frowned.
“I’m sure he doesn’t see it that way,” Jenny replied.
Jenny’s phone rang then. She stared at the unknown number, then made up her mind and pressed the green button. She spoke briefly before hanging up and stared at Jason meaningfully. He had just pulled up before Jenny’s home.
“That was old Mr. Jones,” she said in a hushed voice. “He wants to see me again.”
Chapter 10
Jenny bustled about in the Boardwalk Café, chatting with customers and topping up coffee. The sun shone brightly outside, and the beach behind the café was packed with sun worshippers and families enjoying summer vacation. Most of the townsfolk were out too, canvassing for their favorite mayoral candidate.
The café crowd thinned after a while and Jenny finally went back inside to prep for lunch. Her strawberry chicken salad was so popular she was making gallons of it every day. Soft shell crab season was on and it was another item Jenny couldn’t make enough of.