Festival Turmoil (Sweetfern Harbor Mystery Book 7)

by Wendy Meadows

  Brenda called Mac to tell him Jenny was fine and to meet them at the hospital since she needed to be checked out. Mac wouldn’t feel easy about his daughter’s well-being until he saw for himself, so he promised to finish up the interrogations and meet them there shortly. Brenda sat in the backseat as they drove and hugged Jenny close to her. The cold had settled in on her during the long captivity and she needed more warmth. Again Bryce put the sirens on, until they arrived at the hospital for the much-needed examination.

  Some time after she had been cleared by the doctors, everyone gathered around Jenny in her private room. She insisted she just needed to get home. “Other than the cold, I’m fine. I can’t get better away from my loved ones.”

  Mac fully understood her desire. He agreed, but when she insisted on going back to her home, he objected. “You’ll come to the bed and breakfast with us, Jenny. We have the pull-out sofa in our apartment and you can recover right there. Besides, we’ll have a lot of questions to ask you about your ordeal and you’ll be more comfortable with us.”

  Bryce had other ideas of his own, but saved them for now. He knew Mac was right. Jenny didn’t need to go home to an empty house and to where it all began for her. Bryce’s own apartment was a studio apartment over a shop downtown with little room to move freely. His mind raced with his thoughts. He knew what he wanted to do, but would give Jenny time first.

  At Sheffield Bed and Breakfast, word had already reached everyone that Jenny was found alive and well. Phyllis had a tray of homemade oatmeal raisin cookies and hot tea waiting for them all. She gathered soft quilts ready to wrap Jenny in. Allie called her parents, and shortly after, Hope and David Williams arrived to welcome Jenny home as well. Molly Lindsey burst into the bed and breakfast and demanded to know where her best friend was.

  “Calm down, Molly,” said her mother. “I’ve got hot tea and cookies ready. She will be here as soon as possible. William met all of them at the hospital. He said he saw her with his own eyes. She is fine but exhausted. They should be here any minute.”

  Chapter Nine

  Homecoming

  The waiting seemed endless though only minutes passed. Everyone chatted animatedly in the sitting room about the recovery of Jenny Rivers as well as the upcoming festival. Molly finally calmed down at her mother’s encouragement and joined the others in the sitting room. They had settled in chairs and on the loveseat just as Mac’s car drove up, followed by Bryce and Jenny. William sat next to Mac. Jenny clung to Bryce’s arm as he helped her inside to greet her friends. Everyone cried tears of joy. Phyllis ordered Jenny to curl up on the loveseat and then she proceeded to wrap the softest quilt around her. Brenda poured hot tea and handed the cup to Jenny. William and Bryce busied themselves stoking up the fire in the hearth so that it burned bright and hot.

  “It’s so good to be out of that awful fishing shack,” she told them.

  “I don’t know how you managed to keep your sanity,” Molly said. “I would have been so scared.”

  “I was scared at first, but then I spent time trying to figure how I would escape if that awful man came back. Overall, it wasn’t too hard since I knew Bryce or Brenda or my dad would find me soon. They are all the best and I am more than thankful I was found before I froze to death.” She laughed. “The rope was tight and I couldn’t loosen it enough, even though I tried more than once.” She rubbed her wrists.

  “We’re thankful you are home safe and sound,” Phyllis said. William stood by her and put his arm around his wife’s shoulders.

  “I hope the person who did this can be found soon.” Hope’s worried look reminded the officers and Brenda that no one knew the final details.

  “There are two men in custody right now. They are charged with attacking me and with taking Jenny. They aren’t going anywhere any time soon,” Mac said. “All of you can rest assured our town is safe again.”

  “They have charges of burglaries against them, too,” Bryce said. “They won’t see the light of day for a long time yet.”

  Allie left the room to answer the phone. After the call, she started back into the sitting room when she saw a tearful guest coming down with her luggage. Marilyn Martin told her she was checking out.

  “I’m sure Brenda won’t want me to stay around.” Allie looked puzzled. “My husband is one of the criminals charged with taking Jenny Rivers.”

  Allie opened her mouth but couldn’t think of words to say. Recovering, she finally spoke. “Wait right here. I’ll get Brenda.”

  When Brenda came out, Mac was with her. “I’m checking out, Brenda. I called and one of the local motels has a room. I’m sure I’ll be expected to stick around for more questioning,” said Marilyn.

  Mac agreed they would need to talk with her and he got the information from her in regard to her location plans. Brenda looked at the woman. She was sure Marilyn Martin didn’t participate in any crimes with her husband but understood there was no proof of that yet. She debated as to whether she should insist the woman remain where she was or not.

  “It is your choice, Marilyn.” Brenda looked at Mac. His look told her not to take a chance. “I understand if you want to go elsewhere.”

  “To be truthful,” Marilyn said, “I’m not sure of our money situation right now. There are so many unknowns with Richard that I should probably find more economical lodging for now.” She thanked Brenda for her hospitality at the historic Queen Anne bed and breakfast. Brenda felt relief she chose to leave and watched as her guest departed.

  When they returned to the sitting room, everyone talked about the Winter Festival. “We have less than two days before things begin,” Molly said.

  Brenda saw that Jenny appeared very tired. “We’ll get on with plans for that right after Jenny gets a good night’s sleep.”

  It was her remark that drew everyone’s attention back to Jenny. Her face had paled since her arrival and dark circles formed under her eyes. Molly hugged her tightly and told her again how happy she was to see her home safe and sound. One by one the others did the same. Only Phyllis and William Pendleton remained where they were. Allie had finished for the day and left to practice her ice skating routine for the competition. Bryce clung to Jenny as if she was going to disappear again. Her eyes filled with deep love for him. Now was the time, he thought.

  He told her to stay right where she was. “I have something to say to you, Jenny.” Everyone remaining in the room turned to watch with expectation. “I know we set our wedding date for the summer, but I want to marry you much sooner. There is no reason for you to live alone in that big house.”

  “What are you saying, Bryce?” Jenny’s eyes danced.

  “I want to marry you right away, perhaps as soon as the Winter Festival is over, or we can marry as soon as you want. I don’t want you to have to live in fear, thinking of possible criminals lurking around or any other unsafe thoughts that could plague you after what you’ve been through. I want you to feel safe.”

  “I like the idea of marrying sooner, but you don’t have to worry about me living alone until then. Remember, I have lived with a father who was always out and about in the middle of the night because of something criminal going on around town. I’m a grown woman, I don’t want you to worry about me.”

  Mac stepped forward. “It’s true I’ve had to leave her in the middle of the night like that, but I want to remind everyone that when she was younger, after her mother died, Jenny’s nanny Natalie was there with her.” It was true the woman had cared for her like a mother.

  “That’s right. I don’t want anyone to get the wrong idea, he didn’t leave me alone as a kid,” Jenny laughed. Father and daughter exchanged loving smiles.

  Bryce realized they were veering from the topic at hand. “I meant what I said, Jenny. I want to marry you as soon as possible and we all heard you agree to that.”

  Jenny laughed. “Of course I’m ready to marry you, Bryce. But I hope you aren’t doing it under the delusion that it will somehow keep me safe. We have to
do it for all the right reasons.”

  “All right, then, Jenny, I want to marry you right now because I can’t live without you and because I love you deeply. I want to make you completely mine as soon as possible. What happened to you brought it home more than ever how much I love you.”

  That was the longest and most heartfelt speech anyone in the room had heard coming from the young detective’s mouth. Brenda marveled inwardly at how brash and flirtatious he had been when she first met him. She realized Philip Turner had the same personality. The photographer was just as cavalier as Bryce Jones had been when he first arrived in Sweetfern Harbor. Both men were flirts. Bryce, however, had matured into a fine young man.

  A moment passed as the lovebirds held hands. Everything had been said that needed saying and Bryce embraced Jenny again. They kissed long, until the two newlywed couples turned and left them alone. Phyllis and Brenda exchanged knowing smiles as they closed the sitting room door behind them.

  William stated they needed to get home and get settled in. Phyllis promised Brenda she would come back and dig in on preparations for hosting the end of the festivities. “I’m sure there is a lot still to be done, Brenda.” Brenda assured her there was.

  Mac stuck his head back into the sitting room. “Get her upstairs to her bed, Bryce. You two have the rest of your lives together. She needs to get rested up.”

  The Pendletons chuckled as they left the bed and breakfast. Bryce took the key to the apartment from Mac and helped Jenny upstairs. Mac waited. He had the feeling Brenda had questions.

  “Who do you think was glaring at Neb and Rachel from the window in the sitting room?” She reminded him of the incident. “Could there be a third person involved?”

  “I pressed Rachel when interrogating her. She told me they made it all up. They hadn’t seen anyone at all. It was on impulse. Neb came up with the idea knowing you were nearby. Neb planned to go back to the fishing hut that very night and decide what to do with Jenny but didn’t count on our officers combing the property in such detail. That saved Jenny, since Neb didn’t want to take the chance of being questioned about where he was going. Their ploy backfired on them. There was no third party involved in this crime at all.”

  “What happened to Neb and Rachel’s daughter?”

  “Rachel left her to grow up with her parents in Vermont while Neb was in prison. She cut ties with Neb and Rachel years ago. She is an adult now and still lives in Vermont. She assumed Rachel’s parents’ last name when they legally adopted her. Neb assumed he’d be in prison for the rest of his life and allowed the adoption. Rachel didn’t care about the matter and gave her consent.”

  “I have one last question. At least, it’s one last question at the moment,” Brenda said. “Has Sleazy stayed out of trouble since leaving prison?”

  “He’s stayed clean. I don’t think he liked living behind bars all that much.” Mac took her hand. “It’s time for rest, Mrs. Rivers. Let’s go to bed.”

  They met Bryce on the way down. He handed the keys to Mac and told him he and Jenny would announce their wedding plans in the next day or two. His eyes brimmed with unshed tears of happiness.

  When Mac and Brenda went inside the apartment, Jenny was fast asleep. Brenda pulled the blanket up over her shoulders.

  Once in bed, Mac breathed deeply. He turned to Brenda. “What a way to begin our new life together, Brenda. I didn’t plan things this way.”

  Brenda laughed softly. “Let’s face it, Mac, this is our life together. We both know what your career involves. Nothing can be predictable when it comes to crime. I understood all of that when I married you.”

  “I hope you don’t regret it. Of course, I could look up Natalie. Maybe you need a nanny to look after you when I leave you alone to go hunt down criminals,” he teased.

  “I’m sure nanny Natalie would keep me safe against the worst of the bad guys,” Brenda laughed, then paused. “I would like to meet her someday, truly. She certainly did well with Jenny, who has grown into a beautiful young woman.”

  “Beautiful and sure of herself,” Mac said. “She is so strong and came through this kidnapping ordeal like a champion.” He shook his head in wonder. “It’s hard to believe my little girl is now old enough to marry. That part is hard.” Brenda snuggled closer to Mac, who put his strong arms around her.

  The next morning, as expected, guests had dwindled. By now, everyone at Sheffield Bed and Breakfast knew the details of the criminals who had shared a space in the beautiful Queen Anne lodging with them. Brenda and Mac decided to join the guests for breakfast. Mac was prepared to answer any questions he could at this point. Both criminals were officially charged and booked until trial dates. To his surprise, only a few questions were asked.

  “When did you find out Marilyn and Richard were involved?” Linda asked. “I thought she was such a nice person and would never have guessed she had a criminal background or disposition.”

  “Marilyn Martin was not involved at all. At this point she is not a suspect in any of it. Her husband was the one fully involved, unbeknownst to her,” Mac clarified.

  “That is such a relief,” Linda said. “I was sure she couldn’t have had anything to do with such things. I think I would have picked up on something about her if that was the case.”

  Conversation was muted as the guests mulled this over. Soon, most of the guests turned to talk about the Winter Festival that would begin later in the day. They were interrupted when Philip Turner came into the dining room. Several greeted him. His cheerful attitude caught everyone’s attention.

  “I think I got plenty of photos of the criminals. It paid off to take as many candid shots as possible. There sure is a crowd of subjects around town.”

  Mac made a mental note to grab the photographer before he headed for the police station. He wanted to see every photo of Neb and Rachel Tyler, and of Richard Martin, that the man had snapped.

  “I’d like to see some of your work sometime before we leave,” one guest said. “I’m more or less an amateur at photo shooting myself.”

  Philip was all too eager to show some to him. “I’ll bring down what I have and anyone who wants a look is welcome. Several have been sold to two travel magazines and I hope to sell more.”

  Brenda wondered why Mac lingered at the table. She had a full day of preparations waiting for her attention and stood to go. She expected her husband to do the same. Instead, he waited until Philip was ready to leave and quickly followed him to the bottom of the stairs.

  “I’d like to see any you have of the criminals before you take the photos down to the others.”

  Philip agreed and together they went to his room.

  Chapter Ten

  Photos and Tourists

  Mac poured over the shots of Richard Martin in Philip’s room. One photograph showed him getting into the passenger side of a grey Escape. The driver was not in sight, but since Neb Tyler owned the SUV Mac was sure it was him. He searched through a few more. There was one more photo that clearly showed Richard and Neb standing together near the park. In the background, dusk settled in and the lights strung in the trees provided a fairyland backdrop. Mac asked Philip to send the photos he found of the two to his phone.

  “I’d like to take the copies of these photos, if you don’t mind. Once they are seen by Chief Ingram, then we can talk about possible reimbursement.”

  “As long as things are figured honestly and fairly I have no objections,” Philip said. “If there’s no compensation, then I’ll tell you right now there won’t be a deal.”

  Mac didn’t doubt he would receive payment, but he wanted Bob Ingram to look them over before deciding if they were worth purchasing. They went back downstairs where several guests gathered, eager to see the photographs. Philip brought a large portfolio with him. It was his chance to drum up some business.

  Mac shook his head when he saw Philip wink at Allie when he passed the desk. Allie had the grace to blush.

  “I’m holding you to your pr
omise, Allie,” Philip said. “I’ve got a front row seat reserved to get great photos of you during the competition.”

  “I don’t think they are allowed unless you have a photographer’s pass from the festival authorities.”

  “I have that, so I’m a step ahead of you.”

  When Philip went into the sitting room, Mac noticed Allie’s nervousness. “Don’t let him rattle you. You’ve practiced that routine enough to know it like the back of your hand. Forget photographers and even the audience. You’ll be fine.”

  Allie sent a smile of relief. “I know that, but thanks, Mac. This is the first time I’ve competed in public like this. I don’t know why Philip Turner makes me so nervous when he talks about taking photos of me.”

  Mac knew exactly why the young woman was so nervous and smiled gently. “Concentrate on your performance now. After you win, you can concentrate on the man who seems to be attracting your attention.”

  Allie blushed again. “You are right about that. He does have the ability to draw me in. I’ll pay attention to your advice. Winning the competition will help pay part of my college. You know they are giving a scholarship to the winner along with the silver cup and monetary prizes.”

  “I know that. And that is why you are going to win.”

  Brenda approached and repeated Mac’s encouraging words. Phyllis came in the front door as they spoke.

  “It’s snowing again. Everything is so beautiful. It’s a perfect weekend for our Winter Festival.” She removed her coat and gloves and took the wool scarf from her neck. “Now let’s get busy.”

  Mac told them to have a good day and left them. “Before we start working, you and I must sit down and enjoy coffee together,” Phyllis insisted. Both women were anxious to talk about their honeymoons, something they hadn’t had time to do up to this point.