Neb’s laugh was not reassuring. “I don’t expect to get caught, but if I do, I want you to promise me you will come to the station and get some vital pictures of my arrest.”
Philip had shivered. “What do you mean by vital pictures?”
“Pictures of the locks on the cell doors, of course. If I’m put behind bars again I’ll count on you getting me out. I’m really lucky, Phil, to have a cousin who is a good locksmith and loyal friend to the end.”
When Philip didn’t respond, Neb egged him on like they were children again. Philip agreed he would take pictures of the detective and anyone else that seemed important around Sweetfern Harbor, but he drew the line at getting him out of jail if it came to that. When push came to shove though, once again Philip did what his cousin told him to do.
And now he was on the run. If he made it across the border he’d have nothing to worry about. Neb was still behind locked bars and he couldn’t drag Philip further into this mess. The photographer didn’t worry about Neb telling the cops he was the one who tried to break him out. He was sure he would be long escaped to his home country by then. He wasn’t so sure about Neb’s friend Richard, but what proof did he have? He eyed the speedometer and carefully pressed the gas pedal down to the fastest but safest speed he was willing to drive.
Brenda and Phyllis paced until William finally told them to sit down or do something other than wear out the hardwood floor.
“I’m going to the police station,” Brenda said. “I want to talk to Richard Martin again. He will talk easier than Neb Tyler ever will.”
All three put their winter coats on. William and Phyllis followed Brenda. When they got to the police station, Brenda headed for Chief Ingram’s office. He looked up in surprise.
“It’s after midnight, Brenda. What are you doing down here?”
“It seems I’m responsible for housing yet another criminal at my bed and breakfast. Maybe I can help. Did Neb or Richard admit it was Philip Turner who tried to get them out?”
“They aren’t talking, but from what you told us you found, we are sure it is the photographer.”
“He has to be more than a photographer. In fact, from the way things have unfolded so far, I feel very sure that is just a ruse. If he knows how to break locks he could be a locksmith. I want to talk to Richard Martin.”
Chief Ingram didn’t hesitate. “Fine with me, Brenda. We’ve moved them back into the interrogation rooms, keeping them both awake hoping they’ll confirm it was Turner.” He signaled one of the officers to allow Brenda access to Richard in one of the interrogation rooms.
She sat across from him and finally looked him in the eye. “It seems I’ve allowed more than a few criminals to sully my fine bed and breakfast. You owe me something, Richard.” He couldn’t look at her. Instead, he bowed his head. Moisture prickled across his forehead. “You owe me a lot, actually. Who tried to get the two of you out of jail while we all celebrated? It had to be someone familiar with the cell locks. Was it another cop?”
Richard looked hopeful at first but something in her eyes told him she knew it hadn’t been a cop. He tried to wring his hands but the handcuffs prevented that. “It wasn’t a cop. It was a friend of Neb’s. I don’t know his name.”
“I’m sure you know his name and can describe him perfectly.”
By now perspiration began to trickle. “It was that photographer that stayed at the bed and breakfast. He’s a photographer but he’s also a locksmith.”
Brenda prodded until Richard finally explained that Philip Turner and Neb Tyler were cousins. “I don’t think he’s ever been in trouble with the law before like Neb. I think Neb has a hold on him somehow and made him agree.”
Brenda left him to stew in his deeds and knowledge. She told Chief Ingram the news. Mac and Bryce were on the hunt along with other law enforcement.
A few minutes later the phone rang. “Good, good work, everyone,” the Chief said. He looked at Brenda. “Turner hadn’t made it to the border when they caught him. Of course, he couldn’t have crossed anyway since he didn’t have his passport, plus Border Patrol was notified to stop him if he tried.”
By the time Mac and Bryce returned to the police station, Brenda and Bob chatted about the success of the Winter Festival as if the turmoil had not ensued at all. William and Phyllis had gone home several hours ago. Mac’s face lit up when he saw Brenda. He kissed her and hugged her tightly.
“Thanks for your hard work in this,” he told her. “Let’s go home and get a good sleep. Tomorrow we will take a day trip up the coast and enjoy our winter wonderland.”
“Nothing would please me more than to have a peaceful day just with you, Mac. It’s hard to imagine what that will be like.”
“I don’t have to imagine, Brenda. I already know what a lucky man I am to have you.”
Chief Ingram waved them away with a smile. Mac took Brenda’s hand and together they walked out into the starry, crisp night air.
Dear Reader,
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Thanks again,
Wendy Meadows
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About the Author
Wendy Meadows is an emerging author of cozy mysteries. She lives in “The Granite State” with her husband, two sons, two cats and lovable Labradoodle.
When she isn’t working on her stories she likes to tend to her flowers, relax with her pets and play video games with her family.
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Also by Wendy Meadows
Maple Hills Cozy Mystery Series
Nether Edge Mystery Series
Chocolate Cozy Mystery Series
Alaska Cozy Mystery Series
Sweet Peach Bakery Cozy Series
Sweetfern Harbor Mystery Series
Festival Turmoil (Sweetfern Harbor Mystery Book 7) Page 9