A Fishy Discovery (Dune House Cozy Mystery Series Book 8)

by Cindy Bell

  “I can.” Paul’s voice shook as he spoke. “I’m okay, just a little tired.”

  Jason began to assess his vitals. Mary threw her arms around Suzie. “I’m so sorry I couldn’t get to you. I tried so hard.”

  “You stayed with me, Mary.” Suzie hugged her back as she peered over her shoulder at Paul who managed to sit up. “I heard you the entire time. Your voice kept me going. We made it to land, and I knew that you would be sending help.”

  “Jason, don’t fuss over me, I’m fine.” Paul waved him away, though his skin was pale and his lips tinted blue. “I swallowed a bit too much sea water that’s all. I’ll be fine once it settles.”

  “They can check that out at the hospital.” Jason looked him hard in the eyes. “No argument.”

  “No argument.” Paul held up his hands. He looked over at Simon who was still lying on the sand as a police officer administered mouth to mouth. “I had to knock him out. He fought me when I tried to pull him out of the water. I don’t know how much water he took in. He was stealing pearls from the farm with Pedro, but Pedro killed Robbie. Pedro is the murderer. You have to get him.”

  “Don’t worry about that now. We’ll get him. Let’s just get you home.” Jason looked over Simon and nodded. “He’s still alive. I’ll get some back-up.” As Jason spoke into his radio Suzie pulled away from Mary and wrapped her arms around Paul. She kissed his forehead and cheek.

  “I’m so glad that you’re okay,” Paul said.

  “Me, too.” Suzie patted his back and shook her head.

  “You two gave me such a scare. I’m getting too old for this you know,” Mary said.

  “The way you handled my boat told a different story. I’m amazed that you were able to keep it afloat in that storm. If you hadn’t, who knows what might have happened.”

  “Let’s not think about that now.” Suzie sighed and closed her eyes as she held onto him. “We made it. That’s all I want to think about.”

  A wave of relief, larger than any the storm had carved from the sea gave her such a deep sense of comfort that tears flooded her eyes. She wanted nothing more than to remain there in his grasp, but the police would have questions, and the wedding needed to go on. She reluctantly pulled away and looked into both Paul and Mary’s faces in turn.

  “I love you both so much. Thank you for being here for me.”

  “We were here for each other.” Mary smiled between them. “Like we always will be.”

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Once Paul was cleared by the doctors he went back to Dune House with Suzie. At the bed and breakfast Suzie, Mary, and Paul huddled around the kitchen table. Summer poured them each a cup of tea, then joined them. Jason spoke on his cell phone a few feet away.

  “What I don’t understand is, why would Pedro kill Robbie if they were in on the thefts together?” Suzie frowned.

  “That’s not what happened. Robbie had no idea what Simon was doing. Simon said that he was taking tourists out for night trips and asked to use Robbie’s boat because it was new. He gave him part of the earnings,” Paul said.

  “That’s where Robbie got all of the money from.” Suzie shook her head.

  “Yes, only Simon was not taking tourists out. He was working with Pedro to steal pearls from the pearl farm. April alerted them when it was a suitable time, because they promised her she would get a share. She wanted to get away from her family. She met Simon through Pedro, and Simon got involved, too. But Robbie never did.”

  “So, Robbie was innocent,” Suzie smiled.

  “Yes, it seems that way.”

  “Robbie was becoming suspicious about what Simon was doing and started asking questions so Simon got worried. Robbie asked him if he could go out for the night trip with him on the day he was murdered. Simon said yes, but he sabotaged Robbie’s boat because if the boat was giving trouble then Simon had an excuse not to take it out that night without making Robbie more suspicious.”

  “Wow, complicated but clever,” Suzie said. “But the mechanic fixed it.”

  “Simon thought that Robbie would call the regular mechanic who he knew was away so he thought he would have to wait, but Robbie got Gill to look at it and it was fixed quickly.”

  “Why did Pedro kill Robbie?” Suzie asked.

  “I’m getting there,” Paul said. “Simon had stashed the pearls on Robbie’s boat because the dock was busy. He knew that the boat was fixed because Simon gave Gill a lift back. After he had dropped off Gill, Simon knew that he had to get the pearls and sabotage Robbie’s boat again, so he couldn’t take the boat out and it would just look like Gill hadn’t fixed it properly. He wore a yellow jacket to look like Gill so if anyone saw him and told Robbie, he would think that it was still Gill on his boat. But it all went wrong when Robbie came back to the boat and caught Simon getting the pearls he had stashed. Robbie then knew about the thefts at the pearl farm and he knew exactly what Simon had done.”

  “Was he going to turn him in?” Suzie asked.

  “No, according to Simon he wasn’t as long as they stopped. Simon was happy to take Robbie’s word that he would keep quiet. But Pedro came back to the boat and he didn’t trust that Robbie would keep his mouth shut and he didn’t want to give up on the money from the pearls they were stealing. Simon tried to reason with Pedro, but Pedro took the oyster shucker from the table and stabbed Robbie to get rid of the problem.”

  “How terrible.” Suzie stared hard at the table. “This entire time I’ve suspected Robbie and the truth was he was killed by a fellow fisherman, all because of money.”

  “Simon said he wanted to protect him and he tried to help Robbie. That’s how he got blood on the jacket. But he was scared of going to jail and scared that Pedro would kill him if he told the police what had happened.”

  “Why did you go to the pearl farm with Simon?” Suzie asked.

  “Simon was worried that Pedro was going to hurt April to keep her quiet so we went there to protect her,” Paul said.

  “Just awful.” Mary clutched her cup of tea.

  “The important thing is that the murder is solved, and everyone is safe.” Paul looked around the table at the group as Jason hung up his phone and joined them. “That never would have happened without all of us working together.”

  “He’s right.” Jason nodded. “If we dwell on what could have happened we won’t be able to move forward.” He looked over at Summer and smiled. He was distracted by the ring of his cell phone again. He walked away to answer it. As Suzie watched she saw his muscles relax. He strode back towards them with a smile on his face after he had hung up. “Good news. Pedro has just been arrested.”

  “That is good. We can put this all behind us,” Paul said solemnly.

  “I think we’ve weathered this storm pretty well,” Jason said.

  “Yes, we have,” Summer said. “We can always have the wedding another day.”

  “What?” Suzie shook her head. “Absolutely not. The wedding must go on.”

  “Oh Suzie, don’t you want to rest and recover from all of this? Do you really think you’ll be up for it?” Summer said.

  “Sweetheart, one of the main reasons I fought so hard was because I had this wedding to look forward to. Mary and I can get everything set up at Dune House. Your family and friends that flew from out-of-town are already settled here. Everything will be just fine, Summer. Unless you two really want to postpone, it is your day.”

  “I don’t.” Jason looked into Summer’s eyes. “The last thing I want is to go another day without being married to you. Do you think we can still do this?”

  Summer smiled and gave his hand a squeeze. “I feel the same way, Jason. If everyone is still willing, then I am more than happy to go through with it.”

  “Wonderful.” Suzie smiled with relief. “I can’t wait. Mary, you and I have some work to do.”

  “Let’s get to it.” Mary stood up. “As for you two, early to bed, and plenty of rest, hm?” She looked between Summer and Jason.

&nb
sp; “Yes ma’am.” Jason smiled and stood up as well.

  By the time the last of the pre-wedding preparations were completed, Suzie was exhausted. It was hard to believe that she’d survived a storm on the ocean that morning, and had a hand in a killer being arrested. She collapsed into bed, ready to sleep forever. Yet again she closed her eyes for what felt like five minutes, when she opened them again the sun glared through the window. Her heart raced. Did she oversleep? A quick glance at the clock reassured her that she woke up right on time.

  The scent of coffee and pancakes alerted her to the fact that Mary was already up and cooking breakfast for their guests. Since the wedding was in the afternoon they had offered to host a brunch for the out-of-town guests. Suzie climbed out of bed and swayed. For a moment it seemed as if she was back on the boat. As she regained her balance a surge of gratitude washed over her. What she had survived the day before was nothing short of amazing. The thought of not being able to be there for the wedding had made her determined to get through. It had all turned out well, but she wasn’t naive enough not to recognize just how lucky she was. She dressed and met Mary in the kitchen.

  “What can I help with?”

  “Pancakes need flipping!” She tossed her the spatula. Suzie caught it and began flipping the pancakes. Being side by side with Mary was the most natural position that she could imagine. Not long ago she didn’t even realize she was lonely, now her life was filled with warmth, excitement, and love. As the guests made their way down into the kitchen everyone buzzed with conversation about the wedding. Suzie excused herself to make some last minute phone calls to confirm things for the wedding.

  Once outside on the deck where it was a bit quieter she spotted the chairs and archway being set up on the sand. The beach would be a perfect backdrop for the wedding photographs. Despite the chaos that had led up to the day of the wedding, everything had fallen into place quite nicely. After confirming with vendors and the bakery that all deliveries would be made on time Suzie stretched her arms above her head and took a deep breath of the sea air.

  “Gorgeous.”

  She turned with a smile at the sound of Paul’s voice. When she met his eyes he wrapped his arms around her. “I almost didn’t want to say a word, but you were too beautiful to resist.”

  “Hm, sounds like you’re getting into a romantic mood from all this wedding chatter.”

  “I’m just so glad that you’re here to hold, that I’m here to hold you. That close call yesterday reminded me of just how lucky I am.” He brushed his palm along her cheek. “I hope that you feel the same way about me.”

  “I do.” She kissed him lightly on the lips. “I am very lucky. My life has changed so much, and never once could I have imagined that moving here would turn out to be such an adventure.”

  “I wish you had never been in any danger, Suzie, but I’m glad that we were there for each other when we needed each other.”

  “Me too, Paul.” She tightened her arms around his waist. “If there is ever any trouble that we face, I know that we will be able to handle it together. The only other person I’ve trusted that much is Mary.”

  “Then I’m honored to be included in that small group.” He smiled. “I think I’m going to make a captain out of her yet.”

  “If you can get her back out on a boat after yesterday, I’ll believe in miracles.”

  “That will make two of us.”

  ***

  As the ceremony started Paul led Suzie down the aisle. Paul left her by the bridesmaids and took his place with the groomsmen. Suzie was relieved that the crime had been solved and everyone could relax.

  Jason met Suzie’s eyes with a smile of gratitude. Then all attention shifted to the bride. Summer stepped out on the side deck of Dune House with her arm wrapped around her father’s. The sunlight caught the subtle jewels in her gown.

  Each one sparkled as she began to walk towards Jason. That was what it looked like to Suzie. Summer’s gaze didn’t stray to her guests, to her father, or to any other family members. Her eyes locked to Jason’s the moment she took that first step, and remained there as her father pressed her hand into Jason’s. “I decided to add an inscription to our rings.” He smiled at Summer. “I know that we’ve both weathered a lot. I know that as we move forward in life we will face a lot more. But just as the ring says, I know that no matter what, as long as we are together, we will make it.”

  “Through any storm.” Summer blinked back tears as she read the inscription. “Yes, Jason, through any storm.” She leaned forward and kissed him. The minister cleared his throat.

  “Excuse me, it’s not time for that yet.”

  Jason grinned as Summer blushed and pulled away. “Oh, it’s always time for that.” He winked at her. The crowd laughed and clapped. The minister blushed. As the ceremony continued Suzie’s heart warmed with the hope of what might come next. Perhaps the week began with murder, but it was ending with the promise of a new beginning, and all of the joy that would come with it. And she had no doubt that the future held many more unexpected surprises.

  The End

  From the Author

  Thank you very much for reading ‘A Fishy Discovery’, the eighth book in the Dune House Cozy Mystery Series. If you enjoyed the book and would like to be updated when I release a new book you can sign up for email updates at http://www.cindybellbooks.com. I will never share your email.

  You can connect with me at my Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/cindybellauthor.

  About the Author

  Cindy Bell is the author of the cozy mystery series Dune House, Sage Gardens, Chocolate Centered, Bekki the Beautician, Heavenly Highland Inn and Wendy the Wedding Planner.

  Cindy has always loved reading, but it is only recently that she has discovered her passion for writing romantic cozy mysteries. She loves walking along the beach thinking of the next adventure her characters can embark on.

  You can sign up for her newsletter so you are notified of her latest releases at http://www.cindybellbooks.com.

  More Books by Cindy Bell

  Chocolate Centered Cozy Mysteries

  The Sweet Smell of Murder

  A Deadly Delicious Delivery

  A Bitter Sweet Murder

  A Treacherous Tasty Trail

  Sage Gardens Cozy Mysteries

  Birthdays Can Be Deadly

  Money Can Be Deadly

  Trust Can Be Deadly

  Ties Can Be Deadly

  Rocks Can Be Deadly

  Jewelry Can Be Deadly

  Numbers Can Be Deadly

  Wendy the Wedding Planner Cozy Mysteries

  Matrimony, Money and Murder

  Chefs, Ceremonies and Crimes

  Knives and Nuptials

  Mice, Marriage and Murder

  Bekki the Beautician Cozy Mysteries

  Hairspray and Homicide

  A Dyed Blonde and a Dead Body

  Mascara and Murder

  Pageant and Poison

  Conditioner and a Corpse

  Mistletoe, Makeup and Murder

  Hairpin, Hair Dryer and Homicide

  Blush, a Bride and a Body

  Shampoo and a Stiff

  Cosmetics, a Cruise and a Killer

  Lipstick, a Long Iron and Lifeless

  Camping, Concealer and Criminals

  Treated and Dyed

  Dune House Cozy Mysteries

  Seaside Secrets

  Boats and Bad Guys

  Treasured History

  Hidden Hideaways

  Dodgy Dealings

  Suspects and Surprises

  Ruffled Feathers

  Heavenly Highland Inn Cozy Mysteries

  Murdering the Roses

  Dead in the Daisies

  Killing the Carnations

  Drowning the Daffodils

  Suffocating the Sunflowers

  Books, Bullets and Blooms

  A Deadly Serious Gardening Contest

  A Bridal Bouquet and a Body

  ter>

 

  Cindy Bell, A Fishy Discovery (Dune House Cozy Mystery Series Book 8)