“I don’t know. And I don’t care. I can’t believe my beautiful museum was used as a vehicle to commit murder.”
“It’s not your fault. How could you know.”
Mrs. Garcia stood and handed the papers to Andrew. “That is sweet of you. You are a kind man, Andrew. But you better get these to the police station. It sounds like they have their culprits.”
Andrew sighed. “Man and woman it sounds like. A brother and sister.”
Mrs. Garcia snorted. “Nothing about this makes any sense. Why would a brother and sister murder a man?”
“Because he swindled their older sister. It’s a crazy world out there.”
“You aren’t talking about Darcy’s mother, are you?”
Andrew shrugged. “I don’t know.”
“It can’t be her mother. She committed suicide.”
Chapter Twenty
Lambert closed his eyes and let the deep, almost chocolate flavor wash over him. Coffee in The Monkey’s Eyebrow was an event to be enjoyed. And this morning, he had time to bask in the company and the coffee. “Rose, I need to take some of this coffee back to Lexington with me. Can you sell me some beans?”
Grandma giggled. “Of course, I will just give you some. But there is nothing special about our beans.”
He cocked his head. “I would debate that. Your coffee is top shelf.”
Pinball strutted to the table where Lambert and Lauren dined, and he had Nikki in tow. He said, “You’re alright, detective. I don’t get all your procedures and the way you think, but we got the job done, right?”
Lambert nodded yes.
Nikki looked down at the floor. “I’m not sure I am happy to see you two again, but I guess I’m glad it all worked out. This whole incident doesn’t seem real to me. I’m not sure it has sunk in yet.”
Lauren cut in. “It hasn’t. I can tell. But when it does, don’t take it too hard. You were just in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
I smiled at Lauren. “You aren’t phased by any of this are you?”
Lauren daintily sipped some tea, put the cup down, and spoke to the cup. “I have seen a lot. But this one was different. For starters, I have never arrested another cop for murder before. And I was shocked she went so easily. But she understood I was just doing my job.”
Lambert added, “It is all so sad. Ruth James committed suicide after Jack Richardson conned her of the small life’s savings she lived on.”
Lauren picked up the thought. “Darcy moved back to Sinking Springs after her mom’s suicide. Her husband was from here, and when she found the job at the museum, Darcy and her husband bought a house and intended to put down some roots.”
Lambert snorted. “But after Darcy told her Aunt Cindy about the strange ghost stories, her aunt’s desire for revenge drove her to come up with an idea to kill Jack and make it look like something paranormal happened. All Cindy and Lewis had to do was get Jack in the museum. And that turned out to be easy. They had been stalking him, and knew Karen was part of the Pittsburgh explorers club. Cindy joined and convinced the club that Sinking Springs, and the ghost walk, would be a great event for the club. They made sure to talk up Karen, get her excited about the trip so she would want to go.”
Lauren chuckled. “Darcy took out the cameras and did a pretty professional job of it. Lewis and Cindy timed everything else well, stealing the knives and isolating Jack, and each stuck him with a knife. The museum was a perfect spot for them in many ways. Then in the confusion just after the body was found, Cindy consoled Nikki by putting her arm around her. It was then easy for her to dump the rubber gloves into Nikki’s large shoulder bag to divert further attention away from her and Lewis.”
Grandma asked, “What about the ghost then?”
Lambert laughed. “What about it. It is an unexplained paranormal sighting in a place said to be haunted. The ghost just happened to appear right after a man was murdered.”
Lauren chuckled. “That was actually good luck for Cindy and Lewis. It did draw attention away from them. In a manner far more effective than they planned.”
Jessica laughed. “The protesters are still in front of the police station. They are not going away anytime soon, and I predict the video will come out to the public at some point. And in the mean time, spots on the ghost walk are sold out for six months. That unexplained ghost sighting has put Sinking Springs on the map.”
Andrew came over and smacked Pinball on the shoulder. “So, you happy now Nikki is out?”
Pinball boomed in an extra deep voice. “Of course. And I asked her to marry me.”
We all stared back in response, every jaw hanging. Nikki chuckled. “I said yes.”
Jessica offered, “Well, that’s great.”
Andrew pushed an adjacent table together with Lambert and Lauren’s table. He smiled at them, “You mind. But seems we’re celebrating for a couple of reasons now, and this makes it easier.”
Lambert smiled. “Sure. But for the record I never celebrate just doing my job. However, doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy solving a tough case with some good coffee and friends.”
Andrew and Jessica sat at the new table. Nikki and Pinball sat with the homicide detectives. Jaxon moaned and pulled over a chair next to Lambert. “Alright. Guess I should sit with the law, too.”
Lambert shot back at him. “You’re not law enforcement. And don’t think pulling me out of the river gives you special privileges. And by the way, what on earth made you hoot like an owl.”
Lauren smacked his side with the back of her hand. “Oh ease up you old coot. He could have let you go with the current.”
Lambert turned a shade of red and Grandma came to his rescue. “Well, seems to me the team of Lambert and Lauren did a bang up job. And even with the distraction of a spirit and biker gangs, they still sniffed out the real killers in only three days.”
Jaxon nodded in agreement. “You are right, Rose.” He glanced at Lambert. “How strong is the case?”
Lauren’s eyes enlarged. “Not air tight. But Lewis cracked in interrogation. Told us just about everything. Including the stupid place he discarded his gloves, which is a great piece of corroborating evidence. But Cindy is in shock. She just speaks in a weird monotone voice and doesn’t really say much.”
I followed up. “If Lewis told you everything, then it sounds like the D.A. should have a pretty easy trial.”
Lambert sighed. “As far as Cindy and Lewis are concerned. I think you are right. But Darcy, that’s another matter. If she gets a good lawyer, he will cut a deal for her testimony. The D.A. hates cutting an accomplice loose, but in this case that might not be the worst thing. I think she is a good person talked into shutting the cameras down by her Aunt. Other than that, Darcy didn’t even know they were going to murder Jack. She thought they were going to try and get Ruth’s money back from Jack by scaring him.”
Lauren added, “For the most part, that is all true. But you know the head doc who did the preliminary interview thinks Lewis and Cindy were motivated from the death of their sister. I just hope they don’t play the 'feel sorry for us card' for their defense.”
Lambert laughed. “There you go again. That’s not our problem. Let the lawyers battle that out.”
Grandma was hovering, making sure everyone had coffee or tea, and something to eat. Lambert grabbed the side and shook Jaxon’s chair, berating him. “Git, you owl hooting fool. Go sit over there with your friends.” He then made eye contact with Rose, and patted the empty seat next to him after Jaxon moved. “Have a seat pretty lady. You deserve to take a break.”
Rose smiled and sat. “I don’t mind if I do.”
I glanced over to Aunt Mabel, who was doing the bulk of the work in the tea room this morning. And I perceived that even with the work load, she found time to flirt with Leon Baker.
Daisy wiggled her way into a spot at the table between Grandma and Lambert. Rose chuckled. “Daisy has to be part of the festivities.”
Lauren picked up the paper Dai
sy had placed on the table. “Did she draw a heart? That is so cute.”
Daisy signed to me “friends.” I smiled at her and said, “Yes. They are your friends and you love them.”
Jessica’s phone rang and she answered after too many seconds of Katy Perry’s song Roar. She listened for a moment then exploded. “What do you mean he put a pancake in the computer’s optical drive!”
Grandma raised her eyebrows. “I almost forgot she had kids.”
Andrew raised his voice. “I have to ask a weird question, but I was wondering about the knives. Do they go into evidence and never return to the museum?”
Lauren shrugged. “I think they are evidence from a murder and will remain in state custody.”
Jaxon added, “But after the trial, it is possible they come back to Sinking Springs. Right? They are part of its history.”
Lambert grunted. “I don’t know. The state doesn’t like to let go of evidence from a murder.”
Jaxon persisted, “Even into the secure custody of a museum?”
Lauren chuckled. “Seems that museum is far from secure.”
I snorted. “I get it now. You want to have the knives to help with the draw to the museum, don’t you Andrew? Mrs. Garcia has been talking to you.”
Andrew hung his head. “Yes, Raine. But Mrs. Garcia is right. They belong in Sinking Springs.”
“I think I just realized something. I always knew it was going to take some time for things to settle back to normal because of this incident. But some things will never be the same after this.” I was thinking out loud more than making a statement.
Lambert gave me his cold stare, the one where he is calculating something about you as a person. “That is true, Raine. And perceptive. But my guess is that it’s all good for your town, even if you don’t get your knives back. The museum is famous now. And business should be good for everyone after this.”
“I hope so. We have been through a lot for a small town and could use some good news for a change.” I smiled at the thought of happier times. The last three days were stressful and full of surprises. It was time for some uplifting, maybe even fun, events.
Jessica’s voice became gritty with anger. “I will ground them for life!”
Things were returning to normal. I could feel the relief from everyone and the camaraderie in the room. Daisy even gave Pinball the stem from a flower she ate. She was warming up to the body builder.
As for me, Jaxon wanted to go on date this Friday. So did Andrew. It was a tough decision, and I had to be diplomatic on how I handled the thorny situation. But my problems seemed small compared to finding a murderer. All things in life are relative, and I was starting to realize my little life wasn’t so bad. I had great friends. And a loving family that included a cantankerous chimp. I sensed the amount of happiness in my life was limitless as long as I had my friends and family.
Thanks for Reading
I hope you enjoyed the book and it would mean so much to me if you could leave a review. Reviews help authors gain more exposure and keep us writing your favorite stories.
You can find all of my books by visiting my Author Page.
SIGN UP FOR CONSTANCE Barker’s New Releases Newsletter where you can find out when my next book is coming out and for special discounted pricing.
I NEVER SHARE OR SELL your email.
Visit me on Facebook and give me feedback on the characters and their stories.
Catalog of Books
The Witch Sisters of Stillwater
Hoodoo and Just Desserts
A Shade of Murder
The Monkey’s Eyebrow Tea Room Series
A Tiny Bite of Murder
Murder on the Ghost Walk
The Grumpy Chicken Irish Pub Series
A Frosty Mug of Murder
Treachery on Tap
A Highball and a Low Blow
Cursed With a Twist
THE CHRONICLES OF AGNES Astor Smith
The Peculiar Case of Agnes Astor Smith
The Peculiar Case of the Red Tide
The Peculiar Case of the Lost Colony
OLD SCHOOL DINER COZY Mysteries
Murder at Stake
Murder Well Done
A Side Order of Deception
Murder, Basted and Barbecued
THE CURIOSITY SHOP Cozy Mysteries
The Curious Case of the Cursed Spectacles
The Curious Case of the Cursed Dice
The Curious Case of the Cursed Dagger
The Curious Case of the Cursed Looking Glass
The Curious Case of the Cursed Crucible
THE WE’RE NOT DEAD Yet Club
Fetch a Pail of Murder
Wedding Bells and Death Knells
Murder or Bust
Pinched, Pilfered and a Pitchfork
A Hot Spot of Murder
WITCHY WOMEN OF COVEN Grove Series
THE WITCHING ON THE Wall
A Witching Well of Magic
Witching the Night Away
Witching There’s Another Way
Witching Your Life Away
Witching You Wouldn’t Go
Witching for a Miracle
TEASEN & PLEASEN HAIR Salon Series
A Hair Raising Blowout
Wash, Rinse, Die
Holiday Hooligans
Color Me Dead
False Nails & Tall Tales
CAESAR’S CREEK SERIES
A FROZEN SCOOP OF MURDER (Caesars Creek Mystery Series Book One)
Death by Chocolate Sundae (Caesars Creek Mystery Series Book Two)
Soft Serve Secrets (Caesars Creek Mystery Series Book Three)
Ice Cream You Scream (Caesars Creek Mystery Series Book Four)
Double Dip Dilemma (Caesars Creek Mystery Series Book Five)
Melted Memories (Caesars Creek Mystery Series Book Six)
Triple Dip Debacle(Caesars Creek Mystery Series Book Seven)
Whipped Wedding Woes(Caesars Creek Mystery Series Book Eight)
A Sprinkle of Tropical Trouble(Caesars Creek Mystery Series Book Nine)
A Drizzle of Deception(Caesars Creek Mystery Series Book Ten)
SWEET HOME MYSTERY Series
Creamed at the Coffee Cabana (Sweet Home Mystery Series Book One)
A Caffeinated Crunch (Sweet Home Mystery Series Book Two)
A Frothy Fiasco (Sweet Home Mystery Series Book Three)
Punked by the Pumpkin(Sweet Home Mystery Series Book Four)
Peppermint Pandemonium(Sweet Home Mystery Series Book Five)
Expresso Messo(Sweet Home Mystery Series Book Six)
A Cuppa Cruise Conundrum(Sweet Home Mystery Series Book Seven)
The Brewing Bride(Sweet Home Mystery Series Book Eight)
WHISPERING PINES MYSTERY Series
A Sinister Slice of Murder
Sanctum of Shadows (Whispering Pines Mystery Series)
Curse of the Bloodstone Arrow (Whispering Pines Mystery Series)
Fright Night at the Haunted Inn (Whispering Pines Mystery Series)
MAD RIVER MYSTERY SERIES
A Wicked Whack
A Prickly Predicament
A Malevolent Menace
Murder on the Ghost Walk Page 11