by Molly Dox
Chief Wylie claimed that he was framed. He shared a confidential piece of evidence he’d been holding back. Somebody was blackmailing him. He was determined to clear his name. Somebody was demanding that he publically humiliate himself or they’d ruin his career. He’d gotten the letter and was investigating on his own. There was no motive and he had no clue who sent it. He probably should have had other people involved in the investigation, but he was trying to save face. He swore up and down he didn’t do it. He wasn’t the one that pulled the trigger.
Mayor Millbourne was broken up. He was horrified that Chief Wylie would commit such a heinous crime. During questioning, he vowed to get revenge and make him pay for taking his wife’s life.
“Can we quote you on that?” Somebody chimed up.
“Damn straight,” he fired off angrily. Calming down, realizing what he was doing, he corrected himself. He wasn’t ready to give up his position of mayor. He liked the power. “Well, it’s an expression. But justice will be served, legally.”
Blackmail. It was spreading across the small barrier island. If only the mayor could figure out who was trying to ruin him. He’d gotten a letter. He hadn’t told a soul yet. He was still trying to figure out what to do about it. Somebody wanted money…extortion, blackmail; a heartless soul came after him at his weakest. Who would do something like that?
One last person got a letter, blackmailing them. Annie heard about it through a chain of whispers that was traveling through town. It turns out the police chief’s wife, Gretchen Wylie, had just showed up at the police department in tears. Somebody was blackmailing her.
A waitress on her lunch break had stopped at the police station to renew her dog’s registration tag when Gretchen showed up. The police station shared space with the town’s offices. Gretchen made a spectacle. How could she not notice? When the waitress got back to work, she told the bartender, then the bartender told one of their customers, and that very customer was now sitting in Annie’s chair getting her bangs trimmed and had passed the news onto Annie.
“Wow, blackmail. You better have a good reason if you’re blackmailing the police chief’s wife! I’d be freaking out too,” Annie replied. Nobody knew the mayor and police chief were also blackmailed.
“This place has been crazy lately.” The customer softened her tone. “And I’m so glad things worked out okay for you.”
“Thank you.” Annie wanted to forget about the past, but people kept bringing it up to her.
“I wonder what kind of dirt they have on her,” the woman said.
When the chimes jingled on the door, Annie turned to see her neighborhood gossip coming in. “Afternoon girls.”
“Hello, Mrs. Bushmiller. Is there something I can do for you?”
“It’s what I can do for you,” she said, smiling with a Cheshire grin. “Guess what I heard about Gretchen Wylie.”
Annie rolled her eyes.
Her client spoke up. “I know, right? News travels fast. I just heard too.”
“Oh, you know?” Her shoulders sagged. She loved being the first with gossip.
“About the blackmail? Yeah. What’s going on in this town?”
“Blackmail? Wait. What? What blackmail?” Mrs. Bushmiller was confused. That wasn’t her news.
Annie’s customer filled Mrs. Bushmiller in on the latest details.
“If it wasn’t blackmail that you were talking about, what were you talking about?” Annie realized that wasn’t Mrs. Bushmiller’s news at all.
She dropped her voice to a whisper and looked around. “Gretchen and Mayor Millbourne were seen together, you know, awfully close at that silly citizen’s award dinner the other night. They thought they hid it well, but I know somebody who knows somebody that saw them sneak off to what they thought was a private spot. Let’s just say they were doing more than talking.”
“Huh.” Annie remembered seeing Sharon Millbourne and Police Chief Wylie together that night too. Imagine that. They were both cheating on each other, with each other’s spouses and didn’t even know it.
Jamie came scrambling through the door, “I’m sorry I’m late. I lost track of time during lunch.”
“It’s fine, your client isn’t here yet.” Annie mentioned.
Jamie breathed a sigh of relief. “Oh good. I didn’t mean to run late, it’s just that there was some juicy gossip traveling around the diner, and then I got to talking and before I knew it I’d lost track of time.”
“Gossip?” Mrs. Bushmiller perked up. “We seem to have plenty of it today. What did you hear?”
“Well, I heard that,” she started. The door jingled and chimed as her customer walked in. “I’ll tell you later. Hi Frannie, how are you today?” She directed her statement to her customer.
“I should go,” Mrs. Bushmiller said. “I’ve got an appointment at the yoga studio, but I don’t want to miss the gossip. Tell me later. Be a dear.”
Mrs. Bushmiller…that nosy, gossipy woman. Annie sighed thinking about her. That woman was a constant thorn in her side. She lived above one of the shops at Starfish Square and had redeemed herself a little bit, but Annie still held a grudge. She knew the best thing to do was to let it go. It’s not like she was going away anytime soon.
Annie wrapped her appointment and then cleaned the backroom while Jamie finished her last appointment for the day.
Chapter 5
Pip’s favorite place to go for walks was on the beach. She loved to dig in the sand and chase the water’s edge as the ocean sprawled up toward them. Annie took Pip for a walk on the beach each morning before going into work, as long as the weather wasn’t too unbearable. Otherwise she just opened her back door and was grateful the rented house had a fenced yard.
It was cold and blustery, but no rain in site. Annie bundled up in an oversized sweatshirt and layered on a jacket. She missed the warmer days of summer, but loved the quiet of the off-season. It was a trade-off living there.
Not a lot of people were out early at this time of year. A lot of the runners ran along the sides of the avenue to help block the heavy winds coming off the ocean in the colder months. Pip was happily digging away in the sand when she saw one runner that was still braving the colder, windier elements on the beach.
The man stopped to breath and stretch, and then turned to stare out at the ocean. He was oblivious of anyone around him. Annie recognized the man and watched him quietly. He was pacing, almost talking to himself, and again turned and stared out at the ocean. It was like he was trying to work through something. He looked like he might walk right into the water. He was obviously agitated and upset about something.
Annie thought twice about whether to say something. Stay out of it, stay out of it, stay out of it. She felt the sensation roll through her body. She knew she’d get involved. She sighed and went over to the man. “Mayor Millbourne, are you okay? I’m so sorry for your loss.”
“Right. Your dog. She’s cute. I should go.” And just like that, he turned and started running in the other direction.
That was weird; quite an odd reaction. She expected something more. Emotion, maybe? He seemed detached. She couldn’t place it, but the encounter only forced her curiosity up a notch. What was going on? Did he have something to do with his wife’s death? He was apparently seeing Police Chief Wylie’s wife on the side. Was he in love with her? Was he trying to frame the officer? Annie shook her head, her thoughts getting away from her. That’s ridiculous, right? She lingered on the thought for way too long.
She couldn’t help thinking about all the things that had happened recently, and now this. It was turning into quite a mess. The mayor and police chief were somehow involved in the scandal, the mayor’s wife was dead, and Gretchen was being blackmailed.
Annie’s own world had been turned upside down one too many times during the past few months. Honestly, she was relieved that at least this time she wasn’t involved.
Pip had her fill of digging in the sand and was now sitting beside her. “Are you ready to h
ead home, girl?” Pip perked up and together they left the beach. Annie had a client coming in just after ten, so she needed to get ready. It was somebody new, so she wanted to make a good impression. Any extra clients in the off-season were a blessing.
Chapter 6
A short spit-fire of a girl, somewhere in her thirties walked through the door of Annie’s beauty shop. “Hi, I have an appointment. LuAnn Cheddarman.”
“Hi, LuAnn, it’s so nice to meet you.” Annie stuck out her hand to greet her new client and then guided her to a chair. “What can I do for you today? It says here that you’re looking for a new style. Did you have something particular in mind?”
“I need something different, but I’m not sure what I want. I got a new job, dumped a no-good ex-boyfriend, and want something fresh,” the woman said.
“Nothing says a new start like a good cut and style.” She knew it well. When she first split from her husband, she went through an array of changes. She eventually settled back to what she liked best… what she was used to. “By the way, can I ask how you found us?”
“Oh, sure, I flipped through the little local paper. I saw your ad. Not much is open in the off-season. It was the first one I came across,” the woman relayed.
Annie studied the woman’s face in the mirror. “Great, glad to know you saw our ad. Were you looking to go short and sassy, stay longer, or maybe go mid-length, closer to your shoulders?”
“I’m open to suggestions,” LuAnn said.
The woman had long red hair that had lost its shimmer. It looked more like dull-dishwater orange. Annie could already picture how much better it would look with a richer shade. They discussed some options, and decided on a short, sassy style with a kick of new color. She cut the woman’s hair to a temporary length, so she didn’t waste a bunch of color on hair she’d be taking off later. It started at the middle of her back, but was now up to her shoulders.
Annie went in the back to mix the hair dye, and then wheeled out a rolling cart with a bowl full of product. Placing the color on, they made small talk. Annie wanted to learn more about her new client. “So, what brought you to town? You mentioned a new job?”
“Oh right! I’m a police officer. There was an opening after the entire Officer Rossi mess went down. They were hiring, and I got the job. I read a little about it, but don’t know all the details. I was down in Crest Ridge Wilds near the boardwalk, and since we see more action, I didn’t pay a lot of attention to stuff happening in other towns.”
Annie froze on hearing Nick Rossi’s name. She swallowed hard and kept a smile pasted on her face. “Wow, how nice for you. Congratulations on the new position.”
“Yeah, the Crest Ridge Wilds area is busy and all, which makes the work day go fast, but I got tired of dealing with drunks on the boardwalk all the time. Sandy Beach Island is a quieter place.” She paused and added, “Or so I thought. You guys are staying busy too. Bodies are popping up everywhere.”
“Yep,” Annie said, breathing in deeply.
“Are you okay?” The woman took note of Annie. Her face was losing color, going paler.
“Mmhmm.” Annie tried to control her breathing.
“Seriously, are you okay?” The woman was concerned.
“I’m just going to sit down for a minute. I’m sorry about this.” She couldn’t stop shaking. On hearing his name, her insides went into panic mode. She sat on the small loveseat in the waiting area.
The woman followed her. “Hey, what’s going on? You can talk to me.”
“Nick Rossi. I was the woman he tried…” she couldn’t finish, and wrapped her arms tightly around herself.
“Oh, I’m sorry. I had no idea that was you. I didn’t put two and two together.” The woman shook her head.
“Nope, it’s not your fault. I just didn’t expect to hear his name,” Annie admitted. She had no idea hearing his name would set her off like this.
“Right, I can understand. Why don’t we change the topic and see if that helps?” LuAnn suggested.
Annie breathed in deeply, and then let out a long-winded exhale. “Let’s finish this color.” She stood back up and went over to her chair, waiting for LuAnn to join her.
By the end of her appointment, LuAnn had warmed up to Annie, seeing what a sweet girl she was. The feeling seemed mutual, and Annie knew she’d found a new friend in LuAnn.
“It looks great!” LuAnn swung her head around, playing with the new style. It had body and bounce, and almost a Dorothy Hamill feel. The new deeper, rich color really framed her face nicely.
“You look adorable,” Annie said. “By the way, I know you’re new in town and probably don’t know many people. Would you like to hang out with me and my friend Charlotte tonight? We’re meeting over at Uncle Buck’s.”
“Really? I wouldn’t be intruding?” She was thrilled to be asked. She didn’t have friends in her new town yet.
“Not at all,” Annie answered.
“I’d love that. It’s so hard to meet people. Uncle Buck’s? That’s the one right in the center of town, on the main drag, right?” LuAnn knew some of the area, but was still finding her way around. Thankfully most of the shore towns had a main drag that made finding things easier.
“Yep, say around seven?” She made a mental note to let Charlotte know that LuAnn would be joining them.
“That sounds great, thanks so much for including me,” she said.
The girls talked some more before LuAnn headed out. Annie looked at the appointment book, noticing how bare it was the rest of the week. At least Saturday had a couple of appointments. Jamie’s side of the book was empty too. They needed to drum up more business, or summer needed to come back quickly. Money was getting tight.
The last person she expected to walk through the beauty shop door had just walked in.
“Oh, good you’re here. I was hoping I could talk to you. If now isn’t a good time, could you let me know when is?” Alex, her ex-husband stood before her.
“Alex?” Annie sighed. “What is it?”
“I’m getting married.” He dropped it like dead weight.
Annie snapped back. “We’re divorced, Alex. You can do whatever you want.”
“Right, I need to tell you something. I thought it was better to do it in person.” He hesitated.
Annie rolled her eyes. “Whatever it is, please just spit it out already. It’s not like it’s a secret. You left me for her, remember?”
Alex grimaced. “Yeah, see, that’s the thing. I was seeing someone else too. That’s who I’m asking to marry me.”
“You were cheating on me with two people?” Annie wanted to growl. “Are you serious?” She tried to calm herself. He was her ex, but now with even more reason.
“Annie, it’s Maggie. I’m asking Maggie to marry me.” He dropped a bomb. He waited for it to sink in.
“What?” She froze in place. “Maggie? My Maggie? My sister?” The tears pushed out fast and hard, hot on her cheeks. “How could you? How could she? She knew what you put me through.” Annie shook her head, not sure how to swallow her pride on this one.
Maggie didn’t even live locally, that she knew of. She had no idea she’d moved into her ex-husband’s house a few months ago. Apparently, she’d made it a point to keep things hush-hush, and did most of her socializing and shopping off of the island on the other side of the causeway. Alex thought it was best that they keep it under wraps.
Annie swallowed hard. “I hate you, Alex. And I have nothing to say to Maggie. You’re both dead to me.”
“I’m sorry. I thought you should know before it happens. We’re about to share the news with your parents. They don’t know either. Once we do that, we’re getting married. We’re flying out to Vegas. She moved in a while ago, after I kicked out…well, never mind.”
“My parents? Oh, that’s going to go over well. You already messed up one of their daughter’s lives, now you’re back to screw up the other.”
“We’re in love, Annie.” He stated his case.
Annie spit out, “You can leave now. Don’t come back.”
Alex turned and left her beauty shop. Locking the door behind him, she cried. Her sister? They both had been lying to her all this time. And now they were getting married? She was angry enough to hurt someone…she stopped herself, but could totally see how crimes of passion happened. Her body trembled as she cried the last of her tears. She felt like a fool. All this time, how did she not know? How could they betray her this way? It’s not that she was close to her sister, but still, Maggie knew what Alex had put her through.
Annie dropped her head into her hands. Life wasn’t fair. Too many bad things had happened lately. She needed a change. Money was getting tighter, life was throwing her too many curve balls, and the small barrier island she knew and loved was full of trouble. Maybe it was time to find a new home. She closed her eyes and sank into the loveseat in the waiting area.
Chapter 7
Charlotte was bemused by the little redhead that showed up to their table. She was a ball of fire with a swanky new look, thanks to Annie, and way more energy than anybody should be allowed to have. And boy, that girl could talk and talk and talk, and fast. Charlotte was tired just keeping up. On the other hand, she was an in at the police station, and they might be privy to more insider information if they kept to her good side. She was a spunky thing that was for certain.
Annie texted Charlotte earlier in the day, telling her that somebody was meeting them tonight, a new friend. Charlotte was glad to meet someone new, but was always cautious when it came to Annie. She’d grown protective of the girl. Annie was sweet, but could be naïve at times.
Annie dropped into the booth. “I see you’ve met. I’m sorry I’m a few minutes late. I was hit with a bomb this afternoon after LuAnn left. Alex stopped by.” She paused for a moment, and then filled in LuAnn. “Alex is my ex-husband. He has a law firm on the island.”
“Got it,” she said, fixated on the story.