Molly pursed her lips and took a sip of her latte, thinking over what Claire had told her before replying. “Are you going to go talk to Darryl about any of this?”
Claire slumped back into her chair. “I don’t know. I should, but what if he’s the one that ends up being the killer?”
“Well, you could always go talk to the sheriff directly. He’s already involved in the investigation I think and he’ll be the best one to investigate Darryl.”
“But if it isn’t Darryl, then I’ll probably have caused him a lot of trouble with my accusation,” Claire said. “Also, I’ll be the one that exposes that Ellen was cheating. I can just imagine what he’d think of me. I like Darryl, I don’t want to lose him for a friend.”
“Well, then you’re in a pickle, aren’t you?” Molly said. “I’m not sure how to advise you on this, but I can make it better!”
“Better? How?”
“By offering you a ride to Eastsound and the farmer’s market tomorrow. It just so happens I could use the company at my booth and it sounds like you could use a distraction,” Molly said, practically gushing as she tried to make her offer of work sound like a deal.
Claire wrinkled up her nose but Molly had a point. It would be a great distraction. Also, she would get to go to the picturesque town out on one of the islands again, and she’d enjoyed herself on her last visit. Though she would be working much of it, it might be more fun than actual work.
“Okay, Molly, you’re right. I could use the distraction. You’ve got yourself a worker bee for the day.”
“Great!” Molly said. “I’ll pick you up around seven tomorrow morning.”
The two women sat, chatting about tomorrow’s activities for a while longer before Claire had to go back to work. Neither woman noticed the pair of rough looking fishermen who were sitting at a nearby table. Their eyes followed the two as they left, then looked back at each other, clearly conveying some sort of message. After the women had left, the two men paid and made their way outside, heading back to the fishing boat Sea Havoc.
Chapter 12
Claire smiled out the window as she saw Molly’s little car pull up in front of her blue cottage. Grabbing her coat, she put it on while clipping the retractable leash to Roscoe. The little dog yipped happily, sniffing at a leaf that had blown up on the small porch as Claire locked the door, and then turned toward the day’s adventure.
“Good morning!” Molly said when Claire had gotten got herself and Roscoe situated.
It was pleasantly warm in the car for which Claire was thankful, sipping at the warm cup of coffee she had brought in her travel mug. Roscoe was perched happily on one side of the back seat, sniffing curiously at several plastic containers sitting next to him. “Good morning, Molly. It looks like you have tons of stuff for us to sell.”
“I do! I’ve got a new line of necklaces and earrings that I cast some silver metal bits for. I paired them with some turquoise, malachite, and amethyst in a few combinations. I’m hoping they sell well today, or at least get some good attention.”
Claire smiled, looking out of the window at the quaint, old-style buildings as they drove by on their way to the ferry. There was no cloud cover today, which for this time of year was unusual, but welcome as the blue sky stretched out over the ocean. However, it had been colder that day because of it, which gave Claire pause.
“Isn’t it going to be cold at the market?” Claire asked, worried about her fingers and toes.
“Oh, honey, we’re not going to be outside. Heavens no! We’re outside in the summer, but during this time of year they hold it inside the church. They’ve got a large gym for their youth ministries which is perfect for us.”
“Oh, good. I was kind of dreading having my tuchus frozen off today,” Claire said with a laugh. “Either that, or having to run to the bathroom for drinking so much hot coffee.”
“Well, I can’t have my best worker bee running back and forth to the bathroom,” Molly said, laughing along with Claire. “Don’t worry, they keep it nice and toasty inside. I’ve had people help me out before, and we usually have a good time. Everyone is nice and you’ll get a kick out of Mrs. Johnson. She makes these crazy masks out of shells and rocks she finds out on the beaches.”
“It does sound like fun,” Claire agreed as they pulled into the waiting line for the ferry. The last time she’d ridden on it, she’d met Molly and Scott. Both fortuitous events had impacted her life deeply, and she was happy for the still-new friendships she was developing for both.
Almost as if summoned, she smiled as she saw Scott wearing his wool cap and the bright, orange vest he used when working on the deck of the ferry. Molly’s car pulled up, following his directions for the correct lane and she waved back at his big grin.
“When is that man going to ask you out?” Molly said as they parked the car.
Claire turned, caught by surprise at her friend’s question. There was a small part of her that agreed, but the other part that was still getting her feet under her after having moved away from everything she knew, rebelled. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Claire said, busying herself with gathering Roscoe from the back seat.
“Oh, come on, Claire,” Molly said, scoffing lightly. “If that man had a tail, it would be bushy and wagging madly every time he sees you. Don’t you want him to ask you out? Scott is quite the catch and has been for years.”
Claire bit her lip choosing to ignore the question. She didn’t know what to think about it. She liked Scott. More than a little, if she were going to be honest with herself, but she didn’t know if she was quite ready to jump into a relationship. What would she do if he asked her out? What would she do if he tried to kiss her?
As the thoughts wound their way through her head, she had to be honest that if either of those things happened, she probably wouldn’t put up much of a fight. There was also a small part of her that felt like it was a betrayal of her dead husband. Roscoe, sensing her thoughts, whimpered softly and licked her chin. She smiled down at her loyal little pup, scratching his ears as she got out of the car.
“I don’t know,” Claire finally said, walking behind Molly as they headed up toward the passenger deck. Molly had brought her knitting along, since she was a pro at talking and working on whatever project she had. Once they’d got into the heated deck, Molly and Claire chose to sit at one of the booths and tables, preferring to look at each other as they talked.
“Well, if I’m at all a good judge of character, I’d say you’d better start thinking about it. That man has his eye on you.”
“I’m not a piece of meat, Molly,” Claire said, more testily than she meant to be. She realized her tone of voice and apologized even as Molly’s eyebrows rose. “Sorry, I don’t mean to be grumpy about it. I just don’t know what to do. I’ve only been in town for a month.”
“Do you like him?” Molly asked. “I mean, I know the answer, because you two are as tight as two peas in a pod, but I want to hear your answer.”
Claire signed but slowly nodded. “Yes, I like him, but that’s part of the problem. What if we start seeing each other and then things go bad?”
What if things go well and then he’s not there anymore? she thought, a part of her aching in remembrance of how much it hurt to lose someone she cared about.
Molly chuckled. “Then you’ll use your adult words and work things out. Seriously, Claire, this isn’t high school or some TV comedy show. You’re not going to start acting like idiots just because someone doesn’t pass the butter, are you?”
“I would hope not,” Claire said, thinking through what Molly had said. She knew she was just scared of the unknown, but she really didn’t want to mess up her friendship with Scott. Still, Molly had a point. She wasn’t in her twenties anymore. She was in her forties and supposedly an adult. At least, that’s what she told herself when she looked in the mirror each morning.
“Just let nature take its course, Claire. It’s already happening. I just want to be sur
e you don’t fight it and lose a good thing. Oh, speaking of,” Molly said, then looked behind Claire with a meaningful eyebrow wiggle.
“Hello, ladies! What brings you to our fine cruise line today?” Scott said, smiling broadly as he strode up. His face in the areas not covered by his beard was pink from the cold wind outside. “I can recommend the pool, though it’s a bit cool this time of year, and off of the aft deck we have a small course of miniature golf or the ever-popular shuffleboard for your enjoyment.”
Claire and Molly laughed as Scott sat next to Claire. “There’s nothing like a good game of shuffleboard,” Claire said, giving Scott a wink. “It must be hard keeping the green’s in shape for the miniature golf, though.”
“Well, we use AstroTurf up here since the sun only visits once or twice a year, but that just means there’s no divots or brown spots. Only the best for our guests.” Scott replied, grinning.
“I just have one question,” Molly said with a twinkle in her eye. “Are you Captain Stubing or are you Gopher?”
“Oh, ow!” Scott said, putting his hand over his heart. “You think I’m working on the Love Boat? That’s harsh. Harsh!”
All three of them laughed, sharing in the moment until Claire finally thought to answer Scott’s initial question. “We’re heading over to Eastsound for the farmer’s market. Molly sells her jewelry there and she’s asked me to come help.”
“That sounds like fun! I wish I could come with you but I’m on the job until about six.” Scott said.
“That will probably be about the time we’re heading back, actually,” Claire said. “Maybe we can meet you on the ride back.”
“It’s a date!” Scott said. “I’ll see you then.”
Claire caught her breath and looked over just in time to see a smile and a knowing look from Molly.
Chapter 13
They arrived in Eastsound without issue, chatting happily for the short drive from the dock. It was a beautiful trip with scattered, picturesque farmhouses dominated by pine-covered hills and forests. The last time she’d traveled here had been enjoyable, and she’d had time to walk around the small town and enjoy the ambiance. Even today during the cold of late January, people were out shopping and visiting in the little restaurants and stores.
“Here’s the church,” Molly said, pointing at a fairly large building with several outbuildings. It was dominated by the pointed roof in the front, but behind it was a large, square building that Claire assumed was the gym Molly had mentioned. There were already a good number of cars in the parking lot though they didn’t have trouble finding a place close to the doors.
“Most of the island comes up for the market, and while it’s probably not the most lucrative avenue for sales, I just love coming here. We don’t do it every weekend, but only once or so a month. That lets my business partner and I go to other craft fairs on the mainland.”
“Who is your business partner, anyway? Will they be here today?” Claire asked as she helped lift one of the two folding tables out of the back of Molly’s car. They were not too large, and each woman could each carry one without trouble.
“No, he couldn’t make it today which is why I asked for your help. His name is Terry. He’s a bit eccentric but he taught me all about casting and working with metal. He does a lot of work in bronze, brass, and other larger pieces that go in people’s yards or as wall hangings. You’d love his stuff. I brought some of it with me today, though only smaller pieces. Some of his stuff can be a bit bulky.”
“I hope to meet him someday,” Claire said, intrigued. She’d always loved brass work and was curious what form Terry’s took.
“Well, if you are okay to work at shows with us, I’m sure you will. He lives over in Burlington but travels a lot. Right now, he’s down in Oregon at a show with another friend of his. Some gallery owner named Gini Moore.”
They finished bringing the tables in, setting up alongside other booths and tables selling a wide variety of crafts, food, and other artwork. Many of the people looked local, and everyone was smiling and chatting with each other. They had come a little later than the bulk of the sellers and there were already people walking through and shopping.
After they’d gotten set up, Claire was able to see the work that Molly did. She hadn’t known what to expect, but she was surprised and pleased to see the excellent quality and finish of the pieces that were displayed. She wouldn’t have been surprised to see the work sold in high-end jewelry stores.
“I don’t bring my high-priced items here,” Molly stated after Claire had picked up several of the pieces to inspect them. “That wouldn’t be fair, nor would they sell up here. Truthfully, I do a lot of my sales online, but there’s just something about getting out to craft fairs and markets that I’ve always enjoyed. People are so friendly, and I get to talk to other artists and get ideas for new things.” She paused, picking up a necklace with a stylized orca with metal and brightly colored red and black enamel. “These are modeled after artwork from the Samish Indians. I give a percentage to their tribal council for each item I sell, too.”
“Really?” Claire said, impressed and smiling at her friend. “That’s a good thing. I’ve heard of people doing that, but never met someone that actually did. You’re such a good person, Molly.”
Molly blushed, clearly not knowing how to take the compliment but pleased, nonetheless. The day passed quickly and it was clear that Molly truly enjoyed talking to people; knowing more than a few of the people that stopped at their booth. Even some of the other sellers came over to talk, asking how their day was going and for the most part, being pleasant, warm human beings. It was such a stark contrast to the large cities Claire had lived in her whole life, and made her fall in love with her decision to stay in Brightwater Bay all over again.
Claire was shifting through the plastic bins to lay out more merchandise, covering the booth while Molly was away on break when she heard a voice.
“Hey!” a harsh, angry voice said, startling her and making her jerk upright. Several nearby people also turned, clearly alarmed by the single word. There, standing at the table was Captain Karl, his face in a scowl that was unequivocally directed at Claire. “What do ya think you are doing, eh?”
Claire blinked, suddenly faced with the angry countenance of the irate captain, his sea-blue eyes hard as stone. He was leaning on the table, his hands between the jewelry display cases they had brought. Claire froze, her brain momentarily stalled by the presence of the man who might be a killer. “What?” she finally squeaked out.
Captain Karl blew out a breath, his thick mustache and beard trembling for a moment before he leaned forward, almost hissing at her. “Some of my men heard you flapping your gums about me. Why are you trying to make it seem like I killed dat man, eh? You better watch yer mouth, young lady. You don’t want me to come looking for you again, eh? You got me?”
Claire could only gape at the man, nodding silently. When she’d met Captain Karl before, he had been intimidating and a little frightening, but he hadn’t been angry. Now he was, and she was afraid. She believed without a shadow of a doubt that this man could and would hurt her. Roscoe began to growl, bristling at the menacing man. The little dog rarely had a lot of bravery, but right now she was suddenly very happy he was there.
Captain Karl stared at her for another moment before smacking the table with one of his hands, making Claire jump. Then he looked down at Roscoe with a sneer on his face. “Dat dog might make good bait. Better keep him close or I might snap him up.” Without another word, he turned away and stalked toward the door. Most of the people nearby quickly got out of his way, still staring after him and his frightening visage.
When Molly came back, Claire had Roscoe in her arms and was staring silently at the table where Captain Karl’s hands had been. The large woman touched Claire’s arm, clearly worried. “Claire, are you all right?”
She shook her head, then slowly told her everything that had happened while Molly had been in the bathroom. Moll
y listened with slowly widening eyes. “Oh, boy. Claire, you need to talk to the police. You need to tell them what you know. I don’t want you to disappear like Dexter.”
“Neither do I,” Claire said, hugging her little dog a bit too tightly.
Chapter 14
The ride back to Brightwater Bay was far more somber than their trip to Eastsound. Scott had waited for them on the ferry, and his happy greeting had quickly sunk when he saw the women’s faces. After having told him what had happened, Scott had gotten angry, clenching and unclenching his fists as they sat at one of the tables on the second level. “I swear, I’m going to kill him.”
Claire shook her head. “You can’t do that. He didn’t do anything to me but scare me and the last thing we need is for you to start a fight,” she said. “Besides, that crewmember of his will likely be around him. What was his name? Beast?”
Scott scowled but nodded. “Yeah, I know, but I’m not going to let him just get away with threatening you. He’s just like a wolf. If he senses weakness, he’ll bite.”
“I can believe it,” Claire said softly, once again hugging Roscoe. “But you being put in jail or worse isn’t want I want, either.”
“Maybe you should just stop,” Molly said into the silence.
“What?” Claire asked, not sure what Molly was saying.
“I mean, maybe you should just stop investigating all of this. That man is scary at the best of times, and he traveled all the way to Eastsound just to threaten you, Claire. That’s not a good sign. If he really did kill someone, what makes you think he’s not thinking the same thing about you right now?”
Scott and Claire exchanged glances, uncertainty in both of their faces. “Maybe she’s right,” Scott said slowly. “Maybe it’s time we just stop sticking our nose into this business. Honestly, this seemed exciting in the beginning, but now I’m not so sure it’s worth it.”
A Tiny Dash of Death Page 6