The interior was a kaleidoscope of colors. Lines of plastic bins were filled with beads of all sorts which glinted and winked at them from the extensive lighting. Molly was in her happy zone, walking in and pointing out everything to Claire who had never been inside of a store like this which, if Claire was going to be honest, she enjoyed immensely.
There were other things further back, but she could see why the beads were set up front because the light and color was enchanting. Even if someone wasn’t interested in beadwork, they might still come into the store just to look at the beautiful stones.
What surprised Claire the most is how many semiprecious stones she saw amongst the glass and plastic. It couldn’t help but spark her imagination when she saw names like ruby and tiger-eye though the prices didn’t seem to reflect what she’d expect to see. Still, she picked more than a few up, admiring the way the light moved through the shades while still trying to keep up with Molly.
“Most of the stuff I’m looking for today is in the back, because it’s all the boring things like posts and other metal bits but I always have to stop up here and look through everything. Not much changes, but it just reminds me of when I used to walk around in creeks and picked up polished stones when I was a kid.”
Molly stopped, smiling at a larger woman who came out from the back near the long counter midway through the shop. At first, Claire thought she might be Hispanic but quickly realized she really looked Native American instead. “Molly? It’s so good to see you!” The woman said, coming around the counter and holding her arms out to give Molly a hug. “I didn’t think you were going to come in until next week. What brought you in earlier?”
“Big order, Winonah,” Molly answered, returning the hug. “Unexpected too, but I’m not one to argue. I guess people have liked the new jewelry line I’ve been making. It even sold well out on the islands. Oh, but before I lose myself in shopping, let me introduce you to a friend of mine.” Molly held out a hand toward Claire. “This is Claire Mayfield, a new friend of mine in Brightwater Bay. Claire, this is Winonah Curi. She owns this shop along with her husband, Leo. Both of them are wonderful people.”
“It’s so good to meet you,” Claire said, immediately being swept up in the same hug that Molly received. Winonah was shorter than either Claire or Molly, but her cheerful smile encompassed Claire as if she were a long-lost friend.
“Welcome to Blackfish Stones! Are you also a crafty sort like Molly?” Winonah asked. “If so, I’m happy to meet another customer.”
Claire smiled but shook her head. “I’m afraid I’m not that creative, though I did promise to help Molly with shipping some of her orders later. I suspect she’s also going to draft me into helping put them together, too.”
Molly grinned, nodding. “I knew you were smart. Don’t worry, I’m not going to make you work much past midnight.”
“Don’t worry, Claire, I bet you enjoy it. Trust me, most people don’t do crafts because they haven’t figured out all the little tidbits, but Molly has that down to a science, as well as having all of the tools. That makes a huge difference.” Winonah said, following them toward the back area. “Have you lived in Brightwater Bay a long time? I don’t make it down there often but it’s such a pretty town.”
“No. Not long at all,” Claire answered. “In fact, I’m probably its newest resident. I, uh, moved there a little over a month ago so I’m still learning my way around. I originally came from Arizona but so far, I love it.”
“What’s not to love? Especially compared to Arizona,” Winonah said, making a face. “I used to be five-foot-nine until I went there for a week, and then I melted.”
Claire laughed and shook her head. “Do you also make jewelry?”
Winonah nodded. “I’d be a bad owner of a jewelry and bead shop if I didn’t do a few things. Molly and I even do a few local shows together when I can get away, though she’s better than I am.”
“Oh, stop that,” Molly said, brushing off what Winonah was saying. “She makes some fantastic pieces. I’ve been trying to get her to let me sell more of her stuff at the larger shows around the state that I go to, so everyone will think I’m that talented.”
Winonah just shook her head and turned around, throwing her hands up in the air as she went back into the room behind the counter. “Call me if you need anything or when you’re done shopping.”
Winonah retreated to the back, and Molly smiled as she pulled down little packets of jewelry supplies. “She’s one of the sweetest people I know. A real peach and she’s much more talented than she’s letting on. She’s even had some of her creations put in magazines!”
“Really?” Claire said, amazed.
“Yes! Though, um, you probably would only see it if you were into jewelry making, but I think it’s still a big deal.”
“I think it’s a big deal, too,” Claire agreed, looking over Molly’s shoulder at what she was picking out. It was all a mystery to her, but she was mildly curious about helping her to put some things together and maybe learning a little more about Molly’s business.
After picking out what she needed, Molly led Claire back to the front counter to make her purchase from Winonah. They chatted for a bit longer with the friendly woman and turned toward the exit.
“How about we get an ice cream cone before heading back? There’s a cute little ice cream store just down on the corner.” Molly said, pointing to a bright yellow shop. “I’m in the mood for some rocky road.
“That sounds like a great idea. Mint Chocolate chip for me, though.”
“Perfect! Afterward, we’ll go get your rental car and then stop by your cottage for some extra clothes.”
Chapter 23
Claire stood in the center of her cottage and looked around at the mess in shock. Her clothes had been scattered, and everything she owned was turned over or dumped on the floor. Fortunately, Molly had followed her so she was there when the door was opened and immediately called 911. Claire just stood there, not in shock, but fluctuating between being scared and angry.
Clearly, someone was trying to send her a message and she was very happy Scott had insisted she stay with Molly last night instead of her cottage. Who knows what would have happened if she’d tried to stay at home. She began to feel a little sick to her stomach at the thought before sitting down on a chair and watching Roscoe sniff around at the mess.
Molly came over, giving Claire a hug while holding her cell phone to her chest. “They’re on their way, but I need to stay on the phone. I guess they want to make sure we’re not murdered before they get here.” She said, then grimaced. “Oh, maybe I shouldn’t have said it that way.”
Claire just looked up at her helplessly before putting her face into her hands. She stayed like that with Molly rubbing her back until they heard the police car show up, followed quickly by Officer Portman walking through the doorway. He quickly checked the very small cottage but came back a moment later, dragging a seat over and sitting in front of Claire.
“Okay, Claire,” Darryl said, leaning forward. “Have you touched anything or seen any notes?”
Claire shook her head, giving herself a hug but forcing herself not to cry. She’d done enough crying. “No, we just got here a few minutes ago.”
“Do you know if anything is missing?” Darryl asked.
“No. I’ve not had a chance to really look around, but so far it looks like everything is still here, if it is scattered all over floor,” Claire answered. “Do you want me to look?”
Darryl nodded, following Claire as she walked slowly around the small floorplan. There was only the combination living room and kitchen, a bedroom, and a bathroom so it didn’t take her long. When she was done, she was pretty sure nothing was missing.
Darryl made a note of it just as there came a knock on the door. Claire crossed over and saw Daisy outside, looking worriedly at her. “Is everything-” she began after Claire opened the door, stopping when her eyes fell on the mess. “Oh, heavens. What happened?” she sai
d with her hands over her mouth.
Claire nodded. “Someone apparently decided to break in and give me a bad day. The cottage is okay, though. Nothing seems to be damaged.”
Daisy turned, locking her eyes on Claire before shaking her head. “That’s not important, Claire. Things are things, what’s important is you. Are you okay? Did you get hurt?” She looked up and down Claire’s body as she said it, trying to see for herself.
Claire shrugged, clearly out of sorts. “I wasn’t here so physically I’m all right, but I’m not happy about it. Having someone toss your underwear all over the floor feels very strange.”
Daisy continued to look around herself, looking almost as distraught as Claire felt. After a few moments, Darryl came over from doing a more thorough evaluation. “Do you have a place to stay for a few days, Claire? I’m want to do a more thorough look around and see if see if we can get any prints.” He turned, giving Daisy a curious look.
Daisy caught it, but frowned. “There’s two other cottages open. I can let you use one of those for a few days, but I am just sad at you having to jump to another one. My goodness, it feels like you’re playing musical chairs since you’ve been here.”
“No, it’s okay. Actually, I stayed at Molly’s house last night and she said I could stay for the week. I had just come back home to get some clothes and other things.” Claire said.
“Oh, that’s fortunate,” Daisy said, sounding somewhat relieved. “Well, if you need it for any reason, you let me know. My goodness, my homes have certainly been bad luck for you.”
Claire shook her head. “They are not bad luck. They’re charming and beautiful little homes and I love staying here. It’s just a bit of bad luck, is all.”
Daisy nodded but didn’t look completely convinced, looking around once more at the mess on the floor. “Okay, well you have my number. Would you let me know when everything is done here, if you can? I’ll keep an eye out as well, though I’m of a mind to get a pack of guard dogs to roam around with everything that’s been happening lately.”
“It shouldn’t be more than a day,” Darryl said. “I’ll be sure to call both of you so you know when we’re clear.”
After Daisy had left, Darryl shifted uncomfortably, clearly waiting for Claire and Molly to leave so he could get to work. Even as he did so, an additional police car showed up with one of the sheriff’s deputies, who got out carrying a black case. Claire assumed it might be a fingerprinting kit, but didn’t have enough energy to ask.
“Can I get some clothes?” Claire asked, looking around at the floor.
Darryl paused but nodded after thinking about it. “We couldn’t get any prints off of clothes anyway. Go ahead, but be sure not to touch anything that has a hard surface if you can help it.”
Claire nodded, going into her room and pulling a small suitcase that had been thrown onto the floor from her closet, and began to put some clothes into it. She folded them first, not having the heart to just stuff things in. She didn’t want to feel like she was running away from her home, and the ritual made her feel a little bit better.
Once Darryl called to let her know it was clear, she planned to come back and clean everything. It would be hard, she knew, because she knew she wouldn’t feel safe for a while but that was normal when someone broke into your home. She just hoped it wouldn’t happen again anytime soon. She was still new to the cottage and she didn’t need anything else to happen to her. If it had still been the same yellow cottage where Orrin had died, she was pretty sure she wouldn’t be able to stay here again.
“I’ll follow you home,” Claire said to Molly when they exited and headed to their cars. She had rented a cute little Honda which had a new car smell, though she suspected it was more from a special spray than being that new. Still, it was very clean and she was pleased to have transportation once again.
Mrs. Applegate had given her a few days off after she’d been driven off of the road, citing the fact that things were slow at the resort and she would rather Claire got some rest, but she was looking forward to getting back to work.
She needed the distraction.
Chapter 24
A few days later, Claire and Scott were walking along the boardwalk by the sea wall when they saw Officer Portman just coming out of Daisy’s coffee shop, sipping at a steaming cup of coffee. When he saw them, he waved, and the two walked over, smiling at the man. Roscoe, pulling on his leash, yipped happily at seeing his friend.
“Claire and Scott, how are you both doing today?” Darryl asked politely.
“We’re doing well,” Scott said. “Just going for a walk after lunch before I start my shift on the ferry.”
“Any news on whoever tried to run me off the road or broke into my house?” Claire asked, though she didn’t expect any news
Darryl nodded. “We found the black truck out on Trickle Road. It’d been stolen and then dumped but that’s what I figured would happen. I doubt someone would use their own vehicle to try to commit a crime, unless they were an idiot. As for your house, no leads currently. It happened while Daisy was working, and there were no other renters in her cottages.”
Claire had gotten the go-ahead to return and clean her cottage. Scott and Molly had both come to help, making light work of the mess. She was just glad whoever had done it hadn’t tried to actually break anything, choosing instead to just scatter everything about. It had certainly made it easier not having to walk around broken plates or glass. Still, that’s the only time she’d spent in her home for several days.
Staying at Molly’s house had helped. She could only imagine sitting in her cottage, listening to every sound outside and wondering if it was someone sneaking around. It had been comfortable, with both women getting along well despite Alfie The Cat’s silent terrorization of Roscoe. Claire was pretty certain there hadn’t been another incident between the two furry adversaries, but Roscoe continued to act as if the large tabby was plotting his demise every time the big cat flicked his tail.
“Well, I can’t say that I don’t want whoever it is to be caught, but I know you’re doing everything you can,” Claire said somewhat dejectedly. Despite enjoying her stay with Molly, it felt temporary and awkward.
Darryl nodded. “We are, but without any leads, it might never be solved,” he said, then sighed. “You and I both know that whoever it is, is probably also involved in Dexter’s murder, but I’m not part of that investigation. I wish I could give you any updates on that, but the sheriff has been pretty tightlipped.”
“How are you doing otherwise?” Scott asked quietly, not wanting to come right out and ask how the man’s home life was developing after learning about his wife cheating on him.
Darryl caught his meaning however, giving him a long, stoic look before looking down at his feet and frowning. “Not something a man usually likes to talk about, but yeah, it’s falling apart pretty fast. Haven’t been home since you told me everything, not that Ellen seems to care.”
“Where are you staying?” Claire asked, worried about the man.
Darryl shrugged. “Here and there. There’s a cot at the police station that they’ve let me stay at while I figure things out. I’ve got an uncle over in Anacortes if needs be, as well, but that gets to be a long of a drive and he’s kind of a jerk. Still, he’s been helpful.”
“You’re welcome at my place anytime,” Scott offered. “I’ve got room and it’s pretty comfortable. I’m not there that often, since I’m out on the ferry so much.”
“Or out with Claire,” Darryl said, giving a half-smile to the two of them. He was just about to continue when a loud screech on the street startled them all and a dark green sedan pulled up, facing the wrong way against traffic. All three of them jumped back at the alarming sound, with Roscoe literally leaping in the air on his stubby legs.
Out of the car charged Ellen, her face a mask of rage that was locked onto Darryl. Her eyes briefly flicked across Scott and Claire, but returned quickly to the police officer as she stomped up on
to the curb. In her hands was a half-crumpled manila envelope that looked full of papers. “Darryl! Darryl, there you are, you snake! What do you think you are doing? Some man came to our house today and served me with papers! Are you divorcing me? ME?!”
Darryl just watched her dispassionately, his face expressionless as she wildly waved the envelope in the air between them. She continued to rant for a minute longer, literally stalking back and forth in her rage. When she finally wound down, she turned back to him and thrust the paperwork at him as if it were a dagger. “Well? What do you have to say for yourself?”
“Did you read the paperwork?” Darryl asked calmly, continuing to stare at her stoically.
“Just the first page! Why?” Ellen screeched, her eyes flashing.
“If you’d bothered to read the whole thing, you would have seen why I’m requesting a divorce,” Darryl continued, his voice monotone. “You’d have seen that I cited infidelity as the reason.”
Ellen blinked and sputtered, quickly opening the envelope and pulling out the thick wad of paper. She quickly rifled through the paperwork, her eyes scanning back and forth but they all saw when she found the correct page. Her eyes stopped, and if anything, seemed to grow even more red than before. “Ridiculous. I’ve been nothing but faithful to you, not that you’ve ever done anything for me. I’ve never even looked at anyone else! I’ll take you for everything you have, Darryl! Not that there’s much there, but I can guarantee you, you’ll regret this!”
Darryl just blew out a breath, wrinkling up his mouth in distaste before he said anything. “So you’re saying you’ve never been to the Pearl’s Plank bar over in Hazelton? Really? You do remember I’m a police officer, right?”
Ellen froze at the name and her eyes narrowed, as if calculating her options. Finally, her face broke out into a lazy smile as she stepped closer, rubbing her hand along Darryl’s arm. “I can’t say that I have,” she said, almost purring. She was a fairly attractive, if older woman, and despite the two being married, Officer Portman blushed through his tan features. “Maybe we should go talk somewhere else. It’s so public out here.”
A Tiny Dash of Death Page 10