Uh-huh. It was nighttime but the moon was big. It was the first night we came here and mommy was asleep, but I stayed up all night long. Annie smiled at his exaggeration but nodded anyway.
What did you see?
Joshua put the crayon he was holding to his chin in a pensive gesture. I saw somebody floating across the grass out behind this place. It was at night, and the person went into the woods and disappeared. I know it was a ghost because I seen one ‘afore on Scooby Boo.
Annie suppressed a smile at his incorrect pronunciation of the cartoon character’s name. Well, goodness, you sure do have a big imagination, she replied, watching him carefully for a grin or other dead giveaway that he was fibbing. He didn’t react the way she thought he might. Instead, his bottom lip jutted out in a trembling motion.
Nobody believes me, but I know I seen a ghost. He looked as though he might cry, so Annie quickly changed the subject.
Would you like to come with me to check on Karma? I bet he’d like a treat--would you like to give him a doggie treat?
Joshua was out of the chair and at the back door before Annie could even stand up properly. Reminding him to wait for a grownup before going outside, she turned to her mother to see what she made of the boy’s statement about the teddy bear and the ghost.
I did see him with a bear, you know, Bessie whispered before Annie could speak. And it was a full moon that night. Do you think he could have seen somebody wandering around here in the middle of the night?
Who? I can’t vouch for Rory, but I know I wasn’t wandering around outside in the middle of the night. If I remember correctly, it was pretty foggy that night. Maybe he just thinks he saw something in the fog. You know how little boys are--their imaginations are bigger than their bodies.
Bessie frowned. I don’t know. If he hadn’t said anything about that bear, maybe I’d have agreed with you. The funny thing is, I heard his mama asking him where he got the bear and he told her the same thing he told you. She just laughed it off and said it must have belonged to Devon, like she thought he must have given it to Joshua.
Annie shook her head. No, I’m pretty sure Devon’s stuffed animals have all been given away long ago. Something gnawed at her brain.
Can we go see the doggie now? Joshua was hopping from one foot to the other in exasperation.
Okay, Annie relented. She didn’t say it to her mother, but the thought occurred to her that Joshua may well have seen someone wandering around the grounds of Rosewood Place that night. As far as she knew, Frances LaRue had still been alive and kicking on the night of the big, full moon. She wouldn’t put it past the old man to sneak over in the dead of night, looking for her dog and seeking his own twisted version of restitution for the chickens he’d lost.
Her blood boiled at the idea of that man sneaking onto her property, and she had to remind herself that he was dead and couldn’t be held accountable for trespassing if it had indeed been him. Of course, Frances LaRue had to be the mysterious figure that Joshua had seen. It simply couldn’t have been anyone else, Annie decided. Not her son, whose jacket had mysteriously found its way into the old man’s house before he died, and not Rory, who had better things to do than wander around the property in the middle of the night.
Her thoughts turned to her guests. Of course, Melody had been asleep, and Bo Michaels, well, he just seemed too nice and normal to wander around in the woods in the middle of the night. Besides, Annie realized suddenly, she locked the exterior doors of Rosewood Place at bedtime, so anyone coming or going had to knock to be let in.
A horrible feeling crept over Annie. Someone had been on her property, sneaking around in the dead of night, right before her neighbor was murdered. Almost without thinking, she pulled her phone from her pocket and pulled up the phone number to Emmett’s direct line. She gave Joshua a small handful of dog treats to give to Karma and waited patiently for the Chief of Police to answer her call.
15
Emmett Weighs In On Matters
Emmett Barnes stepped out of his police car and closed the door quietly. He didn’t want to set Karma to barking or upset Bessie’s hens, though really any little thing set those silly birds off. He’d relished the chance to get out of the office, so when Annie’s call came through earlier, he’d wasted no time in driving over to the old plantation.
He caught a glimpse of Bessie through the kitchen window and his face lit up. He never thought he’d feel this sort of happy again after his wife, Marjorie, had died. He’d never dated, never even so much as attended a church picnic or bingo game with any of his town’s constituents, at least not until Bessie and her daughter had moved into Rosewood Place.
Of course, he’d known Bessie for many years, though not closely. He’d been the Chief of Police for nearly twenty years and a ‘regular’ policeman for another twenty-two before that. He’d grown up in Coopersville and would likely die there, though hopefully, that would be no time soon.
Emmett could have retired years ago, but even in his early seventies the man was as fit as a fiddle and as sharp as a blade. His work had been the only thing that kept him sane after Marjorie died, and he’d never fancied the idea of spending his days alone in an empty house, so he worked more than most men half his age.
Of course, being the Chief of Police in a small town like Coopersville was hardly the most challenging thing he could do with his life. It wasn’t like Charlotte or Atlanta, or even like Greenville, crime-wise. Most of the crimes in his small town were, fortunately, minor ones, but they still had their fair share of doozies. Murder was one of them, and it just so happened that he’d had to investigate several murders right here at Rosewood Place, though none of them actually involved Bessie or Annie.
He waved at Rory, who was working on what looked like a new door for the old barn that sat on the property. Emmett knew from Bessie that Annie had plans to renovate the barn and turn it into some sort of dance hall or party venue, mostly for wedding receptions and anniversaries, he reckoned.
Rory waved back and put down his hammer. He started walking towards Emmett, meeting the man halfway between his workspace and the house.
Afternoon, Emmett, Rory greeted him carefully. What brings you out here today?
Emmett returned his greeting with a smile and a nod. Afternoon, Rory. I’m out here to talk to Annie about Mr. LaRue. She called me a little while ago and I thought it was as good a day as any to ride out here and see what’s going on, he said, sniffing the air distractedly.
Bessie’s cooking her specialty, Rory noted.
Emmett’s smile faded slightly. She didn’t invite me, he complained.
She’s trying to play matchmaker, Rory explained. Two of our guests, both nice folks, both single. Only, I reckon she’s wasting her time since the lady’s ex just turned up, out of the blue, trying to set things right.
So she’s laying out the works, trying to put them in the mood for love? Emmett relaxed into a smile. Well, now, as long as she’s not cooking for, um, anybody special.
Rory grinned. You’re her ‘somebody special,’ Em, I think we all know that.
The older man blushed just a little. I got in touch with the dead man’s family, he said, changing subjects swiftly. I talked to the brother of the deceased, Mr. Samuel LaRue. He and his wife live over in Pickens, but he came down to the morgue to identify the body. Not that we didn’t already know who it was, but I reckon the brother was just nosing around for some information.
About what?
Well, it seems that nobody’s sure about what happened to Frances LaRue’s heir, his son Adrian. Like I mentioned before, he left town years ago and nobody’s heard a peep from him since. If he’s still alive, he’d inherit the farmhouse and the land it sits on over at LaRue’s place.
Rory nodded. And if you can’t find him?
"I suppose that it would go to the brother. LaRue owned the place free and clear--I already checked that out--and it’s worth a tidy sum. That stretch of land over there on the other side of the woo
ds is getting bought up left and right. I reckon some developer is set to put one of those fancy subdivisions in or maybe even a little grocery
store. Off the top of my head, I can’t say I recall any specific plans for the land being mentioned at the last few town hall meetings."
Emmett scratched the edge of his generously proportioned mustache. I guess he’ll take ownership of the land and house, maybe he’ll sell it. I thought I might suggest to him that Annie may be interested, if that’s the case.
Rory thought this over. I know she’d love to, but I just worry that she’d be overstretching herself. I mean, I know she’s talking about wanting a vineyard, but I don’t know how she’d have the time to manage that.
Emmett laughed. Yep, she’s like her mother when it comes to stuff like that. Always thinking big, but maybe that would be a little too big, even for those two.
What are you two out here talking about? Neither of the men heard Annie’s approach. I didn’t even hear you pull up, she said to Emmett, pushing a strand of hair back from her face. She’d pulled it back into a ponytail earlier, but it was trying its best to get loose.
Emmett smiled at Annie. What are we men always talking about when the women-folk aren’t around?
Sports or the weather? she asked. And what’s too big for who? I did hear some of it, you know. She put her hands on her hips and waited for a reply.
I was just telling Rory here how much I admire you and your mother for taking on this old place. You’ve turned it into a fine establishment, despite the little bumps along the way. Rory and were also discussing your plans for a vineyard, and I told him I thought maybe it was mighty big undertaking for your little family. Emmett was used to being straight with people, but he always managed to put a tactful spin on whatever he had to say.
Annie let out a small sigh. I don’t think that’s even something we have to worry about now, is it? Not with Mr. LaRue’s family in the picture. Oh, and you haven’t even heard the latest--his nephew is here, at the house, and has been discussing his uncle’s property with Melody, one of our guests. Or, rather, he’s been talking about his plans for building a chicken farm on the property.
Rory groaned. You’re kidding me. Wait, wouldn’t the land technically go to Mr. LaRue’s brother? Don’t they think they could make more selling the property than they could by giving it to their son to turn into some godawful chicken farm?
Emmett grunted. Well, Samuel LaRue didn’t mention any plans for the property when I spoke to him. He was more interested in making sure his brother’s funeral was taken care of. I only spent a short time with him and his wife, but they both seemed like nice enough people.
Annie pursed her lips. "Well, Bobby LaRue seems alright, but honestly, please tell me that he can’t just up and build a giant chicken coop over there on that land. I mean, could you imagine the smell? Guests don’t really want to stay at an inn that comes with a great view and a terrible aroma."
I wonder how long Bobby LaRue has been planning on creating his chicken empire? Rory asked. I mean, his estranged uncle kicks the bucket and then a few days later the guy’s ready to move in and turn it into some sort of poultry paradise? Sounds kind of sketchy if you ask me.
Well, according to Melody, Bobby had discussed the idea of inheriting the farm from his uncle years ago. Apparently, Frances was the only person in the family who still held out hope that his son was alive and would come back one day to take the place over from his dad. I guess he was wrong, Annie said sadly.
Maybe he did and maybe he didn’t, but nobody’s taking possession of the land until I’ve solved Frances LaRue’s murder. Emmett shifted his weight and cleared his throat. I have found three sets of fingerprints in the kitchen besides those of Frances LaRue, one of which has been identified as yours, Annie.
Annie blushed. She knew that switching the water off had been a bad idea, but she was fairly certain that Emmett didn’t see her as a suspect in the man’s death. She and Rory both waited impatiently for Emmett to continue. And? Annie asked after a long pause, Who did the others belong to?
Not Devon, Emmett said firmly. So I am officially removing him from my list of suspects. Not that I ever once believed he was a suspect, he clarified, but his jacket being found at the scene did complicate things.
I’ve been thinking about that, Rory interjected. I wonder if maybe, just maybe, it’s possible that someone else from our place took that jacket over there and left it.
Like who? Annie asked. Apart from you and me, there’s nobody except Devon who would be foolish enough to go traipsing around in the woods, let alone let themselves into the LaRue place.
What about Bo Michaels? Rory held up a hand and spoke, ticking off on his fingers as he named the reasons why Bo may have been in the woods.
First, he told you he grew up around here and knows the woods. Second, since he’s arrived, he’s been coming and going at all hours. Now, I know that’s hardly suspicious, busy as he is, but I found something that I think might be suspicious. He explained about finding the crumpled receipt in the doorway to the secret tunnel.
Couldn’t that have been dropped at any time and kicked or swept in when one of us opened the door? Annie asked, not convinced that Bo had been sneaking in and out of her house through a secret tunnel that most people didn’t even know existed.
Yes, but--have any of us used that tunnel since he’s been here? I know Bessie hasn’t and I sure haven’t, so have you?
She thought it over for a moment, then shook her head. No, but that still doesn’t mean anything. I mean, Bo told me that he used to play in the house as a child. Maybe he just opened the door for old times’ sake? She knew it sounded preposterous, but it sounded far more logical than Bo Michaels sneaking in and out of Rosewood Place via the hidden tunnel.
Rory rolled his eyes. You know, something about him has just seemed off to me since he got here. He arrives all by himself, stays in his room, that is, when he’s not going out until all hours, and doesn’t seem to want to tell anyone much about himself, apart from what he does for a living.
That’s not true, Annie defended him. He told me that he lived in Coopersville as a child and spent time playing on this very land. He also told me that he had a cousin who was mean to him and a father who was, well, not very nice.
Yeah, but who is he? Where exactly did he grow up? Who was his father? Rory shook his head. Something isn’t adding up.
Well, I’m sure that if you took the time to get to know him, you’d realize that he’s a nice guy who just doesn’t want lots of attention. I’ll make sure you sit beside him tonight at dinner--Mama’s insisting we all attend--and it will be the perfect chance for you to get to know our guests a little better.
"Our? You’re the landlady. I’m just the handyman," Rory countered a little too sharply.
What is that supposed to mean? Rory, you know I don’t see you as ‘just’ anything. You’re the only reason this place ever opened and has stayed open this long. I don’t know what’s jumped up and bit your butt, Rory Jenkins, but you’d better get over it before dinner time. We are having a nice dinner tonight if it kills us! Annie stomped her foot and turned to face Emmett.
Emmett, you’re invited, too, if you want. You know my mother, she’s cooked enough for half the county. I think we can find a plate for you. She pushed the rogue strand of hair back once again and let out a long, sharp breath.
Now, if y’all will excuse me, I’m going inside to see if our guests need anything. She didn’t wait for a response, but strode purposefully back towards the house.
Emmett chuckled as she disappeared into doorway leading to the kitchen. Well, she’s a firecracker, isn’t she? You’ve got yourself a handful there.
Rory shook his head. Oh, no, you know it’s not like that. I mean, we’re just good friends. I work for her, remember? he added lamely.
Oh, nonsense! A blind man could see the sparks between you two, and you could do a darned sight worse than Annie Purdy, that’s for sure!
He glanced at his watch, then sniffed the air. I think I can stay for supper, he said, nodding to himself. But I reckon we ought to steer clear of the womenfolk until the food’s ready, he warned Rory.
I think you’re right about that, Rory replied. Want to drown a couple of worms?
Emmett chuckled. Are you sure you’re handyman and not a mind reader? he asked before heading back to his car. Rory watched as Emmett opened up the trunk of his police car and pulled out a fishing rod and tackle box.
Always be prepared, son, Emmett said in way of explanation. You never know when the fish will be biting, so it pays to be ready.
As they ambled back around the house towards the pond, Emmett hoped that this visit to Rosewood Place might just help him catch more than a few fish--he hoped that it might just help him catch a killer, too.
16
Preparing For Dinner
Annie was pleasantly surprised to find that everyone heeded Bessie’s warning that the dinner was not to be missed. Bo Michaels returned from his shopping trip and tried to slip away to his room, but Bessie had cornered him and pleaded for his presence. She was no stranger to puppy dog eyes, and after Bo agreed to come down for a bite, she waved him off up the stairs for some pre-dinner peace and quiet.
I think he’s one of those introverts, Bessie concluded as she pulled her famous blueberry cobbler from the warming rack. You know, those people who like to be alone most of the time.
Annie shrugged. Maybe. Or maybe he’s just tired of you fussing over him. He might think you have some sort of celebrity crush on him, Annie teased. Where do you want this potato salad?
Put that in the silver dish over there, Bessie told her, pointing to a stainless steel serving bowl. There was a cozy bustle of activity in the kitchen that reminded Annie of holidays or special occasions. When she was growing up, she’d always loved helping her mother in the kitchen during the holidays or other special times when a large meal would bring the whole family together.
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