Murder at the Lakeside Library

by Holly Danvers

  Rain wondered just then what she’d gotten herself into. She didn’t drink alcohol very often, only on special occasions. Not because she was an alcoholic, more because it was something she chose to avoid for a healthier lifestyle. The fact that alcohol sometimes caused contention between her parents only strengthened her decision to avoid it. She didn’t answer. Instead, she stood like a deer in headlights before Julia swung her in the direction of the bathroom. “Go ahead and freshen up, and I’ll set up a few snacks for us out on the deck,” Julia said, making the decision for the both of them.

  Rain numbly headed to the bedroom to pluck a fresh outfit off the bed and retreated to the en suite bathroom. The bathroom had been renovated when she was a young girl. A white clawfoot bathtub touched the inside wall, and a separate muted tiled shower took up the entire corner of the room. Despite the heat, she couldn’t wait for an opportunity to take a soak in the deep porcelain tub. Maybe after the meeting she could take a bath to release some aching tension, she thought, as she kneaded her shoulder with her hand. But for now, she stepped into the oversized shower and was instantly struck with the memory of Max. On his first visit to the family cabin, Max had been so elated about the size of the shower attached to their room that he’d joined her, and they’d made love like ravenous teenagers. The memory was so vivid, it was as if she was transported back in time, and then just as abruptly, the bubble burst.

  Despite the humidity, Rain allowed the hot water and suds to wash over her shoulders to remove the memories and relieve the fresh anxiety that was forming within. She was not in the mood for company. At least not today. If only she’d had a little more time before this all was sprung on her. A day or two to get on her feet and gain her sea legs would’ve been nice. Hanging out with Julia was one thing, but being re-introduced to so many of the Lakers right off the bat was another. She hadn’t seen many of them in years. Part of her wanted to back out and cancel, but it was so last minute, she knew she needed to just put the mask on and deal. She stepped out from the steam-filled room, wrapped herself in an oversized towel, and padded to the bedroom, leaving a path of wet prints on the hardwood floor. She hoped her pair of wrinkled khaki shorts and navy V-neck T-shirt would suffice. She was “up north” after all. No one dressed fancy when they were hanging out in the Northwoods.

  Rain combed the tangles from her hair to let it air-dry naturally, leaving wet patches on the shoulders of her clean T-shirt. She kept the hair tie on her wrist in case, once dry, she might want to refasten her hair into a ponytail. She rarely wore makeup and luckily didn’t really need it. She’d inherited her mother’s bronze skin, dark eyes, and long, black hair, and her father’s height and sharp cheekbones. On several occasions, complete strangers had the nerve to approach her on the street to suggest she’d make the perfect model. But Rain had less than zero interest in modeling and thought the idea slightly funny and completely absurd. She decided a hint of mascara might take the focus off her wrinkled outfit, though, so she coated her lashes carefully before abandoning the make-up.

  The sun was sinking in the western sky, making Rain feel that Julia’s idea of meeting on the wraparound deck would be a good one. Wisconsin was known for picturesque sunsets and tonight they’d have the perfect view. The water was already turning an iridescent purple color, and the clouds a cotton candy pink. The image in front of her was stunningly beautiful.

  “Hey there! Feel better?” Julia asked as she opened the screen door leading to the outer deck.

  She didn’t. Anxiety was growing like a mountain within her, but she replied, “Yep, just what I needed,” and forced a smile.

  Rain noticed a few bottles of both red and white wine had been placed inside the icebox. She remembered the standalone icebox from her youth. It was a large, carved wooden box, held up by antique table legs and lined in sheet metal that her dad had made a few years after her wedding to Max. Julia must’ve known where it had been stored and pulled it out. Next to the icebox, a large glass plate with a myriad of flavored cheese curds along with crackers, cookies, and a few wine glasses and plates were laid out neatly on a side table. Julia had even brought over napkins in the shape of sunflowers.

  “Wow, thank you for doing all of this. I’m afraid it’s going to take me a few days to get reacclimated and back on Laker time.”

  “Of course! I told you I’d handle it.” Julia grinned.

  “You certainly did. Everything looks lovely.”

  “It’s still surprisingly warm out here!” Julia said as she fanned herself with her hand. “Or maybe it’s my sunburn causing me to feel slightly overheated,” she added and then reached for a cheese curd to pop into her mouth. “Nick and I were out in the boat all morning, and I guess I didn’t reapply enough sunscreen. First official burn of the summer!”

  It was then that Rain noticed that Julia was wearing a sundress. She subconsciously looked down at her wrinkled garb and frowned. Julia must’ve noticed her predicament as she reached out to embrace her and then held her arms out so their eyes would meet. “You look terrific. By the way, I’m a bit jealous—you haven’t aged a bit! And thank you again for agreeing to do this on such short notice. The Lakers are really going to be happy to know that you’ve agreed to open the library.” Julia beamed.

  Had she agreed? Or had she been kinda railroaded into it?

  Footsteps on the stairs leading to the deck caused them to turn in the direction of the sound. An older woman with a large-brimmed straw hat that covered her silver hair was cautiously climbing the staircase while navigating a leash attached to a cocker spaniel. Despite the heat, she was wearing a navy sweater taut at the wrists, covering her slender arms. A pale aqua silk scarf, which complimented her sapphire eyes, covered her neck.

  Julia gestured to the older woman. “Here’s someone special I’d like you to meet, Rain. This is Marjorie. She was a huge fan of your grandfather Luis’s work. And this little cutie here is Rex.” Julia bent down to greet the dog, and Rain couldn’t help but follow suit. It looked as if the pup was smiling as he danced happily at their feet.

  Marjorie beamed a smile. “Rain, so happy to finally see you. Look at you, you’re the spitting image of your mother—you’re all grown up now. I haven’t set eyes on you since you were a wee little thing.” She held her hand about three feet off the ground to demonstrate. The fact that Marjorie didn’t have to bend down even a bit, made her short stature even more apparent. “Please call me Marge.” Her eyes shone with deep warmth, and instantly Rain felt herself relax.

  “Nice to meet you,” Rain said as she unwrapped the hair tie from her wrist and quickly pulled her hair into a knot at the base of her neck. Just looking at the older woman, dressed in a sweater, made her feel hot.

  “Do you mind if I unleash my dog? Otherwise he’s going to trip me for sure.”

  Rain glanced at the dog circling the newcomer’s legs and threating to do just that. “Not at all,” she answered with a smile as she leaned to pet him once more on the head, before taking the leash and unclipping him.

  “Can you two excuse me for a second? I’m going to get a bowl of water for Rex; it’s so hot out here.” Julia moved toward the screen door and stepped inside. Obviously, it was common for Rex to tag along. Rain added a mental note to remember to have dog treats available for the next time the pair visited.

  “Tell me again the origin of your name. I just love it. Such a beautiful name … Rain. I’ve heard it before, but the dementia’s kicking in, and I’m afraid I can’t recall.” Marge chuckled and absently rubbed the back of her hand in a circular motion, as if her translucent, liver spotted hands held the answer.

  “My mother told me she gave me the name Rain because the word means “life giving,” and she believed that would be my calling. And of course, as you probably know, my mother’s always been a bit of an earth child.” She then stopped herself and attempted to steer the conversation in a new direction. “Did you personally know my grandfather, Luis? Or are you just familiar with his writin
g?”

  “Oh yes, dear.” Marge smiled wide, showing coffee stained teeth. “I knew his father, too; your great-grandfather, Lorenzo, was a tough old bird. Started this entire community with his own two hands, that one did,” she said with a sharp nod of her head. And then she reached out to touch Rain’s arm with her hand. Regardless of the heat, her hand was cool to the touch.

  Marge continued on, “Your grandfather, Luis, and I grew up on this here lake together. I spent every summer with Luis until he went away to university. And then well, he surpassed us all. Especially after publication,” she added with a hint of wistfulness. “We were common folk you know …” She said it teasingly with a wink, but Rain grabbed the undercurrent.

  Marge’s comment made Rain wonder if her grandfather, Luis, had become a bit of a snob after the success of his writings. Or if those in the humble blue-collared community placed him on a pedestal as they found he’d grown into somewhat of a local celebrity. She’d heard that gossip but had never been privy to a firsthand account.

  “So, you’ve been coming up here a long time. I’m surprised, and a tad embarrassed, that I don’t remember you.” Rain admitted.

  “Oh, you were so young, dear. I can understand why you wouldn’t remember.” Marge swatted a hand into the air as if to dismiss the nonsense and then smiled. “I abandoned Lofty Pines for many years to retire down in Florida after my husband’s passing, but a few years ago, I felt a magnetic pull to return. Now, I’m back on Pine Lake during the warm summer months. In fact, I just returned from Florida this week, it’s such a comfort to be back.”

  “The magnetic pull … I totally understand; I’ve had the same feeling. I guess that’s why I’m here, too,” Rain shrugged. Instead of bringing up her loss of Max, she changed the subject. “I bet you’ve seen a lot of changes to Pine Lake over the years.”

  “Yes indeed. I certainly have, dear. I’ve seen the cottages popping up one by one. Row boats replaced by big engine motorboats; acreages split—except of course … yours.” Marge gazed past her to look over the deck railing as if to count the acres still held by Rain’s family. “So many changes, over the years,” Marge continued wistfully. “However, it’s heartwarming to know so many families have kept the tradition of coming up here alive. Unfortunately, I’m one of the last in my generation.” She blinked back watery eyes. “It’s been so nice of your mother to open up the library to the community again. It’s been wonderful to reconnect with other Lakers that I had lost touch with when I was down in Florida. I’ve enjoyed helping your mother so much. Where is Willow by the way? Is she here? I’ve yet to see her.” Her eyes darted around the deck, seeking the elusive Willow.

  “Maybe later in the summer.”

  “Well, you’re kidding! Where is she? She’s never missed a summer up here. Willow’s been coming up to the Northwoods since she was a baby!” Marge’s eyes narrowed and she held a hand to her shocked face. “Please tell me she hasn’t fallen ill?”

  “Oh no, it’s nothing like that. She’s healthy and fit as a fiddle. In fact, she’s volunteering this summer, working with Projects Abroad in Africa. They help dig reliable sources of water for developing countries,” Rain explained. She failed to mention that her mother was traveling worlds away from her father on their so-called mini break. That was up to them alone to share.

  “And Stuart,” Marge’s eyes narrowed. “Where is he?”

  “My father’s working in Japan for a few weeks.” Rain smiled. “He refuses to retire, despite his age. I’m not sure he’ll make it here this summer either.” She lifted her shoulders in a slight shrug.

  Marge mirrored her smile regarding his refusal to retire and then her smile faded into a deep frown. “Oh dear, I had so much to catch up with them about. I’m running out of time you know. This old bird isn’t getting any younger.” She let the comment hang in the air without elaborating further. Rain didn’t know what Marge could possibly want to discuss with her parents, but then again, she hadn’t been up north in a long time. It made her feel like she really didn’t know a lot of the history behind her family legacy in Lofty Pines. In her youth, she hadn’t paid much attention. Not at all. She was too busy flitting around Pine Lake back then, enjoying watersports and all the summer benefits, instead of caring about family heritage.

  “Is there something I can help you with? I can pass on a message to one of them if you’d like.”

  “No, dear. This is something Luis would have wanted me to talk to your mother about firsthand,” Marge said with a firm nod of her head. “I guess it can wait,” she added with a disappointed sigh.

  Julia returned, and Rex immediately lapped up the water as soon as she set down the stainless bowl.

  “Shall I go retrieve the new books from your car?” Julia lay a gentle hand on Marge’s shoulder, and the older woman turned to her and smiled.

  “I can help. I know I’m old, but I still have some strong guns.” Marge lifted her arm and attempted to show her muscles, causing them all to chuckle. “I actually loaded them in the trunk myself. One by one.” She lifted her chin in defiance and then wagged a finger at them. “It’s good exercise, you know.”

  “No worries, Julia and I can go and fetch them,” Rain encouraged. “Have a seat and relax. Julia has outdone herself with wine and snacks. Please help yourself. We’ll be back before you know it.” Rain gestured toward the sky. “Besides, it looks like we’re about to view a gorgeous sunset. It looks like a painting.”

  The older woman acquiesced and handed Rain her car keys. Julia followed Rain toward the deck stairs, and, unfortunately, Rex followed as well. The cocker spaniel slipped past his owner and bounded down the stairs before anyone had a chance to leash him.

  “Get back here, Rex!” Marge called out as she snagged the abandoned leash off a nearby chair. But the dog didn’t obey. Instead he galloped off, chasing a squirrel toward the distant outhouse.

  Rain and Julia continued down the stairs but then stopped at the bottom, knowing the dog had already far outrun them. Rain hoped, for his owner’s sake, Rex didn’t have a history of disappearing. Marge moved quickly down the stairs and passed them, shaking her head in frustration and setting out in the direction of her dog. “I’ll handle this. I’ll meet you back on the deck,” Marge directed before hollering, “Rex. Rexy! Get back here!” The older woman slapped the leather leash against her palm, making a snapping sound.

  The two agreed that Marge probably had a better chance of having the dog obey without the three of them trying to chase after him. They heeded Marge’s instructions and walked over to her car. Rain was growing increasingly excited to see what kinds of books had been purchased to add to the library collection. Maybe there would be a new bestseller that she could sink into.

  Julia and Rain were bent over the trunk of Marge’s car, collecting armfuls of books when they heard a blood-curdling scream.

  Chapter Three

  At the sound of the scream, Rain knocked her head against the inside of the open trunk. She didn’t feel the pain, though, which was the least of her worries. Instead, her eyes met Julia’s—open as wide as her own.

  “Did you hear that? Of course you did, your eyes are like saucers.” Rain’s heart skipped a beat. “Where did that come from? Do you think it was Marge screaming?”

  “It sure sounded like it.” Julia’s face filled with alarm and she held her position as if afraid to move a muscle or anticipating another sound.

  The two dropped their stacks of books back into the trunk. Rain immediately turned in the direction from which she thought the scream had originated. She hoped Marge hadn’t tripped over a fallen branch or a rock to reach her dog. Had she broken a hip? The scream had sounded as if it had come from the direction of the outhouse, so she dashed a few feet in front of Julia and led the way across the rear yard.

  Rain’s stomach lurched when the two came upon the scene. The vision in front of her was unimaginable. Marge was standing over a body that lay lifeless on the ground in a contorted p
osition. Rex was sniffing around the unidentified man’s head. The victim’s skin held a bluish tint, and his long fingers were stretched out in an odd stiff position.

  Rain’s hands rose to her cheeks in horror and she let out a high-pitched squeal and Julia mirrored the sound before clutching her hands to her own heart.

  “Oh, noooo!” Rain finally stuttered. “Who … who … who … is this man?” Her mouth felt suddenly dry as if had been stuffed with a hundred white cotton balls. She struggled to catch her breath, and her hand rose to her throat and rubbed it vigorously.

  “Thornton Hughes,” Julia answered with a sad shake of her head. She then let out a long slow whistling noise.

  “Thornton Hughes?” Rain repeated the name but it had no effect on her. She’d never heard the name before. Who was he? And what on earth was he doing lying lifeless on her property?

  “What is he doing here?” Rain finally voiced her thoughts aloud as she flung a finger in the direction of the body.

  Marge plucked an old-fashioned flip phone from her khaki slacks pocket. “I don’t know, dear, but you’d better call the police. It may be a little late for an ambulance,” she added with a somber voice. Her shaky fingers almost dropped the phone before Rain reached out and caught it with one hand.

  Rain mechanically dialed the number and then numbly shared the horrific news with the 911 dispatch operator and gave the address. “No,” she said absently to the operator. She didn’t think she needed directions on how to administer CPR. Marge was right. It was much too late for that. She flipped the phone closed before handing it back to Marge.

  “Don’t touch a thing. We don’t want to disrupt anything in this area.” Julia motioned them to back away from the man and assembled them to wait patiently as if she was handling children at a school fire drill. Only this wasn’t a drill, it was a dead body.