Mistletoe & Missing Persons

by Teresa Michael

“What was his first name?” Libby wondered if he was still alive.

  “I can’t remember. We just called him ‘Coop.’ Anyways, Coop got real worried about his sister because he thought she had gotten involved with old man Hobson. Now, he was real flashy and had a reputation with the women.”

  “I’ve heard about Hobson’s behavior from Ida. What did Coop think about Hobson carrying on with his sister?”

  “He didn’t like it much, as you can imagine. Coop said he went to see Hobson to tell him to leave his sister alone. He had a gun. He said they struggled, and the gun went off.”

  “Was anyone hurt?”

  “No, but he was real scared that Hobson was going to have him arrested for trespassing, battery, attempted murder, whatever he could get to stick. Coop picked up his tools and headed back to LaBelle straight away. Never heard from him again, but not too long after that, I remember his sister went missing. I don’t blame him for skedaddlin’ out of town. There were rumors that Hobson could make a man disappear if he wanted them gone bad enough.”

  “Tell me, Buddy,” Libby leaned in and said, “do you remember if this happened before or after Hobson’s daughter disappeared?”

  “It was after. I remember Hobson’s daughter, another looker, by the way, went missing just around Christmastime. Melanie was later, maybe February or March. I’m not sure. Annaliese and me were in the same class in school. Only she didn’t graduate that year. She was gone before Christmas.”

  Chapter 15

  Saturday Evening

  The Boat Parade

  Libby pulled into the circular, bricked driveway of the Bird Key address that Jack had given her.

  “Holy Mother of God,” she muttered aloud as she took in the view.

  A two-story stucco mansion of, what appeared to Libby to be Italian design, stood in front of her. She stopped and gazed at the portico and the second level balcony. No way…is that a veranda?

  Jack told her to follow the driveway around the side to the guest house. Reluctantly pulling her eyes away from the front entrance, she slowly followed the driveway around the side where the view exploded with light reflecting off the water of the intracoastal waterway which ran between the mainland, Bird Key and the barrier islands.

  He was standing on the porch of a small cottage to the left of where she stopped her SUV.

  He opened her car door and asked, “What do you think of my little place?”

  “What are you doing? There’s no way a cop can afford to live in a place like this.” Libby walked toward the water. “This is beautiful.”

  “It is beautiful. I’m basically housesitting, a glorified pool boy.”

  “Are your friends, for whom you’re a glorified pool boy and free security guard, ever here?”

  “Yes, they’re usually here by now, but they’re spending Christmas and New Years in New York with family.”

  He slipped his arms around her waist and she leaned back onto his shoulder.

  “And all you did was solve their robbery case and get their stuff back?”

  He kissed her neck and laughed. “Most of it.” He spun her around so that she was facing him and gave her a proper welcoming kiss. “Come in. I have some food for us before we walk across the street to the park.”

  • • •

  Jack had laid out an antipasto with wine and cheese on the kitchen table. He poured her a glass of red wine and offered her a seat on the porch.

  “This is fabulous. I’m impressed.”

  “Thanks.” He tapped her wine glass with his. “Thank goodness, the market is on my way home.”

  Libby sat back in her chair, sipped her wine and enjoyed the view for a few minutes, then she asked, “Guess who came to see me today?”

  “Who?” He popped a cube of cheese in his mouth.

  “A very cleaned up and apologetic Buddy Brown.” She spread cheese on a cracker and took a bite.

  “What did he want?”

  “He told me that he knew both of the names I mentioned that day at the marina.” She told him what Buddy had said about Jeanette McDonald and Melanie Cooper. “I think the information we’ve gathered so far points to Melanie Cooper as the remains we found in the wall.”

  “If that’s the case, I wonder where Jeanette McDonald has been for forty years?” Jack sat back in his chair and sipped his wine.

  “I can’t say that her story didn’t strike a cord with me. Who else do you know who left home, changed her name and started a new life?” She raised her eyebrows and pulled a few grapes off the stem.

  “And I am so glad she did.”

  • • •

  The sun was beginning to set as they crossed the street and joined a growing crowd gathered at the east end of the park. Jack explained that the boats were being staged further up the key and would follow a route that would bring them directly in front of the park before sailing under the John Ringling Causeway to Marina Jacks, a local marina and restaurant, where judges would rate the boats on their decorating creativity.

  “Jack, good to see you.” An elderly man with a paunch and a captain’s hat greeted him with a handshake and a back slap.

  Jack introduced Libby to the man and his petite wife who had a clear thermos of a fruity looking drink that Libby was sure was not fruit punch.

  “It’s so nice to meet you, Libby.” The woman shook her hand. “We were wondering if Jack had a girlfriend. He hasn’t come to our dinner parties lately.”

  “You can always bring her along,” the man said.

  Libby thought his name was Harold but she wasn’t sure.

  “Let us know the date of the next party,” Jack said. “It all depends on our schedules. The life of a cop, you know.”

  “We were so happy when Jack moved in,” chimed in a slim woman in a pink running outfit. “He makes us feel so much more secure.”

  Jack led her away from the group, then whispered, “The only reason they invited me to those parties was to fix me up with the friends, daughters and granddaughters. Now that they’ve seen you, I hope the matchmaking will stop.”

  “Me, too. You might meet someone you like better than me,” Libby teased.

  “Not a chance.” He kissed her temple.

  Libby didn’t know much about boats except that the yachts and the other sleek, big boats cost more than her house, Ida’s house and Mimi’s house put together, but she enjoyed being in the warmth of Jack’s arms as they watched the festive boats sail by. The crowd cheered the boats and their crew as they sailed under the causeway.

  “Hey, Jack.”

  Libby thought it was Harold calling him.

  “Come over here. We have a boat question.”

  “I’ll be right back.” Jack kissed her ear.

  At his kiss, her heart flipped. She felt like a high school girl on her first date. She smiled as she watched him in animated conversation with Harold and a group of men a few yards away.

  She suddenly felt movement behind her. Thinking it was another parade-goer looking for a better view, she shifted her position. Then, she felt something sharp at her right flank.

  “Don’t move and don’t make a sound or I will stick you good,” a low raspy voice said in her ear.

  She took in a quick breath, smelling beer on his breath as he poked her with a knife. “Quit sticking your nose in something that is none of your damn business. Back off. It was forty years ago. Back off, or you’ll be sorry, little lady.”

  He gave her one last poke with the knife and was gone.

  “Libby, are you all right? You are white as a ghost.” Jack took her in his arms.

  She was shaking and taking in air in short gasps.

  “Take a deep breath.”

  She did as he asked, then took another and let it out slowly.

  “A…a man threatened me.”

  “What?!” Jack looked around and held her tighter.

  “He had a knife.”

  “Did he cut you?!” Jack ran his hands up under her shirt. “I don’t feel anyt
hing, but let’s go home.”

  He pulled a flashlight out of his pocket and, with his arm around her waist, led her across the street.

  • • •

  “He told me to mind my own business or I’d be sorry. I was scared to death that he would stab me in my kidney, and I would bleed out before you could get to me.”

  As soon as they were inside the house, Jack removed her sweater and pulled her shirt over her head.

  “There’s a small prick, but no real break in the skin.” He rubbed her side where the man had held the point of the blade.

  She held up her sweater and found a small hole. “I really like this sweater.”

  He gently took the sweater out of her hands and examined it. “A couple of stitches will pull the threads back together. Good as new.”

  “I was so scared. I could see you just a few feet away from me, but I was frozen. I couldn’t do anything.”

  Jack pulled her into his embrace. “I hope you will heed his advice, because so far, you haven’t listened to me.”

  “This tells me that we’re onto something. Do you think…”

  He kissed her on the right side of her neck.

  “I think that Melanie Cooper…”

  He kissed her on the left side of her neck.

  “Jack.”

  “Hmmm?”

  He kissed her nose.

  “I suppose we can talk about this tomorrow,” she said, slipping her arms around his neck.

  Chapter 16

  Mariposa Beach

  The Launch Party

  In the two weeks leading up to Christmas, there was lots of activity at The Devereaux Gallery.

  The Monday after the Boat Parade, Steve was using the café as his office while the hardwood floors were being refinished. One of the items on his list was contracting with Mimi to cater the gallery opening. They had their heads together over the possible menu when Kenji burst in with the exciting news that he had confirmed the attendance of the New York art dealer.

  A few days later, painters were busy painting the first floor. Once they were finished, The Gallery was on lockdown. No one, except Kenji, was allowed inside.

  Steve stopped by the café on Christmas Eve as he was leaving to drive home to Charleston for Christmas.

  “Why won’t you let us see inside the gallery?” Mimi asked, standing in front of the counter, hands on her hips.

  Libby laughed. “You know you’re driving her crazy with all this secrecy, don’t you?” She was making Steve’s extra large latte for the drive.

  “I don’t want you to see it until it’s all finished. I have a surprise for y’all.”

  “I bet Rachel has seen it,” Mimi said.

  “No, Rachel has not seen it, at least not since it was painted.”

  Libby handed Steve his coffee and a bag containing his favorite orange scones. “Safe travels. I’ll make sure she doesn’t break into the gallery while you’re gone. Merry Christmas.”

  “Thank you. I’m going across the courtyard to see Rachel, and then I’m on the road. Merry Christmas to you both.”

  “Merry Christmas,” Mimi said.

  “I’ll be back the day the after Christmas. We have an opening to do.”

  • • •

  Christmas came and went quietly, which is exactly how Libby liked it. David had gone to New York to celebrate Christmas with friends from his Broadway days and participate in a Christmas charity show. She suspected he missed the hustle and bustle of New York City and although he enjoyed teaching, she knew he missed performing, and occasionally worried he would return there permanently.

  Libby and Jack had Christmas Eve dinner with Julia at her condo. Mr. Mendelson, Julia’s neighbor, joined them for a wonderful roast beef dinner.

  Libby spent the night at Jack’s. He presented her with a beautiful necklace, one she had been eying at Rachel’s shop. Libby had done her own undercover work with Sam regarding Jack’s fishing-related gift. Libby wasn’t exactly sure what it was, but Jack liked it or at least acted like he did. In the end, everyone was happy, and Libby enjoyed another early morning in Jack’s arms on the porch watching the new day arrive.

  On Christmas Day, they were invited for dinner to Jack’s sister’s, where she met Jack’s father, his sisters and brothers, their spouses or significant others and children. They were all very welcoming to her and seemed to be happy their brother had moved on from his divorce. His oldest sister, Beverly, confided that she never really liked Jack’s wife anyway.

  Their large family holiday dinner reminded Libby of her childhood holidays with her O’Brien cousins on her father’s side. Good food, good cheer and kids running around playing with their toys. For Libby, this was one of the best Christmases in a long time.

  • • •

  Three days before the launch, Mimi noticed that Kenji’s car had been parked in front of the gallery until long after the lunch rush. She pointed this out to Libby.

  “I bet they’re moving Kenji’s art into the gallery,” Mimi said.

  Libby joined her at the window. “What do you think his sculptures look like?”

  “Some kind of abstract work, I think.” Mimi stepped closer.

  The Christmas tree was situated in the middle of the two windows that met at the southeast corner. The crystal mistletoe ornament, hung in the window, created rainbows in the mid-afternoon sun. Mimi and Libby stood on opposite sides of the tree in order to get the best views.

  “There must be a truck bringing the stuff in the back,” Libby said.

  They watched Fletcher Smith walk towards the café from the direction of the gallery. When he arrived, Mimi peppered him with questions.

  “I can confirm there is a rental van pulled up to the back door, but unfortunately, I couldn’t see anything.” He joined them at the tree, standing on Mimi’s side. “What is it with all the secrecy?”

  “It’s for effect,” Libby said. “He want us to see it for the first time when it’s all put together.”

  “He says he has a surprise.” Mimi turned to Fletcher. “Can I get you something?”

  “Not really, I was taking my afternoon walk, when I saw you two gazing out the window like a couple of puppies. I wondered what was going on, but since I’m here, I’ll have a cup of coffee and some pumpkin pie.”

  • • •

  Right on schedule at three o’clock on New Year’s Eve, Libby backed her SUV up to the rear door of the gallery and hit the button to activate the lift gate. She and Mimi had prepped the hors d'oeuvres and baked the desserts the day before, then put them together New Year’s Eve morning. They went home to change, then Libby returned to the café and packed the food into her car. Mimi was going to meet her at the gallery.

  “I love your dress,” Mimi said, arriving at the gallery just behind Libby. “It’s so nice that your aunt owns a store.”

  “Thanks. You should have seen the short, black, sequined number she had picked out for me. It would have been great if all I had to do was stand around and glitter.” Libby had opted for a longer, less form-fitting, maroon dress with black beading. It had a low, flattering neckline and capped sleeves. “Your dress is very pretty, too.”

  Mimi wore a dress with a black, fitted bodice with a v-neckline and black and gold, flared skirt.

  Steve appeared wearing a black suit with an open-collared, white shirt. “I’ve got the table all set up.”

  “Wow, you look very nice,” Libby said.

  Mimi nodded in agreement.

  “My mama taught me to clean up well. By the way, besides making fabulous food, I think I have the best looking caterers on the whole west coast of Florida.”

  He picked up a tray and carried it inside. They laughed and followed.

  A table was set up near the back door. Mimi brought in a black tablecloth and carried a centerpiece of Christmas greens with white and red poinsettias. Steve had saved Eleanor’s elegant, flower-patterned china, a Christmas set as well as a white china set. They used the salad plates
for the table. Mimi made a sparkling punch. White and red wine were available as well as water and iced tea.

  After they completed the set up, they stood back and admired their work.

  “You ladies have outdone yourselves. It looks fabulous,” Steve said, giving them each a hug.

  Libby gestured around her. “What looks fabulous is this gallery.”

  Mimi was examining a beautiful, multi-hued glass orb with what appeared to have tentacles materializing from within its core. “Did Kenji do this?”

  “Yes, he did,” Steve said. “And that bowl over there and the obelisk on the pedestal in the corner.”

  “This glass work is amazing,” Mimi said.

  “What is this?” Libby asked. She was standing in front of the exposed brick wall, now cleaned and shiny, all of the grime and drywall dust long removed. In the middle of the wall, a white sheet covered a large object.

  Mimi joined her in front of the wall. “It looks like a painting.”

  “Are you going to unveil it tonight?” Libby asked. “How about a sneak peek?”

  “I’m waiting on Rachel. I want to show it to all three of you at the same time. But I will unveil it before the opening starts.”

  Mimi checked her watch. “She’d better hurry up. It’s three forty-five.”

  All three turned at a knock on the back door. They were disappointed when it turned out to be Paul, Mimi’s husband. He had stayed home to wait on the babysitter.

  “Did I forget something?” he asked in response to their stares.

  “No, Paul,” Libby said. “We thought you were Rachel.”

  Paul joined them in front of the painting.

  “Honey, when Rachel gets here, Steve’s going to give us a sneak preview of this painting.”

  “Who’s the artist?” Paul asked.

  “I am,” Steve said. “I painted this especially for the opening.”