Ruffled Feathers (Dune House Cozy Mystery Book 7)

by Cindy Bell

“Neil Runkin has arrived, can you check him in for me?”

  “Absolutely.” Mary held the door open for Suzie and cringed as Suzie heaved the bag into Priscilla’s room. Priscilla was already settled in her bed with a sleep mask to shield her eyes. Suzie hurried out of the room to avoid disturbing her. However, before she could pull the door closed behind her the bird in the cage began to shriek.

  “Nuts! Nuts!” Suzie shut the door with a shake of her head. “I hope she packed some ear plugs, too.”

  ***

  Suzie arrived at the desk just behind Mary. Neil was standing at the desk and before they could say a word he looked at Mary and started talking.

  “Good afternoon. I’d like a wake-up call, turn down service, and I will not be having dinner here.”

  Mary smiled. “Well, good afternoon to you, too, Mr. Runkin and welcome to Dune House.”

  “Yes, yes. I know all of what you intend to say. Please spare me and just show me to my room.”

  “As you wish.” Suzie stepped forward and nodded. “We can settle the paperwork later.” She led him to the room across the hall from Priscilla’s. “Priscilla Kane’s room is just across the hall,” Suzie said as she pointed to the door.

  “Oh good. I’ll be sure to look in on her. Thanks.” He pushed the door closed behind him. Suzie stood outside the door for a minute. She was accustomed to showing the guest around the room and answering any questions they might have. Mary met her at the end of the hallway.

  “I guess Neil isn’t the friendly type,” Mary said.

  “Yes, Priscilla was downright warm compared to him.” Suzie and Mary walked back to the front desk.

  “It certainly seems that way.”

  “Although, apparently Priscilla does have some strange ways according to her driver, but she did seem very nice. She didn’t ask for much at least.”

  “That’s true.” Mary frowned. “That doesn’t change how the town is going to receive her though.”

  “I’m afraid that you’re right about that. However, I hope that we can still show her a good time.”

  “I still think we should be careful about how friendly we get with Priscilla. Suzie, you know if the deal goes through we’re going to have to choose a side.” Mary straightened some paperwork on the desk. “It doesn’t pay to be neutral.”

  “I didn’t expect this from you, Mary.” Suzie leaned against the desk.

  “It’s not just about what we feel, Suzie, it’s about how we show our support to the community. If the town doesn’t want the resort, and we show support to it, then the town is not going to want to support us.”

  Suzie sighed. “I guess you’re right about that. We’ll have to keep a close eye on things.”

  “Wes warned me that things could get ugly. He’s seen things like this create huge feuds in the community and residents become violent. He’s even seen the meetings erupt into the street.”

  “I think that’s a little extreme.”

  “I guess that we’ll see.” Mary straightened up.

  “That’s it for check-ins, right?” Suzie peered at the appointment book.

  “Yes, unless we have any last minute guests. We have a light load over the next few days. Wes and I are going to go to German tomorrow night instead of tonight so I’ll be here for dinner. I thought that we can have the leftover beef stew from yesterday and I’m also going to try a new soup. Do you think that will be all right?”

  “Yes, of course I do. I love your creations.”

  “Wonderful. I’ll just get some of the vegetables ready. Let me know if you need anything.”

  “I’m going to take a quick walk around the grounds to check on things, then I’ll be back in.”

  Suzie stepped out through the front door. She noticed that there were several cars passing Dune House. They drove slowly, but sped up when she appeared on the porch. Suzie looked towards the small town of Garber. The main street was lined with tiny, privately owned shops. The library was well-stocked but small. Even the police station was just large enough to look imposing. There was nothing grand about Garber, aside perhaps from Dune House. She tried to picture the massive resort, stretched along the majority of the beach. Maybe some would consider it progress, but she couldn’t imagine Garber being any other way than it was now.

  When Suzie stepped back inside she was greeted by the heady scent of soup. The flavorful aroma tickled all of her senses.

  “Oh Mary, that smells delicious!”

  “I think so, too.” A man’s voice drifted out of the kitchen. Suzie walked towards it.

  “Wes? Is that you?” Suzie asked.

  “It is.” Wes smiled and started to speak again, but his mouth was occupied when a spoon was thrust towards it.

  “Try it now, I added a few more spices,” Mary said.

  Wes savored the soup with a deep moan. “I don’t think it can get any better, Mary.”

  “Well, you’re wrong, it just needs to simmer a little while longer and then it will be perfect.”

  “I could get used to home-cooked meals.” Wes licked his lips. “Microwave dinners can’t compare now that I’ve tasted this.”

  Suzie eyed the pair as they shared a quick kiss. It warmed her heart to see such affection between them, but it also worried her just a smidgen. She hoped that Mary wouldn’t be in any rush to set up house with Wes. They might not have known each other terribly long, but they were quite comfortable with one another.

  “Are you joining us for dinner tonight, Wes?” Suzie peered into the soup pot.

  “No, I’m afraid I can’t. I’m due at work in half an hour.” Wes was a detective in the neighboring town of Parish.

  “I’m making him a container to take with him.” Mary smiled. “And some rolls, some stew, and some dessert.”

  “Aw.” Suzie winked. “You’re spoiling him, Mary.”

  “I don’t mind.” Wes grinned. “Though my waistline is starting to pay the price.”

  “You’re perfect.” Mary patted his stomach.

  “Thanks.” Wes’ cheeks flushed.

  “I’ll leave you two lovebirds alone and set the table. Did any of the guests opt in for dinner?”

  “Just Priscilla. I haven’t heard a peep out of Stewart, and Neil made it clear that he will not be eating here.”

  “That’s fine, more soup for us.” Suzie winked. She carried the dinner service tray out to the dining room table. As she set the table for three she could hear Mary and Wes chatting in the kitchen. A subtle squeeze in her chest reminded her that she missed Paul. It was a new feeling for her to long for a man. She smiled at the thought that he would be back soon. Sometimes the time away made the reunion that much sweeter. Once the table was set Suzie started back towards the kitchen. Mary and Wes passed her in the entrance.

  “I’m just going to walk Wes out to his car.”

  “Okay. Good night, Wes.”

  “Night Suzie. Enjoy the soup. I know I will.” He held up a brown paper bag. Suzie smiled and ducked into the kitchen.

  As Suzie washed a few of the dishes that Mary had used while making the soup she considered what a conversation with Priscilla might be like. She didn’t have to wait long to find out as Priscilla walked into the dining room a few minutes later with Benita in her cage.

  “I’m sorry, I know I’m early, but I just couldn’t wait any longer. I’ve been absolutely tortured by that scent. It is so divine.”

  “Well, there’s no reason why we can’t have dinner a little early. It will just be the three of us.”

  “Four!” Priscilla held up the birdcage with a smile.

  “Oh yes, of course, four.” Suzie smiled.

  While Suzie settled Priscilla at the table Mary began to serve the soup, along with bread, and a homemade cheese spread. Benita’s cage was perched on the chair right next to Priscilla.

  “Would you like some wine?” Suzie offered.

  “No, thanks.” Priscilla shook her head and then tasted a spoonful of the soup. “Oh, this is delicious. Wha
t is that flavor?”

  “Ginger.” Mary smiled. “It’s a new recipe I wanted to try. I hope you enjoy it.”

  “I do, very much.” Priscilla dipped her spoon back into the soup. “I’m so glad that I decided to stay here for dinner. Neil insisted on making a reservation at some five star place in Parish. I just have a hard time enjoying restaurant food over and over again. It’s really been a long time since I’ve had anything home-cooked.”

  “Mary’s meals are always delicious.” Suzie raised her glass of wine to her friend. “I promise you, you will never leave the table hungry.”

  “Speaking of hungry,” Mary said. “I’ll just dish up the stew.” She stood up and started spooning the stew onto three plates.

  “Thank you! This is like a feast,” Priscilla said as Mary placed a plate in front of her. “I have to say that I didn’t expect such a warm welcome.”

  “Oh?” Mary sipped her wine.

  “No, I’ve done this many times you know. I like to find small towns so I can help them grow. In each and every town there is resistance. This is the first time I’ve been treated like a guest rather than an invader. I really appreciate that.”

  “Well, we’re very happy to have you.” Suzie smiled. “Our first priority is providing a comfortable, warm environment for our guests.”

  “I’ll have to remember that motto for the resort. Too many people these days forget that a vacation is actually supposed to be a vacation with as little work as possible.”

  “That’s the truth.” Mary nodded. “We have some guests who arrive here with every minute of their vacation mapped out from start to finish. It amazes me that they aren’t more exhausted from their vacation than their regular work schedule.”

  “I don’t know, I’ve always enjoyed a good adventure.” Suzie gazed out through the double glass doors that led onto the deck. She wondered what kind of adventure Paul was having out there on the water. She enjoyed boats and she wanted to join him. “But I also love the quiet nights curled up in front of a fire with a good book.”

  “Oh yes.” Priscilla sighed at the idea. “That I do love. Thank you, ladies, for the company, I guess I should turn in.”

  “There are books in the living room if you’d like to pick one out.” Mary smiled.

  “How lovely.” Priscilla picked up the birdcage.

  “Nuts! Nuts!” The bird squawked.

  “You’ll have to excuse her, she gets a little excited.” The bird continued to squawk as Priscilla disappeared down the hall. Suzie and Mary exchanged a look over the remainder of their stew.

  “I guess that Benita is more of a fan of nuts than ginger,” Suzie said.

  “Must be.” Mary grinned.

  Chapter Three

  The next morning was a busy one. Suzie prepared breakfast, while Mary tidied the rooms. Priscilla appeared in the kitchen just as Suzie stacked up a platter full of french toast.

  “Oh, that looks tasty!” Priscilla said as Neil stepped into the kitchen behind her.

  “You’re not really going to eat that are you?” Neil scrunched up his nose at the french toast that Suzie had prepared. “It’s loaded with sugar.”

  “It looks fantastic to me.” Priscilla smiled. “If you want to starve that’s your choice. I’m going to get a good breakfast under my belt before we start our community tour.”

  “Fine, fine.” Neil sat down beside her and reluctantly accepted a plate.

  “Thank you, Suzie.” Priscilla smiled at her as she picked up a fork, ready to dive in.

  “You’re very welcome.” Suzie offered a warm touch to the woman’s shoulder. Then she turned her attention to Neil. “I can assure you, Neil, I didn’t put too much sugar on the toast.”

  “Sure.” He pushed the toast around his plate.

  “Runkin, don’t be so rude.” Priscilla rolled her eyes. “If it isn’t made by a chef on television he thinks it isn’t worth eating.”

  “Well, I can tell you that I’ve never been on television, but this is my favorite kind of french toast. Mary taught me the recipe.”

  “I’m eating, aren’t I?” Neil shoved a forkful into his mouth. Suzie did her best not to be insulted by the grimace that swept over his face.

  “I wondered if you two might like a list of some of the attractions in town.”

  “No thanks. We have a plan.” Neil cleared his throat. “Can I have some water please?” Suzie nodded and gave him a bottle of water.

  “Yes, we have a few places we’re going to visit before we head to the community meeting. Will you be going, Suzie?”

  “I don’t know.” Suzie frowned. “I’m not sure that it’s the right place for me to be.”

  “Well, I’d love to hear your opinion, plus you’ll have a chance to learn more about our plans. I hope to see you there,” Priscilla said.

  “Thanks.” Suzie smiled. She joined them for breakfast and kept a plate warm for Mary. Mary and Stewart walked into the kitchen a few minutes later.

  “Is there any french toast left?” Stewart looked hopeful.

  “Yes of course, I’ll get you a plate,” Suzie said. After giving Stewart the french toast they ate in silence.

  “We should be going.” Priscilla finished the last bite, then wiped her mouth with a napkin. “Thanks for breakfast, Suzie, and I hope to see you later. Both of you.” She nodded to Mary as she stood up. Neil followed after her though he did not bother to say goodbye. Suzie began clearing the breakfast dishes.

  “I can do that.” Mary started to stand up.

  “No way, you’ve just cleaned the rooms, rest a bit. Then you can keep me company while I wash the dishes.”

  Once everything was piled into the sink Mary joined Suzie in the kitchen.

  “I can’t get over how different Neil and Priscilla are. I do hope that Priscilla does most of the talking at the meeting.”

  Suzie sloshed a sponge through the soapy water. “I think we should go to the meeting.”

  “Suzie, I don’t know if that is a good idea. We are hosting Neil and Priscilla, our presence there might be taken the wrong way.”

  “That we are interested in Garber and supporting its citizens?” Suzie stacked a few dishes in the drainer. Mary promptly picked them up and began drying them.

  “Or that we support Priscilla and Neil which is not something that we can do if we want to keep the support of the locals.”

  “We are the locals now, Mary. I think we’ve been here long enough to call ourselves that. I’ll be honest, it really bothered me how aggressive some people were towards us when we first started renovating Dune House. I think it would be nice to show Priscilla and Neil some courtesy.” Suzie washed the last dish and handed it over to Mary.

  “Suzie, are you telling me that you can’t see the difference here?” Mary stared at her for a long moment.

  “Tell me, Mary. What am I missing?” Suzie studied her friend. She trusted Mary’s opinion above any other opinion. There was no question that they had lived different lives, but they had always been able to advise and guide each other through the bumps and valleys. Mary could always make Suzie’s thoughts clear for her.

  “Suzie, this isn’t the city. When we came here people were upset because they expected Dune House to go to Jason, they also expected it to remain untouched. Even though they had no ownership of Dune House, they considered it their own, a part of their hearts. But we won their trust by respecting the environment, the history of Dune House, and using only locals to help us with the construction. Priscilla isn’t planning to do any of that. She’s planning to drop a giant resort on the small amount of beach property that is available here. It will block the view for many of the locals, it will put many of the shops out of business, and it’s not likely that they will use any local help to build it. There have been numerous studies that show the impact on the wildlife will be atrocious, yet Priscilla doesn’t appear to care. That’s the difference. You and I rebuilt Dune House with love and respect, Priscilla just wants to own a chunk of th
e beach and make as big a profit as possible.”

  Suzie pursed her lips and nodded a little. “I guess you’re right. Sometimes I think the people around here are too resistant to progress, but I forgot, this town only exists because it creates and supports its own economy. A huge resort would disrupt everything.”

  “Not to mention the fishing.” Mary shook her head. “Wait until Paul gets in and finds out who we have staying here. I dare say he will not be happy.”

  “I didn’t even think about that.” Suzie cringed. She hadn’t mentioned the guests to Paul only because it never occurred to her to, but she hoped he wouldn’t think that she had deliberately hidden it from him.

  “More watercraft, more people, more tourists, more pollution, pretty soon this won’t be a fishing town anymore.” Mary sighed. “I’ve seen it happen in many small towns, and I can understand why people don’t want it to happen here.”

  “I never really thought about all of that. In the city new businesses popped up all the time and it didn’t have much of an impact on the city. But this is different.”

  “So, do you still want to go to the meeting?” Mary put the last dish on the shelf.

  “Yes. Yes I do. I want to show support for the town, even if it has to be silent. I don’t want to pretend I don’t know what is happening.”

  “Okay, then I’ll be right there beside you,” Mary said.

  “Great. We’ll leave around two? The meeting is at two-thirty.”

  “Perfect, I’ll be ready.”

  Suzie walked back to her room to straighten up. When she stepped inside she caught sight of a photograph of Paul on her dresser and paused. The ocean was a part of Paul. He would be devastated if the beach or the wildlife in the area was damaged by a development. In that moment she understood why the people of Garber were so angry. It wasn’t just about their income or economy, it was about their passions and their sense of peace being shattered, all for the sake of bright beach umbrellas and jet skis.

  ***

  When it was time to leave Suzie met Mary on the front porch of Dune House.