Murder Can Mess Up Your Masterpiece

by Rose Pressey

He took out a wad of cash. Wow, that was a lot of money. I didn’t realize he’d sold so many of his sculptures.

  I held up my hand. “You know, I’d rather not sell the painting. I could let you borrow it for a bit instead. Just to see if the ghost comes around.”

  He put the cash back into his wallet. “I understand.”

  Elizabeth was back with a scowl on her face. “I don’t want to go with him. I want to stay with you. You’re the one who painted me. It’s meant for me to stay with you. Why do you think I threw such a fit when the other person took me home?” Elizabeth asked from over my shoulder.

  I didn’t know what to do.

  “Are you all right?” Caleb asked.

  “The ghost is talking,” I said, motioning over my shoulder.

  “What is she saying?” Caleb looked around for Elizabeth.

  “She doesn’t want to go with you.”

  “Oh, I see,” he said with a hint of disappointment in his voice.

  Now he thought I was just making it up so he wouldn’t take the painting.

  “But that’s okay. It’s important that you take it.” I reached over and picked up the canvas.

  “Are you sure?” Caleb asked as he took the painting from me.

  I nodded. “I’m positive.”

  When I checked over my shoulder, Elizabeth wasn’t back there. I’d probably made her mad. That might be a good thing, though. Now maybe she’d act up, and Caleb would know I was telling the truth. My mind went back to the money in Caleb’s wallet.

  “Is business good? Have you sold a lot of pieces?” I asked.

  He ran his hand through his hair. “Not a lot.”

  How odd. Did he always keep that much cash on him? Especially with someone at the fair stealing? Was he being honest with me about his career? Just because Caleb was finer than frog hair, it was hard for me to tell him no.

  “I promise I’ll take good care of it. Elizabeth, you’ll be fine with me.” Caleb spoke in the direction in which I’d previously pointed out Elizabeth. She’d moved now, though, and stood behind Caleb.

  “Thank you,” I said.

  Caleb picked up the canvas. “Well, I’ll get this back to my trailer. I’ll let you know if anything happens.”

  Skepticism filled his voice. With any luck, he would see differently soon. I watched as he walked down the path with the painting. I was oddly attached to it now that Elizabeth had made an appearance. I looked around for her, but she was nowhere in sight.

  As I scanned the area, a chill came over me. It wasn’t from the weather, and I didn’t feel it was from Elizabeth either. It felt as if someone was watching me. With the cover of night, it was a real possibility that someone was hiding nearby. I wouldn’t be able to easily spot them. Was it Shar or Carly? The light was on in Ruth’s trailer. That didn’t mean she was in there, though.

  I hurried into my trailer. Van looked up when I entered, but he laid his little head back down and closed his eyes. He was such a sweetheart. The best friend I’d ever had.

  After getting ready for bed, I settled down under the covers. Guilt consumed me that I’d given the painting to Caleb when Elizabeth hadn’t wanted to go with him. I closed my eyes and tried to sleep, attempting to push the eerie thoughts out of my head.

  CHAPTER 14

  Travel trailer tip 14: Keep your belongings locked away securely. Better yet, leave them at home.

  I headed toward the refreshment stand. I needed something sweet to get me going. I’d only made it a few steps from my booth when I fell in behind Carly. She hadn’t looked back to know that I was behind her.

  A few more steps and she dropped her bag. The contents spilled across the ground. She glanced back and realized I was right there. When our eyes met, a strange look came over her face. I hurried over to help her pick up the contents.

  “That’s okay,” she said with a wave of her hand. “I’ve got it.”

  She seemed adamant that I not help her, so I pushed to my feet. Was she trying to hide something? She was shoving items back into her bag at a frantic pace. She had a lot of cash. That wasn’t all I noticed either. One of the items I recognized. It was a carving knife that looked a lot like the one I’d seen sticking out from Evan’s neck. Carly didn’t sculpt as far as I knew, so why would she have this knife in her bag? I wouldn’t just let this discovery go without mentioning it to her.

  “I didn’t know that you did wood sculpting too,” I said.

  Carly displayed a fake smile and nervously chuckled. “It’s something I just started. I’m not good at it. That’s why I haven’t told anyone about it.”

  If this was the truth, why did she seem so nervous? Furthermore, why would she need to carry that knife around with her? It wasn’t like she’d do wood carvings on the go.

  Carly placed the bag on her shoulder again. “Well, it was nice chatting with you.”

  She turned and hurried down the path. She shouldn’t think she’d get rid of me that easily. As I continued down the path behind her, she peeped over her shoulder.

  “I was going this way too,” I said with a smile.

  She turned her attention back to the path in front of us. I didn’t believe her about the wood sculpting. I should have asked to see some of her work. But she would only say no.

  I would have to snoop around her booth to see if I noticed anything else. I assumed Carly was headed for the refreshment stand as well. But as we neared the stand, she turned to the left and hurried away. I thought about following her from there, but that would just be strange.

  It didn’t look as if she was going to her booth. She could be leaving the grounds for all I knew. I could possibly sneak over to her booth while she wasn’t there, though she would probably have everything secured in her trailer. What would the detective say about this? I ordered coffee and headed back toward my booth. I would make a slight detour and stop off at Carly’s booth first. I hoped she didn’t catch me there. I also hoped no one else saw me snooping around her trailer.

  I sipped my coffee and tried to act casual, as if nothing was wrong. On the inside, I was nervous. I didn’t want Carly to catch me. I felt I had a bit of time, though, because I’d watched her walk in the opposite direction. I hoped no one else spotted me.

  As I walked by Shar’s booth, I spotted her working with her jewelry. She didn’t notice me at first, but when she looked over, our eyes met. I attempted a smile, but she didn’t smile in return. She turned her attention back to her work. I hoped she didn’t follow me. If she caught me at Carly’s, she’d tell her for sure.

  When I reached Carly’s booth, I looked around to see if anyone was paying attention to me. A few people had looked at me as I walked by, but they weren’t watching me now. I stepped over to the booth as if I was just going to cut through to the other side. There was another row of booths behind Carly’s.

  As I made it to the side of her trailer, I scanned the area for anything suspicious. I wasn’t even sure what I should look for. I wanted to see if there were any wood sculptures. Was she telling the truth when she said she was trying her hand at carving? I felt as if it was just her way of explaining the knife. Had she reserved that knife for her next victim?

  I had to find that out before she actually went after the person. I had a feeling the killer wasn’t finished. I wished I was tall enough to see in the window. If I walked up the steps at the door to look in, someone would probably see me. At least on the side I was somewhat concealed. I caught movement out of the corner of my eye. Carly was headed my way. She’d already seen me, though. Now I had to explain why I was standing at her trailer.

  From the look on her face, I figured no matter what I said, she wouldn’t be happy. She quickened her step and hurried toward the trailer. I was frozen on the spot. I didn’t know if I should stay put and deal with her or run away. She’d just come to my trailer to confront me, so I decided to stay put.

  “What are you doing messing around my trailer?” she asked with venom in her voice.

 
“I thought I saw someone looking in the window.”

  This came off the top of my head. Now I had to hope she believed me.

  She eyed me up and down. “You are kind of nosy, aren’t you?”

  “I was just looking out for you. A lot of bad things have happened around here lately.”

  “Yes, and maybe you had something to do with them.” Agitation thickened her Southern accent.

  Now she was just being mean. I stepped around her. I wanted to get away from her. “Well, I could say the same about you.”

  She came after me. I quickened my step. This wasn’t looking good. I hoped she didn’t attack me. Maybe she really was the killer. My fear kicked in. She grabbed my arm and pulled me. I almost tumbled to the ground but managed to remain upright.

  “Get your hands off me,” I said as I yanked away from her.

  “If I catch you around my trailer again, you’ll be sorry. I’ll give you something to be afraid of.” She placed one hand on her slender hip and pointed with her other.

  She’d seemed so nice at first. Now she seemed like she wanted to kill me. This sent a shiver down my spine.

  “Hey, get away from her.” Caleb’s voice echoed from somewhere to my left.

  I glanced over and saw him walking our way.

  When he approached, Carly eyed him up and down. “She was trying to break into my trailer.”

  “I was doing no such thing,” I said.

  I didn’t want to mention the knife to him because he would wonder if I thought the same about him because he had a knife like that too.

  Caleb touched my arm. “Come on, Celeste. Let’s go.”

  I didn’t look at Carly as we walked away. I knew she was still eyeing us. Other people were watching too. I never liked this kind of attention. I preferred to blend in with the crowd.

  “Are you all right?” Caleb asked as we headed toward my trailer.

  “Yes, I’m fine. She just startled me.”

  Now I had to explain to him exactly why I had been at her trailer. I suppose I would have to use the same lie. I felt bad that I couldn’t tell him the truth. “I thought I saw someone around her trailer too,” I said. Would he believe me? He might think I was just making all of this up.

  “Was it Shar?” he asked.

  “I’m not sure.”

  Now I was blaming Shar for something she hadn’t done. This was taking a wrong turn. Soon we reached my trailer.

  “Have you spoken with the detective yet?” Caleb asked.

  “No. I guess I should call him now,” I said.

  “Why don’t you let me call? You have too much on your mind. I can handle this for you,” he said.

  “That’s nice of you to offer,” I said.

  Was he really being nice, or did he have another motive for the call? Maybe I would call the detective anyway.

  “I didn’t expect to see you so soon. Were you coming back to tell me something?” I asked. He’d probably seen Elizabeth. Now he would believe me.

  “I was just headed for refreshments. Would you like something?”

  Where was Elizabeth? Why didn’t she pop up and show herself?

  “No, thanks. I just want to destress. Carly didn’t hurt me, so I’ll just let it go for now.”

  He studied my face. “If you’re sure?”

  I nodded. “Yes. I just want to go to bed.”

  “I’ll check on you soon?” he asked.

  “Sure. Talk to you later,” I said with a wave.

  Once in my trailer, I peeked out the little window. Caleb was walking down the path. I peered around to see if anyone was prowling around. All was quiet and I hoped it stayed that way. At least for the rest of the day, so that I could calm down.

  After Van chowed down on his savory beef and chicken nibbles, we played for a bit until he tired and wanted to sleep on my lap. I settled down under the covers and he snuggled up beside me. There was nothing like hearing the sweet sound of his breathing in my ear. I wasn’t sure of the time when I woke, but it felt as if someone was watching me. I opened my eyes. Things were still blurry, but I spotted Elizabeth by the door.

  She was watching me. “Oh, did I wake you?”

  “I’m not sure.” She would have to answer that herself. “Did you want me to wake up?” I asked.

  “Well, I have been patient,” she said.

  I sat up in bed. Van crawled under the covers so we wouldn’t disturb him. I didn’t blame him. I wanted to crawl back under there too.

  “It isn’t even all the way light out yet.”

  “Early bird gets the worm,” Elizabeth said.

  “I don’t like worms,” I said around a yawn.

  I stumbled out of bed and headed for the kitchen area, which was only a few steps.

  “Is something wrong, Elizabeth? Why did you wake me so early?” I spun around. “Wait a minute. I thought you would be with Caleb.”

  “I don’t want to talk to him. I’m not happy you gave the painting of me away.”

  “I didn’t give it away,” I said as I reached for the coffee mug. “I just let him borrow it. I want him to see you so that he’ll believe me. If I’m the only one who sees you, everyone will think I’m crazy.”

  “I’m sorry, Celeste, I don’t think I feel comfortable talking with other people.”

  So I was the lucky one who had grabbed her attention?

  She continued. “What clues have you found that will lead you to the killer? I feel as if things are getting more dangerous by the minute.”

  It was kind of early to think about a murder investigation. I hadn’t had my coffee yet.

  “Carly had a knife in her purse just like the one that was used to murder Evan. What if she has that one because she intends on killing someone else?” I asked.

  “That’s scary,” Elizabeth said in a shaky voice.

  “I noticed Caleb had a lot of cash on him. What if he has been stealing money? Evan could have found out about it and Caleb murdered him because of it,” I said.

  “That’s a good point,” Elizabeth said. “What else?”

  “The new director of the fair. He said he deserved to be running things now. What if he killed Evan so he could take his job?”

  “You just need to find the one clue that will lead you to the killer.”

  “Well, yes, that would help,” I said.

  My cell rang and interrupted the conversation. Elizabeth looked around for the source of the sound.

  “My phone.” I gestured to the counter.

  She still looked as if she had no clue what I meant. I picked up the phone. Sammie was calling early. I hoped nothing was wrong.

  “Are you all right?”

  “I’m ready to go,” Sammie said.

  “Go where?”

  “We are going to breakfast before you have to do the fair today. I talked with your mother and they’re meeting us at your aunt’s diner.”

  “Oh no. You know how it is when we go there with them.”

  “She promised she’d be on her best behavior today.”

  “She says that, but I’m not sure we should believe her.”

  “Your brothers are coming too,” Sammie said.

  “What? Is this a family reunion?”

  “They were there and overheard the conversation. I’ll be by to pick you up in fifteen minutes. Come on, you said we’d do this.”

  “Fine. I’ll be ready.”

  “Was that a friend?” Elizabeth asked.

  “Yes. I have to go to breakfast, so we’ll have to continue this conversation later.”

  “Maybe I can go with you,” she said.

  “If you really want to go. Oh wait. I have an idea. Sammie will be here soon. She didn’t believe me when I told her that I see a ghost. You should show yourself to her so she knows I’m not crazy.”

  “I don’t know.” She shivered at the thought.

  “Sammie’s really nice. You’ll love her. After all, would I have bad taste in friends?”

  She grimaced. “You
seem to like everyone. Life is puppies, rainbows, and candy as far as you’re concerned.”

  I frowned. “What makes you say that?”

  “I’m observant,” she said.

  “What do you say? Will you pop in and say hello?” I flashed her my best sad-eyed look.

  “Perhaps I will.”

  I supposed that was better than a no.

  “Van, it’s time to wake up and eat breakfast.”

  He didn’t budge, so I peeked under the covers. He looked up at me like a teenager being woken up to go to class. My aunt had outside tables, so I would take him with me.

  A few minutes later, there was a knock at the door.

  “Oh, that’s Sammie. Stay right there.”

  Elizabeth didn’t respond. I hoped that was a yes. Wait until Sammie saw the ghost. I opened the door.

  “Are you ready?” Sammie asked.

  “Almost. Can you come in?”

  She looked at me suspiciously. Sammie couldn’t see into the kitchen area unless she was actually inside the trailer. She walked up the steps and came in. I watched her expression. When would she look over and spot Elizabeth?

  “Are you ready?” Sammie asked again. “What more do you need to do?”

  Why wasn’t she looking over at Elizabeth? I glanced over toward the kitchen. Elizabeth was gone.

  I looped my purse over my shoulder and grabbed Van. “I’m ready.”

  Sammie rubbed Van’s head. “Hey, buddy. Are you ready to share my breakfast?”

  Van barked. Sammie had parked her truck near my trailer. She drove a big red pickup. It was great for hauling the antiques she found for her shop. We climbed in and headed for the diner.

  “It seems as if something is wrong. You’re still upset about the murder,” Sammie said.

  “That’s part of it. I wanted you to see the . . .” I realized Elizabeth was sitting between Sammie and me.

  I gasped, which made Sammie swerve.

  CHAPTER 15

  Travel trailer tip 15: Don’t forget to be adventurous sometimes.

  After she’d corrected the truck, Sammie said, “What in the world is wrong? Why did you do that?”

  Sammie looked over and screamed. Again, she swerved the truck. Several cars honked at us.