by Sonia Parin
Jill didn’t look convinced. She opened her notebook and tapped her pen on the counter. “One. We need to find out the victim’s identity.”
Eve poured Jill a cup of coffee. “Toast?”
“Thanks. French toast would be lovely.”
Eve put some bread to toast and set the frying pan on the stove. “With or without walnuts?”
“With, thank you.” Jill took a sip of her coffee. “Did you enjoy your date?”
Eve told her about the wonderful meal she’d enjoyed with Jack the night before. “Would you believe it? We managed to get through the night without once mentioning Phillip Manningham.”
“If you know his name then you must have discussed it at some point. Or are you just assuming that’s the victim’s name?”
Eve cracked a couple of eggs and whisked them. “The victim’s been identified.”
“Phillip Manningham.” Jill sat back. “How could that be? Are you sure?”
“Me? How would I know. Jack received a call toward the end of the meal.”
“That simply doesn’t make sense.”
Eve had to agree but she really didn’t want to think about it. “What about you? Did you enjoy your evening with Mira?”
“Yes. Mira helped me draw up a list of questions. Do you want to hear them or not?”
Not really, Eve thought. But she could see Jill’s excitement shining in her eyes and couldn’t bring herself to deny her. “Go ahead.”
“After a lengthy debate, Mira and I reached a conclusion and we are both willing to stake our reputations on it. This has to be a crime of passion. The killer entombed his victim for a reason. We played around with several ideas and liked the one about spurned love the best.”
Eve couldn’t hide her surprise. “I had similar thoughts last night.”
“You know what they say about great minds.” Jill pumped her fist in the air and whooped. “Mira favors a woman as the killer and I think it’s a man because I think it would be more interesting. Either one, they wanted to have the last word, big time.” Jill cleared her throat and, scrunching up her face, growled, “So, you thought you could leave me. Well, you can’t. You promised me forever.”
“That’s… very convincing.”
“Yes, but I’m not so sure now. Phillip Manningham didn’t strike me as the type to inspire a great love story gone wrong.”
“Why? Because he didn’t capture your attention?” Eve gave her a lifted eyebrow look. “Remember the eye of the beholder.”
“You’re right. Anyhow, I think there are going to be plenty of rocks for us to turn over,” Jill said. “Someone thinks they got away with murder and I am willing to bet anything they’re kicking back and relaxing even now.”
“Oh, but are they?”
Jill stared at her, her eyes blinking fast. Then she slapped her hand on the counter. “Of course. You’re right. They would have seen the police yesterday. They now know the body has been discovered.” Jill sprung to her feet and strode around in a tight circle.
Eve arranged the French toast and walnuts on a plate and dusted it with a generous amount of confectioners’ sugar. She topped up Jill’s coffee and waited for her to finish her thought process.
“Okay. We’re talking about something that happened over a year ago so the killer is confident.” Jill gave a firm nod and resumed her seat. “Yes. They’re right this minute telling themselves there’s nothing to worry about because… because they were careful. They covered their tracks. They believe there’s nothing to link them to the victim and that’s why I strongly believe the killer is a man. It’s a well-known fact, they’re more arrogant than women.”
Eve tapped her chin. “They might be planning their getaway as we speak.” In which case, Eve thought, they needed to keep their eyes peeled open for anyone leaving the island unexpectedly.
“Mira thought we should spend some time in town interviewing people.”
Eve took a step back, physically and mentally distancing herself. “I assume that’s what the police will do.”
“Yes, but if we ask around, we’d do it conversationally. No one would suspect us of delving. Some people are suspicious of the police. They might say they’re prepared to help out but, in reality, they’re not entirely comfortable opening up.”
Crossing her arms, Eve took another step away from the counter and looked out the window. “It might be better if I play the disinterested card. You go ahead and ask questions. I’ll remain in the background.”
“Everyone will expect you to become involved.”
“Don’t be silly. If anyone asks, I’ll tell them I’m simply too busy setting up my new business to poke around.”
“But you have a vested interest. This happened in your store.” Jill sounded outraged. “In your place, I would be beyond furious. As you said, of all the stores… Eve, you have a reputation to uphold.”
“Yes, well… I think it’s about time I revamp it. Yes, I definitely want a new reputation.”
“Too late,” Jill announced. “You can’t play the innocent bystander. No one will buy it, least of all me.” Jill slurped her coffee and set her mug down with a thump. “Now, let’s get down to business. Have the police given you access to the building?”
No, not yet, Eve thought. “They will. Eventually.”
“This could be a message from the universal powers that be telling you to rethink your intention to set up a new business. I’m sure you’d be able to get your deposit back. After all, you leased a building with a dead body hidden inside.”
“Nice try, Jill. I don’t seem to be able to put a foot right with you today. You don’t want me to set up a new business but you do want me to play at being an amateur sleuth.”
Disregarding her, Jill read through the rest of her list. To Eve’s surprise, it matched almost everything she had discussed with Jack the night before.
“Yes, I’m still wondering why no one noticed Phillip Manningham missing. If we’re going to talk with anyone, I think we should start with his neighbors, Pete and Susa Dresden.” If she could get back into the building to work on her project, then her curiosity could be justified and she wouldn’t be so conspicuous if she dropped in at the hardware store.
A hard thump had them both looking around.
“What was that?” Jill whispered.
“Probably a bird. I cleaned Mira’s windows last week and we’ve had several birds flying into them.” Eve strode toward the front of the house and, shifting the curtain, she peered out the window.
Jill came up behind her. “Well?”
“I don’t see anyone out there.”
“Are you sure? My imagination is running wild. I’m picturing someone… the killer delivering a message for you to keep your nose out or else. It’s just what you need. Pick up the gauntlet and get back on your horse.”
Easing the front door open, Eve stepped out. “Oh, it’s the newspaper.” Bending down, she picked up the local Gazette and brought it inside.
“You should be more careful. Someone could have used that to lure you outside.”
“Right. Because I pose such a threat.” Eve laughed and settled down at the kitchen counter. She unrolled the newspaper and scanned the front page. “Oh, here’s an idea. I know it’s early days yet, but I should start the ball rolling and run an ad for the store.”
“You seem determined to ignore everything that’s going on around you,” Jill complained. “Fine. I’ll go along with it. Have you decided on a name?”
“Yes, I thought I already told you. I want to keep it simple. Eve Lloyd’s a la Carte Catering.”
Jill curved her eyebrows.
“What?”
“Eve Lloyd. A la Carte.” Jill tilted her head in thought. “Yes, I like that better without the catering bit. You should cash in on your name.”
“You think a la carte is enough for people to know I’m offering a catering service?”
Grinning, Jill said, “Well, when it comes to you, you’re like a box of
chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get. Hors d’oeuvres. Murder and mayhem. Or, both. So, why limit yourself?”
Chapter Seven
“Where did you leave Mischief and Mr. Magoo?” Eve asked as they drove into town.
“At the inn. I would have brought them with me, but Mira looked too comfortable with them curled up at her feet. She’s actually getting some work done right there in the living room. I heard one of the guests on the phone to a friend telling her she was staying at an inn with a famous writer at work. I think you might be onto a winner there.”
“Writer in residence?” Eve asked.
“Yes. I think it’s a fabulous drawcard.”
During the planning stages, they had discussed doing workshops at the inn. Maybe they needed to revisit the idea. “Do you think Mira will be amenable to the idea of hiring herself out as a prop at my inn?”
“Sure, I don’t see why not. It’s great advertising for her too.” Jill pointed ahead. “That car’s pulling out. Quick, grab the spot.”
Eve parked the car and scanned the street. “What’s going on? Why are there so many people here?” A lot more than usual, Eve thought.
“Maybe they’re hungry for news. Free advertising for you. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still trying to discourage you from setting up a business in town, however, with so many people out and about I think it might be a good idea to post a notice on the window promoting your new venture.”
“Great idea.” Swinging around, Eve stared at Jill. Discourage? “Hang on, backup a bit. I thought you’d come to terms with my plans to expand.”
“Give me time. I’m sure I’ll come around.”
“Where’s your doubt coming from?”
Jill gave a weary shrug. “I don’t doubt your abilities. It’s… the circumstances cropping up when you least expect them, or rather, when you set your mind on something, that I worry about.”
“It’s not as if I have any control over the circumstances.” Eve emerged from the car, pulled up her collar and tugged her baseball cap down.
“If I didn’t know better I’d think you were trying to fly under the radar.” Jill laughed. “Oh, wait. You are.”
“That’s right. Amuse yourself at my expense.” She tapped her baseball cap. “But I’m killing two birds with one stone… Not that I’d ever want to kill a bird.”
“Is this about your parents?”
Eve didn’t think they would spare the time to come into town again. The day before had been a departure from their normal routine, which always excluded anything that didn’t rank highly in their carefully scripted lives.
“I see, you refuse to answer. Fine, I won’t pester you. Where to now?”
Relieved, Eve said, “The Rock-Maine Gazette.” As they strode along the main street, Eve glanced at her store. She couldn’t stop thinking of it as hers. “They’re like bees to honey.” There were several people standing outside looking in. No doubt, drawn by the crime scene tape. “What do they hope to see?”
“You, of course.”
“There are only a couple of people who know I’ve rented the building. News can’t possibly have spread so quickly.”
Jill took her arm and tugged her along. “Come on. You’ll make yourself sick thinking about it. However, mark my word, everyone will be eager for news about you and your efforts to uncover the truth.”
“Once upon a time, I recall you trying to steer me away from trouble,” Eve said under her breath.
“I know. Sometimes I confuse myself. Being around you exposes me to the ebb and flow of the universe according to Eve Lloyd.”
They were a few steps away from the newspaper office when Eve came to a sudden stop. Two people emerged from the building. Two people she recognized only too well.
She had no time to hide.
Her mom turned. Seeing Eve, she smiled. To Eve’s surprise, she then waved.
“What’s come over her?” Eve murmured.
“Yes, what’s this world coming to when you mom waves hello? Honestly, you’d think she’d know better.” Jill waved back.
“What are you doing? You mustn’t encourage her.”
Jill grinned. “Hello, Mrs. Lloyd.”
“Oh, please, call me Sarah. Hello, Eve. We were hoping to bump into you.”
“Are you leaving?” Eve asked.
“No, we told you we’re here for a week… or so.”
Or so? Eve didn’t like the sound of that. “What brought you to town… again?”
“We wanted to introduce ourselves to Derek Tucker.” Taking in Eve’s puzzled expression, her mom added, “He runs the newspaper and as he works for William Hunter who is now our client, we thought it appropriate to become acquainted with Derek Tucker.”
Her mom could not have explained herself more clearly if she’d been trying to communicate with an extraterrestrial being.
When her parents took on new clients, Eve knew they considered it their duty to know everything they could about them.
Her dad strode up, a newspaper in his hand. “Eve.”
“Dad.”
He took in her cap and smiled. “Sarah, I believe we need to congratulate Eve. She’s gone into business.”
Eve watched as her mom took a deep swallow and smiled. “Yes, I noticed. Eve’s Catering. I’ll mention it to William.”
Oh, please don’t, Eve silently begged. “That’s okay, mom. You don’t have to.”
“Oh, but his business would be excellent for you, Eve. He told us he plans on spending more time here and has already scheduled several parties.”
Eve was quick to interject, “And I’m sure he has already organized the catering for them.”
Her parents shared a look Eve had seen far too often. It spoke of tolerance for their daughter’s choices.
Her dad tapped the newspaper against his hand. “Well, I’m glad we subscribed to the Gazette. We’re bound to see good things written about you.”
They’d subscribed?
Eve chipped her way through her mind freeze to realize her parents would now receive weekly updates about life on the island. A while back, when she had gone on a cruise with Mira, Jill had shared information about her with the newspaper and they’d run updates about her antics, which had involved a murder case.
She managed to move her lips into something she hoped resembled a smile. “Right… Well, Jill and I need to get going.”
“Oh, that’s a shame. Your dad and I were just on our way to have a coffee.”
“Sounds good to me,” Jill said. “I’ll catch up with you later, Eve.”
Eve’s mind stalled again. She watched her parents walk away, with Jill between them.
Eve stood there, her cell phone in her hand. Without taking her eyes off them, she pressed the phone to her ear. “Mira. My folks have just kidnapped Jill. She probably thinks she went with them willingly, but you know they have their ways.”
Mira sighed. “Oh, dear.”
“I need your help. Send her a text message. Tell her what she’s up against. If I warn her, she’ll think I’m overreacting. It’ll be better coming from you. They’ll interrogate her. I know them. They think I’m up to something and they’ll try to get the information out of Jill.”
Mira laughed. “But you are up to something.”
“Yes, and I don’t want them to delve. They already know I’m setting up a catering company. They can’t know about the inn. You know what will happen if they find out.”
“Say no more. This is my haven. I’ll defend it with my last breath.”
Disconnecting the call, Eve headed toward the Gazette. As she stepped inside, she thought about her parents subscribing to the local newspaper.
She wondered how many other people subscribed to it.
Suddenly, her small world expanded.
Jill believed the killer lived on the island so Eve decided to follow another line of thinking. What if the killer lived on the mainland? They knew they had a secret. A secret that could be discovered by
anyone at any time.
How would they stay informed?
They might have friends on the island, or…
They subscribed to the island’s newspaper.
She found Derek Tucker sitting at his desk, his phone pressed to his ear. Seeing her, he gave a small nod. When he ended the call, he sat up and smiled. “Eve Lloyd.”
Eve hadn’t had much to do with the local reporter. However, being a small town, everyone knew each other, if not personally, then by sight. Or, as in her case, by reputation.
“I just met your parents. Lovely couple.”
“Thank you,” she said. Although, she had no idea why she should thank him. She had nothing to do with how her parents presented themselves to the world. “I suppose you’ve heard the news.”
He gave her a wide smile. “You should have been a reporter. What I would give to have your luck.”
“Pardon?”
“You’re always in the right place at the right time.” He stretched his arms out. “First in with the news. If you set up shop, you’d put me right out of business.”
“Don’t worry. You’re safe. I’m most happy in the kitchen.” She looked around the office. It faced the street, with a large window giving him full view of everyone walking past. “Oh, you can see my store from here.”
He rounded the desk and went to stand next to her. “You’re right. I hear we’re going to be neighbors. When do you think you’ll open?”
“In a couple of months. It all depends on how much work I need to do to get the place up to code. The kitchen, in particular, will come under scrutiny.”
He pointed at her cap. “I see you’re starting your advertising early.”
“I’m trying to generate some interest.” She moved closer to the window. “You can almost see from one end of the street to the other. Do you have security cameras installed?”
“Why do you ask?”
“If you have cameras, I won’t have to bother installing them myself. I’m on a strict budget.”
He pointed to the corner. “It only covers the entrance.”
Pity. In any case, it wouldn’t keep information for longer than a few days or weeks, Eve thought. She gazed out the street and toward her store. “Just think, you might have witnessed something without realizing it. Will you be running a piece?”