Cookies, Corpses and the Deadly Haunt: Haunted House Flippers Inc. (Bohemian Lake Book 2)

by Rachael Stapleton

  “Good grief!” The doors opened again and in walked Big Boobs, with her parents and Jack in tow. “That rain is coming down by the bucket load now, and the wind is really starting to howl.”

  On seeing Jack’s handsome face, Juniper immediately felt happier.

  “Get ready for the onslaught?” said Jack, hungrily eyeing the food over Juniper’s shoulder as he gave her a hug. “They’ll be arriving any minute now,” he said, moving into the next room to hug the older ladies.

  The sound of cursing on the footpath that ran alongside the kitchen prompted Juniper to turn and look out of the open window. It was raining, but they had cracked the window when the caramel sauce for one of the cakes had burnt.

  “Bloody hell!” the voice repeated.

  Juniper looked around the kitchen to see if there was anyone else baring witness to the fact that Helen was standing with Lulu’s husband, Peter, under a gazebo in the garden. What are they doing out there?

  Juniper watched as Helen pushed Peter away—breaking into tears as she did. Not to be nosy but Juniper couldn’t resist. She cracked the window an inch higher, doing so as quietly as possible.

  They were far enough away that it was hard to hear but she couldn’t miss when Helen slapped Peter hard across the face. Peter’s eyes darted around and then shot to the house.

  “Shit!” Juniper ducked, but she was sure they’d seen her. That was her cue to get back to work. She slowly stood up and walked to the fridge—pretending to need something from it. She could hear footsteps coming back for the kitchen.

  “Who were you talking to?” Pike asked, her head appearing in the doorway.

  “It’s you… you scared me half to death.”

  Pike gave her a worried look.

  “Helen just slapped Peter in the gardens.” Juniper said.

  “What? Why?”

  “I couldn’t hear what she was saying but I’m sure she said Kaitlyn’s name. Do you think Kaitlyn and Peter were having an affair?”

  “Lulu’s Peter? He’s way too old for her. Not to mention he’s her family.”

  “Wouldn’t be the first time some middle-aged man has had an identity crisis and went after a young woman.” Juniper pointed out.

  “Yeah, but his niece?” Pike questioned.

  “Well, she’s technically not his niece. Helen and Lulu are cousins and Peter’s not a blood relative.”

  “Right. I guess it wouldn’t be the first time something like that has happened.”

  “I mean I did see her getting into a red sports car before she went missing, and Peter owns a red Camaro.”

  “True, and Peter looked unhinged this morning at the funeral—maybe it’s guilt. Do you think Helen found out about the affair and confronted him?”

  “Actually I think she accused him of more than just that—I heard her call him a murderer.”

  “Peter is a hot head and I could see him being a worthless cheating son of a gun... but a killer?” She shrugged. “I just don’t know.”

  Juniper glanced out the window just in time.

  “Shhh, here they come.”

  A petite, but feisty Helen battled a large umbrella that had turned inside out as she returned to the pathway outside the kitchen. She cursed and gave up on the umbrella, finally pulling her jacket over her head. “Frank, Axl, are you two coming or what? I’m getting soaked!” Two adults and two teenagers appeared to catch up, running to get out of the rain as quickly as they could.

  With Helen Patone leading the way, Kaitlyn’s family stampeded through the French doors of the kitchen, quickly shedding their raincoats and boots.

  “Pike, can you grab us some towels from the linen closet?”

  “It’s so nice to see you again, Juniper,” Helen Patone said, her voice softening as she took the towel from Pike’s hands and dried off. “Thank you for putting this all together.”

  “Well, it was actually Pike. I just assisted.”

  “Of course.”

  “Everything looks and smells delicious.” Axl said, swiping a butter tart.

  “Axl, where are your manners? You’re dripping on the floor. Dry off and get a plate.”

  The girl who appeared at his side looked familiar to Juniper. “Hello, again. We’ve met before, right? You run the haunted tour?”

  The girl nodded. “I’m Pearl.”

  “Yes.” Juniper shook her hand. “I’m Juniper.”

  “Oh right. I forget sometimes that you don’t know everyone,” Helen said. “The past two weeks have all blurred together. One minute Kaitlyn was here and the next she was gone. Anyway, there I go rambling again.” She paused, as if to collect her thoughts. “Pearl was one of Kaitlyn’s closest friends.”

  “Yes, come to think of it, the realtor, Jared Mitchell mentioned that when I toured the house. He said it was your idea to sell the house, Pearl, that you can see spirits or something, right?”

  Helen blanched and Juniper realized the topic was clearly taboo. Before Juniper knew it Axl had swept the girl away into the next room. Meanwhile, Frank and Pike had disappeared to set up an extra table in the main room where people were gathering. Helen gently took Juniper’s arm and walked her to the sink. “I need to ask a favour of you.”

  “Okay.” Juniper was waiting for the words, stop spying to come from her perfectly lined red lips but instead Helen took a deep breath. “Kaitlyn told her father and I all about the Halloween project, she really loved that old house. I guess it’s only fitting that she–well you know.” Helen began to cry.

  “I’m so sorry for your loss, Mrs. Patone. This has got to be hard.”

  “Please, call me Helen.”

  “Can I get you a drink or something to eat? We don’t have to talk about any of this.”

  “No. I’m fine. I need to talk to someone and I’m not ready to face the main room yet.” She dabbed at her eyes with a Kleenex.

  Juniper cleared her throat. She found it odd that Helen was confiding in her. They barely knew each other.

  “You said you needed a favour? How can I help you?”

  “Oh right, yes, it’s just Frank is insisting that we continue on with the ball in Kaitlyn’s memory.”

  “Really?”

  “Well now, don’t be so shocked. We’re not heartless people. It’s just she was so devoted to this project and the historical society needs the money. I’m a touch more sensitive about it but Franks right—it’s just all so fresh to think about. Anyway, I was hoping I could come to the house next week or sometime before the fundraiser because… well, frankly, I could use some closure.”

  “You want to come to the Doctor’s House?”

  “Yes, I don’t want the first time I step foot in the place to be the night of the ball. I’m afraid I’ll make a scene and, well, that just wouldn’t do, now would it?

  “I understand. Of course. Anytime.”

  “Great. I’ll pop by next week then.” She dabbed at her eyes some more and then presto—the mask was back in place. Calm, composed Helen ready to face the crowd.

  Chapter Nine

  _____________

  J UNIPER looked around the foyer and felt a ripple of excitement and fear run through her. The place was really coming together. They were going to get a pretty penny when they sold—if the place sold

  But did she really want to sell?

  Doubt sneaked into her thoughts as it had since they’d bought the old place. She shook her head and pushed the negative thoughts aside. She’d mulled over this and little else for the past couple of weeks. She had no choice. It was time. Every house they’d flipped for the past five years had been about getting to this moment. This house would give them the money they needed to go their own way. Jack could take the business and Juniper would do….

  Well… anything she wanted.

  She smiled. That was more like it.

  Now all she needed was her painting overalls and she could put some lipstick on this baby.

  She cast a critical eye up the wall. It was a good-sized
room, and it would take a lot of paint.

  Her paintbrushes were upstairs. For some reason, her pulse raced as she climbed the staircase. The house just seemed unusually quiet. Every creak and groan of the old floorboards set her heart skittering. Juniper was used to being alone, but she felt a weight in the pit of her stomach, wishing Pike was with her.

  She glanced inside the servants’ quarters and noticed the threadbare Oriental rug and wine bottle had been taken as evidence. Something tingled at the back of her neck.

  She whirled around, half expecting to see a ghost.

  “Hello?” She ventured. “Anybody there?”

  A horn sounded out front and she jumped, then immediately grew frustrated with herself for being so touchy.

  You’re in a small town. There’s going to be lots of pop-in visitors.

  She headed to the front window and saw Helen Patone making her way up the front walk.

  Juniper frowned. She’d forgotten Helen had mentioned stopping by. Helen looked different today, her perfectly coiffed hair was down and messy and she constantly looked behind her in a nervous manner.

  “Helen?” Juniper said, opening the door.

  “Can I come in?”

  Juniper hesitated a second before answering. “Yes. Of course. Is everything alright?”

  “I, uh… not really. I need to talk to someone.”

  “Come on in,” Juniper said.

  Juniper started to bring up yesterday’s conversation, but then she took a closer look at Helen. Her hand on the doorknob shook, and with her other hand, she pulled at the bottom of her blouse. Two threads stuck out and the hem in one spot sagged a tiny bit. Her skin, while pale naturally, wasn’t only naturally pale right now. It was almost blanched.

  Helen was scared.

  “No problem,” Juniper said. “Follow me. There’s a couch in the parlor.”

  Helen hesitated a second, then stepped inside, closing the door behind her. She followed Juniper into the parlor and took a seat at the end of the couch where Juniper indicated. “This place is just as beautiful as I remember.” Juniper noticed one hand sneaking over a pendant that hung around her neck, most likely a cross or symbol of Christ. At least she had her faith, Juniper thought. That had to help at a time like this.

  “You’ve been inside before?”

  “Yes. My cousin Lulu used to own the house.”

  “I didn’t realize that. The name on the real estate contract was different, Lucinda Atherton, I think.”

  “Her maiden name. Lulu is a nickname.”

  “Why didn’t they live in it?”

  “Lulu couldn’t bear the ghosts.” She looked over at Juniper. “She was always, how should I say it… sensitive.”

  “You’ve seen the ghosts?” Juniper asked.

  “I’ve never seen them but it’s always intrigued me. Our ancestors lived here—the Doctor and his wife.”

  “You were related to them? I didn’t think from the story that they had time to have kids?”

  “No. They didn’t but Victoria’s sister did. We don’t broadcast it because it’s not a very nice stigma to live with. By the way, my husband has decided that we will match funds to whatever the event raises.” She looked thoughtful.

  “That’s a lovely gesture. I have to admit I was a little surprised to hear that you wanted to continue with the ball. I guess I assumed you’d call off the Halloween fundraiser, given what happened.”

  “My husband is a determined man.”

  “Can I get you a cup of coffee? There isn’t much here by way of food but I always make sure the coffee is up and running when I’m working.” Juniper said as she grabbed her Cookies N Corsets takeaway cup, “Of course, I often rely on the bakery across the road.”

  “That’s okay,” Helen said. “I’m too nervous to drink anything. I guess you noticed.”

  Juniper reached out and patted the woman’s hand. “You can tell me anything,” she said, repeating the words Jack always used when she was upset. “Would you prefer that we go back outside? We can talk on the porch or we can go across the street.”

  After a long moment, she nodded and said, “I’d rather stay here. Actually, can we go upstairs?” Helen got to her feet and faced Juniper. “I need to see the place my daughter died.”

  “Of course.” Juniper replied leading the way up the first flight of stairs. “Why don’t you tell me about your problem, while we walk?”

  Helen paused at the top of the stairs, putting her hand on the second floor balustrade. “I think I’m being stalked by Kaitlyn’s killer.”

  “You think?”

  “Yes. No. I mean, I’m sure I’m being stalked.”

  Helen’s responses grew more hesitant, and Juniper knew she was reconsidering being here at all. Juniper’s heart went out to the woman. Her confusion and fear seemed genuine and so out of character from everything Juniper had seen of this strong tornado of a woman.

  “Do you have any idea who’s stalking you?” Juniper asked, yanking the door to the attic open.

  Helen nodded as Juniper looked back.

  Okay, Juniper thought. She’s afraid to trust you. “Can you tell me?” She asked again pacing up the small and narrow attic stairwell.

  “Not exactly.”

  Juniper’s back tightened and her pulse ticked up a notch. “Helen, if you know who killed your daughter then we need to go to the police. I’ll go with you. Actually I’ll call them for you right now.”

  “No… no.” Helen took a deep breath and blew it out. “You see, I can’t... I don’t know for sure yet. I’m trying to get evidence and, well, let’s just say it’s not just me who will be hurt if I’m wrong.”

  Juniper blinked. Surely she’d heard incorrectly. “I’m sorry. I don’t understand. What could be more important than bringing your daughter’s killer to justice—especially if her killer’s now stalking you? Does this have something to do with you slapping Peter yesterday outside your house?”

  Helen paused, and Juniper wondered if she’d pushed too hard.

  “It’s a long story.”

  “I’m listening.”

  “I-I don’t even know where to start.”

  “Maybe you should start at the beginning.”

  Helen nodded and then wandered to one of the dormer windows peering out in obvious paranoia. Dust motes careened around in the shafts of light. “Okay, but this is between us… I met Peter twenty-five years ago in Las Vegas before Lulu or anyone else knew him. I had just finished school, and I was pregnant with Meaghen. My parents all but told me I was marrying Frank Patone, so I packed up my car and headed to Vegas. I had a fling with Peter. He was charming and handsome, and we had fun together. I finally came to my senses a week later, and I returned to Bohemian Lake to marry Frank. Two years later, Peter showed up. He’d somehow found out where I lived.”

  “You hadn’t told him?”

  “No. Are you crazy? I knew my parents would never let me be with him.”

  Juniper sipped her coffee as Helen talked, trying to fathom marrying someone her parents had dictated.

  “Anyway, for a while it was good,” Helen said. “Frank worked a lot and so I saw Peter on the side. Please don’t judge me. Peter and I loved each other, but I knew it was wrong. We were bound to get caught. Frank wanted to go into politics, and our life would be an open book. Plus, Frank wanted more children, although he was never home to get me pregnant, and he barely paid attention to little Meg. We never fought. Never even argued, but there wasn’t any love.” She paused for several seconds and appeared to be gathering her thoughts. Then she leaned against the wall and cried for a minute.

  Juniper stood there for the first few seconds, unsure what to do with herself. Eventually, she put her arm around her shoulders, still wary since how well did she really know the woman. Helen leaned into her and cried even harder.

  She didn’t hold anything back and by the time she was done, her eyes were red and swollen, her nose was dripping everywhere and my shoulder was soaked i
n tears and snot.

  When she was nearly dehydrated, she reached into her purse and pulled out a small package of tissues. She put one to her nose and blew with the force and noise of a large goose. She wadded up the tissue and tucked it in her pocket. “I’m sorry,” she said, grabbing another tissue and dabbing at her eyes and mottled cheeks. “I didn’t mean to lose it like that.”

  “It’s okay. I know this must be hard.”

  “Anyway, I broke it off with Peter and he left me alone for a while, but he refused to move. Eventually, he met my cousin Lulu, he was different at first. I thought maybe he really loved her. But then he found out I was pregnant with Kaitlyn and he started showing up at my house after Frank left for work. He was convinced that Kaitlyn was his child.”

  “Was she?”

  Helen gave Juniper a sad smile. “I suppose she could have been. I don’t think so, but I don’t really know and I never wanted to.”

  “That’s a lot to live with,” Juniper said.

  “As Kaitlyn got older,” Helen continued, “I noticed Peter took an unhealthy interest in her. Kaitlyn was very close to her Aunt Lulu so I couldn’t very well stop her from going over there. Finally when she turned thirteen, I had enough, and I told him to stay away from her.

  “Then he got mean. It was subtle at first—insults that he claimed were just joking—but it progressed and it undermined my relationship with my daughter.

  “Kaitlyn thought I was jealous of Lulu but I was just more fearful that Peter had turned his obsession with me onto her.

  “I’m sorry. That must have been a hard situation to navigate.”

  “Thank you. It was, especially since I never knew when and if Peter was going to blow the lid off the whole situation. Anyway, I finally spoke with Peter before Kaitlyn was murdered. I told him that I was going to tell everyone the truth and we could once and for all find out who her father was.”

  “What did Peter say?”

  “He was furious. I think in some warped way he had fallen in love with Kaitlyn and he no longer saw himself as a possible father figure. It disgusts me to think about it but they may have even been having an affair.”

  “So why would he kill her?” Juniper allowed her eyes to peruse the servants’ quarters before they headed back down the stairs. She tried to think of what could have happened the night Kaitlyn was there. According to what the detective had been willing to share, the authorities were assuming Kaitlyn had been having a romantic rendezvous that turned heated, but if Helen was already threatening to expose him then what risk would Kaitlyn pose? Unless she was trying to break it off with him?