Trouble Afoot (Shepard & Kelly Mysteries Book 2)

by Benjamin Bradley

  Zoe laughed. “You’ve kept that secret long enough. Maybe it’s time we come clean to our parents about that one. I bet we won’t get grounded for too long.”

  “So, what made you think of all that now?”

  “Simple. I saw you pull your weapon when Joanne was losing it.”

  “I was prepared to take a shot if the moment came,” Delaney said with a half-smile.

  “Well, I took it instead. Because just like back then, I’m the better shot.”

  Delaney grinned. “That you are, Zo.”

  “I’m not sure Umstead will ever be the same.”

  “The forest has no memory. Trees don’t even pay us any attention at all. The people may be fewer, but that just means more space for you and Gil. And maybe some little ones down the road.”

  Zoe sighed and tapped the trunk of a red oak. “I’m sorry to you too, Laney.”

  “Why’s that?”

  “You came down here for a vacation and I brought you into this case. One involving Bigfoot, a fox, and a disgruntled underpaid employee no less.”

  Delaney laughed. “The way I see it, you just gave Casper more fodder for his next book. Come on, let’s get you home.”

  They stepped away from the clearing. The pool of blood had disappeared, wiped from the earth by the elements around it. Before long, there was no sign of a struggle at all. Just the distant memory of an incident that few understood or appreciated.

  Chapter Forty-One

  Zoe crept into the kitchen with her duty belt in one hand, fingers holding tight to the buttons as to not make a single sound. She eased it onto the table like she was laying a baby in its crib. She had no interest in hearing Gil or anybody else argue about the recommended time off that Mathias had urged her to take after Joanne’s arrest.

  As she turned to fill the coffeepot, she saw the indicator light was on and the pot was full. She held it close and was surprised to find that it was hot. A fresh batch. A whisper startled her so much she almost dropped the entire pot on the ground.

  “Thought you may get a jump on things this morning,” Delaney said from her perch in the corner of the kitchen. “It’s almost like we’re related.”

  Zoe dove into Delaney’s arms so fast that she caused Delaney to spill some of the mug of fresh coffee in her hands.

  “How’d you know?”

  Zoe chuckled. “I meant how did you know I’d be up early trying to sneak off.”

  “Sneak off? I thought you were just trying to beat Gil to the coffeemaker.”

  Zoe let out a belly laugh and held Delaney tighter.

  Delaney broke the embrace and looked at her cousin. “Like I said, we’re cut from the same cloth. When we had that mess in Brewster with the Punkhorns, I was back at work as soon as I could get inside the station. It’s a hell of a drug. But everybody’s got to cope in their own way. People will tell you it’s unhealthy, but you just turn the other cheek. You’re stubborn. Embrace that.”

  “And you and Casper?”

  “He’s packing up as we speak. I told him that if we don’t get on the road before sunrise, he’ll have to listen to the rest of Gil’s podcast.”

  Zoe snorted, and coffee almost shot out of her nose. “It’s not that bad. Plus, he may interview you for season two!”

  Delaney rolled her eyes. “I love Gil. He’s good for you, despite recent events. But I’ll be one happy camper if I do not have to hear about Bigfoot for the next decade.”

  “Well, last night before bed, Gil mentioned he had a new interest that he wanted to explore. The history of prohibition in North Carolina.”

  “The man is nothing short of a marathon runner with these research topics. But he’s a keeper, Zo.”

  Casper followed a bounding Hoagie into the room with both of his hands holding their duffel bags. “Did we wake you?”

  “She was trying to sneak out before us, Casper. The audacity!” Delaney smirked.

  Casper hugged Zoe. “Can I say one last thing about the case before we go?”

  She nodded. “What’s on your mind?”

  “Remember how I kept saying that I thought it was all a setup? Like the Ernest bit was too convenient?”

  “And you were correct. Are you just trying to brag now?”

  He shook his head. “No. But Joanne said something that’s been eating at me. She said that Ernest was “A cog in the machine that we had built”.”

  “So? I’m not following.”

  “She said we. Like there was somebody else.”

  Zoe paused. “I admit I didn’t catch that. I’ll mull it over and see what Detective Russo thinks about all that. But for now, you’re officially off the case.”

  Casper hugged her again. “We’re grateful for your hospitality here. Truly. And for letting us try and help with the case, I—”

  “Try and help? Casper, you were an essential piece. Let me know where Mathias and I can send our five-star review.”

  “You’re generous. I—”

  “Casper, I’ll see you soon. You need to bring my best friend Hoagie back so I can get more cuddles.”

  Hoagie’s tail wagged so hard the entire back half of his body wiggled. Zoe looked up with a smile. “Plus, y’all have to drive back up this way on your way back from Florida, anyway.”

  “Well, we used up most of our vacation days on the case here, so we’re heading back to the Cape. A dreary winter seascape awaits us.”

  “Aw, I’m sorry that we interrupted your chance to see your parents!”

  “This was far more interesting than watching Seinfeld reruns and eating leftovers. It’s no bother at all. Thanks for the adventure, Zo. Next time, you and Gil should head up to the Cape.”

  “You can count on that, Laney.”

  Zoe leaned back in the creaky wooden chair and propped her feet up on the desk. The air ducts blasted out warm air for the first time in the season, and Zoe basked in the comfort it provided. The clatter of the front entrance to the Visitor’s Center woke her from her blissful state. Detective Russo stood over her, grinning ear to ear.

  “Well, don’t you look comfortable. They still sticking you out at the front desk?”

  Zoe smiled. “Just for the day. Grumpy old Mathias told me to take a sick day, but I couldn’t stay away. Plus, Mathias has promised me a future full of trails and nature. I’d wager he’ll follow through considering Ernest’s decision to retire next week.”

  “I heard about that. Seems fitting.”

  “How’s Joanne?”

  “She’s in custody. The fox outfit we found hidden beneath the baseboard of her closet matches the fur fibers found in Wade Buchanon’s wounds. That may be enough to secure a conviction, despite her claims of innocence.”

  “She says she’s innocent?”

  “Of the assault, yes. Says we have it all wrong but won’t say more than that. Still, between the eyewitness account of Kyle Pittman and the paper trail left in her apartment, we’ve got enough to put her away for a long time. That is if we can locate Pittman in time for a trial. He seems to have left town.”

  “Seems like enough of a case. That’s good to hear.”

  “Joanne was quick to provide a slew of incriminating evidence against her small team of foot soldiers. We have a certain Andy Tucker and Jessica Arwood in custody too. It appears they were her runners. Distributors of a sort.”

  “Any link between them and her?”

  Russo shook her head. “Right now, all we know is that they were both teachers at Pine Hills High. But we’ll keep digging.”

  “Maybe that’s what she meant then.”

  “Beg your pardon? You’re not growing shy on me, are you, Zoe?”

  Zoe smiled. “Never. But Casper said something about Joanne using a “we” instead of an “I” statement. Like she was part of a team.”

  “Well, that checks out. I’m still not certain that Joanne Mitchell is smart enough to cook up such a plan on her own.”

  “Maybe. It doesn’t sit right with me though.”
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  “Nobody wants to hear that teachers are so underpaid that they resort to crime. Let alone inside your park. So, I don’t blame you.”

  Zoe sighed. “I’ll admit that I’m still grappling with a lot of this. I feel like I should have heard her cries for help. Did she share anything about why she did it?”

  “Nothing that will help you sleep at night. Just the usual bullshit. Felt like management overlooked her for the job. She had crippling credit card debt that she’d hidden for years. We’re still piecing together how she got involved in the drug trade, but unless she rolls on a distributor, I don’t see leniency in her future. Especially if they put Wade Buchanon on the stand. Although he has little memory of the incident.”

  “So, he’s going to make it?”

  “Looks that way. He’s been released from the hospital, but they’re monitoring him for any signs of long-term injuries. All things considered, the doctors think he’ll be up and moving around in a few weeks. Could run in next year’s marathon if he plays his cards right. His family is over the moon, as you can imagine.”

  “That’s a relief. I was happy to wrap up the case, but he still felt like the victim in all of this. Regardless of how much self-pity I’ve thrust upon myself.”

  “This wasn’t personal. Joanne continually mentioned you as an ally throughout her statement. If I didn’t know you as well as I do, I’d be looking into your financials for anything funky.”

  Zoe laughed. “You’d find some funky purchases. Considering my fiancé is a Bigfoot enthusiast and I have an obsession with those dark chocolate peanut butter cups from Trader Joe’s. But nothing beyond a Park Ranger’s measly salary.”

  Russo smiled. “How is Gil anyway?”

  “He’s hanging in there. The plan for his book has changed slightly, but he seems rejuvenated. Last night, we even discussed a date for our wedding. All in all, he’s a goofball. But soon, he’ll be my husband, the goofball.”

  Russo nodded. “That’s wonderful, Zoe. Well, I have no plans to investigate you further. We’ve got enough to put some serious leverage on Joanne. Although, I have to admit that I admire some of the complexity of the plan.”

  “Joanne Mitchell was always clever. But she overstepped.”

  “You can say that again. But we’ll track down whoever is behind this in due time. Anyway, just wanted to wrap things up here. Is Mathias in the back? We’ve got some paperwork for him to look over.”

  Zoe nodded and let Russo into the back office. “Thanks, Detective.”

  “Zoe, thank you. Keep fighting the good fight. Hope next time I see you it is on better terms.”

  Russo disappeared into the back hallway. Mathias’s door slammed shut.

  A trickle of cars filled the parking lot. Normalcy resuming. Visitors stepped out in their best autumn attire, ready to take on the balmy temperatures and watch the leaves change before they fall. Zoe glanced out the window and watched a squirrel hopping around in a grass field. She admired the creature’s consistency. In a world full of surprises, it was nice to find routine in nature. The birds chirped their usual songs, and the crunch of hiker’s boots on the pine needles atop the trail was a pleasant reminder of days past.

  Chapter Forty-Two

  A northern cardinal fluttered its wings and came to rest atop the hood of Delaney’s car as Casper put the last bag in the trunk and slammed it shut. The noise disturbed the peaceful bird, and it darted away and into the surrounding woods. The dot of red disappeared into the sea of green and brown hues that Casper knew from his short time at Umstead State Park.

  Delaney hopped out of the front door and stretched next to the driver’s side. “You ready?”

  “As I’ll ever be,” Casper said.

  “Hoag?”

  He dove between the two front seats and gave each of them a lick on the face. Casper laughed. “I’ll take that as a yes.”

  The traumatic events from the night before had weighed on Casper at first, but like an early morning cold snap, things improved. A full night’s sleep had done wonders, but Delaney’s support and comfort were the true catalysts. There was also some peace in knowing that justice prevailed. Joanne was off awaiting her charges. Ernest was stepping away from the ranger service. All was right in the world.

  The narrow driveway led out to the paved exit road which was crowded by pines and shrubs on their entry to the park but now served as a fitting representation of the sprawling acres that made up the park. Casper’s only regret was that he didn’t get to see more of what made Umstead such a special place. Still, he understood.

  A pack of hikers crossed where the trail bisected the road, and Delaney slowed to a halt. For an early weekday morning, there were a significant number of people out enjoying the warm temperatures that followed the previous night’s rainstorm. Skinny legs stuck out of shorts. Hiking poles pressed into the soil, keeping them upright and steady. Dogs zigzagged across the trail, following their noses as they took in the many smells the rain had left behind in the pine needle beds and soil beneath their owner’s feet.

  The hikers cleared off and faded into the distance. Delaney put her hand on top of Casper’s and smiled. “I hope your near-death experience as a hostage didn’t sour your impressions of the park.”

  “I feel like it should have, but somehow it didn’t. Zoe’s reverence for this place is irresistible. It’s contagious. Despite our brief stay, I somehow feel like this place will always hold a special place in our hearts,” he said.

  “Our hearts? Now you’re telling me how to feel? Bold move, Casper Kelly.”

  “Glad to see that watching me get taken hostage didn’t hurt your sarcastic tendencies.”

  “Nothing could touch that. Don’t worry,” she said and kissed him on the cheek. “Northbound we go!”

  They passed a handful of cars entering through the gate and then turned onto the highway. Just like that, the magic and allure of Umstead dissolved and fast-moving automobiles, exit signs, and ugly concrete medians replaced the trees. “Amazing that little haven sits in the middle of all of this,” Casper said, pointing to the surroundings.

  “A refuge in more ways than one. Thanks again for coming with me. Even if we didn’t make it down to Florida, this was a perfect vacation for me.”

  Casper grabbed a notebook and started scribbling. “What in the world are you writing? You’re supposed to be keeping me company!” Delaney barked.

  “I needed to make sure I didn’t forget.”

  “Forget what?”

  “That your ideal vacation involves a crime scene, Bigfoot and criminal masterminds pretending to be low-level administrative employees.”

  “When you put it that way, sounds like a dream,” she laughed. “Did all of this give you any motivation to get back to writing your account of your experiences as a PI?”

  “A bit. Although, this one is a bit more absurd than the last. Some may find it hard to believe.”

  “I think you’d be surprised with people’s ability to enjoy the absurd. Plus, you can narrate your very own Bigfoot encounter.”

  “I realized that Gil never asked you,” Casper said.

  “Asked me?”

  “If you believed. He cornered me on the first chance he got, but somehow you escaped his interrogations.”

  “By design, I’d imagine.”

  “Why’s that?”

  “Because he knows I’m going to tell him what he wants to hear and then tease him behind his back. It’s what families do.”

  “Maybe it’s for the best that we didn’t make it down to Florida,” Casper laughed.

  “In due time. But for now, I think we should all steer clear of Bigfoot news for the next while.”

  “Until Gil’s book comes out, you mean.”

  “Yes, that. But in the meantime, I can’t wait to get back to work,” Delaney said.

  “Same here. Maybe I’ll find a few cases that aren’t as dire as this one was, but a little more serious than stalking old Sadie Hawkins dates for the Meals
on Wheels crowd.”

  Delaney broke into a fit of raucous laughter.

  “What in the world are you giggling about?”

  Delaney wiped a tear from her eye and laughed again. “I just can’t wait to hear you recount your harrowing tale involving Bigfoot and drug smugglers to the old ladies’ book club back in Brewster. They’re going to think you’ve lost it.”

  “When you put it like that, it does sound a lot like a hallucination.”

  The radio took over the conversation for a while as NPR shared updates on a recent drug ring that was broken up in Raleigh. There was no mention of The Fox or Umstead State Park, but the story still made both of them smile.

  Casper fiddled with the radio and stopped on a familiar tune. Delaney grinned.

  “Fitting to leave town with some CCR. Maybe Zoe requested it,” she laughed.

  The rhythmic guitar jumped in to follow the kick drum. The howling lyrics began and soon they were both singing along to Fortunate Son.

  As the moment passed, Casper couldn’t help but smile. Unlike the man in the song, they were fortunate ones. They were leaving a peaceful wake behind them and marching onward. One foot in front of the other. Bigfoot or small, it didn’t matter. One foot in the front of the other. Toward the next adventure.

  Twelve hours later, Casper lugged his suitcase out of the trunk of Delaney’s car and kissed her goodbye. There had been no mention of Raven Rock or any reference to her past life in Boston. Just blissful playlists and crisp fall air through the vents. That was okay. Casper decided that patience was his best friend. He was just happy to have another moment with Delaney in his life.

  Hoagie ran up the creaky stairs to the apartment with Casper close behind. Hoagie whined at the door, his tail wagging with anticipation. As Casper slid open the front door, he saw a manila envelope sitting on the floor. Hoagie rushed inside while Casper flipped it over and read the message on the front.

  ‘Everything you need to know about Raven Rock is inside.’