Allie had talked with her mother earlier on the phone. Hope told her daughter to keep an eye on Brenda, what with everything she had gone through. Right now, Allie thought Brenda was doing well, except for eating only one scrambled egg and one piece of toast. She usually made it a big meal first thing in the morning since she sometimes got busy and skipped lunch. Allie told Brenda to let her know if she needed anything and left to call her mother again.
“I think she is doing all right,” Allie said. “If you have some extra minutes you may want to bring over one of your honey pastries. You know how much she loves them.”
Hope Williams already had plans for the day which included Brenda. She arranged for an extra baker to come in and help at Sweet Treats Bakery. The lady was retired and often helped when Hope got busy. Today was no exception. The town buzzed with gossip about the mummy discovered at the Sheffield Bed and Breakfast. Speculation ran rampant as to who had done it.
“I can’t imagine who would play such a trick on poor Brenda,” one woman said as she accepted her donut order. She shook her head and her facial expression was hard to read. A mix of sympathy and enthusiasm regarding the subject mingled in her eyes.
“Mac Rivers will get to the bottom of it,” Hope said. “Then everything will return to normal.” Hope couldn’t wait to escape the atmosphere in her bakery. She could only imagine how upset her friend must be.
Brenda finished her breakfast just as her cell phone rang. “I’m hoping when you are up to it, Brenda, that you can give us a little insight into events of last night.” Mac paused. “You may not feel like it today, but as soon as you can give us any help at all, we’d appreciate it. Chief Ingram asked about you right away. How are you feeling today?”
“I’m better than last night. I had a good night’s sleep and am just now finishing breakfast.” The last thing she wanted to do was get involved in the case of the mummified figure on one of her beds. “I’m not up to helping on this case, Mac. I’ll answer any questions you have, but I don’t want to get involved any further in it. You and Bryce, along with the Chief, have everything at your fingertips to solve this one.”
“I understand, Brenda, but often you see the little clues we sometimes miss.”
Brenda could hear the slight puzzlement in Mac’s voice. She simply wanted to get off the subject but understood the importance of getting as many early leads as possible. “If you want to send over a sketch artist I will describe the figure at the foot of the bed. That may help. I remember that scene vividly. It was dark but I can tell you the height and other characteristics that may come to mind once I think about it.”
Mac could tell from her tone of voice that what she offered was all he would get for now. He thanked her and told her he would send an artist to the bed and breakfast right away.
“We can’t lose time on this. With all the tourists in town last night it may be hard to find out just who he is, but a sketch will certainly help us.” Mac made a point of referring to the figure as ‘he’ since there was no doubt it took a person to kill and dispose of a body, not a ghost.
While waiting for the sketch artist to arrive, Brenda searched her mind for any distinguishing details she had seen in the darkness. Only the moonlight gave her any indication at all of stance and overall form. She shivered. Ghosts, murders and apparitions were subjects that would always unnerve her. Why would someone try to hide the body in such a creepy way? She wished she had never agreed to the tours, but that was water under the bridge, so to speak.
Brenda realized that Jenny Rivers and Pete Graham were probably in their element, trading rumors and passing gossip around on a day like this. She loved her soon-to-be step-daughter, but Jenny seemed incapable of keeping gossip to herself. The mailman contributed his part in the same manner. Pete was engaged to her housekeeper’s daughter, Molly Lindsey, who ran the best coffee shop in town. When Pete delivered mail to Morning Sun Coffee, he was always reluctant to leave, as observed by Brenda more than once. Molly was not a gossip but she gladly listened to his news of events around Sweetfern Harbor.
The sketch artist arrived and Brenda escorted her into the library. They were alone and she closed the door behind them. She opened the small secretary desk for the artist to begin sketching. Brenda settled in one of the nearby paisley armchairs.
“It was hard to see in the darkness,” Brenda said. “The moonlight was the only light coming through. I was startled so much that I only got a quick look at whatever it was. I had a hard time finding the switch for the bedside lamp.”
The woman nodded in sympathy. “I’m sure you were frightened to see someone standing there looking at you. Just give me as much as you can recall.”
Brenda felt the familiar shiver again. “I feel sure it must have been a man. I know it was tall and angular, and it appeared to be a large form.”
“Do you mean he was overweight, or muscular?”
“I mean…solid.” She shook her head, trying to think clearly. “Not overweight, just a large man, or whatever it was.” It dawned on her that he looked strong enough to carry a body by himself up several flights of stairs, if that’s what it took. Brenda asked herself why she couldn’t just admit to the sketch artist she had seen a real man. She didn’t voice her thoughts, not wishing to put more rumors out there. “Yes, he was strong-looking.” The artist glanced at her and then resumed sketching as Brenda provided the few additional details she could remember.
Brenda had tried to put the entire episode from her mind before Mac mentioned sending the artist. Now that she was forced to discuss details, the episode loomed larger in her memory. She wondered if she could ever feel comfortable in the Sheffield Bed and Breakfast again. She was sure she had seen an actual man, but what if the place was truly haunted? Had it been an apparition and not a real man at all? This was no time to second guess herself. The artist was satisfied with the information and showed her finished work to Brenda.
“That does look like what I saw.” Brenda did not like to see it put down on paper – the tall, menacing figure looked strangely lifelike, even in just a pencil sketch.
Brenda showed the police artist to the door and closed it firmly behind her. She turned and leaned against the door. When she looked up, Allie Williams was watching her closely. Brenda’s feeble smile did not reach her eyes.
“My mom told me to tell you she is coming by in a few minutes,” Allie said. “Don’t worry. She isn’t coming to talk about all the stuff going on.”
“That’s good,” Brenda sighed. “I no longer want to talk about any of it.” The teenager noted her boss’s face appeared drawn and was glad her mother was coming to the rescue.
The bright yellow tape was still fastened across the Captain’s Room doorway. Brenda was concerned about how it would look for the other guests passing by, so she called Mac to ask if they could take it down. “We’ll make sure no one goes in there. I’ll lock the door myself.” He finally agreed and right away one of the plain clothes officers went upstairs and removed the caution tape.
Brenda went to her apartment to freshen up before Hope arrived. On her way, she checked that the door to the Captain’s Room was locked. Phyllis was at the end of the hallway putting her broom and dustpan away in the utility closet. Brenda told her not to go into the Captain’s Room or the adjoining room. “Please pass this on to the other staff members.”
“That is one rule no one will have trouble with,” Phyllis replied. “Are you going to rest a little?”
“I’m going to freshen up. Hope is coming by to see me. According to Allie, she isn’t coming to talk about our recent events, so that will be refreshing.”
Phyllis agreed. She turned toward the stairs. “It sounds like Hope is here already.” Voices floated up the stairs so Brenda hurried back to her apartment. When she came downstairs, Hope’s face spread with a huge smile.
“I have big plans for us today,” she said. “I heard you haven’t even picked out your wedding gown. Today is the day.”
&nbs
p; For once, the subject of wedding plans put Brenda in a good mood. “That’s a great idea!”
“We’ll start right here in town. If we don’t find what you want, there are plenty of nearby towns with bridal shops, too. We’ll find the perfect dress even if we have to crisscross all of America to find it.”
For the first time in a while, Brenda laughed. Hope was the light she needed in her life right now. They waved good-bye to Allie and Brenda told her to keep the home fires burning. Allie had no idea what she meant by that, but waved back. She was just glad to see Brenda carefree again.
Brenda and Hope set out walking toward town. The autumn air was crisp and the sun beamed brightly between tree branches that had a few leaves left dangling. They shuffled leaves in their path until the wind picked them up as if to toss them out of their way. “What kind of dress do you think you would like?”
“For starters,” Brenda said, “I had no idea I’d be getting married so late in life and haven’t spent a lot of time thinking about what I should wear.”
“You talk as if you are old,” Hope said. “You’re in your late forties and that’s not old.”
“I’m forty-six to be exact, not in my late forties yet, if you please.” They bantered back and forth like school girls until arriving at the Sweetfern Bridal Boutique. Brenda was astonished at the choices once they started looking. “If I can’t find something here, there is no hope at all.”
“We are just beginning.” Hope suggested a few gowns and the fitting consultant led Brenda to one of the dressing rooms. One more dress, with graceful princess lines, caught Brenda’s eye on the way and she grabbed the gown to take along.
After trying on Hope’s suggestions, Brenda told her she had one more. When she stepped out in the princess gown, Hope gasped at the sight. The skirt billowed out gently from the fitted waist, cascading in a simple but elegant way to the floor. The bodice was covered with delicate lace and matching narrow straps finished the look. The ensemble gave Brenda a youthful look.
“That is the most beautiful one yet,” Hope said.
Brenda felt sure she had found the one but wasn’t ready to purchase just yet. “I will definitely keep this one in mind. It is the style I want but perhaps the skirt is too full. I’m just not sure.”
The consultant assured her she would make a note of that particular gown. “When you are ready, call me and if we don’t have it here, we can order just about anything you like from our larger store in New York City.”
Hope agreed it might be too soon to decide. The fact that Brenda’s spirits were lifted was enough for now. They left the shop and Brenda suggested they stop for one of Hope’s delicious pastries at Sweet Treats.
“I’m all for that,” Hope said with satisfaction.
Brenda couldn’t believe how carefree she felt. Getting out into the crisp New England air gave her a whole new outlook on life. Living along the coastline meant the winters were less harsh than she had experienced growing up in Michigan. From recent experience, she knew winter would hit eventually, but for now she enjoyed being outside under the autumn sun.
“Who did you persuade to take over your shop today?” Brenda asked.
“I knew David was free today and took advantage. I also called in my baker who stays on standby. David agreed though I know he would have preferred taking out his sailboat in the harbor before winter sets in.”
The aroma of freshly baked goodies greeted them. Hope’s husband looked up with a cheerful wave. Hope suggested they sit at a corner table and David came over with two Halloween cupcakes.
“Mary Lynn just finished decorating these and you’re the first to taste them.”
Brenda hid a smile when she noticed the smudged apron tied around his waist. Though out of his element, the newscaster and television personality seemed to be taking it all in stride. She asked him if he had a few minutes to spare. He looked around and said that everything appeared to be running smoothly. Hope agreed.
“I know you were in my tour group last night, David, along with Hope. Did you see anyone who seemed out of place in the group?”
David stated he had not noticed anything unusual. “I remember your great storytelling though. You had us all enraptured.” He laughed. “You even had me believing ghosts were along for the tour in our group.”
Hope didn’t want to spend too much time on this conversation. Her aim was to get Brenda away from the events. Brenda asked her if she had seen anyone who looked out of place.
“I agree with David. I didn’t notice anything different. Except for a few outsiders visiting the town, we recognized most in the group. As he said, we were all caught up in your tales. Everyone seemed to enjoy the experience like we did. Why do you ask?”
“I think the murder was committed by someone who is well-acquainted with the history of the bed and breakfast as well as how the rooms are laid out. I mean, it must be someone who knew all about the previous crimes that took place there. I just found out about that part of Sheffield House when I went to the library and talked with Mrs. Perch.” She took a bite of the inviting cupcake, thinking through her theory. “Whoever did it made sure the body was on that bed during the Halloween festivities and in particular, on the night of the first tour.”
“I’m afraid I can’t help you, Brenda,” David said. “I really wish I had some idea. Have you talked to William Pendleton?” Brenda recalled that William had been present that night, too. “He has lived here his entire life and knows your bed and breakfast very well. He and Randolph were good friends. He is the one most likely to have more ideas about this latest mystery.”
“I hoped to get you away from all of this,” Hope said. “Let’s go do some more shopping.”
Brenda smiled at her. “Don’t worry about me, Hope. Our time together did the trick. You gave me distractions that freed my mind. I don’t feel so hopeless now. I sincerely thank you for that.”
They were interrupted by the hubbub of a large crowd of tourists entering Sweet Treats. Hope looked at Brenda with an apology in her eyes, saying she had to get back to work. Brenda reassured her and told her she planned to go and see William. David looked relieved he had help. He had no idea how to manage more than one or two customers at a time.
Once outside, Brenda called William. He told her he was home and to come now if she wished. When they hung up, she glanced at her watch. It was eleven-forty, so there was surely enough time before lunch to speak with him. Brenda walked to the edge of Sweetfern Harbor until she reached the sprawling grounds surrounding the Pendleton mansion on the hill. Just beyond this vision of beauty she knew the harbor extended out into the sea. She took a deep breath. Only a couple years ago, she had first visited the Pendleton home to investigate Lady Pendleton’s death. It had been an unhappy ending to an unhappy marriage, and William was much happier with Phyllis Lindsay.
When she reached the door, she noted tasteful autumn decorations. A large harvest wreath hung on the dark pine door. Several potted mums flanked the veranda. She wondered which of William’s servants had talent like this.
Immediately after her first knock, the butler opened the door and told her William waited for her in the front parlor.
“Come on in, Brenda. I believe lunch is ready and I’d like for you to join me.” He laughed at her when she quickly looked at her watch. “Don’t mind me. I usually eat a little before noon. I get up early and have an early breakfast and find I can’t wait too long when lunch time nears.”
Brenda accepted his invitation. After her meager breakfast and the one cupcake at Sweet Treats, she realized she was hungry, too. William teased her about escaping the bed and breakfast.
“Business at the Sheffield got you running ragged? A devil of a time keeping up with guests who seem to disappear like...dare I say it, ghosts? No, no, I don’t blame you for taking a break, Brenda. And please don’t take offense, Phyllis tells me I tease too much.” He winked at Brenda. “I know she likes it when I do that. But back to business…has Mac made any p
rogress on the case?”
Brenda told him about giving a description to the sketch artist earlier. “I’m hoping I gave them enough to help move the case along.”
“I suppose you’ll get right to it with those detectives down there.”
Brenda shook her head. “I told Mac I would answer any questions, but frankly, William, I’m beginning to feel the same way about Halloween as Mac does. It’s not for me. I wish I had agreed to two tour nights at most.” She laughed softly. “I guess I should be glad the first night went so well...at least until the episode. I didn’t expect that many people to come.”
William led her through the house to the dining room. “It’s a testament to your good business sense, Brenda. Your uncle, my dear friend, may he rest in peace, would have been proud of you.” He smiled at her fondly, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he thought back to older times. He pulled out her chair politely for her. “A little nonsense with a mummy was simply bad luck, I’m sure the rest of the tours will make this a smashing success for the bed and breakfast.”
William turned to speak to his butler and Brenda settled into the plush, mahogany chair, trying to take comfort in his words.
Chapter Six
William Pendleton
As they were served sparkling water and tea by the butler before lunch, Brenda marveled at her surroundings. The Pendleton house was the most sumptuously decorated home she had ever entered. The décor and artwork on the walls spoke of the nautical history of the Sweetfern Harbor area, with other fine art objects placed just right throughout. The sparkle of the cut-crystal glasses and gleam of the polished silverware on the table spoke of the refined taste and heritage of her host’s family.
“I believe we’ll be having salmon for our lunch,” William said. “If you wish something else I’m sure my chef will get it for you.”
“I love salmon.” She tried not to gape when the salad course was set in front of her. It consisted of wilted kale with bacon and a poached egg. The dressing was blue cheese, a favorite. It was the presentation that caught her eye, the care and precision that went into the placement of each leaf and garnish. She waited until William reached for his salad fork so she could double-check that she knew which fork to use, too. They didn’t have long before the salmon dishes were then placed in front of them. “This all looks delicious,” Brenda gushed. “Do you know I had never eaten risotto before I moved here?” She looked with delight at the salmon filet plated on a delicate bed of creamy rice, with a savory mustard sauce drizzled on top.
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