by K E O'Connor
My heart thudded. Did Nick Morton send me this card?
Chapter 14
The next day was chilly and gray. I struggled to focus on my work and kept staring out the office window, trying to figure out why Nick had sent me a Valentine’s card.
With a sigh, I shoved the card into my desk drawer, having taken it out repeatedly to look at it. I couldn’t make sense of this unexpected discovery.
Nick and I spent our time together arguing or getting on each other’s nerves. It was madness for him to send me a card. I must be making a mistake. The fur I found in the card couldn’t be from Stool. Even if it was his, Stool was a friendly dog. His fur got around.
My desk phone rang, making me jump. I grabbed it. “Good Morning. Zee Town’s Tourism and Cultural Center.”
“Cassie! It’s lovely to hear your voice.”
I recognized the caller. It was Councilman Richard Tapping. He oversaw the finances of Zee Town. “Councilman Tapping. I hope you’re keeping well.”
“Naturally, I’m most well. How is our lovely town? Did your little Valentine’s fling go with a bang?”
I bit back a sarcastic retort. The Valentine’s fling had raised ten thousand for Zee Town. “It was a great success. You should visit one year and come to the event.”
“Ah, Council work keeps me busy. I barely get to visit the town once a year as it is. Making time to come to a dance is out of the question.”
“Well, another event,” I said, not minding if he never set foot in Zee Town. When Councilman Tapping called, he only ever had money on his mind. That usually meant extra work for me.
“When the theme park opens, a visit will be in order,” Councilman Tapping said.
“Theme park?” The words caught in my throat.
“Yes. As you know, we’ve been discussing the opportunity Zee Town presents to open a zombie themed park. It’s a popular option with other Council members. Plus, the population surveys we’ve conducted suggest the park will bring in significant additional revenue.”
“It’s still just an idea? You will consult with the residents of Zee Town before you make any further progress? Speaking on behalf of a number of residents, we have concerns about a theme park. It may cheapen the work we do here.” That was an understatement. A theme park in Zee Town would be a noisy nightmare.
“We’re aware of the concerns. Of course, we will be happy to address them. And there’ll be significant financial compensation due to the town.”
I gritted my teeth. “We’re not concerned with the financial side of things—”
“The theme park also presents you with a wonderful opportunity.”
“It does?”
“Your excellent work with the cultural and tourism activities is well known and highly regarded.”
“I appreciate the compliment,” I said cautiously. He was up to something.
“We’re seeking someone with the right experience and expertise to run the theme park.”
“I’m sure there will be lots of candidates if the park opens,” I said. “It will be years before you even make a decision about the park. Recruiting staff seems premature.”
“I consider that a technicality. We need somebody on the ground to lay the foundations and consolidate the idea of a theme park.”
My stomach flipped over. “Consolidate?”
“Someone to convince residents how incredible the park will be.”
“Oh! They’ll have a tough job on their hands.”
He chuckled. “We’d like you to consider the role of park manager.”
A headache began behind my eyes as I took in what Councilman Tapping had offered me. “Park manager?”
“You’ll receive a significantly higher wage and more responsibility. It’ll be a big promotion for you.” Councilman Tapping’s tone was just the wrong side of smug. “You should be honoured we’re considering you.”
“I don’t know what to say.” I was so shocked the Council wanted me to lead on something they knew I hated.
“Your name was mentioned several times as an ideal candidate. I wanted to broach the subject with you and see what you thought before we make anything official,” Councilman Tapping said.
“I love my work in Zee Town,” I spluttered out.
“That’s right! And think what you could do with the extra money the theme park generates,” Councilman Tapping said. “I might even arrange for you to have sole discretion over that particular pot of money. You could implement improvements in the town. Perhaps expand the shelter run from our former offices or build new accommodation for the zombies. You know best what the town needs. Imagine what you can achieve if you take on this role.”
My thoughts spun and conflict tore through me. Having access to the extra money would be incredible, but at what cost? Could I sell my soul to the Council and their hideous theme park for the benefit of residents?
“I can tell this is something of a surprise,” Councilman Tapping said, after a short pause. “I’ll leave you with the proposition. We can liaise in the near future and discuss it in detail.”
“Time to think is appreciated,” I said, my thoughts still reeling.
“Keep well, Cassie. Speak to you soon.” We said our goodbyes, and I hung up, before putting my head in my hands.
This was ridiculous. The Council couldn’t expect me to get on board with the theme park.
I looked at Zara as she checked off an event inventory list. I could do so much for our zombies if we had additional funding. We did okay as it was, but with more money we could increase the number of zombies we took in, have dedicated rehabilitation centers, even trial programs to see what kind of stimulation improves a zombie’s mental capacities.
This was an incredible opportunity. I couldn’t discount it straight away, despite my gut telling me I would be a sell out if I worked for the Council at their horrible theme park.
I was relieved when evening rolled around. I could give up any pretence of working and go to the monthly Spooks and Kooks book club. Tonight, we were having our get together at Jen’s cottage, two lanes over from my own home.
I needed other people to distract from the confusing thoughts about Grant, Nick potentially sending me a Valentine’s card, the Council offering me a new job, and our missing zombies.
“Let’s get started.” Jen settled on her multi-colored couch and placed a plate of muffins on the table. “What did people think of The Shining?”
I looked at my feet, realizing I hadn’t gotten halfway through the book. I loved a good horror novel, but I’d been so distracted by work.
“I didn’t get the Red Rum bit to begin with,” Laura said. “That was clever, and so simple when you think about it.”
“Oh, I picked that up straightaway,” Selina said. “It was sneaky. The whole book was creepy and atmospheric.”
“Yes, I enjoyed it, too,” Jen said.
A silence descended in the room.
I looked up to see everyone watching me.
“Cassie, what did you think?” Jen asked.
“I, um, well, I like the main character.” I’d been caught not paying attention.
“What was the main character called?” Laura arched an eyebrow.
I twisted a piece of hair around my fingers. “She was called—”
“You haven’t read it,” Selina said with a sigh. “What’s the point of having a book club if you don’t read the book?”
“No, I have read the book,” I said. “I meant it was a man. That crazy writer guy who goes chasing around the hotel with an axe.”
“Well done. You only remember that because you’ve seen the movie,” Selina said.
She was right. My book had lain untouched by the side of my bed for days.
“Out with it.” Laura shut her copy of the book. “You’ve got something on your mind.”
“It’s more than one thing.” I looked around the group.
“Selina filled us in on what happened with The Flounder.” Jen struggled to
suppress her laughter.
“I thought I smelt haddock when you came in.” Laura grinned at me.
“Hey! Not fair.” I sniffed my hair, which only made everyone laugh harder.
“You don’t smell at all fishy.” Laura patted my knee.
“I did shower.” I glowered at her. “After our encounter with The Flounder, I had a visit from Nick. The Flounder wants to press charges against me for breaking and entering.”
“He’s not going to do that, is he?” Selina’s already pale face drained of color. “Is he charging me as well?”
“No, I talked him round. Nick’s not taking The Flounder’s word seriously. He’s even going to look into how The Flounder’s treating his remaining zombie deck hands.”
“You found nothing useful about the missing zombies on his boat?” Laura asked.
“Nothing,” I said. “Maybe it isn’t him.”
“Which leaves us with Bill,” Laura said. “I didn’t pick up anything useful when I was asking around. Nobody knows where he is, other than the fact he’s out of town. When I suggested he might be up to something strange, people seemed surprised. Bill’s always been straight-laced. I can’t imagine him misusing our zombies.”
“What about Seth?” I looked at Jen. “Did you have success finding anything incriminating about him?”
“Nothing,” Jen said. “I even took a look at a couple of warehouse units that were empty, but they were locked. After a poke around, they showed no signs of recent use. I don’t think Seth’s involved.”
“So, it must be Bill,” I said. “He wouldn’t have taken the zombies with him, would he?”
“To do what?” Laura asked. “We need to look elsewhere.”
I slumped in my seat and covered my face with my hands. “There’s something else that’s on my mind. It’s not just the zombie problem.” I peered through my fingers at the group. “I had a call from Councilman Tapping.”
“What did he want?” Jen asked.
“He was talking about the theme park.”
“They’re not going to let that idea go, you know,” Laura said. “As much as I hate the prospect, we might have to accept that we have the wretched thing in Zee Town.”
“Not in the town itself, though,” Jen said, alarm on her face. “I might be able to deal with one outside of town, but having all those crowds and hyperactive kids dashing around will ruin the tranquillity. I don’t mind the tourists coming during the summer season and when Cassie holds an event. A theme park will mean year round visitors. We’d never have any peace. Neither will the zombies. They’d hide in the shelter or at home, too stressed by the crowds to do anything else.”
I nodded. “Laura’s right. The Council’s not giving up on the theme park plan. The worst thing is, well, they’re interested in me running the park and getting everybody on side with the idea.”
Silence drifted around the room.
Laura cleared her throat. “A new job?”
Jen’s nose wrinkled. “You hate the theme park idea.”
Selina chewed on a piece of muffin. “Better you than some stranger.”
I shrugged. “Is it such a terrible idea if I run this park if we have to have one?”
“Yes, it’s an awful idea,” Jen said. “You won’t be able to run the park and do the town events.”
I was usually rushed off my feet looking after our cultural events. Managing an enormous theme park would involve dozens of staff. I’d have to look after all of them, as well as oversee the park itself.
“Do you want this job, Cassie?” Laura asked. “It sounds like a big promotion for you.”
“It does. And the park will bring extra income for Zee Town. Councilman Tapping said I can have free rein over what we do with that extra money.”
“You still can’t take the job,” Jen muttered.
“Maybe I should,” I said. “Jen, think about it. You can have an extra shelter. You’re always in need of more room for the zombies who don’t have anybody to look after them. And Selina, what about a specialist rehab center for you? With this extra money, we can bring in new equipment, extra staff, and get specialist training for everybody else.”
“It sounds as if you’re convincing yourself this is a good idea,” Laura said. “Are you excited by the thought of becoming a theme park manager?”
I shrugged. “It will be a new challenge for me.”
“What about the events you run here?” Jen asked. “They’re challenging. They keep you busy, and you love them. Zee Town won’t be the same if you aren’t looking after our cultural activities.”
I broke apart a muffin and placed a piece in my mouth, taking my time to chew as I considered the options. “Honestly, my gut’s telling me a theme park in Zee Town isn’t a good idea. I’m sure the Council will dig their heels in over this. If we’re going to have one, it’s best we have someone familiar with Zee Town. Someone who cares about the zombies. Imagine if we got someone who has no understanding or appreciation of placid zombies. They could ruin the rest of the town. Also, if they’re in charge of the money, they could plow it back into the park and make it bigger.”
The group was silent as they considered the possibilities.
“There’s not an awful lot we can do about the theme park,” Selina said. “The Council usually gets what it wants.”
“So, what should I do?” I asked.
“Focus on something we can make an impact on,” Selina said. “Our missing zombies.”
I breathed out a sigh of relief. “I agree. I’ve had an idea about that. We should start at the beach, since that’s where Phil was found. We can comb that area first, then split up and talk to different business owners who have lost zombie employees. Let’s jog their memories and see if there’s a connection between the missing zombies.”
“We’ll need to dress for the cold,” Laura said. “I’ll bring warm drinks and snacks to keep us going. The beach in February isn’t a joyful place to be.”
“How about we meet tomorrow at two o’clock? That’ll give us a couple of hours of daylight to do a sweep of the beach. If nothing useful shows up, we can plan our visits to the stores,” I said.
“I can shut the surgery early,” Selina said. “I don’t have any urgent patients booked for the afternoon.”
“I’ll get Debbie to look after the afternoon shift at the diner,” Laura said. “It won’t get busy until dinner time. She’ll be fine on her own.”
“My salon ladies will be okay if I shut early,” Jen said. “So we’re decided, zombie search and rescue party tomorrow?”
I looked around the group, and they nodded in agreement.
“Now that’s sorted,” Jen said, “perhaps we can have a go at the book club?” She picked up her copy of The Shining and brandished it in the air.
I nodded but sat back in my seat. We might have a plan to help find our zombies, but I was still undecided about the theme park. Did I want a new job? Not really. I also didn’t want a stranger coming in and turning the town into a trashy theme park resort. And as for the Valentine’s card from Nick, I hadn’t been able to mention it, although I desperately needed advice.
Nick’s card was one complication I’d have to sort on my own.
Chapter 15
I was wrapped in a T-shirt, shirt, sweater, and coat, with thick socks, knee-high boots, and thermal leggings on under my pants. I also had on an enormous hat with ear flaps, a scarf, and gloves.
I looked like I was going on a trip to the North Pole, but I wanted to spend as much time as possible on the beach trying to find clues about our missing zombies and didn’t want the freezing winter blasts from the sea putting me off.
I sent Zara home early, locked the office, and headed to the harborside, where I’d arranged to meet Jen, Selina, and Laura.
As I approached, I spotted the enormous bag of goodies Laura had brought with her. You could always rely on Laura to bring great snacks.
“Where shall we start?” Jen’s voice was muffled by the
bright red scarf wrapped around her head.
“If we go to the place where Phil’s body was found, we can work our way along the beach toward the caves,” I said. “It’s about two miles, so we should be able to cover that before it gets dark.”
The four of us trooped onto the beach and over to the spot where Phil had been discovered. We stood around the area, our heads down, all taking a moment to remember Phil.
“Let’s spread out in a line,” I said. “The police do that when they’re looking for somebody.”
“How would you know that?” Jen asked.
“I watch TV. They use police consultants who advise them on how to make a scene look realistic,” I said.
The others seemed to like the idea, so we spread out and began a slow walk along the beach.
The wind from the sea was bitingly cold. Even though I was wrapped up, my nose numbed within minutes. I kept my focus on the ground, looking for any evidence from our missing zombies.
In truth, I wasn’t even certain what we were looking for. Since Phil had been found here, maybe the other zombies had also been brought to the beach.
My gaze lifted to the gray churning waves, and I shuddered, hoping the zombies hadn’t ended up in there. Zombies couldn’t swim.
I discovered soggy streamers and deflated heart-shaped balloons discarded from the Valentine’s Day dance, alongside some pretty shells to go on my trinkets, all of which I scooped up. I didn’t want the wildlife thinking the streamers and balloons were food and try to eat them.
I regarded one of the shriveled hearts in my hand. It looked like a rather sad testament to my love life. Then I remembered my upcoming date with Grant and smiled.
“Have you found anything useful?” Jen marched over, swinging her arms.
“Just leftovers from the dance.”
“Why are you smiling?” Jen asked.
I hadn’t told Jen about my date or my secret Valentine. “Grant asked me out.”
“Oooooh! How exciting. He’s a fast mover. I thought you were getting along well at the dance.”