Zee Town Paranormal Cozy Mystery - Complete Series Omnibus: Books 1 - 6

by K E O'Connor

  “Don’t forget that I helped you close those cases,” I said.

  “But you put yourself in danger when doing it,” Nick said. “That’s what I’m paid to do. Face off with the bad guys and put them away, not chase around after you, hoping you haven’t got yourself in trouble again.”

  “That’s never my intention. I just like—”

  “To keep the town and its zombies safe. Yeah, I get it.”

  I walked along in silence for a few minutes. Nick and Stool accompanied me. The balmy summer evening scattered beams of light across the park and over the town. It looked so beautiful, the whitewashed cottages appearing to glow in the sunlight, and the sound of the sea in the distance.

  When I looked at Nick, he was staring at me. “What’s wrong?” I wiped my mouth, thinking I had leftover dinner smeared around my lips.

  “Are you happy here?”

  I blinked in surprise. “Why do you ask?”

  “Don’t leave Zee Town,” Nick said. “I know things are different now the theme park is here, but if you go, it won’t be the same.”

  “We all need to take a break.” That was something I thought I’d never say about Zee Town. My stomach ached as I considered turning my back on the town and all its wonderful weirdness.

  “Do you have any family you can visit?” Nick asked. “You could take a break with them.”

  I shook my head. “Mom and Dad are gone. So is my brother. It’s only me left.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that. I don’t have many family members left, either,” Nick said. “I lost a few in the uprising, but we were never a large family. Some of them were also in the police. They lost their lives tackling the uprising before we worked out how to get rid of rabid zombies.”

  “That sounds tough. I’ve got distant cousins somewhere up north. We haven’t spoken in years. For all I know, they might have become zombies. We’re a small family, too, made smaller by the uprising.” I spread my arms out. “It sometimes feels as if my real family, Jen, Selina, Laura, even Stool, are living here.”

  “Real family is created by the people you surround yourself with. The people who are always there for you, no matter what foolhardy things you do.”

  I looked at Nick and felt the urge to hug him. I glanced at my feet. This was one of those awkward, uncertain conversations I’d been having with Nick recently, where he’d open up and share things, and I had no idea how to respond.

  I stopped walking and studied the fence. “How’s it looking to you?”

  Nick glanced at the fence and back to me. “It looks great.” He leaned forward and brushed his lips against my cheek. “Be happy, Cassie. Don’t leave Zee Town. We wouldn’t know what to do without you.”

  I looked into Nick’s pale blue eyes. “I’m doing my best.” My voice wobbled.

  Nick gave a nod and stepped back. “I’ll see you tomorrow. Enjoy your date with Archer.”

  I opened my mouth to speak, but Nick was already walking away with Stool. Why was he being nice to me? Surely, he’d be glad if I left Zee Town. It would be one less hassle for him to deal with.

  My phone chirped in my pocket. I pulled it out, my gaze still on Nick and Stool as they walked toward the main gate.

  I answered the call without looking at the display.

  “Cassie! It’s Councilman Tapping. I wanted a quick chat about an idea I’ve had for the park opening.”

  “Councilman Tapping, how are you?” I repressed a sigh and turned away from Nick. Of course, the park. That was the problem. That was why I was thinking it might be time for a big change. A change that no longer involved Zee Town.

  Chapter 17

  After my tiresome call with Councilman Tapping ended, my thoughts returned to Edward’s murder.

  I had to act fast. If Finlay was suspicious I was onto him, he could leave town before I had a chance to find out just how involved he was. If he was the killer, I’d make sure he paid for what he’d done, no matter how good his connections were.

  I hurried to my cottage, changed into some black pants and a dark colored shirt, and slipped out, a torch in hand. I should be getting to bed early. With the park opening tomorrow, I’d need every ounce of energy to keep me going. But I wouldn’t be able to sleep anyway, thinking about all the things that might go wrong. This was a better use of my time.

  Taking a back way through the alleyways toward the harbor, I kept to the shadows. There weren’t many people around, most of them tucked up inside their houses. I only had to hide a couple of times as late night dog walkers strode along the streets and almost spotted me.

  I reached the private moorings and looked around, making sure no one would spot me sneaking down Finlay’s jetty. As I neared the yacht, I spotted a warm amber light from below deck. If Finlay was home, he was already inside, most likely with Josephine for company. I wasn’t sure who I felt sorrier for. They deserved each other.

  Another quick check around, and I hopped aboard Storm Breaker. I wasn’t sure what I was looking for; some sign Edward had been on the yacht, maybe the remains of blood from the wound he’d received. Anything to direct suspicion away from Danny.

  Zombies don’t bleed like humans. Their blood was a more tar-like consistency and a darker color. It was hard to get out of any fabric it stained. If Finlay had killed Edward here and moved the body, there was a chance of evidence left behind.

  I started at the back of the yacht, checking the cream cushions and throws, turning each of them over and sweeping the torch over them to see if I could spot blood.

  I checked over my shoulder to make sure I wasn’t being watched, then continued my search along one side of the yacht, being careful to keep my torchlight focused on the railings.

  A grim thought entered my head. Maybe Finlay had tried to throw Edward overboard, but he’d clung on. Finlay decided to finish the job himself and then dumped the body. The idea chilled my blood as I continued my journey along the yacht. Zombies had rights just like humans. Edward didn’t deserve to die.

  A door opening made me pause. Josephine emerged from below deck. She was still in a bikini and high heels. She lit a cigarette and inhaled deeply, a bored expression on her face as she looked out onto the dark waters.

  There was nowhere to hide. I could do nothing but shrink into the shadows and hope Josephine didn’t turn around and spot me.

  After a few tense moments, Josephine stubbed out her cigarette, tossed it into the water, and returned below deck.

  I took a few deep breaths, realizing I hadn’t inhaled in some time and was lightheaded. I waited another moment and then continued my search.

  The railings were pristine, the deck spotless, and I found no traces of human or zombie blood anywhere. I needed to get below and see if there was anything useful down there.

  I peered through a window. Finlay lounged on a couch, his arms above his head, and his eyes half-shut. Josephine sat opposite him on a huge circular chair, surrounded by cushions, a glass of champagne in one hand.

  There was no way I’d be able to get in there without being spotted.

  I’d seen another entrance hatch at the opposite end of the yacht. Maybe it was for deliveries or crew to use. That would get me below deck. I could look around in the kitchen, maybe even the sleeping quarters.

  I tiptoed to the other end of the yacht and shone my torch on the hatch. I was figuring out how to open it, when an arm wrapped around my waist and a hand clamped over my mouth.

  I was dragged backwards.

  Letting out a squeak of alarm, I bit the hand over my mouth. It tasted of metal and faintly of dog.

  My attacker grunted in a very masculine way, but didn’t let go. He simply tightened his hold on my waist and continued pulling me off the deck and onto the jetty.

  Had Finlay spotted me and was going to throw me into the water, just as he did with his used up zombies? My heart raced, making my head pound as I panicked and kicked, trying to get free.

  I struggled in my attacker’s grip and kicked bac
k several more times, until one of the frantic kicks made contact with a shin bone.

  I was about to shove my elbow into my attacker’s stomach when a familiar sounding bark began.

  I stopped struggling and turned my head. Stool was standing there, confusion on his furry face.

  “Stay quiet and he might not notice you,” a male voice whispered in my ear.

  I stopped fighting. Nick was my attacker!

  After a second, he dropped his hand from my mouth, and I saw the indentations of my teeth on his skin. “Why did you do that?” I whispered.

  Nick didn’t speak, simply pointed to the top of the yacht. Finlay stood there, a harpoon resting against one hip as he scanned the water.

  My blood ran cold. “How did he get up there?”

  “He must have access from inside the yacht. You’re lucky he didn’t see you.”

  “Was he going to use that on me?”

  “Finlay likes to hunt seals,” Nick said. “There have been reports on the radio of a pod of seals near the harbor. I imagine that’s what he’s actually hunting. That doesn’t mean he won’t use it on you if he caught you breaking into his yacht. What are trying to do? Didn’t I warn you off him?”

  “Finlay hunt seals!” I turned to look at Nick. “Why would anybody want to hunt seals? They’re beautiful animals. They’re—”

  “That’s not the point,” Nick said. “Why were you breaking into his yacht?”

  “To get evidence he killed Edward,” I whispered. “He’s shady. Finlay would think nothing of doing away with a zombie if that particular zombie got in his way or was no longer of use to him.”

  “The same goes for the people who interfere in Finlay’s private affairs and try to damage his property,” Nick muttered. “I told you, Finlay Canfield isn’t a man to cross. If he had seen you on deck, at the very least, he’d have contacted me and had you arrested. He would insist you lose your job. I’m sure the Council would agree to that. And the worst-case scenario is that he could have harpooned you like one of the seals.”

  My mouth went dry. “He’d never do that. And if he did, you’d make sure he paid.”

  “Not if I didn’t know about it,” Nick said. “The waters around here are treacherous. Your body would have been dragged out to sea before anyone knew what happened. Finlay would have sailed off into the sunset. You’d just be a missing person.”

  A wave of nausea ran through me. “Maybe you’re right. This wasn’t my smartest idea.”

  Nick sighed. “No kidding! Now, let’s get out of here before Finlay spots us and makes us into sushi.” He grabbed my elbow and propelled me along the jetty, Stool sticking by our side the whole time.

  Neither of us spoke until we were at the main harbor, well away from Finlay’s boat and his harpoon gun.

  “How did you know I’d be there?” I asked Nick, shaking off his grip.

  “Because I know you,” Nick said. “I recognized the stubborn look in your eyes when we spoke about Finlay and I asked you to leave him alone. I knew you wouldn’t be able to resist poking your nose in. And I know that leads to trouble.”

  “You staked out Finlay’s yacht in the hope I might stop by this evening?” I asked.

  Nick shrugged. “Actually, I decided to tail you this evening after you left the theme park. It’s easier to keep track of your movements that way.”

  “You’re stalking me!”

  “I’m not stalking you.” Nick shook his head. “I’m trying to keep you safe. And as you’ve just experienced, you need all the help you can get. Finlay will ruin your life if he finds out what you’re up to.”

  “What if he’s guilty?”

  “He’s not,” Nick said.

  “How can you be so certain?”

  “I’ve asked around about his whereabouts when Edward was killed,” Nick said. “It is possible to make discreet inquiries without breaking into someone’s residence or confronting them and accusing them of murder.”

  My nose wrinkled. “Finlay has an alibi?”

  “He does,” Nick said. “I’ve had several eyewitness accounts of his whereabouts at the time of Edward’s murder. It’s not Finlay. Drop this manhunt against him before it gets you in trouble.”

  “Aren’t I already in trouble?” I asked. “After all, you’ve just discovered me trying to break into somebody’s yacht.”

  “You’re right. I should arrest you and have you charged,” Nick said with a rueful smile. “On this occasion, you get off with a stern warning. On one condition.”

  “Which is?”

  “You don’t bother Finlay again,” Nick said. “In fact, stay out of this investigation. I’m pursuing the line of inquiry regarding Danny. As the evidence against him increases, it’s only a matter of time before he’s charged.”

  “It can’t be Danny!” I said.

  “Danny’s young. He could have made a mistake. It happens. Not everyone’s as innocent as they first appear to be,” Nick said.

  “You should try applying that logic to Finlay,” I muttered.

  “Go home, Cassie,” he said. “I imagine you’ll have a busy day tomorrow.”

  I looked back at the yachts, just able to make out their outlines in the dark. “You’re sure it wasn’t Finlay?”

  Nick grabbed my elbow again. “I can see you can’t be trusted. Let me escort you home and make sure you can’t get yourself into any more trouble.”

  “I don’t need an escort.” I shoved his hand away.

  “It’s either that or I take you to the police station and have you arrested for trespassing,” Nick said.

  I looked up into his face and saw the determined glint in his eyes. There was no point arguing with Nick. I hadn’t found any evidence on the yacht. And since Finlay had an alibi, it couldn’t be him. I’d been so certain he was involved, though.

  “Fine, take me home,” I mumbled.

  This mystery had me stumped, but I wasn’t ready to give up just yet.

  Chapter 18

  Even though it was two hours until opening time, the crowds outside the theme park gate were already awake. Excited chatter filtered from beyond the fence.

  I’d been at the park since five o’clock, unable to sleep as different options of how the opening day would go had rumbled through my head. Plus, there was the embarrassing run in with Nick last night that kept playing through my thoughts.

  I stood outside the office, a cup of tea in one hand and Zara by my side, as we surveyed the growing crowds.

  Hot sugar, engine oil, and sun cream hung in the air as the sun heated the day. There was a mugginess to the atmosphere, suggesting we wouldn’t have many more glorious days before a thunderstorm washed away the heat.

  As long as it held for today, that was all I cared about. It could rain for the rest of the year, providing we had good weather for the opening.

  Zara raised a trembling hand toward the crowd. “Lots of people.”

  “They won’t bother you,” I said. “They’re here for the rides and the ice cream. You stay in the office if you don’t want to deal with anybody and keep an eye on what people are putting online. That will be helpful.”

  “Stay in the office,” Zara said, giving a small nod as she lowered her arm.

  “I’m going to be out and about most of the day, making sure everything is going to plan and our tourists are behaving themselves. Too many rides and too much candyfloss can make even the sanest person lose control.” I smiled at Zara. “There’s nothing to worry about; you’re safe here.”

  Danny hurried over. I was pleased to see him. I’d wondered if all the hassle from Nick would send him into hiding.

  He had a smile on his face and a determined look in his eyes. “The ghoul train is ready to go.”

  “I’m glad to hear it,” I said. “There’ll be a queue of eager customers in no time.”

  Danny nodded. “Thanks for letting me work today. I’d have understood if you decided it was best if I wasn’t here, given what’s going on.”

>   “You’re welcome here, you know that,” I said. “Keep the crowds happy and the ghoul train running. That’s all I care about.”

  “Thanks again, Cassie,” Danny said. “You’re the best.”

  “Will I get to meet your girlfriend today?” I couldn’t resist asking.

  Danny’s brow wrinkled. “My girlfriend?”

  “Yes. Is she coming to see you at work? She can have a free go on the ghoul train. I won’t say anything if you sneak her onto the ride.”

  “I don’t know who you mean.” Danny twisted a ring on his finger. “What makes you think I have a girlfriend?”

  “I heard you were seeing somebody,” I said. “She’s welcome here. Do I know her?” I was prying, but I wanted to get a reaction out of Danny, make him slip up and reveal what he was really doing on the night of Edward’s murder.

  “You’ve been talking to Nick,” Danny said with a frown. “He was asking me about who I was seeing. Did you put the idea in his head that I’m dating somebody?”

  “What if you are?” I stepped toward him and lowered my voice. “If she’s married, we won’t hold it against you. Don’t think you need to cover for her just because you might give her a bad name.”

  Danny rubbed his forehead. “I’m not. I mean, she’s not married. I would never do that. It’s not cool to cheat.”

  “So, you are seeing someone!”

  “Wait! I didn’t say that.” His brow wrinkled.

  “What are you hiding, then?” I couldn’t hide my frustration. “Don’t you realize how serious this is?”

  “I know how serious it is,” Danny said flatly. “You have to do these things, sometimes. Things that don’t always feel good.”

  “Like going to prison,” I said. “Whoever hurt Edward needs to pay for it. If they don’t realize they’ve done something wrong, what’s stopping them from doing it again?”

  “Because that person might have made a mistake.” Danny sighed. “Because they didn’t mean to do it. It was an accident and they’re sorry. Because I care about this person. I want to keep them safe.”