Danger in the Depths (Dune House Cozy Mystery Series Book 9)

by Cindy Bell

The further she walked, the more she wondered if she was mistaken about Jim coming out this way. Even if he was diving there should be some sign of him being there. She was just about to turn back, when she heard a splash from behind a pile of rocks. The rocks were stacked high enough to shield from view whatever was happening beyond them. She held her breath as she crept forward. She wanted to see Jim, before he saw her. As she rounded the rocks she got a full view of him, as he slung water from his hair and rose up out of the water. Her eyes widened as she took in the sight of every inch of his skin. Jim was a very fit man, and though she hadn’t noticed before, she now realized that he was quite muscular as well. She was so stunned by discovering him in the nude that she couldn’t look away as he began to turn back towards the shore.

  “Oh!” He laughed. “Suzie, you startled me.” He covered himself and backed up towards the rocks. “I didn’t expect anyone to be out here.”

  “I’m sorry.” She blinked as she realized she was staring, and backed away from the edge of the water. Only then did she notice his clothes neatly folded on one of the rocks.

  “Would you mind?” He gestured to a towel on the rock beside his clothes. Her heart raced as she did her best not to look at him. She grabbed the towel and held it out to him as she looked away. “I’m sorry about this, really. I expected to be alone.” He wrapped the towel around his waist and walked out of the water. She was so flustered she could barely bring herself to speak, but finally managed to put some words together.

  “This is not a nude beach, Jim.”

  “I realize that. Are you going to call the cops on me?” He laughed. The laughter faded when she didn’t respond. “Suzie, I’m sorry. I’m used to being on beaches where nudity is allowed. Honestly, whenever I’m feeling down, I go for a swim in the nude. It’s so refreshing. Have you ever tried it?”

  “That’s not the point.”

  “Hm. You should try it some time. It feels like every trouble you have is being washed away. Cleansed.”

  She glanced over at him for a moment. Was the swim his way of cleansing himself after murdering his friend? “I’m sure it is, but I’m familiar with what a jellyfish sting feels like.”

  “Oh absolutely.” He laughed. “I’ve experienced that, too. But, it’s still worth it. Anyway, I’m sorry again. I didn’t mean to disturb you this way.”

  “It’s all right.”

  “What are you doing all the way out here anyway? I hunted this place down thinking it would be private enough.”

  “I was actually looking for you.”

  “Well, you certainly found me.” He raised an eyebrow.

  “Yes, I did.” Suzie laughed and dared to meet his eyes. His sparkled, as if he was more amused by her discomfort than by getting caught. “We’re having a bonfire tonight, for all of our guests. It’s just a way we’d like to relieve some of the tension in the house, and also to honor Curtis. He loved to have bonfires on the beach.”

  “Yes, he was always a firebug.” He nodded, and the amusement in his eyes faded. “I do miss that man.”

  “I’m sure you do, Jim. I hope you’ll join us tonight, at sunset.”

  “Yes, I think I will.”

  “Great. I’ll see you then.” She cleared her throat.

  “Less of me.” Jim winked. “I promise.”

  “Yes, that would probably be best.” Suzie felt her cheeks heat up as she turned away. It was hard to get the image of Jim rising out of the water out of her mind. However, the more she thought about his behavior the more strange she thought it was. Was it really normal to swim in the nude when you were grieving for a friend? She’d done some wild things in her life, but those two activities didn’t seem to blend together to her. She reminded herself not to judge.

  Mary walked into the dining room and spotted Hal and Trish out on the deck on the side of the house. Since the door had been repaired the space was being utilized more. She opened the door to the deck just as Hal wrapped his arms around his wife.

  “You know I’ll always love you.” He stared into her eyes. “No matter what you put me through.”

  “You’re going to have to forgive me properly one day, Hal.”

  “Probably.” He looked up as Mary stepped through the door. “Mary.” He nodded as he stepped away from Trish.

  “I’m sorry to interrupt. I wanted to let you know that we’re going to have a bonfire tonight and I would like for you to be there. This is still your vacation, even though it’s been hindered by tragedy. I feel like we’ve all been waiting for the murder to be solved, but we think this is a nice way to honor Curtis, and I think we are still entitled to enjoy some of the beauty that this place has to offer. Will you be there?”

  “I don’t know.” Trish looked out over the water. “It might be awkward.”

  “It won’t be. It’s about joining together. I know the investigation is still ongoing, but just for one night I want to see if we can let go of that, and bask in the moonlight. At least come and see how it feels. If it isn’t comfortable you can always leave.”

  “Won’t that make me look even more guilty?” Hal rolled his eyes. “It seems to me that if I sneeze I’m one step away from handcuffs.”

  “That’s the point of the bonfire. To help everyone relax a little, and to remind us that we’re all here to enjoy each other’s company and honor Curtis.”

  “I’ll think about it.” Hal took Trish’s hand. “It might be nice to spend some time beside a fire on the beach, don’t you think?”

  “I think it’s ridiculous.” Trish turned back to face Mary. “We’re talking about the same beach where Curtis died. Don’t you think that’s a little morbid?”

  “I don’t think so. Curtis loved the water. I think it would be a nice way to honor him.”

  “Even if the killer is among those honoring him?” Trish narrowed her eyes. “Someone here did it.”

  “We don’t know that. All we know is that Curtis lost his life long before he should have.”

  “I guess you’re right about that.” Trish shrugged. “We’ll be there.”

  “All right, good.” Mary smiled at them both, then walked around to the front porch. As she reached it, Suzie climbed up the front steps.

  “Well?”

  “I’ve spoken to Trish, and Hal. I think they are going to be there.”

  “I spoke to Ben and he is going to talk to Cathy and Rick.”

  “Great,” Mary said. “Did you find Jim?”

  “Yes I did.” Suzie hoped her cheeks weren’t flushed as she recalled the way she found him. “He said he would be there.”

  “What is it? Did something happen?” Mary studied her.

  “Let’s just say, Jim has a very strange way of grieving. I also invited Louis. I thought he might enjoy it and the group might relax more to have someone there that wasn’t staying at Dune House and isn’t a suspect in the crime, as far as we know at least.”

  “Are you sure we shouldn’t invite Kirk?”

  “No way, we can’t invite him. If we do, everyone is going to clam up. No, I think we have everyone right where we want them to be. Now we just need marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolate.”

  “What?” Mary blinked.

  “You can’t have a bonfire without s’mores, now can you?”

  “Good point. I’ll round up some sticks we can use to toast them.”

  As the two walked into Dune House, Suzie glanced back over her shoulder. She could see Jim approaching along the beach. He walked with ease as the light breeze from the water fluttered his unbuttoned shirt.

  Chapter 18

  Just as the sun began to set, Suzie and Mary huddled in the kitchen.

  “Are you sure about this, Suzie?”

  “Yes. I think it’s the best idea we could come up with, and we can’t waste any more time on trying to come up with something. Kirk is not going to be able to make or convince everyone to stay much longer, and once everyone begins to scatter, it’s possible that the case is going to go cold.”


  “That would be terrible.”

  “Yes, it would. So we try this tonight, and see if it’s going to lead us to discovering something. If it doesn’t, we haven’t lost anything.”

  “Okay, well the s’more supplies are ready.” Mary glanced at the sky. “It’s just about sunset. Are we ready?”

  “Yes. You have the coordinates on your phone already, right?”

  “Yes. I left them on the screen so whoever picks up the phone will be able to find them right away.”

  “Good. Remember to leave it in plain sight, but try to block it as you walk away so that no one will notice it right away and remind you to pick it up.”

  “That shouldn’t be a problem. My hips are big enough they can hide anything.”

  “Mary!” Suzie shook her head.

  “Sorry.” She laughed. “I’m nervous. I get silly when I’m nervous.”

  “It’s okay. I’m nervous, too. Let’s try to go into this with as open minds as possible. I know that we have our own suspicions, but hopefully tonight will give us a solid lead.”

  “Is the shack all set up?”

  “Yes it is, and so is the camera.”

  “Perfect.” Mary smiled. “Who knew we could be so tech savvy?”

  “Louis might have helped.”

  “But we knew to ask him for help, that’s something, right?” Mary laughed.

  “Hmm, I think I could get used to you being nervous. You’re quite funny.”

  “Ugh, if you could feel how fast my heart is racing you wouldn’t wish it on me, trust me.”

  “Just try to relax. We know what we’re doing, and we’re going to be perfectly safe.”

  “I’m trying.” Mary nodded.

  “I’m going to go get the fire started.”

  “Okay I’ll be down in a little bit with drinks and supplies.”

  “Great.” Suzie stepped out of the house and walked down towards the beach. It didn’t take long for her to get the bonfire set up. However, as the flames began to crackle, her own heart started to race. She wasn’t nervous about the plan working, she was nervous about the plan failing. If no one took the bait, they would still have no solid suspect, and Curtis’ death might hang over all of them for the rest of their lives.

  The flames crackled in the silence that filled the air. No one was interested in talking. The glow of the fire painted each face with sinister shadows. It was difficult not to think about who the killer might be. Suzie stirred the embers, then looked up at the group.

  “So, I guess everyone knows that we think that Curtis was treasure hunting.”

  “Not surprising.” Jim grinned. “He always believed he would find something.”

  “Do you think he ever did?” Mary looked up from the fire.

  “I don’t think so, I think if he did he would have told me about it. What do you think?” Jim asked.

  “What would I know about it?” Mary shrugged and laughed nervously.

  “Sh, Mary!” Suzie frowned.

  “Uh oh, you two are up to something.” Ben grinned. “I can always tell when you’re hiding something.”

  “That’s what he thinks.” Cathy shook her head. “Mom and Suzie are just trying to lighten the mood and get our minds off the tragedy.”

  “Is it working?” Suzie glanced over at Hal and Trish who were huddled together. “I know that this has been difficult for all of us. But maybe the romantic idea of treasure being hidden somewhere nearby will lighten the mood.”

  “Maybe.” Trish sighed. “But I could care less about treasure. I’m more interested in time travel. I’d love to correct my mistakes.”

  “I think we all would.” Ben nodded and added some kindling to the fire.

  “I heard a rumor that Curtis might have hidden treasure somewhere nearby.” Mary fiddled with her phone. “Suzie and I are looking into it.”

  “That’s silly.” Jim laughed. “If Curtis found treasure, he wouldn’t have hidden it, he would have flaunted it. Where do these rumors say the treasure might be?”

  “Not a word, Mary, that’s between us.” Suzie pointed a finger in her direction.

  “Suzie, it’s not a big deal. It’s not like we’re actually going to be able to find it.”

  “We might. You don’t know. We have the coordinates…”

  “Suzie, now who’s saying too much?”

  “You’re right, let’s have s’mores.” Suzie began to prepare the snacks.

  “Wait a minute, are you saying you have an idea of where the treasure is.” Rick sat forward. “Do you know that some divers spend decades looking for treasure? If you have reason to believe the treasure might be hidden around here somewhere, I could dive for it.”

  “Why you?” Jim stared at him. “If Curtis found treasure, I’m the one who should be looking for it.”

  “Anyone can hire a diver.” Hal smirked. “The two of you don’t get to claim it just because you’re trained.”

  “Never mind any of that.” Mary huffed. “We’re here to join together, not argue. I’m sure there isn’t really treasure. If there was, we would all know about it. Like Jim said, Curtis would have told him.”

  “Right.” Jim stared into the fire. “He would have.”

  As the bonfire wound down, Mary stood up from her beach chair. “My knees are getting sore. I think I’m going to head in.”

  “I’ll clean up.” Suzie offered.

  “Mom, I’ll walk you up to the house.” Ben stood up to join her.

  “It’s all right, I’m fine,” Mary said.

  “No, I’ll go with you.” Cathy looped an arm around her mother’s waist. The two made their way towards the house.

  Trish gathered some of the left-over s’more supplies. “I’ll take these up to the kitchen.”

  “Thanks Trish.” Suzie noticed Mary’s cell phone left behind on her chair, but she didn’t look directly at it. “I’ll put out this fire. Would one of you bring up the chairs?”

  “We can work together.” Hal stretched his arms.

  As Suzie put out the fire, the beach was plunged into darkness. It was a cloudy night without a lot of illumination. In the shadows she couldn’t tell who folded up Mary’s chair, but not one of them mentioned finding her phone. As they headed up the beach with the chairs, she checked the sand to be sure it hadn’t been left behind. Without any sign of it, she could only guess that someone had taken the bait.

  After putting away the chairs Suzie headed up the beach a short distance to the dive shack. Once inside she could see the camera pointed at the beach. It wouldn’t take long before whoever took the phone figured out that the coordinates led directly to the shack. A few minutes later, Mary joined her in the shack. They were quiet as they waited to see who took the bait. Almost an hour slipped by.

  “Maybe no one did.” Mary frowned. “Does that mean it was Hal or Trish?”

  “Maybe no one noticed your phone and it’s still folded up in one of the chairs.”

  “Ugh, if so we’re back to square one.”

  Just then, a figure came into view on the video feed. Suzie grabbed Mary’s arm. Somehow the person had slipped past them and was right outside the dive shack. Mary flicked off the video monitor to prevent any light from shining. The door knob to the shack began to twist. Suzie held her breath as the figure stepped inside. All they needed was to see his face. Once they saw it, they could go to Kirk with a genuine suspect. But the shack was dim, and although the figure was definitely male it was hard to detect any other characteristics. He began to shove furniture and equipment aside. He stomped on the floorboards. There was no question that he was looking for something. Mary and Suzie huddled further back in their hiding place.

  “Suzie, what if he finds us?” Mary hissed.

  “Sh!” Suzie tightened her grip on Mary’s arm. She had planned that they would slip out the back before the murderer got inside, but he’d gotten inside so fast that there was no time to escape. He shoved aside the pile of boxes that they hid behind, and stare
d down into their frightened faces.

  “Was this some kind of trap?” Jim glared at them. “Where’s the treasure?”

  “It was just a joke.” Mary cleared her throat. “Something to lighten the mood.”

  “Some joke.” He snarled and grabbed Suzie by the arm. When he pulled her to her feet, she had to swallow back a scream. The gun he had tucked into his waistband silenced her. “I know that Curtis found treasure. He stole it from me. It belonged to both of us. But he lied and said there wasn’t any treasure there. Then he went back and got it, to keep it for himself. That treasure is rightfully mine.”

  “So you murdered him?” Suzie stared at him. “Why would you kill him? He was the only one who could tell you where the treasure was.”

  “Because he told me that it was in a secret underwater cave. Once I knew where it was, I killed him. He deserved it. He stole from me, he betrayed me, and he thought he could get away with it. But imagine my surprise when I found out that he really was nothing but a liar, and there was no cave!”

  “Jim, calm down.” Suzie studied him. “We can help you out of this.”

  “Oh, you’re going to help me all right. Now, you’re going to tell me exactly where the treasure is.” His voice sent shivers down Mary’s spine. She held her breath for a moment to keep from gasping. “Need some motivation?” He shoved Suzie hard into the wall. Suzie slumped to the floor, unconscious. “She’s going to be your motivation. If you,” he pointed at Mary, “don’t take me to the treasure, she’s not going to survive.” He grabbed some rope and tied Suzie up, then opened one of the cylinders on the floor beside her. “Those fumes are going to kill her in an hour. That’s how long you’ve got.” He turned back to Mary. “So what’s it going to be? Are you going to tell me where the treasure is and save both of you, or are you going to die right here with her?”

  “I’ll show you. But we need a boat.”

  “Luckily, I have a boat. I was going out diving again.” Jim pulled her out of the shack. Her eyes blurred with tears at the thought of Suzie alone in the shack. When she felt the heel of his hand push against the back of her shoulder she forced herself to take a step forward. “Where is it? Tell me, or you’re never going to see Suzie again.”