by Olivia Swift
“How old exactly?” Evan queried, and Mackay thought maybe a hundred years or so. That was somewhat of a shock to the trio.
“What?” Evan asked, and the detective allowed a smile to move over his face.
“I know that it seems unlikely. You discover a body, and the stories from here seem to be true, and then it turns out to be something from history,” he paused. “It’s a relief in lots of ways though. I don’t seem to have a murder on my hands.” He handed Evan a card and told them that he was on the end of a phone if they needed him. “We’ll let you know what the lab enquiry comes up with.” He turned to his car and the waiting young Sanchez and lifted his hand as they drove away.
“Phew,” Dex said. What an anticlimax.” It was late afternoon by that time.
“I need to change,” Jazz said, and Evan said he would follow her to the nursery and then they could look at water features. Dex decided to wander down to the garden and see what was left of the pond. As Evan made for the car, he was greeted by a reporter from the local television station, and another drove up from the Sonora newspaper. Both Evan and Jazz stopped short, and he sighed.
“Oh Lord, the press,” he turned to them and asked them to leave. “This is private property. Please leave.” The woman from the TV station called him by name, and his heart sank at the recognition. Jazz felt him recoil from the recognition and stepped up beside him.
“Please, there’s absolutely nothing to report. It was all a false alarm, and the police have left. There is no news here. Please go. We have work to do.” The girl from the newspaper joined in to say that Jazz’s work in gardens was well known in the area.
“I would appreciate an interview with you at some stage,” she said. Jazz recognized her and smiled.
“Hello, Valerie. Perhaps we can arrange that for another day. We are quite busy,” she answered and handed the girl a card with her phone number. Val Montgomery realized that being local had scored over the television crew, thanked Jazz, and jumped into her car. She thought she would follow them at a distance. Jazz and Evan climbed into his car and drove past the van from the television station. He opened the window and told them they were trespassing and, in his mirror, saw Dex come out of the house.
“Dex will send them packing,” he said as they drove away. She touched his arm.
“I’m sorry they found out you were here.”
“I guess it had to happen sometime. Amazing how news gets out in these places, and the television people are relentless when they want to target you.” This was said with a real sound of bitterness, and she squeezed his arm.
“We’ll throw them off together,” she said, and he turned and smiled at her. “Let’s sort out the garden and go somewhere quiet for something to eat.”
“Good idea, Batman,” he replied and put his foot down on the gas. They brought Kim up to date, Jazz changed, and under her direction, he found the yard of the supplier.
“I think we forget the pond, fill it in, and put one of these gigantic pieces of rock like a sculpture in its place.” he nodded agreement. “I’ll shorten the rill and add a small, stone fountain.”
“Agreed,” he said. “Let’s go and eat.” Jazz directed him along a quiet country road to a small restaurant used by tourists. It was quaint and secluded and also provided homemade food.
“We should get some peace here,” she said, and he looked around. The road had brought them closer to the mountains, and his eyes took in the scenery.
“Will you start to climb again?” she asked.
“It’s possible,” he answered. “I’ve started to think about writing again.”
“Maybe we should have a day in the mountains, and you can see how you feel.” He covered her hand with his own on the table and thanked her for being there.
“I am so glad I met you,” he said, and she felt a twist in her insides that was so strong she wondered if it registered on her face.
“Me too,” she answered and saw the waitress approach with notebook in hand. Outside, Valerie Morgan parked her car around the corner with a view of the doorway and ate a sandwich in the car. She noted another vehicle come in and park under trees some distance away. It was quite a big truck, but nobody went into the restaurant. Her reporter’s mind noted that without really knowing that she did.
“If we assume that the bones in the pond were nothing to do with us at all and had been there for a hundred years or so, we should go back to finding out what we can about the history of the place,” Jazz said as she tackled her enormous plate of steak and vegetables. Evan smiled as he watched her and she grinned.
“So, I’ve got a good appetite? Eat your own, young man,” she told him in mock severity. He did start his own meal and agreed they should go on with their own enquiry.
“If Miller was correct, and her mother was supposed to meet someone, I wonder who it was. The paper reports never showed her with anyone in the area.”
“We could go back to Dan’s uncle and ask a few more questions,” she suggested.
“No time like the present,” he said and paid the bill. “Let’s do it.”
They drove to the residential home and wondered if they would be admitted in the evening, but the staff made them welcome and went to see if Conrad Holland was prepared to see them. The old man smiled broadly as they went into his room and offered them cold drinks. They accepted the refreshment and asked if he would use his memory again for them.
“Of course, of course,” he said. “I can remember the old days better than what happened today.”
“Can you remember if Maddie, his wife, was ever seen out with anyone? In fact, do you think she was having an affair?” Jazz queried. The old man thought for a while and breathed out a big sigh.
“I think she probably was seeing someone, but I have no idea who it was,” he answered. “The old man never went out, and she did lots of shopping trips. The poor woman seemed to have no friends at all.”
“Do you think that Molly’s two sons would remember anything?” Evan asked.
“They were young teenagers when I was in my twenties,” he told them. “I suppose they would have noticed things, but Molly would have kept them well away from Mr. Wendell.” He paused. “They own Ryder Realtors. I guess you could phone and ask to see them.”
“Thanks,” Evan said.
“And thanks for the drinks,” Jazz added. “It’s nice to see you again.”
“Anytime,” the old man replied. “Anytime.” But when they left, he picked up his very expensive and up to date cell phone.
Evan stopped in the nursery courtyard.
“Thanks for taking me with you.” Jazz said. “Do you think we should try and see the two sons?” Evan replied that he thought it was worth a try. He pulled her close and claimed the kiss that he had been thinking about for some time. Jazz held his face in her hand and answered the unspoken question in his eyes. There was no doubt in her mind what she was starting to feel for this man, and the touch of his lips against her own was magic. It took them both into another time and space, and they stayed that way for quite some time. Jazz pulled away in the end and joked that her sister would be watching from the window.
“Let’s give her something to watch then,” he laughed and managed another long kiss that deepened into a message that put his heart in her hand. Jazz opened the vehicle door and said she would see him tomorrow. She ran to the door, and he watched her go inside, then drove home with a smile on his face.
Chapter Ten
The following day, everyone wanted to know what the forensic people had found out about the bones. Mackay rang Evan to say that the bones were not a complete skeleton and at least one hundred years old.
“You can go back to gardening and not be concerned,” he told him, and Evan passed on the message. Jazz rang Karl to have the pond refilled in ready for the huge rock arriving, Ben to shorten the rill, and Carly with Dan to the border.
“I’ll come and join you,” she said. “And watch out for the water feature delivery.” Her phone
rang; it was Miller wanting to find out the same information.
“Thank goodness,” she answered. “I’m taking the emerald to a jeweler today and will let you know what I find out.”
“Heavens, what a lot is happening,” Jazz said as Evan handed her a cup.
“Have a drink before you start. Do you think we should ask if we can visit the realtor people?” She nodded and sipped at the coffee. Evan knew how she liked it now. She smiled at him.
“I should really work on the garden, but I am curious to find out what anybody else knows.” He picked up his cell and tried to access the property business. It was a struggle, but after some persistence, a male voice asked if he could help. Evan told the man who he was and said it would only take a few minutes of his time, but he would appreciate being able to talk to him. Eleven o’clock was finally agreed upon and Jazz went to check the border and tell Carly she would be back after lunch. Carly straightened up and gave her a sideways look that was very like the one that Kim had been using. She put her hands on her hips and shook herself so that the jewelry flashed and sparkled.
“Enjoy,” she said. “I know where the rocks and fountain are to go.”
“Thanks,” Jazz answered and gave her a quick hug before going off to change. Kim had exactly the same reaction and Jazz drove back to Chestnut Hall in a light-hearted mood. The two of them arrived at the very upmarket office, and a sophisticated and rather stiff receptionist told her that her boss was waiting. The smiling man that appeared and showed them to his office was a picture of success. He wore all the trappings of someone with money from designer suit and shoes to what looked like a watch that probably cost more than the average car. His skin was smoothed and scented in the latest man-friendly concoctions. He made them welcome and asked how he could help. His name was Leo Baker, and he introduced the man who had joined them as Malo Baker. They were unmistakably brothers, and although Malo had a slightly more casual air, he had a confidence and charm that was used to further business. Just the same, Jazz found him unlikeable at first glance.
“Tell us what puzzles you,” Leo prompted, and Evan told them what they had discovered so far and wondered if either of them could remember anything about the house and garden from when they were teenagers.
“We met your mother a few days ago as she was visiting Mr. Holland. She told us you worked in property,” Evan started.
“Ah,” Leo smiled. “My mother likes to keep the ties to the old days. She spent her life looking after Chestnut Hall and Mr. Wendell. Old habits die hard, I guess.” Jazz joined in to say that as she was restoring the garden and Evan was going to update the house, they were curious about all the old stories.
“Lights in the garden, ghosts, and heaven knows what else. We would like to just find out it was all nonsense and have the place modernized,” She offered. Malo responded by saying that his mother would say it was just that---nonsense.
“She always claimed that because the old man lived alone and never went anywhere, people invented stories about him,” he paused, “like some spooky movie. She worked hard for a lot of years at the place and in the end, he left her a nest egg.”
“Do you remember the young wife?” Evan asked, and the two men glanced at each other.
“I remember she was very smart and well dressed. She went out shopping a lot.” Malo said, and Jazz remarked that Mr. Holland had said the same.
“Do you think she was having an affair? And with whom?” Jazz probed, but both men shook their heads.
“We were just young kids,” he laughed. “We probably looked at her legs and giggled,” Leo answered with a grin. “Mom kept us well away from Mr. Wendell.”
“Do you remember the grotto in the garden and was it still open?” Evan asked. “We found it by chance, and there was a rusty old knife and a broken wristwatch inside but nothing more.”
“We used to chase each other through it and climb all the rocks,” Leo told them. “It was a great garden for two young boys.” Jazz nodded and smiled back at them.
“I suppose we just have to forget the stories and they will be forgotten eventually,” Evan said and stood up. “Thanks for your time.” He shook hands and Jazz did the same, and Malo Baker showed them to the door. They sat back in the car and looked at each other.
“Well?” Jazz asked. “What did you think?”
“You didn’t like them, did you? I could sense it.” Evan said, and she put a hand over her mouth.
“Heavens. Was it that obvious?” He laughed and draped an arm around her shoulders.
“No, but they don’t know you like I do.” He sat back and thought for a time. “You know they were totally different in attitude but in some ways like Carlton Wendell.” She thought back and nodded.
“You are right. It was the eyes, wasn’t it? But Carlton came over as very genuine while those two seemed to like anything to make money. They were well dressed and pleasant, but I wouldn’t like to do business with them. I bet they are worth a fortune. Real estate pays well.”
“Leo had pale blue eyes, but Malo didn’t. His eyes were darker,” Evan mused. Jazz drew in a sharp breath.
“That could mean either Wendell was their father or Baker was Carlton’s father.” There was a long silence while they both digested this information. Evan started the engine. “I wonder if they know where Jed Baker is now.”
“Let’s get back and see what Dex thinks,” Jazz added.
Dexter Sutherland, with sleeves rolled up, was in the garden when they arrived back, helping Carly position the stone fountain.
“Thanks, Dex,” Jazz said as they came up to the shortened rill. She saw that the big rock had been put in position by the crane that delivered it, and Ben was surrounding it with a ring of gravel. It looked clean and tidy and made a focal point. “I like that better than a pond,” she finished. She had also had the same delivery bring some stone benches to surround the feature. They made their way to the seats.
“These are just right,” Evan said and squeezed Jazz’s hand. “You can look back at the garden and will see the viewing platform as well.”
“Yes. I’m glad we lost the pond,” Jazz replied.
“And easier to maintain,” Carly added.
“What did you find out?” Dex asked, and between them, they related the meeting with the property men.
“Gosh,” Carly said. “You know, my mom remembers the talk at the time was that Molly Baker offered more than cleaning services.”
“Really?” Jazz said. “Ask her to tell you everything she can think of.” Evan added that they would pursue some internet queries, try and find Jed Baker, and look at the property business that the two brothers ran.
“Jazz and I both still get the feeling that we are missing something. It might be nothing, but we just don’t know.”
Dex said that if Carly didn’t need his muscle power anymore, he would go and start the computer search. She smiled at him, and the multi-colored necklaces twinkled and moved.
“I couldn’t have managed without you,” she answered, and he set off for the house.
“I’ll do some work on the border,” Jazz said. “We are close to finishing now.” She and Carly headed that way, and Evan followed his brother to the house. By the time Jazz looked in the kitchen when they had finished for the day, the two men had been stuck to the screens for at least two hours.
“Phew,” Evan said and waved her in. “Come and have a drink and tear both of us away from this marathon.” She smiled and asked what they had found.
“Jed Baker left, according to Molly, shortly after Maddie did. We looked at emigration sites but given a year, either way, there is no trace of a Jed Baker leaving the country,” Dex informed her.
“So, he maybe didn’t emigrate at all. He might be living somewhere in this country,” Jazz speculated.
“Or he might be dead,” Evan said flatly. The other two looked at him. “I’m not saying murdered, but I’m ruling nothing out. This whole setup smells peculiar.” He paused and fl
icked a notebook open. “Tell you what I did find by just putting in Molly Baker. She has a vacation home up in the mountains. Looking at Google Earth, it is quite large and probably worth a lot of money. Her sons would find it for her, of course, but how does a housekeeper find a couple of million?”
“Couple of million?” Dex and Jazz said together, and he nodded.
“This is a quite spectacular property.” He turned the screen.” There’s the street view.”
“Good Lord,” Dex exclaimed. “That is enormous.”
“And if you look at her modest little cottage that she was given for life, you find that the new landlord is…guess who…Ryder Properties. Well, it is another company, but it is owned by Ryder Properties.”
“Malo and Leo---the entrepreneurs,” Jazz said. “Well, well, well.”
“She managed to get him to leave her the money in his will, and the two boys have made it work for them,” Dex said.
“So maybe Carly’s mom was right, and the gossip about her being more than a housekeeper were true.” Jazz reflected.
“No crime there though,” Evan added. “It would explain why she keeps up the façade of being just a nice retired lady. Maybe a little trip up into the mountains would be pleasant.”
“Miller’s mom was robbed of money to bring up his daughter, even though she never told him. I wonder who got the money and jewels she left in the grotto. Maybe Jed Baker found them and then left as well,.” Jazz added.
“Maybe we should let the police take the knife and watch. It might be possible to find something from those in the lab,” Dex wondered, and the other two agreed.
“I’ll ring Mackay and see what he thinks,” Evan said and pulled out the card the detective had left. There was a longish conversation, and Evan said he would drop off the items the next morning. He grinned after he rang off.
“He says to stop being an amateur detective, and they will follow it up.”
“But tomorrow?” Jazz asked with a smile.
“You and I take a picnic to the mountains. I can scope out some easy climbs at the same time.” She nodded.