Murder at the Fortune Teller's Table

by Janet Finsilver

  “Sounds like a good idea.”

  After a day that had revolved around murder, talk of positive plans acted like a tonic, and I felt a surge of energy.

  We passed the llamas grazing on the heretofore untouched pasture, quite content to be the first creature guests to enjoy the grassy meal. The brown-and-white one eyed us. It seemed more interactive than the others. I started toward it.

  “Uhh . . . Kelly, let’s keep moving. I want to show you the list of ideas we have for the community center.” Scott eyed the llama suspiciously.

  The llama was chewing with a rotating movement and didn’t lose eye contact with Scott.

  He was out of his element, but I gave him credit. I loved that he was giving it a try. I imagined myself in New York City. I’d probably be eyeing the taxis, crazy traffic, and crowded sidewalks the same way.

  We entered the kitchen of the main house and sat at the table. Scott talked about what was being considered. I’d already read most of it in company memos.

  “My table at the event tomorrow will have these things listed on a board and flyers inviting people to come to a meeting. I’m also forming a community planning committee.”

  “I hope Michael plans on encouraging others to adopt a give-back model like this.”

  “He does. Once everything’s in place, he’s going to have a special week where he’ll invite some of the movers and shakers he knows to see what he’s created. And he knows a lot of those people.”

  I checked my watch. “I’d better get going. Thanks for the tour.”

  “You’re welcome.” Scott put his hand on my shoulder. “Kelly, please be careful. You’ve got someone very scared.”

  “I know. I’m going straight back to the inn and won’t venture out anywhere tonight.”

  “I look forward to meeting with the Sentinels tomorrow. As I said before, I want to help in any way I can to get the problem you’re dealing with resolved and see what a normal life in an area like this is about.” He gave me a skeptical look. “Though I’m beginning to wonder if that exists.”

  He walked me to my vehicle.

  I got in, put down the window, and said with a grin, “What should I bring tomorrow for the potluck?”

  He laughed. “Don’t you dare bring anything. You know I’ve planned on doing it all. It’s something I enjoy. Plus the Silver Sentinels are bringing a lot.”

  “Okay.” I understood where he was coming from. Still, if everyone else was bringing something . . .

  The ride back to Redwood Cove Bed-and-Breakfast was short. I pulled into the driveway and parked. John and Edie’s car was next to mine, and they were both standing in the parking lot. She held a huge bouquet of flowers. He was dressed in a suit and tie. He bent down, gave her a hug, then got in their car and drove off. Edie stood looking after him, a smile on her face.

  I got out and went to her. “Beautiful flowers. Do you need a vase?”

  “I do, actually. John feels so bad. He promised he wouldn’t work this weekend, but one of the managers is ill, and he needs to take his place. We were going to go to dinner with Ken and Sue Ellen. He knows he didn’t have to do this.” She held up the flowers. “I understand he needs to go. But it’s his way of saying he’s sorry.”

  “If you’d like, I can cut off the ends and put them in a vase with food and water.”

  “Thanks, Kelly. That’s really sweet of you. I appreciate it.” She handed the bouquet to me.

  “I’ll come to your room with the flowers shortly.”

  Edie walked toward the building housing their rooms. Her long, flowered dress billowed around her legs in the breeze. She clutched the mint green sweater that matched the pattern on her skirt around her shoulders. Wisps of her blond hair danced around her face.

  Inside, I put the flowers on the counter and retrieved an appropriate-sized vase and put water in it. I trimmed the stems, found plant food, and mixed it with water. Peach-colored roses, white lilies, and deep blue delphinium created a delightful bouquet. I spent a couple of minutes arranging them. I’d let Edie do the fine tuning.

  My ankle throbbed, and my hands hurt from my recent near-death experience, but I pushed through it like I’d do if I was on the ranch. Aches and pains were inevitable when you worked with livestock, like an ornery sow protecting her piglets or a horse that didn’t want to be ridden. Then there was the occasional escaped chicken that didn’t want to get caught, beaks and sharp nails letting you know how unhappy it was. Throw in fixing fences and a few splinters got added to the mix.

  I sighed out loud just as Helen came in.

  “You sound really tired, Kelly.”

  “It’s been a long day, physically and mentally. I’m looking forward to a quiet evening.”

  “I’m fixing a meatloaf tonight. Nothing fancy. You’re welcome to some.”

  “That’s our favorite family comfort food. Mom fixes it whenever it’s been a particularly trying day. And it’s the first meal we have when a blizzard starts and we’re spending time outside in the freezing cold. I won’t say I wanted the snowstorms to happen, but we all knew it was meatloaf day when it really began to come down.”

  “Then I take it that’s a yes.”

  “Yes, and thank you.” I looked in the refrigerator and saw the Huntsman. Perfect. Artisanal cheese and homemade meatloaf!

  I headed to the Maritime Suite with the flowers. As I started up the stairs, a door slammed. Daisy appeared at the top. She frowned and moved back when she saw me. Could her jeans be tighter and her heels higher than earlier? I didn’t think it was possible, but they looked that way.

  “Good evening, Daisy,” I said.

  She smacked her gum. “Hi.” She slipped around me. Daisy went down the stairs as quickly as the unsteady heels allowed.

  I had to admit I didn’t miss my teaching days and students like her. There’d been a lot of sweet kids, but there’d been Daisys, too. I wondered if seeing Tank was part of her evening’s plans.

  I knocked on Edie’s door.

  She opened it. “Kelly, those look wonderful. Come on in.”

  I was happy with the way the room had turned out. The bedspread’s blue sailing ships on a background of white gave an upbeat feel to the room. The lush, royal blue carpet was in the same color family as the light blue couch resting on it.

  “Where do you want them?”

  “I wasn’t expecting John to give me the flowers.” Edie looked around. “Here, let’s put them on the coffee table.”

  She’d put her sweater over a pile of what looked like books and magazines on the table. “I’ll put these on the bed for now,” she said as she reached for them.

  Edie grabbed them up in her arms and went to toss the stack onto the bed. The load must have been heavy, because she struggled to hold onto them. The pile fell apart as she went to throw it on the bedspread and landed on the floor, scattering printed matter across the floor.

  “Here, I’ll help.” I put the flowers down and picked up a copy of Good Housekeeping. Next to it was a Sunset.

  “No, it’s okay. I can do it,” Edie said, reaching for the remaining pile as I picked up another magazine.

  It had been on top of a book with a metal cover made of copper inlaid with jewels of different colors. Delicate engraving covered its surface. The book gleamed in the light. I knew what it was, but the photographs I’d seen hadn’t done it justice. If the stones were diamonds, rubies, and emeralds, which is what they looked like, the book was worth a fortune. I recognized the Greek lettering on the cover. It was the Book of Secrets.

  Chapter 24

  I froze. Then looked at Edie. She picked up Auntie’s book, put it on the bed, and covered it with her sweater.

  Did Edie kill Auntie and Summer to get the Book of Secrets for her business?

  “Thanks again for your help with the flowers.” She headed for the door, opened it, and looked at me. “I’d better get ready for dinner.”

  I didn’t move. “Edie, I know what that book is.”

>   Edie tilted her head. “What do you mean? Which one are you talking about? There are several in the pile.”

  “The Book of Secrets. Despina’s sisters want it back.”

  “Oh, that one.” Edie’s face drained of color. She looked at her sweater concealing the book. “I wanted to be sure I had everything written down correctly, and Auntie said there were a few more formulas she wanted me to have. After I checked my notes and found the additional remedies, I was going to return it.”

  “It’s been reported stolen.”

  “Heavens, I didn’t steal it. I planned on giving it back.”

  “You need to call the police.”

  “Of course. I’ll be happy to let them know I have it.” She still stood at the open door, a clear indication she wanted me to leave.

  I was determined that Despina’s sisters were going to get their family heirloom back. “No time like the present. I’ve got my phone right here, and Deputy Sheriff Stanton’s number is on it.” I selected it and punched the number before she could say anything.

  “Kelly, I’ll—”

  “Hello, Deputy Stanton, I have a guest here who has something she wants you to know.”

  I handed Edie the phone. Her lips were clamped tightly together, and she paused for a second before taking it.

  “Hello. My name is Edie Brockton,” she said, and her eyes narrowed. “I . . . borrowed something from Despina Manyotis’s house. I just found out you are looking for it. I have her book of remedies.”

  Borrowed and planned on giving it back? Or took it and planned on keeping it? She was good with words. Auntie would never have let her take it, so she must’ve been dead when Edie took it. She’d been careful not to indicate that Auntie had given it to her.

  “Certainly. I’d be happy to talk to you.” She listened for another minute, then handed me back the phone. “He’ll be here in about ten minutes.” She stared at me. “You didn’t need to do that, Kelly.”

  “I know her sisters are anxious to get the book back. They’re dealing with Despina’s death, so the less they have to worry about, the better.”

  Edie nodded. “You’re right.” She sat on the bed and uncovered the book. “Despina didn’t tell her sisters about our partnership. She didn’t think they’d be in favor of me learning so many of the formulas. Auntie cared about helping people and felt she could do much more in partnership with me.”

  “Was she going to work in the store? If so, she would have had a hard time hiding her connection with you.”

  “No, she wasn’t. We’d both put the remedies together, but she’d do the more unusual ones. I wanted a last look at the book because I didn’t think the sisters would let me see it.”

  Would they share a family treasure called the Book of Secrets? I didn’t think so, nor did I think they wanted someone outside of the family reading what was in there.

  “Kelly, can I meet the deputy in one of the rooms in the inn? The last thing I want is for Ken to see him coming into my room and then barging in here wanting to know what’s going on.”

  I certainly agreed with her there. “That’s a good idea. I can find someplace for the two of you.”

  She put on her sweater and picked up the book. Nothing had been listed for the conference room after the meeting with the Silver Sentinels. If Helen had added something, then they could meet in the office. I texted Stanton to tell him where he could find us.

  Rather than walk through the inn with Edie carrying something that looked like it came from The Arabian Nights, I planned on using the private entrance.

  “Let’s go in the side door. We can avoid any questions about the book.”

  For the second time that day, I entered the building wanting to not be seen. I ushered Edie into the empty conference room and closed the door. I checked the posted schedule and saw it was clear for the rest of the day. Edie put the book on the table.

  The seconds ticked by in an awkward silence. I decided I had nothing to lose by asking her some questions. She could always refuse to answer.

  “When did you get the book?”

  “Friday morning. I heard about the accidental deaths. Auntie had said there were a few more formulas she wanted me to have, and I wanted to get the additional remedies.”

  “How did you get in? The house was locked.”

  “I knew where Auntie hid her spare key. She wanted me to have access in case I needed some of the herbs.”

  “Mary said Auntie was very secretive about where the book was kept and very few people knew where it was.”

  Edie caressed the metal cover. “She was. I went to see her one day. The door was open, and I called out her name. She didn’t answer, so I went to find her. I found her in the pantry with her back to me. I saw her take out the book. She didn’t know I was there. I went back to the kitchen to wait for her.”

  It all sounded plausible. They might not be able to charge her with anything. No forced entry, gathering information for their business venture, not yet a crime scene. A knock at the door proved to be Deputy Sheriff Stanton. I excused myself and went to the kitchen so they could have some privacy.

  We were into appetizer and wine time. Helen came in with a stack of empty plates and put them in the sink.

  “Do you need any help?”

  “No, it’s quiet. A lot of people are still out enjoying the day.” She glanced out the window to where the squad car was parked. “Is that Bill?”

  “Yes. One of our guests had . . . something belonging to Auntie she needed to return. Her sisters thought it had been stolen, so there was a police report.”

  I wasn’t convinced Edie had planned to return it, but with the business connection, it was going to be hard to prove she had stolen it.

  “I put a dinner plate for you in the refrigerator.”

  I opened it and saw a very generous helping of meatloaf, cooked zucchini, and multicolored rice.

  “Thank you so much.” Yes, life here really worked for me.

  I went into the parlor and saw one couple sitting in front of the fire. Not wanting to disturb them, I went back into the kitchen to wait for Stanton to finish talking with Edie and began preparing a food order.

  I was about halfway through the list when Stanton came in. He carried the shiny, copper-covered book cradled in one arm.

  Helen asked him, “Would you like some coffee?”

  “You bet.” He put the Book of Secrets on the counter.

  I remembered what Phil had said about the book having a power, a life of its own. That was easy to imagine as the book seemed to shimmer in the bright overhead lights. Engravings covered the entire top and side, except for where precious stones had been embedded. A title in what looked like Greek writing was centered on the cover. Gold and silver inlay added to its luster.

  I reached for it and was surprised at its warmth. It felt like it was alive. I’d expected the metal to be cold.

  I pulled my hand back.

  Wait. Stanton had been carrying it, so it was simply his body that had warmed it. Of course, that was it. I picked it up, turned it over, and saw that the back matched the front, except for the title.

  “It’s a real treasure just as a work of art. I can’t imagine what its value is,” I said. “And that’s without factoring in the worth of the information it contains.”

  “I agree. I’ve called the sisters, and they’re on the way. The sooner it’s back in their hands, the better. They’re at Auntie’s, so they’ll be here soon.”

  Helen put a cup of coffee in front of him.

  “Edie chose to leave the way you both came in. Didn’t want to talk to anyone.”

  “Is she going to be charged with anything?”

  “Not unless Adrasteia and Fotini want to press charges. Edie had an explanation for everything.”

  I agreed with him. At least Despina’s family would have their property back.

  The door burst open, and Tommy and Fred rushed in, Allie right behind them. Tommy skidded to a stop, his eyes on the
book where it sat next to Stanton. His mouth dropped, as did Allie’s. Daniel accompanied them in, and I thought his mouth might do the same.

  “Wow!” Tommy closed his mouth, then opened it again. “Wow!”

  Allie whispered, “It’s like something from a fairy tale.”

  Indeed it was.

  “Can we touch it?” she asked.

  “I don’t see why not. Wash and dry your hands first,” Stanton said.

  The doorbell rang, and Helen went to answer it.

  The kids did as instructed, then Allie lightly ran her hand over the cover. Tommy followed her lead. Just as he started to trace the Greek letters with his finger, Adrasteia and Fotini entered the kitchen. Their robes seemed to have a life of their own as they swirled around the fast-moving, tall women. Medusa-like strands of gray hair, escapees from their black scarves, waved around.

  “The Book!” Adrasteia exclaimed.

  Tommy’s hand seemed attached to the cover. He hadn’t moved since they’d entered the room. His eyes grew large. Fred put himself between Tommy and the sisters.

  “I . . . I . . . I . . .” Tommy stuttered. He snatched his hand away from the book.

  Fotini smiled at Tommy. “No need to worry, little pedthe.” She picked up the Book of Secrets and held it close to her chest and looked upward. “Thank you, Despina. I knew you would help bring it home.”

  Adrasteia addressed Stanton. “This woman who had it said she borrowed it.” She shook her head. “Auntie would never have let someone take the book.”

  Deputy Sheriff Stanton said, “She went to Despina’s place after she died. She was going into business with Auntie, opening a store, and wanted some of the formulas she’d been promised. She’d been told where the house key was kept, so she’d been given permission to enter the home.”

  “Business? Auntie stayed home. And this woman knew where the book was kept?”