Bassets and Blackmail

by Sandra Baublitz

  Shelbee ignored Bruce while gesturing to Jac and me. “We.”

  Before either man could object further, the front door opened. Lillian walked in and stopped with hands on hips. “There you are.”

  The five of us glanced at each other wondering who she meant.

  “I know who the bracelet belongs to.”

  “What bracelet?” Robert asked in confusion.

  Lillian hmphed. “The bracelet Saber found. Try to keep up, actor man.”

  Footsteps tapped down the hall. Patricia entered the foyer and smiled at Lillian. “You'll stay for dinner,” she told the older woman in a voice that brooked no argument.

  Lillian huffed, but I caught a glimpse of a small smile. “Who's going to get Saber down?”

  Patricia waved her hand. “Saber will get down himself; you know that. Now go into the living room with Clarissa and rest a bit. Dinner will be ready in a half-hour.” She turned to Jac. “I could use your help, dear.”

  Jac smiled and nodded.

  “I'll help too.” Shelbee followed them as they went to the kitchen.

  “Come on, Lillian, let's go in the living room.” I led the way.

  Behind me, Robert said, “I'll check on Pedro.”

  I turned to the living room. “By the way, how did it go with Kara? Did you choose a new collar for Saber?”

  “Of course.” Lillian followed me, her light footsteps barely making a sound. Heavier steps followed hers. Bruce had decided to join us.

  I sat down on the sofa and moved over for Lillian to sit. “What did you buy?”

  She sat on the edge of the seat. “That’s not important now.”

  Bruce sat across from us.

  “Who owns the bracelet?” I shifted to get comfortable.

  “And how did you find out?” Bruce crossed his left ankle over his right leg.

  Lillian crossed her arms and glared at Bruce. “Do you think an old woman can't play detective?”

  I hid a smile as Bruce fidgeted under her stare. “No, ma'am.”

  Lillian uncrossed her arms and sat back. “You can learn a lot from church. The church ladies are an excellent source of information.”

  “Gossips,” Bruce mumbled.

  “Young man, that is unkind. Those ladies offer their time and service to the community.”

  I touched her arm. “But you've called them gossips in the past.”

  “I can. I'm older.” She snickered. “They do love to talk.” She sobered. “Which is helpful when you have questions and need answers.”

  Bruce raised an eyebrow but wisely kept quiet.

  I sat forward. “What did they tell you?”

  “Joan Dever lost her tennis bracelet three days ago. She's been looking everywhere for it.”

  Bruce cleared his throat. “How can you be sure it's the same bracelet?”

  “The marks on the clasp.” She turned to me. “Remember the marks you pointed out.”

  I nodded.

  “Joan's been telling everyone who'll listen about them. Hoping someone will return it.”

  “Does she have any idea where she lost it?”

  “In the park. While jogging.”

  My mouth fell open. “Joan Dever jogs?”

  “Whose Joan Dever?” Bruce glanced between Lillian and me. Lillian answered.

  “Cal Dever's wife. The owner of Swilly's.”

  I added, “The restaurant south of town. Expensive.”

  “That's for sure,” Lillian said. “And Joan has never jogged a day in her life.”

  “How do you know?” Bruce asked.

  “Because she always wears high heels.”

  Bruce stared at us. “Always?”

  “Always,” Lillian and I said in unison.

  “She's lying then but why?”

  “That's what we're going to find out.” Lillian circled her hand to encompass Bruce and me along with herself.

  “Not we,” Bruce said. “Clarissa and me.”

  “Bruce Sever,” Lillian replied, “are you implying I'm too old to help?”

  She'd neatly outmaneuvered him. No way could Bruce admit to questioning her age.

  He gritted his teeth. “Of course not.”

  “Then I'm helping.”

  “How do you propose we discover why Joan lied? Question her?”

  “Of course not, Clarissa.” Lillian tapped her head. “Think. Who is Joan's best friend?”

  I shrugged. “I don't know.”

  “You need my help. You're not a good detective,” Lillian said.

  My mouth dropped open.

  Bruce sat forward, scowling at her.

  Lillian ignored us and continued to speak. “Dana Harford. That's her best friend. That's who we'll question.”

  “Why?” I asked before Bruce could berate Lillian for her harsh words.

  “Because Joan tells Dana everything, and Dana is a pushover. She'll tell us why Joan lied.” Lillian nodded her head. “Now I need to check on Saber before dinner.”

  She stood up and edged past me.

  After she left, Bruce said, “You're not going to let her help, are you?”

  “And how do you suggest I stop her?”

  Apparently, he didn't have an answer for he kept quiet.

  Robert joined us.

  “How's Pedro?” I asked as he sat down next to me.

  “He's fine. He's watching a pair of doves on the windowsill.”

  “Robert,” I said, “I'm truly sorry that Paw upset Pedro.”

  Robert waved away my apology. “No harm done. Pedro loves to tempt Paw anyway. He does the same thing to Kathleen.”

  Robert's black-striped, female cat was a darling.

  The three of us turned to face the door as footsteps approached. Shelbee appeared in the doorway with a tablecloth draped over her arm. “Where's Lillian?”

  “She went to check on Saber,” I said.

  Shelbee held up the tablecloth. “We're almost ready for dinner. Could one of you fetch Lillian? And one of you inform our guests?”

  Robert stood up. “I'll let the guests know.”

  “Coward,” Bruce teased him.

  “Hey, Lillian isn't too happy with me. Besides, I doubt the Daytons are eager to see you or Clarissa.”

  “Fine.” Bruce stood up. “I'll get Lillian.”

  “I could get her.” I stood up.

  “No,” Shelbee said. “Help me set the table, will you?”

  “Okay.”

  Chapter 13

  Fifteen minutes later the table was set as Jac and Patricia brought in dishes of food for the meal. We were eating family-style.

  “Passing dishes of food fosters a relaxed mood,” Patricia told me.

  “Or projectiles to use on your table mate,” William said.

  “Not funny, dear.”

  Bruce escorted Lillian into the room as Jac and Shelbee returned to the kitchen with William.

  Patricia pointed to a chair, indicating where Lillian should sit.

  Bruce pulled out the chair and seated Lillian, who asked, “Why serve dinner? I thought bed and breakfasts only served breakfast.”

  I whispered, “Under the circumstances Harry wants the guests to stay in town. We thought serving dinner would entice them to stay the night.”

  “Humph.”

  William entered, carrying a huge tray topped with a domed lid. Delicious smells wafted from it. Bruce stretched across the table and assisted William to place the tray in the center.

  “Something smells good.” James Dayton stood in the dining room doorway and drew in a deep breath.

  Behind him, Robert followed with Donna. Ever the gallant gentleman, Robert had offered Donna his arm.

  Patricia pointed out places, and Robert ushered Donna to her seat. James sat down without a glance at his wife.

  “Excuse me.” Patricia stopped as she met Jac in the connecting doorway, returning with a dish in each hand. “I'll feed Henry and give him his insulin. Will you turn on the dishwasher?”

  �
�Of course,” Jac said.

  A flurry of activity at the dining room entrance drew my attention. Madeline Wells and Karen Taylor stepped through the doorway in conversation.

  “A murder mystery game must have more than one body,” Madeline said.

  “Not necessarily.” Karen brushed a strand of hair from her face.

  “No. No. The first starts the game but the second triggers a turn in the investigation.” She glanced at the rest of us and stopped when her gaze landed on me. “Isn't that true?”

  I shifted on my feet. “I've never played a murder mystery game.”

  “But you've solved murders.”

  Karen nudged Madeline. “Let it go, Maddie.”

  I cleared my throat trying to decide how to answer.

  Bruce intervened, saying, “It's not the same thing.” His tone was firm enough that even Madeline subsided in her argument.

  Shelbee and Jac brought in the last food dishes as Jessica appeared in the doorway.

  William gestured to those of us standing. “Why don't we all sit down?” He pointed out seats to each of us.

  Patricia came in as the last person sat down and took her seat to William's left.

  The meal progressed in a friendly and relaxed manner. No one spoke of Cafferty's death though I imagined it was on everyone's mind. Jessica pushed her food around on her plate. James Dayton had a hearty appetite and ate seconds.

  When everyone had finished the main meal, Patricia brought in dessert. Apple pie with ice cream. “Made from apples from the town's local orchard.”

  “Delicious.” James Dayton patted his stomach as he took the last bite of his pie.

  Jessica frowned and pushed her half-eaten pie away from her.

  William stood. “I suggest we move to the living room. We have some things to discuss.”

  His words caused a pall to descend over the room.

  While the guests stood up and moved to the living room, I helped Jac and Shelbee clear the dishes. Lillian joined us, offering to load the dishwasher.

  Patricia bustled around as she put away leftovers.

  “Can we help?” Robert asked as he stuck his head through the kitchen door. Bruce stood behind him.

  “No.” Patricia placed a lid on a bowl of leftover salad. “Go into the living room and help William.”

  Both men wore expressions of relief.

  “Lillian,” Patricia said opening the refrigerator door, “you can wait here if you like. William will take you home after the meeting.”

  “I'm not leaving. Not until Saber comes down from that tree.”

  “Still, you can stay in the kitchen during the meeting if you want.” Patricia closed the fridge door.

  Lillian stood with hands on hips. “Are you trying to hide something from me? I'll join your meeting.”

  Patricia groaned under her breath.

  “That's it,” Jac said as she wiped her hands with a paper towel. “We're done.”

  “I should check on Paw.” I turned toward the kitchen door to the hall.

  “He's fine,” Shelbee said. “Patricia fed him and the others when Henry got his insulin shot.”

  I hesitated, so Shelbee nudged me. “You don't want to miss the meeting.”

  The five of us walked through the dining room, across the foyer, and into the living room.

  Bruce stood by the windows. Robert sat behind the guests while William had taken a chair to the side of the sofa. Patricia walked over and sat in a chair beside him.

  Madeline and Karen sat on the sofa while Donna and James sat on chairs across from them. Jessica balanced on the edge of a chair opposite of where William sat.

  Jac took a chair near Patricia while Shelbee sat by Robert. I walked over to Bruce and Lillian followed. He turned around two straight-backed chairs for us to sit on then placed a hand on each chair in a protective stance.

  William cleared his throat to gain attention. “We've had a tragedy occur here.”

  James snorted, and Donna elbowed him.

  William continued. “Patricia and I would first like to apologize for what has happened.”

  Karen who had been looking at her hands jerked her head around to William. “Did you kill him?”

  Madeline gasped, and Jessica flinched.

  “No.” William ground out.

  Donna shook her head. “Then there's no need for you to apologize.”

  William bowed his head to her. “Nevertheless, we are sorry you have had to go through this ordeal.” He paused then said, “The police would like us to remain in town for the rest of the weekend. It has been suggested that we continue with the mystery game. My question to all of you is, do you want to continue with the game?”

  “Yes. Let's continue.” Madeline nodded eagerly.

  Jessica jumped up. “How dare you? A man is dead, and you want to play a game.”

  Madeline's eyes glinted. “It's why we came here. Just because Cafferty died doesn't mean we can't finish the game.”

  Karen placed a hand on Madeline's shoulder and leaned toward Jessica. “We're sorry for your loss. But if the police want us to stay, I say we do. I, for one, don’t want to appear suspicious by leaving. I vote we play the game to pass the time.”

  “What!” Jessica lunged for Karen who fell back to avoid Jessica's reach and tumbled off the sofa.

  Robert grabbed Jessica around the waist to hold her back. While I had been riveted to the confrontation, he had moved closer to the combatants.

  “Get off me!” Jessica pushed at Robert's arm trying to dislodge his hold.

  Karen used the coffee table to lever herself up. She advanced on Jessica, raising her hand.

  Bruce stepped between the women and in a firm voice said, “Calm down.”

  Karen took a step forward, pointing at Jessica with her raised hand. Her voice shook with fury. “She was going to attack me. I won't tolerate that.”

  Madeline tugged on Karen's jacket. “Please let it go, Karen.”

  Karen stopped, lowered her hand, and then sat back down.

  Bruce watched her a moment longer then turned to face Jessica.

  “Fine,” she said. “I'll play nice for now, but you better find out who murdered Thomas.” The last was directed toward me.

  “We will,” I said as Robert released Jessica. She sat in her chair again with a scowl on her face.

  Donna mumbled, “If he was murdered.”

  William clapped his hands. “I believe we should take a vote on the issue of the mystery game continuing. All those voting to continue the game, please raise your hand.”

  Madeline's hand shot up followed by Karen's. Donna raised her hand next, and when James didn’t, she nudged him. With a sullen expression, he raised his hand.

  Jessica hmphed, a look of disgust on her face.

  William looked to Robert. “Are you willing to perform?”

  Robert nodded in agreement.

  Jessica tried one last time to stop the game. She spoke to William. “What about you and Mrs. Innsman? It's your B&B. Do you really want to play a game after someone was murdered? How will that look?”

  William raised an eyebrow and turned to Patricia at his side. She answered. “Perhaps the killer will be revealed in the game.”

  Madeline gasped.

  Karen jerked her head around to stare at Patricia, ignoring her friend.

  I couldn't see Donna or James's facial expressions, but both sat up straight.

  “What!” Jessica stood up. “Do you know who did it? Tell me now!”

  Patricia held up a hand in a staying gesture. “I don’t know who killed him. It may have been an accident, but maybe a game about murder will rattle the killer if there is one.”

  Madeline spoke softly to herself. “Maybe he—or she—will use another game clue like the wooden wine bottle.”

  Bruce, who had returned to stand behind me, grunted.

  Lillian whispered to me. “Do you know who did it?”

  “No,” I whispered back.

  �
��Hmm. Should be an interesting game. Perhaps I'll join in. Just so long as you remember we have to question Dana.”

  My mind blanked. Dana?

  Lillian tilted her head. “You haven't forgotten about the bracelet already, have you?”

  Ah. The bracelet Saber found. Dana was Joan Dever's friend.

  “No.”

  William placed a hand on Patricia's shoulder. “We'll start the game tomorrow morning. You have the clues that were delivered to your rooms last night.”

  Madeline spoke up. “What about Cafferty's clues?”

  Jessica huffed. “They're mine now.”

  “That's not fair!” Madeline turned to William. “That gives her an unfair advantage.”

  Donna nodded. “It doesn't seem fair.”

  “Neither does Thomas's death,” Jessica said. “Nor playing this silly game.”

  William intervened. “Jessica, please go up and bring down Mr. Cafferty's clues. We'll share them with the group.”

  “No.” Jessica stood with hands on hips.

  Robert cleared his throat. “I can divulge the clues as I have the master list.” He pulled a piece of paper from his pocket.

  James spoke for the first time. “Why'd you have that with you?”

  “Because William told me he was broaching the subject of the game this evening. I like to be prepared.”

  Madeline bounced in her seat. “What are they?”

  Robert cleared his throat. “Actually, there were only one set of clues given to Ms. St. Clair and Mr. Cafferty since we didn't know she was coming.”

  Lillian leaned over to me. “Who's Ms. St. Clair?”

  “Jessica.”

  Toenails scrabbled on the foyer floor.

  “Woof! Woof!” Paw ran into the room, straight to me, with Samuel right behind him, aiming for Shelbee.

  “Woo-woo.” Henry followed with his long ears dragging on the floor. He plodded over, sat down at Patricia's feet, and gazed up at her with big brown eyes.

  Paw propped his chin on my leg. I caressed his ears, wondering how he had gotten out of the kitchen.

  “Yip! Yip!” Bitsy scampered into the room, glancing back over her shoulder while waving her tail. She crashed into Jessica's leg.

  Jessica cried out and jumped to the side, stepping on Bitsy.

  The little dog yelped in pain, which drew Samuel's attention. He barreled to her side, forcing Madeline and Karen to raise their legs as he ran between the coffee table and sofa.