by Linda Wiken
“Your turn now. What have you found out?” She raised her eyebrows, settled back, and took a sip.
He sat down beside her when he’d finished talking. She moved over slightly to allow him to do so, although she didn’t scoot to the end.
“Not so fast. We’re not finished yet. What else have you learned?” he countered.
Fair enough. “I’m pretty sure that Lonny Chan didn’t do it, although I haven’t yet gotten to speak to him. Everyone likes him and there’s no motive. As for the rest of the station staff, I doubt Kathi Jones is the killer. Hennie Ferguson probably didn’t do it even though I think she’s hiding something since she’s being so sneaky about her presence at the event. And, of course, Connor Mac didn’t do it.” She turned to face Devine. “And yes, I think that because he’s my friend and he’s not the type to get violent. I don’t have any real proof.”
“You’re just friends?”
“Yes.”
He stared at her a few moments, searching her face, then leaned toward her and kissed her. She had known it was coming and returned it with equal intensity.
“I’m so sorry. I hope I’m not intruding, but I need a glass of water,” June said as she padded in bare feet toward the kitchen.
J.J. pulled back and gazed at Devine, unable to come up with words. He grinned at her and then stood.
“I’m Ty Devine. You must be Mrs. Tanner.”
June changed course and walked over, hand outstretched. “June Tanner. A pleasure to meet you. I thought I heard voices out here.”
J.J. jumped up. “Devine is a P.I. working on the murder case, Mom. We were just comparing notes.”
“Yes, so I see. Anyway, definitely don’t let me stop you. I just need some water.” She gave Devine a wide smile and left them.
J.J. felt her face burning. She wanted some water, too, but a cold shower would be better. She wasn’t quite sure what to say, which made her all the more uncomfortable.
“I should be going. We’ll finish this later,” Devine said, his voice soft and promising.
At the door, he turned back to her and said, “I really came to tell you that Connor Mac’s car was spotted on South Hero Island this afternoon.”
“What?” she almost shrieked. “You didn’t think that was the first thing to tell me?”
“I wanted to know where you stood about him.”
“As you now know, even though I have stated it all along, he’s my friend, and I, along with all his friends, are worried about him. Do you have any other information? Was he found? Is he all right?”
“Apparently, his car was spotted at a gas station by a sheriff’s deputy. Do you know if he has any friends around there? Or if he owns any property?”
“I don’t know.” She looked directly at Devine. “I’m finding out I don’t really know a whole lot about him. Just that he isn’t a murderer. If the cop recognized the car, why didn’t he apprehend him?”
“Apparently, the cop was on his way to an emergency call and made the choice to stick with that. He did call it in, but when the other officer arrived, Connor, if that’s who it was, was long gone. I’m going to drive there tomorrow and check it out. Do you want to come with me?”
That surprised her. “Yes. What time?”
“I’ll pick you up at nine.”
“Okay.”
“Okay.”
“And, I guess I have more news for you, too.”
His eyes narrowed.
“Hennie told me that Miranda was seeing a married cop but had just broken it off.”
He looked ready to explode. “You didn’t think this was worth mentioning up front?”
“I may have been trying to decide if I’d tell you at all.”
He shook his head and left without another word.
I wonder if tomorrow is still on.
CHAPTER 16
J.J. sat at the kitchen counter the next morning, sipping her espresso and eyeing her mom over the rim of the cup. Would June mention what she’d seen the night before? Apparently not. She’d taken J.J.’s news about going to South Hero Island with Devine with interest but no questions. She seemed to be focused on her own appointment, which was at ten, and then she’d head right back to Montpelier.
They hugged at the door and J.J. left, anxious to meet Devine outside and downstairs. Hoping he’d still be picking her up. She was almost at the sidewalk when Ness Harper appeared at her side.
“Good morning, J.J. You’re getting an early start.” He looked to be going for a walk.
Before she could answer, Devine pulled up at the curb. J.J. thought she could hear a low-pitched growl beside her.
“What does that guy want?” Ness huffed. “Do you want me to get rid of him?”
She put a hand on his arm in case he needed restraining. “No. It’s really quite all right. We’re off to see if we can find Connor. His car was spotted on South Hero Island.”
“Really? Do the cops know?”
J.J. grinned. “A local cop spotted it, but he was on a call so he couldn’t check it out.”
“Well, just don’t go getting caught sticking your nose in where they’ve told you not to.”
“We’ll be careful. See you.” She hopped in the car, and Devine gave her an inquiring look.
“Ness just wanted to make sure I’d be safe.” She fastened her seat belt. “He doesn’t trust you, you know.”
Devine grunted. “It’s good he’s got your back covered. Now, I need some caffeine before we hit the open road.” He drove a few blocks to a Starbucks, a short detour on the way to Highway 2 out of town.
J.J. waited in the car. At least he hadn’t continued where they’d left off the night before. He must be over it. Thankfully. He was back in a few minutes with an Americano for her and his own caffeinated whatever. They drove in companionable silence, each sipping and watching the passing scenery. She finally broke the silence.
“I didn’t ask how you knew about Connor’s car. Did the police tell you?”
“Uh-uh. I have civilian eyes in the department.” He stopped and waited for a cyclist to cross the road. “I’m hoping we can find someone who knows where he was heading. Someone who may not have wanted to share that information with the police, because I’m certain they were back asking. Someone who isn’t worried about talking to civilians.” He looked at her and smiled.
Good. He smiled. It was okay.
After about twenty minutes, J.J. spotted the sign for the islands along the side of the road. Connor hadn’t been all that far from home. What was he doing there and where was he now? She felt some anxiety and realized she was hoping he was fine but not sure if she was ready to confront him. There were too many questions. Mainly, why had he run? She still didn’t believe he was a killer, but what other reason did he have for disappearing?
She looked over at Devine. “I haven’t asked you, but do you really think that Connor is the killer?”
Devine kept his eyes on the road. “He’s still on the list, but there are a lot of other possibles with motives, too. He’s made things a whole lot worse by running. I want to be the first to hear his reasons.”
“I think maybe he was really devastated by her death and needed some alone time.”
Devine glanced over at that. “Does that bother you?”
She shrugged. “I’m worried because, as I’ve said, he’s a good friend, and you turn to your friends when things are tough, although he didn’t.” She chewed her bottom lip as she thought about that, then roused herself. “But, and I may have stated this before, we were not romantically involved, so no, it doesn’t bother me in that way.”
“How about some breakfast?”
“What?”
“Have you eaten?”
“I had an espresso and split a bagel with my mom.”
“Okay. I know a little diner just off the road on the island. Makes a trucker-sized breakfast that’s hard to beat.” He signaled a turn. “Your mom seems nice. Where does she live?”
“Mo
ntpelier. And she’s headed back there after a meeting this morning. She doesn’t often come up to Burlington.” Too much information.
“Is that where you’re from?”
“Yes, but my folks are the only ones who stayed put. My two brothers live elsewhere.”
Devine flashed her another smile as he pulled onto the bridge going over to the island.
Way too much information.
Another couple of turns and he pulled into the parking lot at Johnny’s Diner. About a dozen cars sat empty in front of the place.
“Looks like a popular spot,” she ventured.
“Uh-huh.” Devine led the way inside.
After they’d placed their orders, both choosing the traditional breakfast, they sampled their coffees and then both stared out the window. J.J. wondered if he was waiting her out. For what, she wasn’t sure. She wanted to get his take on the married cop but didn’t want to break the truce. Maybe she’d ask on the way back.
“Do you think we’ll find Connor today?”
“I have no idea, but at least we might get a lead. He’s too smart to stay out in the open if he doesn’t want to be found. Will you be all right with not finding him?”
“Of course. Well, not really, but that’s because he’s got to stop running, if that’s what he’s doing. But it isn’t, is it? If he were running he’d be long gone, wouldn’t he, not within a half hour’s drive?”
Devine nodded. Their meals arrived and they ate in silence. They were on their third refill of coffee when Devine asked, “What does J.J. stand for?”
“What?”
His grin was lopsided. “I’m curious.”
“I would have thought you’d found that out when you were investigating me way back when.”
“I told you, I didn’t go into your background. Now, give.”
“Only if you tell me what Ty is short for.”
“Janice? Joyce? Jennifer?”
“Tyrone? Tyler? Tyrell?” she countered.
Devine shook his head and laughed. He raised his hands in surrender. “It’s Tyler. Your turn.”
She spoke out of the corner of her mouth and kept her voice low. “Josephine June.”
He raised his eyebrows.
“Family names. Now, maybe we should get to business.”
• • •
Devine steered his Acura into a diagonal parking slot in front of Wheeler’s Groceteria on the main highway.
About half a dozen houses flanked both sides of the road, all white clapboard, some bungalows but mainly two storied. All had American flags flanking the front steps. All had comfortable-looking chairs, inviting passersby to stop in for a chat. Those were all empty at the moment, though. She could see the edge of the sign for the municipal building farther up the road. That’s where the post office, the police, and the unofficial “mayor” of the island had offices. Several cars were parked in front of the municipal building on the side of the road even though there was a parking lot in the back.
“Where’s the gas station?” J.J. asked, looking around her.
Devine followed her gaze. “It’s just around that curve, but I figured if he’s in hiding somewhere around this area, he has to get groceries at some point.” He pointed to the store sign. “Doesn’t hurt to ask.” He turned off the ignition and slid out of the car. J.J. scrambled out and looked around. “Besides, the cops will have been all over that gas station, and if they’d found out anything significant, Connor Mac would be in jail right now.”
J.J. shuddered. She wouldn’t let her mind go there. “I’ve always thought that it looks like a pleasant, small, unassuming village. It’s so much smaller than Half Moon Bay. You’d think that if he is around here, someone would have seen him or talked to him. He could have just been passing through.”
Devine grunted and headed for the store door. He held it open for J.J., and she smiled her thanks.
Rustic was the description that leapt into J.J.’s mind. The weathered wooden-slat floor even had creaks in it. The main counter looked to be of reclaimed barn board and the shelves behind it were painted a dark hunter green, in keeping with the outdoorsy look. The room was crisscrossed with freestanding shelves filled with various products from dish detergent to elastic bands.
J.J. looked back at the counter and the older woman—somewhere in her sixties, she’d bet—standing behind it, folding what looked like multicolored dishcloths. She glanced up at them as they approached, and a mottled midsized dog ran to meet them.
J.J. bent down to give it a pat. “What a friendly dog. And such wonderful colors.” She looked at the woman, who smiled and nodded.
“She’s a mongrel but got all the best traits of whatever got together. I thought she deserved a regal name to make up for her parentage so I called her Svetlana Abrisimova.”
“That’s quite a mouthful,” Devine said, joining the conversation.
“I can handle it,” answered the woman, folding her arms on the counter and leaning toward them. “My name’s almost as tricky, so just call me Gail. So, what can I do for y’all?” The Southern lilt to her voice had a melodic ring that made J.J. think of long hooped skirts and mint juleps.
Gail’s eyes wandered over Devine, head to toe, and she leaned forward even farther, a Cheshire-like smile on her face.
Devine’s swallow was audible and made J.J. grin. “We’re looking for a friend of ours and heard that his car was seen around here yesterday. Maybe the police even asked you about him?” Devine paused, watching for a reaction. “His name is Connor Mac.”
Gail stood upright again and went back to folding, but she kept glancing up at Devine. “Oh yeah, they came by and asked. Most excitement we’ve had here all month. Maybe all year, though it’s not over yet. The year, that is.” She fluffed her short graying hair that had been helped along by silvery highlights. “You say he’s a friend? You sure you’re not more cops?” That idea didn’t seem to appeal to her.
J.J. thought it was her turn. “No, we’re not. He’s my boyfriend.” She thought she looked suitably upset. “He’s been missing for several days and I’m really worried. I think he must have had an accident of some sort and maybe has amnesia or something. I can’t understand why else he wouldn’t have been in touch and let me know he’s okay.” She dared not glance at Devine. She focused on the woman, who looked suitably convinced.
“I’m really sorry to hear that, honey. I wish I could help.” She touched a hand to her hair again and smiled at Devine. “As I told the police, I didn’t see the car they were looking for, but the guy, Connor you say his name is, he was in here earlier in the week. Stocked up on your basics like eggs, bread, potatoes, some canned meat. Seemed like he was planning on staying a bit. That’s what I told the cops.”
“He didn’t happen to say where he was staying?”
“No. He seemed like a nice guy, though. We talked mainly about the weather.” She tucked a stray hair behind her left ear and stood up straighter, thrusting her chest forward.
Devine glanced at J.J. “Do you have a photo of Connor Mac?”
She thought a second. “Yes, on my phone.” She pulled it out and flicked through the photos, stopping at one of Connor and Evan at the last Culinary Capers dinner.
“Is he one of these guys?” she asked the store clerk.
She squinted and grabbed J.J.’s hand, pulling it and the phone closer. “Yeah. I think it’s the one on the left.”
J.J. showed it to Devine. He nodded. “Just wanted to be sure. Well, thanks for your help.” She started to turn away and thought better of it. “Are there many cabins for rent around here?”
“For sure, on both islands, but the ones on North Hero are probably more private in setting. Those folks wanting to rent out at this time of year usually have a sign posted at the end of their drive.”
Gail looked at J.J., and her voice softened. “I’m sorry he didn’t let you know, honey. Do you think he’s in trouble?”
J.J. wasn’t sure how to answer. “I guess he ju
st needed some alone time.”
“We all need that now and then.” She looked straight at Devine, a playful look now on her face. “Come back anytime. Oh, and don’t you think I should have your number in case he comes back?”
Devine didn’t miss a beat, although J.J. noticed he stiffened.
“Of course, here’s my card.”
“Hm. A private detective. And I can call anytime? Mrs. Devine won’t get upset?”
J.J. turned away to hide her grin.
“Call me if you see him,” Devine answered. “Thanks again.”
He grabbed J.J.’s elbow and practically pushed her out the door with him right on her heels.
“Do not say a word,” Devine said as he audibly exhaled.
J.J. nodded and kept her eyes straight ahead, across the street, and looking at the small restaurant with a vacant lot on each side of it. She was trying her hardest not to burst out laughing.
Devine followed her gaze. “Let’s talk this out over a coffee.”
They chose one of three booths, in the far corner by the window. J.J. sat back and waited for Devine to say something. He took his time drinking his coffee.
J.J. couldn’t wait. “So how do we know if he’s still around or was just passing through and thought he’d pick up some supplies? And how do we know what direction he was going? Was he headed back to Half Moon Bay or up to one of the other islands?”
“I think he’s probably still on the islands. If he’d headed back to town, someone would have been on top of it. I’d bet he’s continued north. That’s a lot of shoreline and also wooded areas. There might be lots of hiding places around.”
J.J. shook her head. “He must be staying somewhere. I can’t really picture Connor roughing it. He’s not a tent type of guy. Do you think he’d chance an inn or a bed-and-breakfast?”
“I doubt he’d want to be spotted or have to talk to too many people. He might have either rented a cabin or borrowed one. I’m sure the police have searched the immediate vicinity looking for his car, but he’s hidden it, if he’s smart.”