Shelley Freydont - Celebration Bay 03 - Independence Slay

by Shelley Freydont

  “Where do you find this stuff?”

  “If I told you—”

  “You’d have to kill me. Ted tells me the same thing.” She stopped as a sudden thought that had nothing to do with revolutionary wars intruded. “Do you know what Ted did when he lived away from Celebration Bay?”

  “Do you think you could stay on one subject at a time?”

  Liv sighed. “Okay. So, what is it?”

  “Hezekiah Jenkins, married to Elisabeth Cummings.”

  Liv yawned.

  “Am I boring you?”

  “No. I’m just sleep-deprived. Go on.”

  “Elisabeth was one of those killed in the melee. She’d come to bring Hezekiah woolen socks. She never got a chance to give them to him.”

  “Oh, that’s sad.”

  “It gets worse. Hezekiah was also a courier. When old Gallantine was hung, everyone thought there was an end to it.”

  “But he was exonerated,” Liv said.

  “Yes, and this is where history and fiction get twisted together. Some said it was the influence of the Gallantine family, who were very rich, as you can tell by the mansion, and politically savvy enough that they convinced one of the higher-ups of his innocence.

  “Yippee hooray for Celebration Bay. But what got lost in the retelling is that a traitor was still out there. They needed to find him, and if that wasn’t possible, they needed a scapegoat.”

  “Go on. I’m getting a nasty feeling.”

  “Haynes came under suspicion for a while. But the Hayneses were also a prominent family, so that inquiry didn’t lead far. But Hezekiah Jenkins, self-made man, owned a small fleet of ships and was heavily in debt. He was hoping to restock his coffers from the war.

  “However, before he got too far down that road, the powers that were decided he was the real traitor, stripped him of his property and reputation. He escaped before they could arrest him and headed west, where he eked out a life in the wilds of Pennsylvania. His wife dead, his young son orphaned. The rest of his family was left destitute and shunned by the community.”

  “And?”

  “And guess who’s his descendent.”

  “I’m afraid to.”

  Chaz scrolled down, circled the cursor around the screen several times. “And where she stops… is right here.”

  Liv leaned forward. Blinked. Blinked again. George Grossman. “Holy cow. But do you really think he would hold a grudge for something that happened so long ago?”

  “I just follow the lead.”

  “I wonder if he knows.”

  “You could ask.” Chaz grinned at her.

  “All right. It’s pretty obvious. He probably came across a mention of the ‘treasure’ in his research. And came to see if it exonerated Hezekiah.”

  “At Gallantine’s expense.”

  “But again, why kill the gardener?”

  “Unless he thought he was killing Henry.”

  “That’s so crazy. Look at Haynes and Gallantine, they’re friends.”

  Chaz shrugged. “They’re both nutcases.”

  “And killing somebody for something that happened over two centuries ago isn’t?”

  “It’s not any stranger than any other possibility. Anyway, research is an equal-opportunity employer. You can’t just wait around for someone to blurt out, ‘Ooh, ooh, me. Me. I’m the murderer. Come arrest me.’” He gave her a sideways glance. “Okay, maybe you can. But it’s really unscientific, not to mention dangerous.

  “Oh, don’t look so glum. Your way works, too.” He stretched, and Liv was waiting for him to casually drop his arm across the back of her chair, but he didn’t, just went back to typing. “All right, I showed you mine, now show me yours.” He waited, fingers poised over the keyboard.

  “Let’s see. Rundle is an ex-con. Or did you tell me that?”

  “You are tired. Yes. Grand theft auto.”

  Liv yawned again. “Well, he’d moved on to smaller things. Watches, stuff like that, some of which he probably lifted from Gallantine House and who knows where else. Hildy said Henry and Rundle had a big fight and Henry told him if he ever caught him in the house again, he’d fire him.”

  “Are we sure that was about stealing?”

  “No. Hildy didn’t seem to know, and I didn’t want to force her confidence; she’s a little prickly.”

  “That’s one way to describe her.”

  “And the nephew has definitely been helping himself to the family heirlooms, too. Bill picked him up with a suitcase full of loot.”

  “And you know this how?” Chaz asked. “Bill doesn’t usually share.”

  “He got a tip.”

  “From you?”

  “Yep.”

  “God, you’ll make me gray before my time.”

  “I’m sure you’ll look very distinguished. But it wasn’t my fault. The mayor made me go sit with Grossman while he did his inventory. When we came in, the nephew was there. Hildy sent him packing, but not before I saw him lift a figurine off one of the tables and slip it into his jacket pocket.”

  “And how did this lead to a suitcase full of loot?”

  “We-e-ell.”

  “Liv?”

  “At one point, Grossman was staring out the window to the lawn. He might have been daydreaming, but I don’t know. He left abruptly after that. I talked to Hildy a bit, and I asked her if she’d make me a cup of tea. So we went back to the kitchen—”

  “Wait. You had tea with Hildy Ingersoll?”

  “Yes. I thought she might want to talk to someone sympathetic.”

  “And did she?”

  “Yeah, a bit. Anyway, I went to put my empty cup in the sink, and I happened to look out the window, just like Hildy was doing the other day when we were there. Only I’m not nearsighted, and I saw Grossman down by the lake. I decided it wouldn’t hurt to just take a look-see.”

  “Hildy went with you?”

  Liv shook her head. “I thought it best not to involve her, so I left the house and went back in the way you’d showed me.

  “And I saw Grossman and the nephew meet by the boathouse. Grossman left, and Frank went into the boathouse and came back with a heavy suitcase. I’d seen him lift the figurine earlier that afternoon, ergo…”

  Chaz started to rub his face with his hands, thought better of it, and shifted the laptop so Liv could see. “Is there more?”

  “Not really, but I did take a look around beneath the ledge.”

  “When will I learn?”

  “Anyway,” she said, gritting her teeth, “at the reenactment, all the right flank were in full view of the back of the roof and the ledge where we think the ghost escaped. Maybe not full; the leaves are pretty thick this time of year. But Daniel Haynes and his horse were waiting for their cue right beneath it.

  “If anyone at all had looked up during that one split second, they could have seen the killer and prevented his escape.”

  “If wishes were horses.”

  “Unless it happened when Haynes left to answer a call of nature.”

  “Are you kidding me? We lost an eyewitness to a nervous bladder?”

  “A strong possibility.”

  “Then what?”

  “I called Bill and told him.”

  “Finally an intelligent move. I gotta make some more coffee.”

  “Good idea. I need the caffeine. Be sure to wash the pot. Just as a favor to me, please?”

  Chaz grumbled but took the coffeepot back to the kitchen. Liv stretched. Stood and leaned over to touch her toes. Her eyes were gritty and her head hurt. Maybe she’d call Ted later and tell him she was sleeping in tomorrow. Or leave a message on the office phone. He’d check it first thing. She sat on the couch, reached into her bag, and made the call. She leaned back on the cushions, closed her eyes, just for a minute whi
le the coffee brewed.

  • • •

  “Wake up.”

  Someone was shaking her. “What?” Liv sat up and opened her eyes. Smelled coffee. “That was fast.” She sat up. Blinked. Saw the black-and-blue face of Chaz Bristow. And saw something else.

  The lamps had been turned off but the room was light. She looked wildly around. Found the window.

  No. It couldn’t be true. She was on Chaz’s couch covered by a light blanket. And it was daylight. “Holy cow!” She pushed the blanket away.

  “I was going to let you sleep, but I was afraid that Ted might send out an alert, and I didn’t want to have to explain if he asked me why you were going to be late. And I really didn’t want to confess that you were here all night and I didn’t get lucky.” He handed her a cup of coffee.

  She took it. Sniffed and tried a sip. “This is terrible.”

  “That’s because it’s left from last night.”

  The coffee sloshed in her cup. “Oh no, and my car’s parked outside.”

  “And just steps away from the rectory. What will people say?” Chaz’s mouth quivered. In the morning light it looked even worse than it had the night before. Then his body started vibrating. “Don’t make me laugh or my lip will open up again.”

  “It would serve you right. Why did you let me fall asleep?”

  “I couldn’t stop you. You were like a little sleeping beauty. Zonked right out without warning.”

  “Oh, shut up. Did you learn anything more?”

  “Nothing earth-shattering.” At that he broke into a laugh. “Sorry.”

  Liv gritted her teeth. “Your lip’s bleeding.”

  “It was worth it to see your face.”

  “You know it’s really juvenile to get in a bar fight. What possessed you?”

  “I was sick of listening to them laughing about scaring Leo and making all sorts of accusations just to get everyone riled up.”

  “So you decided to take the law into your own hands?”

  “Why not? It’s the only way the law gets done.”

  “I get that you’re pissed at the legal system right now. But did getting in a fight change any of that?”

  “No. But, hey…”

  “You just needed to beat someone up.”

  “Pretty much.”

  Liv shed the blanket completely and stood up. Fished under the couch for her shoes.

  When she stood up again, Chaz was grinning.

  “Now what?”

  “Nothing, just thinking.”

  “Well, don’t.” She folded the blanket and put it on the couch.

  “Do you know you snore?”

  “I do not.”

  “Well, maybe it’s more of a purr. Kind of sexy.”

  Liv looked to the ceiling. “Don’t you ever give up?”

  “I plead the fifth. Hey, where are you going?”

  “Home.”

  “What’s your hurry?” He followed her to the front door. “Don’t you want to try sneaking out the back door?”

  “Ugh. I can do without your snarky suggestions.” She yanked the door open and looked quickly around. Which was ridiculous. She wasn’t even guilty of anything, except maybe stupidity.

  “A little late for regrets.” He pulled a tragedy face.

  “Ugh. I’ll expect to hear from you later, with complete reports of what you’ve found out.”

  “Thanks for last night,” he yelled after her. “I’ll call you.”

  She heard his laughter as she jumped in her car and drove away. She doubted if he heard her reply.

  Chapter Twenty-three

  Liv peered out the window of the carriage house. No sign of the Zimmerman sisters. For a second, she considered driving to work. That way she wouldn’t have to face her friends, because somebody was bound to have seen her car at Chaz’s, make certain assumptions, and tell everyone in sight.

  But she needed coffee, big-time. And besides, she had to face them sometime, and the sooner she did, the sooner she could explain what she’d been doing there and clear her reputation.

  Which was a pitiful thought. She didn’t care about clearing her reputation; she didn’t have a reputation, but she wouldn’t mind getting one. But not with Chaz; he just couldn’t be trusted to take things seriously. What the heck was she thinking? She didn’t want anything serious.

  She wanted coffee. Out of habit, she reached for Whiskey’s leash, remembered that he was still at the rectory. She probably should have picked him up on her way home this morning. She’d call Phillip as soon as she got to the office—after coffee.

  She set off at a brisk pace, not looking left or right. Barely got to the sidewalk before she heard, “Yoo-hoo, Liv.”

  That didn’t take long. She didn’t stop, but called out, “Late for work,” and waved to both sisters, who were standing on their front porch, smiling indulgently at her.

  She speed-walked to the square and was building up a sweat by the time she reached the door of Apple of my Eye.

  She took a breath and put on a smile.

  “Morning, Liv.” Dolly was looking as jolly and friendly as ever; then again Dolly might be counted on to be sympathetic. She didn’t have a totally spotless past herself.

  “Morning, Dolly.” Liv leaned over the case to peruse the pans of breads and pastries.

  “I have raspberry turnovers today. And I sent a peach cobbler over to Ida and Edna this morning, I told them to make sure to save you some. It’s yummy, if I do say so myself. Where’s Whiskey?”

  “He’s on a sleepover at the rectory.”

  “Keeping Leo company? That’s a good idea. Quincy Hinks saw your car at the newspaper office this morning on his way to work.”

  “It’s not what you think.”

  Dolly’s eyes widened. “You mean you weren’t investigating?”

  “No.”

  “Oh. Do tell.” Turnovers forgotten, Dolly leaned over the counter.

  “Not that either. Okay yes, we were doing some research. Not exactly investigating.”

  “That’s all right. We know the two of you will get to the bottom of it.”

  “Gotta run, Dolly. I’m really late.”

  “Oh, Ted can hold down the fort until you get there.” She put two turnovers in a bag and handed it over to Liv. Then handed her another bag with Whiskey’s doggie treat.

  BeBe was waiting for her at the coffee steamer.

  “Don’t even say it.”

  “Don’t make me withhold caffeine to hear all about it.”

  “I’m late, but in a nutshell, Henry Gallantine came home last night. Hildy called me to go over there. I don’t know why she called me.”

  “Was that before the fight or after?”

  Liv huffed out a sigh. “Is there ever a time when anything goes unnoticed in this town?”

  BeBe shook her head. “You just have to learn to live with it. And go on doing what you want to do.”

  “It was after the fight. Then, after I went to Gallantine House, I drove past the Clarion office. The lights were on, so I went to report Henry’s return to Chaz, who it turns out had been doing research on his own, so we started looking at connections, and I fell asleep on his couch while he was making coffee. Really terrible coffee.

  “I didn’t wake up until this morning. That’s all.”

  “Learn anything?”

  “Just some history, Revolutionary War history. But there’s definitely some six degrees of separation in this town. And in its visitors.”

  They were quiet while BeBe steamed the milk for Liv’s latte.

  “Have you solved it yet?”

  “No, I’m hoping Bill will. But I think we may have narrowed down the suspects.”

  “I hope I don’t miss it all.”

  “I hope I do. Gotta run.”<
br />
  She practically ran to Town Hall and actually sprinted down the hall to the Events Office.

  “Is my favorite dog still at the rectory?” Ted asked, taking the drinks and bakery bag from her.

  “Yes. I’ll call Pastor Schorr as soon as I get some caffeine in my system. Sorry I’m late.”

  “Liv, it’s not even ten. Chill.”

  “Henry Gallantine is back in town.”

  “I heard. I talked to Bill.”

  “So you know about Grossman breaking in.”

  Ted nodded. “You had a busy day and night yesterday.”

  “I guess you also know I was at the Clarion office all night.”

  Ted turned to get the tray, but not before Liv saw him stifling a smile.

  “Yes, Chaz called me to say you’d be late.”

  “He what?”

  Ted chuckled. “Come on, I need my breakfast.”

  Liv filled Ted in on what they’d learned about Grossman.

  “So we seem to have a lot of suspects here.” He took a bite of turnover and chewed thoughtfully.

  “Has Bill said anything to you besides what we already know?”

  “He said he was going to talk to the LAPD as soon as it was late enough to verify Gallantine’s whereabouts. If it checks out, I guess that lets Henry off the hook.”

  “Anything else?”

  “They fingerprinted the musket and got a handful of different prints as well as some encrusted peanut butter; some soldier must have been eating his dinner during one of the reenactments.”

  “So the musket was one of the reenactment ones?”

  “Yep. At least, evidence points that way,” he added portentously. “One is missing. It wasn’t checked out and it wasn’t returned.”

  Liv felt a rush of excitement. “And who had access to them?”

  “Just about anybody who walked into the Elks’ storage room. That’s where they’re kept between battles.”

  The office phone rang, and Ted went out to answer it. He came back a few minutes later. “That was Phillip Schorr. He just dropped Leo off at school. He and the counselor decided it would do more harm than good to keep the boy out of school any longer. I hope they’re right.”