by Essie Lang
“I saw you in the coffee shop just a few minutes ago and followed you. I know, not cool, but I wanted to talk to you, and I didn’t want to have to pay the boat fare again.” Her smile made her look like an embarrassed teenager.
“What can I do for you, Rachel?” Shelby still wasn’t sure if she wanted to invite her on board.
“I want to ask you something; a favor, really.” She hugged herself, and Shelby realized that, with the sun going down, the dampness from the river was settling in.
“Why don’t you come inside?” she said. She’d met Rachel, after all, and they had a mutual interest in Savannah’s book. Shelby opened the door and stooped to scoop up J.T. before he made it outside. She liked to keep him in overnight now that it was getting cooler. Who knew what four-legged creatures were out there getting ready for winter.
“Have a seat,” she said, indicating the chairs to her left.
“What a cool cat. What’s his name?” Rachel reached out to pat him, but J.T. didn’t stick around for long.
“Would you like some coffee or something?”
“No, thanks, I just want to talk, if that’s okay.”
Shelby slung her coat over the back of a chair as Rachel sat in the paisley slipper chair closest to the door.
“You see, I’m a writer,” Rachel began. “I’m sure I told you that last time. At least, I’m trying to be. I’ve written a couple of books now, which have done okay, but I can’t seem to get a big-name publisher.”
“What do you write?” Shelby didn’t want to prolong the conversation, but she did want to come across as friendly.
“I’ve just branched into true crime; that’s why I wanted a copy of Savannah Page’s latest. Like I said, I’d actually hoped to get here and meet her in person and then go out for coffee, but I got delayed. I wanted her to read over my outline, and I’d hoped she’d have some suggestions about how I could advance my career or maybe even put me in touch with her agent. That would be a big help. But I missed my chance.”
“That was too bad.” Shelby wasn’t sure what to say, nor was she sure where it was leading.
“Uh-huh, it sure was. So, I was hoping that maybe, instead, you could help me.”
“Me? How?”
“Would you introduce me to Matthew Kessler? I’ve seen you talking to him at the castle. I’m a big fan of his, and I’d like to see if he might help me, to pick his brain. I’m sure he could give me some great pointers on research. Maybe he’d even read my new manuscript.”
That wasn’t what Shelby had expected. But she was pretty certain what Matthew would say. Also, she wondered when Rachel might have seen them together. That sounded odd.
“I’d have to ask him first, of course, but I’ll warn you, I don’t think your chances are very good.”
“Why not? I’m a serious writer. I’m just asking for a break now that Savannah isn’t here. I’m sure she would have helped me. All the big-name authors know people who have helped them over the years. There’s a lot of networking going on. I just want to get in on some of that. I’ve put in the time honing my writing skills, but now I want what I deserve.”
Shelby had stiffened at the increasing irritation in Rachel’s voice. She could give her a tip right now that this wasn’t the way to make friends and get people to help you. However, it wasn’t her place to tell her any of that. She would mention it to Matthew, but that would be the extent of it.
Shelby stood, hoping her intent was clear. “I will ask him, Rachel. Do you live around here? How can I get in touch with you?”
Rachel stood, back to her original self, all smiles. “I live just outside Cape Vincent, but I’m staying at a B and B in town. I’ll give you my number and you can text me. I can meet him anytime, really. This is so, so cool of you.” She pulled a piece of paper from her pocket and spotted a pen lying on the side table. She wrote down her number and handed it to Shelby. “Thank you so much.”
She left quickly, and Shelby once again stooped to grab a scampering J.T. She wasn’t quite sure what to make of her visitor, but she was glad Rachel had refused the coffee. There had therefore been nothing to keep her lingering.
Shelby locked the door and took a deep breath. She would have to ask Matthew, of course, but she was certain he would want nothing to do with this young author.
* * *
After a quick supper of pasta, pesto, and chicken strips, Shelby felt restless, in need of a walk. She could head up to Edie’s, although they’d had a long talk on the phone earlier in the day. Or maybe she’d walk over to the James Street Wharf and enjoy the lights playing on the water. Something that was mindless and would help settle her down.
She dressed warmly and found a small flashlight, then ducked out before J.T. could rouse himself from his sleep on the chair. The sky was overcast, and she felt pleased she’d brought the flashlight. The parking lot had a lot of cracks in it, and even the sidewalk into town could do with a redo. By the time she reached the wharf, she realized the restless feeling had given away to one of feeling spooked. Her hand found the smartphone in her pocket, and she thought about calling Zack. Maybe he’d like an after-dinner walk, too. That might sound romantic, rather than someone giving in to foolish fears. Unfortunately, the call went to voice mail. She left a short message so he’d know the call didn’t need to be returned.
She thought about going into Riley’s to warm up with a coffee but suddenly had the desire to get home as quickly as possible.
By the time she stuck the key into the doorknob, she’d worked herself into a tizzy. Too much thinking about murder, she decided. A good book, a cup of tea, and a cat on her lap were what was needed.
Chapter Twenty-Four
By the time Shelby was ready for work the next morning, the light drizzle had turned to a heavy, pelting rain. She took a look out the window and wished it were Monday. Then she could have just gone back to bed where it was cozy and enjoy the sound of the rain pounding on the roof. But no such luck. Of course, she reminded herself, if it were Monday, she’d have had to get up eventually and clean.
She opened the door for J.T., but after he stuck his head out to sniff the air and got sprinkled with some drops, he scurried back to what had become his favorite chair. The love seat with its wide back, placed under the window, allowed him to keep an eye on the outside world while enjoying the warmth and security inside.
It hadn’t taken him long to give up his wandering ways and settle in at the houseboat, Shelby thought, as she gave him a thorough scratching on the top of his head. She realized how much that pleased her. She hadn’t previously given a thought to owning a cat or a dog, but that had certainly changed. Although, of course, she didn’t own J.T. It was more the other way around these days. She thought of all those adages she’d read about cats having servants and such. How true.
“All right, here I go, and I’m sure I’ll be the only one in the store all day.” She looked at J.T. for support, but he was busy grooming himself and didn’t even give her a look.
Hmph.
It turned out that she was right about the lack of foot traffic. By noon she’d made only two sales and was feeling discouraged. She looked up expectantly as the bell over the door rang, but instead of a customer, Chrissie Halstead walked in.
Chrissie glanced around the store while Shelby admired her moss-green pantsuit. “I see it’s as busy in here as the rest of the castle,” she said, smiling. “Don’t worry, it’s quite normal at this time of year, especially when the weather is this bad.”
Shelby sighed. “I understand. It just makes for a long day. Do you know if our contract states we have to be open all day, until our stated closing time?”
“I don’t. I’ve never seen it. What are you thinking?”
“Well, if we can discern a pattern, maybe we can shorten the hours here. I could work more at the main store.” Shelby was pleased with the thought but wasn’t sure if it was possible, or even if Edie would agree. “So, what are you doing here today? I noticed the num
ber of volunteers has been cut back.”
“Yes, we’re on a fall schedule for sure. I don’t know if that’s a good thing, though.” She twirled a stray piece of blonde hair that had worked its way out from behind her ear.
“Why is that?”
“I still haven’t mentioned this to the board as yet, but I think we’re missing some more objects.”
“More? I thought steps would have been taken to prevent any more theft.” Shelby cast a quick glance around the store, wondering if she, too, should have remained more vigilant. She’d be sure to have a thorough look after Chrissie left.
“Well, if I’d told the board, there probably would have been. It’s my bad. But it’s kind of brazen, don’t you think, after the murder and all. You’d think the thief would be worried that we would all be on high alert, which we obviously aren’t.”
“So, what do you plan to do now?” Shelby still couldn’t get over the fact that Chrissie hadn’t taken steps to upgrade security. But would that have done the trick? She didn’t know the answer to that.
“Well, I’m telling only you because I need a sounding board.”
Shelby liked the sound of that. It was important to her to feel a part of the castle. “First of all, what do you think is missing, and more importantly, why?”
Chrissie walked over to the counter and leaned against it. “I have to admit that, once again, it’s nothing too obvious; otherwise we would have found out sooner. I’m trying to track down a master list of which objects are in each room, but I can’t find it. Which is very odd, because Loreena was so organized.”
“That was part of her job, then?”
“It was, at least at first, anyway. She was on the committee right from the start, but when they hired an executive director, Loreena’s role changed.”
“So maybe the ED, Pat Drucker, has the list.”
“That would make sense, but I wanted to confirm a few things before I go involving her and the board, because she’d have to tell them, of course.”
“Is there anything concrete I can do?”
“Brainstorm with me. I know we’ve gone through this before, but how could someone steal these things? Some are pocket size, although others aren’t, though they could be slipped into a backpack, I guess. And they’re not incredibly valuable. We have many antiques that are, but not these items. So, why would anyone even bother taking them?”
“Maybe it’s someone who doesn’t know antiques or doesn’t care. Maybe someone was doing a little redecorating at home. Or maybe we’re dealing with several different thieves. The ones who took the plans and wanted to steal something they couldn’t take out during the day, and also these guys who take the smaller items. Do they have any resale value? You could check with the pawnshops, although I’m sure the police have done that already.”
Chrissie cocked her head. “I knew it was a good idea to talk to you. Yes, there’s at least one pawnshop, so I’ll check there, just in case the police haven’t gotten to it. I know they’re more concerned with the murder right now. I guess my next problem is, as you pointed out, how to prevent further thefts, because it doesn’t look like they’ll stop on their own. It’s going to be an ongoing problem until the thief is caught, if ever,” she added with a sigh.
“I would think that’s something the board should have to deal with. You do really have to tell them. I’d think it would help to have some cameras placed around the castle. Not only would they act as a deterrent, you might even find the culprit.”
Chrissie sighed. “You’re right. And I will tell them. It’s just that I want to impress them with how I’m handling everything. I’ve heard that Pat may be considering moving on, and if so, I have my eye on the ED position. Please don’t tell anyone, though.”
“Of course not. But why would she be leaving?”
“Her daughter and grandchildren live in Maine, and she wants to be near them. That’s what my source says, anyway.”
“I can understand that. Well, good luck with the search. I guess with all of it, really.”
“Thanks again.” Chrissie returned Shelby’s smile and left.
Lots of interesting news. And lots to think about. Shelby wondered if the thefts had had anything to do with the murder after all. Maybe not. Maybe the students hadn’t been totally honest about what they had wanted to do in the castle. Small-time thefts for some quick cash? If so, from all she’d been hearing, it seemed like they might never discover who the thief or thieves were, unless the board made some changes in security and did it very quickly.
So, if that was the case, maybe there was yet another person, or other persons, who should be on the suspect list.
But how would she ever figure it out?
* * *
Shelby really wanted to talk to Chief Stone. Try as she might, she couldn’t shake that thought while she was finishing her evening meal of pizza, fresh from the freezer. She’d just finished the washing up when Edie phoned.
“I thought you might like to join me for dessert and tea. It’s been a couple of days since I’ve seen you, you know.”
“I’d love to. Be there shortly. Can I bring anything?” She knew better than to ask, since Edie always declined, but she wanted to be polite.
Twenty minutes later, Shelby knocked on Edie’s front door before opening it and stepping inside. As usual, her aunt hadn’t locked it. She was glad that the rain had finally stopped and she’d arrived without being soaked. She glanced in the living room, wondering if Matthew might be there, as she made her way into the kitchen. Edie appeared to be alone.
“Hi there. What’s on the menu?” Shelby asked, trying to peer over her aunt’s shoulder.
Edie waved without turning around from whatever she was doing at the counter. “I made an apricot Bundt cake this afternoon and wanted to share it. There.” She turned to face Shelby, holding the tray with two slices already plated. “Would you mind grabbing the tea tray?”
Shelby nodded and followed Edie to the living room with it. “This is a nice treat, although I really don’t need the extra calories. And when did you have the time to do this? I thought you were at the store this morning.”
“That’s the key; I only worked half a day. Just as you suggested. I had plenty of time for baking after a short nap. Now, eat, relax, and fill me in on what’s been happening in the castle.”
Shelby did as her aunt asked, enjoying a couple of mouthfuls of cake before speaking. “Since you’re on the board, I shouldn’t be telling you this, but I didn’t promise not to share it with you. Chrissie stopped in to see me and said she’s concerned that a couple of more items have gone missing. She thinks they might also have been stolen and was wondering what to do about it.”
“She has to tell the board, that’s what to do. She must know that.”
“She has her reasons for trying to deal with it herself.”
“And that part you’re not going to share?”
“Exactly. Anyway, that left me wondering if those kids, our supposed thieves, did indeed break into the store to take the plan. What if we assume they did it and they used the plan to break into the castle? It’s not the right time for a grad prank. So, what if they were planning to steal something?”
“Well, first question is, would these items be expensive?”
“Not according to Chrissie.”
“So it seems unlikely the lads would break in just to go to the trouble and risk of stealing, unless it was part of the prank.”
“True. And if they did, that proves they actually ventured beyond the passageway and into the castle.”
“You’re not thinking of them as suspects in Savannah’s murder?” Edie sounded shocked.
Shelby shrugged. “Well, if so, it would probably have been an accident. Maybe she appeared and they pushed her out of their way and down the stairs.” Shelby couldn’t hold back any longer. She took a larger bite of the cake. Delicious.
“Hmm, that might have happened, I suppose. I hate to think they’d cover t
hat up, though, rather than call the police. Anyway, we have no real proof that they even took the plan, much less put them to use.”
“You’re right, of course,” Shelby continued, “Maybe the thief is brazenly mixing in with the tourists so as to not attract attention, and swiping the objects. And that may have nothing to do with the murder.”
“Too bad we don’t have CCTV cameras throughout the castle.”
Edie looked at her. “We never thought there was a need before. I wonder if it’s something we should be considering, though. I’ll mention it at the next board meeting, after Chrissie brings everyone up to speed, that is.” She took a bite of her piece of cake slowly finishing it before continuing. “Now, why are you still thinking about this? It’s really not up to you this time.”
“You’re not concerned that Matthew was being questioned?” Shelby asked.
“Of course I am, but I also know what happened last time I asked you to clear his name. Look where that landed you. I don’t want you in danger ever again.”
“Okay, but I would like to talk to the chief about it all.”
“She may have mellowed in her dealings with this family, but she is still the chief of police. I wouldn’t expect too much of her.” Edie sat back in her chair and savored another forkful of cake.
“So, you don’t think I should talk to her about it?”
“I would say no, but I know you’ll make up your own mind about it,” Edie said, pointing her empty fork at Shelby.
Shelby smiled. You know me so well.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Shelby was just about to plug in the coffee machine at the store on Thursday morning when the phone rang. Hearing Taylor’s voice on the line made Shelby hold her breath until she heard the reason for the call.
“It’s one of those days. I really need to get out of the house today. Do you mind if I come in for a few hours?”
Shelby took a breath. She wasn’t sure what she’d expected, but she did realize she’d been on tenterhooks for the last few days when she hadn’t heard from Taylor. The thought flittered through her head, and she wondered when she had turned into such a negative person, thoughts going directly to worst-case scenario. Like Taylor having another miscarriage.