by Essie Lang
She knocked, and Chuck pulled open the door almost immediately. “Shelby, how nice to see you. Taylor will be pleased, but I should warn you, she gets tired easily.”
“Okay, I won’t stay long. I sure hope I’m not interrupting your meal.”
“Not at all. My mom and I are just preparing it, but it’s nowhere ready yet. Here, let me take your jacket. Taylor is in the living room, to the left.”
Shelby walked in and found Taylor on the couch, feet up, a book resting on her lap. Her hair looked disheveled, like she’d just gotten up from a nap. She glanced up at Shelby and smiled. From the kitchen, Shelby could hear voices. She’d make this a quick visit.
“Sorry to just barge in, but I was at sort of loose ends and thought I’d just pop by and see how you’re doing. It would have been just a quick hi if you were eating.”
Taylor patted the seat next to her. “Sit. I’m so happy to see you. I’m sort of fed up with being made to feel the invalid. That’s why I so want to get out of the house.”
“Dare I say, but you are an invalid, sort of.” Shelby smiled to soften her words.
Taylor made a face. “Okay, maybe I sort of am, but to me that means being left in peace so that I can indulge in some good books. Say, maybe I could do up some shelf-talkers for you here at home. You know, ‘staff recommends’ with a few sentences?”
“That sounds like a terrific idea. I don’t know why we didn’t think of it sooner. You can let me know when you’re in need of books, and I can drop them over and pick up the shelf-talkers that are ready. How well stocked are you?”
Taylor pointed to the two books on the coffee table. “Down to my last three. And I’m a fast reader, so I’ll be in need real soon. But I hope to be in to work before that point.”
“Noted. I’ll try to get some over to you.” Shelby didn’t add, so you won’t go down to the store. She glanced toward the kitchen and lowered her voice. “How are things going, guest-wise?”
Taylor shrugged. “She’s actually being quite helpful, when she isn’t dispensing advice. Imagine what she’ll be like when the baby is born. I try to tell her that things are different these days. The theories about child rearing have changed. I’ve been reading up on it. After all, it’s been almost forty years since she had Chuck.”
“And how is that going over?” Shelby wanted to reach out and give Taylor’s hands a reassuring squeeze.
“She nods and looks like she’s agreeing but then goes back to the advice giving. Chuck has said she’s been asking how long she’ll be needed, so that sounds like she’s got somewhere else to be, which is hopeful. I had thought she might be gone by the weekend, but my trip to the hospital was really bad timing. Now she thinks she’s needed.”
“Which she probably is, right?”
Taylor nodded. “Okay, I’ll admit, she is a big help, especially in small doses. How are things at the store?” Taylor looked around her, then lowered her voice again. “And with the hunt for the murderer?”
“It was busy today for a change, and as to the second part, nothing definite.”
Taylor yawned. “I’m sorry, I am really interested, but it’s just that …”
“You also get tired quickly. I get it, and I should be going. Oh, by the way,” she said as she pulled the truffle box out of her purse, “I thought you deserved a treat. Playing invalid is hard work.”
Taylor grinned. “Oh, man, I am looking forward to these. Thanks, Shelby, and please, come back soon.”
“You can count on that.”
Chapter Thirty-One
Shelby had just pulled open her fridge door to look for something to eat when a knock at her front door startled her. She grabbed her smartphone and tiptoed to the door, keeping out of the line of sight through the windows, trying to covertly peer through the window before opening the door. Zack. Her heart raced and her tongue felt tied in knots. Not a good way to greet him. She took a deep breath, hoping to compose herself, and opened the door.
He stood there looking tentative, which made her feel better immediately. At least he didn’t look angry or like he was about to do something drastic, like tell her he wanted to break up whatever it was they had.
“Come in. I didn’t expect to see you tonight.” She felt her hands shaking as she pulled the door wider.
He walked in and went straight to J.T., who sat on the chair nearest the door, and patted the cat’s head. “I was just in the neighborhood, if you’ll believe that.”
“Uh, in your boat?” She played along and peered outdoors, as if she seriously believed that.
He chuckled. “No, on my feet, and I admit, I came here deliberately. I wasn’t happy how we left things last night.”
She sighed. “I wasn’t either. I guess I overreacted to Rachel Michaels. Dumb, right?”
Zack put his hands on her shoulders. “I think it’s flattering. In fact, I’m quite pleased to get some kind of signal from you as to how you feel about me.”
“Seriously? We go out, we eat out, we do other things, in and out …” She let her voice trail off suggestively.
He gave her a quick kiss on the lips. “I know all that, but there’s still this part of you that’s holding back. Like I said last spring, when we first started to get to know each other, I got the distinct vibe that you wanted to take it slow. So, that’s what I did, but I really have been hoping we’re now up to speed and thinking along the same lines.”
Please, let me get this right. “I hope we are, too, but sometimes I get nervous.”
“Me, too.” He took hold of her hand. “We’ll work on it together, okay?”
She nodded and leaned into him, her head resting on his shoulder for a moment. “You have an incredible amount of patience,” she said, straightening up.
“I also have the strong desire to keep you out of harm’s way.” He led her to the love seat, and they sat facing each other.
“I have something to tell you. You asked, so I asked. I met Rachel for a drink just before coming here. I tried every which way I could think of to get some information out of her, but she wouldn’t go there. It was a very quick drink, because I’m sure I made her uncomfortable. I don’t have a clue as to what she’d been hoping to gain by meeting with me, but whatever it was, it didn’t happen. As I was walking over here, I remembered that Rachel had relatives in town. I can’t remember who, maybe an aunt and uncle. But as I said, I hadn’t been really interested in her at the time, so none of the details stuck. But I do remember she had use of a small power boat, so I wouldn’t be surprised if she charmed her uncle or someone else she knew back then into lending her a boat for a couple of hours, or maybe she even borrowed it.” He placed air quotes around that last bit.
“So, you think she’s capable of getting over to the island on her own?”
“Most certainly. Now, I want you to tell me all about the thefts at the castle, and let’s try to figure out if that’s something she might be involved with.”
“I doubt she had anything to do with the stuff that’s gone missing from the castle, because none of it, except maybe the plans, seems to be anything more than items that can be hawked or kept. But I did catch her in Joe Cabana’s bedroom that day, so she definitely goes right after what she wants.”
She glanced at Zack but quickly looked away. “And she was so pushy about getting to meet Matthew, and then upset when he said no, I can definitely imagine her going over and sneaking into his place.”
“But why? What would she be after?”
“She wanted to write about his wife’s murder, so maybe she was looking for any notes he’d made when he did his investigation. Or maybe she hoped to find some old newspaper clippings, although I don’t know if he has any. He’s a very private man and I don’t like to go prying.”
“You’ve got him pegged. Did he say if anything was missing?”
“He didn’t tell me, but maybe you could ask him. You’ve got a pretty good working relationship with him, don’t you, after he helped keep an eye out
for smuggling activity in the spring?”
“Yes, but the key there is the working part.”
Shelby sighed. “Well, maybe I could ask Aunt Edie, but she might get upset with that.”
“Does it even matter if Rachel succeeded? If you let him know she’s a possible suspect, that should be enough. Let him take it from there.”
“I said as much, and he said he should have a meeting with her after all, but I don’t know if he’ll do it. Like I said, he’s such a private man. Even if he can deflect her questions, I’m sure it would be a real downer for him, bringing up the past.”
Zack sat looking at her, but she couldn’t read his expression.
“What?”
“I like this non-nosy, deeply caring side of Shelby Cox. I like it a lot.”
Chapter Thirty-Two
Monday morning Shelby was in a decidedly better mood. Yes, she had to admit to herself that she’d been, and probably still was, a little jealous of Rachel. Even though Zack had convinced her that there was not, nor had there ever been, anything going on and that, in fact, he had tried to get the information Shelby had wanted. Still, it frosted her that Rachel would see right through her feelings and play that low-down card.
But today … everything was going to be just great. The sun was shining and she had an upbeat feeling.
She hadn’t heard back from Prissy Newmarket, so she assumed they were still on vacation. No brunch today; however, she did have a shopping list from Edie, and that would be her priority after the prerequisite Monday morning cleaning routine.
She managed to get it all done in record time, although she wasn’t about to check too closely what kind of job she’d done, especially when it came to the floors. She hadn’t given much thought to what having a cat would do to her home. Not the warm, welcoming soft ball of fur, but the shedding part of it. And then there were the sometimes-muddy paws. She glanced at the sleeping furball settled on his chair and smiled. He’d really managed to cuddle his way into her life.
She made a quick lunch of salad and a grilled cheese sandwich and had just finished washing the dishes when Taylor called.
“Hi, Taylor. How are you doing today?” As usual, she felt a bit of apprehension when asking.
“I had a marvelous sleep. No little feet kicking, so I feel rested and raring to go.”
“Uh-oh.”
Taylor laughed. “Don’t worry. I’m still lying low. But there is one thing I want to tell you. I asked Chuck about how the murder investigation was proceeding.”
“You didn’t.”
“Like I said, or maybe I didn’t, I need distractions, and he seemed to accept that. So, I don’t know how deeply you’re involved or what you know, although I’d like to hear all about it one day soon, but I thought I’d fill you in on the latest, according to Chuck.”
“Oh, tell me.” Shelby caught her breath. What could be happening now?
“Well, you know Savannah’s fiancé?”
“Liam Kennelly, yes.”
“Chuck says they gave him the okay to leave town a couple of days ago. They’d actually meant to do that sooner, but since he wasn’t complaining, they thought they’d double-check all his info. So, he’s definitely in the clear. But they do know where to find him if anything changes. So, does this help you in any way?”
“Well, I’d sort of assumed that he was in the clear, since I knew he’d left. But I’m more curious these days about Bryce O’Connell, Savannah’s agent. Did Chuck mention him at all?”
“According to Chuck, they’re not so sure about him, although if he demanded to leave, they couldn’t stop him.”
“That’s interesting. I wonder what part they’re unsure about. Did he happen to say anything about Savannah’s laptop?”
“Nada.”
“Or did he mention any other suspects by name? Like maybe Jenna Dunlop?”
Taylor took a couple of seconds answering, during which Shelby could hear another voice growing louder, possibly the MIL entering the room. Taylor’s voice was muffled, as if she were answering said visitor. Then she got back to Shelby. “No, but it sounds like that’s something you want me to be pursuing.”
“Perhaps not. He’d get annoyed or suspicious if you asked for too many details, don’t you think?”
“I’ll figure out a way,” Taylor assured her. “Leave it to me. I’ll call you if I have anything to report. Final thing, I’ll need some reading material by the end of the week.”
“I’ll be sure to come by with books. We have a pile of new advanced reading copies that came in, so maybe you could cull them for us. Give us your opinion on what to actually buy. How does that sound?”
“Super. I’d love to do that. Can’t wait. Thanks, Shelby.”
“You’re welcome, and it was good to hear from you. Take care.”
“You also. Ciao.”
Shelby hung up, but her hand remained on the receiver.
And then there was one less suspect. But should Liam really be off the hook?
Chapter Thirty-Three
Shelby had mentally prepared herself for the book club on Tuesday night, or at least she thought she had. Having been blindsided on her last visit by questions about her investigating the murder of Loreena Swan, Shelby had come up with a few noncommittal statements about this new murder. Or maybe she should tell all and see where it led. These people absolutely breathed mysteries, and last time Leonard had directed Shelby to his daughter, a local hairdresser who did have some useful information. It could happen again. She just didn’t want them to get so invested in it that they might go out on their own and check on details. Of course, that wouldn’t happen. Would it? Nobody did that. Except me.
She took a deep breath before she knocked on Trudy’s door. It was opened almost immediately by Leonard.
“Oh, Shelby, my dear. We’re so glad you could come tonight. Juliette and I just arrived a few minutes before you. Let me take your jacket.”
Shelby slipped out of her lightweight Columbia jacket and handed it to him. “Thank you. I sure timed it right.”
He gave her a full smile and then ushered her into the living room. Shelby did a quick mental count. Still missing one. Who was it? She tried to remember all the names and was just about to ask when it came to her.
“I see Patricia isn’t here yet,” she said, accepting a glass of fruit punch from Trudy.
“No, she’s not. She phoned to say she’s running late, so we’ll just start with the snacks and hopefully she’ll be here in time for the book talk.”
Trudy looked a bit on the harried side, Shelby thought. Not quite as well put together as she usually was. The extra little flip of her gray hair on the left side might have been deliberate, after all. Or maybe it was just a bad hair day. But who was she to say? She thought of her own disordered mop of tangles. Trudy’s home looked amazing, as usual, with lots of colorful flowers in various nooks and crannies.
Shelby chose a chair next to Dolly. Although Shelby pegged her to be in her late seventies, early eighties, she had a youthful glow that almost screamed healthy lifestyle gal. It also helped that she had a style of her own. Not the flamboyancy of Edie, but lots of floating tops in pastel colors and casual pants in beige and creams.
“How is your sister?” Shelby asked, raising her voice a little. She’d remembered from the last time that Dolly sometimes forgot to put in her hearing aids. “I understand she’s in the hospital.”
Dolly patted her hand. “Yes, dear. She has to have a new knee. I miss having her around each day, but I do manage to get over to see her on a daily basis. I hope she’ll be home soon, but on the other hand, I’m sort of worried about having the responsibility of her recuperating at home with only me around, you know what I mean?”
“Absolutely. It could be hard on you both. Is there someone else, a family member, who could help out?” Shelby refrained from adding someone younger.
Dolly shook her head. “Sadly, we’re the only ones left in Alexandria Bay. The younger one
s have all moved away, but we do see my niece, our niece, and her husband at least once a year. They run a small business, a cleaning service, so are never able to stay too long. They live in Syracuse, you know.”
Shelby saw the sadness in Dolly’s eyes and felt at a loss for what to say next. It didn’t seem right that as some people aged, they had to face it alone. They were no longer in the middle of the family network. Or so she imagined. She realized that would have applied to Edie, also, before Shelby arrived.
Trudy interrupted her thoughts by passing a dish of sweets to her, asking that she pass it around. Shelby stood and walked over to Juliette. “How about a cookie or a Danish to start the evening?”
“Oh, yes. I see that Trudy must have stopped at Trailbaker’s today. My favorite pastries. Do you think I can be a piggy and take one of each?” She looked up at Shelby, a sly smile on her face.
“Definitely. And how are you this evening?” She noted that tonight Juliette wore a decidedly Christmasy green-and-red fascinator, with a sprig of holly poking out at the side. Shelby hoped it was artificial; otherwise it wouldn’t survive until the holidays. She’d realized that last time they’d met, it had been obvious that Juliette enjoyed dressing up for any occasion and considered a fascinator to be a fashion must.
Juliette sighed. “I’m feeling stressed out about Christmas already.”
That explained the holly. “Why? It’s still September.”
Leonard chimed in from his seat beside her. “Oh, she usually has all her shopping done by now, but we seem to have been sidetracked this year. Next, she’ll be starting to look for new ornaments for the tree and around the house. Juliette loves Christmas, don’t you?”
He glanced at Juliette before continuing. “That reminds me, Felicity Foxworth has some of those hand-painted ones with Christmas designs in stock. I saw them when I stopped in there yesterday.”
“She does? Thanks for telling me.” Juliette’s eyes were bright. “That may be a help, having them out so early. You see, Shelby, as Leonard said, I’m a real nut for Christmas and everything that goes with it. I volunteer at the hospital mainly to help put up the decorations.”