Deadly Diamond: A Murfy the Cat Mystery

by Anna Kern

  “Good idea,” replied Maggie. “Thanks, Bernice. I’ll do that, and it’ll give me the opportunity to solicit his support to save the Blue Heron Yacht Clubhouse. I think it might interest a world traveler, someone who must have an appreciation for history.”

  “What’s the latest on that, anyway?” asked Maggie.

  “Can you imagine the oldest clubhouse on the east coast to operate continuously at its original location since it was built in 1897, and efforts to save it have gone nowhere? The only interested developer suggested relocating it via barge, and as he had trouble renting one, he dropped the idea. The contractor of the new building has made another suggestion. He wants to take apart the building, pack up the planks, and reassemble them in replica form next to some other historic buildings he’s rescued. Everyone was hoping to see it moved––but this is the next best thing.”

  “When do you make the final decision?” asked Alyx.

  “At next month’s meeting when we find out how much it’s going to cost,” said Maggie. “Of course, the more money we have pledged prior to the meeting, the easier it will be to get yes votes.”

  Alyx interrupted their discussion to go looking for Bernice who had wandered off, and waited for Bernice to finish up with a customer, then asked her, “Do you feel comfortable being left alone for an hour or so?”

  “No problem,” Bernice quickly agreed.

  “I’ve decided now is as good a time as any to check out that new store you told me about. If anyone’s looking for me, have them call me on my cell, and if they don’t have my number, tell them to call me here, later.”

  “Will do, Alyx, and if you’re not back, I’ll just assume that you and the handsome Jon Steele have run off somewhere exciting.” She grinned, savoring the romantic notion.

  “Oh, so now it’s Jon, is it? Honestly, Bernice, you’re worse than Maggie.”

  Bernice smiled broadly. “Thank you; I consider that a compliment,” she said as she sashayed over to assist the two women who’d just walked in the door.

  “The cat is mighty dignified until the dog comes by.”

  ––Southern folk saying

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE: An Exotic and Mysterious Shop

  The building that housed Far Away Places was itself as exotic and mysterious as the name implied. It was also located on Ocean Street, about a mile or so from the center of downtown Beachside. Two high-rise condominiums were going up around the corner; evidence of redevelopment in that section of town.

  The windowless building shrouded by tropical vegetation, piqued curiosity as to what might be inside. Alyx pushed on the ornately-carved mahogany door and stepped inside a wide-open space. As usual, I was right behind her.

  A rumpled-looking man, obviously at home in his surroundings, approached her, smiling.

  “Do you always bring your cat with you when you go shopping?”

  “This is Murfy,” said Alyx, introducing me, “and yes, he does go with me pretty much wherever I go. I hope that’s not a problem.”

  “I’m Jonathan Steele, the owner of this fine establishment and it’s no problem at all. If you have any questions about a particular item, I’ll be glad to tell you all I know about it.”

  She introduced herself and added, “My son is buying his first home, and I’m looking for a special housewarming gift. I don’t know exactly what; I’ll know it when I see it.”

  “That’s exactly how I selected the items in the store. Take your time; I’m sure you’ll find the perfect thing.”

  He returned to the couple he’d been speaking with earlier, and Alyx continued her quick tour of the array of goods from all over the world. A red Oriental rug caught her attention on the first round, and she doubled back to take a closer look. A few minutes later, Jonathan Steele appeared at her side, ready to assist.

  “This rug is exactly what I had in mind.”

  “You’ve made a good choice. That’s a one-of-a-kind made by hand by two women I had the pleasure of meeting and talking to them about their craft.”

  “I think I saw your show with that segment before it went off the air.”

  His eyes lit up. “So you watched my show?”

  “Yes, whenever I could. I was sorry to see it go.”

  “I was too at first, until I realized it all turned out for the best. I collected some of these things you see here throughout the years I did the show.” He gestured around the room. “and I’ll be doing more traveling to buy other items to replenish the stock.”

  “You really do have unique items. Your store is what our design business needs. I’m sure Maggie, my business partner, and I will be visiting you often.”

  She paid for her purchase, and he instructed her to drive around back and he would load it in her vehicle. “I’m afraid this is still a one-man show and will be until the business gets going,” he said.

  Carpet loaded, Alyx slid behind the wheel and rolled down her window. “It was nice meeting you and best wishes on your new adventure. In case you don’t already know, owning a business is an adventure. By the way, if you haven’t already, I hope you’ll join the Downtown Merchants Association. We meet once a month and next month, the topic of discussion is the Blue Heron Yacht Clubhouse. Are you familiar with what’s going on with it?”

  “Yes, I am. I’ve been following the story in the newspaper, and I’m curious to know what will be decided. Can I get back to you on the date?”

  “Sure, stop in our store anytime. Antiques & Designs is right across from the marina.”

  “I will, and thank you for visiting my store, Ms. Hille.”

  Maggie was all smiles when Alyx returned. She said, “I see you didn’t get whisked off to a faraway place.”

  “You and Bernice are incorrigible.”

  “Yeah, yeah, I know; we’re too romantic.”

  “And maybe I’m not enough;” said Alyx with a sly smile, “however, this one could change my mind.”

  I relished the look that passed between Maggie and Bernice; a look that said they weren’t sure if Alyx was kidding or not. She was of course, wasn’t she?

  Bernice asked if Alyx had found something for Ethan.

  “I found the perfect rug for his entry hall. You want to see it?”

  “Yes,” Maggie answered, “After we hear all about Jonathan Steele. Bernice gave me the background. What’s he really like in person?”

  “He has a casual look about him, curly brown hair, cut on the longish side and cocoa-brown eyes, flecked with gold. He’s even better-looking in person than he was on TV, and has an abundance of charm. You were right, Bernice, his store is wonderful.” She turned to Maggie, “It’s the perfect place to find that one final decorative item for a design.”

  “I’ll be so glad when we can shop for that final item for our current client, Mrs. Snob,” said Maggie glumly.

  Alyx laughed. “She’s really gotten to you too, hasn’t she?”

  “Yes, and I’m ready for a break,” Maggie said, as they walked back to the workroom. “I asked George if he wanted to get away for a few days once this project is wrapped up.”

  “Any place special?”

  “We’re thinking about taking his boat to the Keys.”

  “It sounds wonderful.”

  “You don’t mind, then?”

  “Not as long as you’re back for Althea’s estate sale. Seriously, Maggie, go and enjoy yourself; you deserve it.”

  “I’ll let you know when we’re leaving and returning as soon as George tells me.”

  Alyx headed towards the workroom, hesitated, and turned back. “Maggie, we don’t pry into each other’s business unless invited, so I won’t ask you. Nevertheless, I sense that something is going on with you and George; whenever you’re ready to talk, I’m ready to listen.”

  Maggie nodded. “I made some fresh vanilla-flavored coffee. Come and join me for a cup, and you can tell me about your ideas for this place.”

  Alyx pulled a small notebook from her briefcase and flipped it open while M
aggie poured the coffee––the aroma irresistible to even a non-coffee drinking cat. Mugs in hand, each women found a place to sit, moving fabrics and magazines aside.

  “Okay, this is what I’m thinking,” said Alyx. “We already have everything in the store that a customer needs. It’s a warm, friendly environment that we could make even more inviting by adding instrumental background music and maybe set up a refreshment bar with coffee and tea. Does it sound good, so far?”

  “As nice as it sounds, I don’t see how it gets us back to our roots,” replied Maggie.

  “Hold on, I’m not finished yet,” said Alyx. “I’m thinking of providing our customers a distinctive shopping experience. You’ve heard Bernice say she’d like to get into decorating, so when a customer comes in with a decorating project in mind, the design staff, the new designer and Bernice, will help the customer choose the right items. Those with projects that need special attention can schedule an in-store appointment or a home visit with you or me. In addition, we can keep a record of their colors, fabrics, and measurements for future decorating projects. You and I can take on projects as we see fit.

  Maggie scooted to the edge of her chair, “Yeah, and we could sell artwork from local artists, and it doesn’t have to be limited to paintings it could be pottery or other artwork for the home.”

  “So, you like my ideas?” asked Alyx.

  “Alyx, I love your ideas. It’s the best of all worlds, isn’t it? Let’s get started as soon as I get back. I’ll be glad to put an ad in the paper and do all the interviews.”

  “Let’s talk to Bernice about it. Of course, we’ll have to give her a raise for her new duties. Are you okay with that?”

  Maggie hesitated before answering. “I gather you’ve checked with our accountant to make sure we can handle another employee and a raise?” she asked with a raised eyebrow.

  Alyx bit her lower lip, “Well, I sort of didn’t get that far. You sounded like you could use some cheering up, so I thought you’d feel better if I told you what I was thinking.”

  Maggie’s disappointment was only evident in her voice.

  “Now that you got me all excited…I hope we can do it.”

  “I’ll let you know for sure when you get back from the Keys. There’s one more idea I’d like to run by you. Since I have my cats in the store, I think it’s only fair that our customers should be allowed to bring their pets shopping, if they want to.” She saw the skeptical look on Maggie’s face and hastened to add, “People don’t usually bring misbehaved pets with them, and they’ll be required to be on a leash. What harm can they cause?”

  Maggie’s eyebrows shot up, “Step outside, and look around you, Alyx. Are you kidding or have you lost your mind?”

  “What if we limit it to cats?”

  “We can’t limit it to cats only; we’ll upset customers who have dogs,” Maggie argued.

  In the end, still not convinced it was a good idea, Maggie agreed to try it, but I could tell she was envisioning cat and dogfights, and broken accessories.

  So the new “pets welcome” policy was initiated, and just as Maggie had predicted, mayhem broke out a few days later. I was making my rounds of the store and stumbled into the path of a black Main Coon cat several pounds heavier than I was. The cat was surprised to see me and panicked. The commotion attracted customers who stood around watching the Main Coon jumping, leaping and spinning his human around.

  There were other incidents that occurred, but the dog relieving himself on a chair leg was the episode that ended “let’s allow customers to shop with their pets experiment.” Hooray!

  “There is no snooze button on a cat who wants breakfast”

  ––Unknown

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX: A Cat is a Cat

  The morning was busy and time passed quickly. Before I knew it, Maggie asked Alyx if she was ready for lunch.

  “It’s only eleven-thirty, but I didn’t have any breakfast, and I’m hungry. Is it too early for you?”

  “No, it’s fine. I was upstairs moving some furniture around, choosing what to have George repair or recycle. I guess the work made me hungry.”

  “Good. Here’s your purse. Let’s go.”

  Alyx laughed. “You’re not joking about being hungry, are you?”

  As they walked by the display window, Maggie glanced at Misty sitting tall next to the candelabrum where she’d been all morning, scrutinizing each passerby, with a puzzled look flitting across her face.

  “Misty hasn’t moved from that spot since I came in this morning,” said Maggie. “And Murfy is at the door trying to get his leash off the hook. Cats don’t do that; dogs do that.”

  Alyx shrugged her shoulders. “I don’t know what to tell you, Maggie.”

  I knew what to tell her if I could talk. It’s so unfair––dogs aren’t the only intelligent house pets. Some cats are just as clever; we just don’t let on that we are, thereby, we get away with doing more things we shouldn’t. My efforts paid off, and Alyx grabbed my leash and off we went.

  The Beachside Café was busy as usual. The restaurant had a pleasant ambiance with exposed brick walls and a planked wood floor. The counter was a rich, dark mahogany with a brass foot railing. A booth opened up and Alyx said, “It’s so busy in here; maybe it’s better if we get something to go. I don’t feel comfortable sitting down for lunch with Murfy. There are a lot of tourists in town, and we’re getting some funny looks.”

  They ordered their favorite and mine––shrimp salad on cheddar bread. Novie, the owner of the Café, brought the food out when it was ready.

  “Isn’t it nice to see all these tourists back in town?”

  “I know what you mean,” said Alyx. “After that last hurricane, everybody wondered if we’d ever see tourists again, and that one didn’t even hit us. It seems to me that it doesn’t really matter where they make landfall, we’re affected by any hurricane that even comes close to Florida.”

  Alyx said, “That’s because those monsters are big enough to cover the whole state!” She added, “I wonder how many insurance policies will be cancelled, next time.”

  “Our condo insurance more than doubled last year and so did the insurance I carry for the inside of my unit, although it won’t cost twice as much to replace the contents,” said Maggie.

  A man waiting for his take-out order, someone I didn’t know, joined the conversation.

  “The insurance companies have changed their philosophy of doing business. It used to be they bet against something happening while we bet it would happen. Now it’s the reverse; they bet that something will happen and charge accordingly. They have us right where they want us and they know it. People are too scared not to carry insurance, and rightly so.”

  Maggie redirected the conversation to Novie. “Speaking of insurance, have you heard anything more about the diamond robbery?”

  “Chet Hall came in for lunch yesterday, and I asked him about it. He said the police haven’t caught the thief, and they have no leads––they think he had a driver waiting for him outside, or he disappeared into one of the crowded businesses next to the jewelry store. They came in here and asked all of us if we’d seen anyone fitting the description they gave us––we didn’t.”

  “The police talked to all of us as well,” said Maggie, “and at our next meeting, Alyx and I are going to suggest that the Merchants Association make a formal request for a greater police presence, especially during peak tourist periods.”

  Novie said that after what had happened, she didn’t think there would be any opposition to the suggestion.

  Later after lunch and back at the shop, Maggie’s tone of voice said it all when she told Alyx, “She doesn’t like the tiles in the courtyard.”

  An audible groan escaped Alyx, “Too bad. We had nothing to do with that. She picked out her own contractor to do that job. I knew we shouldn’t have let her do that.” Alyx looked around the room, and her eyes fell on the rich-toned fabric left over from another job. “Not to worry, Maggie, I ha
ve the solution. We simply recover all the cushions with that striped, brick red fabric left over from the Carabba’s home.”

  “Do we have enough?”

  “Just enough. Do you want to show the fabric to our client first?”

  “Not today.”

  “Alyx, you’re a genius, you know.”

  “No, just a good designer, and so are you.”

  “Do you sometimes think we’re too good?”

  “You mean because we’re so busy?”

  Maggie nodded, “Alyx I need a break after this job.”

  “I know you do. It’s hard dealing with the varied personalities of the customers on a daily basis. There are some I’d like to ban permanently from entering the store.”

  “That overweight, screaming man who insisted on buying Althea’s desk, for example?”

  “Exactly.”

  “Listen, I have a few things to take care of, and I think I’ll do that now if you don’t mind,” said Maggie.

  “Okay, Maggie, I’ll see you later.”

  Alyx measured the fabric, put it back on the shelf, and then pulled the tissue-wrapped pillbox from her purse; she set it down in front of her and perched on the edge of the chair behind the desk. She folded her arms on the desk, and I placed my paw on her forearm, both of us staring at the silver object.

  “What do you know, fur-baby? Did you sense something else when you found this?”

  Alyx abruptly stood, knocking me off balance, and the flash of insight that was starting to form in my brain disappeared as quickly as it had appeared.

  Maggie came back to the store a bit later, to pick up some information she’d forgotten, making small talk while she looked for it.

  “I had a heartwarming experience at lunch yesterday,” she told Alyx. “I meant to tell you earlier but forgot.”

  “Where did you go?”