Birthday Bash: A Jillian Bradley Mystery Novella
By Nancy Jill Thames
Editor’s Note: Jillian and her devoted Yorkie might seem to be an unlikely pair of detectives, but they do a fantastic job of sniffing out crime.
The room was quiet for now. Soon it would be filled with laughter and conversation from the gathering of the Lovejoy clan. I fondly recalled reunions from the past as I held Teddy, my four-and-a-half-pound Yorkie companion close and scanned the setup, making sure everything would be perfect for my mother’s 90th birthday celebration.
With no immediate family living nearby, times like these were precious. Don’t get me wrong. I do have a dear little adopted family who lives in my large Victorian while I occupy the cozy cottage in the rear. It’s really quite lovely, and nestled near the white gazebo in the backyard.
The Montoyas and I have been close friends ever since Walter and I met in Half Moon Bay and got involved in a murder investigation. He later married Cecilia, who also played a part, and who eventually became my personal assistant. Now he’s the homicide detective in the Clover Hills Police Department. The Montoyas have two children, D.J. and Katie Ellen, who are like grandchildren to me.
I write the “Ask Jillian” garden column for the San Francisco Enterprise. It’s done well over the years, and even been syndicated in several publications. My fellowship with other garden lovers is satisfying, too. When I travel, which isn’t as often as in the past, it’s wonderful to connect with fans.
A hotel staff member shook me from my reverie.
“I hope the arrangements meet your expectations, Mrs. Bradley.” Mr. Franklin, the Clover Hill Hotel’s new manager, was terribly anxious to please.
The turn-of-the-century room was simply styled with white beadboard walls and mahogany wainscoting, anchored by a view overlooking tall trees and a dense thicket of shrubbery. Bouquets of pink peonies on each table injected color to the otherwise plain room.
I gave Teddy a hug. “Mother will be delighted. She’s enjoyed dining at this hotel for many years and she loves the old paintings in this room.”
“I’m happy to hear it. We appreciate loyal patrons. I believe the paperwork is in order.” Mr. Franklin referred to his electronic device. “The room must be vacated by 10 o’clock with all personal items taken away. You have paid for the cleanup service.” He checked his notes on this point.
“That is correct.” I moved aside for the cake delivery. “Right on time. Just put it on the head table in the empty space.”
Teddy sniffed the confection as it passed his nose. “Don’t worry, sweet boy, you’ll get a bite later.”
The man carefully set the two-tiered pink birthday cake in the middle of a floral ring.
“Now everything is complete.” I took a final look and smiled in satisfaction. Mother would be pleased.
Voices from the hallway caused me to turn around. It was my niece Lexis. She reminded me of an unbroken horse with her chestnut mane of hair and large defiant brown eyes. She was a beautiful young woman, independent and a bit stubborn. A fair-haired young man holding a gift bag accompanied her.
“Hello, Aunt Jillian.” She gave me a big hug. “Meet Clay Scott, my date for the party.”
I extended my hand. “I’m Jillian Bradley. It’s nice to meet you.”
He handed Lexis the bag and took my hand. “A pleasure to know you. Lexis’s told me all about you and Teddy.” He reached to pat my dog. “Hello, boy.”
Teddy wagged his tail at the attention.
“It’s time for you to go into your tote, little one.” I put him inside the Cheetah tote I’d brought along and set him on the floor next to my chair.
“We came early to see if we could help, but it looks like everything is ready,” Clay said.
“That was kind of you. You may set your gift on the table at the far end.” I pointed in the direction where the presents would be, and then I turned to the manager. “Mr. Franklin, you may start the music.”
He made a slight bow and disappeared.
Others arrived and added birthday gifts to the table. Lexis’s parents, my brother Will and his wife Stephanie, arrived with Lexis’s sister and brother-in-law, newlyweds Annika and Mitch. They were helping Grandmother Lovejoy, who was using her walker.
“Hello, Jillian.” Will hugged me. “Thanks for putting this on.”
“Everything looks great,” his wife said. It was good to see Stephanie at family gatherings. She was working her way back into the good graces of the family after abandoning Lexis and Annika right after they were born. After a recent family reunion, however, she had become part of the family again.
I watched Lexis make introductions to more family members and friends as they arrived. Whenever she looked at Clay, she beamed.
Guests gathered around the food table filled with all sorts of appetizers, including the hotel’s signature ham and cheese sliders. The bar provided sparkling cider and soft drinks per Grandmother Lovejoy’s non-alcoholic preference.
Out the corner of my eye I watched Lexis’s date talking on his cell phone. He left the party suddenly with what seemed to be a look of urgency on his face. I hoped nothing was wrong. Lexis watched him leave, disappointment etched on her face.
As Teddy snoozed beside my chair, I looked out the window and watched the sun go down with a heart full of gratitude at being with loved ones.
~*~
The clink of a glass summoned attention from the heavy din of happy conversation. Teddy popped up his head at the sound. It was time for Will to make a toast.
“To Grandmother Lovejoy on her 90th birthday. On behalf of the friends and family who are here tonight to celebrate this milestone with her, we wish her continued long life, good health, and prosperity.”
With glasses raised, a resounding “Hear, hear!” filled the room, followed by everyone singing “Happy Birthday.” Grandmother Lovejoy made a small speech thanking everyone for the honor, but I was distracted by the worried look on Lexis’s face as she checked her cell phone.
“My dear loved ones.” Grandmother Lovejoy looked over the room. “There is no greater joy than to be with loved ones, especially when one is 90 years old!”
Everyone smiled and laughed.
“Thank you for honoring me tonight. I don’t believe one more day could add any more to the happiness I feel at this moment. I’m so grateful and proud of each and every one of you. I love you all.”
Applause erupted in the room. Family members rose from their seats and made their way to Grandmother Lovejoy for hugs and well wishes.
It was my turn at last. “Happy Birthday, Mom.” I gave her a hug and a kiss.
Clay hadn’t returned. I made my way to Lexis to find out if everything was okay.
“What happened to Clay?” I asked. “Is something wrong?”
“I’m not sure. He said he got a call from his boss and had to leave.” A shadow crossed Lexis’s face. The last rays of the sun had disappeared.
“Where does he work? Is he on call?”
“Clay works for the Army Supply Depot just north of here. He’s an accountant. I can’t imagine why his boss would call him on a weekend like this. On his way out, he apologized for not being able to take me home after the party.”
“Sounds serious, if he wasn’t planning on coming back.”
“Aunt Jillian, I’m worried. Something doesn’t feel right.”
Teddy began to squirm in his tote and whine.
“Looks like Teddy is ready for a bite of cake,” I said. At the word “cake,” my canine companion pricked up his ears but continued to whimper. “He’s the most intelligent dog I’ve ever seen.” Of course, I was prejudiced. “Teddy, be quiet. I know you want some birthday cake.”
Lexis smiled weakly. She accepted a piece of cake from the server but didn’t touch it.
After my cake was served, I opened the carrier, ready to scoop up Teddy, but before I could grab him, he raced under the table and out of the room at breakneck spe
ed.
“Teddy,” I yelled, over the chattering conversations and background music. “Come back here!”
He paid no attention. Heads were turning at my outburst. Will was right behind me as I ran after my determined little dog.
Teddy ran out the door, barking and heading straight for the empty river bed that ran alongside the hotel parking lot. A sinking feeling filled me with dread at what we might find. Security lights at the back of the hotel illuminated much of the ground before us.
“Woof! Woof!” Teddy barked as he ran down the slope. A huddled mass stretched before him. My Yorkie turned toward me and whimpered when Will and I finally reached him. I scooped up the shaking little dog and held him close.
Will leaned close to the prone form and pressed his fingertips to the man’s neck. After a few minutes, my brother shook his head. “He’s gone.”
“Don’t touch anything else,” I warned. “This could be a crime scene.”
By now the rest of the party guests had assembled at the top of the hill. A scream came from one of the onlookers. It was Lexis, running toward us. “That’s Clay! We need to call an ambulance!”
I put my arm around her shoulder. “I’m sorry, Lexis, but it’s too late. We need to call the police.”
Clay was dead. Looking at the gash on the back of his skull, I suspected that he’d been bludgeoned. “I’ll get hold of Walter immediately. He’ll know what to do.”
Will took off his lightweight jacket and moved to cover the body, but I stopped him. I knew from previous experience with Walter Montoya not to confuse the crime scene techs with materials added after the fact.
Will nodded his understanding and pulled his daughter close. “I’m so sorry, baby. Why don’t we go back inside until the police arrive?”
Lexis nodded numbly and walked alongside him as far as the porch that wrapped around the side of the hotel. “I want to know when they get here.” She shivered.
Her father agreed. “We can sit here and wait.” Together, they sat on a wooden bench as Will held her hand. I joined them on the porch, holding onto Teddy.
While we waited, I realized it was the “Hot August Nights Annual Car Show” in Clover Hills. The street on the other side of the empty river bed was crowded with car aficionados. Nearby, a band played and couples danced to their music. Sidewalk cafes were filled with patrons enjoying the summer evening.
And yet, a young man lay dead nearby. Lexis’s young man. She must be in shock.
Within minutes, Walter arrived on the scene, followed by a squad car. “Everyone keep back and let me through, please.”
“Hello, Detective Montoya,” I said, walking toward Walter and using his title to acknowledge he was here in his professional capacity. “Teddy found the deceased. His name is Clay Scott. He was my niece Lexis’s boyfriend. She’s taking it pretty hard.”
Walter cast a glance toward the porch of the hotel. “I’ll need to get her statement. The forensics team will be here shortly. Until they get here, let’s take a look and you can fill me in.”
“Certainly.” Together we walked down to where Clay’s body lay. Walter had quite sensibly brought along a large flashlight to help us make our way in the dark. “Lexis said Clay got a call from his boss and left rather abruptly. It was a little while before the toast for Grandmother Lovejoy.”
“No sign of a weapon. About what time was this?” Walter used the flashlight to look closely at the skull wound.
“I’d say around 7 o’clock. We’d been eating and visiting for about an hour before Teddy ran off and we discovered…” My voice trailed off, and Walter nodded in understanding.
A team of uniformed officers arrived and roped off the area with yellow crime scene tape. They also brought large lamps to train on the site. Walter gave instructions. “You men fan out and find out if anyone saw anything.”
The coroner arrived in a white van, stepped out, and approached. Walter and he shook hands. “What have we got here?” the coroner asked.
Walter nodded toward Clay’s body. “Could be an accident or foul play.”
The coroner proceeded to where the body lay. He bent down and began his examination. “He’s been dead at least an hour, maybe less.”
“Thanks.” Walter recorded the information on an electronic device. “Jillian, let’s go talk to your niece.”
Mr. Franklin ushered our small party into his private office. “Please stay as long as you need to.”
“Thanks.” Walter had us sit down before he began to question Lexis. “When did you last see Clay?”
Lexis swallowed hard. “It was just as we started eating. He said his boss called him away, and he apologized because he wouldn’t be able to drive me home.”
“I see. About what time was that?” Walter recorded the information as she spoke.
“Maybe 7 o’clock? I didn’t notice the time, but we started eating soon after he left.”
Walter nodded. “Where did Clay work?”
“He was an accountant for the Army Supply Depot. I think it’s called the Defense Distribution Depot. Anyway, they process supplies for the army. He’s worked there as an accounting clerk for two years.”
“Hmm.” Walter looked thoughtful. “This may be a federal case then. I have no jurisdiction on a military establishment. Lexis, can you think of any enemies Clay had?”
She paused before shaking her head. “No. I knew a few of his friends, and they all seemed to get along.” Tears ran down her cheek. “I can’t believe he’s dead. I can’t…believe it.”
Walter stood. “I think that’s all I need for now. I am sorry for your loss. If you think of anything, please get in touch.” He handed her his card. The rest of us prepared to leave, but not before Walter turned to me. “I’ll see you back home in the morning, Jillian. In the meantime, I’ll touch base with the FBI.”
Will held Lexis as she sobbed into his chest. “Jillian, can she stay with you tonight?” he asked. “I don’t think she should be alone.”
“Of course. You need to get Mom home. She can open her gifts later.”
“Sounds good. Lexis, stay strong. You know Jillian will get to the bottom of this.”
She nodded. “I know, Dad. I know she will.”
Will kissed her on the cheek, gave her a hug, and left.
Mr. Franklin met us in the hall. “Please don’t worry about the room. I’ll handle everything. I’m sorry your party was ruined.”
“Me, too. Thanks for your help.” I had Lexis sit on a nearby bench. “I need to duck into the party room to get Teddy’s tote. I’ll be right back.”
“I’m okay, Aunt Jillian.”
Because of the car show crowd, it took a while to reach home even though I only live a short distance from downtown. I wondered if Clay had been mugged. Certainly it was possible since many people came from out-of-town to see the displays.
The lights were off at the Montoyas’ house. Cecilia had probably put D.J. and Katie Ellen to bed by now. I led Lexis to my cottage in back and turned on the lights. “The guest room is all made up, Lexis. I keep a guest basket with toiletries on top of the dresser. Help yourself.”
“Thanks, Aunt Jillian. I’m not sleepy at all.”
“Then I’ll make us a cup of tea. We can sit and chat until you’re ready for bed. But first, I need to let Teddy out for a minute.”
“Okay, Aunt Jillian.”
“Why don’t you sit in my recliner and kick off your shoes? It’s the most comfortable spot. I’ll be right back.”
Lexis collapsed into the chair. “This helps. Thanks.”
“We’ll be right back.”
I watched while Teddy raced around the yard and sniffed every square inch until he was satisfied that no intruders had come. Content, he marched to the front door and waited for me to let him in.
“Now for our tea.” I went to my cozy kitchen, plugged in the electric kettle, and selected two China mugs. “How about chamomile? Or I have green tea, too.”
“Chamomile soun
ds soothing. No milk or sugar for me. Thanks.”
The kettle soon whistled. I poured a little steaming water into a pink and blue teapot to “hot the pot.” After dumping it out, I added a couple of teabags and poured the rest of the boiling water over them to steep.
“Would you like some cookies?”
“No, thank you. I’m sorry I ruined Grandmother’s party.”
I brought in a tray with the mugs of tea and a plate of ginger cookies just in case she changed her mind. I set everything on the coffee table. “Here.” I handed her tea and offered cookies. “This was not your fault.”
“Thanks.” She took a sip. “This is just what I need.”
After I settled on the sofa, Teddy hopped up and lay down beside me. “He must be exhausted after all the running around he did.”
“Can I hold him?”
I handed Teddy to her.
“He must have sensed Clay was in trouble. Dogs are amazing, aren’t they?”
“This one sure is. They must have connected when Clay was petting him before the party started. Otherwise, it may have taken longer before anyone found the body.”
“I really liked Clay. Why did this have to happen?” She hung her head and stroked Teddy.
“Only time can tell. I do know one thing. Walter is a fine homicide detective with a great deal of experience. He’ll find the culprit.”
Lexis eyes began to droop. “I think I can sleep now. Thanks for the tea and cookies.”
“Why don’t you settle in while I deal with these dishes? There are clean towels under the sink in the bathroom.”
Happy Homicides 4: Fall Into Crime: Includes Happy Homicides 3: Summertime Crimes Page 67