Toxic Troubles (An East Pender Cozy Mystery Book 11)

by Leona Fox

  Kelly drove her back home but there wasn't much to be said. Ellen seemed in a distant mood, not that anyone could have blamed her for that. Kelly spoke about the mill and that the killer was probably there. She also told Ellen that Emily was back in town, hoping this would brighten Ellen's mood, but it did not. When the car reached Ellen's house Ellen went to leave but Kelly pulled her back.

  “I know this is difficult but you'll get through it. We'll all get through it together,” she said, and squeezed Ellen's hand. Ellen looked back at her and smiled but she did not say a word, and walked into her home.

  Now that she was out of the cell Ellen enjoyed her freedom but she still was plagued by the doubts had caused her to be taken her into custody in the first place. Not only had a man been murdered in her cafe but she had lost a lot of business. It was going to be difficult to regain it, especially if she was to take her usual role in solving the case. The words that Maggie had said to her when their friendship first had begun to fracture echoed in her mind.

  “Even if you do manage to put up a fight there's a difference between you and me. I'm going to be here all the time. I'm going to live and breathe this cafe and every bit of energy I have is going into making it the best it can be. It is my passion. It is my life. But you can't say the same thing, can you? Whenever a crime comes around you're going to be off solving it, neglecting your cafe. You won't be there to greet the guests, to ask them how their day is going. You'll be leaving them behind, Ellen, and now that they have some other place to go they'll leave you.”

  Ellen made some dinner but her mind was constantly on those words. She loved the cafe and wanted it to be a success, wanted people to come and relax in the place she had created for them, but she could not deny Maggie's words. Crimes often took her away, but wasn't that right? It wasn't a job but it was her talent and, like it or not, she had something to offer. However, she feared if she continued helping on this case it would mean the end of the cafe. Would it be possible to leave Kelly in charge of the case and focus on getting the cafe back up and running? Even then, would she be able to? For a while she was torn but then one inexorable truth sliced through the fog in her mind and illuminated everything in its golden glow.

  The Chrome Cafe was important, yes, but it was not as important as a human life. Ray had died. Someone had taken everything he had and if Ellen stood by and did nothing to help then she never would be able to live with herself. As difficult as it was to neglect the cafe in its time of need she knew she had to use her skills to track down Ray's killer.

  Chapter 7

  Although Ellen wanted to get cracking on the case as quickly as possible even she knew she needed to rest. When Andy came over later in the evening they only spent a short time on catching her up with the pertinent details. After that it was time for them to rekindle their love. As the stars shone outside they descended into a loving haze, surrendering to the needs of their bodies and souls. Ellen slept restfully, enjoying the sensations of the rise and falling of Andy's chest, the warmth emanating from his body, and the sounds of his gentle snores. It was a good feeling to be back home, and the following day she felt a renewed vigor and was able to take on anything.

  It was no secret Ellen was back, and many people saw her going to the station with Andy in the morning, working on the case. Word soon got around and a few people grumbled, still convinced she had had something to do with it, especially Maggie, who was boisterous in her appeals. Andy released a statement that said they had found evidence that cleared Ellen, but they were not at liberty to say what the evidence was. Maggie tried to rally people, claiming this was a lie just to get Ellen out, but the swell of public opinion was with the police and with Ellen. Maggie had failed to realize that the goodwill built up over the years was not so easily disposed of, and many people were glad to see Ellen's return. After clearing all that up, Ellen's next job was to re-open the cafe. She walked past Maggie's, and resisted the urge to walk in. Instead she went to her own establishment and flung open the doors, turned on the power, and enjoyed the feeling of being there again. Part of her hoped everyone would come flooding back, eager to hear about the case, but the reality was much different. She knew it would take time for guests to return. However, there were more than a few people who popped in to offer their support and say they were glad the truth had prevailed, and this meant a lot to Ellen.

  But what meant even more was Emily's presence. The owner of the mill, and descendant of Michael van De Lay, came out in support of Ellen's presence on the case.

  “Ellen Thatch was instrumental in discovering the truth about my ancestry and in helping lay Michael van De Lay to rest. I have every faith in her and I never believed the allegations against her in the first place. Ellen's track record speaks for itself but I am glad she is back on the case. Hopefully the person who committed this crime will be found and brought to justice quickly.”

  Although Emily was not a constant presence in East Pender the people of the town still had much respect for her because of her lineage so her words carried much weight. When she walked into The Chrome Cafe Ellen rushed out from behind the counter and embraced her warmly.

  “It's so good to see you again! Kelly told me you were back in town. I'm just sorry it's under these circumstances.”

  “Me too, and I'm glad they've finally let you out,” Emily said as she took a seat. Ellen brought her a drink and joined her at the table. Scampy was happy to see Emily too, and yapped at her feet. Emily smiled and petted him but Ellen saw worry in her eyes.

  “How are things down at the mill?” she said innocuously, “are you coming to grips with the responsibilities of management?”

  “Slowly, but surely,” Emily said with a smile. She took a long sip of her drink then adjusted her position in her seat and leaned forward.

  “I'm convinced someone at the mill did it. I've been trying to talk to as many people as possible so I'm familiar with them while also asking them about Ray. Most of them, well, they all say he was a great guy but I'm not sure that any of them were actually happy with the way he ran things. According to them he was at the mill all day. So if someone had poisoned him then the mill was where they did it.”

  Ellen murmured thoughtfully. “Do you have any specific ideas? Is there anyone who leaps out at you?”

  “Not really. I'll keep asking around, though. I want to help you as much as I can, especially since I don't like the idea of a murderer being in the mill. I've been taking my own food in there because I'm afraid that whomever poisoned Ray is going to poison me.”

  “I wouldn't worry about that. If you were poisoned it really would throw the spotlight onto the mill and I don't think the killer would want such attention. If they're smart, they will lay low and try to wait out the investigation.”

  “I guess you're right. How are things here?” Emily asked, looking around at the empty seats.

  “Oh, it's going great,” Ellen said sarcastically. “I guess a lot of people still think Ray got poisoned here so that's not too good for business, but they all have been swayed by Maggie.”

  “They'll come back. It's just a new thing that's captured their attention. You're a part of this town and people respect that, they like tradition around here. Look at me, I'm nobody but people listen to me because East Pender runs through my veins.”

  “I hope you're right,” Ellen said, and sighed.

  “I've got so much to worry about. I want to give everything to this case and catch Ray's killer but I come in here this morning and I see how dead it is...I'm going to have to figure out a way to get more people to come in. I wanted this place to be a hub for people to come and enjoy themselves. If I can't get it back to the way it was then I'm going to have to surrender and just say that Maggie has won.”

  “That's not the Ellen I know. I'm sure there are some events you can have but really I'm sure there are a lot of people who come in here because you are involved with the police and you do know about these crimes. You know as well as I do that peopl
e love to gossip and they definitely can't get that anywhere else but here. Is there anything I can do to help?”

  “You've done plenty already. It's good to see you again, Emily. Are you going to be sticking around here for a while?”

  “I don't know. I guess it depends how this investigation goes. If it does turn out that someone at the mill killed Ray, then I'll have to deal with it. I don't feel confident leaving anyone in charge because, for all I know, they could be the murderer.”

  Ellen pursed her lips and said, “Right now I think the best thing you can do is to observe the people of the mill. You're going to be there a lot and if someone is hiding something they're going to be acting guilty. Keep a close eye on everyone and if you do see any odd behavior come to me. Keep your ears open as well. People like this usually can't keep their crime a secret. Either their conscience will nag at them and they'll want to relieve themselves of their guilt, or they'll become arrogant and think they're not going to get caught, and that will lead them to brag. I'm going to come to the mill soon to ask around myself.”

  “That is a good idea, and I'll try keeping my eyes and ears peeled. I'm glad you're back on the case, Ellen, and trust me, things will work out fine,” Emily said before she left.

  But Ellen was not so sure. From the window she could see people pouring into Maggie's cafe and, while a few more guests did arrive later on, The Chrome Cafe was far less busy than its rival. Ellen also observed that the younger crowd seemed to be favoring the new sleek building, while everyone in her cafe was over fifty.

  At one point she saw young Ryan Arnott walk out of Maggie's with his girlfriend in tow and Ellen decided to stop him for a chat. She rushed out the door and caught up with him on the street. Instantly, Ryan looked away from her and plunged his hands in his pockets; evident signs of a guilty conscience.

  “I haven't seen you around for a while. How is your father doing?” Ellen asked.

  “He's much better now, thank you,” Ryan said, “and, uh, yeah, I'm sorry, it's just that with your cafe closed, well, that place seemed like the way to go.”

  “The Chrome Cafe is open for business again and, of course, you're always welcome to come in.”

  “I know. It's just that, well, to be honest Ellen, that place has a good vibe to it. You know what I mean? I'm sorry but that's where all my friends want to be. I will come and see you, though,” he added hastily. “You know how grateful I am for everything you've done for me but your cafe is a little too quiet for us,” he said, and then walked away from Ellen.

  She felt a little guilty herself for putting him on the spot like that but he was representative of the sharp divide between the community, and Ellen was left with much to think about. The mood in her cafe was sedate and peaceful, while Maggie's was lively, with music blaring out of the doorway in the evening. It could be said that the cafes were a reflection of their owners.

  In the evening Ellen ended up closing early, around nine o'clock, and was disheartened to see that Maggie's cafe still was going strong. She wanted to focus on the case and find Ray's killer but the cafe was pressing and she didn't know how she was going to keep up with Maggie, let alone compete with her.

  When she returned to the warmth and security of Andy's arms she lamented about these issues. “I feel like I should be doing more with the cafe, that I should try to match Maggie, but anything I do now will just seem like I'm copying her,” she said.

  “Ellen, it is your cafe. You've put so much work and time into it that changing it isn't an easy thing. You can't change it unless you want to change yourself, and I don't think any of us want that. I know it's difficult right now but eventually people will remember what you have to offer. They'll get headaches and they'll want to come to a nice relaxing place. But if you want to take some time off this case and focus on the cafe I'll understand. Kelly and Iris can help me with the investigation until this thing with you and Maggie gets sorted out.” He spoke with such understanding that Ellen almost fell in love with him all over again.

  “Thank you, but I don't think it's ever going to be over between us and the best thing I can do right now is help Ray. Otherwise, I'm just going to feel utterly useless.

  Chapter 8

  After her visit with Ellen, Emily went back to the mill with a heavy heart. Although she enjoyed visiting East Pender she realized she was going to have to stay there for longer than she had intended. So she sent a message back home notifying them her absence would be extended. Thankfully the people in East Pender were glad to have her, especially those who ran the bed and breakfast in which she was staying. They stared at her in awe, almost as though she were a celebrity. Although this unsettled her at first she became used to it.

  “I'm going to have to ask you to keep the room for me for a little while longer, if that's alright?” Emily asked the elderly couple. They nodded and said enthusiastically she could stay for as long as she wanted.

  “We do love having you here, Miss Bright. I remember when I was younger, in school, we used to learn about Mr. van De Lay, and to have his great-great-great-great granddaughter here--” Joan said.

  “I think it's great-great-great,” her husband interrupted.

  “That's what I said,” Joan barked in response. Emily and the husband shared an amused look. “Anyway,” Joan continued, “it's an honor to have you here and if there is anything you need at all do not hesitate to ask.”

  “I won't, I can promise you that.” Emily had been about to walk away when Joan continued talking, and Emily felt it rude to leave.

  “I thought it was wonderful what you said about Ellen. I couldn't believe it when I heard that people actually thought she killed a man! Never could I believe that. She's always been so sweet to this town and she's done so much for it. I just wish more people would think like you, but that's the problem with people, they're always quick to turn against those closest to them. I don't trust that new girl one bit. If you ask me she's behind it all. You should have heard when she and Ellen went at it. She was cursing and I swear I saw the devil in her eyes. But who does she think she is, expecting to come in here, set up shop, and take business away from a decent hard-working sort like Ellen? It's not right, it's just not right,” she muttered. Emily nodded along and then made her way outside, returning to the mill.

  Outside of the mill she was her usual demure self but at the mill she had to be stronger and more hard-headed. Quickly, she had realized the mill was a 'good ole boys club.’ There were few female workers, and most of those were on deliveries. The actual physical labor of the mill was done exclusively by men and the testosterone was prevalent in the atmosphere. Although she was the owner it was clear they didn't give her any real obedience. Instead, they would wait for Billy's approval, and Emily did not like this one bit. She often overheard snippets of conversation that were entirely inappropriate, laden with innuendo. It was a systemic failing and hard to combat because it was so entrenched in their culture. While she had spoken to Billy about it, as he was the representative, he had not been able to implement any changes, and she got the sense that he didn't intend to do so.

  On this occasion she called him into the office. He was joking with a few of the other men and took longer than Emily would have liked to join her. He still was laughing as he closed the door behind him.

  “Mister Noon, I believe I asked you to try cutting down on the inappropriate comments,” Emily said.

  “C'mon boss, you can't expect the boys to change overnight. They've been this way their whole lives. It's just a bit of fun. Are we not allowed to have a bit of fun at work? I didn't think you'd be a killjoy.”

  “I'm not a killjoy. I am the owner of this mill and what I say goes. If you cannot carry through on my orders, then we will have to re-evaluate your position.”

  “We don't need to get that drastic! Look, with all due respect, ma'am, your place is in the city. The mill runs fine without you and that's great. We can just go back to the way things were, with you there and us here. We don't
need to bother each other.”

  “I can't leave now, not when Ray's death still hasn't been cleared up.”

  “Oh, for all we know he poisoned himself,” Billy said, throwing up his hands.

  “Are you saying Ray was suicidal?”

  “What? No, I was just saying we're probably not going to find out who did it. You don't really think it was somebody here, do you? Look, just because you don't like the way we act doesn't make us murderers. I don't see why you care anyway. As long as the mill makes money you should be satisfied.”

  “I care about the conduct of my workers as well as the bottom line. It seems there is a lot you need to know about me, Mister Noon, and I expect to see some changes around here sooner rather than later,” she said, and stormed out of the office. She headed back to Ellen where she sought some more guidance, concerned the people at the mill were not giving her enough respect.

  Having to display this new side of herself was taking its toll on Emily. Never before had she been so headstrong and determined. All through her life she had been the quiet one, the demure one, the one never to make waves. Now that it was required she was discovering a new side of herself and she wasn't sure she liked it. She knew she had to be this way for the sake of the mill but she wondered how it would change her personal life. Her friends were used to her being a certain way, and she was used to it, too. Now that she had expressed these feelings and felt the sensation of power course through her, she felt it take a hold of her. It was as though a seed had been planted and now it was sprouting, the vines winding their way through her soul, spreading throughout her. She wasn't sure if it could be stopped...or even if she wanted it to be stopped.

  Chewing her bottom lip furiously, she drove through East Pender and made her way to Ellen's. On the way she passed Maggie's cafe and a deep resentment burned inside her. It wasn't fair that Maggie should be prospering while Ellen had to deal with the town’s suspicions. Ellen had been here first. She had earned the loyalty of the community ten times over and who was Maggie to think she just could come into town and steal everything that Ellen had? It wasn't just murder that was going on...To Emily this was familiar as she saw it all the time in the city. Someone new would come in and set up shop and just because they offered lower prices or something different people would flock to them, abandoning their old haunts. It was a cutthroat world but she always had held East Pender to a higher standard and was sorry to admit that it wasn't that different from the city after all. The stark truth that Emily just was beginning to realize, is that people were people no matter where they were.