Murder in Seabrook Shores

by Jane T O'Brien

  “Detective’s I’m not sure I want to be here when Rachel finds out she is not the wealthy widow. I think Father was cruel not to leave her anything after five years of living with him. I’ll see what can be done to arrange a financial settlement with her.”

  Meanwhile, in the study, Officer Hendricks was having a difficult time controlling Rachel. He was tempted to handcuff her to a chair but knew that would end his career as a cop.

  “I’m a wealthy widow now and I will not stand for this treatment. My husband has been murdered and I need the sympathy of my dear friend, Fletch.”

  “Ma’am, I have been instructed to hold you here while waiting for Mr. Crenshaw’s lawyer to arrive. You are getting yourself all worked up, and it’s unnecessary. Please sit try to stay calm.”

  “Oh, shut up! Where is Grant Wagner? He's the one who killed my dear Reggie. I hope he’s on his way to prison.”

  Melvin Kessler watched from across the room. He longed to take Rachel, the wealthy widow in his arms. Her beautiful face is distorted in anger and her voice is shrill but it doesn’t dampen her appeal. He wondered about the guy they called Fletch. He’s married to Samantha, and she’s hot stuff herself. I have nothing to fear from him, they are old friends and that’s all there is to it. I’m sure when we get out of here, Rachel will come running. Her husband is dead and she must make a show of being the grieving widow.

  Barry Kline sat quietly watching Grant Wagner. He didn’t think the kid intended to kill Mr. C if he conked him over the head. The old man surprised everyone when he abruptly stopped the film. Barry was sorry he didn’t follow his first instincts and turn the job down. He couldn’t do that with all those bills waiting to be paid. He wanted to call Andie, but what would he say? Some big oaf named Ivor called him a murderer. As if things weren’t bad enough, now he could be held on suspicion of murder.

  Megan Fairchild and Mike Thompson walked through the grounds. Megan had been questioned and not considered a suspect in the case.

  “I wish I knew why Samantha was called into the parlor with Fletch and Detective Bellamy. I can’t imagine who this mysterious person is who they are interviewing,” said Megan.

  “This whole thing has me baffled. I’m sorry you and Samantha were involved in the mess. Fletch said the film was not a chronicle of Samantha’s book.”

  “No, Mike, what began as a fairytale has turned into a disaster. The revised screenplay had little to do with actual events and became a love story between Rachel and Fletch, it was disgusting.”

  “Rachel doesn’t seem to be Fletch’s type. He was genuinely surprised to see her and not in a good way. She is the opposite of Samantha. What’s with that Brad Taylor guy, he can’t seem to take his eyes off Samantha?”

  “Isn’t he creepy? Don’t you remember him in Parker’s Way? We saw that movie last month. He was so handsome in the film. The makeup artist they used in the movie should win an award.”

  Brad Taylor was happy the Fairchild woman and her boyfriend weren’t in the room. He knew she was looking suspiciously at him when he watched Samantha. He couldn’t stop himself; she was beautiful. He pictured them being together for the rest of their lives. No one knew what he had discovered about the mansion. These old places had secret passageways, and he was determined to find one here. In the movies, the passage was always behind a bookshelf and where else would he look, but the study. Sure enough, he fingered the row of books until he felt a button, he pushed and the door opened. He was happy he’d remembered to bring a flashlight. He closed the door behind him and walked carefully into the room. There was an overstuffed chair and ottoman with an end table and lamp beside it. The furniture was dusty but inviting. He imagined the butler used this room as his private get-a-way. He saw an empty decanter off to the side. He guessed that at one time, the butler filled the decanter with his employer’s brandy and read in peace in his hide-a-way. This is the perfect place, he thought to himself. He’d retraced his steps and entered the study again. Everything was a blur from that point on. He remembered hearing Mr. C’s voice yelling, but didn’t know if he was yelling at Brad or someone else. The next thing he heard was a splash, he looked out the door and saw Mr. C’s body floating in the water.

  He took the handkerchief out of his pocket and wiped the surfaces of the bookcase and left the room through the inside door. He thought no one saw him, but he wasn’t sure.

  Now, sitting in this room with all these people, he wondered if he was the prime suspect and knew he had to give the cops a plausible explanation about why he was still in the mansion after he, and everyone else, had been asked to leave.

  Chapter Ten

  Blake Lambert settled back in his seat in first class sipping a brandy and hoping it would put him to sleep. It would be morning in Los Angeles before he arrived. He was only twenty-seven, but he felt middle-aged. The transcontinental traveling was making him an old man before his time. He’d been thinking seriously of closing his London office and moving his entire operation to Los Angeles. He knew California had gotten a bad rap but he liked the casual lifestyle of the western United States. He never felt comfortable in the mansion in Seabrook Shores. He bought the place because of the stories his grandmother told him about the place. The place never lived up to Grandmother’s imagination, and he felt the walls closing in on him when he was there. Now, a man died on the estate and under suspicious circumstances. I don’t know why I didn’t put it up for sale a year ago. It would be someone else’s headache now. I don’t know what possessed me to agree to have that stupid movie filmed there. It was because of Professor Stonehill’s father that Grandmother’s heart was broken almost a century ago.

  Wilson Hines arrived at the front door of the mansion in Seabrook Shores. He was familiar with the exclusive area because of his wealthy client list. Wilson is a widower and in demand when a hostess needs an extra at her dining room table. Wilson received his law degree, passed the California bar, and worked as a clerk for Judge Hamilton Reynolds. Judge Reynolds was the father of Olivia Reynolds. His only child was the apple of her father’s eye. Her mother was a beauty but Olivia was the image of her father. Although Hamilton was not unattractive, his features were not complimentary to his homely daughter.

  Wilson turned on the charm and won the heart of Olivia Reynolds. In Olivia’s heart, she knew she wasn’t the love of Wilson’s life but she thought she loved enough for both. Their marriage was comfortable, although Wilson never felt great passion for his wife, he was comfortable in the marriage.

  It was a stormy night when Olivia and Wilson met her parents for dinner at the country club. The son of a client had been arrested for a traffic violation and the client called Wilson to meet him at the local precinct.

  Wilson left the family gathering after Hamilton said he would drive Olivia home. He gave her a kiss on the cheek and that was the last time he saw her alive.

  On the way to Olivia’s home, a car came out of nowhere and struck Hamilton’s car head-on. The driver of the other car and all occupants of Hamilton’s car were killed instantly.

  Although saddened by the loss of his wife, Wilson found he enjoyed living alone with no one to answer to. His client list grew, and he was one of the most eligible bachelors in the city. He had no desire to marry again but agreed to attend dinner parties mainly because he could meet rich people who might eventually become his clients.

  It was at one of those dinner parties he met Reggie Crenshaw. Reggie pulled him off to the corner and told him he wanted to marry without divorcing his current wife.

  “Mr. Crenshaw, that is bigamy and against the law.”

  “I know that Hines, I didn’t say I wanted the marriage to be legal, in fact, I only want the bride to think it’s a marriage. Confidentially, I don’t trust her, she has feelings for a cop in Chicago but she wants what I can give her.”

  “The legality of such an arrangement is questionable. Why not ask her to live with you? Either that or divorce your wife. What kind of hold does the woman have on
you?”

  “I won’t divorce my wife; I love her and my daughter. Unless Alexandra wants to marry again, we will remain legally married. As far as Rachel living with me, she will only accept having a ring on her finger before she will agree to that arrangement.”

  “If you follow through with this, there is nothing to keep Rachel from taking a good share of your money if the relationship falls through. This is a community property state and a judge would not look kindly on the deception you are suggesting.”

  “I’ve thought of that, Hines. That is why I want to transfer all my assets to my daughter, Regina. I will draw from the accounts for my living expenses. I plan to give Rachel everything she could ask for to keep her with me for several years to come. I will tolerate anything she might do except for continuing a relationship with the cop.”

  Wilson did not persuade Reggie to abandon his plan, the man was determined to follow through and now it was Wilson who must break the news to Rachel Ross that she was not entitled to Reggie’s money.

  “Hello, officer, I would like to speak with my client’s wife in private, if I may.”

  “Yes, sir. The den isn’t occupied; you won’t be disturbed in there.”

  “Rachel, I’m sorry for your loss,” Wilson said. “Will you follow me? We have business to discuss.”

  “Hello Wilson, this is a sad time for me,” Rachel said unconvincingly, “I understand Reggie’s estate must be settled quickly. I’ll sign whatever papers you need to transfer Reggie’s funds to my name.”

  Wilson could feel the perspiration forming on his forehead as she spoke. This would not be an easy task.

  Rachel tried to act the part of the somber widow but it wasn’t easy with her heart pounding in her chest. When she married Reggie, she thought she might have to put up with him for a year or two but never imagined he would live for another five years. He’d never done a lick of work in his life and she supposed that was why his heart had been so strong. If it took a pop on the back of his head to end his pampered life, so be it, she was a wealthy woman now. Even if she was accused of murder, she had enough money to pay for all the defense lawyers in the country.

  Rachel sat on the sofa in the den while the sun cast a warmth in the otherwise cold, stark room. She looked into Wilson Hines’ eyes and thought she saw fear in them. She sat quietly while he read from a statement prepared by Reggie before his death. The last thing she heard was Wilson’s voice telling her she would be paid one thousand dollars and given enough money for plane fare back to her hometown of Chicago.

  One word followed the dead silence, “No!” she roared loud enough to be heard throughout the first floor of the mansion.

  “I have an idea Rachel has been told of her financial situation,” said Gina. “I know she was a user and took advantage of my father but he deceived her too. She deserves to have money; I’d like to make sure she’s taken care of until she can resume her life again.”

  Rachel burst into the room, “where’s this so-called daughter? I want a paternity test, I don’t know what your racket is, lady. Detective, I want her arrested for fraud.” Rachel saw Fletch standing by the window and ran to him sobbing.

  “Rachel, get a hold of yourself, Reggie’s daughter is his legitimate heir, she will offer you enough money to get you back on your feet, I wouldn’t alienate her if I were you.”

  “Fletch, I’m not a married woman, we could have been together all these years. We’ll make up for lost time now.”

  “Rachel, did you forget I have a wife?” He gently pushed her away and went to Samantha’s side.

  “You’ll divorce her and we will be together. I have always loved you, Fletch.”

  “Rachel, pull yourself together. You don’t love me and I don’t love you. Samantha and I will leave you to answer questions for Detective Bellamy, I suggest you answer him truthfully.”

  When Fletch and the others left Rachel alone with Pete Bellamy, she sneered at the closed door. Pete couldn’t make out the words she mumbled but thought he detected a threat to Samantha Degan.

  “Ms. Crenshaw,” he said, not knowing what name to call her under the circumstances, “tell me what happened this afternoon after Mr. Crenshaw ended work on the movie.”

  “I can’t possibly talk to you now, Detective. I’m a grieving widow and need time alone.”

  “If you don’t feel up to it, we can continue our discussion at the police station in the morning. Officer Hendricks will arrange for a patrol car to pick you up at eight o’clock tomorrow morning.”

  “That won’t be necessary”, she agreed, “I got in my car and drove off when I realized I’d left my makeup case behind. I parked in the back of the house so Ivor wouldn’t see me. Reggie told him to escort me home, but I didn’t want to be alone with the big lug. He hates me, you know. Anyway, I snuck in through the back door and that’s when I saw Grant Wagner strangling my dear Reggie.” The tears streamed down her cheeks as she spoke.

  “Did you see Mr. Wagner’s hands around Mr. Crenshaw’s neck?”

  “Well, no, by the time I saw him he was pushing on Reggie’s chest. I think he was trying to crush Reggie’s ribs or something. Grant told me this movie was his last chance and Reggie took away his dream.”

  “Do you think it’s possible Grant was administering CPR to Reggie?”

  “Oh, I don’t know, I know nothing about that stuff. I’m telling you what I saw, and that was Grant making sure Reggie was dead.”

  “Tell me what you know about Melvin Kessler. What was your relationship with Mr. Kessler?”

  “Melvin is in love with me,” Rachel grinned, “Reggie wasn’t always up to the task if you know what I mean. I am a woman of passion and Melvin was available. I had no real feelings for him he was a diversion.”

  “You say Melvin was in love with you, did he ask you to leave Reggie to be with him?”

  “Oh, heavens no, Melvin wasn’t able to support another wife. I had him investigated, he has ex-wives and children who are draining him financially. Between you and me, his gambling has gotten out of hand too. I heard him on the phone earlier and it sounded like his bookie was giving him some bad news about a horse he’d bet on. This job would have saved him. He didn’t know it but I was ending our relationship. I wanted to free myself up for Fletch, you see.”

  “Detective Fletcher is a married man; did you expect him to leave his wife for you?”

  “I’m married too, at least I thought I was,” she frowned. “I’m sure he would dump that little twit to be with me and now that I’m free, that’s exactly what he will do.”

  “I wouldn’t count on it, Ms. Crenshaw.”

  Pete didn’t think much of Rachel Ross but didn’t think she had murdered Reggie Crenshaw. He told her he was finished questioning her but she shouldn’t leave town. Rachel told the detective the lawyer said she had thirty days to vacate the penthouse apartment she’d shared with Reggie. That gives her thirty days to find another sucker, Pete thought to himself.

  Pete called Barry Kline into the room. Fletch rejoined him and Barry asked that Samantha be in the room too. He trusted her not to rush to judgment. His family life depended on him giving the right answers to Detective Bellamy’s questions.

  “Mr. Kline,” the detective began, “why don’t you tell us your activities between the time Mr. Crenshaw announced he was stopping the project and he was dead on the patio floor.”

  “Mr. Crenshaw told everyone to leave the premises. I’m sorry I didn’t follow his directions. I wanted to talk with Grant Wagner and Samantha about the possibility of presenting the original version of the professor’s story to some folks in the legitimate movie studios.

  “When I was approached about doing this project, I read Samantha’s book and felt it was a worthy undertaking. I was happy for the opportunity both professionally and financially and signed a contract in haste. When I saw what was being done to the original story, it made my skin crawl. Samantha and Grant are both gifted writers and I thought together we could sal
vage the story.”

  “Mr. Kline,” said Pete, “sometimes I wish I’d chosen another profession and this is one of those times. Isn’t it true you have amassed a substantial amount of expense because of your son’s medical bills?”

  “Yes sir, it’s true. My son is now well on the road to a full recovery. This job would have given our family the income to pay the bills and continue the payments on our home. I admit I was upset when Mr. Crenshaw made that impossible for me but I assure you, I wouldn’t and didn’t kill him because of it.”

  Samantha smiled at Barry sympathetically, he was a good and decent man and she didn’t believe for one minute he caused harm to Mr. Crenshaw.

  “Mr. Kline,” Pete continued, “I’m happy to hear your son is well again, I don’t have more questions for you today and you are free to go home to your wife and children. I’ll be contacting you if I need more information.”

  Melvin Kessler was called in next.

  “How much longer must I hang around this dump?” he tried to hide his shaking hands.

  “Do you have someplace better to be?” asked Pete guessing the man would head straight to a bar.

  “Let’s get it over with, I didn’t kill the old goat, maybe I had reason to, but I didn’t do it. Tell me, is it true Rachel was never legally married to Crenshaw?”

  Pete ignored his question. “What reason did you have to kill Mr. Crenshaw, Melvin?”

  “He promised me this job and then he pulled it out from under me. He was a vindictive old man and was jealous because his so-called wife was in love with me.”

  “Why didn’t you leave the mansion when he told everyone to go?” asked Pete.

  “I was looking for Rachel, I saw her drive around to the back of the house and I wanted her to go have a drink with me. I know this place is dry as a bone because I’ve been searching everywhere for a bottle of booze. This Lambert guy must be a real winner, there isn’t even a jug in the wine cellar.”