Fatality by Firelight

by Lynn Cahoon

  Seth handed over his plate. “Here, take this and I’ll go get more. Anything specific?”

  Shauna held up a mini crab cake. “More of these. And the shrimp. And pigs in a blanket. Heck, just get two of everything.”

  Cat waited for Seth to be out of earshot and then asked, “Are you sure you’re okay? You know you’re going to regret eating all that in about two hours.”

  “I won’t. It will be tomorrow morning.” Shauna sipped on her beer, then ate a jalapeño popper. “Sorry. Just when I think Kevin and I are in a good place, he pulls something like this.”

  “You said you didn’t care if he even came to the reception.” Cat grabbed the last shrimp on her plate when she saw Shauna eyeing it. “Remember?”

  “I don’t care if he comes. But then he shows up, makes a big production of us actually going out on a date, and then leaves me at the venue. I even have to find my own way home. What did he think? I could actually walk in these heels?” She put down the third crab cake. “I guess I just thought tonight might be different. Like he would sweep me off my feet. Women can still want the whole princess treatment, right?”

  “I think we can want anything. It’s what happens that we have to deal with.” She put her hand over Shauna’s. “Maybe Kevin’s just too busy to date. Have you asked him if he even wants a relationship? If you’re not on the same page, it could be better to cut it off now, before you get your heart broke.”

  “That’s the come-to-Jesus meeting we’re having when he gets back.” Shauna tossed her hair back. “I’m going to lay down the law.”

  Seth appeared with a plate full of snacks. “Too soon for me to come back? I can go get a round of drinks.”

  “It’s fine. I’m just crying in my beer over here.” Shauna smiled at him. “You’re a great guy, Seth Howard. Salt of the earth. I tell Cat that all the time.”

  “And you’re full of clichés tonight.” Cat pushed the plate over to her friend. “Are you sure that’s your first beer?”

  “My first beer, yes. Kevin had a bottle of Jack in the car. I might have had a couple of shots.”

  “And he’s driving to Denver tonight?” Cat looked over at her uncle. Maybe she should report him.

  “Of course not. Paul’s driving. Kevin’s assistant? He followed us in his car.” Shauna rolled her eyes. “Paul is always there. I suspect he’s even around on our dates. Of course, he drives his own car, but if something happens to the businesses, heaven forbid Kevin be more than a few steps away. Seriously, I need some time to think about this whole thing.”

  “So it’s a good thing that he’s out of town for a few days.” The lights dimmed, and Miss Applebome stepped on a raised platform that suddenly had a spotlight shining on it. Cat turned Shauna toward the front. “Looks like we’re getting ready to start. Did anyone bring a camera?”

  Seth held out his phone. “My cell takes great pictures. I’ll get several shots for you.”

  The group was called up, one by one, as Miss Applebome explained their role in getting back the priceless book. Seth snapped pictures as each person got a certificate and a hearty handshake from Acting English Department Dean, Professor Turner. At the end, as they stood behind him, Professor Turner started telling everyone about Hemingway and the treasure he was to the American literary field.

  A woman walked up to Miss Applebome and whispered something in her ear. Even at this distance, Cat could tell something was wrong. She watched as the librarian closed her eyes, looking pained, whispered something to the woman, and then broke in front of Professor Turner. “Thank you for that interesting history lesson, but I’m afraid our time is up and the library is kicking us all out. Good night everyone, and thanks again to the brave souls who returned our missing book.”

  Chapter 14

  “Well, that was interesting.” Seth sat in the driver’s seat with the car still running and looked at Cat. They’d brought everyone home and now it was just the two of them in the car.

  She looked over at the doorway where Shauna was having trouble with the key. “Maybe I should go help.”

  Just then a cheer rose from the group, and they watched as the door opened and everyone disappeared inside.

  “Looks like they have it covered.” He took her hand in his. “Why don’t we go have a couple beers at Bernie’s and talk about this guy who’s stalking you.”

  “Dante’s not stalking me.” She looked at the house one more time, then grinned. “It would be a shame to waste this dress. The reception kind of got cut short.”

  “Kind of? The printed invitations they gave out said there would be dancing and an open bar until ten. What do you think happened that Miss Applebome cut it off at seven thirty?” Seth put the SUV in drive and eased the car out onto the street.

  “Who knows. Maybe she found someone necking in the bathroom.” Cat leaned her head back. “Poor Shauna. She’s really into this guy.”

  “The guy who always has something else to do than spend time with her? He doesn’t sound like a good match for our girl. She deserves better, whether or not the guy has money.” Seth navigated the empty streets carefully.

  Cat wondered if his driving was due to the fact he was in her car, or if he had always been this way. In high school, Seth had always been the one to drive and their friends had piled into his Camaro on their trips around and out of town. Memories flooded through her mind as they drove through the night. When they reached Bernie’s, he shut off the engine and turned toward her.

  “Are you sure you want to go in? I could just take you home if you’re tired.” He lifted her head with his finger. “You look tired.”

  “I am tired, but I don’t want to go back, not just yet. Running a retreat is exhausting. Everyone wants your opinion on things. And, truly, that’s all I’m giving them, one writer’s opinion. Yet they treat my advice like it’s gold. A magic entrance into the world of a published author. Maybe this whole thing was a mistake,” she said as she reached for the door handle.

  Seth stopped her and pulled her toward him. “You don’t believe that. The retreat does these guys good. I’m sure, from where they are, the advice you give them is gold. They take what they need and leave the rest. I saw it in the last group, and I’m sure we’ll see it tomorrow night in this one. You just have to trust the process. It’s a great concept.”

  “You saw it in part of the group last time. Tom Cook died because of the retreat, and Sara dropped out of graduate school.” Cat’s eyes burned from holding back the tears.

  “Larry Vargas did both of those things, not you or the retreat. And you know better.” He kissed her gently on the lips. “Stop thinking about all the control you don’t have over the real world and let’s play some pool. I’ll even let you win a game.” Seth jumped out of the SUV and ran around the front to open her door. “My lady.”

  “Such a gentleman tonight. Maybe you are jealous of Dante.” She took his arm as they walked into the dimly lit dive bar.

  “I can’t say I like him sniffing around you. I’m not convinced he doesn’t have another motivation beside just being into you. I just can’t figure out what it would be.” He looked down at her shocked face. “Don’t get me wrong, you are a prize worth fighting for, this just feels like there’s something else.”

  They stood at the bar waiting as Cat processed Seth’s comment.

  “Uh-oh, I’ve seen that look on my wife’s face too many times. What did you say to get yourself in the dog house today, Howard?” Bernie O’Malley threw a bar towel over his shoulder. “Darling, if you want I can kick him out right here and now.”

  “I didn’t …” Seth paused. “What are you even doing working tonight, old man? I thought Brit handled the night shifts.”

  “The girl has gone and lost her mind. She called me a few hours ago, told me to get my arse down here because she had something she needed to do tonight.” He poured a shot of whisky and downed it. “Not like I didn’t have plans for the evening. My college team is playing tonight. Now I have the
television recording thing going. But you know someone will blab the final scores before I can get to watch it. What can I get the two of you to drink, if the lady is sure I don’t have to kick you out?”

  Seth ordered their drinks, and Cat turned and looked at the other patrons. For a Friday night, it was almost deserted. Four or five couples were crowded around small tables, a few single men sat at the bar in what looked to be their work clothes, and both the pool tables and dartboard area were completely empty. They might just get to hog Seth’s favorite table for a few hours at least.

  Cat aimed toward the pool table. “I’ll go claim our table. Don’t forget quarters. I think I have a few in this purse, but not more than one game.”

  “If you don’t watch out, Howard, you two are going to be acting like an old married couple in no time.” Bernie slapped the bottles on the bar.

  As Cat walked away, she heard Seth’s answer and smiled.

  “All right by me.”

  *

  Halfway through the third game, Seth didn’t stand for his turn when she returned to the table. Cat finished off her beer. He still didn’t move. “You know it’s your turn, right?”

  He rolled the cue stick in his hands. “I do. I’m just thinking about this Dante guy. You said he acted like he knew you?”

  “Yeah. For one, he called me Catherine and, two, he mentioned Michael. Why would he use the same name Michael used for me? Michael never called me Cat, not even when we were dating. It became our little joke.” She thought about tonight’s encounter. Nothing really was said, except he insinuated he was interested in a relationship with her. But could it be something else? “What are you thinking?”

  “I don’t know. Could he have been mixed up with this thing that got Michael killed?” Seth finished off the soda he’d been nursing.

  “Just because Uncle Pete thinks Michael’s death was suspicious doesn’t mean someone killed him. Suspicious doesn’t mean murder.” Cat pulled her coat closer, trying to convince herself that what she was saying was true. The bar had gotten colder, and she had goosebumps all up and down her arms. “We don’t know anything really.”

  “Yet. We don’t know anything yet.” Seth stood and sat his cue down. “I’m going for another Coke. You ready?”

  “Sure.” Cat thought about what Seth had said. It kind of made sense. Maybe the extra job Michael took on was for one of the shell companies where the families laundered money. He would have been able to see quickly that the numbers didn’t jive. The problem was a dead man’s journal and a bunch of history books weren’t proof Michael was murdered. It didn’t even give her a lead to explore.

  “Now you’re thinking you’re some sort of detective like Uncle Pete,” she said as she watched Seth make his way back to the table. The smile fell off her face when the door opened and Dante Cornelio walked into the bar. He looked as out of place as a supermodel at a weight-loss meeting. She watched as he scanned the bar, then went directly to Bernie.

  “Here’s your beer.” Seth handed her the bottle. “What’s wrong?”

  “Look who just came in to talk to Bernie. I guess your theory that Bernie is connected to the family was spot on the money.” Cat watched the bar. Seth didn’t look that way until he was seated and he turned his chair.

  “Well, I’ll be. Maybe I should go have a chat with the guy and let him know it’s not polite to hit on my girl.” Seth leaned back, studying the situation. “Except, it looks like Bernie’s not very happy to see your new beau. Maybe we should let this play out.”

  “It’s your turn to shoot. I’ll watch while you play. We don’t want either of them to get spooked.” Cat rubbed Seth’s dress shirt. “Have I told you lately that you clean up good?”

  He chuckled then leaned down to kiss her. “First item of business: public display of affection—check. If he hadn’t gotten the hint that you were off the market before, he will by the time he leaves here tonight.”

  “You’re silly.” Cat turned her chair so it looked like she was observing the pool table but, in fact, she could see the bar where Bernie’s face was getting redder by the minute. She heard the crack of the ball as it hit its target, then the thump into a pocket.

  “Crap. You’re solids, right?” Seth walked over and sank into his chair. “Seriously, I’m so not in the right mindset to be playing pool. Maybe I can’t play sober.”

  The door opened again, and this time Brit walked in. Both men turned to watch her walk toward them. When she reached the bar, she pulled a packet out of her tote and shoved it in Dante’s hands. From where Cat sat, it looked like he asked her a question, then he tucked the packet under his arm and left.

  “So that was weird.” Seth twirled his bottle between his hands. “What do you think Brit gave him?”

  Cat shrugged. “Beats me—maybe something from Tommy? It wouldn’t surprise me to find out Tommy worked with those guys even though his mother thought he was a saint.” When they’d finished the game, she sank into her chair. “I’m beat. And I’m tired of trying to guess what everyone else is doing. I like it better when I’m clueless about the things going on around me.”

  “Come on, I’ll take you home. When we reach the house, I’ll need to come in for a while to let my truck warm up enough to scrape the windshield.” He waited for her to button the coat and then put his arm around her to walk to the door. He waved a hand and called out, “Bye, Brit.”

  Cat saw the woman’s face go white as soon as she looked up and saw the two of them. No, it was her that was making Brit’s alarms go off. She wondered what she had done.

  She didn’t speak until they got into the vehicle. Seth was warming it up, the defrosters going on max to try to remove the thin layer of ice that had accumulated while they were in the bar. “Did you see how she looked at me?”

  “Like someone caught with their hand in the cookie jar? Yeah, I caught that.” He grabbed the ice scraper off the floor. “What was that all about?”

  “No clue.”

  *

  The ride home was quiet, but as soon as they got into the kitchen with their coats off, her cell phone rang. She didn’t get the hello out before she heard her uncle asking, “Where are you?”

  “We just got home. Seth and I went to Bernie’s, and you wouldn’t believe who showed up.” Cat shrugged out of her coat and hung it on the rack. Seth put her keys in the basket by the door and then went back outside to start his truck.

  She went over to the stove and pulled out a pan for hot chocolate.

  “Listen, I need to talk to you and your guests. Can you have everyone up by the time I get there?”

  Cat looked at the small pan and switched it out for the larger one. “Sure, well, probably not Shauna. If I had to guess, the girl is going to need to sleep off the bender she had tonight. I’m not too happy with her Kevin right now.”

  The phone crackled and then Uncle Pete came back. “Just get everyone in the living room. I’ll be there in ten.”

  When Seth came back in, she shook her head. “Go shut it off.”

  A smile creeped on his lips. “Why, am I staying over?”

  “That depends on one thing.” She stirred the hot chocolate, mixing in chips to the milk she was stirring.

  “Do I have to beg?” He put his arms around her.

  “Won’t help. The one thing? It’s Uncle Pete. He wants to question us all for some reason.” She tapped the spoon on the pan. “So go turn off your engine, and when you come back in stir the chocolate so it doesn’t burn.”

  “Where are you going?” Seth headed to the door. “And can I say, this is getting old. Doesn’t your uncle think anyone in town but us might have some information about a crime? He’s always here.”

  “For the last couple months, trouble’s been camped out on my doorstep.” Cat paused at the other kitchen door. “I’ve got to round up the troops. I should start charging extra for the ultimate insider law enforcement packet. They all can write a police procedural after the contact they’ve had with my
uncle this week.”

  Jennifer, Christina, and Jeffrey were still in the living room talking about the night’s adventures. She asked them to stay put and then headed to Michael’s study. Bella was on the floor, reading a text.

  “Can you move over to the living room? My uncle needs a word with each of us.” Cat picked up a pile of books on the floor and set them on the coffee table.

  Bella slowly moved to a hands-and-knees position, then just as slow, stood from there. “I need to walk around a bit anyway. I’m stiff as a board.”

  She left Bella in the lobby and went up to Nelson’s room. When she knocked, there was no answer. She knocked again: still no answer. She grabbed her passkey and hoped he was in his room and dressed. She didn’t need to see the guy in his birthday suit. “I’m coming in.”

  When she opened the door, she saw the room was empty, but Nelson’s laptop sat on the bed. It looked like he’d just vanished. Then she heard a noise to her left.

  Nelson poked his head out of the bathroom door. “Jeez, what are you doing in here?”

  “I need to ask you to come downstairs. My uncle has some questions.” She kept her gaze down just in case he was naked behind that door. “He should be arriving in five minutes. Can you please come downstairs?”

  He walked out of the bathroom fully dressed. “Sure. Let me get my shoes on and I’ll be down.”

  As she shut the door, she heard him mutter, “The one thing I don’t get on this retreat is any privacy. Seriously, how am I expected to work?”

  Smiling, she headed up to the third floor. She knocked on Shauna’s door and was surprised when her friend opened it. “Hey, how are you?”

  Shauna shrugged and walked back over to her bed. She had a pair of sweats and a cami on and she was towel-drying her hair. “Embarrassed mostly. Sorry you and Seth had to be witness to my pity party. You sure you want to talk now?”

  “I don’t; Uncle Pete does.” Cat leaned on the doorway. “He should be here any time now.”

  Shauna’s hand flew to her mouth and she dropped her towel. “Tell me Kevin’s okay!”