Storm of Secrets

by Loretta Marion

  “Have I ever turned down an offer to go out on the water?” I replied, encouraged by the invitation.

  “Let’s untie her,” he said as he took his place at the helm. A few moments later, we were out on the open waters of Cape Cod Bay, testing the engine that had recently been repaired.

  “The motor sounds good,” I said, joining him at the wheel.

  “Hold on!” he told me before taking it full throttle. As we neared Provincetown, he finally slowed down and found a calm place to drop anchor.

  “Okay,” he said, “Let’s clear the air.”

  “One minute.” I held up a finger and ran to the ship’s head, where I threw up. Fortunately, there was still a secret stash of Scope in the same hiding place as when I crewed on the boat. I splashed water on my face and returned to the deck, still a little shaky.

  “Everything okay?” Daniel caressed my cheek. “You’re looking a little green.”

  “Seasickness, I guess.”

  “When does that ever happen?” Daniel handed me a peppermint from the supply kept on board to help the less seaworthy tourists.

  “Never, right?”

  “Do you want to head back?” he asked.

  “Not yet. It’s kind of fun playing hooky with you for an afternoon.”

  He pulled me to him. “Sorry about being a grouch earlier.”

  “It was my fault for pushing your buttons.” I looked up into those piercing gray eyes and said, “I’m sorry.”

  “We’re good.” He hugged me tighter. “It’s been a rather tense time.”

  “You think?” I shook my head. “A postponed wedding. A disastrous tropical storm. A missing child—thankfully now found—and a suspicious death. What’s next?”

  “Hopefully, now that Lucas Kleister is safe, finding the person who killed Lee Chambers.”

  “How’s that progressing?”

  “Working on it.” Code for not wanting to talk about it. “I’m concerned about you.”

  “The nausea has passed now.”

  “I’m talking about something more serious.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “We took the Cat out of dry dock today, and I sailed it back to The Bluffs. There’s damage to the rigging.”

  “Poor Queenie. I’ve missed her,” I said. The Queen Jacqueline had survived through all the Mitchell generations, and it was on Queenie that I’d learned to sail. “Not that serious, Daniel.”

  “That’s not what I’m concerned about.” He continued, “While I was waiting in the kitchen at home for one of the crew to pick me up, there was this beeping sound coming from the study. I went to investigate and found your laptop open.”

  “I must have forgotten to turn it off last night,” I told him, though I remembered specifically that I had. Percy and Celeste were causing me trouble.

  “I saw an email from your sister about a Dr. Zane open on the screen.”

  “It’s nothing,” I assured him.

  “Then what is the research she mentioned, and why might this doctor be able to help you?” He was truly worried, which touched me.

  “Really, I’m okay.” I gave him a reassuring smile, then proceeded to fill him in on the information Zoe had come across about a genetic abnormality that might explain our mother’s miscarriages and her suggestion that I consult a genetic specialist. “Apparently, this Dr. Zane is highly regarded in the field.”

  “When were you going to tell me about this?” He squared his shoulders and folded his arms.

  “We’ve had a lot going on,” I reminded him. “Zoe just brought it to my attention a few days ago and only sent the contact information for the genetic specialist yesterday.”

  “So, are you planning to get tested for this genetic abnormality?”

  Seriously? Daniel had eschewed the whole curse idea when I’d told him my family’s history, so he should have understood my wanting to seek a scientific explanation.

  “I thought it would be important to know.” I hesitated before adding, “Especially if we decide to start a family one day.”

  He said nothing, which made me all panicky inside.

  “I realize it’s a subject that hasn’t come up …”

  He asked, “You envisioned us having kids?”

  I closed my eyes briefly and smiled inwardly at images of Daniel pushing a stroller and tossing a ball. “I think you’d be a great dad.”

  A doubt-filled grunt escaped his lips. “I didn’t have the best parental role models. Maybe it’s not in my genetic makeup.”

  Daniel’s father had left when he was a toddler, and his mother had worked two jobs, leaving him to be raised by his grandmother. Not unlike my own upbringing; though Mama and Papa had been present, and they’d loved Zoe and me, it had been Granny Fi who’d been most involved in rearing us.

  “We both learned all we need to know from our grandmothers,” I said. When he didn’t respond, I continued, “Besides, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to raising children. Everyone has to wing it, right?”

  “Don’t forget, I’m older than you.”

  “You’re only forty-five Daniel.” I reached over to sweep the hair off his forehead. “A young forty-five at that.”

  “I’m not feeling young after this week.” He smiled before growing serious again. “Look, I’ve just never really thought about children. I guess I pictured our life together as it is now.”

  I didn’t say anything, mainly because I was struggling with my emotions. The last thing I wanted to do was to cry.

  “Hey.” He squeezed my hand. “I want you to be happy.”

  “I know.” I squeezed back and waited, but he had nothing else to say. If only he had added, “And if having a family makes you happy, that’s what I want for us too.” But he didn’t, which left me sad and confused.

  I needed to change the subject before my emotions got the best of me, so I asked, “How did your lunch meeting go?”

  “Okay.” He was not inclined to offer more, but curiosity had me gently pressing on.

  “Now that Lucas has been found, do you even need to see the sealed documents?”

  “That’s up to Brooks.” He was twirling a strand of my hair around his finger. “It’s still not clear if Christopher played some role.”

  “Really?” I twisted my head as far as I could to look at him.

  “We’ll know more if the judge releases those transcripts.”

  “So, if you weren’t discussing the sealed documents, why were you meeting with him?” I persisted.

  He sighed, probably realizing the questions weren’t going to stop until I was satisfied. “Remember the party house kid who disappeared?”

  “The one who claimed he saw Christopher having an altercation with Lee Chambers? Zach somebody?”

  “Zach Renner. He’s been staying with Tyler Stendall over in Orleans.”

  I was not expecting that. “How are they connected?”

  “According to Tyler, the two have been having a summer fling of sorts.”

  “Ahh.”

  I recalled what Christopher had shared. It would make sense if Tyler’s macho stepfather had a hard time accepting that his stepson was gay. Perhaps Tyler wasn’t ready to come out yet, and that’s why he’d been reluctant to release those sealed documents. But I left it unspoken because I didn’t want to betray what Christopher had told me, and I was uncertain what he’d shared with Daniel. If anything.

  “Anyway, Zach got spooked about coming forward and has been hiding out at Tyler’s place, but it sounds like Tyler has talked him into meeting with Brooks.”

  “What has him frightened?”

  “He received an anonymous note telling him to keep his mouth shut or else. A lucky break that Zach held on to it. Now it can be submitted for handwriting analysis.” Daniel added, “Brooks still considers Savage a possible suspect in the Lee Chambers case and wants to set up a lineup to let Zach identify him.”

  “If Christopher was involved, why would he have brought Tyler to
meet with you?”

  “I understand that you have befriended the guy. But think about it. It would be in Savage’s best interest to be eliminated from the lineup.”

  “I guess.”

  “And keep this to yourself. If you warn Savage, the whole thing goes to hell.”

  “Okay,” I said a little defensively.

  “Zach will need to be convinced it’s safe coming into town.”

  “Here’s a thought,” I said slowly, realizing it was a bit out there. “With the station still under construction, why not stage the lineup out at The Bluffs? Then he wouldn’t have to worry about anyone seeing him back in town.”

  “Hmm.” Daniel rubbed his stubbly chin. “Actually, not a bad idea. I’d have to find a reason for getting Wes Creed out there.”

  “You and Brooks suspect him?”

  “He had an association with Lee Chambers. He was in town at the time of death determined by the coroner. He’d been to the party house. Let’s just say we’re curious to see how Zach reacts to him.”

  I didn’t probe further but did offer a suggestion. “You just told me Queenie suffered a bit of damage. Why not have him come out to work on her?”

  “You’re full of good ideas today.” He tussled the top of my head.

  “But won’t you need more than just Wes and Christopher?”

  “I’m sure we can round up a few other guys. There are lots of workers clearing up after the storm.” He took another look at me. “Your color is returning. Ready to head back?”

  “If we must.”

  Daniel’s phone pinged just as we were ready to raise anchor.

  “What is it?” I asked.

  “Will Kleister updating me on Helene. She’s going to be okay.”

  “Thank goodness.” I thought about the four Kleister children and how this would affect their little lives and futures. You didn’t have to be a psychologist to know how having an emotionally withdrawn parent could have a detrimental long-lasting impact. You only needed to live it. Zoe and I had been lucky to have our Granny Fi. Hopefully, Nicholas, Lucas, and the twins would have the same loving support from their grandparents.

  * * *

  I left Daniel to finish up at the harbor and walked up the beach toward the Princes’ cottage to get my truck. First, I stopped to see if Laura was home. She wasn’t, but Whistler jumped up when he saw my face pressed against the window.

  “Hey, Buddy.” I unlocked the door and let him out for a quick run down to the edge of the receding Cape Cod tide. While he romped, I contemplated my next task, which was to drive over to Orleans. When Whistler returned, I had to coax him back inside with a treat. As I closed up the cottage, the yellow crime scene tape at Land’s End caught my eye, as did something shiny catching the sunlight behind the cottage.

  I stood on a deck chair for a better vantage and spied a familiar red Mercedes convertible hidden behind the cottage. I then stepped back behind the vine-covered latticework that surrounded the outdoor shower, where I could watch unobserved. I waited for what seemed an eternity, but was probably no more than five minutes, before my patience was rewarded. Robyn Landers slunk out of the cottage and ducked under the tape, casting a nervous gaze about to see if anyone was watching. Satisfied she hadn’t been noticed, she hurried to her car and peeled out.

  Now, what was I to do with this interesting development?

  * * *

  While driving toward Orleans for another try to track down Sister Bernadetta at the church, I was reminded where I’d heard the name Montrose. Seeing Robyn stimulated my memory that it was the Montrose family who had referred Christopher to rent her cottage.

  A call from Teddy interrupted my contemplations.

  “I’ve got some information for you,” he said. “Where are you?”

  “Driving north on Route 6, almost to A Hole in One.”

  “You’re not far from my place. You want to stop by?”

  “Be right there.” I decided to make a quick stop at the donut shop first.

  Ten minutes later I was driving slowly along the road to First Encounter Beach, trying to remember which marsh-facing cottage was Teddy’s. Then I spied his mud-spattered gray Jeep.

  “Here you are,” I handed him an iced coffee as he greeted me at the door. “Light and sweet, right?”

  “Gracias.” He motioned me to follow him out to the deck. “This place doesn’t have AC. We might catch a breeze out here.”

  I’d only been to his cottage once, and it was just as I had remembered it; a beachy feel, lots of books scattered about, and not exactly tidy. Outside the marsh was teeming with crabs and seabirds at low tide.

  “I did a little nosing around about the party house crew.” He took a gulp of the icy cold drink. “Ahh. Just how I like it.”

  “And?” I prompted.

  “They aren’t a bad crew—just young college kids.”

  “From where?”

  “Some small school in Rhode Island. From what I gather, they’re all from wealthy families and have been able to hang here for the summer and party.”

  “Drugs?”

  “Normal stuff. Mostly pot.” He took another drink. “I’m told that there was one bad egg in the group, and he was responsible for inviting a sleaze element to the house. He’s not coming back though.”

  “Who told you this?”

  “I called the classmate I was telling you about. Jeremy Montrose.”

  “Is Jeremy here for the summer too?”

  “Nah. He graduated a few years ago. He’s a stockbroker in Boston. But he gave me his brother’s phone number.”

  “What about Zach Renner?”

  “He’s been hanging out with a friend of Jeremy’s who’s been bunking at the Montrose place in Orleans.”

  “Can you find out from Jeremy the name of that friend?” I was pretty sure it was Tyler Stendall, but independent confirmation would help.

  He pulled out his phone, large thumbs amazingly nimble as he texted.

  “That was quick,” Teddy mused. “Jeremy must be making up for being such a jerk in high school.” He showed me the text confirming it was Tyler. “Know him?”

  “I know who he is.” I nodded. “Did Jeremy say how he knows Tyler?”

  “I think he said they bartended together during a couple summer breaks when Jeremy was still in college.”

  “Thanks for the information.”

  “Was it helpful?”

  “I’m not really sure.” Of course, I wasn’t certain what exactly I’d been hoping to find out. “But thanks.”

  As I was leaving, I noticed a painting propped on his fireplace mantle, with the familiar image of Whale Rock Harbor.

  “You have one of my paintings?”

  “I’m proud to own a Cassandra Mitchell original.” He smiled, sweeping his blond hair back from his forehead in a habit he had.

  “And I’m honored that you do.”

  Lu had mentioned selling a couple smaller harbor paintings recently. Could this be one? Regardless, I was truly touched.

  Back in the truck and on my way to Orleans again, I was processing all that I’d learned this morning. Tyler Stendall, Christopher’s former student and the subject of the sealed documents, was also a friend of Jeremy Montrose. It was likely the connection that got Christopher a referral to rent Land’s End. Tyler was also seeing Zach Renner, party house resident who identified Christopher as having an altercation with Lee Chambers before he died.

  Now, to figure out what it all means … if anything.

  * * *

  I’d googled the Montrose house address and found it was right on the way to The Transfiguration Church, but on my quick drive-by saw nothing of interest.

  There was a lot of activity when I arrived at the church compound, and when I was finally able to get the attention of a woman dressed in a white robe, I learned why.

  “We are having a private community event today. But you would be most welcome to return tomorrow to tour the church and our gift shop.”
>
  “I’ve toured your beautiful church before, thank you.” I pulled out my phone and enlarged the picture of Sister Bernadetta taken at the Wellfleet church shelter. “I’m looking for this woman.”

  She squinted. “I don’t recognize her, but I’m just visiting.”

  The woman noticed my obvious disappointment and said, “Let me see if I can find someone else who can help you.”

  A few minutes later, another similarly dressed woman approached and asked to see the photo.

  She smiled. “Ah yes, Bernadetta of the St. Joseph’s sisterhood. She did join us for quiet reflection. We have a few rooms for visitors, and we welcomed her.”

  “Do you think I could see her?”

  “She left this morning because of our special event, even though we told her she could stay. But she said she had somewhere she needed to return to.”

  “Return to?” I said. “Where was that?”

  “Why, I don’t know, and she never said. We’ve been very busy preparing for the ceremony.”

  I thanked the woman and left, defeated again by the greater powers that be.

  My drive back to Route 6 took me past Cap’t Cass. The rustic seafood shack had been a slice of Cape Cod life for decades. Papa used to kid me, saying he’d buy the place for me one day since I wouldn’t have to change the sign. Dinner had completely slipped my mind, and hunger pains were my host, probably made worse by my little bout of stomach emptying on the boat earlier. Just the smell, as I walked into the restaurant, set my tummy to growling loudly.

  While waiting for my to-go order, two young men came in. Having just seen Tyler Stendall earlier today, I easily recognized him as one of them. The other guy was also slight of build but taller, with black hair, and looked much younger. Zach Renner perhaps?

  They took the table right behind mine, with my back facing them. The small dining room was busy; still, they were close enough for me to hear their conversation.

  “Let’s head into Beantown tomorrow. We can stay at Jeremy’s. It’ll sure beat this heat.”

  There was no verbal response.

  “Come on, Zach.”