Instead of being angered by his tone, she sighed. “There’s not much to tell. Although ... did you know Gary Strata is working at the greenhouse? I barely remember him from when we were in high school. He graduated a year before us. Anyway, Christy says he’s a Peeping Tom.”
Now it was Nick’s turn to shrug. “I believe he’s a Peeping Gary.”
Maddie made a face. “That’s the same lame joke Christy told. Do you guys have the same person writing material for both of you?”
Nick was unbelievably amused by her tone. “Not last time I checked. I’ll fire my guy if I hear he’s been freelancing, though.”
“That would probably be wise.” Maddie took a moment to collect herself before continuing. “Anyway, Christy says that Gary is able to get away with a lot of creepy things because his mother used to be the mayor. She says it’s common knowledge that he looks through people’s windows and touches himself.”
“Your bedroom is on the second floor. You don’t have anything to worry about.”
Maddie’s mouth dropped open. “Is that all you have to say about it?” Her temper came out to play. “He’s standing outside windows and ... doing that.”
She was serious, but Nick couldn’t contain his smile. “Doing what ... exactly?”
Maddie knit her eyebrows. “You know.”
“I’m not sure I do.”
“You know exactly what I’m talking about and I’m not going to say it simply so you can get a charge out of me embarrassing myself.”
“I get a charge out of everything you do.” Nick lifted Maddie’s hand and pressed a kiss to her palm, his smile so wide it threatened to swallow his entire face. “As for Gary, he’s mostly harmless.”
“He exposes himself in bushes.”
“Yes, and that’s illegal.”
“So ... why hasn’t he been arrested?”
“Because his mother used to be mayor and most everyone in town chooses to ignore Gary’s proclivities. He’s never been aggressive with anyone and the three times he’s been caught in the act the homeowners have chosen not to press charges.”
Maddie’s features twisted. “If he ever peeps on me, I’m pressing charges.”
“If he ever peeps on you, it won’t get that far.” Nick’s expression turned momentarily dark. “I’ll handle him myself if he comes to the house. Our bedroom isn’t on the first floor, though, and he doesn’t climb trees. The odds of him seeing you are pretty slim.”
“What if I get naked in the living room once we have it set up?”
Instead of reacting with concern, Nick smirked. “Do you really think you’re going to get naked in the living room?”
“I could.”
“Not with Maude living in the garage you won’t. You wouldn’t risk her walking in on anything dirty.”
“I think you’re saying that I’m a prude.”
“I think I’m saying that I love you more than life itself and you’re careful when it comes to where you change your clothes.”
“That’s code for ‘prude.’”
“That’s code for ‘I refuse to get into a fight,’” Nick corrected, firm. “What else happened at the greenhouse?”
Maddie recognized he was trying to distract her from a potential argument, but she gave in all the same. “Not much. Harris Bishop gave us a list of people Shelby hung around with, and Christy gave me the lowdown on all of them. I honestly can’t see much of a motive for killing her when I look through the names, but I’m not done yet.”
A deep crinkle formed between Nick’s eyebrows. “You talked to Harris Bishop?”
Maddie nodded. “He seemed okay. A little uncomfortable, but mostly okay.”
“You realize he’s Dustin’s brother, right?”
“Yes.”
“The same Dustin who tried to kill you.”
“I do realize that.” Maddie kept her voice calm and even. “That doesn’t mean Harris is to blame for his brother’s mistakes. As far as I can tell, Harris is an innocent man who came back to Blackstone Bay to take care of his mother. That hardly makes him a villain.”
“No,” Nick agreed, choosing his words carefully. “The thing is, Harris is one of the people who was hanging out with Shelby Capshaw.”
“He told me. He said they were hanging out in a clearing on the east side of Henry’s property ... somewhere not far from the river. I thought I might head out there tomorrow and see if I can find Shelby’s ghost.”
“I don’t think that’s an altogether bad idea,” Nick hedged, shifting uncomfortably on the bench. “I was already out there today.”
“You were?” Maddie’s eyebrows hopped. “How come you didn’t mention that?”
“We were talking about you first.”
“Now we’re talking about you.”
“Fair enough.” He licked his lips. “We talked to Shelby’s parents first. You wouldn’t know them. They moved to the area after you left. They’re nice enough but not real joiners. They didn’t even know Shelby was missing.”
Maddie balked. “How is that possible?”
“They have a walkout basement. Shelby lives in the downstairs apartment. She came and went as she pleased.”
“I take it they were surprised by the news.”
Nick bobbed his head. “And devastated. They didn’t know a lot about where Shelby was spending her time, though. It seems Shelby was angry they made her get a job and she wasn’t holding back when it came to her disdain for the situation.”
“I guess I can see that.”
“I can, too. It doesn’t change the fact that she’s gone and her parents will always be left wondering if things would’ve been different if they hadn’t forced her to get a job.”
Maddie didn’t like thinking about that. It made her uncomfortable. “Did they have any leads?”
“No. That’s why we headed out to talk to Henry.”
“Was he happy to see you?” Maddie was honestly curious. “I didn’t see him when Christy and I were visiting. I’m honestly glad about that because I’m guessing he doesn’t have a lot of warm feelings where I’m concerned.”
“It was probably best that you didn’t see him,” Nick agreed. “He’s decided that Todd was framed — he has no idea by whom, but I’m a viable suspect — and he’s angry at everyone who dared lie about his beloved nephew.”
Anger flared to life in Maddie’s stomach. “He thinks that we’re lying? Does he think I faked my own drowning, too?”
Nick instinctively grabbed her hand and squeezed. “I don’t think he really believes that Todd is innocent. He just doesn’t want to believe his own flesh and blood is guilty. This isn’t a judgment on you.”
“It feels like a judgment.”
“I know.” Nick pressed a soft kiss to her temple. “He’s not a bad man. At least I don’t think he is. He’s struggling with the knowledge that his nephew is a murderer. It’s easier for him to believe the cops framed Todd than acknowledge there’s something wrong with the man he loved as a boy.”
“That was almost poetic.”
“Yeah, well, you make me poetic.” Nick ordered Maddie’s hair as he smiled. “Henry took us out to the clearing so we could look around. It was basically a small trash heap in the woods.”
“Did you find anything of use?”
“Yeah.”
Maddie waited for him to continue.
“We found Shelby’s purse.”
Whatever she was expecting, that wasn’t it. Maddie’s eyes widened to saucer-like proportions as her mouth dropped open. “How could you not lead with that?”
“I knew we would get there eventually,” Nick replied quietly. “There was no blood on the purse. It was tossed about ten feet away from the spot where people were clearly sitting around the fire. We have no idea when it was left ... or if it was left on purpose. Right now it’s just a purse in the woods.”
“Most women don’t abandon their purses,” Maddie pointed out. “No matter how drunk she was, Shelby probably would’ve
remembered to take that.”
“We’re considering that.”
“What else are you considering?”
“That someone took her from that clearing. That she was there right before she died. That someone might’ve attacked her there. Basically we’re considering a lot of different things.”
Maddie nodded, thoughtful. “What does that mean going forward?”
“I don’t know. I need to think about it.”
“We’ll think about it together.”
Nick beamed at her. “I think that’s a good idea. We seem to work things out quicker when we work together.”
“Yeah.” Maddie bobbed her head. “Maybe I’ll even walk around the main floor naked while I’m doing it to prove I’m not a prude.”
Nick’s smile slipped. “You’re not going to let this go, are you?”
“Nope.”
“I didn’t think so.”
Eight
Nick kept his word and installed a window unit in the kitchen, setting it to high in the hopes the room would be bearable in time for breakfast the next morning. Maddie made sure to check on Maude, who had somehow acquired an extra unit and was happily watching television in her apartment while sipping bourbon and iced tea.
“I’m just making sure you’re okay,” Maddie offered lamely as she shuffled into the apartment. “I haven’t seen much of you since everything went down yesterday.”
“Yeah, I’m kind of sorry I missed the body discovery,” Maude admitted. “I like being the center of attention, and the Pink Ladies would’ve loved a firsthand story about what was found up there. You can tell me what you saw if you want and I can pretend it was me.”
Maddie immediately started shaking her head. The Pink Ladies group was Maude’s social experiment gone awry. They were constantly in trouble, whether gaslighting Harriet Proctor or causing mayhem around Blackstone Bay. “I think it’s best if you don’t share that information.”
“Be that way.” Maude sipped her tea and gave Maddie a long once over. “You look as if you’ve had better days.”
“It’s hot out there.”
“It definitely is.”
“I see you got an extra air conditioner. Where did that come from?”
“I have my sources.”
Maddie cocked an eyebrow. “Air conditioner sources?”
“I have all types of sources.”
“Like Ruby?”
To anyone else, Maude’s demeanor would’ve looked calm. Maddie read her grandmother well, though, and recognized that the question caught the older woman off guard.
“Why are you bringing up Ruby?” Maude asked finally.
“Because Nick and I had dinner at the diner and we saw you and Ruby outside.”
“That wasn’t me. I’ve been here all night.”
Maddie narrowed her eyes. “I think I know what my own grandmother looks like.”
“Yes, but you’re clearly tired thanks to a day of investigating. You probably imagined you saw me. I’ve been here, being a good girl and watching a marathon of Southern Charms.”
Maddie didn’t believe that for a second. She also didn’t have the energy to pick a fight with her mischievous grandmother. “Just try to refrain from getting in trouble. We have a lot going on right now, including Todd’s trial.”
“Yeah, I got a notice that they might need testimony from me,” Maude said. “They haven’t given me a firm date or anything, though.”
Maddie couldn’t contain her surprise. “I didn’t know they planned on calling you. I guess it makes sense. You were with me for part of the night.”
“Yeah, but I didn’t see anything.” Maude’s expression reflected unhappiness. “I told the prosecutor that I would be willing to say I saw Todd even though I didn’t — this was in the days after it happened — but he didn’t think that was a good idea.”
“I don’t think it’s a good idea either.”
“That’s because you’re a rule follower. I’m a trailblazer.”
“Either way, I don’t think perjury is a good look on anyone,” Maddie noted. “I think it’s best if you stick to the truth and leave the rest to me.”
“If you say so.” Maude pursed her lips. “You’ll let me know if you change your mind, right?”
“I’m not going to change my mind. In fact, I’m meeting with the prosecutor tomorrow morning. I should know more then.”
“Still, you might want me to change my mind. I’m ready if I get called to action.”
“No one wants you to change your mind.”
“I’m still ready.”
Weariness finally overtook Maddie as she offered her grandmother a half-hearted wave and moved toward the door. “I’m not going to change my mind. I was serious about you behaving, though. We have a lot on our plates with the murder and the trial. It would be great if you didn’t add to the mayhem.”
“What exactly are you accusing me of?”
“Being my grandmother.” Maddie blew her a kiss. “I love you.”
“I love you, too, Maddie girl.”
“You still need to behave yourself.”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah.”
MADDIE WAS ON PINS and needles when Nick led her through the county administration building the next morning. She made breakfast for both of them in the newly cool kitchen, but Nick was the only one who ate. No matter how he prodded and cajoled, Maddie’s fluttery stomach wouldn’t allow her to eat.
Finally, he gave up.
“We’re going to stop at a local place once we’re done here,” Nick warned, his fingers linked with Maddie’s as he navigated the building. He’d visited numerous times because of his job, but this time felt different because Maddie was at his side ... and the monster who tried to kill her was about to go on trial.
“Sure,” Maddie murmured, her eyes busy as she scanned the huge lobby while they waited for the elevator to land. “Strawberries sound nice.”
Nick slid her a sidelong look. “Are you even listening to me?”
She gripped his hand tighter. “Nicky, this building is crawling with ghosts.” Her voice was barely a whisper as she shuffled closer to him. “I mean ... there are more than I can count.”
Nick didn’t know what to make of the statement. “Oh. I didn’t consider that.” He slipped his arm around Maddie’s back and anchored her at his side. “How is that a thing?” He didn’t pretend to understand Maddie’s ability, but he bolstered her whenever he got the chance. “I get why hospitals would be thick with them ... and cemeteries ... and even certain towns. Like when we went to Detroit, I expected you to see more during our visit. Why are they here?”
Maddie shrugged. She didn’t have a good answer. “I don’t know. They’re here, though. Maybe they’re here to make sure the people who killed them are punished. You know, watch the court cases.”
“Maybe,” Nick hedged. “This isn’t the courthouse, though. That’s two buildings down the road.”
“Oh.” Maddie licked her lips as the elevator dinged and Nick led her into the small box. “Was this building always the county building?”
“I don’t know. We can find out if you really need to know.”
“I guess it’s not important.”
DANIEL SMITH, THE PROSECUTING attorney handling the case, was already in a meeting room with Kreskin when Maddie and Nick joined them. He was a tall man, his brown hair shot through at the temples with hints of gray, and his smile was large and infectious as he pumped Nick’s hand.
“I know this is probably the last thing you want to do given everything that’s happening in Blackstone Bay. I appreciate you taking the time to meet with me.”
“Todd Winthrop’s conviction is important to all of us.” Nick held out a chair so Maddie could sit, opting to wedge her between Kreskin and himself so she would feel safe. “This is Maddie Graves.”
“Yes, we met briefly last year.” Smith extended his hand to her. “You were in the hospital at the time so I’m not sure if you remember me.”
Maddie’s nerves settled just a bit thanks to the man’s warm spirit. “I remember you. I think you were in my room for three hours asking questions despite the fact that my grandmother kept trying to show you the door. You never let her faze you. That’s rare.”
Smith chuckled. “She was simply trying to take care of you. I didn’t take her actions to heart.”
“You’re a strong man on that front. I don’t know that I could’ve ignored what she was doing.”
“I don’t know that anyone can ignore Maude when she gets a full head of steam,” Nick said as he leaned back in his chair. “I have to admit to being curious, Mr. Smith. Most prosecutors don’t want to chat with witnesses before testimony. When I received your call yesterday, I was thrown. Are you worried about something specific?”
“Worried isn’t the right word,” he hedged, settling in his own chair on the other side of Kreskin. “This is a big case. You were in the thick of it so you might not remember all the news coverage from last year. What happened was a big deal.”
“I remember.” Nick cast a look at Maddie’s profile. “I could never forget that night.”
“Yes, well, your relationship with Ms. Graves is one of the reasons I want to talk to you.”
Nick bristled at the man’s tone. “My relationship with Maddie is nobody’s business.”
“The defense is going to make it everybody’s business,” Smith countered. “I’ve gotten a whiff of what the defendant’s counsel has planned for the trial, and it isn’t pretty.”
Maddie didn’t like the sound of that. “I’m not sure I understand.”
“Mr. Winthrop is alleging that he was trying to protect you from Mr. Winters down at the lake that night. He says you don’t remember what happened because you were unconscious after your time in the water. They’ve come up with two doctors who are willing to testify on record that you might’ve suffered some sort of brain damage — in the form of amnesia, mind you — that night, and you’re simply relying on Detective Winters’ memory of events rather than your own.”
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