by Sonia Parin
“No.”
“No?” Jill pushed her way past her and stood in front of Eve. “Are you hiding something? Did you have an argument with Mira?”
Eve chortled. “As if I would.”
“Something’s going on.” Jill set the bags down on the counter and stepped back to let Eve sort through her purchases.
She lined up the cleaning items and paraphernalia. Sponges. Scrub brushes. Disposable gloves… When she finished, Eve said, “I’m going back to get the rest.”
“There’s more?”
“The brooms and mops. I couldn’t carry everything.”
“You know, there are cleaning companies.”
“Where’s the fun in that? This will give me a chance to get a feel for the place. Remember, we’re going to generate ideas.”
Half an hour later, they were both donning gloves and baseball caps, Eve Lloyd’s a la Carte Catering embroidered on the front.
“It’s never too early to start advertising,” Eve said. “Come on, we’ll start upstairs.” They carried the buckets and brooms and headed to the room facing the main street. “I’m thinking this will be a good office space. The room next door can be used as a storage area. I’ll be purchasing stacks of tablecloths and glassware. I guess I need to start thinking about shelving space.” They moved onto the next room. Inspecting the bathroom, Eve took measurements. “We’ll need a washer and dryer.” She drew out her little notebook and wrote the items down.
“Okay. I’m starting to get excited,” Jill announced. “Dare I ask about the kitchen?”
“I’m leaving that for the afternoon. I’d like to work up a sweat first and then, while we take a break we can think about the kitchen.”
“I don’t know what you expect me to contribute. The kitchen has always been your domain.”
When she finished measuring, Eve set to work scrubbing. A couple of hours later, they both stood back, their cheeks red and their brows sporting a light sheen of perspiration.
Eve grinned and stepped back to admire the sparkling bathroom. “How about I order some lunch. We can clean up while we wait.”
Jill tilted her head.
“What?”
“I’m… I’m just thinking how odd it is that we’re just getting on with the job and nothing’s happened.”
“Is this about me setting something into motion?”
“You do have a track record, Eve.”
“Well, I think I deserve a clean slate.” She peeled off her gloves and washed her hands. “Let’s focus on nothing bad happening.”
* * *
Eve stood in the middle of the space she had designated as the kitchen. “Something about this space feels odd.”
Jill shrugged. “I’m not getting the same vibe.”
Eve backed into the hallway and then back inside again. “Yeah, there’s definitely something odd.” She took her tape measure out and strode toward one end of the space. “Here. Hold this.” She strode toward the other end. Then she checked the numbers against the other measurements she had for the room next door. Searching through her handbag, she drew out a folded floor plan. “It doesn’t add up. It’s as if this room is actually smaller. But it can’t be. It says right here. It should be the same length as the other room.”
“Maybe the measurements are wrong,” Jill offered.
Eve stood in front of the built-in shelves. They ran the length of the back wall with a break in-between almost as if the rest of the shelves had been an afterthought and added later. “They don’t match.”
“Huh?”
“The shelves. They don’t even have the same depth. See, this one is deeper. Then there’s this gap and the other shelving space, not as deep.” She knocked on the back. “That sounds hollow.” Looking up, she saw the top area had been boarded up. “This is actually a bookcase. Too small for the space so instead of leaving the top area open to collect dust, someone had the bright idea of boarding it up.”
“Is that good or bad?” Jill asked.
“It’s great. It means we can get rid of it and gain some extra space. It’ll be perfect for a refrigerator.”
“What are you going to do?”
“Move it.”
“Are you allowed to do that?”
Eve nodded. “I can perform small renovations or alterations. Anything major will require input from the owner.”
“Okay.”
“Back in a sec.” Eve rushed out to her car and returned with a small toolbox. “If we can remove that board, I think we’ll be able to slide the bookcase out.”
“Why do we want to do that? Hire someone, Eve. Or, put the refrigerator against the other wall.”
Eve shook her head. “There’s a window next to that wall. I want to get a refrigerator with a clear front so I don’t want any direct sunlight hitting it.” She stepped back and pointed at the top. “We need to pull that out. And for that, we need a ladder so I can unscrew the board. Hang tight, I’ll be back in a sec.” As she rushed out, she thought she heard Jill wonder where she got her energy from.
Striding into the hardware store, Eve stopped to take in the unfamiliar territory. Seeing a shape she recognized, she headed toward it. Hammers. Using her reasoning mind, she headed to the back of the store and hit the jackpot. Ladders. All stacked up against one corner. There were small stepladders and ones that could be extended. At the sound of feet shuffling toward her, she turned and smiled.
“Yes, you can help me,” she said before the man spoke. He looked to be about forty with a slight sprinkling of gray on his temples. The rest of him was in tiptop shape; broad shoulders, lean hips, flat stomach. Either he worked out or he simply worked hard. “I’d like a ladder that doesn’t require an engineering degree to operate.”
“How far up do you want to reach?” he asked.
“The ceiling.”
He brushed his fingers across his chin.
“And I need it to be sturdy. That goes without saying, I’m sure.”
“You must be Eve Lloyd.”
“Does that explain everything about me?” Eve couldn’t help asking.
He grinned. “It sure does.”
“Oh, I also need to be able to carry the ladder. As you probably know, I don’t have far to go but I don’t want to have to drag it.”
“Okay. That narrows it down to two styles.”
“If it involves choosing between one color and another, I’ll let you decide.”
He proceeded to explain his choice but Eve stopped him. “Charge it to my account, please.”
“Do you have one of those with us?” he asked even as he brought down the ladder and carried it out for her. “I guess we’ll work it all out. You look eager to get up on this ladder.”
He carried the ladder out of his store. As he continued toward her store, she hurried on ahead and opened the front door for him.
“Where do you want it?”
“The back room, please.” She followed him into what would soon become her brand new kitchen.
“Jill,” the man nodded.
“You two know each other?” Eve asked.
He set the ladder down, wiped his hands on his jeans and shook Eve’s hand, “Let’s make this official. I’m Pete Dresden. Welcome to Rock-Maine Island.”
Susa Dresden’s husband. He looked far too pleasant to be married to the woman who had glared down at Eve from the first floor of the hardware store. “I’ve actually been living here a while.”
He grinned. “Yes, we know.”
Clearly because news about her antics had reached every corner of the island.
“Do you need a hand?” he offered.
“No, thank you. We’ll take it from here. But I’ll be happy to call you for help, as I’m sure you were just about to offer it…” She looked up at the board. “Hang on. I need a screwdriver.”
He reached behind him and produced one.
That’s when Eve noticed his tool-belt. “Well, that’s handy. You’re a regular Mr. Gadget.”
“I’ll leave you to it,” he said but didn’t move.
Eve adjusted the ladder at one end and climbed up. She looked down and smiled. “I do have a plan. I’m going to unscrew from the ends and work my way to the middle.”
Pete Dresden nodded and then left them to it.
Eve dealt with each screw and handed them to Jill.
“Do you have a swanky cooker in mind for the store?” Jill asked.
“I can’t decide if you’re teasing me or tempting me.” Regardless, Eve already knew the stove would be the most expensive item on her list. It would be her workhorse, so she needed something that would last the distance. “I’m thinking the bakery does birthday cakes but not novelty cakes. Bespoke cakes. There’s an idea.”
“If you plan on dealing with the William Hunters of this world, you’ll have to have an impressive showroom with settings and whatnot.”
“Yes, that’s the spirit. We have a couple of rooms to play with. We could dedicate one to casual dining and another to special occasions. Now I’m thinking we’ll need to expand in no time.” Stepping down, she moved over to the other end and began working on the rest of the screws. “This will be tricky,” she said as she tackled the last two screws. “I’m going to hold on to one end and ease the other end down for you to grab.” She heard Mischief and Mr. Magoo scuttling into the room, their nails clicking on the floorboards as they settled down to watch the proceedings.
Eve eased the board off and handed it down. As she did, she picked up a musky smell. “I guess there’ll be a build-up of dust in there. I’m going next door to get some masks.”
Moments later, she returned and handed Jill a mask. “Let’s try to angle the bookshelf out of the space.”
They both grabbed a hold of a middle shelf and pulled. At first, they had to put their backs into it but then the bookcase began to shift with more ease.
“Do you need a hand with that?”
“Jack,” Eve exclaimed and looked over her shoulder. “What are you doing here and… How did you know to find me here?”
“I’m a detective.” His eyebrows quirked up. “What’s with the masks?”
“Dust.” Eve stopped for a moment to take in the sight of Jack standing at the doorway, his hands in his pockets, his feet slightly apart. He wore a suit, something he rarely did. “Have you been to court?” Before he could answer, she said, “I just had a stray thought. I’ve never been asked to take the stand and provide a witness statement.”
“Neither have I but you don’t hear me yearning for the experience,” Jill said. Turning to Jack, she added, “Can you imagine Eve Lloyd taking the stand?”
Jack laughed. “I’m sure it would make it to prime-time TV.” He removed his jacket and placed it over a ladder rung. “Allow me.”
They stepped back. Eve said, “Someone is keen to take all the glory. We’ve already done the hard work for you.”
“Where do you want it?” he asked.
“Right up against the other shelf, please. And, you didn’t say why you’re here.”
“I came,” he stopped to pull, then continued, “to take you out to dinner. Mira said I’d find you here. Last time I checked, you had an inn to run yet, here you are, setting up another business.”
“I’m trying to keep my nose clean and right out of trouble.” She helped him shift the bookshelf into place. “I guess Mira told you about my catering business. It’s going to be so much fun.” Pulling down her mask, she gave him a wide smile and could have melted into his arms when he smiled back. Instead, she wiped her hands and turned toward the hollow space. “What… What on earth is this?” She’d been wrong. The bookcase hadn’t just been put there to add to the shelving space. “There’s a storage room here. This is a bonus. I guess I read the floor-plan wrong.” Someone had decided to board up the doorway but had given up halfway. Instead, they’d used a bookcase to finish the job. She stooped down but the space was in complete darkness. “I need a flashlight.”
Jill ran out saying, “I’ll get one from next door.” When she returned, she handed it to Eve and stood behind her to wait for the unveiling. “It’s the largest one Pete had.”
Eve pointed the flashlight inside the space. Taking a step forward, she whooped with joy. “I can get an even larger refrigerator.” As she took another step, she stilled and gasped.
“What?” Jill asked.
Eve shook her head. Or, at least, she tried to shake her head. In her mind, she shook her head, but she knew her head had only moved to one side. Eventually, it moved to the other side. After a few seconds, it moved again to the other side. Her head picked up momentum and finally it began moving from side to side. That set her other limbs into motion.
She scrambled back out of the dark space so quickly she ran straight into Jill.
When she turned to face Jill, her eyes were wide. She wanted to blink but couldn’t manage it. Eve handed the flashlight to Jack or maybe he took it from her, she couldn’t be sure. Moving right across the room, she plastered her back to the wall.
Jill couldn’t take her eyes off Eve. Finally, she asked, “What did you see?”
Eve swallowed and tried to answer but she only heard a series of garbled words coming out of her mouth.
Closing her eyes, Eve groaned.
“Eve. What’s wrong?”
At the sound of the familiar voice, Eve groaned again. How had her mom found her here? Turning, Eve tried to smile.
“Eve. What’s wrong with your face? You look as though you’ve seen a ghost.”
“Mom. What… What are you doing here? It’s… It’s not safe.” She grabbed the mask dangling under her chin. “See, I’m wearing a mask. Or at least I was…”
“Should you even be here if it’s not safe?” her mom asked. “You know, there are building codes and if you violate them, it could land you in a lot of trouble.”
“Listen to your mother, Eve.”
Her dad too?
Spreading her arms out, she tried to herd them out of her store.
When they reached the front of the store, her mom stopped to look at the cleaning implements. “Is this what you’ve been doing with yourself? Eve, if you’re hard up for money, you could have come to us. Not that there’s anything wrong with cleaning.”
“Mom. Those building codes you mentioned… Well, you can’t be in here. You saw for yourself, it’s not safe. There are… vermin. That’s right. Big rats. Huge.”
Jack chose that moment to stride past them, his cell phone pressed to his ear.
“And who is that?” her mom asked.
“No one.”
Her dad looked at her. “So, no one just called for a squad car and the ME.” Her dad brushed his hand across his chin. “I like puzzles. Let’s see if I can put this one together.” He stretched one finger out and then the other. He shook his head and started again. “Oh, by Jove, I think I’ve got it. He’s a police officer.”
Eve frowned. She’d had no idea her dad had a sense of humor.
Her mom took a step.
“Careful, Sarah,” her dad said. “I’m guessing we’re standing in the middle of a crime scene.”
Chapter Four
Eve pulled herself together and returned to the kitchen where she found Jill standing with her mouth gaping open. “You looked.”
Jill nodded. “I had a peek. Barely a glance.”
“I would have advised against it,” Eve said. “I’m sorry, I lost my voice. I don’t know what came over me. You’d think I’d be used to it all by now.”
A body.
In the room she wanted to turn into a kitchen.
The flashlight had been potent enough to illuminate every detail of the contorted face.
“How does this happen to you, Eve?” Jill asked.
Eve rolled her eyes. “Is this going to affect my probation in the phone tree? How could I have known?” She huffed out a breath. “Out of all the stores I could have picked for my business, why did it have to be this one?”
&
nbsp; “Because whatever you found in there needed to be found?” Jill guessed.
“You know it’s a body.”
Jill cringed. “Why did you have to do that? I’ve been trying to convince myself someone had left behind a pile of rags on top of sandbags or something.”
Jack strode back in saying, “Eve. You’ll have to postpone your cleaning. Walk me through the areas you worked on.”
“Anything that is sparkling clean.” Eve pointed upstairs. “We spent the morning upstairs. Apart from the bookshelf, we haven’t touched anything else here. As you can see, the kitchen still has layers of dust on the floor. See for yourself.” She pointed at the doorway. “Mischief and Mr. Magoo obviously sat there and wiped the floor clean with their tails but the rest is covered with a thick layer of dust.”
“Did you touch anything without gloves?”
Jill thrust her hands behind her back while Eve grinned. “Does it really matter? You already have my fingerprints on file. In any case, if the state of that body is anything to go by, this death predates my arrival on the island.” She turned to Jill. “Take note of that.”
“I don’t mean to split hairs,” Jill said. “Before you settled here, you used to visit the island on a fairly regular basis.”
Hearing the sound of footsteps approaching, they all turned toward the doorway.
Eve smiled and said, “This is Lauren, she’s the realtor. Lauren, your timing could not have been better.”
“What’s going on? What happened?” Lauren asked, her attention going straight to the space where the bookcase should have been.
Eve explained about wanting to move the bookcase and finding the extra space.
“I hadn’t noticed.” Lauren took a step forward but both Eve and Jack moved to block her view.
“What can you tell us about the previous tenant?” Eve asked.
“Phillip Manningham. He operated an accounting agency.”