Eve Lloyd’s A Deadline Cozy Mystery Box Set 2

by Sonia Parin

  “Of course not, but I wouldn’t be surprised if she starts locking her bedroom door. Actually, now that I think about it, we should be practical and take all necessary precautions tonight.”

  Jill huffed out a breath. “I guess I should get cracking with a background check.”

  * * *

  “Everyone is getting roast beef and baked potatoes for lunch. So, you can put your order book away,” Eve said.

  Jill waved her order book. “This is a drinks order. Some of the guests want to drown their sorrows. Which is fine by me. So long as they don’t start singing. The Yule-Tiders are all teetotalers. If you ask me, they’re all abusing your hospitality. You’d think they’d be happy to have a roof over their heads, a chunk of bread and cheese and a mug of coffee. Someone actually asked if we had any decent whiskey. Nothing short of a twelve-year-old drop will suit him.”

  The sound of the helicopter approaching had them both looking out of the kitchen window.

  Jill clapped her hands. “Oh, Josh is here.”

  Eve gasped.

  “What?” Jill asked.

  This was supposed to be the best Christmas ever. She’d planned on spending a quiet holiday with family and friends. What else could go wrong? And how could she have assumed Mira would be safe at home? “It’s all sinking in now. I can’t believe I could be so brainless. I left Mira alone in the house.”

  “Does she know about Todd Emerson?” Jill asked.

  “No. I couldn’t bring myself to tell her.” Eve grabbed her car keys and took off. “Please keep an eye on the potatoes. They should be fine for another half hour.”

  Jill rushed after her. “But what if the killer is still here, at the inn? Mira is better off staying away.”

  “Yes, but… We can’t know for sure.” She left Jill standing on the porch, her mouth gaping open. As Eve drove off, she saw Jack patting Jill on the back. “I’m the one running around the place and Jill gets the comforting pat on the back.” She had no trouble imagining what Jack was saying to Jill. “Ours is not to reason why. Eve works in mysterious ways…”

  A few minutes later, she pulled up outside Mira’s house and scooped in a breath. “Here goes.” Somehow, she had to convince her aunt to come to the inn with her a couple of days ahead of schedule without telling her why. Mira had already suggested coming early to save Eve the trouble of checking up on her. So, maybe it wouldn’t be so hard to talk her into it.

  “That’s nonsense, Eve.” The moment Mira set foot in the inn, she would know they were one caroler short.

  “Have you lost a caroler, Eve?” she mocked. “Oh… Not really, Mira. Well… You know carolers can be as bad as kittens. You simply can’t keep them in one place.” Eve bobbed her head from side to side. “Then again, with so many red sweaters with blinking lights and people dressed in period costumes, Mira might not actually notice one Tinsel-Toner missing. Eve Lloyd, you must learn to look on the bright side.”

  As she walked into the house, she heard Mira on the phone. That only gave her an extra couple of minutes’ respite. She used the time to rush upstairs to get Mira’s overnight bag. As a seasoned traveler, Mira had long ago adopted the habit of packing a couple of days before she left on her trips but she always had a few essentials ready to go.

  When she came back downstairs, she heard Mira still on the phone so she took the bag out to the car.

  Rushing back inside, she met Mira in the hallway.

  “You’ll never guess who that was,” Mira said. “David. Would you believe it? He’s sticking to his story.”

  “And what did you say?”

  “I played along with him.” Mira smiled. “See. If I’d told him I knew about him lying to me, I would be huffing and puffing right now. Instead, I’m as happy as a clam at high water.” Mira folded her arms. “Why are you here again?”

  “Well. What with all those guests staying at the inn, I wanted to ask a favor. Jill and I have our hands full… Would you mind terribly coming over now? We could do with an extra set of eyes. I saw a couple of them eyeing my antique camera collection and you know what it cost me to buy those.”

  “But you took everyone’s details down,” Mira said. “If anything goes missing, you can chase it up.”

  “I’d prefer to take preventative measures and spare myself the trouble of having to accuse someone of theft.” Eve edged toward Mira’s office. “Will you be needing your computer?”

  “You’re really keen on me going now.”

  “I know you prefer to work without distractions, but have you ever tried doing the opposite?” Eve asked. “You might find a houseful of people inspiring.” She tried to inject some humor in her voice. “You could do character studies of them.”

  “I think you have a point. All those guests driving you up the wall,” Mira exclaimed, “I might actually pick up a few ideas for my mad innkeeper.” As Mira strode into her office and organized a few essential items, she laughed. “For a moment there I thought you were going to tell me one of your guests had been killed and you think the killer is out there eyeing his next victim.”

  Eve laughed. If she told her now, she’d have way too much explaining to do. However, if she played her cards right, she might manage to avoid telling Mira about Todd Emerson and Mira would then find out through someone else. Although, in Eve’s opinion, it would be better if Mira didn’t find out at all. Could she pull that off?

  She’d never been one to ask for special favors but if she could have one wish granted for Christmas, that would be it.

  “I’ll make the rounds of the house and make sure all the windows and doors are locked.” When she finished, she filled up another couple of boxes with food and took them out to the car.

  Mira locked the front door and as she settled in the car, she looked at the back seat. “You’ve cleaned me out.”

  “Sorry. I’ll make it up to you.” She could do this. Yes, she could. She only needed to take Jack aside and ask him not to say anything about the body within Mira’s hearing. Mira already knew Jack had planned on doing everything he could to get to the island. He could explain that hitching a ride in the chopper so early had been his only opportunity. Jill would come onboard too. Eve didn’t think Mira would mingle with the guests. Yes, if they all played their cards right, Mira would be none the wiser.

  Eve tipped her head back and groaned.

  “Is something wrong, Eve?”

  “No, well… I’m just quietly arguing with myself.”

  Mira chuckled. “I do that sometimes. I’ve even come close to having a shouting match with myself.”

  “I’ve never heard you,” Eve said.

  “That’s because I do it quietly.”

  “Then it must run in the family.” As she drove, Eve made a point of checking all her mirrors for suspicious looking drivers. “You never told me why David called.” If he didn’t want anything more to do with Mira, then she didn’t understand why he would continue to keep in touch.

  “He mentioned something about a special delivery. Apparently, Father Christmas is doing a flyover. He might be feeling guilty. Or, he might have organized it before…” Mira didn’t finish the sentence.

  Eve curled her fingers around the steering wheel and imagined it was David’s neck. He’d seemed like such a nice man. How could he be so callous? “Hey, what if… What if David is trying to surprise you? Maybe he feels guilty about making you think he wouldn’t come and that’s why he called.”

  “Didn’t I just say that?” Mira asked.

  “Sorry, there’s a lot of babbling going on inside my head. I can barely hear myself think.”

  Mira stretched her legs out and crossed them at the ankles. “Do you really think David would be so devious? Besides, only someone with a massive ego would go to such lengths to make me think they weren’t coming and then surprise me.”

  “I’m sorry. I guess I’m still holding onto a sparkle of hope. For your sake.” Eve wondered if Jack might know something. David’s behavior seemed far
too out of character. In reality, Eve wanted to believe David was trying to surprise Mira because Eve really didn’t appreciate being fooled. She’d actually liked him a great deal and had encouraged the relationship.

  When they arrived at the inn, they found Jill outside tossing a ball for Mischief and Mr. Magoo. The dogs’ bursts of excitement were broken up by bouts of lethargy and downright stubbornness.

  Mira laughed. “She always ends up fetching the ball herself.”

  As Eve reached for her handbag, she heard the sound of a helicopter.

  “Oh, the helicopter must have returned. It’s leaving now. I wonder what that’s about?” Mira asked.

  A second later, Jack appeared at the front door.

  Two seconds later, a couple of police officers appeared from around the side of the house.

  Jack’s presence could be explained, Eve thought. But how on earth would she explain police officers in uniform? Plead ignorance?

  “Right, well… Let’s get you settled in,” Eve said, her tone more cheerful than usual.

  “Eve?”

  “Yes, Mira.”

  “You appear to have a few extra guests.”

  “Really? Just as well I brought the extra bags of grits.” She’d seen two officers but she imagined there were more staying out of sight, on the beach or inside the house.

  Would Mira believe her if she said they belonged to a caroling group?

  The Boys-in-Blue-Duo, Eve thought. Then she saw another officer emerging from the house. The Boys-in-Blue-Trio? Yet another officer appeared from the side of the house.

  Could she get away with calling it a quartet?

  Jill rushed up to help her unload the boxes. “Catch me up, quickly,” Eve whispered.

  “Jack’s interviewed all the guests. The chopper dropped off a few more officers and they’re scouring the area. I believe the intention is to spread out and cover as much of the island as possible.”

  “What will they look for?”

  “I heard one say they plan on going door to door, checking on people.”

  That didn’t sound at all good. Did they think the killer would hide in a house and take the occupants hostage?

  “Has Jack shared any pertinent information with you?” Eve asked.

  “No, but you hold the upper hand. He and his officers will need to be fed. They’re at your mercy.”

  Eve bit the edge of her lip. “That’s a valid point. They don’t have any transportation so they can’t go into town. I’m their only source of food.” Eve drummed her fingers against her chin. “I could use that.”

  “What do you mean?” Jill asked.

  “They could hum Christmas tunes. I know they’re here on serious business…”

  Jill could not have looked more confused. “Huh?”

  Eve lifted her chin. “I’d like them to pretend they belong to a caroling group.”

  “Huh?”

  “Is it too much to ask? I only want them to do their searching in a cheerful… seasonal mood. You know, humming Christmas tunes.”

  Jack approached them. “Can I help you with those boxes?”

  “How kind. Thank you. Yes, I’m all worn out from all my trips.” As she walked into the inn, Eve saw Mira standing at the foot of the staircase looking toward the sitting room, her lips curved into a smile. The Tinsel-Toners were huddled together and singing a soft tune.

  Seeing her, Mira said, “I take it I’ll be sharing your room?”

  Yes, Eve thought, best to play it safe. Eve nodded and followed Jack into the kitchen. “Thank you, kind sir.”

  “No thanks needed, especially not as I’m about to commandeer your SUV.”

  Eve gaped at him. “On whose authority?”

  “Do I need to flash my badge, ma’am?”

  “No, officer.” She handed him her car keys. “I guess your officers want to spread their search.”

  He nodded and turned to Jill who said, “Don’t look at me. My car battery died so I left my car in town.” Nevertheless, she handed him her car keys. “If your officers can get it jumpstarted, they’re welcome to it.”

  Eve held his gaze for a moment and then whispered, “The killer is still on the island.” She wanted Jack to confirm it. Actually, she wanted him to say the killer had probably already made it out of the island. What she didn’t want to hear him say…

  “We’re running background checks on your guests.”

  Someone entered the kitchen. A Yule-Tider. “Excuse me, ma’am. If it’s not too much bother, would it be possible to have some tea, please?” The man wore a Victorian style jacket with large buttons, a high collared shirt and an elaborate tie in a dark shade of forest green. A woman appeared by his side, her cheeks rosy and her hair pulled back under her bonnet, her full skirt lifted slightly as she bobbed a curtsey. They really knew how to play their roles to the hilt, Eve thought and wondered if they were capable of killing their competition.

  “Someone will bring some tea out shortly,” Eve said.

  They both backed out of the kitchen and Eve expected to see them both bob a curtsey. They did not disappoint. Although the man only lowered his head as he said, “Much obliged, ma’am.”

  Eve turned to Jack. “By the way…”

  Tom crossed his arms and gave her his most serious look. “You’re about to ask for something.”

  “How do you?”

  “Whenever you want something, your voice changes. It mellows. You sound sweeter than sugar tastes.”

  “I always sound sweet.”

  The edge of his lip quirked but he didn’t smile. Instead, he lifted an eyebrow. “What do you want?”

  “As a matter of fact…”

  “Aha, I knew it.”

  “Well, it doesn’t seem fair to give and not take a little in return.”

  “Ever heard of unconditional giving?” Jack asked.

  “I kept your crime scene intact. Surely, I deserve a little in return.”

  “Fine. What would you like?”

  “It’s just a tiny favor. Could your officers hum?”

  “Huh?”

  Eve rolled her eyes. “It’s Christmas. Could they get into the spirit of it all?” She counted the officers she’d seen and added, “And… while they’re at it, could they pretend to be a quintet? At least when Mira is around.”

  Mira walked into the kitchen. “So, what’s for dinner?”

  “A hearty stew and a peach cobbler.”

  Mira smiled. “Oh, you’re really getting into the Dickensian theme.”

  “No, I’m only trying to make the best of a piece of meat which would normally feed a couple of people.”

  “You have peaches?”

  “I have dried apricots. If you’re hungry, there’s roast beef and baked potatoes for lunch.” Eve turned and found Jack smiling at her. A rare sight as whenever he worked a case he always sported a scowl. He dangled the car keys and, thanking her, he left.

  “What was that all about?” Mira asked.

  “He’s trying to make himself useful by taking my car for a spin. I told him I heard a noise.”

  “Really? I didn’t hear anything on the way here.”

  “Yes, well… it comes and goes. I don’t want it breaking down during Christmas.”

  “I thought he’d be far too busy looking for suspects,” Mira mused.

  Eve hummed under her breath. “I’m sorry, did you say something?”

  “No, dear. I think I’ll just settle down here in the corner… with my back to the wall and Mischief and Mr. Magoo by my feet. That way no one can sneak up on me.”

  Eve wiped the counter and brought out a chopping block. “Okay.”

  “It never hurts to be cautious,” Mira continued. “Especially when there’s an inn full of suspects.”

  Eve hummed louder.

  “Oh, here’s Josh,” Mira announced as Josh entered through the back door and greeted Mira. “It’s all so unfortunate and right before Christmas, Josh.”

  “Josh!” Eve’s eyebro
ws quirked up. “Mira is referring to the bridge collapsing.”

  “Was I?” Mira asked.

  Raking his fingers through his hair, Josh looked from one to the other. “Yes, of course.” He gave Eve a worried look.

  Mira smiled. “I believe Eve is doing her best to pretend all is well.” Mira sighed. “I’m going to do a headcount of your guests, Eve. We wouldn’t want any of them going missing.”

  Chapter Six

  “I’ve scoured through social media and only found happy group photographs,” Jill said. “I didn’t see a single slanted glance or narrowed look. The Tinsel-Toners meet once a week in a recording studio owned by one of them.” Jill looked through her notes. “Arty Manningham. His room is two doors down from mine. He’s a quiet sleeper. They do annual recordings to raise money for charity.” Jill raised a finger. “The Yule-Tiders collect money as well, but not as much. Both groups have posted photos of themselves holding up those oversized checks that always make me wonder how they get it over the counter. I mean… someone must have the job of taking it into the bank… Oh, never mind. Anyhow, if you ask me, I think the Yule-Tiders are jealous but I don’t think that’s motive for murder.”

  Eve carved the roast but didn’t comment.

  “I’ve been working on a list of questions,” Jill continued. “Did Todd Emerson go out for a breath of fresh air?”

  “In this weather?” Eve didn’t think so.

  “Okay. If the killer forced him to go out,” Jill said, “I’m sure we would have heard something.”

  “Not if he had a gun pointed at him.”

  “Would that stop me?” Jill wondered. “I mean, what’s the worst that can happen? Someone has a gun pointed at you, you scream, they lose their focus, you duck or run. If you run, you make sure to avoid running in a straight line. Duh, that goes without saying. I think I like my chances of escaping unscathed.” Jill tapped her chin and nodded. “Yes, I would definitely scream and now I’m not so sure about running. I think I would have a better chance of survival if I lunged at my attacker using all my girl power.”