The Milburn Big Box Set

by Nancy McGovern

  Sean nodded. “When he turns 25, I think.”

  “Lucky him,” Tucker said with a laugh. “He was too young to have murdered her, otherwise he’d be a prime suspect.”

  “Well, he lost a mother,” Sean said. “I don’t think all the fortunes in the world can make up for that.”

  “Of course.” Tucker shrugged. “Well, now I think I might as well have married her myself. She wasn’t bad-looking, and a multi-millionaire to boot! I would have done a lot of things differently if I’d known that.”

  “Would you?” Sean raised an eyebrow.

  “Sure!” Tucker exclaimed. “There’s not a man alive that can resist a beautiful woman with money, after all. If she’s the kind to also bake cookies, well, that’s just perfection in my eyes.”

  Sean shook his head. “I don’t know. I just never thought that way.”

  “Well, it’s never going to happen now, and I’m just kidding anyway,” Tucker said. Then, as Irene walked in with the pie, Tucker changed the topic quickly and they were soon discussing sports and politics instead.

  *****

  Chapter 8

  When In Doubt

  Nora stretched as she got out of the car. Already, a week had passed since Anita’s visit to her house. She’d wanted to meet Johnny and talk to him, but Harvey had ended up with the flu, and then Hazel had caught it. Consequently, Nora had been too busy tending to both of them to even think of 20 year old murders.

  Still, she felt a twinge of guilt as she walked into her diner. Austin had been in Milburn for weeks now and they still hadn’t made any headway on the case. She’d known it would be tough going in, but Nora had hoped that they’d find something. Some sort of clue, something solid. Something that would give Austin hope. Or closure.

  Austin smiled as Nora walked in and told Tina he’d take a break. He walked over to Nora with a peppermint latte and a black coffee.

  “This is your favorite, right? Chocolate peppermint?”

  “You remember that? How sweet.” Nora smiled up at him.

  Austin shrugged. “I used to work as a barista back in high school. You know, it strikes me that Milburn could use a good café. I mean, don’t get me wrong, the diner is great, but I think there’s a real opportunity for something a little more central. Maybe on Main Street.”

  “I’ve discussed that with Tina. It would be a great opportunity,” Nora said. “But real estate is crazy these days. Main Street is far too expensive.”

  She eyed Austin as she said this and noticed the uncomfortable look that flashed on his face as soon as she mentioned money. Sean had told her about Lori’s family wealth, and they’d both speculated about whether or not Austin had received it yet. It wasn’t a question they could ask him directly, and he certainly wasn’t volunteering information. In Nora’s mind, that meant one of two things - either he had already received the money and was too shy to boast or show off or his mother’s disappearance had made it hard for him to inherit. If it was the latter, perhaps he was so eager to find out what happened to Lori for materialistic reasons, not sentimental ones. It was silly, but Nora felt like she’d like him a lot less if it was money that had brought him there.

  “Well?” Austin asked. “Did you find out anything?”

  Nora shook her head. “Only what I told you last week. Harvey and Hazel have both been sick and—”

  “Hazel’s sick? Is that why she hasn’t been to the diner for a week?” Austin asked, looking alarmed. “It isn’t serious, is it?”

  “Just the flu. She needs rest and soup,” Nora said. Austin cupped his face with his hand, gently scratching his ear between his finger and thumb.

  “I can bring some chicken soup over later today,” he said.

  “Oh, I’ve made plenty already. There’s really no need. But thank you,” Nora replied.

  “No, really. After everything you’ve done for me, it’s the least I could do. Besides…” Austin hesitated. “I…” he paused, confused, then colored a little. “Never mind.”

  “On second thought, maybe you could bring some soup over. I’m sure it’d cheer her up,” Nora said. “She’s so hyperactive, it’s hard on her to just lie on a couch. She can’t even play her beloved video games.” Nora paused. “It’s nice that you two are getting closer, but Austin…” She hesitated. She was interfering, she knew it. Hazel would have her head for saying a single word more to Austin. And yet…this was Nora’s little girl. Her cute, shy, sweet, little Hazel.

  “What?” Austin asked.

  “Nothing,” Nora said. She shook her head. Hazel was a big girl, and she could handle herself. Nora had to learn to stop butting in.

  “I do really appreciate everything you’ve done for me,” Austin said.

  “But that’s not why you’re bringing the soup,” Nora pointed out. Before she could say more, the door tinkled open and Mason walked in, followed closely by Johnny Teaks. Nora’s eyes widened in surprise. Austin turned around to look, then turned back so that he wouldn’t get caught staring.

  The two men marched off to a booth in the corner, far from any eager ears. Deciding to use her privilege as co-owner of the diner, Nora walked up to them.

  “What’ll it be, boys?” Nora smiled. “Good to see you here. Kind of unusual to see you at such an odd hour.”

  “Mason dragged me out of office to talk.” Johnny looked relaxed, a smile on his face. Tall, bald and skinny, Johnny rather reminded Nora of a flagpole. He was quite unlike his brother Tucker, who was built like a bruiser with broad shoulders and thick thighs. Yet both brothers shared a sharp, triangular jawline and a smile that revealed dimples. Johnny, with his dark, brooding eyes, had always struck Nora as the more intelligent of the two. Sure enough, rumor around town was that even though Tucker, as older brother, was CEO of Teaks Construction, it was Johnny who had taken the company to where it was today.

  “I’ll have an omelet if you’re making it,” Mason said. “With mushrooms, please.”

  “I won’t be making it, but our new, young chef is quite good.” Nora motioned Austin over. “Austin, this is Mason, and this is Johnny.”

  Johnny’s entire face paled as he stared at Austin. His hands trembled a bit as he reached over for a napkin and folded, then unfolded it. “Austin?” he said. “Are you new in town?”

  “He’s a distant nephew of Sean’s,” Nora said, watching Johnny. Johnny was staring at Austin, unable to take his eyes off the boy’s.

  Austin, clearly uncomfortable, mumbled a few words and walked away. Mason broke the silence that followed.

  “I feel like I’ve seen that boy somewhere,” Mason said. “Those eyes of his.”

  “Lori.” Johnny whispered. He said it so quietly that it might just have been Nora’s imagination. Yet she was quite sure it wasn’t.

  “What?” Mason looked up at Johnny.

  “I said, it’s funny.” Johnny cleared his throat and sat up straight. “I’m not hungry, but I’ll get some soup. Whatever’s convenient, as long as it’s hot.”

  “Broccoli and cheese.” Nora nodded. “I’ll bring it right along.” She walked away slowly, hoping to catch some fragment of conversation and, sure enough, Johnny said, “Well, what did you call me here for, Mason?”

  To Nora’s disappointment, Mason’s voice was too low to hear.

  Tina was at the counter and raised an eyebrow at Nora, knowing that she was up to something. “What’s so interesting about Mason and Johnny, then?” she asked.

  “Oh, hush. They’ll hear you.” Nora cautioned her. She looked over her shoulder. Mason was gesticulating and speaking rapidly, while Johnny leaned over, his entire body tense and alert. Nora was willing to bet her house that they were discussing Lori. She wondered how Anita would feel about that.

  Frustrated at not being able to hear a thing, Nora watched them carefully while pretending to wipe down the counter. Johnny was leaning away from Mason now and shaking his head. Mason, meanwhile, was slapping his hand on the table to emphasize whatever he was saying.
>
  The bell above the door tinkled and Tucker and Irene walked in. They often dropped in for lunch but, instead of heading to the counter as usual, both stood by the door, staring at Johnny. Johnny, who had his back against the door, was listening intently to Mason and didn’t even notice them.

  “Hope we’re not interrupting anything,” Tucker said in his big, bluff voice as he walked over to their booth. “Not planning a company takeover or anything, are you brother? Haha!”

  “The humor gene skipped you over, didn’t it Tucker?” Johnny said, his voice cold. “As a matter of fact, Mason and I have some business to discuss. Do you mind?”

  “Oh, come on. What business is so serious that you can’t discuss it around your big brother?” Tucker shoved Johnny further into the booth and slid beside him, draping an arm around his shoulder. Irene stood by, looking embarrassed for a second, then sat next to Mason. Mason looked at Johnny, who shook his head slightly. Whatever they were discussing would clearly have to wait.

  With Tucker at the table, Nora didn’t have to strain her ears. Everyone within a two-block radius could hear his booming voice. He led the conversation, talking easily about football, the weather and upcoming construction projects. Mason looked thoroughly bored.

  “How’s the sculpting coming along?” Irene asked Mason.

  “Sculpting? Oh, I’ve dropped that for a bit,” Mason said. “I have a new project I’m interested in.”

  “Nothing that involves town funds this time, I hope?” Tucker guffawed. “We’re still reeling from that monstrosity of ‘modern art’ you had installed.”

  Mason colored, and muttered something about artistic vision. Irene gave Tucker a kick under the table and asked Mason, “Well, what’s this new project then?” Nora noticed Johnny was fiddling with the paper napkin again, nervously tearing it bit by bit.

  “Well,” Mason said, giving Tucker a glare. “I’ve decided to write a book. A book about Milburn.”

  “That’s nice.” Irene nodded. “We’ve got a lot of history in this town, and it’s about time someone preserved it. Maybe you can consider adding in a bit about the notable families of Milburn? The Teaks have always been at the forefront of—”

  “Oh, it’s not that kind of book.” Mason grinned, his eyes suddenly sparkling. “As a matter of fact, I don’t think any of you’d really want to be in it.”

  “What is it, then?” Tucker asked, suddenly alert.

  “A biography of a local woman. Or maybe a murder mystery. I haven’t decided yet.” Mason got up. “Actually, I need to go. I’ll see you folks soon enough. I might need to interview all of you.”

  He left, and Nora couldn’t help but notice how he’d affected the other three. Irene looked shocked, Tucker looked suddenly furious and Johnny - Johnny was looking down at his feet, while his hands shredded the paper napkin into tinier and tinier pieces.

  *****

  Chapter 9

  The Man With The Gun

  “I can do this,” Nora told herself. “Just a little more. Come on.” She huffed and puffed as the treadmill slipped away beneath her. She looked down at the timer, sure that she’d run for at least an hour. Instead, the digital display showed her 12:59.

  “Close enough,” Nora said and reduced the speed back to a slow walk. After all, she told herself, too much running is bad for the knees.

  The doorbell rang and she heard Hazel make her way to it. Wiping off her brow, Nora stepped off the treadmill. She heard Austin’s voice, then a squeal of happiness from Hazel, and decided not to go downstairs just yet.

  Instead, she sat down at her computer and began looking up Lori Birdwhistle. She’d done this before and found little more than an archived newspaper article that gave a brief description of what had happened. Sighing, she switched to her phone instead and sat up.

  Mason had sent her a text:

  Hi Nora. I know this is short notice, but do you think you could meet me for dinner tonight at my house? Maybe at 8? I’ve been mulling some things over and I’d like to talk to you. Bring Harvey if you like. 20 years is a long time, but some things stick in your brain, you know? Mason

  Nora looked at her watch. It was 7:30 and Mason had sent that message a little less than an hour ago. Honestly, she might not even have noticed it. Outside, a light snow had begun to fall and a heavy wind was blowing so that the sheets of snow were nearly parallel to the ground. The last thing Nora wanted to do was leave the comfort of her house.

  I’ll be there. Nora texted back.

  Sighing, she stood up and began to get ready. She wished she could take Harvey, too, but he was still recovering from the flu. Maybe she should call Sean? No. Best to go alone.

  Downstairs, Harvey was lying on the couch with a cool cloth on his forehead and a blanket pulled up to his chin. His eyes were closed and he was snoring lightly. Leaning over, Nora took the cloth off his forehead and kissed him gently. Somehow, she always felt extra fond of him in times like this, when he looked vulnerable instead of tough.

  “Sleep tight,” she whispered.

  He shifted in his sleep and trapped her arm in his hands, cuddling it. Laughing, Nora extricated herself and tip-toed away. In the kitchen, Hazel and Austin were sitting at the dining table, laughing and talking. They both stopped as she stepped in.

  “Going somewhere?” Hazel raised an eyebrow.

  “Just for a bit,” Nora said. “I’ll be back soon. Everything okay here?”

  “Austin made me soup. Isn’t that sweet of him?” Hazel had the biggest smile on her face. “He’s an amazing cook, Mom. Just as good as you.”

  Nora put a hand to her heart and rolled her eyes dramatically. “Betrayed! By my own flesh and blood.”

  “Alright.” Hazel laughed. “Almost as good as you. Happy?”

  “Ecstatic. Don’t tire yourself out.” Nora leaned down and kissed Hazel on the cheek. “Sleep soon, okay?”

  “Mmmhmm.” Hazel’s attention was back on Austin, who was showing her a meme on his phone. They barely noticed as she left.

  Mason’s house looked cold and empty. As Nora parked the car and stood in front of the door, goose-bumps began to form along her arms. Her heart began to thud faster. Mason’s house, a colonial-style building with white pillars and a slightly unkempt garden, sat between two large farms. In the snow, the house was perfectly camouflaged, like a wild animal crouching still to hide from its predators. Not a single light was on. Somewhere in the distance, Nora could hear an owl hoot. There was not a sound, and Nora suddenly had a wild thought that, even if she opened her mouth to scream, the snow would absorb it all before anyone could hear her.

  Something was very wrong. Why would Mason invite her home for dinner and then sit in the dark?

  Shivering, Nora tried to decide whether to knock on the door or call Sean for back-up. Harvey would certainly have a lot to say if Nora did something stupid. Something stupid, like walking into a dark house alone.

  Nora felt her heartbeat double. Upstairs, in one of the windows, she could see a flashlight moving around. All thoughts vanished from her mind as she sprang into action. She texted both Harvey and Sean as quickly as possible then ran to the door. It was slightly ajar, furthering her suspicions.

  She opened the door wide, and the faint streetlight illuminated a body in the hallway. It was Mason, spread-eagled on the floor, with a bullet through his forehead. Putting a hand over her mouth, Nora stifled her cry. Upstairs, she heard a sudden thump and then a crash as something was knocked over. Fear crashed through her once more, followed by an adrenaline rush. A younger, braver Nora would have tried to confront the killer, or attack him. An older, wiser Nora decided that, since she couldn’t save Mason’s life, her best option was to get out without getting killed herself. As her grandfather had been fond of saying, those who fight and run away, live to fight another day.

  She made a move towards the door and then paused as she caught sight of Mason’s prone body. She wanted to run, sure, but she also wanted the killer caught. The fear th
at flowed through her now mixed with anger.

  What harm had Mason ever done anybody? His entire life, he’d been a cheerful man - funny and articulate and always chasing some new adventure. Sure, he’d never particularly helped anybody, but he’d never actively tried to harm them either. He had years in front of him still. Years where he could have found a woman, found a passion, written a book, finished his sculpture. Maybe even cooked a perfect omelet.

  What right did this gun-toting maniac have to kill Mason? Nora’s fists clenched and she turned around. She looked for a weapon and seized a heavy statuette from a side table. Slowly, she walked upstairs, carefully distributing her weight so that no stairs creaked.

  Sudden lights flooded through the front windows as a car passed by. For a brief second, Nora was completely illuminated. She felt her heart leap in her chest as she saw something move in the shadows above her. Then, seconds later, she heard a loud crack and felt paint chips and concrete rain down from a little above her shoulder. Giving up any ideas of heroism, Nora dropped the statue and ran back down the stairs, hoping that the next bullet would miss her. Two more cracks echoed through the house and Nora moved as fast as she could towards the open door. The killer was right behind her. She could hear the footsteps chasing her, and the labored breathing. She could imagine the gun raising itself once again, pointing right at her.

  Another car’s headlights flooded through the window, nearly blinding Nora. Behind her, she heard a muffled thud as something dropped to the floor. Nora turned around to see… nothing. The killer, scared by the lights, had slipped into the kitchen.

  “Nora!”

  Nora turned around. A silhouette framed the doorway in front of her and Nora blinked twice before she recognized Harvey. He was shivering, and Nora realized he hadn’t even bothered to pull on a coat before coming to her. He held a gun in his hand, cocked and ready.

  “Harvey, sweetheart!” She ran to him and he hugged her tight, his shoulders sagging in relief on finding her safe. Nora heard the bang of the back-door and then the sound of a car driving away.