Bound To Be Dead: Cozy Mystery Bookshop Series Book 3

by Tamra Baumann

  Cooper and I hurry up the front steps. With my hand on the front doorknob, I stop and draw in a deep breath. I can do this. I’ll ask tough questions and see how Brittany’s mother responds. Hopefully, if Stella’s answers seem suspicious, Brittany will see through that too.

  I open the door and release Cooper so he can run ahead and greet our guests. I should probably stop by a mirror before joining them, but I don’t know how much I’ve missed.

  My belly hurts as I enter the living room and find everyone sitting on the antique red couches with strained expressions. Gage’s secretary, Amy, who will be a witness in case we sign papers, is sitting across the room studying her phone, and Cooper is hiding behind Brittany’s legs as if he’s scared. He must feel the tension too.

  But where are my father and Meg? Why aren’t they here too?

  Gage stands and tries to smile. “Hi, Sawyer. Brittany called and asked if Amy and I would come a little early. I’d like you to meet Brittany’s mother, Stella, and her partner, Mica.”

  I want to grab Brittany and run, but instead, force myself to stick my hand out. Plastering on a pleasant smile is one of the hardest things I’ve had to do.

  Stella stands and shakes my hand. “Nice to meet you.”

  I’m shocked to see a woman who looks like she’s in her mid to late thirties—just a few years older than me. She must’ve had Brittany very young.

  Brittany is a virtual mini version of her mom. Stella is petite, has brown hair, and she and Brittany could share clothes, Stella is so thin. And they both have the exact same brown eyes. It’s disconcerting. “Nice to meet you as well,” I say, but don’t really mean it. I want to be sick.

  Stella’s boyfriend steps forward and smiles too. “Hi, Sawyer. Thanks for taking such great care of Brittany.”

  Mica is blond, tall, heavyset, and wearing way too much fancy cologne. Maybe it’s just my suspicious nature, but he has shifty blue eyes. Not to mention a statement-piece Rolex watch that screams look how rich I am.

  I shake his sweaty palm. “Hi, Mica. You must’ve gotten in early?” I want to wipe my hand on my slacks but refrain.

  He nods. “We decided to take earlier flights. As a matter of fact, I think we’re pretty much ready to go.” He turns to Brittany. “Isn’t that right, Brit?”

  Not so fast, buster. “I’d hoped to have a few minutes to discuss things. And I think Gage has some paperwork we need to clear up?”

  Mica steps closer to Brittany and picks up her backpack. “We’ve already signed it. And I brought proof that I paid for the adoption, and all our contact information, just like Gage asked. We’ll miss our flight if we don’t get going.”

  Cooper takes one look at Mica and runs behind Gage’s legs.

  Gage holds out a stack of pages. “You need to sign these as well before they go, Sawyer. It’s all just as you and I agreed.”

  “Wait.” I hold up a hand. “I’m not signing anything until I talk to Brittany. We’ll be right back.”

  I slip my hand around Brittany’s arm and tug her with me down the hall and into the kitchen. Once the door has swung closed behind me, I say. “What’s going on? And where are Max and Meg? They were supposed to be with you at all times so this very thing wouldn’t happen!”

  Brittany won’t look me in the eye. She’s busy studying her tennis shoes. “One of Dylan’s deputies came to the door. He said he needed Max at the station. I told Meg it was okay to go along so Max wouldn’t be alone. You know how he is.”

  Could this day get any worse?

  “Did you know they were coming early?” That Brittany won’t look at me makes me wonder if she’s telling the truth. Maybe she planned to be out before I got back?

  “No, I swear, Sawyer. I had no idea.” She finally looks at me before going right back to watching her shoes. “But maybe it’s better this way.”

  Better this way? Would she have left before saying goodbye to me?

  I’m so angry, I could cry. Or maybe that’s just an excuse for wanting to cry. “So you’ve decided to go with them? Just like that?”

  “It’s not just like that. Stella’s my mother, Sawyer.” Brittany shuffles from one foot to the other. “I checked them out, and I think they’re telling the truth.”

  I lift her chin with my bent finger so she’ll look me in the eyes. “Did you ever get to the bottom of Mica’s missing online profile? Does he have a past? Or a job? Is he legit?”

  Brittany shrugs. “I didn’t find anything bad. Like I said, rich people wipe their data all the time. I’m sure it’ll be fine. Please don’t make this harder than it is. I really miss my mom.”

  When tears form in Brittany’s eyes, my heart shatters. She, like me, rarely cries. And I know exactly what it’s like to miss your mother so bad, you hurt from head to toe. But in my case, I’ll never see my mom again. I can’t take that opportunity away from Brittany.

  While biting my lip hard enough to stop my own tears, I wrap my arms around Brittany and pull her close. “If this is what you want, then I won’t stop you. I’ll sign the papers.”

  “Thank you, Sawyer.” Brittany hugs me back and lays her head on my shoulder. “I love you.”

  That’s the first time Brittany has ever said she loves me first. I’m so choked up, it’s difficult to reply, “I love you too. You’re always welcome back.”

  Brittany leans away and wipes her wet cheeks with her hands. “Without an I told you so?”

  “Absolutely not! Gloating will be mandatory.” I try my best to smile. “But I’ll miss you, kiddo. Call when you get there so I know you’re safe.” I can’t believe this is happening. I thought we’d have a chat and then decide, not be told what the verdict is. However, I need to let Brittany make her own mistakes, just as Meg pointed out. But I don’t have to like it.

  Brittany whispers, “I’ll call. Please say goodbye to everyone else for me.” She turns and practically runs for the door.

  “Yep.” I slowly follow behind, still filled with doubt. Am I doing the best thing for Brittany? My sister, father, and Gage think I am, but I don’t know.

  My gut says I’m making a huge mistake.

  When I join everyone in the living room again, Gage hands me his heavy pen and points to where I need to sign.

  I hate doing this.

  My fingers start to sign, but I stop and turn around. “Just to be clear, Stella and Mica, this is only good for thirty days. I have to renew every thirty after that. If you fail to return my calls or texts within twenty-four hours, this agreement is void, and Brittany will come right back home with me. Is that understood?”

  Mica lifts his hands. “Absolutely. Just a trial run. We get it.”

  Stella nods, so I turn around and quickly sign and date the documents. When I step back, Amy signs her name under both Stella’s and mine, and it’s done. Brittany is theirs for the next thirty long days.

  My chest aches as Stella and Mica gather their things and quickly shuffle Brittany outside, calling out their goodbyes as the door slams shut behind them.

  I drop into the nearest chair. “Why didn’t you call me, Gage?”

  He sits across from me on the couch. “Brittany asked if we could do all the paperwork before you got here. She’d made up her mind already, Sawyer. She just hadn’t told you that.”

  Obviously.

  Cooper slowly reemerges from his hiding place under the couch and sits by my feet. I pet my dog and say, “Does Mica’s proof of paying for Brittany’s adoption look legit?”

  Gage glances at Amy. “That’s all for now. I’ll see you back at the office.”

  Amy nods and heads for the front door. After she’s gone, Gage says, “Yes. It looks real. But now, we need to talk about your court case with your uncle. I think it’s time to concede your mom broke the rules and throw in the towel. We can still beg for mercy.”

  Begging for anything from my uncle sticks in my craw. “What would you suggest?”

  Gage takes off his glasses and rubs his eyes. “We can as
k for the house, the bookstore, and the empty space next to it, and in return, you’ll forfeit the other properties and the money without a fight. We might still be able to argue that at least part of the cash should go to your estate under the terms of the trust if he refuses you the property.”

  A dense fog has settled over my brain, making it hard to think straight. “How much cash?” The estate has millions, but I’ve read the trust too and dread the answer.

  Gage slips his glasses back on. “Not enough to cover your home repairs and restaurant plans, I’m afraid.”

  That’s what I feared. “Might not matter if I can’t keep the space next to my bookshop anyway.” I stand and pace the living room floor, forcing my brain to think. But every scenario I picture isn’t a good one.

  I stop and study the living room for a moment. I can’t believe I’m going to lose my childhood home too. “This old house needs so much work, and without funds from the trust, I can’t afford to live here anyway. Make whatever deal you think best, Gage.”

  He nods and starts packing up his things. “Not to heap any more on your plate right now, but your dad might need a lawyer. Meg asked me to talk to Dylan before I came over. I think it’s best if he has someone with more criminal experience than me.”

  Criminal experience? “Did they arrest Dad?”

  “Not yet, as far as I know.” Gage stands and gives me a hug. “I’m sorry, Sawyer. For all this. If your mom had let me handle the adoption…”

  “I know. It’s not your fault. Mom just wasn’t a rule follower.” A huge lump is forming in my throat as I return the hug.

  “True. But that’s just one of the things that made your mom so special. I left Stella’s contact information on the coffee table.” He releases me and smiles. “You know my dad’s trust has more money than I can ever spend. And I’ve always thought it’d be fun to own a rest—”

  “Nope!” I push him toward the door. “You are incredibly kind to offer, but I’ll figure things out on my own. Go get me the best deal you can from my uncle, and that’ll be enough.”

  Gage sighs. “I’ll do my best. But Frank is a selfish pit viper.”

  “And if karma has her way, he’ll get what he deserves one day.” Maybe even jail time if I can prove he had anything to do with Tina’s death before my dad gets pinned with the crime.

  After Gage leaves, I can’t think about my life anymore, so I head toward the stairs with Cooper on my heels. Just as I face-plant on my bed, the phone in my pocket pings.

  The display shows Madge, so I quickly text her back, filling her in on all the garbage my life has become.

  Tossing my phone aside, I roll onto my back and stare at the cracks in the ceiling. When the squiggly lines blur with tears, I don’t try to stop them as I usually do. I roll to my side and let them flow warmly down my cheeks and onto my pillow. The sob I’ve held back all day finally escapes too.

  Cooper appears on my bed and snuggles at my side to try to comfort me. Usually, I’d shoo him off, but he’s all I have at the moment. Maybe he’ll be all I have for the long term too. Homeless, jobless… What kind of a dog mom am I going to make for him? I don’t want to let him down too.

  After I’ve cried all I can stand and only small whimpers are left, someone very large snuggles against my back. I don’t have to ask who it is. “I thought we weren’t speaking.”

  Dylan pulls me tighter and whispers, “We’re not.”

  I turn and nuzzle my face into the crook of his neck. He always smells like a green forest and sunshine. “Madge has a big mouth.”

  “Mm-hmm.” He lays a kiss on top of my head and then bundles me up against him again.

  After a few minutes of feeling warm, safe, and loved, I should let him off the hook. “Thank you. I feel better now.”

  He leans away. “You sure?”

  No, I’m not sure, but we had a deal. “Yeah. Unless you want to fill me in on my dad?”

  He shakes his head and rolls off the bed while fishing something from his top pocket. “Found this outside by the curb.” He hands me a cell phone.

  I sit up in horror. “This is Brittany’s phone. It’s never out of her sight. What if she dropped it so I’d find it?” I look up and meet his gaze. “I have a terrible feeling about this.

  Chapter 12

  I take off toward the stairs at a full run with Dylan and Cooper right behind. “Gage said he left Stella’s contact information on the coffee table in the living room. I need to be sure Brittany is okay.”

  When I get to the living room, I scoop up the paper with the phone numbers on it and dial. The concern on Dylan’s face confirms he’s just as worried as I am.

  Stella’s number just rings and rings. After ten times, I leave a voice mail and then dial Mica’s number. Same thing. No answer. “I wonder if they’re in the air right now and have their phones off?”

  “Probably.” Dylan takes the piece of paper from me and inputs the numbers into his phone. “It’s too soon to panic.”

  “You’re probably right.” I sink onto the couch. “Maybe Brittany realized her phone was missing, but there was no time to come back for it. Mica said he’d moved up their flight. And that they’d be late if they didn’t leave right away.” I’m trying to convince myself things are all right, but I’m not doing a very good job.

  Dylan studies his phone. “It’s an hour and a half flight plus time to check in and load. I’d give it two hours and then try again. If you still don’t hear, let me know and I’ll see what I can do on my end. But no freaking out in the meantime, okay?”

  “Okay. Thank you.” I drop my head into my hands. It’s going to be the longest two hours of my life. “Did Madge tell you about my trust too?”

  “Yeah.” Dylan sits beside me and wraps his arm around my shoulders. “I’m sorry.”

  I lay my head on his shoulder. “At the end of the day, even if Uncle Frank takes it all, I’m no worse off than I was before. I’ll be okay.”

  “I know you will, but I’d still like to punch that…” Dylan stops himself. “I have to get back. I’ll send Meg and your dad home. You shouldn’t be alone right now.”

  “You aren’t going to arrest Dad?” I sit up and face Dylan. “Does that mean the cup came back clean?”

  “Can’t discuss that.” He stands to leave. “But I think we’re getting closer to the truth. Call me if you need help finding Brittany.”

  “I will. Thanks.” I reach down to pet Cooper as Dylan closes the door behind him. “I don’t know if Dylan getting closer to the truth is good or bad news for us, Coop. But I can’t sit here and do nothing for the next two hours. Want to go for a ride to the golf course?”

  Coop’s tail wags his agreement at the word “go.” He’s always ready for adventure.

  I scribble out a note telling my sister and Dad where I went and then grab the car keys. My mom’s old car needs to be driven anyway. Living in such a small town, where the weather is pretty much excellent all the time, I walk most places. I’d miss that if I had to move.

  As I start out on the short drive to the new course located just outside town, I try to put my worry for Brittany aside for a moment and think about what we learned earlier in Monterey. Something Pattie said during my haircut comes back to me. We talked about my uncle cheating on my aunt, and Pattie said something about no one believing their husband played that much golf. Was she referring to my Uncle Frank or her own mystery man?

  There are a few empty spots right in front of the clubhouse, so I slip the Honda into one of them and then release Cooper from his seat belt in the back. “Let’s hope John can help us.”

  Cooper bounces out of the car and leads the way to the clubhouse. Chlorine from the indoor pool stings my nose as we head the opposite way to the pro shop. Burgers grilling nearby in the restaurant remind me I only had half a lunch, and I’m starving. But first things first.

  I yank on the glass door and step inside the shop. John’s ringing up a customer, so Cooper and I check out the merchandi
se. Sure enough, there’s a whole rack filled with polo shirts with the golf course’s logo on it, just as Nat described earlier.

  John glances my way and holds up a finger to indicate he’ll be right with me. John is my age, has dark hair that’s a tad too long, and glasses that must be too big because they always slip down his nose. I’m tempted to push them up myself before he does whenever I talk to him.

  I’m still shifting through the shirts when John appears by my side. “No dogs allowed. It’s on the sign in front of the building.” He grins. “Unless, of course, your cute pooch is a service animal.”

  I stop my perusing and smile. “He’s not. You can report my serious infraction to my uncle later. For now, I have a huge favor to ask.”

  “Sure.” John pushes up his glasses. “What do you need?”

  “A peek at your reservation software? And I’d rather not tell you why.”

  John chuckles. “Dylan said the same thing yesterday when he stopped by. I just finished printing out the data for the last three months for him.”

  Now I know I’m on to something if Dylan is looking at the same information. “Would you like me to drop the pages off at the station for you?” After I look through it all, but I won’t say that to John.

  “Better not. Dylan asked me to keep it on the down-low. I figured you’re okay to tell because you’re his girlfriend. Let me pull up the history, and you can look at it while I pretend to be busy stocking shelves.”

  “Perfect!” That’s what I like about John. He works here because he loves to golf and can play for free, but he can’t stand my uncle, so we get along just fine.

  Cooper and I follow John behind the counter, where he sets up his computer for me. While he’s pressing keys, I ask, “Are there foursomes who play together often, or do most people mix up who they play with?”

  John shrugs. “Some of both. Lots of people look for groups that need a fourth and sign themselves up on the reservation portal. Some of the older guys like to play together, though. They bet for beer afterward and aren’t really serious.”

  That doesn’t help. “How far in advance, can people make reservations?”