“You? What were you doing in the hidden passage?”
“I’m not proud to admit it but I was sneaking around with my wife, Lily.” He looked at his feet. “I mean she wasn’t my wife back then.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “Joe, you don’t have to be ashamed. It’s quite accepted now.”
“Oh, I know it’s not such a big deal now, but back then it was frowned upon. It’s my fault she got fired–I trusted that blasted thief to keep her word.”
“I’m confused.”
“My wife’s family didn’t want her going out with me so we dated in secret for years. Eventually we began using the empty room at the Vianu’s house to... you know.”
“So, Vera caught you.”
“She did. I told her that the Vianus didn’t know about what my wife and I were doing. They were the nicest people and didn’t need the trouble that would bring on them. Mrs. Langley said that it would be our little secret–I wouldn’t tell anyone about her new diamond necklace and she wouldn’t tell anyone about my secret affair.”
“But I take it she lied to you?”
“Technically, no. She never told the Vianus about our little rendezvous point. I imagine it was too convenient for her to use in her game of theft. Instead, she told them that she’d caught Lily spying on her. Lily would never have spied on a guest. She had more class in her pinkie toe than Vera had in her whole body. They fired Lily immediately.”
“Why didn’t you tell them about her? Tell them the truth.”
“I wanted to but Lily wouldn’t let me. It would have ruined her reputation and made our relationship even harder.”
I grimaced. “So why did a rich lady need to steal?”
“You got me. I think it was one of those compulsions. She wasn’t well in the head. She spent a lot of time alone in the woods, and I once saw her talking to herself. It was out back. That woman was either a loon, or she was wicked smart. The Vianus called her ‘eccentric.’”
“And, if you don’t believe Benjamin ran off with the loot, what do you think she did with it?”
“A smart woman would have hidden the valuables and come back for them later.”
My thoughts exactly. And all the evidence I had so far indicated that Mrs. Vera Langley-Walton had been very smart, if a little crazy, and for some reason hadn’t returned for her valuables.
Chapter Eighteen
G _____________
roggy from my less than stellar sleep at the Rouse household, I rolled over and gave up visualizing my own bed. The coffeemaker burbled comfortingly and I could hear Rebel singing to herself in the bathroom.
“Aren’t you going to be late for work?” I pulled myself off the couch. I had to go to work too.
“It’s Sunday. I don’t work today. The bathroom is all yours.” Rebel shuffled off into the kitchen and then turned back to me, a girlish smile on her face.
“No work?” That explained the singing.
“I actually booked some days off. Leif bought me a package to the spa. I think it’s his way of apologizing for how things have been lately.”
I mirrored her smile. “That’s great, Rebel. You still want me to follow him, right? See what he’s been up to?”
She looked at her feet. “I don’t know. Maybe I just misheard him and overreacted.”
I nodded and headed for the shower. Fat chance I was turning a blind eye. I dressed, gave Guinness some attention, and was at the newspaper by ten o’clock.
Although I hadn’t asked her to be, Eve was already there when I arrived. She was washing the windows, and it looked like she’d already dusted and watered the plants. I rifled through the mail while she chatted my ear off. She definitely earned her keep, but was it worth the noise? I wasn’t sure. At least I’d had my morning coffee. I noticed my Dad had shut his office door–Eve related, most likely. I went in the spare office, claiming I needed to make a private phone call. If I waited long enough, she’d be headed out for her lunch break.
It was about 11:30am when I heard her answer the Investigations line. “Private eye? We’ve got our eyes on you.”
I shook my head and grumbled under my breath. I needed to talk to her about not making up her own scripts, but telling Eve not to express herself was like telling a dog not to lick its butt.
She paused and winked at me when I came out of the office. Then she puffed up proudly. “That’d be right. You’ve got her. Bernsy is the name, and crime solving is the game.”
Oh dear lord, who could possibly be on the other end of that line? Hopefully just one of her friends from the retirement home.
“What do you mean? You are talking to a female reporter at the Bohemian Lake Private Ink.”
“Eve? Is that for me?” I grabbed a pen and notepad and walked across the room prepared to take the phone by force.
She chuckled condescendingly. “Well, I will. Thank you very much. You too.” She hung up and looked up at me. “Can you believe some people’s children? No manners, I tell you.”
“I’m sure,” I said, dryly. “Who was it?”
“Well, that’s just it. She wouldn’t tell me. Not right in the head if you ask me. She asked for me and then refused to tell me her problem.”
I rubbed my temples. “Are you sure she was asking for you?”
“Of course I am. She was looking for the female reporter at the Bohemian Newspaper.”
“Eve, you are not the reporter. You are the receptionist. I am the reporter.”
“What? Well, if that’s how you want to play it then fine, missy. I guess I’ll stop all my investigative activities.”
“Investigative activities? Just what have you been up to?”
Eve grabbed her purse off the back of her chair. “I believe it’s my lunch break. I still get those don’t I, even though I’m not a reporter?”
“Eve, tell me what you’ve been up to.”
“Nope, never you mind, young lady. I am not a reporter. Wouldn’t want to step on your toes. You can figure out where Mr. Rouse is burying his bone all on your own.”
“Have you been following Leif?”
“Well, duh. You kept saying you were going to but you were never around, so someone had to.”
“And do you know who he’s cheating with?”
The door chimed as she pulled it open. “Yep, and you wouldn’t believe who. Tootaloo.”
Note to self: Buy Eve flowers and order her business cards.
I was about to head out the door when the newspaper line rang this time.
“Bohemian Private Ink. Penelope speaking.”
“I have a story for you.”
“Okay,” I said, reaching for a pen. “Go ahead.”
“Meet me on the south shore of the lake at midnight tonight.”
“Umm…” My voice came out a couple notes higher than normal. “How about we meet when it’s light out?”
“How about I hang up and you don’t get your story?”
I bit my lip. I knew better, but this was how great stories broke. “Fine. Where exactly will I find you? The south shore is a big place.”
“You know where the public-access boat landing is?”
“Yes.”
“Don’t go down to the water and don’t talk to anyone. Go to the group of trees behind the fence. Don’t worry about finding me, I’ll find you. Be quiet, dress in black, bring your spy gear, and don’t be late. Oh... and come alone.”
Click.
Chapter Nineteen
_____________
O ver the lunch hour, I let Dad know it was safe to come out front and I dashed next door to buy Eve an arrangement of daisies. I addressed the congratulations card to Bohemian’s newest assistant reporter, then I dropped them on her desk with an I’m sorry scrolled on a post-it and headed to the Cookies & Corsets Café for sustenance. Lulu was behind the counter in a pink-and-white checkered apron that read, ‘I’m Just a Vintage Soul.’
Lulu waved to me from across the room. “Hey, Penelope! How’s Eve working out? I
heard she’s working for you now.”
“Well, contrary to Dad’s predications, she hasn’t burned the place down or published any illicit news as of yet, but it’s still early so we’ll see.”
Lulu laughed. “Pike’s busy. What’re you in the mood for today?”
“Turkey sandwich and a cappuccino, please.” I set my travel mug on the counter. “Thanks.”
“Say, did Pike call you?”
I grabbed the cappuccino and watched her make the sandwich. “No. About what?”
“She’s in back loading the oven.” Lulu jerked her head toward the back room, wiped her hands on her apron, and turned to the customer behind me.
I felt like a trespasser when I stepped into the kitchen. I had never been in this room before, and it smelled great. Big steel ovens lined the walls, with flour-covered tables full of rising bread filling the middle. Off to the side was a storage room with ingredients cleanly labeled, covered, and kept off the ground on a silver wire rack. The only thing missing was Pike.
“Hello?”
“Hey, Penelope!” Pike appeared from behind one of the stoves. She was smiling, but she looked harried. Flour dusted her hair, and her arms were loaded with trays of raw cookie-dough balls.
“Lulu said you wanted to talk?”
“Yeah, it’s nothing really. It might just be a rumor. The divers from the Manor were in for coffee this morning, and they said they’ve scoured Bohemian Lake from top to bottom, north to south, and found zip. They think someone has this contest rigged. They said there’s some loudmouth spoutin’ off about having inside information. Just thought I’d let you know, since you’re the reporter and all.” She winked at me and loaded her cookie sheets into the oven.
“Thanks, Pike. I think I know who they’re talking about and I can tell you first hand he is annoying.” I didn’t know what to make of this new information but maybe I’d pop over to the Manor and see what Mallory and Nana had to say.
My cell phone beeped and I pulled it out of my pocket and checked the display. Speak of the devil. It was a text from Mallory.
Get to the Manor’s beach. We have a Kaitlyn code red situation.
“I’ve got to go.”
“What’s wrong?” Pike asked.
“Something’s going on at Nana’s—some emergency to do with Kaitlyn.”
Pike jumped up and grabbed her purse. “I’m going with you.”
Pike hated Kaitlyn, so I was sure she was coming along in case the Vianus needed help bouncing her. I gave her a nod and hurried out to Pike’s jeep. It was easier to let her tag along than jog back. It was probably something to do with that moron, Ben.
The scene at Gypsy Caravan Manor was chaotic. The guests had gathered outside. I jumped out and hurried toward the mob.
I caught sight of Mallory waving at us from the gates. “What the heck is going on?” I asked.
“Kaitlyn started a catfight.”
“Oh boy, I bet Helen is loving this,” I said.
“Not at the moment,” Mallory said. “Some of the tourists have now gathered to watch. Kaitlyn came down here about ten minutes ago full of piss and vinegar. She’s ready to take down that woman Ben brought with him. ”
Pike’s hand flew over her mouth. “Oh no!”
“Oh yeah,” Mallory said. “She’s saying something’s happened to him and it’s all her fault. And Nana’s ticked ‘cause she’s riling up the guests so of course now her and Helen are into it. They’re just yelling right now, but if we don’t break this up fast, things are gonna get bloody.”
Mallory shot me a hard look. I knew exactly what she was trying to convey. Kaitlyn and Helen were hotheads, but they were all talk whereas Nana was a woman of action.
“Did you call the police?”
“Of course I did. Detective Lumos should be here soon, which is why I need to get Nana away from Helen.”
I pushed through the crowd toward the beach, Mallory and Pike close on my heels. As I drew closer, I could make out Samantha’s voice and then Kaitlyn’s, and it sounded as though things were escalating. The first slap echoed through the crowd like a gunshot and I shoved the last of the gawkers out of the way and burst into the tiny open area surrounding the two fighting women.
I wondered who’d struck first, but the red mark on Kaitlyn’s cheek and Samantha’s open hand, reared back for a second blow, was a dead giveaway.
“You think that hurt, you lowlife?” Kaitlyn yelled. “I’ve been bit by mosquitoes that hurt worse.”
“I could do it again,” Samantha yelled back.
“You could try.”
“Ladies,” I yelled, waving my hands at both of them. “This is not the time or the place.”
“Who the hell are you calling ladies?” Nana shouted. “I see troublemakers and drama queens standing there.”
“Well, it takes one to know one, doesn’t it, now?” Helen retorted.
Nana’s face turned a shade of red that I didn’t think was even possible. I could practically see the steam coming off her head. This wasn’t good. She pointed her finger at Helen. “Your daughter is acting a fool. It’s bad enough that we have to put up with your shenanigans, but today, she’s messing with my business. Now get her the hell off my property before I call the cops and have her arrested.”
“You think I’m acting a fool now?” Kaitlyn shot back. “Just wait until you see what I do with you, you old battle-axe.” She spun around and shoved Nana in the shoulder.
“That does it,” Dani shouted. She broke through the crowd and tackled Kaitlyn into the water–apparently Dani was the only one allowed to insinuate Nana was old. Mallory reached Dani and secured her with a bear hug.
Unfortunately, no one accounted for the fact that Samantha would dive-bomb Kaitlyn after that. They both went under the water.
Then Kaitlyn popped up and swung around. “You stole my man!”
No way this could end well. They were getting pushed further out into the water. One of them was going to drown.
I jumped toward Kaitlyn, attempting to grab her hand, but as I leaped, she dodged and my aim was off. Instead of grabbing her hand, I lurched forward. At the same time Samantha cried out and flung a handful of mud directly in my face.
Pike shouted, “I’ll go find the detective and hurry him along.”
A minute later the detective broke through the crowd on his own and the scuffle was over.
Mallory crouched down beside me and handed me a cloth. I wiped the mud from my eye.
Mallory and I followed behind as the policemen escorted Kaitlyn and Samantha to his cruiser. “At least they’ll have time to bond,” Mallory said.
Helen rushed us. “Where is he taking Kaitlyn?”
“To the drunk tank, I’m sure.” Mallory gave her a sympathetic look. “Don’t worry, Helen. They won’t keep her. She just needs to calm down.”
“Thank you,” Helen said. “I don’t know how much more of this I can take. I don’t know why she’s so interested in that boy; he’s never been anything but trouble. I remember him and that Leif Rouse as kids, always up to something. Some things just never change. Now he’s got her arrested she’s gonna have a record.”
“Don’t worry,” Mallory said. “Detective Lumos is a fair man.”
“That’s true,” Helen agreed, looking a tiny bit hopeful. “Maybe Kaitlyn will set her sights on him instead of that Baboon boy. He’s single, right?”
I looked over at Mallory and grinned. “I’ve got to go,” Pike and I said at the same time, and headed for her jeep.
After we returned to the café, I called Dad at the office to come meet me for lunch. I was eager to find out what Vera’s diary had said. While I waited, my mind wandered back to what Pike had told me about the tourists getting up in arms over a conspiracy. Diving is certainly not an exact science. Visibility is often poor, and objects in lakes, especially spring-fed lakes, have a tendency to move. I just needed to think about the lake and where the current might have pushed it. Dad was on his cel
l phone when he strolled in. I waited patiently, but he still wasn’t off by the time I had eaten my turkey sandwich and drunk my second coffee.
I finally moved close to him and stared into his eyes, inches from his face, without blinking. He shooed me like a fly, but I didn’t move. He finally sighed and with the phone cradled between his shoulder and ear, pulled a notebook from his bag.
I looked down at the scribblings, my coffee and impatience forgotten. Dad had crossed out all the letters and written new letters over those, sometimes crossing out his guesses and writing on top of those too. “Turns out it was a Caesar Cipher. In this case, the G cipher was used, so A became G, B became H, and so on through the alphabet. The letters were piled high in some cases, but if I followed the hills, this is what the code I had stolen from the diary really said:
Diamonds are a girl’s best friend but you’ll have to bee naughty to find them or else you’ll wind up weeping.
He paused his conversation long enough to kiss my forehead and tell me he had to go. There was a problem on-site with one of his investigators. After that, I stopped in at the library and searched through the Bohemian Lake District reference books. No mention of any apiary sites or trees where kids were naughty. I went online to do a search for the same, and I came up with obscure references to make-out parks.
On a whim, I used my cell and called over to Eve for help. If there was anyone in this town who would know where people went to get jiggy with it in the 1960s, it was Eve.
“Yello. Private Eye. What’s the story?”
“Eve?”
“Last time I checked.”
“Hey! It’s Pen. Did you get the flowers?”
“I did.”
“So you forgive me?”
“Forgive you for what?”
I smiled. “Say, do you know if there is a place in Bohemian Lake where kids go to make-out? It would have been known in 1962.”
“Oooch, I was only five in ’62–that’s a tad young to be interested in the opposite sex, even for me. The woods were popular in my day but that would have been the 70s. Hold on a second, I’ll run next door and ask Mabel.”
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