Murder by Nature (Organic Tropical Mystery Series)

by Lynn Ambers

  “Don’t be ridiculous. You can talk to anyone of those people who saw me enter the front with her delivery. Every moment of my whereabouts is accounted for,” I said.

  “I will be checking on that,” he said. “All I am saying is that I want you to be available for questioning. It is my job not to be biased since you are my friend.”

  “Yes, of course I will do anything to help,” I said. “Am I free to go, I am not feeling so well.”

  “Yes, I’ll talk to you later,” Mathew said.

  “Yeah, I will be sure to do that,” I said shaking off the familiarity tone he used after accusing me of murder.

  I walked slowly towards the back entrance of the bakery. The door was unjammed from the other day. The job did not look professional. I glanced around to see if there were any clues. I was not convinced this was a suicide. Something was not right. I walked into the back-parking lot and looked around. I walked to the alleyway and looked up and down the alleyway. There was nothing.

  Chapter Fifteen

  I went over to Angela’s shop. I needed some peace and serenity before I got back to the booth. I also needed a ride. I did not feel up to walking after seeing Valerie’s dead body. I walked in the front door of Angela’s shop.

  “Hi hon, are you okay? What is going on out there?” Angela said.

  “I’ll tell you in a second, but is there any way you could give me a ride back to the booth, I’m spent?” I said.

  “Uh, yeah, of course let me get my keys. I’m going to step out Hannah,” Angela said. “Will you be okay,” Angela said to her. Hannah nodded.

  We got into Angela’s car and I filled her in on the morning’s events.

  “I can’t believe that. I mean I didn’t care for Valerie, but not so much I wished her dead.”

  “Right, it’s horrible. There’s no way that was a suicide. I just don’t believe it,” I said.

  “I know, I don’t believe it either,” she said.

  “Maybe Mrs. Dalefort had something to do with it. She is the only person I know that has an open grudge against her,” I said.

  “She did suspect Mr. Dalefort to be sleeping with her,” Angela said.

  “I saw her standing outside the bakery while her assistant when in to get the pastries the other day. It was like she could not even step foot in there,” I said.

  “Hmm, it is a mystery,” Angela said rubbing her head.

  “We can talk about it later. I must get back. Thank you a million for the ride. Please be careful and lock the back door of your shop just in case,” I said.

  “Yes, of course, see you later” she said. We hugged and I stepped out of the car and walked through the crowd to the booth.

  I got back to the booth and everyone was buzzing. The word of Valerie’s death had traveled this far already.

  David looked terribly upset. I started taking out some of the bins from under the tables. Still stunned by the happenings of the morning. I was unnerved by the thought that there may be a killer lurking about town.

  It was time to get back to work and finish up the day. We needed to clean-up. I needed to get back to the farm, pay some bills, and just wrap my head around the situation at hand. My mind was only half in my work. I couldn’t stop thinking. Who would want Valerie dead and why?

  Chapter Sixteen

  When someone dies on Marina Key, there is not much land to bury people. There is Oceanside Cemetery that has been filled up for years. It was decided a while ago to have a small building built for people to store ashes of their loved one in small compartments, if they wanted. A beautiful plaque was put outside with names and small sayings if need be.

  Most people who were cremated in Marina Key were usually spread in the water from a boat or near the water’s edge. Mrs. Clemens ran the business of funerals on. She would take a small group of loved ones out on her boat at sunset or sunrise and the ashes would be spread.

  No one claimed Valerie’s body, so it was decided to just have her cremated and her ashes were going to be spread off the dock in a town ceremony.

  Mathew and I drove together to the ceremony. Not only was I paying my respects to Valerie, I also thought that maybe there would be someone there I did not recognize. It is known that sometimes the killer will attend the funeral of the person they killed. Possibly to relive the moment of their success.

  There were no formal invitations, so everyone was free to attend. People in nice clothes were wandering about waiting to pay their respects. Tourists in their loudest vacation clothes gathered around to see what was going on.

  Mrs. Clemens had a small podium by the water’s edge. We have square to the right of the end of main street that overlooks the water. It is very much like the Key Rest square. The square happens to have an amazing view of the sunset. Mrs. Clemens started her ceremony.

  “Valerie was a mysterious person that showed up in our town and opened a bakery. I don’t think I have to remind anyone how delicious the Puerto Rican pastries she made tasted on any given day as well as her tropical southern treats. We will miss her baked goods.”

  Mrs. Clemens continued, “We did not know a lot about Valerie, but she was a part of our community and it sad when a young person dies before their time. No matter what her religion or orientation, we know god has her now and will take care of her. Thank you all for coming and paying your respects. You can donate to the CleanBeach Fund in her memory as she loved the beach and wanted to protect it. Thank you.”

  With that speech Mrs. Clemens opened the red canister and looked at which way the wind was blowing. Thankfully, it was blowing towards the sea. She held the canister over the water and slowly poured the ashes out. They were picked up by the gentle breeze and carried across the water until they dropped into the sparkling clear water where some laid on top and most disappeared into the sea.

  Chapter Seventeen

  It was Thursday and I had a talk at the rehab center. I had leftover fruits and veggies from the previous market day in the walk-in fridge for the rehab center.

  I drove to the Sunlight Rehab Center not far from the farm. I drove around back where their café delivery door is.

  “Hi Felicity,” Fran one of the rehab employee said.

  “Hi Fran. I got some yummy fruits and veg here for you guys,” I said.

  “Great, their letting me experiment with recipes. So, I am going to try to whip up a couple of unusual treats with your goodies. It is a real shame about Valerie’s death?” Fran said.

  “Yes, I was the one who found her,” I said.

  “Omg, did you really? What’d she look like? How’d she do it?”

  “Omg Fran, do you have to be so morbid. Someone did die you know.”

  “Yes, well, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean anything by it.”

  “Well, you’ve got avocadoes, passion fruit, mushrooms, and lots more,” I said.

  “That is great. Thank you,” Fran said.

  “Your welcome, I’m going to get in to do my talk.”

  “Okay Felicity. Sorry again about before.”

  “No worries,” I said. I walked through the building to the small auditorium. The rehab takes in thirty people at a time. It is a little more expensive to get into this rehab, because of the individual attention. There is a strict parameter to qualify. The person has to be dedicated to getting better and then give back by being a mentor to the incoming rehabbers.

  There are about fifteen people in waiting to see what I have to say. I get up to the podium. There is a screen, so I can show some pictures. I am not really one to get up in front of people, but this is important to me, so I force myself and use props.

  “Hello everyone, my name is Felicity. I own Marina Organic Farms in town. I just want to tell you a little bit about why I am here. Um, I want to congratulate you for being at the rehab and wanting to be well. To ensure success rate when you get out, you must work hard sometimes. I like to promote four things and that is eating healthy on a regular basis, sleep, work, and finding a hobby or activity y
ou love.

  I grew up binge drinking and turning to alcohol to solve my insecurities and problems. My father left my mom and our family freshmen year of high school. Drinking was an easy way to escape but after a while it stopped making me feel good. I developed a stomach issue as a result and knew I had to change my behavior.

  I grew up in Miami. My parents lived there for a while. My dad owned a small landscaping business. He was an alcoholic. I grew up staying up nights with my mom when my dad was out drinking all night. We believed he would get better somehow but he never did.

  My father left for good when I was fifteen. He just disappeared without a trace. My mom and I were left destitute with no money or warning to prepare us for hardship. We struggled for a while to make ends meet.

  My mom remarried and started a new life in Las Vegas. She was a happy in Vegas and I was happy for her. I stayed here to try to make in the restaurant business, but that did not work. Life is full of fails, but it just takes one line of success to make your life worth it. I found organic farming to be something I loved.

  I will be honest, I still do drink occasionally, maybe three glasses of red wine a week, but that is all. I can tell you that because this is not a rehab to prevent you from ever drinking or using. It is a place to help you balance your life and choose whether to be able to drink or completely abstain.

  I wish there were a perfect situation that would make us all better and never have anything bad happen or no bad feelings, but that is just not life.

  Abstinence is what it takes for some people and balance is what it takes for others. I know more people are happier who do not drink than those who do. This is just my truth. This is what works for me and prevents me from drinking too much.

  My main purpose for this talk is to let you know that I have helped reduce my feelings of depression and other issues by making sure that I drink plenty of water every day, eat healthy organic vegetables, work, and do things I love. The vegetables don’t have to be organic all the time though, but I would recommend it.

  I happen to run an organic farm so that is what I eat. I have a good circle of friends who are my happy place. Community is especially important. So, my point is look for the little things that make you happy.

  You could love gaming. You could love acting, or your thing could be music. Just get to know what you love. Do your what you love no matter how much you suck at first, just do it. This is what life is all about to keep learning and growing.

  I am passing out passion fruits to each one of you. You can eat them, dry them, draw them, or whatever you want. I am giving you one, so I hope you remember to find what you are passionate about and do it.

  Enough about me, you guys ready for Marina Fest?”

  “Yeah,” everybody shouted.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Another market morning went by and it was time for a break. Mathew and I decided to go out on the boat.

  Mathew and I met at the marina and walked our stuff to the boat. John and I had originally bought the boat when the farm started doing well. It is a 30-foot cabin cruiser with dual 300 horsepower engines for a steal. It was a bargain find at an auction from a drug dealers liquidation sale in Miami.

  I was grateful for Mathew buying the boat. The money has helped keep my farm going. The boat was in the water at Marina Key Marina ready to go. We were going to have a fabulous day.

  The boat has a little kitchen and little place to sleep and eat. There is a deck area to suntan and a table to eat. Below deck there are two small areas to sleep. I felt incredibly lucky to still be able to enjoy the boat with Mathew.

  Mathew started the engine while I loosened the ropes. Doggies were on board, wine and beer were on, and food was in the cooler. We were ready. I lathered on the coconut suntan oil with a SPF to protect and tan.

  I was on the lookout for boats or anything in the way as we left the marina. Blake Dalefort’s father built the Marina to fit some of his friend’s yachts that came into town, but more importantly it was built for his second yacht. He only had room from one gigantic yacht in front of his mansion on the water on the northwest side of the key.

  We passed by the area for the monster yachts. Mr. Dalefort’s monster yacht was not in its space. This was not unusual for the weekend, and many people went out on the water for the weekend. Blake’s fishing boat was gone from its slip. Sunny’s parent’s boat was gone from their slip.

  The marina is on the east side of the key, and we were boating on the north west side of the Ocean Highway. The keys, if unfamiliar, are a string of keys connected with many bridges. It was fun to boat on the north side where the water tended to be calmer. The south side of the keys is the waterway between Cuba and the keys. It is also where some of the waters of the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico mix with each other for miles.

  That day we decided to boat to a beautiful little quiet spot on the north side of Sunset Key just south of Marina Key to anchor the boat, spend the day, and watch the sunset. We passed Pirate Island to the right where people often docked their boats on the nearby sandbar and drank all day.

  On our way to Sunset Key, we went out on the open water. I joined Mathew at the helm, and we marveled at the beautiful Florida sky. The orange, purple, and light blue sky was worthy of an impressionist painting. The breeze was warm and loving. Breathing the fresh sea air and feeling freedom were two of my favorite things to do.

  Anyone who lives in the keys knows we must take advantage of the nice weather when we can. Hurricane season starts in June. We had been lucky so far. September thru November was when the big hurricanes would swoop around from the African coast or up from the east coast of Mexico.

  If we could get to December without a major hurricane it would be nice, we would all say. The last couple of years were quiet. So that only made us more nervous that a big one would be around soon.

  Mathew and I motored to the little lagoon beautiful area we loved to visit. It was surrounded by mangroves. We had a perfect view of the open water to our right and a far-off gulf horizon where we could see perfectly where the water would be ready to swallow the sun.

  Mathew dropped the anchor. I was startled by a splash. I ran around to see Cilantro; my Australian shepherd had jumped into the water.

  “Cilantro, you silly dog.” I said. I ran to the back of the boat to put the ladder down in the turquoise water so he could climb back up. I could see why Cilantro went for it. As Cilantro was climbing back aboard, I took my dress off and jumped in the refreshing water.

  “Hey what is going on back there.” Mathew said. Cilantro jumped back in the water with me. Mathew and the miniature mixed breeds came to the back. Mathew took his shirt off and jumped up high and made a nice dive into the water.

  I was clapping when I got a grab from under the water. He took hold of my waist and lifted me as high up as he could and threw me a couple feet. I plunged into the salty water and gained composure swimming up to the surface. I popped some water with my hand over in Mathew’s direction in jest. He swam over to me and we engaged in a splash fight. Cilantro was barking and swimming around us.

  We got tired and floated for a few minutes looking up at the fluffy clouds and beautiful sky.

  “How about I get some salmon on the grill for lunch,” Mathew said. He pulled himself up the ladder. Cilantro followed. I stayed for a few minutes treading water. The quiet of the day was so peaceful.

  I swam over to the ladder and pulled myself up. I grabbed one of the towels Mathew had brought back for us lying on the seat. I walked down to the kitchen and got the salad and the rest of the kitchens things we needed. I set the table and brought all the extras.

  I opened the bottle of wine and set out a cool IPA beer for Mathew. I turned on some music. There was no replacement for a good set of speakers. Mathew and I were both music lovers. To sit and be in nature and have the sounds of great artists making beautiful music was nice.

  I set the table with some nice cloth napkins and plates while Mathew turned the g
rill on basted it with butter.

  I sat down at the table and Mathew served us. I took one bite of the soft pink beautiful fish the honey glaze on the outside.

  “Mm, this salmon is delicious.” I said.

  “Thank you.” Mathew said, “it is not so bad.” We smiled at each other.

  “How’s the investigation into Valerie’s case?”

  “What case? It was a suicide, but we are waiting the autopsy report so we can close the case.”

  “I know it is not my business, but I have a feeling that Valerie was murdered.”

  “Well, when the autopsy report comes through, I will make that determination. I do think your overthinking the situation.”

  “Okay, well I feel something I is not right. Did you ever talk to Blake? I saw her fighting with him in the parking lot and there was a creepy Miami-type guy at the market about three weeks back. He seems to scare her”

  “Felicity, I respect your hunches, but I have to go with the evidence. If for some reason, there is suspicion of foul play due to the autopsy report than I will investigate further. Until now it is what it is, okay. Can we just enjoy. I don’t want to think about work now.”

  “Yes, of course, this is really good,” I said, “pointing to the salmon but still in doubt in my mind of Valerie’s situation.

  We continued to enjoy our beautiful meal and the afternoon flowed into the evening. We watched the sun, the orange ball fall behind the horizon and the sky turned dark. We never liked to be boating if it was too dark to see into the dock.

  “Should we just stay here and head home at first light?” Mathew said.

  “Yeah, no reason to hurry back to the stress of the farm,” I said.

  “I like you’re thinking,” Mathew said handing me a glass of wine and grabbing his beer. “I think the guys and gals can handle the crime in Marina Key for one night. They know where to find me if they can’t,” he said while putting his hands behind his head and looking up.