Ghostly Graveyard (Zoe Donovan Cozy Mystery Book 17) (4 page)

“Yeah, he really isn’t. I’m afraid I’m pretty tied up this weekend with the Hamlet and now the murder investigation, but if you need anything just let me know.”

“Murder investigation? Who’s dead?”

I spent the next ten minutes getting Ellie up to speed. I hadn’t called her last night because I knew she was dealing with her own stuff, and it seemed she hadn’t left the boathouse, so she hadn’t heard the news from anyone else.

“Wow, the guy was a major pain in the posterior, but I’m sorry to hear he’s dead. Does Salinger have any leads?”

“Oh, that’s the best part—Salinger isn’t here. He’s on vacation and has a sub named Deputy Clueless.”

“His last name is Clueless?” Ellie looked doubtful.

“No, it’s Lesserman, but it should be Clueless. Apparently because I found the body I’m his number-one suspect. He took me down to the station and questioned me until three a.m. As if I would call in a murder I’d committed.”

“I suppose calling in a murder you committed would be a good decoy.”

I just glared at Ellie.

“Not that I think you did it,” Ellie added. “Although Levi did fill me in on your very public outbursts about Duncan. I guess I can sort of see why the guy suspects you. He doesn’t know you the way we do. Has Salinger been informed about what’s going on?”

“I called him, but he hasn’t gotten back to me. I guess I should check in with Lesserman to see if he’s heard from him. I really don’t want to get involved in this particular murder case, but I don’t want to go to jail either, and I have a feeling if I don’t come up with some real suspects Lesserman is going to continue to focus on me.”

I watched as all four dogs took off down the beach after a flock of seagulls who were well into the sky before they got anywhere near them. The land between the boathouse and Zak’s property was all owned by my grandfather and so was deserted because it didn’t provide public access. It always made me happy when the animals in my life were having a good time.

“I don’t suppose you can think of anyone who might have wanted the man dead?” I asked.

“I can think of a lot of people who didn’t get along with him once he started steamrolling everyone, but I doubt anyone from the committee would actually kill him.”

“Do you remember him saying where he was from or where he lived and worked now?”

Ellie frowned. “Not that I can recall. But he must have said when he first introduced himself.”

“That’s the thing—I don’t think he did. I’m going to track down Willa later. I’m sure she must have followed up on him at some point.”

I turned my attention to the stroller as Mariah began to fuss. Ellie let out a tired sigh.

“Let me try,” I offered.

Normally I’m not all that good with babies, but I had a secret weapon with me today. I called over Charlie. Charlie is a therapy dog and has been trained to be gentle with everyone.

I picked up the baby, who immediately began to scream until I sat her down on a blanket Ellie had spread in the shade. Charlie lay down next to the baby, who immediately stopped crying. She smiled when Charlie put his head near her leg. She grabbed a handful of hair and pulled, but Charlie lay perfectly still. After a minute Charlie lifted his head and the baby laughed.

I kept an eye on the pair as Ellie and I continued our conversation. The baby seemed to be happy and content as long as Charlie was next to her. Luckily, the other three dogs weren’t a bit interested in the baby and continued to play on the beach.

“I hate to think what’s going to happen when you leave,” Ellie commented. “More importantly, when Charlie leaves.”

“I’m going to be in town all afternoon. I can leave him here if you want. Bella and Digger will be fine on their own. In fact, if you want, I can take Shep with me. It might be easier with just Charlie. I’m afraid Shep will want to play with Charlie when the other dogs leave.”

“I think I might take you up on your offer. I think Mariah and I will be fine once she gets used to me, but in the meantime Charlie is a wonderful buffer. Do you think he’ll mind staying?”

“No. Charlie is a nurturer. He’s in his element when he has someone or something to take care of. I can stop by to pick him up at the end of the day, after you get Mariah to bed for the night. I can bring Shep back then as well, if you want. Or if it’s easier, he can stay at my place. Whatever works for you. I take it Levi has Karloff at his place with him.”

“Yeah. I’ll have Levi leave him at his place if he comes by, which, to be honest, I sort of doubt he will.” Ellie had a faraway look on her face.

“Don’t read more into this than you should,” I warned her. I knew Ellie had a tendency to analyze things a lot more than she really should.

“Don’t read more into the fact that the man I’m in love with doesn’t like babies?” Ellie asked. “It’s always been this huge thing between us. I know I most likely won’t be able to have children myself without having surgery, but I still want them. Someday. With the right man.”

“Levi just needs time to get used to the idea. And he will. Eventually. Remember, I was the other friend who didn’t know what to do with babies and kids under fourteen. Look at me now. I’m a surrogate mom to three kids and I just handled your crying baby without having hysterics. I’m getting to be a pro at this parenting stuff.”

“So what do you think changed?” Ellie asked. “What made my never-wants-kids friend evolve into the woman who’s sitting with me here today?”

I thought about it. “Nothing about me changed, really. Alex opened my mind to having children, and Zak made me want to be the woman he deserved. Once I got over my kid phobia and tried it, I realized I was actually pretty good at it. Not Zak-good. No one is Zak-good at parenting. The guy’s a natural. I try, but I still have my clumsy moments, like when I terrorized that poor little girl at story time. But I’m trying, and I think Alex, Scooter, and even Pi know it. They seem to have patience with my fumbling around at this new role I’ve taken on.”

“The thing is, I don’t know if Levi is ever going to be willing to try. He’s still pretty adamant about not wanting kids.”

“And yet he works with kids every day. Granted they’re older kids, but he’s good with them and his guys love him. And he’s really good with Alex and Scooter. Maybe you just need to get him involved in something with younger kids. I know there’s been interest among some of the soccer parents in a football league in Ashton Falls.”

Ellie thought about it. “I could see him teaching football to younger kids. It would help him out as well, because it would help to build the skill level of younger kids before they get to high school.”

“Mention it to him. And once he masters the younger kids you can ease him toward babies. To be honest, I’m still pretty terrified of the whole baby thing myself, with the exception of Harper, who I adore. Having said that, I very much want to have Zak’s babies. Someday. When we’re both ready.”

I took Bella, Digger, and Shep back to the house, then headed back into town. It was time to talk to Lesserman and come up with a real suspect list. The last thing I wanted was Duncan’s death hanging over my head. I was a busy mom with a million things going on each and every week. It would be impossible to try to squeeze in any jail time.

“I’m surprised to see you here today,” Lesserman said when I walked in through the front door of the sheriff’s office. “Did you come to confess?”

“No, I didn’t. Have you spoken to Salinger?”

“I haven’t. The man is on vacation. I’ll be investigating this case.”

I wanted to ask him what he was doing sitting in his office if he was supposed to be investigating, but I refrained from rocking the boat any more than it was already shaking.

“I’m sure Salinger would want to know what’s going on. This is his town. He cares about what happens here.”

I couldn’t believe I was saying that. It wasn’t all that long ago that I’d believed Salinger was as useless as Lesserman.

“Salinger is on a cruise. He can’t be reached by cell phone for another three days. I’m afraid, Ms. Zimmerman, that you’re stuck with me.”

Terrific.

“I know you like to nose around and help Salinger, but I don’t need nor do I desire your help. Do you understand?”

“Yes, I understand.” That didn’t mean I agreed.

“Then I’m sure you’ll want to be on your way so I can do my job.”

“Yes.” I smiled politely. “I guess I will be on my way.”

I left the office with my fake grin frozen in place. I really didn’t have time to break in another clueless law enforcement officer. I had much too much on my plate as it was. There was no way around it; I was just going to have to solve this case on my own.

I decided the first thing I needed to do was find out who Duncan Wright really was. Someone must know where the guy lived and worked before he appeared in Ashton Falls. It wouldn’t really tell me who’d killed him, but it might provide a starting point from which to investigate.

Speaking to Willa seemed to make the most sense. As the official leader of the events committee, she kept track of all the specifics. I knew she was helping out at the Hamlet today; I just needed to figure out where. I tried calling her cell, but she didn’t answer, so I headed to Main Street, where the majority of the activities were taking place.

“Have you seen Willa?” I asked Trenton Field, a local psychologist and a new member of the events committee. Trenton was currently helping out in the snack bar.

“Not since this morning. I think she mentioned something about being short-staffed for the haunted maze, so she might have headed over there. I heard about Duncan. You okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. I hate to admit it, but I’ve actually gotten used to finding dead bodies.”

“Yeah, but you found this one in a cemetery at night. Sounds like the stuff nightmares are made of.”

“Are you trying to give them to me?” I asked.

“Of course not.”

“Then don’t give me any ideas.”

“Want a hot dog or a candy bar?”

Did I? I wasn’t really hungry, but I hadn’t eaten all day.

“Maybe a hot pretzel,” I decided, “By the way, do you happen to know anything about Duncan? Where he lived or worked before he came here?”

Trenton handed me the soft pretzel. “I’m not sure he ever said.”

“That’s what I thought. I can’t remember why we didn’t ask.”

“Seems like he didn’t give us a chance to,” Trenton reminded me. “He started off by briefly introducing himself and then he launched right into the first of his ideas. We got wrapped up in conversation about the ideas and never thought to go back to ask questions about who he was or where he was from.”

“Yeah, that’s how I remember it too. I’m hoping Willa tracked down some additional information after that first meeting. I’m going to head over to the maze, but if you see her, can you tell her I’m looking for her?”

“Absolutely.”

It was a beautiful day and I was enjoying my walk through the crowds. I found myself wishing I didn’t have a murder to investigate and could simply throw caution to the winds and join my friends and neighbors in the festivities. One of the things I loved most about living in Ashton Falls was that the town made a point of celebrating every holiday and every milestone. It seemed there was always an event in the works that provided a venue for neighbors to spend time together.

The line for the maze was wrapped halfway around the field where it had been set up, but I saw Willa standing at the entrance selling tickets. The maze was really best enjoyed at night, but a lot of families with young children chose to come during the day, when the activity was a lot less terrifying.

“Oh, good, have you come to help?” Willa asked.

I wanted to tell her I hadn’t, but she looked swamped.

“Sure, I can help for a while. But I really came by to ask you about Duncan Wright.”

Willa pursed her lips. I could tell Duncan wasn’t one of her favorite topics.

“Maybe we should step aside. I’ll see if Doreen can cover the front gate for a few minutes.”

I watched as Willa grabbed Doreen from the apple bob and led her toward the maze.

“What did you want to ask?” Willa said as soon as we stepped away from the crowd.

“Do you happen to know where Duncan lived and worked before he moved to Ashton Falls?” I asked.

“As far as I can tell he didn’t. Work, that is. Of course he lived somewhere. After he became so involved in our group I asked him that very question. He gave me a vague answer, so I looked into it some more. I couldn’t find any records to indicate he’d had a job. I did, however, find out that since he came here he’d been living in a trailer out at the old Devil’s Den mining site.”

“Really? Why?”

“I don’t know. I just recently found out that bit of information and I never did have a chance to ask him about it. I guess now I never will.”

Why would anyone want to camp out at the old mine? It was totally barren, and Ashton Falls had several nice campgrounds closer to town. Unless he was hiding out from someone or something, but if that was the case, why would he join the events committee? The whole thing made no sense.

“Did you happen to find out where he lived before he came here?” I asked.

“I don’t have a clue. I guess we should have found out more about him before we welcomed him into our fold,” Willa admitted.

“Okay, then why do you think he wanted to help out with the committee in the first place?” I asked.

Willa narrowed her eyes as she concentrated on my question. “If I had to guess,” she eventually said, “I’d say he wanted access to things he wouldn’t have otherwise.”

“What do you mean access? Access to what?”

“He came to me after he’d pretty much taken over and asked to see blueprints of the town before it was redeveloped. He said he wanted to incorporate the history of the place into his story times, which, as you remember, were his idea in the first place. I thought the request odd, but the blueprints aren’t exactly off limits to the public, so I took him back to the storage room. While I was there with him I got a phone call. I was only gone for a few minutes, and when I came back Duncan was still standing over the plans we’d been looking at when I left, but I got the sense that something had been disturbed. It was just a feeling, and I let it go. I’ve thought about that a lot since the day it happened, and I think Duncan used my familiarity with him to permit a situation in which I felt comfortable leaving him in the room while I answered the phone. If he were a complete stranger I never would have left him, even for a minute.”

“Who was on the phone?” I asked.

“No one. Whoever was on the phone hung up as soon as I answered. The call was blocked, so I was unable to use caller ID to check it.”

“Did you find the incident odd at the time?”

“Not really. I get hang-ups all the time, so I didn’t give it a second thought.”

“And you were only out of the room for a couple of minutes?”

“If that.”

I had to wonder what it was Duncan had wanted access to that he couldn’t have just asked about, if that was indeed his motivation for everything he’d done.

Willa and I chatted a bit longer. She didn’t have a clue what he was after or even if he was after anything at all. And she reminded me again that the feeling that he wanted access to the room for some reason other than the one he’d stated was only a hunch.

The lines began to decrease as dinnertime approached so I decided to go talk to Hazel, the town’s librarian and the second most likely person on the committee to ask questions about the holes in Duncan’s past. The library was usually closed on Saturdays, but she was holding a special book sale as a fund-raiser, so I knew I’d find her there.

I wondered how Zak and the kids were doing. I’d fully intended to hook up with them at some point, but so far I hadn’t had the chance. Maybe I’d text Zak so we could arrange to meet for dinner. I’d been doing a ton of running around, so I was burning bushels of calories, but I hadn’t had the chance to eat anything since breakfast except the pretzel Trenton had given me.

Hazel had set up her book sale on the front lawn of the library. By this point it looked like most of the books as well as most of the customers were gone, which meant the two of us could chat without interruption. After I greeted the woman who I suspected could one day be my new grandmother because she had been seriously dating my grandfather for quite some time, I asked her the same questions I had just asked Willa. She verified that she didn’t know much about Duncan other than what we’d learned as a result of his involvement on the committee, but she did share that he’d requested access to restricted documents from her as well.

“What documents?” I asked.

“He wanted to look at the old photo albums, letters, and mining records from Devil’s Den. Due to the delicate nature of the items, I keep them locked in the back room. I do occasionally let people I know look at them, but I never allow strangers access to the back room. Many irreplaceable items have been entrusted to my care.”

“Did Duncan say why he wanted to get a look at the documents?” I asked.

“He said he was researching the history of the area for story time. At the time I admired the fact that he would go to so much trouble for a children’s story time, but I’ve been thinking about it since he was murdered, and it does seem odd that he would suggest the story time in the first place and then go to the trouble to do so much research but never sign up to give a single story time himself.”

I frowned. “What? He wasn’t signed up to do any of them?”

“No. Initially, I assumed he was, but I checked the schedule on Friday morning before the events began and he wasn’t assigned to anything. Not a single story time or shift at the maze or the haunted house or anything. It seemed as if he blew into town and completely took over but planned to bail once Haunted Hamlet got underway.”

I took a deep breath. It seemed like the entire ruse had to do with Duncan’s desire to get a look at old records. Willa was right; his motive for becoming involved with us had nothing to do with the Haunted Hamlet but everything to do with getting to know us so that we as a community would allow him access to documents he would otherwise never have gotten near.

“We need to figure out what he was doing out there at the old mining camp and what documents he was really after. He went to a lot of work to pull off whatever it was he had planned. It must have been something big.”

“It seems it might have been something worth dying for.”

After I left the library I headed over to Donovan’s, the general store my dad owns. I doubted he knew anything more about Duncan than Hazel and Willa, but the store was close by and I figured it couldn’t hurt to ask.

Donovan’s is a cozy small-town store where the locals not only come to shop but to catch up with old friends and perhaps grab a game of chess or checkers as well. As there was on every day when the weather cooperated, there were a number of friendly matches going on at the tables my dad provided for just that purpose in front of the store.

“Didn’t expect to see you today.” Dad kissed me on the cheek.

“I’m doing a little investigating while Zak and the kids are playing games and eating junk food. I’m finding it harder than I thought to track down information on the latest murder victim.”

Dad and I chatted for a few minutes about how little we really knew about the man. In retrospect, it was odd that no one had thought to ask him more questions than we did. One thing was certain: the next time someone new wanted to join the events committee I was going to slow things down and ask the questions that needed asking.

“Now that Duncan has passed we’re going to need to replace him on the Hometown Christmas committee,” Dad reminded me.

“I thought you were going to chair it.”

“I was, but your mom wants us to go to visit her family in Switzerland over the holidays this year.”

I frowned. “You aren’t going to be here?”

“I thought she’d talked to you about it. She told me she would. Her family has a big get-together at their place in the Alps and it’s been a couple of years since your mom has been there. She wants to show Harper off to all the relatives who haven’t met her yet.”

What about showing me off to the relatives who haven’t ever met me?

“We’ll be back to spend Christmas Eve with you, but we’ll be gone for four weeks, beginning the week before Thanksgiving. I didn’t think I should chair the committee if I was going to be out of the country during the critical planning weeks.”

“You aren’t going to be here for Thanksgiving?”

“I’m afraid not.”

“What about the store?”

“Grandpa is going to cover, along with a couple of temporary workers I plan to hire. I’m conducting interviews next week. In fact, if they work out I’m thinking of keeping them on full-time. I think it’s time for me to cut back on my hours a bit. Your mom would like to travel more, and I’d like to be around more often while Harper is growing up.”

I had to admit I was disappointed my parents would be away for Thanksgiving. Dad and I had never spent a holiday apart, but my mom had a family we didn’t really know and I could see how she might want to spend time with them. I guess Harper was going to enjoy the benefits that came with being a Montgomery even if it was too late for me. Still, I had Zak and the kids. We’d be fine.

“I’m really sorry about this.” My dad squeezed my hand.

“That’s okay. I guess I understand. Mom is proud of Harper. I can see why she would want to show her off.”

“Mom is proud of you too. She wanted to invite you, but she knew the kids had school and you would be busy with the Academy.”

“Yeah, she’s right. There’s no way Zak and I could be away for four weeks. Maybe another time.”