Strangers in the Night (16 page)

“I'd like the hotel done as soon as possible too. I'll need places for artists to stay, and in some cases to live. I noticed that some of the hotel rooms are fairly large, and I'm thinking they can be converted into studio apartments.”

“I suggest we work on both the Victorian and the hotel at the same time.” Brent rubbed his chin. “I'll get a cleaning crew into them first so we can better assess what needs fixing and rebuilding.”

Abbie nodded. “And then there's the retreat center I'd like built on the lake where Travis's trailer is. Maybe we could move the trailer and he could stay in it while the retreat center is being built.”

“That's doable. Travis and I work together quite a bit. In fact, Keith might be able to help out too.” Brent tapped his pen on the legal pad. “It'll take me some time to draw up the plans. Since you're an artist, maybe you could sketch out what you want.”

Abbie's enthusiasm ratcheted up several notches as she described what she'd been imagining. There would be large studio apartments on the second floor of the retreat center. On the lower level, she wanted four meeting rooms or classrooms, each with a view. There would be a library and offices and a reception area and a dining room. “I also want a caretaker's cottage off to one side that has a view of the lake.”

“By the way, Abbie.” Jake grinned at her. “I told Travis what you said about his artwork and about him possibly staying on as caretaker. He loves the idea. Said he'd be happy to teach woodcarving, if that's what you have in mind.”

Abbie clasped her hands together. “Perfect.” She squeezed Jake's hand. “It's going to work, isn't it?”

The percolator perked, announcing the coffee was ready. Abbie helped herself to a chocolate chip cookie and felt as if the world had finally become a friendly place.

When Abbie arrived at the B&B that evening, it seemed that everyone had retired for the night. She used her key to get in and locked the door behind her. She'd fully expected to have Emma stay at the B&B with her, but hadn't had the heart to wake her. Peggy promised she'd bring Emma out to the B&B first thing in the morning when she brought Patti and Tess to school.

As Abbie stepped from the entry to the living room, a light near one of the chairs caught her eye. A portly man sat in the chair, his head tucked down and resting on his chest. Apparently, he'd fallen asleep.

She hesitated, wondering whether or not to wake him. Sleeping in that position would be uncomfortable. At that moment, he snorted and woke himself up. His eyes opened and he shifted in his chair, picked up the book from his lap, and began to read. He hadn't seen her and she didn't especially want to be seen.

Abbie continued down the hall to her room. She was curious about the man, but not enough to disturb him. When she reached for the door handle, she was surprised and startled to find it unlocked. Had she forgotten to lock her room? Had Dawn forgotten to lock it after cleaning it that morning?

Had Skye come back? That thought spurred her forward. Abbie pushed open the door. The room was dark except for the dim light from the patio door and windows. She snapped on the light and stepped inside. After closing the curtains and checking things out as she had done the night before, Abbie let herself breathe. As far as she could tell, everything was as she had left it.

She checked the locks once more before changing into her pajamas and climbing into bed. She was exhausted, but her mind churned with random thoughts—fears, concerns, questions. Had she made the right decision? Should she stay at the B&B or go home to her parents? Where was Skye and was she safe? And who was the man sitting in the living room?

Despite the rambling roads her brain took, Abbie managed to fall asleep some time after midnight.

Jake sat outside the B&B for over an hour that night. The dark blue sedan parked in the lot unnerved him. He'd seen the vehicle or one like it before—or thought he had. At any rate, its presence troubled him. Undoubtedly, the car belonged to a guest, and normally the idea of a new guest at the B&B wouldn't be a problem or cause for concern. Normally, there wouldn't have been a murderer on the loose either.

Jake stepped out of the car and walked around the grounds. Finding nothing out of the ordinary, he got back in the car and headed back to Oceanside and home.

Abbie awoke feeling refreshed and ready to start the day. At ten she would meet with Brent to go through the buildings and discuss remodeling plans. First, however, she wanted to talk with Dawn and bring her up-to-date. As expected, she found Dawn in the kitchen making breakfast. Dawn greeted her with a cheery “Good morning” as she placed a cup on the counter. “Coffee or tea?”

“Tea—Earl Grey if you have it.”

Dawn poured hot water from the kettle and handed Abbie a tea bag. “I'm surprised to see you up and about so early.”

“I'm too excited to sleep in.” Abbie told her about signing the papers and of her plan to live in the doctor's house.

“So you really did it.” Dawn bit her lower lip.

“What's wrong? I thought you'd be happy.”

Dawn gave her a wan smile. “I am, I suppose. The artists' retreat will be great for business and for Cold Creek. It's just that the note and Barbara's death—I've been worried for you.”

“Thank you.” Abbie dunked the teabag into the hot water several times. “It's meant to be, Dawn. It really is. Things are coming together already. Brent is going to be the contractor.”

Dawn nodded. “You might have him hire Keith. The job in Lincoln City is coming to a close, and it would be a good idea to have someone here in Cold Creek to keep an eye on things during the remodeling.” Frowning, she added, “You said you were planning to remodel and live in old Doc Carlson's house?”

“Yes.” Abbie set the teabag on her saucer. “I know it might seem silly, but there's something about the place that draws me to it. It'll be awhile though, since it's going to need a fair amount of work.”

“It's spooky.” Dawn took a sip of her coffee and checked whatever she had in the oven. The scent of fresh bread spilled out of the oven and filled the room. “The rumor is that Doc's ghost is still there. He hung himself in there, you know.”

“Sam told me. I've been reading the story about his mail-order bride.”

“It's sad. He died poor and brokenhearted. Some say his ghost wanders through the place, looking for his wife.”

Abbie smiled. “I guess I'll have to see if Brent can evict him.”

“Suit yourself, but that's the last place I'd choose.” Dawn pulled a skillet out of a lower cupboard.

“I won't let myself be scared away by the person who left me that note, and I doubt I'll let a ghost story stop me either.” Abbie sighed. “It'll be awhile before I can move in though. In the meantime I'll need to find a more permanent place to stay.”

“You could stay here. You and your little girl. Skye too, if she decides to come back.”

“Are you sure there's room?” Abbie had counted six rooms in her wing but wasn't certain all of them were for guests.

“Of course.” She laughed. “It's a B&B, remember? I'll work up a monthly rate for you.”

“That's so kind, but what about other guests?”

“What guests?” Dawn shrugged. “This is Cold Creek. Even with Skye, I'd have four extra rooms. It's not like people are beating down the door to stay here.”

Abbie noted the melancholy in her voice and suspected a bit of cynicism as well. “I hope that will change soon. I see the day coming when you'll have a waiting list.”

“I wish I had your optimism.”

“What about the man I saw here last night?”

Dawn shrugged and leaned toward Abbie. “Him I could do without. He's rude and ungracious. But he paid in advance for a week, so I shouldn't complain.”

The phone rang and Dawn hurried to pick it up.

Abbie laughed. “That's probably another guest calling for a reservation.”

Dawn shook her head and smiled as she answered with her professional greeting, “Cold Creek Bed & Breakfast.”

Abbie left the room to give Dawn privacy and to freshen up before breakfast. When she came back, Peggy had arrived with Emma.

Emma flew into Abbie's arms. Peggy greeted her and Dawn.

Peggy set Emma's bag just inside the door. “She was upset this morning when she woke up and you were gone.”

“I'm sorry, honey. I thought you liked the idea of staying overnight at Peggy's.”

“I did, but I missed you.”

Abbie held her closer. To Peggy she said, “Thanks for bringing her.”

“No problem.” She chuckled. “She's already had breakfast.”

“Would you like to stay for coffee?” Dawn asked. “I have a fresh pot.”

“Thanks, another time. I need to get the girls to school.”

“Peggy”—Dawn raised her arm to stop her—“I'm running late this morning, would you mind dropping Cassie off as well?”

“Be happy to.”

Dawn opened the door to their private quarters. “Cassie, are you ready to go?”

“Coming.” Shoes clattered on the steps and a moment later, Cassie, dressed in a navy and white school uniform, burst into the room.

“Peggy's taking you this morning.”

“Yea!” Cassie kissed her mother good-bye then stopped in her tracks when she saw Emma. Looking from Abbie to Emma she asked, “Is she yours?”

Abbie introduced them. Cassie came closer and took hold of Emma's hand. “Do you like to play dolls?”

Emma nodded, her eyes wide with wonder.

“We can play when I get home from school. Okay?”

“Okay.”

“See you later.” Cassie waved and hurried out the door.

Emma waved back and turned to her mother. “Can she be my new friend?”

Abbie chuckled as she kissed her daughter's cheek and lowered her to the floor. “I think she already is.”

“Breakfast is almost ready,” Dawn announced.

“Wonderful. I'll put Emma's suitcase away and be right back.”

A few minutes later Abbie came back to the dining room. The man she'd seen from the night before was sitting at the head of the table. He stood when she entered. “This must be Abbie Campbell.” He reached a hand toward her.

She let him shake her hand, but when he seemed intent on holding on to it a bit longer than appropriate, she pulled back.

“Abbie,” Dawn said as she set a platter of scrambled eggs on the table, “this is Douglas Perkins.”

Morning brought clarity and an answer to the question of where Jake had seen the sedan that had been parked at the B&B the night before. He kicked off the covers and hurriedly showered and dressed. He needed to go out to the B&B to warn Abbie. Of course, he could have simply called, but he wanted to go in person.

Once he'd gotten into his car and begun the drive to Cold Creek, he realized it was too late to warn her. They were probably eating breakfast together at that very moment. He lifted his foot off the gas pedal a bit, slowing the car to within the legal speed limit.

Before leaving the house, he'd called Jeff to let him know about Perkins staying at the B&B. Jeff hadn't been impressed. Jake supposed he was right. It was a free country, and if Perkins wanted to check into the B&B, there was nothing Jake could do to stop him.

Still, the man's actions vexed him. He had no business being there. He pulled into the parking lot at the B&B, but before getting out of the car he took several deep breaths and offered up a couple of prayers to get his emotions under control.

Abbie stiffened but managed to maintain her composure. “Mr. Perkins.” She focused on helping Emma onto the chair.

“I feel as if I already know you,” Perkins said.

“Oh?” What was he doing here? Had he come to make good on his threat? If so, why check into the B&B? She perused his face as he helped himself to a large portion of eggs and sausage. He didn't seem threatening, and after dishing up servings for herself and a small portion for Emma, Abbie decided she was in no immediate danger.

“I understand you and your parents are the new owners of Cold Creek.” His tone was pleasant enough, but did she detect a sliver of aggravation?

“Yes.” Abbie pasted on a smile. “And I understand you were hoping to buy it.”

“I was, but apparently there was some misunderstanding. These things happen.”

Abbie nodded. “I'm sure you'll be able to find another property suitable for your plans.”

“I'll be looking at a number of them today.”

The door opened and closed. Perkins looked up, surprise registering in his eyes. “Jake. I didn't expect to see you out here. I'd planned to meet you at your office in town. Didn't you get my message?”

Jake seemed taken aback by his comment. “No, I didn't.” He didn't wait for an invitation before seating himself at the table between Abbie and Perkins. He shot her a questioning look.

“Hello, Jake.” Dawn set a steaming stack of blueberry pancakes on the table. “Would you like some breakfast?”

“I would, if you don't mind.” He turned toward Perkins. “You wanted to look at some property?”

“Yes. Around one o'clock if that's all right with you.”

“Sure.” Jake nodded and helped himself to the eggs.

Abbie allowed herself to relax and began to help Emma with a pancake. For someone who'd already eaten she was making a good-sized dent in her breakfast. Jake was here and later would be taking Douglas Perkins to look at property. She still wondered why the man had chosen to stay at the B&B when Cold Creek was no longer available to him.

When Perkins had finished his meal, he excused himself and went to his room.

He'd no sooner gone than the phone rang. Dawn answered it. “Sure, Jeff. Hold on a second. I'll get her.”

Jeff?
“Maybe he has some news about Skye.” She hurried to the phone.

“Hello, Abbie.” The tone in his voice gave Abbie the impression that the news wasn't going to be good.

“Did you find her?”

“They found your car. Unfortunately, Skye wasn't in it. She apparently abandoned it, out of gas, in downtown Portland. Tim is on his way right now, so I expect he'll bring the car back with him.”

“I don't understand. Why would she leave it? She had money. She could have bought gas.”

Jeff hesitated before putting into words something she already suspected. “Do you really think she'd spend the money on gas?”

Anger flared and died as quickly as a match. As much as she wanted to deny Jeff's suspicions, she couldn't. “You're probably right. I'd like to believe otherwise, but I need to face facts. She's an addict. Denial on my part isn't going to change that.”

“I'm sorry, Abbie. As soon as we hear anything more, I'll let you know.”

Abbie thanked him and hung up. She turned to find Jake standing beside her. She gave him the condensed version of Jeff's report. Jake seemed to understand and moved forward to draw her into his arms. “I'm sorry.”

Abbie melted against him, soaking up the comfort he offered. Jake kissed her forehead and stepped back, his hands resting on her shoulders. “We can still pray and hope she turns around.”

“Thank you, Jake.” Part of her wanted to stay right there beside him. But she'd promised herself that she wouldn't allow herself to rely on him. Needing to keep her distance, Abbie went back to the dining room where Emma was drinking the last of her milk.

After excusing herself, Abbie took Emma to her room where she could wash the syrup off her hands and face. She gave Emma her dolls and settled her in the living room. Jake was still there.

“What are your plans for the day?” he asked.

“I'll wait for Tim. If he gets here with my car early enough, I thought I'd run into Oceanside to pick up the rest of our clothes. Brent will be here after lunch to go through the buildings with me.”

“Looks like I'll have a full day as well.” He frowned. “I need to get back to the office. Truth is, I drove out this morning as soon as I realized that Perkins was out here. Wish I'd realized last night it was his car.”

“No harm done. I don't think he's a threat to me, Jake. He seems to be okay with my buying Cold Creek, though I don't know why he'd stay here.”

“Maybe he likes the setting. Just be careful. I'll talk to Brent about him. In the meantime I need to get to the office—see what other calls I've missed.”

“Jake, I feel like a broken record by asking so often, but is there any news about Barbara?”

He shook his head. “Nothing. Jeff says they may have lost their window of opportunity. The first few days of an investigation are the most important. They have no crime scene and no evidence connecting anyone to the murder.”

Abbie thought about the old newspaper article she'd seen in Travis's kitchen drawer. Should she say something about it? Truth is, she should have shown it to Jeff or the sheriff right away, but she'd been afraid to call attention to herself for fear they'd discover her crime. She still couldn't believe that Leah hadn't called the police. Maybe she had and then not followed through by pressing charges.

“Jake.” She reached out to him as he turned to go. “There's something I need to tell you.”

After explaining what she'd found, Jake stared out at the lake water. “I don't know what to say, Abbie.”

“I know he's your friend, but Travis told us he didn't know about her connection to the robbery. At the time, I thought he was telling the truth.”

“I'm sure he was.”

“Then how do you explain the article being there?”

“The real killer could have planted it. Travis would have no reason to hide something like that. I don't think he knew it was there.” His eyes clouded with questions and disbelief. “Do me a favor and don't say anything to the authorities yet. I'd like a chance to talk to him. If it's still there, I'll tell him to take it to Jeff.”

“You mean confront him? Are you sure that's wise?”

Jake nodded. “He's my friend, and regardless of how it looks, I trust him.”

Jake left, saying he intended to visit with Travis. Abbie gathered her wits and took Emma for a walk to the library, where Sam showed them the children's books.

Travis welcomed Jake and within a few minutes the two old friends were sitting on the deck overlooking the lake. The article Abbie had told Jake about lay in a plastic bag on the table between them. Travis had opened the drawer and begun to lift it out when Jake stopped him. If his friend hadn't known about it, his prints wouldn't be on it, but someone else's might.

“You need to show it to Jeff,” Jake said.

Travis frowned and ran a hand through his unruly hair. “I know you're right, but what do I say? It's already looking bad for me. The less they find evidence-wise to implicate someone else, the more the sheriff points toward me. Jeff's the only reason I'm not sitting behind bars already. If I show this to Jeff now, he'll have to show it to the sheriff. Jeff'll probably think I'm guilty too.”

“Not Jeff. He'll believe you, but I see your point. He'll be forced to show it to the sheriff.” Jake stroked his stubbly chin. He'd forgotten to shave. “And remember, your prints aren't on it.”

“Maybe not, but that's not going to make a difference.” Travis fingered the corner of the bag. “Too bad Abbie found it. I could have tossed the thing in the fire.”

Jake shook his head. “You don't want to do that. I'm thinking that whoever planted it is looking to blame you. Since you dated Barbara, you're an easy target. He might find another way to point the finger at you, and it might be a lot worse than an article.”

“An article that apparently catches me in a lie.”

“You know what you need to do, Trav. It'll go easier for you if you talk to Jeff. Tell him you had no idea it was in the drawer until Abbie mentioned it to me. Even if the sheriff doesn't believe you, the evidence is circumstantial at best. We'll get a lawyer if we need to.”

Travis sighed and shook his head. “I still can't believe Barbara is gone. I wish now I had been a little more aggressive in trying to find out what she was doing and who she might have been with.”

“Don't blame yourself. I could say the same thing. According to Jeff and Detective Meyers, she may have been looking for that bank robber. This article might hold the key to her death. Maybe she found the guy.”

Travis stared out at the lake. “Guess I don't really have another option. I'll run this into Jeff this morning.”

“Or have him come out here,” Jake said. “Maybe he can lift some prints from the counter or the drawer.”

Travis shook his head. “If there were prints, they aren't there now. I'd have wiped everything clean.”

Jake left after a few minutes and, in his rearview mirror, noticed Travis backing his motorcycle out of the carport. Seconds later, Travis sped by. The road from Cold Creek to the lake stopped at Travis's place. Jake wondered if Abbie would extend it. He hoped not. He liked the wilderness. The forest here connected with the coastal range that ran on into California.

He caught sight of Travis several times as they maneuvered the curvy road into Oceanside. He hoped he had given Travis the right advice regarding the article. He worried about the outcome. Even without the article, Sheriff Moore had been ready to blame Travis. Maybe he should have advised his friend to burn the article after all. When he drove past the B&B he noticed that Abbie's car hadn't been returned—either that or Tim had brought it and she'd gone into town. Perkins' dark blue sedan was gone as well.