A Finder's Fee

PRAISE FOR THE MISSING PIECES MYSTERIES

A Spirited Gift

“An engaging mystery . . . Fans know this writing duet can always be banked on for a strong thriller.”

—
Genre Go Round Reviews

“Readers will find themselves drawn into the investigation of the death. Throw in a little ghostly activity, the promise of a pirates’ treasure and the reader will be hooked.”

—
Fresh Fiction

A Touch of Gold

“Paranormal amateur-sleuth fans will enjoy observing Dae use cognitive and ESP mental processes to uncover a murderer . . . Readers will enjoy.”

—
Midwest Book Review

“The Lavenes once again take readers into a setting with a remarkable past, filled with legends and history . . . The characters are vivid and fascinating.”

—
Lesa’s Book Critiques

“Spunky and interesting characters . . . Another great read by the Lavenes!”

—
The Romance Readers Connection

“Will have cozy mystery lovers on the edge of their seats until the very last page . . . Jim and Joyce Lavene are superb storytellers.”

—
Fresh Fiction

A Timely Vision

“Grabbed my attention on page one. A psychic mayor who finds lost things—and dead bodies? A secret room locked for decades? Puzzles are unraveled and secrets spilled in a fast-paced paranormal mystery full of quirky characters you’ll want as friends.”

—Elizabeth Spann Craig, author of
Knot What It Seams

“A delightful yarn. Few amateur sleuths are as charming as this psychic mayor sleuth in a small coastal town where murder stalks the dunes and ghosts roam the Outer Banks. Kept me turning pages until it was done.”

—Patricia Sprinkle, author of
Death of a Dunwoody Matron

“This opening act of a new amateur sleuth is a wonderful mystery . . . The heroine is sassy and spunky . . . Joyce and Jim Lavene have . . . another hit series.”

—
Midwest Book Review

“I could almost smell and feel the salty sea air of Duck as I was reading. The authors definitely did a bang-up job with the setting, and I look forward to more of Dae’s adventures and the hint of romance with Kevin.”

—
A Cup of Tea and a Cozy for Me

“This is a mystery with strong characters, a vivid sense of place and touches of humor and the paranormal.
A Timely Vision
is one of the best traditional mysteries I’ve read this year.”

—
Lesa’s Book Critiques

PRAISE FOR THE RENAISSANCE FAIRE MYSTERIES

Treacherous Toys

“An engaging whodunit made fresh by changing the season . . . This exciting amateur sleuth is filled with quirky characters as team Lavene provides another engaging murder investigation.”

—
Genre Go Round Reviews

Harrowing Hats

“The reader will have a grand time. This is an entertaining read with a well-crafted plot. Readers of the series will not be disappointed. New readers will want to glom the backlist so they don’t miss a single minute.”

—
Fresh Fiction

“The Renaissance Faire Mysteries are always an enjoyable read . . . Joyce and Jim Lavene provide a complex, exciting murder mystery that amateur-sleuth fans will appreciate.”

—
Midwest Book Review

Deadly Daggers

“The Lavene duet can always be counted on for an enjoyable whodunit . . . Filled with twists and red herrings,
Deadly Daggers
is a delightful mystery.”

—
Midwest Book Review

“Will keep you entertained from the first duel, to the last surprise . . . If you like fun reads that will let you leave this world for a time, this series is for you.”

—
The Romanc
e
Readers Connection

“Never a dull moment! Filled with interesting characters, a fast-paced story, and plenty of humor, this series never lets its readers down.”

—
Fresh Fiction

Ghastly Glass

“A unique look at a renaissance faire. This is a colorful, exciting amateur-sleuth mystery filled with quirky characters, who endear themselves to the reader as Joyce and Jim Lavene write a delightful whodunit.”

—
Midwest Book Review

Wicked Weaves

“Offers a vibrant background for the mysterious goings-on and the colorful cast of characters.”

—Kaye Morgan, author of
Celebrity Sudoku

“This jolly series debut . . . serves up medieval murder and mayhem.”

—
Publishers Weekly

“A creative, fascinating whodunit, transporting readers to a world of make-believe that entertains and educates.”

—
Fresh Fiction

“[A] terrific mystery series . . . A feast for the reader . . . Character development in this new series is energetic and eloquent; Jessie is charming and intelligent, with . . . saucy strength.”

—MyShelf.com

Berkley Prime Crime titles by Joyce and Jim Lavene

Peggy Lee Garden Mysteries

PRETTY POISON

FRUIT OF THE POISONED TREE

POISONED PETALS

PERFECT POISON

A CORPSE FOR YEW

Renaissance Faire Mysteries

WICKED WEAVES

GHASTLY GLASS

DEADLY DAGGERS

HARROWING HATS

TREACHEROUS TOYS

Missing Pieces Mysteries

A TIMELY VISION

A TOUCH OF GOLD

A SPIRITED GIFT

A HAUNTING DREAM

A FINDER’S FEE

THE BERKLEY PUBLISHING GROUP

Published by the Penguin Group

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375 Hudson Street, New York, New York 10014

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penguin.com

A Penguin Random House Company

A FINDER’S FEE

A Berkley Prime Crime Book / published by arrangement with the authors

Copyright © 2013 by Joyce and Jim Lavene.

Penguin supports copyright. Copyright fuels creativity, encourages diverse voices, promotes free speech, and creates a vibrant culture. Thank you for buying an authorized edition of this book and for complying with copyright laws by not reproducing, scanning, or distributing any part of it in any form without permission. You are supporting writers and allowing Penguin to continue to publish books for every reader.

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For information, address: The Berkley Publishing Group,

a division of Penguin Group (USA) LLC,

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ISBN: 978-1-101-62566-8

PUBLISHING HISTORY

Berkley Prime Crime mass-market edition / October 2013

Cover art by Robert Crawford.

Cover design by Annette Fiore DeFex.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

The publisher does not have any control over and does not assume any responsibility for author or third-party websites or their content.

D
ae O’Donnell, mayor of Duck, North Carolina, had
been missing for three days. She’d closed her thrift store, Missing Pieces, and left a note for the UPS driver to drop packages at the Curves and Curls Beauty Spa next door on the boardwalk.

She left her grandfather a note to let him know she’d be gone for a few days.

And then she vanished.

“There’s nothing I can do,” Duck police chief Ronnie Michaels told Dae’s worried friend, Trudy Devereaux. “She’s an adult, and she has the right to get away for a while, if she chooses. She’s probably off looking for that stuff she carries in her shop. I don’t understand why everyone is so upset.”

“Maybe because she left her cell phone and her bag at home,” Trudy explained. “She didn’t even take any clothes. It’s just over a week until the election—
her
election. She should be out campaigning. Something’s wrong, Chief. Can you look into it? Or—or do I need to do it?”

Only Trudy’s fear for her friend could make her bold enough to talk to the chief this way.

Chief Michaels, a formidable ex-marine who still sported a graying flattop, got to his feet and gave the proprietor of Curves and Curls a scowl meant to dampen any enthusiasm for a nonsanctioned action. “If we receive more information that points to foul play, we’ll investigate. And tell Brickman I mean it. None of you should take the law into your own hands. The matter is closed—at least for now.”

Because his wife, Marjory, had just reminded him that morning that he should try to be more understanding and kind to people, the chief reached over and patted Trudy on the shoulder. He tried to arrange his face in what he hoped was a sympathetic smile. It was hard for him to tell. Then he sat down and went back to work.

Trudy had been startled when he’d reached for her. She’d tried not to flinch. But the truth was that he scared her. He always had.

It was Dae who was the brave one, the one who got them in and out of trouble. Who grinned cheekily at the chief like she dared him to do anything about their childish exploits. Maybe that was one reason she loved Dae so much. Dae was the person Trudy wished she could be.

Trudy huddled in her heavy coat as she left the police station and went out to her car. She’d received one important piece of information from Chief Michaels—she wasn’t the only one worried about Dae.

She should have realized Kevin Brickman, Dae’s beau, would be worried too. It had thrown her off when Horace O’Donnell, Dae’s grandfather, didn’t appear to be concerned at all. His words had almost perfectly echoed the chief’s. But then, Dae’s grandfather used to be the county sheriff. Obviously the two men thought alike.

Trudy drove to the Blue Whale Inn, which Kevin had been lovingly restoring since he’d moved to Duck. He’d been an FBI agent for twelve years or so. Surely he’d have some idea about what needed to be done—and there would be strength in numbers. She’d used up all of her individual strength confronting Chief Michaels.

One thing she knew—she’d been Dae’s friend since kindergarten. Dae was as sturdy and dependable as any person she’d ever known (despite the cheekiness). That’s one reason folks had voted for her to be the mayor.

She wouldn’t leave this close to her own reelection unless something was wrong. And she certainly wouldn’t go off without her cell phone or her toothbrush.

Trudy was surprised to see so many cars in the Blue Whale’s driveway. It had been a cold October, which meant not many tourists were in town. Duck mostly closed down during this time of year, as did most of the Outer Banks. The hundred-mile-long strip of barrier islands was left to its inhabitants—in the case of Duck, not quite six hundred people.

Trudy parked her little car and didn’t waste any time getting into the warmth of the inn. There was an ice fog that had chilled everything from the Atlantic Ocean to the Currituck Sound. Tiny frozen droplets hung from trees and houses. Only something as important as finding her friend would have brought her out on an awful day like this.

Duck police officer Tim Mabry was already sitting in the lobby of the old inn, his feet by the warm fire burning in the hearth. He was hunched over, staring into the flames.

Of course!

She should have thought about Tim. He’d want to help find Dae. He wasn’t wearing his uniform either. That meant he wasn’t
officially
working. She wouldn’t want to get him into trouble.

Tim was a tall, thin man who’d once dated Dae when they were in high school. He’d dated Trudy too, truth be known, and almost every other girl at Duck High School. But for some reason he’d carried a torch for Dae out of school too.

Dae had never really cared for him in that way. If he’d asked her, Trudy would have told him he should move on.

He smiled and got to his feet when he saw her. Trudy was surprised when she noticed how blue his eyes were beneath the crisply cut blond hair. He had a nicer smile than she’d noticed in a while too. She’d seen him only a few days before but he
seemed
different.

She reminded herself why she’d come and quit smiling back at him. “Is Kevin here? I want to see him about Dae.”

Tim sat back down when she was seated in a comfortable chair near his. “That’s why I’m here. I have some vacation time coming. I want to use it to look for her. You know something’s wrong for her to take off this way.”

“Exactly!”
Trudy warmed to her like-minded audience. “I went to Chief Michaels but he wouldn’t listen. And I don’t think her grandfather is even concerned.”

“I know! I asked too.” Tim admired Trudy’s smooth silver blond hair and slender form. She’d always been a little too polished for him with her perfect clothes and makeup. Trudy was a beautiful woman, but out of his league—like a model or Miss America.

“So is Kevin worried too?” She slid a little closer to him under the guise of being nearer the fire.

“Oh yeah. He’s been out looking for her the last few nights, since he couldn’t reach her on the phone. He hasn’t had any luck.”

Trudy and Tim spent a few minutes looking awkwardly at each other, trying to find something else to say about the problem. Both were relieved when voices from the entryway came toward the lobby.

“I’m telling you, Kevin, she’s not herself. That’s why she left this way.” Ann Porter reluctantly carried a tray with sugar, cream and other coffee necessities on it. She was tall and gaunt with thin, straw-colored hair that hung down to her shoulders. “This is no time to be domestic. Dae needs help.”

“What’s
she
doing here?” Trudy whispered to Tim, moving a little closer again, noticing the scent of his aftershave. He was very muscular too, but not in an obvious fashion. It made her feel small and dainty to be near him.

Ann was Kevin’s ex-fiancée and former FBI partner. They’d separated years ago when she’d had a breakdown and had to be hospitalized. She’d brought a hurricane of emotions with her when she’d finally tracked him down and found him living in Duck.

She’d moved to New York. Why was she back again?

Kevin Brickman put the coffee service down on a table and wheeled it close to the fire. “We need a strategy, Ann. We can’t wander around the Outer Banks looking for her. I’ve been doing that. It’s not working.”

“Are there any cookies?” Seven-year-old Betsy Sparks joined them with a doll in one hand and a bottle of chocolate milk in the other. “When are we going to see Dae?”

Trudy glanced at Tim, who shrugged and shook his head. He had no idea why either of them was there. He knew Dae and Betsy had a special bond—Dae had saved her life. He also knew the girl was living in Richmond now.

Had she come to Duck with Ann?

Tim tried to reassure Trudy. “I’m not sure what’s going on, but I know we’re going to look for Dae. We’re going to find her.”

Neither of them was surprised when Shayla Lily stormed into the old inn, slamming the big front door behind her.

Shayla was also a good friend of Dae’s. She hadn’t known Dae as long as Trudy had, but they’d spent some time together. Shayla said she was a medium from New Orleans and had only lived in Duck a few years. Her shop, Mrs. Roberts, Spiritual Advisor, was on the other side of Dae’s shop, Missing Pieces.

She was a little too big-city for Trudy’s taste—smart-mouthed, always dressed in black. She’d never once asked for Trudy’s help with her dark hair and cocoa-colored skin, but she always looked great. She was flamboyant rather than polished, and she always managed to make an entrance.

There was an older woman with her. She was plump and short. Her long black hair gleamed in the light. She was covered with gold and silver bangles that were interlaced with feathers.

Trudy had never seen her before but she thought there could be a family resemblance.

“Looks like we’re all here for the same reason.” Shayla glanced around the room then dramatically dropped her heavy coat on the circular bench near the doorway with a calculated shrug. “Good. Let’s get started. I brought my Gram up from New Orleans to help find Dae.”

Ann stared at Shayla, nearly her polar opposite. Her lips compressed into a thin, white line. “I don’t think we need any mumbo jumbo to find Dae. Thanks anyway. She’s lost in a powerful psychic hold that developed from a necklace she received. We have to find it and take it from her. Then we’ll have to hope she’s still normal. You never know what the aftermath of something like this will be.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Shayla said. “But you need to stay out of my way. We can handle this fine without the likes of you.”

Ann put her hands into the pockets of her gray slacks as though to keep from hurting the other woman—which she was fully capable of doing. “Dae and I have a significant connection. I don’t understand it but I know it’s there. I know what happened to her, and I know how to find her.”

Shayla’s dark eyes flashed in Ann’s direction. “
A significant connection?
You mean after you almost ripped her head off? I’m sure Dae will want
you
to find her.”

“Ladies!” Kevin returned from the kitchen with a tray of chocolate chip cookies. He began pouring coffee into cups and passing them around. “I agree there’s something odd going on, but fighting about who’s going to do what won’t help. We have to work together.”

“You only need me and Gram,” Shayla defiantly stated.

“Betsy and I can find her. I know you don’t understand.” Ann glared at Shayla. “But this is science. You know about science, right? They teach that here?”

“Please!” Trudy took Tim’s hand in hers without realizing it (to his delight and consternation). “We need to work together, like Kevin said, so we can find her. We all care about her or we wouldn’t be here.”

No one disagreed with Trudy’s outburst. They drank their coffee while exchanging angry scowls at each other anyway.

Trudy sat down, hoping everyone would think her flushed cheeks were from the fire and not her agitation. Tim squeezed her hand and smiled at her.

Kevin pulled out the old whiteboard he used in the kitchen so the staff would know what was on the menu while they were working. He was a tall man, over six feet, with broad shoulders and a disciplined physique he still maintained from his time in the military. He was hard in many ways from the life he’d led, and still prone to make snap judgments based on what his FBI training told him was right.

Being with Dae, and looking after his guests at the Blue Whale, had softened him during the time he’d spent in Duck. He didn’t regret it. That other life was over. He didn’t want to be that suspicious, paranoid person anymore.

“We know Dae left abruptly three days ago.” He wrote the information on the board as he would have when he’d worked for the government—only this time he had to erase last night’s main course and dessert first. “Ann and Betsy received a psychic flash at that time. They both saw her taking an amber necklace out of a wooden box. She was getting ready to put it on.”

“The necklace is imbued with heavy psychic energy.” Ann relaxed a little in the more familiar format Kevin had presented. She knew how to do this.

“Where did the necklace come from?” Shayla asked. “She didn’t say anything to me about it.”

“I think it had recently been delivered to her. Putting it on was probably a spur-of-the-moment decision,” Kevin said. “I found the box in her shop. It was from Dae’s father. Ann drew a picture of the antique necklace from what she saw in her vision and after she’d touched the box. However, she couldn’t pick up anything regarding Dae’s whereabouts.”

“Let me see the box.” Shayla took it from him. She closed her eyes and concentrated, but she was a medium, not a finder of lost things, like Dae and Ann. She was good at talking to spirits but not at communicating with inanimate objects. “I’m not getting anything.”

“You had to sense the power in the necklace, like I did through
our
connection,” Ann explained. “I tried to send her a mental message to leave it alone. But Dae, as you know, is easily blindsided by her curiosity.”

“Like
you
know,” Shayla sniped as she handed the box to her grandmother.