Bring Home the Murder (15 page)

“And if the girls reported no one at home, the burglary would be good to go.” A blank look crossed Shirley's face. “What about the umbrellas?”

Meggie smiled. “The woman couldn't describe the girls because the porch light shone down on the umbrellas and shaded their faces.”

Shirley scratched her jaw. “That's quite a story and it all makes perfect sense.” She looked at Meggie. “What are you frowning about?”

“I just remembered the female prowler said, ‘She said they're somewhere in the house.'” Meggie thought a minute. “Who was she and what was she talking about?”

Shirley yawned, lightly slapped the table with her hand and stood up. “Now you're talking riddles. I think I'm going to turn in. It's been a long day.” Her eyes roved over the table. “By the way, where is that package you were going to mail for Molly?”

“In the car along with the carton of tomatoes she gave us. I didn't want to forget them in the morning.”

After Shirley retired to bed, Meggie sat alone with her thoughts. The pieces of the puzzle were beginning to fit together, but the biggest piece was still missing. Who killed Fred?

If she knew all the players in this mystery she might figure out who murdered Fred and why. Until that time, his spirit wouldn't rest and neither would she.

 

Chapter 24

M
eggie spent a good deal of August at Hearts and Flowers Gift Shop. More tourists than usual invaded Pine Lake in August. Eldon still wore the cast on his leg, which limited his ability to work. And while Vera arrived early and left late, she devoted a significant amount of time to wedding plans.

One Friday morning Meggie arrived with a bouquet of pink, red and white painted daisies. Vera oohed and aahed and suggested she find a vase in the breakroom. “Please bring them out front so the customers can enjoy them as well. There's nothing like a colorful bouquet of flowers to brighten up one's day.”

Meggie disappeared behind the breakroom curtain and came back a couple minutes later. She set the floral arrangement on the end of the counter, sidled up to Vera and looked over her shoulder. “You've been busy, I see.”

“I arrived in the wee hours this morning and have been working on our wedding plans ever since. The park will be a lovely location for a wedding.” Vera glowed. “And the large gazebo will provide shelter if the weather doesn't cooperate. We won't plan on many guests. Just a few close friends. Maybe some quiet music.” She glanced outside. “I do hope this weather holds.”

Meggie recalled Vera's hesitation when several acquaintances suggested she consider an outdoor wedding in Pine Lake Park and invite her close friends. It took a fair amount of coaxing on their part and careful consideration on Vera's before she decided it would be a splendid idea. Eldon readily agreed.

“I'm so glad you changed your mind and decided against a private ceremony.”

“We couldn't be happier about the change in plans. Our dear friends will be with us on our special day. In the whole scheme of things that's what really matters.”

Meggie patted Vera's arm. “If you need help with anything you be sure to let me know.”

The bell tinkled above the door and the first customer of the day stepped into the shop. A smile lit up Vera's face. She tucked her wedding plans under the counter. “Good morning, Detective Peterson.”

Meggie pasted a smile on her face, stepped out from behind the counter and asked if she could help him find something. She took in Bulldog's street clothes and sensed his unease. “Are you looking for anything in particular?”

“Actually, I'm shopping for my mother's birthday present.” Bulldog confided that his mother's eyesight had deteriorated to a point where small print had become too difficult to read. “A friend told me he bought a cookbook here in large print. I'd like to take a look at one if you have any left.”

“I believe we do.” Meggie lifted the cookbook from the book rack and handed it to Bulldog. She rotated the rack. “We had a dessert cookbook in large print, too, but I see it's no longer here.” She nodded at the cookbook in Bulldog's hand. “But there's a variety of dessert recipes in that cookbook.”

While Meggie discussed cookbooks her mind wandered to Fred Jackson's investigation. She felt the urge to question Bulldog about it but didn't know how to broach the subject.

“My mother still loves to cook and fixes me a home-cooked meal every week. She insists I keep my strength up so I'm able to catch the bad guys.” Bulldog grinned. He turned the book over and checked the price. His face fell. “Little spendy for a bunch of recipes, isn't it?”

“You won't be able to find many cookbooks in large print. Your mother will really appreciate your thoughtfulness.” Meggie stood by until he made his decision to buy it then followed him to the card rack. “Speaking of bad guys, have you had any luck finding the person responsible for Fred's death?”

Bulldog hesitated, gave her a sidelong glance and chuckled. “That's a loaded question. You know I can't talk about the case, but I can tell you we're working on it.”

He spun the card rack until he came to those cards marked half-off, picked one out and clumped over to the counter. He laid the cookbook and card down and pulled his wallet from his back pocket. “Do you gift wrap by chance?”

Meggie moved behind the counter and conveyed to him that there would be an extra charge for gift wrapping. When Bulldog shook his head she pointed out the gift bag selection near the card rack. In the end he decided to wrap it at home and handed over his money.

She slipped Bulldog's purchases into a bag and thanked him for stopping. She watched him walk out to his truck and tapped a finger against her lip. How much wasn't he telling her? Surely by this time they had someone of interest in Fred's case.

It was common knowledge that Darrell Schmidt finally admitted to breaking and entering Riley's house to search the attic. But he still denied having anything to do with Fred's death.

Donna, Riley's nosy neighbor, stated she had seen Fred the day Darrell was arrested. If that were true, Darrell couldn't have harmed Fred.

The identity of the two intruders at the farmhouse still remained a mystery. At the time, she couldn't be sure who the intruders were or what they were looking for in the Rileys' home.

But the next day after she dropped the package off at the post office and returned home, she did a fair amount of reflection. It dawned on her that the documents and photographs might have been the object of their search.

Perhaps there was something among the photographs and documents someone didn't want Barry to see. But who knew about Molly's discovery besides Molly, Michelle, and Barry? It made no sense that either Michelle or Barry would break into the farmhouse to steal something that belonged to Barry. Perhaps Michelle mentioned the box to her mother.

It was pure conjecture on her part that the intruders were looking for the photographs and documents, but nevertheless she had called Bulldog with her suspicions. Whether he acted on them or not she didn't know.

Meggie's musings came to an end when a group of ladies walked through the door of Hearts and Flowers. They chattered on their way through the shop, past the candles and stopped near the mosaics display. A few minutes after they arrived they walked out with several purchases.

Customers were in and out of the shop the rest of the afternoon. Vera had no time to spend on wedding plans. She looked forward to visiting Eldon after work to go over wedding arrangements.

By the end of the day Meggie looked forward to spending a quiet evening at home with Walter. Even if he sat in front of the television while she sat on the deck, they would still be home together.

 

 

Later that month, the wedding day arrived with sunny skies and a hint of fall in the air. Pine Lake Park buzzed with activity. Since Vera had been reluctant to have a bridal shower, her friends insisted on decorating and providing the wedding feast.

Vera had readily agreed to their offer to decorate but hesitated over the potluck idea. She didn't think it proper for her guests to bring food to the wedding. But at everyone's insistence she soon relented.

Meggie arrived early to help decorate and prepare the gazebo and reception area for the grand occasion. Shortly after, Shirley and Molly joined her. The three women were busy arranging flowers in the park shelter when a loud roar sounded close by.

Vera's cousin, Nettie, had arrived on the scene. The plump woman emerged from the driver's seat of the car and walked around to the passenger side. She plopped a straw hat on her head, pulled a large tray from the vehicle and strode towards the park shelter.

“Hello, ladies,” she crooned and set her homemade dinner rolls off to the side. She surveyed the entire shelter. Her eyes came to rest on the eight-foot table the three women had wiped down. “We'll have this table set in no time. It'll make a wonderful food table.”

Nettie spread a white plastic covering over the large rectangular table and laid her handmade white-lace tablecloth on top of it. While walking the perimeter of the table, she tugged the tablecloth to make sure it hung evenly. Satisfied, she gave the high sign to Molly and Shirley to begin setting the buffet table.

By the time the last guest arrived, the table overflowed with an array of foods. Hotdishes, cold salads, and baked beans along with an assortment of breads spread out over the festive tabletop. A vase of fresh flowers at the end of the table added the finishing touch.

Audrey Peterson arrived at the last minute with a wedding cake, compliments of Swenson's bakery. She set it down near the flowers and tossed a number of rose petals around it.

Sprigs of greenery hung over the gazebo's entrance and fresh flowers were visible inside the building. Eldon's nephew strummed soft guitar music in the background.

A rose garden stood a distance from the summerhouse. While the flowers were no longer at their peak, the rockery surrounding the garden and the water fountain lent a romantic air to the occasion.

Meggie looked over the crowd gathered for the wedding. She waved to Molly Riley as the young woman slipped into a seat at the end of her row. Molly held her camera up and smiled.

At last the moment arrived. Vera and Eldon stood in front of the minister and recited their vows. When they were finished the clergyman presented the couple. “Now you may kiss the bride.”

Applause rose and contagious smiles spread all around. Eldon leaned over, Vera puckered up and somewhere in the crowd a cell phone rang. Heads turned as Molly sprang to her feet. She grabbed her purse and hurried away from the gathering.

Walter nudged his wife and nodded to the congratulations line. When Meggie's turn came to offer her congratulations, she hugged both Vera and Eldon and wished them the best. She felt a tap on her shoulder and turned to find Molly by her side, a dazed look on her face.

“Barry just called. The authorities have made arrests in Fred's murder.”

 

Chapter 25

I
still can't believe I won a free weekend for two at the new bed and breakfast on Shadow Lake.” Meggie fastened her seatbelt and leaned back in the passenger seat of Walter's pickup truck. “We're actually going to spend some time together for a change.” She winked at her husband. “It might be kind of romantic.”

“You act like we're never together when in reality we're seldom apart. Except, of course,” Walter raised his hand in the air, “when you're off on one of your housesitting adventures involved in murder and mayhem.” He winked back at her.

“I'll admit you are right on one point. I am beginning to wonder if I should housesit anymore.” Meggie gazed out the truck's window and thought about the recent close calls she had while housesitting.

She shuddered and told herself it wouldn't do any good to cry over spilt milk. Instead she would focus on the fall scenery and the exciting weekend ahead. But try as she might, her mind kept wandering back to the hobby farm and Fred's ghost.

For some time she couldn't figure out why his ghost sought her out and not Molly or Michael. It baffled her, but after some deliberation she concluded that while Molly and Michael were permanent residents in the house, she had been curious and discovered Fred's remains.

“It's hard to believe the mystery surrounding Fred's death ended the way it did.” Meggie spoke in a low voice. “I'm glad it's all over. To think Barry Jackson's ex-wife planned the murder while she was still married to him. And she hired her brother to commit the crime. How cold is that?”

“She waved money in front of Simon's face and he jumped at the chance to do her bidding.” Walter shook his head. “And after all Fred did for him, helped him out when he needed it. That's what greed does to a person.”

“Jacqueline Jackson used her head when she planned the divorce and the murder,” Meggie added. “She waited until after the deed to ask Barry for a divorce. That way she could cash in on the farm. Obviously, she didn't want to wait around for Fred to die.”

“Greed again,” Walter said. “And they almost got away with it.”

Meggie thought about the documents that turned up in the old hutch. Fred kept contracts on the jobs he hired out. Simon had contracted to fill the old well. Simon bided his time, waited for the right opportunity to get rid of Fred. When that opportunity arose, he took it. He had strangled Fred and tossed him down the well. Then literally covered up his crime.

All those years he probably worried about someone finding the contract. But it was another piece of evidence the authorities found that would nail his coffin shut. A pair of eyeglasses found at the bottom of the well. The same odd prescription as the eyeglasses he purchased soon after Fred went missing. And the photo of Simon wearing the taped up glasses made it official.

“I wish I could have been a fly on the wall when he sang like a canary and pointed the finger at his sister.”

Meggie shook her head to free her mind of cobwebs and shaded her eyes against the sun. According to her calculations they were more than half way to their destination.

Walter turned off the highway onto a county road. The truck rolled past rows of yellowed cornstalks and empty vegetable stands. Further on two men baled grass hay. The grind and squeal of machinery split the air then faded as the truck sped by.

She closed her eyes, thought about the fleeting summer and inhaled the fresh scent of autumn. “Nothing is going to spoil this weekend,” she vowed more to herself than to Walter.

“The weekend I will enjoy. It's the murder mystery dinner I'm not so sure about.”

Meggie laughed and thought about the character descriptions they received in the mail from the staff at Shadow Lake Bed and Breakfast. She looked forward to the mystery dinner on Saturday night, but Walter didn't share her enthusiasm.

She reached over and tickled his neck. “It's going to be fun. It's not every day you get to dress up in costume. And you're going to be lord of an old English manor where murder and mayhem run rampant.”

“Murder and mayhem are more your style than mine.” Walter peeked at Meggie from the corner of his eye. “I don't understand why you want to pretend murder and mayhem when you've been through the real deal more times than I care to remember.”

She couldn't argue with him on that point, so she chose to say nothing and settled back to enjoy the surrounding countryside. The road wound through a colorful neighborhood of trees touched by warm autumn days and cool nights.

The birch tree's golden leaves shimmered in the sun while fiery red maple leaves glowed nearby. Peppered along the road on both sides were impressive oaks. Their branches reached for the sky to show off their reddish-brown leaves. The pines held fast to their deep green color.

They drove on and soon the landscape changed. Patches of blue peeked through clusters of pine trees then transformed into a choppy body of water, its waves capped in white.

“Is that Shadow Lake?” Meggie's body posture perked up.

“I believe so.” Walter leaned forward, his eyes squinted. “Yes, there's the sign. Shadow Lake. Now let's watch for the fire number of the B & B. I think we're close.”

“I hope the wind dies down by tomorrow or no boating for us.” She knew her husband would be disappointed if the weather didn't cooperate this weekend. He had been thrilled when she told him the weekend included use of watercraft. “The forecast said sunny skies and unusually warm September weather for the weekend. Right now it's seems to be cooling off.” She rolled the passenger window part-way up and slipped her sweater on.

“I might even try a speed boat if they have one.” Walter leaned forward and rushed his words, “I know it's too cold for a jet ski but a speed boat will do.”

A sign on the right side of the road announced Shadow Lake Bed and Breakfast. Walter slowed the truck and turned into the narrow paved drive. The private road sloped around several tall pine trees and ended in front of an imposing two-story house.

Meggie leaned forward in her seat. “What a beautiful house. It looks just like the pictures I've seen of old English manors. Oh, and look at those quaint cabins.”

Walter pulled up in the parking area and braked the truck. He crawled out, hoisted the piece of luggage over the back end of the vehicle and wheeled it to the front of the truck. He turned to Meggie and offered his arm. “Shall we, my dear?”

Meggie linked her arm in his. Together they made their way down a brick-lined path to the main entrance of the house, followed by the
click clack
of rolling luggage. She held the door for her husband and followed him into the house.

A grand fireplace stood off to the left with a black grate filled with firewood next to it. The scent of lemon oil wafted in the air. The oak floors gleamed. Beyond the fireplace a staircase wound gracefully to the upper floor.

Antique furnishings displayed throughout the room lent a glimpse of another era. Meggie stopped next to an old fashioned writing desk, lifted the feather pen and signed their names in the guest book.

At the check-in area a petite middle-aged woman welcomed them and handed Walter a key to the room. She asked if they needed help with their luggage, but Walter declined the offer.

“You'll be staying in Pearl's Room, the largest suite on the second floor. It is our loveliest room. We're so pleased the Pine Lake Lions Club chose Shadow Lake Bed and Breakfast as grand prize in their drawing.”

Upstairs, Meggie stepped into a charming room. A rose-patterned bedspread covered a queen-sized bed that graced the center of the room. Matching curtains hung to the side of an enormous window that faced Shadow Lake.

The top portion of the bedroom walls were papered in a subdued rose pattern with the bottom portion wainscoted. In one corner of the room sat a table for two where guests could enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and gaze out over the blue water.

 

 

Later that evening, Meggie dressed for dinner in a teal-colored dress and slipped on her favorite pair of heels. She glanced in the mirror, fluffed her hair and called to Walter. “I'm ready when you are.” When he didn't answer she peeked out of the bathroom. He stood in front of the picture window and appeared transfixed by Shadow Lake.

She joined him at the window and took in the lovely view. Impressive pines framed the spectacle, sentinels over the great body of water. The setting sun cast a shine over the rolling waves. In gentle rhythm they rose and fell until at the end of their journey they lapped against the shore and disappeared forever.

“Look,” Meggie pointed. “The wooden stairs go all the way down to the beach.” She slipped her arm around Walter and peeked up at him. “How does a romantic walk after dinner sound?”

Walter agreed with the idea and suggested she take an outer wrap to dinner since the evening might turn chilly. He bent down and pecked her on the cheek. “Madam, I do believe it is time for dinner.”

After they had eaten dinner, the Moores made their way down the wooden steps to the beach. When they reached the last stair, Meggie pulled her shawl tight around her shoulders, knotted it loosely and hooked her arm with Walter's. They strolled for a distance until they happened onto a log bench that faced the lake and looked inviting.

Meggie pulled her shoes off and set them on the ground beside the bench. She sat down next to Walter, tucked her feet under her and laid her head on his shoulder. A gentle breeze blew off the lake. Its breath rippled the moonlit path on the black water. “Did you know there's a legend about a lost treasure in Shadow Lake? I read about it in a pamphlet I picked up in the lobby.”

“You're kidding. Lost treasure in Shadow Lake?” Walter wrapped his arm around his wife's shoulder. “I've heard of lost treasure at sea but never in a lake. Sounds like a big story to lure tourists to Shadow Lake.” He patted her arm. “But then, you believe that lakes in Minnesota were formed when Paul Bunyan's boot tracks filled with rainwater.”

“Don't make fun.” Meggie snuggled up to Walter. “I think it sounds exciting.”

“Excitement seems to be your middle name.”

No one said anything for a while. Then Meggie broke into laughter.

Walter wrinkled his nose. “What's so funny?”

“I'm sorry. But I keep thinking about how Jacqueline and Simon tore out of the farmhouse the night they searched for that box of documents.” She paused. “Shirley still has no idea why she tripped. Maybe Fred's ghost had something to do with it. If she hadn't fallen, who knows what would have happened to us.”

Walter pointed up at the stars. “You never know. Fred might be smiling down on us right now and giving us the high sign.”

Following a few moments of silence Meggie said, “Talk about romantic.”

“You mean us?” Walter stroked her arm.

“No. I mean Fred and Amelia.” Meggie thought about the letter and the ring Fred left inside the wooden heart. “He promised to help Amelia through a divorce and marry her.” She stared down at her own wedding ring. “To think they came so close to finding true happiness.”

“I imagine it was bittersweet for Amelia when she opened the wooden heart.”

The evening wore on. Scattered clouds floated over the moon and the sparkling path across the water faded. The breeze had turned to a gusty wind.

“Well, Mrs. Moore, shall we call it a night?” Walter's shoulders shook. “And get romantic?”

 

 

The next evening the Moores lingered over drinks in the dining room. One candle flickered in the center of their table. Meggie reached for her husband's hand and squeezed it. “I thought you made the perfect Lord of the Manor.” Her eyes crinkled. “Even if you turned out to be a cold-blooded killer.”

Walter grinned and puffed out his chest. “I have to admit I acted way beyond my expectations. Of course, that's not saying much since I had no expectations.”

“I see you two seem to be enjoying yourselves.” Shelby Taylor, owner of Shadow Lake Bed and Breakfast edged up to the table. The tall distinguished-looking woman turned to Walter. “I hear you were quite the addition to the mystery dinner tonight.”

Walter seemed somewhat embarrassed by the praise. He thanked her for the compliment and admitted he enjoyed the event.

“Don't forget. We have a delectable breakfast in the morning that you won't want to miss.”

After she walked away, Walter glanced at his watch and suggested they head up to their room. “I've had a lot of fun this weekend. We should do this more often.”

 

 

The next morning Meggie and Walter finished breakfast and were enjoying a cup of coffee when Shelby Taylor sought them out. “May I sit down for a moment?” she asked.

When they both invited her to join them, she lowered herself into a chair.

“I don't want to impose so I'll come right to the point. I just received a phone call from my son who lives in Billings. He announced that he's getting married in June.” She laid her hand on the table and looked at Meggie. “We are going to need someone to look after the bed and breakfast for a short period of time while we attend the wedding.”

Walter bumped his water glass, but grabbed it before it tipped.

“A Lion's Club member told me you housesit on occasion and highly recommended you. Our main concern is that we have someone here to oversee the day-to-day business, make sure everything stays on schedule. Our staff is most dependable, so I don't anticipate any problems. We want to know we're leaving our B & B in good hands.”

Walter's eyes bored into Meggie's. He mumbled something about his wife having second thoughts about housesitting.

“Please think about it, won't you? Be sure to pick up a business card before you leave. It has all our contact information on it.” She turned to Walter. “If Meggie decides to housesit for us next summer, you are more than welcome to join her.”