Grave Haunting (A Maddie Graves Mystery Book 10) Page 13

  Kreskin rolled his eyes. “You’re a funny guy.”

  “I’m here all week.” Nick plastered a friendly smile on his face as they approached Dora. He couldn’t remember interacting with her more than a handful of times, but she always seemed gracious and pleasant when he did. Now her dark hair was pulled back in a severe bun and she wore no makeup. Her eyes were red and puffy from crying, and she looked to be on the verge of a nervous breakdown if her shaking hands were to be believed.

  “Hey, Dora,” Kreskin offered, his lips curving. “How are you feeling?”

  “How do you think I’m feeling?” Dora asked, her voice cracking. “Fran wasn’t just my boss. She was a friend, too. She’s dead and … give me a minute.”

  Nick watched with wide eyes as Dora pursed her lips and fanned her eyes to keep the tears from falling. He’d never seen anyone do anything of the sort in real life and for some reason it struck him as funny. He knew better than to openly laugh, though.

  Kreskin and Nick exchanged a quick look before turning their attention back to Dora.

  “I understand you were off the night Fran was killed,” Kreskin prodded gently. “Was that your normal day off?”

  “Fran preferred taking the night shifts because she could close the doors at ten,” Dora explained, regaining her composure. “Even on festival nights Blackstone Bay generally shuts down early – especially in the winter.”

  “That’s true,” Kreskin said. “Did you have the day off as well as the night?”

  “I usually work the five weekdays,” Dora explained. “Sarah needed Saturday off, though, so we switched shifts. I didn’t mind because she’s a good worker and rarely needs time off. I’m a little angry about it now, though.”

  “How come?”

  “Because that was my last chance to see Fran,” Dora replied, not missing a beat. “I’ll always regret that I didn’t see her that day. She was a good woman.”

  “Yes, well, she was definitely a unique soul,” Kreskin said. “Did you know about her shopping habits?”

  “Oh, the QVC stuff?” Dora chewed on her bottom lip. “I know she liked to shop, but I don’t think it could possibly be as bad as her husband used to say. He said she was addicted but … I never see any of that stuff around here. She gets deliveries now and then, but I think she actually uses the stuff because it’s not as if it piles up or anything.”

  “She had storage lockers,” Nick supplied. “Three of them.”

  “Oh.” Dora’s face registered legitimate shock. “Is that where she went in the afternoons sometimes? I always wondered.”

  “I’m not sure, but that makes sense.” Kreskin rubbed the back of his neck. “I know you’re upset and not up to answering a lot of questions, but we need some insight into Fran’s children.”

  Up until then Dora had been morose and sad. Mention of Lola and Sam was enough to fill her eyes with fire. “Those little idjits. What did they do this time?”

  Nick cocked an eyebrow, surprised. “I take it you didn’t like them.”

  “I didn’t know them very well, which should tell you something,” Dora said, her tone chilly. “I spent the past five years being best friends with Fran and I met those kids once. They showed up for the reading of their father’s will and then complained bitterly because they only got about a grand each when everything was said and done because Sterling took out a reverse mortgage on the house. How do I know? They wouldn’t shut up about it.”

  Nick grimaced. That sounded about right. “Did they talk to Fran on a regular basis?”

  Dora snorted. “They only called when they wanted money. Fran cut them off about four months ago because they were both adults and I told her it was crazy for her to support them the way she was doing. They called that day … and screamed like banshees.”

  “I see.” Kreskin cracked his knuckles, his stomach rolling. That gave the kids even more of a motive. “Have you seen Lola and Sam since they hit town?”

  “They checked in and then immediately took off for the bar last night and headed straight for the funeral home this morning,” Dora replied. “They seem more interested in their inheritance than anything else.”

  “We’ve noticed that, too,” Nick said. “Do you think they’re capable of killing their mother?”

  Dora jolted at the question. “I never … did they do it?”

  “They have alibis,” Kreskin clarified. “Those alibis have checked out so far. That doesn’t mean they weren’t working with someone.”

  “I think those are the two rottenest kids I’ve ever met,” Dora said. “I think they’re capable of doing anything if they thought it would get them money.”

  “Okay, well, thank you for your time,” Kreskin said, turning toward the door.

  “I’m sure we’ll be in touch again,” Nick added.

  “I’ll be here.” Dora waved them off. “Fran would want me to make sure her legacy was intact.”

  “That’s good.”

  Nick waited until they were outside the bed and breakfast to speak again. “She just gave us motive.”

  “I noticed,” Kreskin said grimly. “I think we need to get a warrant to look at the phone records for Lola and Sam Livingston.”

  “I’m right there with you.”

  15

  Fifteen

  “How was your day?”

  Nick greeted Maddie with a kiss as he walked into the store shortly before six. She was dressed in a pretty black dress, her hair pulled back, and he took a moment to look her up and down.

  “That dress is a nice touch,” he offered. “We’re still going to talk about it.”

  Maddie wrinkled her nose as she shook her head. “I know we’re going to talk about it.” She flicked the lock on the door, flipped the sign so it read “closed” and then gestured toward the kitchen. “Right this way, please.”

  Nick pursed his lips, unsure what to expect. “Are you about to do something to distract me?”

  “I don’t know. Let’s find out.” Maddie grabbed Nick’s arm and dragged him toward the kitchen, smiling when he caught sight of the candles on the table. “I cooked dinner. I didn’t burn it or anything.”

  “It definitely smells good.” Nick lifted his nose and scented the air. “Pot roast. That’s one of my favorite cold-weather meals.”

  “I know.” Maddie puffed out her chest. “I made a cake from scratch for dessert, too. It’s chocolate, though, and we need to make sure we save a few slices for Granny. She hasn’t been here all day, by the way, and I’m worried she’s getting into mischief.”

  Nick placed the folder he carried on the counter, his mind racing with possibilities as he glanced around the romantically lit dining room. “I saw Harriet Proctor in town this afternoon. Dale and I went to the burger joint out on the highway for lunch and she was there with some of her cronies. She was still alive then so I don’t think Maude has wreaked too much havoc while out today.”

  “Have you seen George Hunter?”

  The question caught Nick off guard. “As a matter of fact, I have.”

  Maddie stilled. “Oh. I expected you to say you didn’t. I thought maybe Granny was scattering pieces of him in the woods without our knowledge.”

  Nick smirked. “I don’t know what she’s up to, but he was still alive this afternoon. If you’re wondering, I did not speak to him. I simply saw him when I was leaving the Bayside with Dale.”

  “Oh, well … .” Maddie trailed off, her index finger tapping up and down on her forearm as she crossed her arms over her chest. “That’s good. I guess.”

  “Uh-huh.” Nick slipped his arm around Maddie’s waist and tugged her closer so he could kiss the corner of her mouth. She’d gone all out, even putting on a bit of eye makeup and lipstick. He preferred her fresh faced, but she was beautiful regardless. “I have a lot of information to share with you, but dinner looks really good. Do you want to have a serious conversation now or over the meal?”

  “Over the meal,” Maddie answered. “I’ve alr
eady dished up all the food so it will get cold if we wait too long. You can’t have any cake if this information is going to annoy me, though, so keep that in mind.”

  Nick chuckled, amused. “I can’t believe you’re holding homemade cake over my head.”

  “Yes, well, I have to go with my strengths.” Maddie sat in a chair and gestured for Nick to take the spot to her left. “Dig in. I made it for you.”

  “I know you did.” Nick took the seat she offered, grabbing her hand to give it a squeeze before she could reach for the lid that covered the pot roast. “I love you, Maddie. You know that, right?”

  “I think I heard something like that.” Even though she was agitated, a small smile played at the corner of Maddie’s lips. “I love you, too.”

  “That’s good,” Nick said, sucking in a calming breath. “Even when we fight, Mad, I’m always going to love you. I need you to believe that so things don’t get out of control.”

  Maddie looked tortured when Nick risked a look in her direction. “Does that mean we’re going to fight?”

  “I hope not. If we do, I promise we’ll make up before going to bed.”

  “What if you make me so angry I don’t want to make up?”

  “Then I’ll tickle you until you give in.”

  “That’s not fair.” Maddie tried to look stern but failed. “You know all my secret tickle spots so I’m pretty sure that’s not a level playing field.”

  “You know all of mine, too.”

  “Yeah, but women aren’t generally in the mood to tickle men after a fight,” Maddie pointed out. “They want to sulk and feel sorry for themselves. I know. Granny told me.”

  Nick barked out a laugh. “Oh, geez. Is it any wonder that I’m ridiculously in love with you?”

  “I don’t know,” Maddie replied primly. “Why don’t you ask that question again after we’ve had our big fight.”

  “Just for the record, Mad, I always want to tickle you,” Nick noted. “I figured I would start by catching you up on the case while we eat. That will keep the meal pleasant. Then we can talk about the other thing – which is why I brought the file – and we’ll get any potential fights out of the way before moving on to dessert and making up. How does that sound?”

  Maddie’s eyes drifted toward the manila folder on the counter. “Very regimented.” She licked her lips. “Is that file about … him?”

  “George Hunter?”

  Maddie nodded.

  “It is,” Nick confirmed. “I think you should eat before I open that file, though.”

  “Is it bad?” Maddie’s voice was barely a whisper.

  “I don’t think so,” Nick answered honestly. “I find it interesting. I’m not sure how you’ll take it, though.”

  “Okay, well … .” Maddie exhaled heavily through her nose, centering herself. “Tell me about the case. I spent the morning at the storage locker, by the way. Fran didn’t show up again. I have no idea if that’s because she’s decided she doesn’t like me or if she’s still having trouble adjusting to her new reality.”

  “Well, keep at that because it might be important,” Nick said. “As for the case, that text I got from Dale this morning to go to the funeral home turned out to be one of the saddest things I’ve ever seen.”

  “Lola and Sam Livingston? Were they upset about their mother’s death? Wait, that was a stupid question. Of course they were upset about their mother’s death.”

  “It turns out that isn’t a stupid question,” Nick countered, sliding two huge ladles of pot roast onto his place. “Man, I think this is what Heaven must smell like. Seriously, Mad, you outdid yourself.”

  “Wait until you see the cake.”

  “I’m ready to sacrifice my waistline to do it.” Nick grinned as he ladled a large serving onto Maddie’s plate. “You need to eat and we’re going to fight early if you don’t.”

  Maddie nodded as she reached for the breadbasket. “I made fresh bread, too.”

  “You’re killing me.” Nick grabbed two huge slices, immediately ripping apart one so he could dunk it into the thick gravy. “So, it seems that Lola and Sam Livingston are two of the most despicable people to ever grace this Earth.”

  Maddie’s eyebrows flew up her forehead. “Really? I don’t remember them well. I mean … I remember them being bratty kids. I think a lot of kids are bratty, though.”

  “I’m sure ours will be angels.”

  “I think that’s the lie every parent utters aloud before agreeing to bring new life into this world,” Maddie said. “You don’t want to think about the bad times so you create a universe in your head where only good can happen.”

  “Oh, that was almost profound, Mad.” Nick’s grin was impish. “Our children are going to be pretty little angels like you, though. I’ve already made the decision.”

  “Oh, well, if you’ve decided then it must be true.”

  “I think so.” Nick swallowed a bite of pot roast and groaned. “Oh, your cooking is angelic, too.”

  “You’re not going to trick me into ignoring the elephant on the counter.” She inclined her chin toward the folder. “Tell me about Lola and Sam first.”

  “There’s not much to tell,” Nick said. “They’re terrible people. They thought they were inheriting a bunch of money and were extremely upset when they found out that wasn’t the case. We got a call from the estate lawyer and apparently the second we left the funeral home they were at his office to find out if we were lying.”

  “I’m guessing they didn’t take it well when they found out the truth.”

  “Not even remotely. According to the lawyer, they threatened to disembowel him.”

  “Isn’t that illegal?”

  Nick shrugged. “Only if the lawyer presses charges and he seems more eager to get them out of his life than anything else. Apparently the kids saw some television show where heirs got a bunch of money when a parent passed. That parent also owned a hotel.”

  “I’m betting it wasn’t in Blackstone Bay … and that the parent didn’t also have a shopping addiction.”

  “No,” Nick agreed, grabbing more bread. “After that we went to the Bayside to see Dora Walker. She seemed legitimately torn up by Fran’s death and she had nothing but nasty things to say about the kids.”

  “I’ve been trying to think it through and I swear I can’t remember even talking to Dora since I came back.”

  “She seems nice enough,” Nick supplied. “She’s a little theatrical. I think she was devoted to Fran, though. She didn’t know about the storage lockers and thought the kids were terrible to Fran. She’s loyal but maybe a little obtuse.”

  “Oh, that seems like something nice to put on a T-shirt.”

  “Doesn’t it, though?” Nick was happy to see that Maddie had plowed through the better portion of the food he put on her plate. He added another heaping serving, ignoring Maddie’s dark glare when she looked up. “If you eat all of that you’ll have a lot of energy for the fight. How can that be bad?”

  “You’re starting to irritate me.”

  “I guess it’s good our love can survive anything.”

  “Oh, geez.” Maddie rolled her eyes. “It’s unfair that you’re so cute. I can’t even stay angry for thirty seconds at a time when you say stuff like that.”

  “That’s part of the master plan.” Nick popped a potato into his mouth. “We spent the better part of the afternoon going through Lola and Sam’s phone records.”

  “How come? Do you think they hired a hitman or something?”

  “We honestly can’t rule it out,” Nick replied. “They were so cold … and so detached … I don’t think I can properly explain it.”

  “That sounds chilling.”

  “It was. We’re running down a few of the calls to see if they lead anywhere. The problem is that if they have any sense at all – which I’m not sure they do – they would’ve bought burner phones that we can’t track to conduct business like this.”

  “I never thought of Fran as
a warm and fuzzy person, but it’s hard to imagine her own kids hiring someone to kill her,” Maddie admitted. “Plus … well … everything I’ve learned about murder from television tells me that professional killers don’t usually bash someone’s brains in with a lamp.”

  “That is true,” Nick conceded. “Fran’s death reads like a moment of passion, like she ticked off someone and they lost their temper. A professional would’ve used poison or a gun with a silencer and got out of there fairly quickly.”

  “That’s another thing,” Maddie added. “Whoever killed Fran had to be in that room for a decent amount of time. You said the lamp was wiped down and didn’t have fingerprints on it, so that happened after the fact. What would’ve happened if one of the guests wandered downstairs?”

  “I don’t have an answer for that.”

  “Have you ruled out all of the guests?” Maddie averted her eyes as she rummaged in the breadbasket. “Are you sure none of them are guilty?”

  “None of them have a motive,” Nick reminded her. “I mean … I guess we can’t rule them out, but ruling them in isn’t easy.” It was time so Nick reached over to the counter and snagged the file. “The day George Hunter turned up in your store I asked Dale to do an extensive background search. He handed me this as I was leaving the office for the day.”

  Maddie stared at the folder, deliberately swallowing hard. “Okay.”

  “Okay?” Nick cocked a challenging eyebrow. “Aren’t you angry that I did that without telling you?”

  Maddie shook her head. “I knew you would. You always do your best to take care of me and you can’t do that if you don’t have information.”

  “That’s very pragmatic.” Nick tilted his head to the side. “Do you want to know what’s in this file?”

  “I … don’t know. Do I?”

  “I think you do, Mad, but I’m not going to force you to read it if you’re not interested.”

  Maddie briefly pressed her eyes shut, audibly swallowing before focusing on him. “Why don’t you give me the highlights and we’ll go from there?”

  “That sounds like a plan.” Nick flipped open the file. “George Hunter has never been arrested. He’s received several parking tickets and paid all of them on time. He shows up for jury duty and doesn’t have any collection agencies after him.”