Chapter Fourteen 

Sitting in her office, Lily typed Rubin Mansion, Manorview, NY into the search bar on her computer screen. She needed to find its exact location and anything else noteworthy. The first link she clicked on took her to the real estate transaction between the previous owner and its most recent one. The mansion, located on Sunshine Lane, had been sold to Dr. George Rubin for seven million dollars twelve years ago. 

“Knock. Knock.” Shanna poked her head into the office. “I’m all set with Mr. Tang’s embalming.” She looked at her watch. “Ready to go?”

Distracted, Lily looked up. “What are we doing again?”

Shanna’s glare brought her back to reality. “Oh, right. Dress shopping. I’ll be right there,” she promised and went back to staring at the screen. 

Shanna walked into the office and sat in the chair opposite Lily’s desk. “What are you up to now?”

“Research on the Rubin mansion.”

Shanna scrunched up her face. “Rubin mansion? Why that place?”

“I have some theories I need to suss out.”

“Understood. The Rubins were quite flashy from what I heard.”

Lily peered at her from behind the screen. “What do you mean?”

“I think Dr. Rubin overextended himself financially, probably to impress his third wife,” Shanna said and continued. “They drove expensive cars and traveled the world but eventually the money ran out.”

“Did they have any kids?”

“No. Word on the street has it one day they just walked out of that place and never looked back. It went up for auction, but no one seemed interested. I haven’t seen the place myself, but I heard the stone is crumbling bit by bit.” 

“Sad,” Lily mumbled. “Now it’s being used for something else.”

“What something else?”

“Nothing. I don’t want to involve you unless I absolutely need to. I want you to enjoy your engagement.”

“Mighty thoughtful of you but I still work here and if it has to do with all the body snatching, I have the right to know.”

Lily sat back in her chair. “I might know who’s to blame.”

Shanna leaned forward. “You do?” 

“But I’m not quite there yet. I need more time.”

Shanna pursed her lips. “You’re not going to tell your own sister?”

“Not yet but soon.” Lily glanced at the time. “We should go. We’re going to be late for your appointment with Madam Tulle.”

“Fine.” Shanna rose from her chair. “I’ll wait in the car. Don’t take too long. Believe it or not it takes forever to get an appointment there.” She rose and made her way to the door. 

“I believe it. Remember, I did this not too long ago and almost lost my mind.”

Shanna smiled. “I never pegged you as a bridezilla, but it happens to the best of us.”

“Har, har. If that were my only issue, I’d be thrilled. Oh, and I’ve made some headway on our Reynolds Royal Weddings venture.”

“And?”

“You’re skeptical but the website is up, and I’ve already got some client appointments lined up.”

Shanna’s eyebrows shot up. “Wow. I am impressed. I never thought this would catch on. We may be used to this type of atmosphere and willing to get married amongst the deceased, but I didn’t think other people would.” 

“There’s probably a uniqueness to it that people want to explore—something different than your average venue.”

“I guess. Let me know if you need help. You’ve got a lot going on with the honeymoon looming, my wedding to plan, a new business venture, your regular job, and a criminal investigation.” 

Lily frowned. “Don’t remind me.”

After Shanna proceeded toward the car, Lily took another minute to tidy up her desk and shut down her computer. She grabbed her purse, digging into its side pouch where she kept her face powder. A little dab on her forehead, nose, other shiny bits and she was on her way. Down she went toward garage where her car was parked. Getting new tires had been expensive and time consuming. She wanted to hand the bill over to Rick but reconsidered when she realized that might not go over well with James.

As she passed the entrance to the basement, she heard Zachary talking to someone but couldn’t make out the words. Unable to contain her nosiness, Lily leaned into the entrance of the basement.

“Huh?” She heard him say out loud.

She sighed knowing from experience this couldn’t be good sign. Reluctantly, she walked down the stairs. “Zachary?”

His expression seemed perplexed as he stared at the refrigerators.

Dread overcame her body. “Something wrong?” She glanced at Shanna who must’ve become impatient sitting in the car and had walked down the short set of steps from the garage into the basement.

“Uh. I can’t seem to find Ms. Knight or Mr. Weiner. I swear I put them both in here last night.” He opened the latch to one of the horizontal compartments and pulled its door open. “It’s empty.” He said, shrugging his shoulders. “And so is the other.”

Lily’s chest burned. She couldn’t believe it; she didn’t want to believe it. She pointed at Shanna. “Tell me this is a sick joke, Zachary. Tell me you two are pulling a prank.”

“I wish, but I checked all the compartments. They’re not here.”

“Oh for the love—” Lily pinched the bridge of her nose as she paced the room.

“Is this really happening?” Shanna asked.

“Yep, two more bodies are gone,” Lily snapped. “It seems Zachary doesn’t quite remember what happened to them.”

Shanna glared at their brother. “What do you mean you don’t remember? Were you drinking?”

“No. Stop both of you.” Zachary’s hands went up in defense. “I know I put them in here last night. I just came to check on them and they’re gone.”

“Again?” Shanna yelped.

“Zach, I’ve got to be honest,” Lily said. “It looks a little suspicious. Are you sure you didn’t have anything to do with it?”

“Of course not. How would I be involved?”

“You seem mighty friendly with Rick lately. I wonder if he’s gotten to you, too.”

Zachary scrunched up his face. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. You sound like the crazy one with all your conspiracy theories.”

“All right. Let’s calm down.” Shanna squeezed Lily’s arm. “Should we call the cops?”

“No,” Lily snapped.

“No? Why not?” Shanna asked.

“Because it won’t make a difference. They’re already investigating the other two missing bodies, what’s two more?”

“Losing faith in your investigators?” Shanna smiled.

“Yes, I am. We all know the only person who’s going to catch the body snatcher is me.” She pointed to her chest. “So Shanna, let’s get in the car and go look at some brides’ dresses. Zachary, I swear if you know something and aren’t telling me there will be hell to pay.” She walked up the steps into the garage.

His arm went out in surrender. “I don’t know anything. Rick’s been a good friend.”

“We’ll see about that.” She slammed the outer door.

“Aren’t you being a little rough on him?” Shanna asked as she got into the car.

Lily also got in and turned on the engine. “I feel like everyone is lying to me.”

“You really are a detective.”

“In the past I would’ve loved to hear you say that.”

“And now?”

“Not so much.”