“Gin and tonic, Iris?” Brendan asked as he held out a tray containing tall and frosty drinks. He was one of several servers hired for Eleanor’s garden party a week later, which had turned into quite the bash. Grammie, Ian, and I were seated at a table next to the pool, waiting for Madison and Sophie to arrive, while Bella watched from a lounge chair as her children frolicked in the pool.
“I’d love one.” With a smile, I selected a glass, lifting it in a toast of thanks. Now that the mystery of Hailey’s death had been solved, a weight seemed to have lifted from Brendan’s shoulders. He returned the smile, seeming so much freer with them now, and offered Grammie a drink. Ian was sipping from a bottle of beer.
I settled back in my chair with a sigh. What a treat this was. The weather was perfect: warm and dry with a gentle breeze off the bay. A jazz group played on the veranda, and under a big white tent on the lawn, tables groaned with a cold salad and seafood buffet. Huge grills nearby sent clouds of delicious smoke into the air. Our hostess was flitting around the terrace saying hello to all her guests and making sure that everyone had enough to eat and drink.
“Eleanor is doing so much better,” Grammie said, watching her laugh at something Horatio Morris said. “It’s like she’s a different person.”
Grammie was right. The confusion was gone, she had more energy, and she was much less stressed now that Craig was totally out of the picture. In fact, he’d been arrested for spiking Eleanor’s herbal capsules with Valium. We’d also figured out that he had been playing tricks on her, like putting her eyeglasses in the refrigerator and claiming she must have done it. Gaslighting 101.
“I wonder what the big announcement is,” I said, taking a sip of tart and tangy gin, so refreshing on a hot afternoon. “I tried to get her to tell me but she wouldn’t say a peep.” The auction houses had finally responded to my queries, and we had auctions lined up for the clothing and the jewels. The expected proceeds would allow Eleanor to make some major repairs on the house and still have enough for a sizable nest egg. She and Cookie had been cloistered off and on for the past week, working on something top secret.
Lukas and Jamaica sat at a nearby table, deep in conversation. He had decided to take the university job in Connecticut and would be moving later in the summer. As the pair laughed together, I had a feeling we’d be seeing him in town now and then.
Regarding Jamaica, I had been so relieved when my suspicions turned out to be unfounded. She’d come clean to the police about chasing Patrick down the day of Hailey’s death in her boat, an impulse she soon regretted. They’d talked before Patrick encountered Hailey on the shore, so fortunately she hadn’t been withholding anything really relevant to the case. Later she had told me how relieved she was that he didn’t want her back, especially after his illicit activities came to light. Releasing her from their toxic cycle was about the only nice thing he had done. She’d learned her lesson, she’d said, and would pay attention to any red flags next time.
Patrick had finally confessed to this meeting at the cliffs with Hailey right before her death. She had caught him in Jamaica’s lab after hours and threatened exposure—unless he paid her. Soon after they parted, Patrick saw Ruben and Hailey together on the cliffs from his boat, and watched Ruben push Hailey to her untimely death. In return for his silence, Ruben promised Patrick a stake in his new company. In his confession, Patrick also cleared up a couple of troubling incidents. He had stalked me outside the store and had sliced our boat. He was trying to scare me, to stop me from asking questions.
Ruben was now facing murder-one charges in Hailey’s death, as well as kidnapping and attempted-murder charges for forcing Sophie and me onto Patrick’s boat. As I’d thought, the fact that he was wearing Lukas’s jacket when he committed the crime and then left it in Lukas’s room had boosted the charges to premeditation. If he hadn’t tried to frame Lukas, he might have been charged only with manslaughter.
Ruben had mugged Theo to get his camera, worried that the student might have taken an incriminating photograph that morning. But there was nothing, only the photograph of Patrick’s boat, which the police hadn’t thought much of at first. After the BOLO went out, Patrick had painted the boat white and given it a new hull number, which is why he had been able to slip into the harbor undetected.
As for Theo, his decision to help us on the boat followed by an offer to testify against Patrick and Ruben would probably mitigate the jail time he was facing. Although he had willingly agreed to sabotage Jamaica’s lab, he soon found himself in over his head with the evil pair. He’d been afraid they would kill him too, which was why he was even there when Ruben kidnapped us.
“When is everyone else getting here?” Ian asked me, his hand reaching for mine under the table. Ever since that night a week ago, we’d been closer than ever. But although I was now pretty sure he’d heard me, he hadn’t returned the words. I was fine with that, I decided after a brief bout of hurt feelings. I didn’t want either of us to make decisions based on the heat of the moment. Been there, done that, lived to regret it.
I glanced at my phone. No new texts. “They’re probably on their way.” Over at the pool, a deeply tanned man with super-white teeth lowered himself into a chair next to Bella. He said something and she laughed, tossing back her long hair. Go, Bella.
Grammie had noticed him as well. “That’s the dentist’s son, Lance Pedersen. He’s quite the sailing champion, as you probably know.” Lance was an Olympic medalist adored by the media for his good looks and charismatic personality.
“He’s back in town?” Ian’s brows lifted in interest. He studied Lance, who had been three or four years ahead of us in school. “I’ve always enjoyed following his career.”
“Me, too,” I said. As a long-time patient of Dr. Oslo Pederson, Lance’s father, I’d heard plenty about his celebrity son.
“Here they come.” Grammie waved as Madison, Anton, Sophie, and Jake came through the gate onto the terrace.
“I’ll get another couple of chairs,” Ian said, jumping up to grab empty ones from nearby tables.
Sophie and Jake were holding hands, looking totally blissed out. Over the past few days, I’d often thought about our ordeal on Patrick’s boat, marveling at the bravery we had displayed. I know my focus on saving Sophie had been responsible for allowing me to keep a relatively cool head. When we compared notes, she said the same thing, that all she could think about was fighting to save me. We’d always been good friends, but now our bond was even deeper.
“Great party,” Madison said, glancing around. She waved at her parents then bent to kiss Grammie’s cheek. She hugged me then sat in the chair Anton held out for her. After she was settled, he bent to kiss her before taking his own seat. Looks like that was going well. Madison, my bestie partner in crime, was happy, which made me ecstatic.
Sophie and Jake remained standing, still holding hands. When we looked at them with curiosity, Jake said, “Sophie and I have something to tell you.”
She smiled up at him. “We just came from the attorney’s office. Jake and his dad signed papers about the transition of the business.”
Using two fingers, Madison whistled. “Good news,” she said. “About time.”
Sophie and Jake were still smiling at each other, making no move to join us at the table. My heart thumped and I just knew. “But wait, there’s more,” I said. “Hang on a sec, okay?” I stood and waved to catch Bella’s eye, then gestured her over.
“What’s going on?” she asked after hurrying around the pool. Her gaze fell on Sophie and Jake, and a speculative expression crossed her face. She grinned in anticipation.
Sophie held up their entwined hands, turning them so we could clearly see the ring on her third finger. “We’re engaged.”
“Getting married next June,” Jake added, his face flaming red with pride and pleasure under his freckles.
We hooted and cheered, stomped our feet and jumped up to exchange hugs. The word spread through the rest of the party like wildfire and the other guests applauded and called out good wishes.
Eleanor came over and greeted the happy couple, taking Sophie’s hand in hers. “I’m thrilled for you both,” she said. “And I’m honored you’re sharing the announcement here at Shorehaven.”
“Thank you, Eleanor,” Sophie said. “We certainly couldn’t have picked a better place.”
Our hostess released Sophie’s hand. “Why don’t you have a seat? I think it’s time for me to make my own announcements.” She nodded at Jamaica and Lukas, who rose from their seats. The trio walked to the veranda and gathered in a spot where everyone could see them. Brendan said something to the musicians and they stopped playing.
“Good afternoon, everyone,” Eleanor said. “I’m so glad you all could join me today. Are you having a good time?” The crowd shouted affirmatives. “Today isn’t only a celebration of friendship, although that was the main reason I decided to throw a party. I also want to share a very important decision I’ve made.” She paused. “I’m donating Shorehaven to College of the Isles. This house will become an aquaculture study center, under the direction of PhD student and entrepreneur Jamaica Jones and Dr. Lukas de Wilde, from the University of Connecticut. Their aim is to develop sustainable business models while protecting our precious marine environment.”
Again applause broke out, the guests exchanging delighted looks and smiles. I was thrilled for Jamaica, who had been waiting for acceptance in a PhD program.
“What wonderful news,” Grammie said. “Eleanor’s gift will make a big difference to the people of Maine.”
Jake nodded in agreement. “Anything that helps our coastal economy while preserving the environment is a win-win.”
Jamaica held up a hand. “But wait. There’s more.” She nodded at Eleanor to continue.
“We all know how important financial aid is to help worthy students without means,” Eleanor said. “So as part of this new initiative, I’m endowing a scholarship in the name of Hailey Piper.”
It took a second but then everyone caught on and began applauding, a wave of emotion flowing over the crowd. Tears burned in my eyes, and when I glanced at Grammie, I saw her swipe at her eyes. Although Hailey had made some major mistakes in her all-too-short life, Eleanor’s scholarship meant she would be remembered for her brilliance and commitment to aquaculture instead.
That concluded Eleanor’s presentation, and the party resumed, guests taking turns to approach the terrace and speak to her and the codirectors of the new program. The musicians launched into “What a Wonderful World,” including vocals. I loved that song.
“We never did get a chance to dance the other night,” Ian said, holding out his hand. “Shall we?”
“I’d love to.” I took his hand and allowed him to help me up. He put an arm around my shoulders and guided me toward the lawn, where other couples were already dancing barefoot. As we went, I noticed a couple arriving, an older man walking with a cane, accompanied by a younger woman who watched him closely. His daughter, I guessed.
I tugged on Ian’s arm to halt him. “They’re here. The Belgian cousins.”
He followed my gaze. “That’s great they made it. What a perfect day for a reunion.”
Warm satisfaction glowed in my heart. We’d done this, helped Eleanor reconnect with her long-lost relatives. I was thrilled for her.
We began walking again, and at the edge of the makeshift dance floor, we paused to kick off our shoes.
Ian placed one arm around my waist, pulling me close, and clasped my hand with his. I put a hand on his shoulder, enjoying how warm and solid he was. He smiled down at me, eyes crinkling. “Ready?”
We began to move, my full-skirted frock swaying with each step, the grass soft under our feet, a salty breeze teasing our skin. Overhead, the pale disk of a daylight moon shone in the sky, like an extra special decoration hung just for us.
My world was wonderful, indeed.
THE END