Tuesday
Downtown River Crest, Ohio
Tony dropped Molly off in front of Vanessa’s office at Bennet and Boyd Realty on his way to the local library, where Lauren Driscoll worked as the site manager. Molly stood on the sidewalk and watched his sedan pull into the parking lot two blocks down.
“He’s a nice young man.”
Molly whirled around to face Betty McKelvey, the bookstore owner, carrying a paper bag and an iced tea from Millie’s Diner, a local staple serving a hearty breakfast and lunch.
“Oh, Betty. Hello.”
“What are you two up to?”
“Tony…Detective Shannon gave me a lift from the hospital. I dropped off Aubrey’s agent’s rental car and clothes. You’ve probably heard he’s in the hospital.”
“I did. How unfortunate,” Betty said. “But why’s the detective going into the library?”
“To talk to Lauren Driscoll.”
“About Aubrey?”
“Of course. He’s been talking to everyone,” Molly said. “I’m sure he’s talked to you.”
“Yes. He dropped by the bookstore on Saturday. I told him all about Aubrey and our stupid little feud. For heaven’s sake, it’s been over thirty years since he dumped me the week before the senior prom.”
“I didn’t realize it was just before the prom. That’s cruel. Vanessa said you got even though. Something with cow poop.”
Betty cackled. “Yeah, he sat in it. He was so mad. Then, he mysteriously got a flat tire.”
Molly laughed. “I’m glad I’ve never been on your bad side.”
“I’ve mellowed with age. That was crazy teenage stuff, and I thought Aubrey had let sleeping dogs lie until he canceled on me and rescheduled with you.”
Molly scrunched up her nose. “I’m sorry about that.”
Betty chuckled. “The joke’s on him. Oh, that’s not very nice.” She awkwardly covered her mouth with the hand holding her food bag. “But we did much better with the launch party at the B and B instead of the bookstore. Everyone wanted to see the renovations in your house. He thought he’d hurt me by moving it, but we all did well in the end—except for Aubrey.”
“I guess you’re right.”
“The funny thing is, Lauren was in the bookstore a couple of days ago to buy Aubrey’s book, but I’m all sold out. My new order hasn’t come in yet.”
“Lauren has Aubrey’s book. She bought one at the launch party.”
“She said it was for a friend,” Betty said. “Talk to you later.” Betty raised her cup in a little salute. “Stop in sometime. I want to talk to you about having more events at the B and B. Elise told me her idea of afternoon tea on the summer porch. It could be a nice thing for us.”
“The porch would be a great place for a book club meeting. We’ll call you as soon as we’re ready to go. It shouldn’t be much longer.”
Bennet and Boyd Realty was on the renovated first floor of what had originally been an old mercantile storefront, not the oldest building in town but very close—the inscription above the door read 1870. An artist had rented the second floor, turning it into a gallery and studio. She glanced at the corner gallery entrance and noticed the closed sign on the door. The door of the realty office opened before Molly could turn the doorknob, almost hitting her in the nose.
Vanessa greeted her with a hug. “I saw you through the window. It’s such a pleasant surprise to hear from my favorite niece.”
“I know it’s a little late, but if you haven’t eaten, perhaps we can grab a quick bite, and you can tell me what Lauren said last night after we left you at the tavern lounge.”
Vanessa glanced at her watch. “I was on my way to lunch when I received your text. Let’s grab something next door before my meeting.”
Once they were seated in Millie’s Diner with lunches ordered and iced teas in front of them, Vanessa glanced around the busy café, leaned in, and said, “Something is definitely going on with Lauren.”
“Sarah says she’s not eating, cries all the time, and won’t discuss Aubrey at all.”
“Lauren mentioned how shocked she was that this had happened just when she thought her life was looking up.”
“What did she mean by that? Aubrey’s death was an inconvenience to her?”
Vanessa shrugged. “I don’t know. She wasn’t making much sense. She’d had a few. I drove her home last night.”
“I wonder if she thought she might’ve had a chance with Aubrey now that she’s a widow.”
“Possible. Lauren had a big crush on Aubrey in high school. She’s always carried a torch for him.”
“But that was over thirty years ago.”
Vanessa met her eyes. “Some people can’t let go of the past.”
Molly blinked and looked away. Her stomach clenched at the realization that Vanessa wasn’t only talking about Lauren. She knew Vanessa was including her in the needing-to-move-on group, but she wondered if moving on from such a devastating loss of someone you loved so deeply was possible. Surely, her love for Danny was no comparison to the high school crush Lauren Driscoll had for Aubrey Rhodes.
The server’s arrival with their club sandwiches snapped Molly back to the present. “Thanks, Joelle,” Vanessa said. She popped a chip into her mouth and continued. “I’ve been thinking about a reunion we had about twenty years ago. Lauren was there.”
“Lauren was a year behind you and Aubrey. Did she come with someone from your year?”
Vanessa shook her head. “It wasn’t like today, where each year has a separate reunion. Back then, our high school was so small that it was an open reunion, and anyone could come.”
“What do you remember?”
“She and Aubrey were quite flirty.”
“What do you mean, flirty?”
“You know, she was hanging on his arm, laughing. He’d get her drinks.” Vanessa stared as she sipped her tea through the straw, retrieving the memory. “That was back when Aubrey was teaching junior college and trying to get his first novel published.”
“Maybe something happened between them back then, and she hoped that now they would reconnect. Maybe have a relationship.”
“Perhaps. That was the last reunion Aubrey attended. He got too famous to attend our measly little high school crowd’s parties.”
Molly stifled a mischievous grin. “Did you and Aubrey ever date?”
Vanessa had always been the beauty in the family, with her lush chestnut hair and classic features, like a forties-era movie star. She’d been on the Homecoming Court all four years and the prom queen her senior year.
Vanessa laughed, deep and throaty. “Oh Lord, no. He was much too full of himself for me. Besides, I needed to be the pretty one in the relationship.” She winked and picked up her sandwich.
Molly giggled. It felt good. She realized she hadn’t really laughed in some time. But then she felt guilty. She shouldn’t be chuckling around the lunch table. Aubrey was dead. Someone had murdered him, and the killer was still walking around town.
“Speaking of Aubrey’s book,” Molly said. “Have you gotten to the part about the secret room where they hid the moonshine?”
“Yes. I’m almost finished. How far are you?”
“Not very. I keep falling asleep. Elise mentioned the secret room,” Molly said. “What do you think?”
“About what?” Vanessa laughed. “Surely you don’t believe there’s a secret room in the basement where my grandfather hid contraband liquor?”
“Have you been in the basement?”
“Not for twenty years or more. Have you?”
“It’s dark and creepy down there. That’s why the laundry is now upstairs.”
“I’ve heard nothing about secret rooms.” Vanessa waved her hand as if to banish the thought. “Aubrey has taken literary license, nothing more. It makes for good fiction.”
They ate silently for a couple of minutes, and then Molly broached the other subject she’d wanted to discuss with her aunt.
“As I was locking up last night, I saw lights on the hill behind the cottage.”
Vanessa’s eyes widened. “Lights? What kind of lights?”
“A flashlight. Someone was walking up the trail behind Elise’s place.”
“Did Kevin go home with her? Perhaps they were outside.”
“No, they weren’t. I asked them this morning,” Molly said. “Besides, the path is uneven, and I’d be afraid of turning an ankle and falling down the hill in the dark.”
“I wonder who it was.”
“I think I know who it was, or at least who they work for.” Molly’s voice hardened.
“Who?”
“Kevin came out today to check some measurements on the barn. I told him about it, and we followed the trail up and over the ridge to the Schulze’s old place. Metzner Construction was unloading earthmoving equipment.”
Vanessa leaned back in her chair. “Oh my.”
“Did you know about this?”
Vanessa looked away. “I’d heard it was possible, but I didn’t know the deal had gone through. It would be unusual to deliver equipment without a contract in place.”
Molly leaned in. “He wants to turn the entire valley into one big, gated community. You know Metzner wants our land, too.”
“You’ve already rejected his offer more than once. He’s building on the other side of the ridge, which won’t impact the river view from Harrington House.” She wadded her napkin and tossed it onto her plate. “You know the Schulzes are getting too old to care for that big place. It’s a good deal for them.”
“I feel bad for Mr. and Mrs. Schulze. I’ve always liked them, but Metzner is getting too close for comfort.”
Vanessa put her hand on Molly’s arm. “I understand your aversion to a big construction project just over the hill from your B and B, but having an influx of new homes into the community is progress for the town. That’s additional tax money, new schools, and more money flowing into all the businesses in town, including mine.”
“But that doesn’t explain why someone from that side is trespassing on our land. There were footprints all the way down to the barn.”
“Have you told Detective Shannon about your midnight visitor?”
“No, not yet.”
“Well, here he comes.” Vanessa leaned in. “And then I want you to tell me just how serious this relationship is between my nephew and the chef.”
Molly glanced up to see Tony standing by the door. She waved him over and returned her attention to Vanessa. “Regarding Kevin’s relationships—you should ask him.”
“Good afternoon, ladies.”
“Hello, Detective.” Vanessa stood and retrieved her purse. “I need to rush to make my next appointment. You’ll make sure my niece gets home safely, won’t you?”
He smiled. “Yes, ma’am.”
Molly gave her aunt an “I can’t believe you are doing this” look and turned to Tony. “If you have detective things to do, I can get a rideshare.”
“No pressing detective things. I can take you home,” he said. “I’ll grab a bite while you finish your lunch.”
“Thank you,” Vanessa said. “Molly, don’t forget to tell him.” She motioned to the server, who handed her the bill.
Vanessa went to the cash register to pay while Joelle greeted Tony, took his order, and cleared the dirty dishes.
“Tell me what?” he asked.
She relayed the same story she’d told Vanessa. “Metzner is building a big subdivision on the other side of the ridge, and Vanessa doesn’t seem too worried about it because she’s going to get sales out of it.”
“She’s right. New people and new money coming into the community is a good thing.”
Molly hung her head. “I understand, but that doesn’t mean I have to like it. And besides, why was Metzner or someone from over there poking around my place late last night?”
“That’s trespassing. I’ll have a look around when I take you home.”
Wanting to change the subject to one less irritating, she asked, “What did Lauren have to say?”
“Nothing. She didn’t show up for work today.”
“Is she sick?”
He shrugged. “She didn’t call her boss to report in.” Joelle brought him an iced tea. “In fact,” he continued after taking a sip. “When I showed up, it gave her coworkers quite a start. Of course, they assumed the worst.”
“What happened?”
“When her boss called her, Mrs. Driscoll said she’d taken a sleeping pill and slept through her alarm.”
“Vanessa took her home last night because she was in no condition to drive. That could explain sleeping through her alarm. And Sarah, Lauren’s daughter, told me she’s been worried about her mother, especially since Aubrey’s death.”
“Worried? How?”
“According to Sarah, Lauren has been distraught and tearful but refuses to discuss it. She can’t even mention Aubrey’s name without Lauren bursting into tears and running to her room.”
“It sounds like Lauren needs some professional help.”
“I agree. I’ll mention it to Sarah when she comes to work this afternoon.”
“Do you have guests coming in?” he asked as the server brought his cheeseburger and refilled their iced teas.
“On Friday, but we’ve been giving the rooms an extra-deep clean, especially George’s. I’ve got the windows open, hoping the spring breeze will air it out.” She sighed. “The poor man. Alone, sick, and guilt-ridden.”
“Serves him right,” Tony said. “Any more cancellations?”
“No, thank goodness. I hope I get at least one more reservation for the weekend. It’s not unusual to receive one or two on a Wednesday or Thursday from people looking for a last-minute weekend getaway.”
An hour later, they pulled into the Harrington House driveway. Tony drove past the house, continued up the lane, and parked in front of the barn.
“Show me what you and Kevin saw this morning.”
“Kevin came out this morning to take measurements inside. We’ll turn it into an event venue for weddings and such.”
They exited the car, and she led him around the left side of the barn. “I found these prints here.” She pointed to footprints in the soft earth at the edge of a drying puddle. “Kevin said they looked like work boots. We found the same prints farther up the trail. I took pictures on my phone. I can send them to you.”
“Yes, please do.” He bent to get a closer look, then stood to measure his larger shoe against the print. He used his phone to take photos of the footprints. Then he laid his pen beside the deepest footprint and took more photos.
“Kevin thinks the shoe is a size nine or ten.”
“I agree.” He gestured up the path. “Lead on.”
She retraced their steps up the narrow path winding through the old forest and up the hillside. Once they’d reached the top, she walked along the ridge to the clearing where she and Kevin had watched workers unloading equipment earlier that morning. The valley was quiet. There was no activity, though two dump trucks and an earthmover were parked in the furthest pasture.
Molly pointed. “That’s what they were unloading this morning.”
“Looks like they’re staging to prep the site for future construction.”
Molly harrumphed.
“This is the Schulze place, isn’t it?” he asked.
“Yes. Kevin and I used to run up and down this trail. That field was a great place for a softball game.” She gestured to an overgrown section beyond the construction equipment.
He nodded. “Yes, I remember. I used to hang out with the Schulzes’ oldest son, Carl. He’s a lawyer now. Up in Cleveland, I think.”
“All the kids are gone and moved away. That’s why they have to sell.”
“Are they going to tear down the house?” Tony asked. “Even from here, I see it needs a new roof, paint, and repairs.”
“Probably. There’s a billboard advertising new executive mansions.”
“It is a pretty setting with the house against that lush hillside. But it’s not as nice as your view of the river.”
“That’s why Metzner wants my land, but he won’t get it.”
He chuckled. “I didn’t mean to get you all riled up.” He touched her arm. “The next time you see trespassers, I want you to call 9-1-1. No matter what time it is. Understand?” His gaze bore into hers, and his tone was serious.
She nodded. “I will.”
He cocked his head down the hill. “Let’s go back.”
Giving the Schulze place one last look, Molly turned toward home. They walked silently for a few minutes, carefully picking their way down the trail. She loved the smell of the earth and the lush forest and caught sight of a robin pecking the ground in search of a worm. She smiled and remembered something Tony had said the night before.
“Tony.”
“Yes?”
“Last night, you mentioned you wanted to ask me something before we ran into Vanessa.”
“Yes.”
“What was it?”
“I…uh…wanted to ask you about Rick.”
Molly stopped so abruptly that he nearly ran into her.
“What about Rick?”
“Whoa, sorry.” He stepped back directly into a puddle. He lifted his foot and scowled at his muddy shoe. “I wanted to apologize if I horned in on your date.” He wiped the mud off his black dress shoes on a patch of grass lining the path.
“It wasn’t a date. Just two old friends catching up.” She continued walking at a much faster pace.
“I get it.”
She turned to face him. “Get what?”
“You seem a bit defensive about last night.”
She wondered why he was smiling at her. “I’m not defensive. It’s just…not a date.”
“Then I know why you agreed to have dinner with him.”
She slowed but kept walking, not looking back. “I told you. We were just catching up. He was my chem-lab partner in the ninth grade.”
“That might have been your excuse, but admit it—you wanted to grill him about the autopsy findings. Cause of death and all that. I’m right, aren’t I?”
“I wouldn’t say grill.”
He laughed so loud he practically bellowed. “I should’ve known. All those questions the other day about cause and time of death.”
“So what if I asked a few questions?”
They rounded the corner of the barn and stopped at his car. She crossed her arms and turned to face him. “Aubrey died on my terrace. I want to know what happened—who did it and why.”
He placed his hands on her shoulders and looked down at her. “That’s my job,” he said softly. “Besides, a killer is running around loose. And I don’t want you to get hurt.”
She looked away. “Thanks.”
“Molly.”
“What?”
“Look at me.” She slowly raised her eyes to meet his. “There’s another reason I asked about last night.”
“Oh. What’s that?”
“Because if you aren’t dating Rick, I want to ask you out. After this case is closed, that is.”
“Oh.” Her eyes widened. “Oh.” She swallowed hard. “I’d like that.”
He slipped his hands into his pockets. “Good.”
She looked down and then up at him. “Sorry about your shoes.”
Molly watched his car go down the driveway and make the left turn toward town before she walked back to the house. Elise met her midway.
“That looked intense. What’s going on?”
“I told him about the lights I saw last night and the footprints Kevin and I found, so we walked up the path and over the ridge.”
“And?”
“He said the next time, call the cops regardless of the time.”
Elise gestured toward the barn. “What was that all about?”
She laughed. “Tony thought Rick and I were on a date last night.”
“Everybody thought it was a date.”
“It wasn’t a date. Just two friends catching up.”
Elise tilted her head. “Yah-huh. You tell yourself that.”
“Not. A. Date.”
“What’s it to Tony?”
“He asked me out on a real date.”
“And you said?”
Molly’s phone dinged, and she pulled it out of her cross-body bag.
“And?”
She turned the screen toward Elise. “We have a reservation request for three nights starting tomorrow.”
Elise clicked her tongue. “Things are looking up.”
Molly raised her eyes upward to the horizon. “I sure hope so.”