Candy Canes & Corpses Read online

  Mira chuckled. “I do that sometimes. I’ve even come close to having a shouting match with myself.”

  “I’ve never heard you,” Eve said.

  “That’s because I do it quietly.”

  “Then it must run in the family.” As she drove, Eve made a point of checking all her mirrors for suspicious looking drivers. “You never told me why David called.” If he didn’t want anything more to do with Mira, then she didn’t understand why he would continue to keep in touch.

  “He mentioned something about a special delivery. Apparently, Father Christmas is doing a flyover.”

  “Hey, what if… What if David is trying to surprise you? Maybe he feels guilty about making you think he wouldn’t come and that’s why he called.”

  Mira stretched her legs out and crossed them at the ankles. “Do you really think David would be so devious? Besides, only someone with a massive ego would go to such lengths to make me think they weren’t coming and then surprise me.”

  “I’m sorry. I guess I’m still holding onto a sparkle of hope. For your sake.” Eve wondered if Jack might know something. David’s behavior seemed far too out of character. In reality, Eve wanted to believe David was trying to surprise Mira because Eve really didn’t appreciate being fooled. She’d actually liked him a great deal and had encouraged the relationship.

  When they arrived at the inn, they found Jill outside tossing a ball for Mischief and Mr. Magoo. As Eve reached for her handbag, she heard the sound of a helicopter.

  “Oh, the helicopter must have returned. It’s leaving now. I wonder what that’s about?” Mira asked.

  A second later, Jack appeared at the front door.

  Two seconds later, a couple of police officers appeared from around the side of the house.

  “Right, well… Let’s get you settled in,” Eve said, her tone more cheerful than usual.

  “Eve?”

  “Yes, Mira.”

  “You appear to have a few extra guests.”

  “Really? Just as well I brought the extra bags of grits.” She’d seen two officers but she imagined there were more staying out of sight, on the beach or inside the house. How would she explain their presence to Mira?

  Jill rushed up to help her unload the boxes. “Catch me up, quickly,” Eve whispered.

  “Jack’s interviewed all the guests. The chopper dropped off a few more officers and they’re scouring the area. I believe the intention is to spread out and cover as much of the island as possible.”

  “What will they look for?”

  “I heard one say they plan on going door to door, checking on people.”

  That didn’t sound at all good. Did they think the killer would hide in a house and take the occupants hostage?

  “Has Jack shared any pertinent information with you?” Eve asked.

  “No, but you hold the upper hand. He and his officers will need to be fed. They’re at your mercy.”

  Eve bit the edge of her lip. “That’s a valid point. They don’t have any transportation so they can’t go into town. I’m their only source of food.”

  Jack approached them. “Can I help you with those boxes?”

  “How kind. Thank you. Yes, I’m all worn out from all my trips.” As she strode into the inn, Eve saw Mira standing at the foot of the staircase looking toward the sitting room, her lips curved into a smile. The Tinsel-Toners were huddled together and singing softly.

  Seeing her, Mira said, “I take it I’ll be sharing your room?”

  Eve nodded and followed Jack into the kitchen. “Thank you, kind sir.”

  “No thanks needed, especially not as I’m about to commandeer your SUV.”

  Eve gaped at him. “On whose authority?”

  “Do I need to flash my badge, ma’am?”

  “No, officer.” She handed him her car keys. “I guess your officers want to spread their search.”

  He nodded and turned to Jill who said, “Don’t look at me. My car battery died so I left my car in town.” Nevertheless, she handed him her car keys. “If your officers can get it jumpstarted, they’re welcome to it.”

  Eve held his gaze for a moment and then whispered, “The killer is still on the island.” She wanted Jack to confirm it. Actually, she wanted him to say the killer had probably already made it out of the island. What she didn’t want to hear him say…

  “We’re running background checks on your guests.”

  Someone entered the kitchen. A Yule-Tider. “Excuse me, ma’am. If it’s not too much bother, would it be possible to have some tea, please?” The man wore a Victorian style jacket with large buttons, a high collared shirt and an elaborate tie in a dark shade of forest green. A woman appeared by his side, her cheeks rosy and her hair pulled back under her bonnet, her full skirt lifted slightly as she bobbed a curtsey. They really knew how to play their roles to the hilt, Eve thought and wondered if they were capable of killing their competition.

  “Someone will bring some tea out shortly,” Eve said.

  They both backed out of the kitchen and Eve expected to see them both bob a curtsey. They did not disappoint. Although the man only lowered his head as he said, “Much obliged, ma’am.”

  Mira strode in. “So, what’s for dinner?”

  “A hearty stew and a peach cobbler.”

  Mira smiled. “Oh, you’re really getting into the Dickensian theme.”

  “No, I’m only trying to make the best of a piece of meat which would normally feed a couple of people.”

  “You have peaches?”

  “I have dried apricots. If you’re hungry, there’s roast beef and baked potatoes for lunch.” Eve turned and found Jack smiling at her. A rare sight as whenever he worked a case he always sported a scowl. He dangled the car keys and, thanking her, he left.

  “What was that all about?” Mira asked.

  “He’s trying to make himself useful by taking my car for a spin. I told him I heard a noise.”

  “Really? I didn’t hear anything.”

  “Yes, well… it comes and goes. I don’t want it breaking down during Christmas.”

  “I thought he’d be far too busy looking for suspects,” Mira mused.

  Eve hummed under her breath. “I’m sorry, did you say something?”

  “No, dear. I think I’ll just settle down here in the corner… with my back to the wall and Mischief and Mr. Magoo by my feet.”

  Eve wiped the counter and brought out a chopping block. “Okay.”

  “It never hurts to be cautious,” Mira continued. “Especially when there’s an inn full of suspects.”

  Eve hummed louder.

  “Oh, here’s Josh,” Mira announced as Josh entered through the back door and greeted Mira. “It’s all so unfortunate and right before Christmas, Josh.”

  “Josh!” Eve’s eyebrows quirked up. “Mira is referring to the bridge collapsing.”

  “Was I?” Mira asked.

  Raking his fingers through his hair, Josh looked from one to the other. “Yes, of course.” He gave Eve a worried look.

  Mira sighed. “I’m going to do a headcount of your guests, Eve. We wouldn’t want any of them going missing.

  Chapter Six

  “I’ve scoured through social media and only found happy group photographs. I didn’t see a single slanted glance or narrowed look. The Tinsel-Toners meet once a week in a recording studio owned by one of them.” Jill looked through her notes. “Arty Manningham. His room is two doors down from mine. They do annual recordings to raise money for charity.” Jill raised a finger. “The Yule-Tiders collect money as well, but not as much. If you ask me, I think they’re jealous but I don’t think that’s motive for murder.”

  Eve carved the roast but didn’t comment.

  “I’ve been working on a list of questions,” Jill continued. “Did Todd Emerson go out for a breath of fresh air?”

  “In this weather?” Eve didn’t think so.

  “Okay. If the killer forced him to go out, I’m sure we would have heard
something.”

  “Not if he had a gun pointed at him.” Eve wondered if the police had searched the guests. Then again, if a killer resided among them, they would have taken precautions, either hiding or disposing of the weapon.

  “It could have been a clandestine meeting.” Jill looked over her shoulder to make sure no one could hear her. “Maybe one of the Yule-Tiders suggested a truce as a way of luring Todd outside.”

  But they would still need a motive, Eve thought. Granted, some people didn’t need much incentive to commit murder. Had Todd Emerson been killed because of his singing or because he belonged to a rival caroling group?

  “This next question is really baffling me,” Jill said. “Location. Why would someone commit murder here at the inn… on this island?”

  Eve grinned from ear to ear, her teeth clenched together. “I’ve been asking myself the same question.”

  Jill raised a finger. “Hear me out. The bridge is out of commission. They must know they’re stuck here. I don’t understand why they would back themselves into a corner. I’m sure some killers look for opportunities but it would take a lot to convince me anyone would see this as a good chance to snuff someone out. That leads me to think the killer had been driven by rage and acted on impulse.” Jill lifted her shoulders into a shrug. “Who knows? Silent Night might have triggered painful childhood memories.”

  “Let’s keep our eyes peeled for anyone losing their temper easily. For now, we need to start serving.” Eve prepared the plates. “In hindsight, I wish I’d cooked something that didn’t require the use of knives. I’d feel better if I could put away all sharp implements.”

  “Would you like me to cut everything up into bites size pieces? We could say there aren’t enough knives to go around.”

  Eve tilted her head in thought. Would the guests buy it?

  Jill laughed. “You’re actually thinking about it. I was only kidding.”

  “It’s not funny. Don’t be surprised to see me counting the cutlery when you bring it all back in.” When Eve finished plating up, she started carrying plates out. The sooner her guests were fed, the sooner she could count those knives.

  ***

  Eve scrolled through the photos she had taken for Jack and said, “Todd Emerson must have gone out there willingly. We didn’t see any drag marks on the sand.” Because he’d most likely had a gun pointed at his back, Eve thought. Shaking her head, Eve remembered they’d already discussed that. “I don’t even see any deep footprints. You know, the type you might make if you’re digging your heels in.”

  Jill nodded. “Yeah, if you’re being forced to trudge along the beach at night, your steps might falter.” She leaned in to study the photo. “The footprints are firm and straight. Hey, maybe he did go outside to meet with someone and they were already waiting for him.”

  Eve studied the next photo and wondered if Jack had come to the same conclusions. She could only see one set of footprints. Had the killer made his way along the rock wall or had he taken the precaution of erasing his footprints?

  Eve erupted to her feet. “Oh.”

  “Oh?”

  “I forgot to feed the pregnant couple.” She swung around and got busy preparing a salad, using the last of her lettuce and tomatoes. “I hope they’ll be happy with cold cuts and a salad.” She added a couple of pieces of fruit to the tray and a couple of bottles of water.

  “Do you want me to take it up?” Jill asked.

  “No, that’s fine. I need to clear my head.” Eve went out the back door and followed the path around the side of the inn. At one point, she had considered restoring the stables and introducing horses, but she knew the next-door neighbors would have objected to having horses so close to their houses. She knocked on the door and was about to knock again when Bradley opened it.

  Seeing a suitcase by the door, Eve asked, “Are you leaving?”

  “Actually,” Bradley said, “I was about to head down and tell you. Lily’s folks have a boat and are organizing to pick us up. So, we were about to head over to the marina.”

  Smiling, Eve said, “That’s good news.”

  He nodded. “Yeah. Stroke of good luck. Otherwise, we would have missed out on spending Christmas with them. We were just wrapping some of the gifts we purchased in town.”

  “You should have some food before you.”

  “That’s mighty nice of you. Thank you.”

  “Well, if I don’t see you, all the best to you both.” As she strode back to the inn, Eve couldn’t help smiling. Two less mouths to feed.

  When Eve strode back into the kitchen, Jill did a double take.

  “You look happy. Did you hear news about the bridge?”

  Eve told her about the pregnant couple leaving. “I wish the others had caring relatives with boats.” Frowning, she drew her cell phone out.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “I’m having a slow day,” Eve said and called Jack. “Sorry to bother you,” she said when he picked up. “I just spoke with Bradley, the pregnant couple guy, and he told me they’re leaving. It just occurred to me you might still want everyone to stay here.” She listened to the silence for a moment.

  “Yes,” Jack eventually said. “I still haven’t received a full background check. I’ll get Josh to have a word with him.”

  “That’s okay. I can tell him.”

  Saying he had another call coming, Jack disconnected the call.

  “I’ll be back in a sec,” she told Jill.

  When Bradley answered her knock, he was wiping his mouth with a serviette.

  Eve told him Jack wanted everyone to remain at the inn and held her breath. She didn’t think he’d be pleased about it.

  “Oh,” he looked over his shoulder and then back at Eve. “Lily’s going to be disappointed. She’s getting a little jittery. I guess I’ll have to call her folks and tell them to hold off. I wouldn’t want them to make the trip out only to have to dock while the police clear us.”

  “When is she due?”

  He smiled. “Any day now.”

  Eve wished she’d talked Jack into letting them go. In her opinion, Lily would be better off on the mainland where she would have access to medical attention if she needed it. They had a doctor on the island, but a small private practice didn’t compare to a large hospital.

  Back in the kitchen, she settled down on a stool next to Jill to look at the list of questions she’d been working on.

  “How did he take the news?” Jill asked.

  “He didn’t really react. I guess he’s taking it all in his stride.”

  “That’s good news for the wife. You want to have a partner who doesn’t panic at the first sign of trouble.” Jill shifted and tapped her list.

  Eve leaned in and read it. “Why? That’s always a good question but we only get to find out when the killer is caught. How… I’m thinking the killer used a rock. He probably threw it into the sea to get rid of the evidence. I’ve been thinking about the killer acting out of rage because he wanted to put a stop to the singing. He could have used a pillow to suffocate Todd Emerson.” But he hadn’t, Eve thought. If he’d gone into Todd’s room with the intention of killing him, why had he gone to the trouble of luring him outside?

  Eve sat up. “If you have issues with someone singing in the middle of the night, wouldn’t you start with a request for silence?”

  “Yes. A normal person might do that. Or, they might fume for a while and let the anger and frustration build up. Then, they’d erupt.”

  “Exactly. You said you didn’t hear anything other than the singing. A normal person experiencing a short fuse moment might have pounded on the door and hollered…” Eve closed her eyes and pictured the twenty-three guests she had staying at the inn. It had to be one of them. She locked every door and window every night. No one could gain access to the inn without a key. “You were the first one out in the morning. I assume you went out the kitchen door. You would have noticed if the door had been left unlocked.”

 
; Jill sat back. “I… Oh!” She pressed her hand to her mouth. “With everything that’s been going on, I honestly can’t say for sure. I’ve found the door unlocked so many times because you get up so early, I… I didn’t think. Now, I can’t remember if the door had been unlocked on not.”

  “That’s all right. It’ll come to you. I’m sure it will.”

  Jill smacked her forehead. “I can’t believe it. Why didn’t I think of it earlier? Knowing if the door had been locked or not would make a world of difference.”

  Eve decided it had to have been unlocked. One way or another, Todd had gone outside. If the killer had been one of the guests, would he have remembered to lock the door after coming back in?

  Looking up, Eve saw Mira walking into the kitchen.

  “I’ve been chatting with the Yule-Tiders,” Mira said. “I’m impressed by their dedication. They’re all staying in character.”

  “Did they reveal anything significant about themselves?” Jill asked.

  “You mean, something that would suggest they’re hiding an ulterior motive for being here?” Mira gave Eve a pointed look. “Why would they do that? And how could they have planned their crime ahead of time? No one knew they would end up being stranded on the island and staying at the inn.” Her eyebrows curved up. “Is someone about to suggest one of them sabotaged the bridge just so they could get stuck on the island?”

  Eve and Jill lowered their eyes.

  “This makes it the fourth death at the inn.” Smiling, Mira leaned on the kitchen counter.

  Eve refused to meet Mira’s gaze.

  “Strictly speaking,” Mira said, “the first death occurred before Eve turned the house into an inn. So, are you ready to share?” Patting Eve’s hand, she added, “You did your best to keep this from me.”

  “Oh, Mira.” Eve hung her head. “Right here, on our beach. Can you believe it?”

  “Actually, I can’t believe I’m about to say this, but here is as good a place as any. In fact, it’s the best place for a crime because you’ve already been scarred by previous incidents and you know what to do.”

  “How very reassuring.” Eve rolled her eyes. “So, I’m sparing someone else the ordeal. At least that’s something.”