Kari Lee Townsend - Sunny Meadows 04 - Perish in the Palm (20 page)

“I never should have told Winters that I saw him with Drew and Brice in the café and that Brice had later told me he was trying to help Linda out of her financial troubles with an anonymous buyer.” I fought back tears, feeling terrible for my role in this mess. “I could see it in Ronald’s eyes. He didn’t believe that Brice had kept his secret and he probably wondered what else he’d told me. I’m sure that’s what they were trying to beat out of him.”

“Or stop him from saying anything more,” Mitch pointed out.

“I should have told you everything so you could go after him yesterday. Instead I let you stay home and take care of me.” I rubbed my throbbing temples. “Maybe we could have stopped this, Mitch.”

“Sunny, listen to me.” He took my shoulders and made me look at him. “People like that will find a way no matter what we do. Quit beating yourself up, okay?”

I nodded, but then my eyes sprang wide as I thought of something else. “What about Mrs. Theodore?”

“I’ve already put an officer at her place. Besides, Winters isn’t stupid. He has to know we’ve discovered what happened to Benedict by now. He isn’t likely to go anywhere near the inn anytime soon.”

“We have to catch him, Mitch. If he’s capable of this, then it stands to reason he’s capable of murder.”

“We’ll get him. We always do.” His phone rang and he looked at me as he answered. “Any news?” His lips flattened into a straight line as he listened. “Keep me posted if anything else turns up.” He hung up.

“Well?”

“That was Fuller.” Mitch scrubbed a hand over his face and then through his hair. “Winters and Cummings both skipped town this morning.”

My heart sank. “What are we going to do?”

He thought about that for a moment, and then said with resolve, “Not give up hope. I have connections in other towns.” He started to pace. “Hell, I have connections in other states. I’ll make some calls. We’ll find them.”

“What am I supposed to do?”

“Your job.” He looked me straight in the eye and said words I never thought I would hear. “See if you can get a read on Winters.”

“Yes sir, partner.” I smiled slowly, and he just shook his head, but the corner of one lip tipped up ever so slightly. Finally, after almost a year, he was beginning to take me seriously. “What am I looking for?”

“I don’t really know,” he said honestly. “Just let me know if you find anything at all. And Tink?”

“Yes?”

“Try not to make more of a mess than usual.”

And he’s back
. “Aye aye, Detective Grumpy Pants.”

“
W
hat are you two doing here?” I asked Jo and Zoe Friday morning at Divine Inspiration after locking my car. They had pulled into the parking lot just seconds behind me.

I had figured if Ronald Winters and Peirce Theodore had grown up together, then chances were they had spent a lot of their time here at the inn since Divine Inspiration had been in Peirce’s family for generations. It seemed as likely a place as any to get a reading. I had already tried the gloves with no success, not to mention, I wanted to prove to Mitch he was right in asking for my help. And still another part of me needed to check on Linda and make sure she was all right.

“Following you,” Zoe said as if that was the most natural comment in the world.

“Your mother called,” Jo added by way of explanation.

“Of course she called you two.” I rolled my eyes.

“Because she was worried about you,” Jo explained with a meaningful tone.

“Oh.” That got my attention. She hadn’t called to check up on them for once. She had called to check up on me. A warmth I couldn’t deny spread through me.

“Your mother said Granny Gert told her you were here,” Zoe clarified.

“Which still doesn’t explain what you two are doing here.” I crossed my arms over my chest and waited.

“I have the morning off.” Jo shrugged.

“Me too.” Zoe grinned.

“Did you really think we were going to let you have all the fun?” Jo snorted. “I’ve been dying to go treasure hunting ever since I first heard about the map.”

“I’m not here to treasure hunt.” I tried to bite back my frustration because I knew they just wanted to help, but this was too important to me. I needed to remain serious and focused and do my job. “I am here to work. I am trying to pick up something about Ronald Winters.”

“Who?” Zoe and Jo asked simultaneously.

I took a moment to fill them both in on everything.

“Wow, that’s crazy,” Jo said.

“So you can both go home now and tell my mother I’m fine.”

“Not a chance,” Zoe said. “We’re here, we’re dressed appropriately this time, and we’re ready for an adventure.”

“And,” Jo held up her hand before I could protest, “we’re your friends. You guys were there for me when I had a temporary moment of insanity.”

“And me when I nearly died of mortification,” Zoe added.

“It’s time we return the favor. Enough said.” Jo swiped her hand through the air as if slamming down a gavel, ending the discussion.

“What favor, dying of mortification?” I asked, trying to be funny. “I’ve got that covered on a daily basis all by my little lonesome.”

“Nice try,” Zoe said.

“We’re not going anywhere,” Jo seconded.

The Amazon Twins stood with arms crossed and feet spread wide apart, in perfectly appropriate fall hiking gear. I couldn’t move them if I tried.

“Okay.” I eyed their outfits of sweaters, jeans, and boots. “Out of curiosity, how did you know to dress for the outdoors?”

“We already searched the entire inn, so I’m guessing we’ll either end up in the secret tunnel or the woods. Either way, I’m all about comfort these days,” Jo responded.

“I see you’re wearing shoes now.” Zoe pointed to my feet.

“I guess I’m all about accepting my fate these days,” I replied. “Summer’s over and there’s a killer on the loose. Let’s go see if we can do something about it.”

“Sounds like a plan, Boss.” Jo grinned.

“Forget Charlie’s Angels. I feel like Indiana Jones just sent us on a mission.” Zoe giggled.

Jo laughed, and I groaned, thinking of Mitch’s last words to me.
Try not to make too much of a mess this time, Tink.

If he only knew….

***

Hours later, after checking in with the police Mitch had placed at the inn for protection and making sure everyone was safe, we’d searched the grounds for clues with no luck. It didn’t help that people were everywhere. Frank and Sally had their hands full, but there was one place I knew the guests weren’t allowed. The tunnels.

“Come on.” I peeked around the corner into the kitchen. “The coast is clear.” Pierre was gone, probably somewhere with Linda.

I darted through his space, careful not to touch a thing. Jo and Zoe followed closely. With one last look around, I opened the door to the root cellar and motioned them through. They quickly made their way down the stairs. I had just stepped inside and closed the door, when I heard Pierre come back into the kitchen. I held a finger to my lips in a
shhhhh
gesture for Jo and Zoe to freeze. We heard some humming, slicing, dicing, and cooking. Sally came in and said something about the lunch crowd. Pierre cursed but finally complied.

“I think I have some in the root cellar,” he said.

Oh, Lordy
, I thought and swallowed hard, pulling on the door tight to hold it in place. Jo and Zoe stared at me with mouths agape and eyes wide. Pierre tried to open the door. I held it closed. He mumbled another curse and pulled harder. I used every ounce of my strength to keep it firmly shut.

“Mon Dieu, I think it’s stuck. Stupid door,” he muttered.

I heard him rub his hands together, and I knew he meant to heave all his strength into opening the door. I also knew if he succeeded, we were all mincemeat. He was stronger than I was. Suddenly I felt Jo and Zoe’s hands grab hold of mine. I hadn’t even heard them move. We all held on together as tight as we could. Pierre pulled with all his might, but the door remained closed. He banged his fist against it once, and then went off in search of Frank for some tools. At least that’s what I thought I made out between the curses and French mixed in.

“We only have a few minutes,” I said to the girls. “Let’s go.”

Zoe started to open the door, but I grabbed her hand.

“Not through there,” I hissed.

“Then where?” Jo asked.

“Into the tunnels,” I replied. “You guys wanted an adventure. Looks like you’re going to get one.”

We made our way down the stairs in record time and moved the shelf aside just enough to open the door to the secret passageway. We slipped through and then pulled the shelf back before closing the door. I held up my hand for them to freeze once more. We stood silently behind the door and waited.

Seconds later, we heard Pierre and Frank open the door to the root cellar with ease. Frank mumbled something about Pierre having no strength, and Pierre let loose a string of rambling French I was glad I couldn’t understand, and said it had been jammed a moment ago. Frank informed him it wasn’t now and then he left.

Pierre stormed down the stairs and grew quiet. For a moment I thought maybe he had figured it all out and was ready to open the door and chop us all up, especially when he said, “Aha, there you are.” But then it sounded like he pulled something off the shelf and made his way back up the stairs and shut the door.

“Oh my Gosh,” Zoe said. “That was so exciting.”

Jo frowned at her. “And you are such a greenhorn. We nearly died. That is
not
exciting. Right Sunny?”

I let out the breath I had been holding. “I have to agree with Jo on this one.”

“Oh, come on,” Zoe sputtered. “I’m sure you haven’t been through anything this dangerous.”

“You have no idea,” was all I said, and then I motioned for them to follow me into the tunnel.

“Hey, I just thought of something,” Jo said. “We’re stuck in here, aren’t we? I’m thinking we can’t go back the way we came.”

“I’m thinking you’re right,” Zoe said.

“I’m thinking this tunnel has to lead to somewhere,” I said. “We searched it before but not all the way to the end. You game?”

“As long as I get back by the happy hour crowd, I’m good to go.” Jo nodded once.

Zoe’s head bobbed eagerly. “Do you even have to ask?”

I chuckled and motioned for them to follow me. “Let’s go.”

“But we can barely see anything right here by the door. We’ll never be able to see once we’re deep in the tunnel.” Jo sounded nervous.

“Last time we searched the tunnels, we used an old-fashioned oil lamp.” I looked around. “I’m sure it’s still here.”

We all took a moment to look. I found it next to the wall and pulled out the lighter I used for my candles and incense. I’d packed a few essentials in my fringed knapsack, except I hadn’t packed a flashlight. The wick on the lamp was broken.

“I’ve got an idea,” Zoe said. She pulled off her sweater and took off her tank top.

“And how exactly will stripping help us?” Jo asked. “Good grief, Sunny, we’ve created a monster.”

“Funny.” Zoe tugged her sweater back over her head. Ripping a board off a shelf by the door, she wrapped her tank top tightly around the wood. “Now pour oil over my shirt.”

I did as she complied. 

“Viola.” She handed it to me. “A torch. Got a light?”

“You’re a genius.” I laughed and lit the torch, admitting it really did feel like we were on the set of an Indiana Jones movie.

“Why do you think she’s my favorite cousin?” Jo chuckled.

“I knew there was a reason I liked her,” I said, and we set out on our journey.

***

Hours later we came to a fork in the tunnels and stopped.

“What now?” Zoe sounded as if the appeal of an adventure had worn thin. “I’m tired of walking, and we haven’t even found anything.”

“Yeah, my feet hurt,” Jo chimed in, “and I’m getting hungry. And cold.” She rubbed her arms. “What if we never find our way out of here?” They sat down and waited, counting on me for guidance.

I sighed, feeling like a fraud, and then sat down at the fork to lean against the wall. A feeling of déjà vu swept over me. It wasn’t strong, but it was enough. “Just hold on, now,” I said. “Be still and give me a minute. I think I’m getting something.”

They froze.

“I’ve been here before,” I continued, excitement humming through my veins. “Or rather Ronald Winters has.”

“What do you see?” Zoe sounded breathless.

I closed my eyes. “Two little boys. The same ones I saw when I read Ronald’s gloves. It’s him and Peirce.” I opened my eyes and surged to my feet. “I know the way.” I looked at them. “I seriously know the way. Come on.”

“Where are we going?” Jo struggled to her feet with a groan, not sounding half as eager as Zoe.

“We’re following them. The boys in my vision.” I scurried down the tunnel. “I think they’re showing us the way out.”

“If I didn’t thoroughly trust you, I would think you were cuckoo right now,” Jo grumbled, but kept up with my pace like the trooper she was.

We headed to the right of the tunnel and kept walking. It went on for a while and around a bend, then it began to narrow.

“This is freaking me out. It’s not that big.” Zoe started to hyperventilate.

“It’s fine.” I handed her a mint leaf from my knapsack. “Chew on this. It will settle your stomach.”

“What’s in there?” Zoe asked. “Your magic bag of tricks?”

“Something like that.” I laughed. “And don’t worry. We’re okay. The boys used to play in here all the time.”

“The boys as in
children
,” Jo said. “What if my big ole behind won’t fit?”

“It will, and you’re not that big yet.” Jo’s expression had me hastily adding, “Not that you will get big. I mean … look, we’re almost there,” I sputtered.

It didn’t take much longer when we finally came to the end. It looked like a rock had once covered the opening, but now a bunch of branches with pine needles did. We all started pushing the branches aside, until the opening was clear. I climbed out, and they followed me. We were in the woods. I had no idea where the tunnel had taken us, but we’d gone deep enough to be close to the river. I could hear the sound of rushing water in the distance.

“Where are we?” Zoe asked.

“I’m not sure.” I faced them as I bit my bottom lip.

“What now?” Jo questioned.

“I lost the vision.”

“Great, and I don’t have cell service out here.” Jo held her phone at various angles, attempting to find a signal.

“We’ve come this far, let’s head toward the river,” I pleaded. “Maybe I’ll pick something up again.”

“But what if we get lost?” Zoe said. “That tunnel is our only way back to the inn.

“And Pierre Desjardins,” I pointed out. “Frankly, I’d rather take my chances with the lions, and tigers, and bears, oh my.”

“Bears?” Zoe squeaked.

“Days are getting shorter, ladies.” Jo looked around warily. “We’d better get going if we plan to get out of here before dark.”

We started walking toward the river. It was a windy day again, but at least the sun was out. A lot of the leaves had fallen but the forest still had a thick canopy of branches and pine trees. The crisp sound of leaves and twigs and pine cones crunched beneath our hiking boots as we trekked through the woods.

“Maybe we should have left a trail,” Zoe said.

“And brought a weapon,” Jo added.

“Or stayed home,” I admitted. “The guys are all going to have a fit, especially Mitch. I wanted to find something useful so badly to help with the case. I’m really sorry. I think I messed up badly this time.”

“Nah,” Jo said like a true friend, putting my needs before her own and reassuring me. “We’ll be fine.”

“How can you tell?” I said.

“Because we’ve got each other.” Zoe looped her arm through mine, and Jo followed her lead.

I felt like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, and they were counting on me to get us home. Except there was no yellow brick road to follow or Wizard in sight. We were close to the river now. I could smell it in the air, feel the mist increase the humidity. The sound of rapids was getting louder, but so was another sound.

I stopped. “What’s that?”

“What’s what?” Zoe looked around.

“Don’t you hear it?” I asked.

“No.” Jo’s face grimaced in confusion, and it was clear she was quickly losing patience in me and this whole
adventure
.

“Listen harder,” I said.

They did as I instructed, and both their faces went pale.

“Bear?” Jo gulped.

“Maybe,” I responded.

“But I thought they hibernated?” Zoe’s voice wobbled.

“They do during the winter,” I said.

“What do they do in the fall?” Zoe fairly shrieked.