Bones, Booze & Bouquets Read online

  Georgie walked over and opened one of the jars. I could smell the odor of alcohol from three feet away.

  I heard her replace the jar top and exclaim, “That stuff has gone bad. It smells worse than rubbing alcohol.”

  “Do you suppose it ever smelled good?” I asked.

  “Sure back in the day when it was fresh. Hey, Annie, I think I know what this is. It’s bootleg liquor probably leftover from prohibition. I bet the Kellehers held parties here or made some of their money off bootleg booze.”

  “Inga wasn’t that old,” I countered.

  “So maybe it was her husband’s father. Someone put all this stuff in a secret place. What else could it be?”

  “Not sure,” I mumbled as I walked around a wood shelf. “Umm. Georgie come here, please.”

  “What,” she laughed. “Did you find another body?”

  “I don’t know. Does a skeleton count as a body? This one has leather straps on its wrists and ankles. I think someone murdered him or her.”

  “Sure, right, ha ha,” Georgie laughed louder as she walked around the shelf. She stopped laughing when she saw what I did. A skeleton sitting in a corner bound in leather straps.

  “Georgie, he was murdered. Doesn’t that look like a bullet size hole in his skull?”

  “Yeah,” she yanked on my arm. “Let’s get out of here and call 911.”

  Chapter Two

  Georgie called 911 and explained what we discovered while I made a pot of coffee. I needed coffee, and I knew Georgie would want coffee not to mention the officers that would arrive soon. Since I knew the man in the cellar died a long time ago, I wasn’t worried about the house being a crime scene. Georgie and I settled down at the kitchen table to wait for the police.

  I reached for my phone and said to Georgie, “I better call Glory and reschedule our appointment. I don’t think we’ll be doing any wedding planning while the police remove the body from the cellar.”

  Georgie blew on her coffee and took a sip. “Agreed. Reschedule for as soon as possible. I’ll be sure to be here. Maybe Laci and Beth Ann will be free, too.”

  “Great idea.”

  I was able to reschedule the appointment for Monday morning. Glory understood even though she sounded a bit stressed when I told her the reason.

  I bit my lip to stifle a small laugh and looked at Georgie. “I should have known something would come up to throw a wrench in my plans. I seem to be a body magnet.”

  Annie get a grip. This is serious. Then why do I feel like laughing? It’s not disrespectful; it’s just that bodies seem to pop up lately. Goodness gracious, what should I do now?

  I was lost in thought when I glanced at Georgie. She had that familiar glint in her eye. “You know, you should have expected this.” She began to laugh.

  I couldn’t help but laugh along with her. It must be stress relief. We were still giggling when I heard two police cruisers pull into the back parking area.

  “Two officers,” I said to Georgie. “Someone must think this is important.”

  I met Officer Carolyn Dawlins at the back door.

  “Hi, Carolyn. Come on in,” I gave her a slight smile. “I can show you where we found the body.”

  “Sure thing, Annie,” Carolyn answered. “Hey, Georgie how are you.”

  “I’m fine. Just trying to figure out what makes Annie a body magnet.”

  “Good question. Oh, Annie and Georgie, this is Officer Jakes,” she motioned behind her with her thumb. “He’s new and has never seen a crime scene body before. He’s here to learn. Clark will be here in a while, and the coroner is on the way.”

  I glanced at Officer Jakes and spoke to Carolyn. “I’ve met Tyler. He rented the apartment above my store.” I smiled at the young officer who seemed to be fighting nerves.

  He smiled back. “Hello, Mrs. Ryan.”

  “Annie, remember I said call me Annie.”

  “Yes, ma’am. I’ll try and remember.”

  I bit my lip to keep from smiling at his serious face. “I have coffee if you would like some.”

  “Thanks,” Carolyn said. “I’d like to see the body first.”

  “Sure,” I answered and led Carolyn to the secret stairway. After she and Tyler had walked down the stairs, I joined Georgie at the table. I picked up my cup and took a sip of coffee and heard footsteps hurrying back to the kitchen.

  Tyler rushed into the room and raced toward the door. “I forgot the camera,” he stammered and disappeared outside.

  I shrugged. Georgie giggled.

  “He is a very nice young man,” I offered.

  “Uh huh,” Georgie whispered as we watched Tyler race back through the kitchen camera in hand.

  A few moments later we heard a crash and Carolyn’s voice yell, “Tyler. What the heck did you do? What is that smell?”

  Georgie laughed and said, “I think the very nice young officer broke one of the jars of bootleg booze. He’s off to a terrific start.”

  Footsteps pounding up the stairs drew me away from Georgie’s comment. I saw Carolyn exit the secret entrance and asked, “Annie, do you have any old rags or towels we can use to sop up some of that liquid Tyler spilled. Sorry, but he broke one of your jars.”

  I stood and pulled a few towels from a kitchen cabinet and handed them to Carolyn. “They’re not my jars. I didn’t know the room existed until just before we phoned 911. Georgie thinks it might be bootleg booze.”

  “I think she’s right.”

  “Carolyn wait,” I called. She turned, and I handed her a plastic bag for the wet towels.

  “Thanks.” She disappeared down the stairs again.

  The odor wafted up the stairs, and I opened a few windows. Georgie opened the back door just as Clark’s car pulled up.

  “Here’s lover boy,” Georgie called. “He’s going to love the fact that you found another body.”

  “Knock it off,” I said but smiled along with her as Clark entered the house.

  “A dead body is a laughing matter?” My handsome fiancé asked. “What is that smell?”

  “Bootleg booze.” Georgie was laughing hard enough now that tears ran down her cheeks.

  I looked at Clark and said, “I think she’s high from the fumes.”

  He shook his head and shrugged. “Are you okay?” He walked up to me and pulled me into his arms.

  I laid my head on his chest and sighed. “Yes, but I’m tired of finding bodies.”

  “I understand. I don’t like getting the calls that you found another one either. Where is it?” His hazel eyes hid the worry I knew he felt. I worried if Heavenly Corners newest detective would tire of his wife-to-be finding herself embroiled in murders and mysteries so often.

  I showed him the entrance, and he kissed the top of my head before walking through the doorway. Officer Jakes hurried past us with the plastic bag before Clark could enter the stairway. Clark scowled at the officer, and I shrugged.

  When Clark walked down the stairs, I walked outside to find Tyler.

  “Tyler,” I called after him. “Do you need that as evidence? If not, the garbage cans are on the side of the garage.” I pointed behind him. “I don’t want the towels back.”

  He shook his head as he placed the bag in the trunk of his cruiser. “I need to keep it in case it becomes evidence.”

  “Okay,” I nodded and watched him rush back into the house.

  Georgie walked out and stated, “The air is fresher out here. I opened a few more windows.”

  “Thanks. I hope the odor clears out before the wedding. What next I wonder.”

  “The coroner’s here.”

  “Lovely.” I groaned. “At least he’s here this time and not in front of my house. I suppose we should go back inside.”

  Georgie followed me texting Paul about the body before it made the town grapevine. I turned and looked at her.

  “Last time we were involved in a mystery, Paul tried to ground you and say you couldn’t be my friend. What do you suppose he’ll do this ti
me?”

  “Nothing. I told him he’s not my boss, and it’s easier to find a new husband than a best friend you’ve known since you were a kid.”

  “You didn’t.” I reached for the back door knob.

  “Yup and he tried to say I met him in school.”

  “He’s right. You did meet him in school.”

  Georgie winked, “Yeah, but that was high school. I knew you long before then. He knows he can’t win.”

  More footsteps on the stairs. Tyler emerged from the cellar entrance still holding the camera. “I’m leaving,” he declared. “Have a great day Mrs. umm I mean Annie.” He nodded at Georgie and headed out the back door. Returning a moment later, he smiled and said, “Please don’t text and drive.” Then he was gone with lightning speed.

  “He’s in a hurry to leave,” I said looking at Georgie. “I think I understand why. The coroner’s here.”

  I showed the coroner and her tech the way to the cellar, picked up my coffee cup, refilled it, and said, “I’m off to the parlor. I don’t want to see or hear what happens next.”

  Georgie nodded and followed with a fresh cup of her own.

  ~ * ~

  Georgie and I chatted about the wedding thinking of all the questions we would have asked Glory. Georgie took notes as usual. A good thirty or forty minutes later Clark walked into the room holding a cup of coffee. He sat next to me and gave me a hug.

  “Well…?” Georgie asked.

  I looked at him, and he smiled, but I still felt nervous.

  “No need to worry. That man has been dead for years. Long before you were born. I’ll need to get the coroner’s report before I know for sure. Right now, it’s a good bet his murder had to do with the bootleg booze operation. Whether the Kelleher’s made money from the operation or were customers may never be solved. It’s also possible he was an enemy of some sort and was lured into the cellar and shot. The leather straps tell me he was kept prisoner first. I’m thinking more along the lines of the illegal operation. Makes sense.”

  “But,” I said. “There’s so much land to bury a body in around here. Why the cellar and what about the smell?”

  Clark answered, “There are chemicals to help reduce odor and whoever killed him may not have trusted that his body would remain hidden in a more public spot. They wanted him gone forever. I’ll check into missing persons around the time the coroner determines. Also, remember prohibition was the prime time for bootleg booze, and it was the depression. Any servants wouldn’t say anything for fear of losing what little money they most likely made. Or the Kellehers traveled to Europe or somewhere for a year after. Gave them time and then had a trusted person air out the house from time to time. Anything’s possible.”

  “I suppose,” I murmured leaning against him. Then I sat straight up and asked, “Is the mansion a crime scene? Do we have to postpone the wedding?”

  “No, Annie calm down. My men and the coroner’s tech will be done with the room today, and you can continue planning tomorrow.” He kissed the tip of my nose.

  “How can we with that awful musty, boozy smell filling the house. Georgie and I opened several windows, but I still smell it.”

  “Don’t worry so much, sweetheart,” Clark replied. “I’ve already called dad at the hardware store. I know he rents out industrial size air cleaners. He’s having someone bring it over now. I’ll be sure it’s working before I leave. You and Georgie should go home now.”

  “Okay,” I said standing up and then turning to look at him. “Will I see you tonight and don’t forget we have the family barbecue tomorrow.”

  He reached for me pulling me close and kissing me until I had no doubt he was counting the days until we were married just like I was. He whispered, “I’ll call you later, beautiful. I don’t think I’ll be busy tonight and tomorrow is all clear. I wouldn’t miss the chance to see whether or not Laci tries to kill me.” He laughed.

  The glint in his eye told me he was teasing, but I worried a bit. Laci has her mom’s stubborn streak and temper.

  He handed me his empty cup and took off for the cellar again.

  “I guess we should go.” Georgie agreed, and after we rinsed out the coffee cups and coffee maker, we headed out.

  ~ * ~

  I walked into my house to find a very excited Yummy running in circles and barking. I called Laci’s name although I knew she had plans for the entire day. I picked up Yummy and stroked his tiny head.

  “Were you confused, fella? Laci left, and you had the whole house to yourself. It doesn’t look as if you chewed anything. What did you do?”

  I placed him on the floor and walked upstairs to see if he had gotten into any mischief. When I leave Yummy home alone, I put him in my powder room with a blanket, water, and a few toys. He seems most comfortable in a smaller space when he’s alone. He’s not barking now, and nothing upstairs is damaged. He survived his time alone in the big scary house. However, he was right behind me. I don’t think he liked being alone. I have to remember to tell Laci about Yummy’s needs. I picked him up again, and he snuggled in my arms.

  I spent the next two hours doing chores with Yummy at my heels. When my phone beeped I was pleased to see a text from Clark:

  I’m off. I’m heading home after picking up a pizza.

  Meet me at my place for dinner?

  I texted him back that I was on my way. I scooped Yummy off the floor and placed him in his carrier.

  “Don’t worry little buddy, you’re coming this time.”

  I left a note for Laci on the fridge that I’d be home late, and that Yummy was with me. We headed for the little apartment Clark lived in above his parent’s hardware store. He’d moved there permanently when Laci came back from college. For a while, he’d been staying with me first to keep me safe from a killer on the loose and then because we fell in love. A true gentleman, he spent the nights on my couch or sleeping on top of my blankets on my bed. I’m counting the days until my wedding for lots of reasons.

  ~ * ~

  I pulled into the parking lot behind Cavenaugh Hardware and unbuckled Yummy’s seat belt along with my own. I lifted his carrier out of his car and walked to the back door of the store. I used the key Clark gave me to let me into the back entrance. The hardware store was built exactly like my bookstore. The back door led to a small hall with stairs leading to Clark’s apartment and a door to my right that allowed access to the hardware store. It was late, and I made sure the back door was locked again before heading upstairs. Clark must have heard my footsteps because the door to his apartment opened before I was at the top of the stairs. Yummy barked and yipped in his carrier as soon as he saw Clark.

  “Hello, gorgeous, you’re just in time,” he said pulling me close with his right arm while holding a wine bottle with his left hand. When he kissed me with the intensity of an exploding star, I nearly dropped Yummy’s carrier. I pulled back to catch my breath and let Yummy out so he could run free and Clark could kiss me again.

  Clark pulled back a bit after the second kiss and murmured, “Hungry? I have pizza on the table.”

  “Yeah, I am,” I smiled at him. He grinned back and walked away toward his kitchen. Soft jazz played through his speakers, and he lit several candles. I knew it had been a good idea to buy several of Mitzi’s candles for Clark.

  Clark poured wine; I placed slices of pizza on plates, and Yummy curled up on a blanket in the corner of Clark’s living room. After filling up with pizza and two glasses of wine, we settled on the sofa to enjoy the music and to be alone.

  After an hour of small talk and discussing wedding plans, I wanted to ask about the body Georgie and I found. I took a deep breath, and before I could say a word, Clark spoke. “Go ahead, ask your questions. I’ve been waiting.”

  Not wanting to move from my comfy spot against his chest, I asked. “What did you learn about the body? How are they going to find out who it is? Can I get back in the mansion now?”

  Clark laughed. “I knew you’d ask those questions.
The easiest is yes; you can go back into the mansion. We’re done. You were right about the bullet hole. The tech found the bullet. It’s a murder case, but a very cold one. The only person I found listed as still missing in the past hundred years is Ralph Wylie. He’s been missing since the mid-nineteen-twenties. It might fit the timeline if the victim was a local resident.”

  “Hmm, is that the same Wylie family that lives on the huge farm at the edge of town? I think the last Wylie living now is Willy. The only time anyone sees him is at church, and he only comes to the early service. Then he doesn’t say a word. He comes in late, sits in the back pew, and leaves early.” I sat up straight, pulled my legs up under me, and stared at him waiting for an answer.

  Clark nodded. “Ralph was his uncle. William is the last living person in the family. When his brother, Robert, died three years ago he inherited the farm and the house. I’m going to see him tomorrow after church. He might have some family records or stories we don’t have at the station.” He pulled me close again. “Don’t worry. I doubt we have a murderer running loose unless it’s a ghost.”

  “That’s not funny,” I insisted. “That’s all I need is a ghost rumored to be in the mansion. Hey, you better be done by the time the barbecue starts. Aunt Irene planned this so you and Laci can get to know each other.”

  I snuggled against his chest again, and his voice rumbled in his chest as he spoke. “I won’t be late. I doubt the interview will take long. I think I’ll attend the early service, too, and see if I can find him at home right after.”

  “You weren’t in town when his brother died. They lived in that huge farmhouse alone. When his brother died, Willy moved into a cabin that sits in the woods well behind the farm house. He’s been a recluse ever since. He rented the farm house to the Bergliner family. They have six kids you know. Mrs. Bergliner home schools them. The only time we see them, too is at church or occasionally at the market.”

  I felt him kiss the top of my head. “I didn’t know that. It wasn’t in the records I accessed. You do know everything don’t you?”

  “If I don’t, Aunt Irene does. If you need help, just ask.” I looked up at him and winked. He didn’t smile back, but his lips met mine, and I lost track of time and my train of thought.