Sweetness and Light (A Sweet Cove Mystery Book 5) Read online

  Todd narrowed his eyes. “What do you mean?”

  Jenna’s brows furrowed. “Have you seen Bethany since you arrived?” Her tone was careful. “Have you talked to her?”

  Todd shook his head. “Not yet.” He looked at each girl. “What’s wrong with Nelson?”

  Angie thought either Todd had no idea what happened to Nelson Rider or that he should be nominated for an Academy Award. “You haven’t heard?”

  “Heard what?” Todd sat up straighter, clearly becoming alarmed.

  Jenna and Angie made eye contact with one another. Jenna kept her voice quiet. “I’m surprised you haven’t heard people talking. It’s in the newspaper today, on the news. We really shouldn’t be the ones to tell you.”

  Todd’s face flushed. His breathing quickened. “Has something happened to Nelson?”

  “He …I’m sorry … Mr. Rider has passed away.” Jenna spoke solemnly.

  “What!” Todd jumped up from his chair. “When? What happened?”

  “You should talk to Bethany,” Angie suggested. “We’ve only heard bits and pieces.” She didn’t think they should share all the nasty details with Todd.

  “Where is Beth?”

  “Um. She was staying at the Sweet Cove Resort down on Robin’s Point.” Jenna shrugged. “But we’re not sure if she’s still there.”

  Todd headed for the door to the inn. “I need to talk to her. Sorry.” He fled into the hotel lobby.

  “Well.” Angie turned to Jenna. “I’m not sure what I expected, but that wasn’t it.”

  “He sure seemed surprised by the news. It seemed genuine. Why wouldn’t Bethany have told him?”

  Angie’s face was pensive. “Maybe she didn’t tell him to keep their contact non-existent. So law enforcement couldn’t say they were in on the murder together? Don’t call or text each other. Then suspicion isn’t raised.”

  They sat for a few minutes thinking, and then Jenna broke the silence. “Maybe we should find out where Bethany is? I would really like to talk to her, but we probably can’t get near her.”

  Angie pulled out her phone. “I’ll text Chief Martin and ask where she is.”

  “And I’ll call Mr. Finch to see if he’s talked to Betty yet about whether or not the Winstons are going ahead with their plans to rent the mansion in Coveside.”

  The girls left the inn’s porch deck and headed home. Jenna talked on her phone with Mr. Finch as she walked and Angie waited for a reply text from the chief. She decided to call Josh when she got home to find out how he was faring.

  Jenna ended her call. “Mr. Finch says Betty told him that Senator Winston’s assistant picked up the Coveside house key this morning.”

  “The chief just replied to my text. He confirms that the Winstons have moved to the rental house.” Angie looked up from her phone. “There’s more privacy at the rental house than at the resort and maybe they don’t want to head back to their homes until this mess cools down somewhat. Being in Sweet Cove helps them hide-out from the media.”

  “That makes sense. I bet the press is dying to swarm them with questions.” Jenna made a face. “I wouldn’t want the loss of privacy that such a public life would require.”

  “Having them in Sweet Cove for a while longer will benefit us.” Angie pushed her hair back over her ears. “Maybe we can talk to Bethany. Want to take a detour and go to the candy store? I’d like to talk things over with Courtney and Mr. Finch.”

  The girls passed the Victorian and kept walking up to Main Street where they turned right and headed the couple of blocks past stores and restaurants to the candy shop. The little bell tinkled when they opened the door.

  Rufus Fudge stood inside chatting with Courtney. Their eyes were sparkling as the two young people stared at each other.

  The girls greeted him. Jenna teased the young Englishman who was interning for the summer at Attorney Jack Ford’s office. “Do you actually do any legal work for Attorney Ford? You seem to be more interested in candy.”

  Fudge’s cheeks blushed. “It’s my lunch break. I thought I’d come by and get some candy to take back to the office.”

  Angie leaned closer. “It’s okay, Rufus. We know the real reason you like candy so much.”

  “Leave him alone.” Courtney came to the rescue. She gave her sisters gentle nudges. “You two go in the back room. I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

  The twin sisters reluctantly followed Courtney’s orders and they shuffled away into the back of the store where Mr. Finch was in the process of making some wonderfully smelling delight.

  Angie closed her eyes and inhaled. “What is it?”

  “A new flavor of fudge. Miss Courtney and I have been discussing this new flavor and we’re giving it a try today.” Mr. Finch smiled. “You may be among the first to try it, should things go well.”

  “I’m happy to just stand here and sniff.” Angie chuckled.

  Courtney hurried into the work room. Her eyes flashed. “You two need to stop teasing Rufus. It’s rude.”

  Jenna tilted her head. “Really? After all the grief you’ve given me about Tom?”

  “This is different.” Courtney put a tray into the sink to wash it out.

  “Yes.” Jenna crossed her arms. “It’s different because now it’s you getting razzed.”

  Angie didn’t want things to escalate between the sisters so she changed the subject. “We want to talk over the case with you and Mr. Finch.” She brought her youngest sister and Finch up to speed with what they’d discovered about Todd.

  “So it seems Todd Moore is in the dark about Nelson’s murder?” Courtney sat down in the desk chair. “You thought he was sincere in his shock?”

  “It sure seemed like it.” Jenna nodded.

  “There are a number of things to consider. Perhaps it would be helpful to recap what we know.” Mr. Finch poured fudge into a pan. “Nelson Rider has been murdered. Miss Bethany and Todd Moore are in love. Todd has received threats against his life for being in love with Miss Bethany. Senator Winston would not be pleased if he knew the depth of feeling that his daughter has for Todd. Miss Bethany can be considered a suspect in Nelson’s murder. Todd appeared not to know what happened, so that probably eliminates him as a suspect. Anything else?” He scraped the pan with a spatula.

  “Can I lick the pan?” Angie giggled and stuck a finger into the bottom of the pan Finch was holding. She licked her finger. “Yum. Delicious.”

  One of the candy store employees stuck her head around the corner to peer into the work room. “Courtney? There’s a woman out here who says she needs to see the Roseland sisters. Should I send her back?”

  Courtney’s face was blank. She looked at her sisters who appeared to be just as surprised. They shrugged.

  Courtney said, “I guess so. Sure. Send her in.”

  A young woman rushed into the back room. She pulled off her sunglasses and floppy hat. Bethany Winston stood there with wide eyes.

  Angie whispered to Mr. Finch. “You know when you asked a few minutes ago if there was anything else to add to the information about the murder case?” She leaned closer. “The answer is ‘probably yes.’”

  Chapter 9

  “I had to sneak here.” Bethany was breathing hard and she looked back over her shoulder. She stepped further into the room. Her platinum hair was flat and sweaty from being squished under the hat. “I had to slip past the media. They’re hanging out near the house we rented.” She glanced at the four people staring at her. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

  Jenna went over to the woman. “We’re just surprised to see you. I’m sorry about Nelson.”

  The others expressed their condolences. Mr. Finch introduced himself and offered to make Bethany a latte. She accepted and he went to his machine to prepare it.

  Courtney gestured to the desk chair and the young woman sat down with a great sigh. “How is this my life?” She plopped her hat and sunglasses on the desk. “Poor, stupid Nelson.”

  Angie carried
two folding chairs over and placed them near the desk. There were two stools next to the wall. Courtney pulled them over. The sisters sat, and Mr. Finch handed the latte to Bethany and then took a chair.

  “Why do you say that Nelson was stupid?” Jenna asked.

  Bethany ran her hand through her hair and pushed her droopy bangs back off her forehead. “Nelson was the perfect stereotype of a blue-blooded rich boy. He played the part well.”

  “How do you mean?” Courtney’s expression was serious.

  “Nelson went to boarding school. He went to Yale. He got into Harvard Business School because his daddy made a call. He was a party boy. His family was always covering for him.” She let out a loud sigh. “He only did enough at work to get by. Nelson was always having affairs. Deep down he was a good person, but he just thought life was one big party and he was going to suck up everything he could. Honestly, he was just like a little boy. He never thought his actions would get him into trouble.” She shook her head sadly. “It seems he was wrong about that.”

  “He had affairs while you were engaged?” Jenna made a face.

  Bethany waved her hand dismissively. “Of course. He would never stop. There’s always a willing Miss, especially if the guy is loaded.”

  “Why put up with it?” Angie questioned.

  “It is what it is.” Bethany sipped her latte. “Well, it was what it was.” She placed her small white cup on the desk. “I knew what I was getting into by marrying Nelson.”

  “Why marry someone like that?” Courtney’s eyes clouded over. “And when you love someone else?”

  Bethany didn’t say anything.

  Mr. Finch spoke. “Perhaps it was expected of you?”

  The platinum blonde gave a sad, little nod. She looked like she’d added ten years to her age since the previous night. “Money, position, power. It’s all sooo important,” she said wearily.

  Angie’s heart felt heavy and sorry for Bethany, but then she shook herself, afraid that this might be a performance to throw people off from considering her a suspect. Angie tried tuning in to her senses to pick up on anything the young woman might be giving off, but her thoughts and feelings were muddled. She wished the cats were here.

  Courtney asked, “Why did you come to see us?”

  “I’m afraid the police will try to pin this on Todd. You know, the love triangle. It’s like something out of a terrible movie. I’m worried.”

  Angie didn’t mention that Bethany herself might end up being suspected.

  Bethany rubbed her eyes. “I want all of you to look into it. See if you can figure out who killed Nelson.”

  Courtney leaned over and pulled a pad of paper from the desk drawer. “What can you tell us? Can you think of anyone who might be guilty of the murder?”

  “Well, you can start with a few of his recent affairs.”

  Courtney’s eyebrows shot up. “There’s more than one right now?”

  “Nelson was a busy man. There’s one person in particular you should look at though. Nelson had recently broken off with her. Her name is Kim Hutchins. She works at Nelson’s family investment firm. She’s been Nelson’s assistant. I understand that Kim was not very happy to be dumped by Mr. Money Bags.”

  “She lives in New York?” Jenna asked.

  “She works at the Boston office. She lives there in the city.”

  “What does she look like?” Angie asked even though she had a pretty good idea of what she might look like.

  Bethany scowled. “Exactly what you’d expect. Young, blonde, blue eyes, big chest, long legs. Look at the company website, at the staff profiles. She’s on there in all her glory.”

  Jenna stood up and stretched her back muscles. Lack of sleep and too much sitting of late had put a kink in her back. “Is she a financial advisor?”

  “She was the office manager until she became Nelson’s assistant.”

  “Can you give us an address for the firm or for Kim’s apartment in Boston?” Courtney’s pen was poised over the pad of paper.

  “You don’t have to go to Boston to talk to her.”

  “Why not?” Angie cocked her head.

  “Because, the lovely, Miss Kim Hutchins is right here in Sweet Cove.” Bethany’s lips turned down. “I saw her in town the other day.”

  “Well, isn’t that convenient.” Mr. Finch looked over the top of his glasses, one gray eyebrow raised in suspicion.

  Bethany’s phone tweeted in her purse and she pulled it out. She checked the screen, and shoved it back into the pocket of her bag without answering. “It’s my father. I’m surprised he doesn’t put one of those prison ankle GPS things on me so he can track me wherever I go.” She stood up. “I’d better get back before he puts out an all points bulletin.” Bethany reached for her hat and glasses. “Oh, I almost forgot to mention. We’re having a remembrance gathering for Nelson at the house we’ve rented. It will be more private there. It will be easier to keep the media at bay.” She pulled a piece of paper from her purse and handed it to Angie. “Would you be able to provide the desserts?” Without waiting for the answer, Bethany looked at Courtney and Mr. Finch. “And would you be able to make some candy items for after the service? It’s all listed there on the paper, the things we want. The date and time are written at the top.” She blew out a long sigh. “I’d like you all to be present, as well. Wander around, talk to the attendees, and see if you can flesh out some information. I wouldn’t be surprised if any one of the guests is the killer. Most of them are vipers in one way or another.”

  Angie glanced at the list of treats that the Winstons were requesting. “Okay. We can provide the sweets.” She made eye contact with Bethany. “Jenna and I ran into Todd earlier today.”

  Bethany’s eyes narrowed. “Ran into…?”

  “We sought him out.” Jenna admitted. “He claimed not to know anything about what happened to Nelson. You should call him.”

  “You told him?” Bethany made a sour face.

  “He was going to hear it anyway. It’s all over town, it’s on the news.” Angie stood up. “I was surprised he hadn’t heard from you.”

  “It was better that Todd didn’t know what happened.”

  “Why?” Angie pressed. If she was going to investigate the case, she wanted Bethany to be forthcoming.

  “Todd gets upset easily.” Bethany headed for the front room. “I have to go. I’ll be in touch.” She walked briskly away and was gone.

  The three sisters and Mr. Finch exchanged looks.

  “What do you think?” Courtney asked.

  Angie moved to the preparation counter. “I think I need a piece of fudge.”

  “Todd gets upset easily?” Jenna frowned. “That was a strange statement. A murder is something to get upset over. It would be within the boundaries of normal behavior for someone to get upset when a person is murdered.”

  Mr. Finch cut some squares from one of the pans of fudge. He placed a piece on a napkin and handed it to Angie. She took a bite of the creamy square and closed her eyes in delight. “Wonderful.” She took another bite and gave a little grin. “I needed that. Bethany gives me low blood sugar.”

  Mr. Finch’s eyes twinkled. “Perhaps Miss Bethany gives her friend, Todd, low blood sugar as well, and then he becomes more vulnerable to upset.”

  Courtney shook her head and smiled at Mr. Finch’s comment. She headed to the sink to finish washing the trays. “It’s a good thing we each have a sense of humor. Otherwise….”

  “So what’s next, besides the remembrance service?” Jenna moved to the counter and made herself a latte. “We hunt down Kim Hutchins and interview her about her affair with Nelson?”

  “Yes.” Angie nodded. “But maybe we do it without just blurting out that we know about the affair.”

  “A bit of finesse would be useful during the questioning.” Mr. Finch checked the new batch of fudge.

  “How do we find her?” Courtney asked.

  “I guess we’ll have to call around to the inns and hotels
and ask for her.” Angie did not relish the idea of calling all of the overnight establishments in Sweet Cove trying to find out where Ms. Hutchins was staying.

  Courtney dried the candy trays. “I wish there was some way to bring the cats to the memorial gathering.”

  They all looked at each other.

  “That will take some thought.” Angie considered.

  “But, it is certainly not out of the realm of possibility.” Mr. Finch finished cutting the tray of fudge into squares, a sly smile on his lips. “I might have an idea.”

  It seemed that two fine felines just might end up paying their respects at the Winston’s planned remembrance service for Mr. Nelson Rider.

  Chapter 10

  After leaving Courtney and Finch at the candy store, Angie and Jenna walked down Beach Street towards the Victorian and as they approached they noticed a young woman sitting in a rocker on the porch holding a mug.

  Jenna squinted. “Who’s that?”

  “Must be a new B and B guest.”

  Angie and Jenna turned onto the walkway that led to the porch. The woman gave them a big smile. “Afternoon.”

  The girls returned the greeting. As Angie opened the door to the house, her heart thudded and she stopped so suddenly on the threshold that her sister almost slammed into her back. Jenna looked over Angie’s shoulder wondering why she had halted. “What? Why’d you stop?”

  Angie wanted to return to the porch, but decided it would appear awkward, so she continued into the foyer. Once Jenna was inside too, her sister whirled around and whispered. “On the porch. That girl is blonde. She has a big chest.”

  Jenna narrowed her eyes, trying to understand why Angie was making those observations when she suddenly knew the answer. “Is it the girl who had an affair with Nelson Rider?”

  The door opened and the attractive blonde entered. Her face lost its smile when she saw the two sisters standing in the foyer whispering. The girls turned slowly with stupid grins on their faces hoping the blonde hadn’t heard their conversation.