Auld Lang Stein: A Katie Murphy Cozy Mystery by Suzanne Bolden

Author:Suzanne Bolden [Bolden, Suzanne]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Laughing Deer Press
Published: 2024-11-29T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Aubrey was waiting with me when Vincent arrived at the pub. He’d never been here but heard about it from some of his friends. I gave him a quick tour before we left for Shaw’s River Lodge. He knew Aubrey’s great-aunt and told a few good stories about her as we rode to Shaw’s River Lodge.

When I reached out to Ken Shaw this morning and mentioned what we were interested in, he promised to dig out any records they had from the time period that Tilly worked there.

We walked into the modest lobby of the lodge. The lunch crowd had gone, but the lingering smells of fried seafood wafted from the restaurant. The space was small and cozy, with wooden walls that bore the marks of time. A few worn but comfortable chairs upholstered in a faded green-and-tan plaid were clustered around a coffee table. In one corner, a wire rack displayed local maps, brochures about fishing tours, and pamphlets for nearby attractions. Behind the scarred wooden counter hung a few shelves stocked with sunblock, bug spray, T-shirts, baseball caps, and souvenir mugs for sale.

It was evident that Jesse's handsome appearance came from his father. Ken shared the same dark hair and brown eyes, and his chiseled features softened with his smile, just like Jesse’s. I was surprised to discover Darnell was here, too. He was just leaving with Jesse, and they both acknowledged us before stepping outside, right before Chris Pratt entered through a side door. Had he been waiting there to avoid talking to the police? I wouldn’t blame him. What started out as a request from his mother had turned into a nightmare for him.

“Ken, can I rent that fishing boat another day? I’m still stuck here. Feel like I’m in a prison,” Chris said. “Might as well be fishing to pass the day.”

“Sure,” Ken said. “Jesse said you caught some good ones yesterday. Hope the fishing is as good today.”

“With luck, I’ll bring you some to fry up for my dinner,” he said as he turned to leave.

Chris didn’t seem to recognize me. I’m sure he had his attention focused elsewhere on Wednesday morning, so I reintroduced myself.

“Yeah, guess I remember seeing you there.”

“What a mess. Sorry you’re caught up in this all, Chris,” I said. “You just missed the chief.”

“That was on purpose. I know I’m a suspect, all because of that woman, Betty Jo,” Chris said, his upper lip curling up in disdain. “What a stupid stereotypical Southern name. She’s got some nerve. Coming here demanding we all hop to for her.”

“Did you give her the packet your mother had prepared?”

“I didn’t. She came at me the wrong way about it. Pissed me off. I told she’d have to wait until the next morning, the same as everyone. I think my mother always suspected Betty Jo had something to do with Tilly’s death but couldn’t prove anything.”

“Oh, really?” That was some big news. Could Linda have written it in her notes to Betty

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