Murder in the Sand (Inn Vermont Cozy Mysteries Book 5) by Thea Cambert

Author:Thea Cambert [Cambert, Thea]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Summer Prescott Books
Published: 2021-07-06T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 10

On Sunday morning, Rebecca and I had our early-morning coffee out on our balcony while Penny slept in.

“She had a rough night,” Rebecca said, closing the door softly behind her and pouring herself a mug from the carafe. “Rachel was one of her closest friends. This is just awful.”

“It might help bring closure if we can make sure whoever killed Rachel is brought to justice,” I said.

“I know we talked about this last night . . . But we’re sure it wasn’t just an accident, right? I mean, we’re absolutely sure she wasn’t electrocuted in her bathtub?”

“We won’t know that positively until after the coroner’s report comes in. But Jane doesn’t think that’s what happened.”

Rebecca nodded and swallowed. “I’ve always felt that I’m not brave enough—that I tend to stay on the sidelines, where it’s safe. But I want to help solve this thing, whatever that means.” She looked at me. “So where do we begin?”

The night before, Rebecca and I had ended up spending more time comforting Penny and listening to her stories about Rachel than planning our investigation. It was for the best. Penny needed to grieve, and we needed a clearer picture of the kind of person Rachel had been.

“We need to talk to Ken and try to find out what he and Hayley were arguing about on the beach.”

Rebecca yawned, then took another sip of hot coffee. “Hopefully he’ll be receptive to that conversation.”

After a little more caffeine therapy, the two of us quietly left to search for Ken.

“I know Ken’s family owns this inn and they have their own cottage on the grounds. Do you think that’s where Ken is staying?”

“I imagine so,” said Rebecca. “I think I remember Penny mentioning it.”

We emerged from our building into the lush gardens that surrounded the pool. The quaint cottage sat on the opposite side, down a little cobbled path through flower beds brimming with hydrangeas and beach roses. We didn’t even need to approach the cottage, though, because Ken was sitting alone by the pool, staring out at the water. We sat quietly down beside him.

“She came here early every morning,” he said, his eyes never leaving the water. “Never missed her morning swim. She asked me to go with her, but I always had some excuse.”

“I saw her out here yesterday morning,” I said. “She was quite an accomplished swimmer.”

Ken nodded. “She was.” His eyes filled with tears. “She asked me to swim with her yesterday, but I . . .” He shook his head.

“Why didn’t you?” Rebecca asked gently.

“I, uh, I’d been up late the night before. I slept in.” He put his head in his hands and I caught Rebecca’s eyes.

“That’s funny. I’m sure I saw you out on the beach early yesterday morning.”

Ken frowned at me. “What? No, I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“You were arguing with Hayley. Right out there, just down from the inn.” I pointed in the direction of the beach.

“No, I wasn’t. I don’t remember anything like that.

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