Sapphire Beach Cozy Mystery Collection by Angela K Ryan

Author:Angela K Ryan [Ryan, Angela K]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781734087659
Publisher: John Paul Publishing
Published: 2020-04-04T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 2

Connie pulled out the financial ledger first and flipped through the dusty pages. Judging from the name, "Natasha's Boutique" written across the top of the first page, it looked to be the financial records of the previous shop owner. Connie knew that the shop had formerly been a women's clothing store, and Natasha Orlov, the previous owner, had disappeared without a trace less than a year ago. But beyond that, she didn't know much about Natasha or her shop. Why would Natasha keep a hard copy of her financials when everyone seemed to use computer records these days?

Putting the ledger aside, Connie pulled out the pad of white-lined paper containing a to- do list. It was dated May twelfth, but there was no year. There were only a few items on the list - pick Victoria up at 5:00 PM, reorganize the storage area, call Mickey. Mickey must refer to Mickey Miranda, the shop's landlord.

The fourth and last item on the list read, "Confront accountant with findings." What did that mean? Could that be connected to the hand-written accounting ledger? Could there be a connection between a possible confrontation with an accountant and Natasha's disappearance?

Connie took a deep breath to stop her mind from jumping ahead and reminded herself that it could all be perfectly innocent.

Lastly, Connie pulled out the diary and ran her hands across the soft, brown leather. She scanned through a few entries and quickly realized it was personal, rather than work-related. She fished her phone out of the pocket of her blue jean capris and checked the time. She had to head home shortly to prepare for company, so she wouldn't have the time to read through it all, especially since she would have to turn it over the police.

Connie decided she had better call the police sooner rather than later. After all, if she had just discovered information that could help find Natasha, she shouldn't sit on it, not even until the next morning. But she also wanted to take a closer look. After all, she was now spending her days in the same shop Natasha had leased and would soon be in daily contact with the same people Natasha had known. Perhaps this proximity to her routine would provide her with some type of insight or perspective on Natasha's whereabouts. It couldn't hurt to at least be aware.

So, Connie snapped pictures of the to-do list and of each page of the financial ledger and journal to study them later, then placed everything back in the box.

Her first call was to her friend Elyse Miller to get some preliminary information. Elyse was the realtor who helped her get a great deal on this shop and had also quickly become a good friend. After explaining what she found, Elyse informed Connie that it was indeed last summer when Natasha went missing and that Victoria was her then-two-year-old daughter. That explained why to to-do list said to pick up Victoria at 5:00 PM.

Elyse's husband, Josh, a police detective, was off duty and with Elyse.

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