Double Scoop of Murder by Lena Gregory

Author:Lena Gregory
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: romantic mystery, food mystery, culinary cozy mystery
Publisher: Gemma Halliday Publishing

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Dejected that we hadn't been able to search the Crumbholtz property, we'd piled back into Gwen's Jeep and headed to the dock where the event registration had taken place.

"You know what?" Eli hopped out of the back seat, all vim and verve. "If anything, I'd bet the treasure is actually secreted on the Crumbholtz property somewhere. Since we're only up to the second clue, maybe this one is still on public land."

"Could be." But I wasn't that optimistic. I squinted against the midday sun to where a lone figure sat on a decaying wooden bench at the end of the dock, looking out over the bay. If the sun's reflection off his bald head was any indication, I thought we might have found Ike Turner. I hurried toward him. "Ike?"

The figure turned and then stood and waved when he saw me coming. "Hey, there. Dani, right? From that cute little café in town?"

"Yes. I'm so glad I found you." I ran a quick scan from his head to his toes. Everything seemed to be intact. "Are you all right?"

"Right as rain." He frowned. "Why wouldn't I be?"

I gestured for him to return to his seat and sat down next to him. Together, we watched the seagulls scream and dive, a few boats stream across the horizon, and the gentle lap of the waves against the rotting wooden boards. "Francine came into the café this morning, and she was worried sick. She was looking for you at the high school, and she couldn't find you."

He dragged his bushy white brows together in a thick line. "Why would she think I went there?"

"In search of the second clue."

"Oh, right." He lowered his gaze to his lap. "Ah, man. I really messed up."

"What do you mean?"

He waved it off. "It doesn't matter now. Anyway, I came here to look for the next clue, but by the time I walked this far, I needed to sit for a minute."

I looked around the small gravel and seashell lot but didn't see any other vehicle besides Gwen's Jeep. "You walked all the way down here?"

He shrugged. "Sure. Why not? I couldn't leave Frannie without the van, and I just…well, I needed a minute is all."

I reached for his hand, gripped it in mine. No way would I believe this man had killed anyone. Nor would I let him know his wife had mentioned their argument or his feelings of inadequacy. "Francine sat with me and had a cup of tea. She said you were searching for the next clue to the whereabouts of the treasure, so when she didn't find you at the football field, she grew concerned. But, while we were talking, she told me all about your van life and how much she loves every minute of it. I can only hope I find love like that one day. You're both very fortunate."

"You're right. We are." Tears shimmered in his eyes, darkening his lashes, and he shook his head. "Sometimes I forget how blessed we truly are.

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