Overboard on the Ocean by Ellen Jacobson

Author:Ellen Jacobson [Ellen Jacobson]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Ellen Jacobson
Published: 2021-04-14T00:00:00+00:00

* * *

After we all spent a few moments reflecting on the mistakes we had made in our past, Herbert made an observation about how calmly we had discussed Fletcher’s murder.

“This isn’t the first time that Mollie has been involved in this sort of thing,” Penny said wryly.

“Scooter seems to have ice in his veins too,” Herbert said.

Penny looked at Scooter. “Hey, he’s right. You’re as cool as a cucumber. Usually, you look like you’re going to pass out when anyone so much as mentions blood, let alone murder. What’s happened?”

“I’d like to know the answer to that too,” I said. “I bought tons of chocolate at the library, and he’s barely touched it.”

“That’s a sure-fire sign that your husband has been replaced,” Penny joked. “I’ve never known Scooter not to consume chocolate like it’s going out of style when you’re investigating a murder.”

“You do this professionally?” Herbert asked. When I shook my head, he said, “Then why are you involved?”

“That’s a good question,” I said. “To be honest, Scooter is the one who has been leading the charge on this one.”

Scooter arched an eyebrow. “Hey, you were the one who wanted to go on the cruise so you could find out what happened between Herbert and Fletcher.”

“Going on the cruise is different from investigating murder,” I pointed out.

“Hang on a minute,” Herbert said. “What did you mean when you said you wanted to know what happened with Fletcher and me?”

Scooter and I exchanged glances. When we both started to speak at the same time, Scooter smiled. “Ladies first.”

“Well, there were all these rumors that Fletcher had embezzled money from your company.”

I paused, waiting to see how Herbert would respond. When he didn’t say anything, Scooter jumped in. “Mollie was surprised when she found out that the two of you were still partners.”

Herbert nibbled on a gingersnap. “These are good,” he said to Penny.

“I got them at the Sugar Shack,” she said.

“Oh, yeah? I’ll have to check it out.”

“It’s on Main Street—” Penny started to say.

Frustrated with the change of topic, Scooter interrupted. “Basically, Mollie wanted to find out why you were still working with someone who stole money from you. She couldn’t understand why you would work with someone as crooked as Fletcher. Unless . . .”

“Unless I was crooked too?” Herbert said dryly.

“No, that’s not what I’m saying,” Scooter said.

“You wouldn’t be the first person to think that. My reasons for sticking with Fletcher are complicated. They’re also private.” Herbert stood and brushed crumbs off his pants. “I think it’s time I went.”

“We’re not trying to pry,” I said.

“Really? Isn’t that exactly what you’re doing?” Herbert asked sharply before looking at Penny. “Thank you for your hospitality.”

“Sure thing,” she said. “Let me know if you want any more information about moving your boat to Coconut Cove.”

Herbert fixed his gaze on Scooter and me. “I’m not sure if that’s on the agenda anymore.”

“Okay, well if you change your mind, you know where to find me,” she said.

He nodded, then stepped off the boat onto the dock.

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