Haunted Renovation Mystery 1 - Flip That Haunted House (17 page)

“I wondered when you’d show up.” Suzie
giggled.

“Carolyn just told me and I drove as fast as
I could. What happened?”

“They took him in for questioning, but my
daughter just called and said they’ve already let him go.”

I felt defeated. Back to square one. “Why
did they let him go so quickly?

“I don’t know, darlin’. I’m just thankful
she’s good at keeping me updated.”

“You’re daughter is wonderful…just like you.
I don’t know what I’d do without you. Heck, I’d probably be nuts by
now.”

“Just keep buying candles and we’ll be
even.”

I winked, then chuckled. “I shouldn’t have
any problems with that. If the lights go out at my house I’m set
for the next ten years, straight.”

“Speaking of buying and customers, have you
heard from Julia Cooper?”

Should I mention that I thought I saw Julia?
No, I decided to keep it to myself. Maybe it was just my
imagination.

“Thankfully, no. After she informed me about
her husband being a ladies’ man and airing all their dirty laundry,
I figure the less I talked to her, the better. Although, I’m
working on the project as fast as I can to get her out of my hair.
She creeps me out.” I sniffed a blueberry muffin scented
candle.

“Like I told you, any woman who’d look his
way, he chased after. The filthy two-timer.” Suzie scowled and
shook her head in disapproval.

“Let me know if you find out anything
else.”

I paid for another candle I didn’t need and
stuffed the change in my purse.

“You’re getting quite the collection.”

She handed me the bag.

“I’m addicted, and I think I need a
twelve-step program.”

“Nothing wrong with candles,” she said.

“Bye-bye.” I waved, then stepped outside the
store.

Sounds muted around me. The only noise was
the beating of my heart. My fingers released and the bag fell from
my hand. I let out a gasp. A smashed car window on my car greeted
me. I moved closer and examined the broken glass. What the heck? A
brick rested on the seat—the source of the damage. I needed to call
the police.

Should I touch the evidence? This was no
accident. White paper with scribbling covered half of the light tan
colored brick. I had to find out what it was. I unlocked the door,
opened it, and eased my hand around the shards of broken glass,
retrieving the brick. My suspicions were correct, I saw writing
through the thin paper. The note was attached by a thin, white
string. I glanced around to see if anyone watched, then unwrapped
the note from around the deadly weapon. In bold letters the words:
You’re next
jumped off the page. A chill rippled down my
spine. My mouth went dry and my pulse quickened.

I scrambled for the door and ran back inside
Sweet Suzie’s
,
stumbling through the threshold. Suzie looked
up with wide eyes.

“Call the police,” I mouthed.

Chapter Thirty

“Oh my dear.” She hurried to the phone as I
clutched my chest, trying to catch my breath.

This time, I had physical evidence. I could
prove someone wanted me dead. The note said so, for heaven’s sake.
Why did someone want to kill me? Things were getting worse and I
still didn’t have answers. But I intended to find out. No way would
I not put up a fight. Time ticked way for me to find the answers,
though. Soon, it would be too late. With shaking hands, Carolyn
dialed the police. I rushed over and stood beside her, wondering
what to do next. My stomach knotted with nerves.

Sheriff Bass showed up, instead of sending
one of his loyal cronies. He parked his cruiser to the rear of my
car, then took his time climbing out from behind the steering
wheel. He seemed less than interested though, with the familiar
I-don’t-give-a-damn glare in his eyes. Suzie and I watched from the
store window. After studying the damage for a couple of minutes, he
sauntered in.

“Where’s the evidence?” He pulled out a
cigarette, put the smoke to his lips, then lit it.

“Here.” I handed him the brick.

“You shouldn’t have touched it.”

There was no pleasing this man. “Sorry. I
didn’t know.”

“Did you tamper with it, Suzie?” He
asked.

“No, Chester. I’m not messin’ with any of
your business, don’t worry.”

He pulled out a bag marked
evidence
from his pocket and dumped the brick and note in it with barely a
glance. I’m surprised he even bothered.

“So let me get this straight...” He puffed
smoke from his cigarette into my face. “You found this brick in
your car and the note tied around it?”

I glanced at the
No Smoking
sign
displayed on the window. He didn’t seem to notice or care.

He held up the bag containing the brick and
the note. You got it, Sherlock.

“Yes, that’s what happened.” My mouth
twitched. “Are you going to take the brick for fingerprints?” I
glared at him.

Could they get fingerprints from it? I had
no idea.

“I’ll see what I can do,” he said with a
cynical tone.

What a jerk. Even with the evidence in his
hands, he thought I threw the brick in my own window. I knew by
that look in his eyes.

“What about me being threatened? Aren’t you
going to take that seriously?”

“I don’t think anyone really wants to hurt
you. Just scare you, that’s all.”

“Well, it’s working.” I frowned.

“Plus, we don’t have the manpower to watch
you twenty-four hours a day. Sorry.” He wheeled around and strolled
out the door, not even saying goodbye.

“Don’t worry, sweetheart.” She patted my
arm.

That was easy for her to say, no one wanted
her six feet under.

“I’ll call someone to fix your
windshield.”

She picked up the phone and I sat in the
chair next to the counter, resting my head in my hands.

***

That night, I needed a long, hot bath. I
poured my favorite scented bubble bath under the streaming water,
and then lit candles all around. The scent filled the room and I
slipped into the water, took a deep breath, and exhaled. As I
soaked in the tub, letting the suds soothe my aching muscles, my
mind churned over all of the facts…the brick through my window. Of
course, anyone would have access to a brick. But, it was new,
without mortar, like the ones found at a construction site. It was
the same style brick popping up on so many houses around town, not
at all unlike the ones surrounding the houses on Maple Hill Road.
Come to think of it, Reed’s house had those bricks, as well.

Payne’s partner, Ron Spencer, certainly had
access. Could he have driven by and thrown the brick after being
released from jail? It was definitely possible. Of course, there
was also Nick Patterson, the custodian. After all, he had slipped
around the building and had been watching me. I saw him with my own
eyes. Why else would he stalk me unless he wanted to kill me? And
last, but definitely not least, Julia Cooper. Was she a killer? Or,
just cold and heartless? Obviously, she was bitter over her
husband’s infidelity. Was she involved with Nick Patterson? No
question about it, though, whoever did it had been brave to
vandalize during the day without the cover of darkness. Brave or
crazy.

After toweling off, I slipped on my
sweatpants and a t-shirt. A chill settled in the room, so I flipped
the switch on the fireplace and watched the flames dance to life. I
plopped down in my overstuffed chair in front of the crackling
flames. With paper in hand, I scribbled down all the clues swimming
around in my head regarding Payne Cooper’s murder. I felt I could
tolerate the ghost for now, but my top priority was to find the
killer. My life may depend on it. Unless the ghost started throwing
bricks and chasing me with cars, he would have to wait.

Doubts about Sheriff Bass’ competency stayed
in my mind. He lacked professionalism and morals. I needed to know
who owned the blue sedan and he wouldn’t help me find them, that
much was evident. Someone in town had to know the owner. I made a
note to ask Suzie about the car—not sure why I hadn’t thought of it
sooner. Better late than never, I guess.

The next morning when I arrived at my
flipper house, the roof was full of activity. The workers tossed
the old shingles to the ground and I ducked as I hurried inside. I
didn’t recognize the men, nor did I see Reed. I’d made it halfway
through the house into the parlor when a strange energy surrounded
me. What it was I had no idea, but an eerie presence shrouded the
space. My eyes followed movement in the corner of the room. I
tilted my head for a better view, then froze. A shadowy figure
approached, gliding in my direction and I let out a gasp. The shape
was clear—a man. No doubt about it. He appeared cloudy, but it was
definitely a man. His features were not completely distinguishable,
but he had a shape. The wall was visible through him, as if he was
a static-filled black and white station not quite in focus.

A glowing aura surrounded him. I couldn’t
believe my eyes. My hair stood up on the back of my neck as I
watched. He lifted his arm, then pointed toward the front of the
house. What did he want? I stared at the form in silence. My mouth
opened, but I remained speechless. My body frozen, I didn’t dare
move an inch. Without notice, the form disappeared and I was alone
once again. Tremors marched up and down my spine. I’d seen a
full-bodied apparition. Sam and the gang would be jealous when they
found out.

Silence enveloped the room, the only noise
the thump of my excited heart. I panted, trying to catch my breath,
still not believing what I saw. As I stood there, transfixed, the
sound of movement on the roof snapped me from my spell. I’d almost
forgotten any living souls were around. Reed and his crew were
unaware of the supernatural events taking place inside. Not that
Reed would believe it anyway. I took a few calming breaths and
walked out onto the veranda.

I sat on the step and listened to the sounds
of hammering echo down from the roof. Dust churned from the flying
debris and I stared at the dirty porch, allowing my mind to wrap
around the ghostly scene I’d witnessed. Reed and his crew worked,
but what about me? It was as if I was stuck, unable to move ahead
and make any real progress. The death of Payne and the ghosts in
the house had left a cloud over my head, obstructing me from moving
forward on my flipper project. I had to succeed…at least once in my
life. Unless I snapped out of this mess, it would never happen.

With a new determination, I jumped up,
brushed off my pants, and marched to the Volvo. It was time for me
to get down to business. I had my list of suspects, and notes on
all of them. No more excuses. I needed to do my darnedest to find
out who the killer was. If I went to Payne Cooper’s office, maybe
somehow I could find a clue as to who killed him. The police had
already searched, but the way the investigation was going under
Sheriff Bass’ supervision, I wasn’t entirely convinced about their
abilities to solve any crime—much less this one. Rosewood lacked in
the civil services department, in my opinion.

I zoomed down the road, looking longingly at
The Home Depot—the paint samples and light fixture sections made my
heart go pity-pat—as I passed. As I drove through town, an idea
popped in my head. I fumbled for my phone and dialed Carolyn’s
number with one hand while steering with the other. Perhaps she
could provide more insight into the spirit or spirits inside the
house, since it seemed now he was attempting contact. I’d try Lacey
too and get her take on it. Even with her injury, I definitely
didn’t want to leave her out. Carolyn’s line rang several times,
but no answer. Maybe she was raking leaves or had gone to town. She
mentioned getting up with the chickens every morning; she’d
probably gotten an early start. With a farm like hers, I didn’t
blame her. All right, I wouldn’t roll out of bed that early, but I
could see why she would. I’d try her again later.

During the drive to Payne’s office, I hardly
noticed the sun peer out from behind the clouds, selective rays
peeking through. My cell rang. I turned down the radio and picked
up.

“You need to call me.”

“What are you talking about, Mama?”

“I’m talkin’ about me worrying myself sick
about you. Obviously, there’s a killer out there somewhere. Maybe
they’ll think you’re helping the police and come after you.”

“If they know Rosewood Police Department,
they’ll know they aren’t asking for my help.” I snorted.

“Your daddy and I talked about it and think
you should come home for a while. Just until they find the killer,
of course.”

No way. I’d almost prefer the killer find
me.

“I can’t do that, Mama. I have the house to
fix up. I’m fine, I promise.” Except for people following me and a
car trying to run over me. I’d omit those minor details from the
conversation.

“Well, your daddy and I will have to come
live with you then.”

No, no, no, no.

“That’s not necessary.” I had to think of a
plausible reason they couldn’t come. And fast. “The police are
watching me.” Not a complete lie. They probably were watching me,
just not for the reason I implied.

“Oh, well, all right. But…that isn’t
enough.”

“Not enough? Mama, they have guns.”

“Well, so does Daddy.”

“Listen, I have to run, Mama. I’m going into
a meeting.”

“What kind of meeting?”

“I’ll call you.” I hung up before she could
say another word. Disaster averted. For now.

I glanced down at my watch. It was a quarter
to nine when I pulled into the parking lot. I wanted to get there
early, before tons of people started their workday.

As I walked away from my car, I glanced back
and cringed at the dents and scratches—battle wounds some would
call them. A tall gray-haired man in a wrinkled suit brushed by and
nodded. I smiled back. Did I look suspicious to him? I turned
around and caught him watching me over his shoulder. People were so
nosy. Move along, sir, nothing to see here. I stuffed my cell phone
in my pocket and looked around one last time. I didn’t see a
another soul, and the man drove off, so I continued my trek. If I
didn’t want to be caught snooping around, I’d have to hurry. A
shiver prickled the hair on the back of my neck when I thought back
to my discovery of Payne. It felt strange to be back there in the
daylight—after that night.