Murder in the Mist (18 page)

The EMT scooted the gurney to the edge of the ambulance. Bryan Cole helped lower it to the ground, while Dr. Musuyo unzipped the bag and folded the sides away to expose the corpse’s face.

Louis Castle’s eyes rolled upward. His knees sagged, and he slumped to the driveway in a dead faint. Joe Manfred clasped both hands over his mouth and raced toward the grassy area, where he bent forward and retched.

Sybella sobbed. “Oh, m’god…oh, m’god. It’s her. It’s Daisy. What the hell happened?”

Mitch nodded, and Dr. Musuyo closed the bag.

“You are verifying that the body you’ve just seen is that of Daisy Fuller?”

Sybella flailed her hands up and down like a bird trying to fly. “Yes. I’ve known Daisy for three years. It’s her, all right.”

“Thank you, Ms. Dauzat. Dr. Musuyo, this young lady appears to have poison ivy. Would you mind looking after her, once you’ve awakened Mr. Macho from his faint?” Mitch added, to Sybella again, “For now, you and your friends are free to return to Bangor. I’ll notify local law enforcement that you’re part of a murder investigation. My suggestion is not to plan any sudden out-of-town trips.”

“Wait, are you saying we’re suspects? That’s just plain bullshit.”

Mitch looked intently at the woman. “Ms. Dauzat, if you were suspects, you and your two buddies would be in handcuffs and on the way to my jail.”

Chapter Twenty-Two

Ranger Dorsey approached Mitch to hand him three clear bags, each containing a plastic coffee cup. “I did as you asked and labeled each cup with a separate name.” She grinned. “Makes me feel like a super sleuth.”

“Good job, Ranger.” Mitch in turn handed the bags to Dr. Musuyo.

The doctor choked on his laughter. “You know obtaining DNA without permission isn’t legal.”

“You think those three would have willingly volunteered? If DNA points fingers at any of them, we’ll plead forgiveness later.”

“You’re my kind of lawman, Mitch. I’ll call you when I’m ready to perform the autopsy.”

Mitch watched Sybella Dauzat herd Louis and Joe to an old beat-up hippie camper van. He turned to Bryan Cole. “If one or all of them murdered Daisy Fuller, how would they have dumped the body in the blow hole without being seen or without the waves washing it out to sea before the geyser erupted?”

“If they’d dumped the body, it would have floated, and you’re correct, the waves would have washed it out to sea.” Bryan extended his arm and pointed. “There’s a long oceanside walking trail. It’s about a mile and a half directly north from the parking lot—from their campsite an easy three-mile round-trip hike. The trails are rustic, but easy traveling. Like I said before, there’s a small cavern inside Thunder Hole’s inlet. Anyone familiar with getting to the beach area might risk going inside the cavern on calm days. But with the storm we had a few nights ago, the waves against the rocks would be treacherous. I seriously doubt the yokels who just left would have had that kind of balls.”

“Uh-huh, I have to agree with you.” Mitch thought for a moment. “What about locals familiar with the cavern? You ever have to chase them away?”

“Honestly, we recommend our guests do the walk along the coast because of its beauty. As for locals, on a calm day, there’s always the daredevils. We do our best to keep everyone safe.”

Mitch said, “What else is on your mind, Ranger Cole?”

“Just a theory. It she was murdered, it is possible the killer rowed the body out to sea, hoping the sharks would destroy the evidence. But, with the storm, waves could have actually washed the body toward shore and inside the cavern. The tides were right for that type of action to take place.”

Mitch shook hands with the senior ranger. “It’s a theory worth considering. I don’t envy you the paperwork that’s ahead of you. ’Preciate your help today. And, if you notice anything out of the ordinary, keep me posted.”

Bryan Cole nodded his agreement. He turned his attention to Laura. “Good seeing you again, Laura. My offer to show you the park, with a picnic lunch, still stands.”

She glanced at Mitch, who winked his approval. She patted her leg. “I’m not much good with hikes.”

Bryan opened the patrol car’s door for Laura. “Hey, not a problem. That’s why we have ATVs. If the park’s not in your near future, how about dinner? Restaurant of your choice.”

Mitch looked over Bryan’s shoulder to waggle his eyebrows at her.

She climbed inside and grabbed the seatbelt. “Sure, give me a call, and we’ll figure it out.”

Bryan shut the door and stepped back. She waved as Mitch walked around the car and got into the driver’s seat. He turned the ignition, shifted into gear, and pulled away from the curb.

Sitting in silence until they cleared the entrance gate, Laura frowned over at Mitch. “Why are you playing matchmaker?”

He faked surprise. “Me? Matchmaking? Never.”

“Then, what was up with the snarky grin and waggling eyebrows?”

“Bryan is a nice guy, and you are a beautiful, workaholic woman who needs a little fun in your life.”

“Can we change the subject? Do you really think someone from Cole Harbor killed Daisy Fuller?”

Mitch removed his cap and set it on the console. “Right now, I’m not ruling out the possibility. How well does your aunt know locals who live on the fringes of the park?”

“It’s a small town. Everyone knows everyone else’s business. Do you have a specific person in mind?”

“Just those who live on the fringes of the park, and in close proximity to the oceanside walking trail.”

“Tonight is the Friday Sisters Book Club meeting. When those ladies get together, they gabble for hours. I’ll ask tomorrow to see when it’s convenient for you to come over.”

He nodded. The rest of the drive was in silence. Laura determined from the working of his jaw and the serious expression on his face that he was thinking about the case.

****

Laura thought about Bryan Cole. A man with ancestral ties to Cole Harbor, he’d left for a while to do a stint in the Navy, then returned to pursue a career that kept him close to home. He didn’t have the same rugged handsomeness as Mitch. With Mitch there was an element of danger which excited her. She’d only met Bryan twice, but he appeared cool under fire. Slightly bland. A nice smile, kind eyes. Steady. Maybe too steady.

Comparing Mitch to Bryan was like comparing a stallion to a carriage horse. She dismissed this ridiculous train of thought. There was no way she was falling for either one, because she’d never met a man who made her feel worthy of being loved. She was destined to live alone. And that was that.

“How’s your leg?”

Lost in thought, she hadn’t realized how fast the ride had gone. “Huh? Oh, we’re here. My leg… It’s okay.”

“We missed lunch. Let’s grab a bite before I take you home. My treat.”

She didn’t want to admit how badly her leg ached. All she wanted was to prop it up with an ice pack. “How about a rain check? I need to get the pictures to Dr. Musuyo, and I’d like to transcribe my notes before they get cold. Is there any information in the news article you want me to hold back?”

He reached over to squeeze her hand. “We won’t know for certain if Daisy Fuller was murdered or if she committed suicide until Doc performs the autopsy. You’re a good reporter. I trust you to keep it neutral. Print a few pictures. Nothing like seeing a dead body to rattle a perp’s cage.”

“So you’re about ninety-five percent certain it’s murder?”

“Pretty close, Friday.”

Mitch slowed the car. He pulled in front of the bookstore. “It’s dark inside. I thought you said there was a meeting tonight.”

“A different member hosts each month. Tonight it’s at Maudie’s house.”

“I’ll walk with you to the back entrance to make sure you’re safe.”

A chill rippled over her as they went around the corner. “Mitch, as farfetched as this might sound, is it possible that after a ten-year hiatus the person who killed Lynnette Braswell also murdered Daisy?”

“Our thoughts are running on the same track, Friday. It’s possible.”

“Are you attending the autopsy?”

“Part of my job. You?”

“Umm, no. Not even if you were to approve me as a civilian to observe. I’m tough, but my stomach isn’t.”

Mitch laughed. “I’ll call you when the report is in. G’night.”

She opened the door and switched on the outside light. “I think I’ll have a motion detector light installed. I don’t like the idea of Aunt Philly in a dark alley, either.”

“I’m not leaving until you shut the door and I hear the lock click.”

She smiled as she turned the lock.

Chapter Twenty-Three

A week had passed since the discovery of the body at the park. The fervor over pictures of Daisy Fuller inside a body bag, with the article that also included a story about the identity of the skeleton, had died down. Laura immersed herself in the campaign of launching Cole Harbor beyond the borders of Maine.

The chime over the office door caused her to look up from the computer. “Good morning, may I help you?”

A teenager stood just inside the door as if unsure whether or not to enter the office. With a smile, Laura prompted, “It’s okay. I don’t bite.”

Taking cautious steps, the teen came to stand in front of Laura’s desk. “How much to place an ad in your paper?”

Tall, skinny, short wispy blonde hair, overly large eyes against a gaunt face—except for the imperceptible breasts, Laura almost mistook her for a young boy. “It depends on the number of words.” She offered the girl a seat. “What’s your name?”

“Amy Osmond. I want to place an ad for a handyman job for the summer. I’ve looked everywhere. No one wants to hire a kid.”

“How old are you?

“Sixteen.”

“School is out. Shouldn’t you be enjoying the summer?”

A loud rumble from her stomach caused a blush to redden the girl’s cheeks. Laura pushed from her chair. She glanced at her watch and indicated the corner of the office. “Why don’t you pour us a cup of coffee. I take two creams in mine. If you’ll excuse me, I’ll be right back.”

Before Amy could react, Laura hurried out the door and to her aunt’s bookstore. “Aunt Philly, what can you tell me about the Osmond family?”

Phyllis raised her eyebrows in curiosity. “Yves Osmond was a crabber. The boat he was working on went down in a storm about three years ago. He drowned and left a wife and four children. Helen is a waitress at the Silly Lobster. I believe it’s all she can do to make ends meet. Why?”

“Amy Osmond is in my office wanting to place an ad in the paper for a handyman job. Says no one is hiring.”

Phyllis tsked. “That’s why the young people leave Cole Harbor. There’s no job base. Shame.”

“I’ve got to get back.” She walked to the tea room section of the bookstore and bought two blueberry muffins. “See you, later, Maudie. Bye, Aunt Philly.”

Back at her office, Laura placed one of the muffins in front of her young customer. “It’s about time for my morning snack. While we eat, tell me what kinds of jobs you’re willing to do.”

She was correct in her assessment. The girl was hungry. Amy apologized for wolfing down the muffin. “Sorry. I missed breakfast this morning.” She continued, “I’ll do most anything—mow yards, clean gutters, wash windows, pull weeds. That sort of thing. I have three brothers and a sister, all younger than me. Now that I’m old enough, I want to help take the strain off my mama.” She hesitated. “I’m stronger than I look, and I’m not lazy.”

Laura opened a desk drawer and removed the phone book. She flipped through the pages until she found the number for the National Park’s office, then dialed. “Senior Ranger Bryan Cole, please. Laura Friday calling.”

When he answered, Laura explained her reason for contacting him. “I’m hoping you have a position available for my young friend.”

“I might have, that is, if you’re willing to do me a favor in return.”

Laura wasn’t sure she liked the mischievous tone in his voice. “And what would that be?”

“Lunch or dinner, your choice, this Friday. My treat.”

Looking at the desperation on Amy’s face, Laura tapped her fingers against the desk. She supposed it was a small price to pay for helping the teen. “Make it lunch. I’ve promised Aunt Philly to attend her book club meeting.”

She listened to the details. “Hold a minute, and let me ask.”

“Amy, Senior Ranger Cole has a part-time position working in the park’s concession. It’s yours if you have transportation.”

The girl’s face brightened. She clasped her hands together. “Ayuh. I know a shortcut to the park.”

Laura spoke into the phone. She didn’t smile. “Done deal. Pick me up at noon.”

The chime over the door drew their attention. Laura smiled at Mitch. “Amy, this is Deputy Sheriff Mitch Carter. Mitch, congratulate Amy. She begins work at the park on Monday.”

Before Mitch could say anything, Laura turned a concerned frown toward the girl. “Amy, it’s a long ride to the park on a bicycle, and longer if you’re walking. Are you sure you can get to work by 8 a.m.? I can call Ranger Cole back to see if he’s willing to let you come in at eight-thirty or even nine.”

“Yes, ma’am, eight is okay. You see, I live on the fringe of the park. If I take the shortcut up the trail to the skyline, it’s an easy fifteen-minute walk. If we’re not on our bicycles, we Osmonds walk everywhere. One day, I’m gonna own a car.”

She rose and thanked Laura for the muffin, and for the job. “Nice meetin’ ya, Deputy. I gotta go tell mama the good news.”

Mitch offered a dazzling smile. “Congratulations, Amy. Let me ask, do you know most of the people who live on the mountain and close to the park?”

“Sure do. I mean, don’t know ’em personally, just who they are.”

He glanced over to Laura, who returned a knowing look.

“Would you mind pointing out the ones whose houses are visible? I’d sure appreciate it.”

Amy said, “Sure. C’mon.”

Mitch and Laura followed the girl outside and across the street to the grassy area. She pointed. “There’s the Lighthouse B&B, the yellow house is where the Robbinses live, and over there where you can barely see the tip of the roof is the Quincys. They’re summer people. Rich, too. You can’t see my house. It’s hidden in the trees more to the north.” She named off several other people and pointed to their homes. “That’s about it.”