Murder in partway cove, p.7
Murder in Partway Cove, page 7
Rose signed, but Pearl was reluctant. Gently, Kate reassured her it would not be used without her permission unless Kelli did something else. Pearl finally signed.
Kate handed one copy to Rose. “Here, you keep one, and I’ll keep the other.”
After Pearl left the kitchen, Kate said: "She's not her usual self today."
"No, it really rocked her, I think. Thanks for doing this, Kate."
When Kate called the following day to ask how Pearl was doing, Rose said things were better. Captain was back from Halifax, and when he heard about the incident, he had a long talk with Pearl. He said he respected her opinion, but it was better to leave Kelli alone.
"He also said that he admired a woman as feisty as Pearl. Mom was flattered, and the two of them are getting along just fine. So far. I'm always worried it won't last, but happy while it does. Mom is saying nothing more about talking to Marty, and I hope that idea is dead now."
Chapter 14
The rest of the week passed quietly, now that Pearl had dropped the idea of talking to Marty. Kate turned her mind to her own problem, which was what to do next with her life. She toyed with thoughts of travelling for a while - Italy and Portugal were appealing destinations.
When they married, Glen had urged a joint bank account, but fortunately, she had resisted that. While she paid half of their mutual expenses, which she considered fair, she kept control of her own money and had saved and invested well. If she was careful, that would give her some precious time before she needed to find another job. Partway Cove was her haven for the moment, but it wasn't in any way a permanent solution. November was little more than a week away before she either paid Nellie for another month or moved on. Perhaps she'd stay through November and then go to her parents for December and Christmas. They always wintered in Florida, and it would be sunny and warm.
Thinking of her parents made her feel guilty. She hadn't been in touch with them for a couple of weeks now. After she left Glen, she called to tell them, and to say that she was in Nova Scotia while she thought things through. She had been a little shocked that they expressed no surprise at her decision to leave Glen. Her mother had said, "I'm glad. You'll find the right path.", while her father had simply said "We love you. Come and see us when you can.". Thinking of them now, she realised they had known long before she did that her marriage was a mistake, but they respected her choice and had not interfered.
"That's what we'll do," she told Percy. "We'll stay another month and then drive down to Florida for a sunny Christmas."
Percy opened his eyes, blinked, stretched, and wandered to inspect his food dish. Finding it inadequate, he meowed.
"Right. I'm coming."
She opened a can and spooned it into his dish.
But after Florida, then what? And what will I do while I'm here? Maybe I should go to Florida sooner. Well, I don't need to decide anything today.
She picked up the travel book on Italy and curled up in the armchair. Percy had finished eating and sat in the sunshine on the carpet in front of the window, grooming himself meticulously. She leafed through the photos, stopping to read a little about each region. It seemed like one should allow a lot of time to really enjoy it all.
She put the book down and stretched, yawning. Time to get some fresh air.
She walked for about half an hour, when she met Danh, returning from his walk.
"May I walk along with you?" Kate asked.
Danh inclined his head, almost a bow. "I would be pleased of your company."
Kate moved beside him, and they walked in silence for a few minutes. Danh spoke first. "You are still here. Will you stay for the winter? I warn you; it can be very cold."
"It's cold enough in winter in Ontario where I lived."
"Lived?"
"Yes. I've finished there. Making a new start."
"Ah. I see."
Silence again, then he said, "New starts can be difficult, but sometimes not as difficult as the past one leaves behind."
Kate looked at him. "Without prying, I am guessing that you had some difficult times before coming here."
"I did. But I am here now and content."
Kate sensed that was all he was willing to tell. They walked in silence again. Oddly enough, it was not awkward. Danh carried an air of self-assurance, and Kate felt no need to make idle conversation, simply to fill a void.
As they came abreast of the diner, Danh said, "I must leave you here. Thank you for the company."
On impulse, Kate asked, "Would you mind if I joined you on your walk another day?"
"It would be a pleasure. Whenever you want. I usually leave here around 2:30, after lunches are finished."
She smiled. "Thank you. Then I shall join you one day soon."
TWO DAYS LATER, KATE waited outside the diner at 2:30. Danh appeared from around the back.
"Ah, you are joining me today."
"Yes, if that's alright?"
"I am pleased to see you."
They started off again with a comfortable silence between them. It was colder today, and Kate had needed to find her gloves before setting out.
Presently, Danh asked, "Have you decided to stay on for a while?"
"I haven't decided yet. I'm thinking about options. One is to stay here until the end of November, then drive to Florida, where my parents spend the winter."
"Ah yes. They are called snowbirds, are they not? People who escape the cold by going south to the United States."
"That's right. They've been doing that since my father retired a few years ago. Mom was still working, but Dad convinced her to take early retirement."
"And they enjoy Florida?"
"They have, but Mom was saying that they may want to try somewhere else after this year. Do more travelling, maybe cruise."
"Ah. You will go to Florida while they are still there?"
"Yes, for Christmas."
"And you said you have other options you are considering?"
"Yes. I might travel to Europe before I go to Florida. I have an urge to visit Italy or Portugal. Now is a good time to do that before I have to get back to work."
"I, too, would like to see Europe. I have not been there yet. The diner keeps me here as I have no other chef to fill in for me."
"Could you close it while you are away?"
"I could, perhaps, in the winter when there are not as many tourists, but I would need to keep paying Rhonda and Betty. They should not suffer because I am away. That would be an expense with no income. I cannot afford it."
They walked a little longer before he asked, "Shall we turn back now?"
As they parted at Barney's, Kate asked, "Isn't there some sort of agency that finds replacement chefs for such a situation? It doesn't seem right that you don't get a break sometimes."
Danh smiled. "There may be. The truth is that I have not tried to find out. Perhaps I will."
Chapter 15
Kate could barely make out what Rhonda was saying.
"Hey, slow down. A dead body?"
"Yeah. Some golfers found the body of a woman on the golf course."
"That's horrible. Do they know who?"
"Dunno. Betty said the golfers came into Barney's this morning; all shook up. Betty couldn't get a straight story out of them, except that it was a woman, and her head was bashed in. They had called the police, who took down their names and contact info, and told them to stay here and they would follow up with them later."
"It's horrible," Kate repeated.
"For sure. Gotta go. Betty is going to need some support this morning. I'll let you know when I hear anything."
The phone sounded an hour later. It was Rose.
"Did you hear?"
"About the body on the golf course? Yes, Rhonda called."
"I can't believe it. We've never had a murder here. At least, not in my lifetime. It's all over the village."
"No idea who it is?"
"Not that I've heard. The golfers are at Barney's. Everyone's going there to find out what's going on. It's bedlam. I just dragged Mom home from there."
KATE HAD NO INTENTION of going anywhere near Barney's. She pitied Betty and Rhonda trying to cope with the crowd, and poor Danh. She hoped people were actually ordering food and drink, not just milling about.
When she went out for her afternoon walk, she went along the beach, wanting to avoid the diner and people. It was clear, but windy, and the waves frothed up onto the shore. When she returned, she saw she had missed a call from Rose.
"Hi Rose, you called?"
"It was Kelli!"
"What was?"
"The body."
"The dead woman was Kelli?"
"Yes. The police went to Barney's and told everyone except the staff and the golfers to leave. Rhonda said it couldn't happen fast enough for her—it had been a crazy morning. Then the police showed a photo of just the face and asked if anyone could identify her. Rhonda said it was definitely Kelli."
"Does Marty know?"
"Probably the police will tell him. He's in Halifax."
"I know. Poor guy. What a terrible thing to happen."
THERE WAS MUCH SPECULATION, but no one really knew anything. The police had interviewed people who knew Kelli, but in truth, most of the village knew who she was, had seen her about, but no-one really knew her, except perhaps at the golf club. She didn't mingle with the locals, unlike her gregarious husband.
There were many questions swirling. Had she been killed that morning or the night before? If in the morning, it must have been very early, since the first tee-offs took place at 8 am these days. And why would she have been there, anyway? Her lessons all took place in the afternoon. If the night before, what was she doing on the course after dark? Who was she with? And, of course, why was she killed? The village talked of little else, but no-one was particularly saddened by her death.
Kate thought it was a depressing commentary on a young life, but thought Marty would be grieving for her. He seemed to love his young wife, as unpleasant as she seemed to others. Marty hadn't been seen in the village since Kelli was found.
Kate got a frantic call from Rose two days after Kelli had been found.
"The police were here this morning, questioning Mom! She's really upset."
"Why your mom?"
"They heard that Mom had been threatening to speak to Marty about Kelli and the golf pro. I mean, it was inevitable. Mom told that to half the village. Anyway, she's beside herself. She thinks she's a suspect."
"That's silly. She had no reason to kill Kelli, even if she physically could. Which I don't think is possible. Pearl is tiny and old."
"I know." Rose hesitated. "Would you mind coming over and talking to her? Maybe she'd listen to another opinion beside mine."
"Sure. I don't know if I can help, but I'll try. I'll be there in a few minutes."
"Just let yourself in. Don't bother to knock."
KATE FOUND THEM IN the kitchen. Pearl was hunched over a cup of tea and didn't seem to notice her arrival. Rose was putting lunch together.
"Look Mom, Kate's here," said Rose. "You'll join us for lunch, Kate?"
"Love to, thanks."
Pearl looked up at Kate with red-rimmed eyes. She wiped them with a tissue and sniffed. "The police think I did it."
Kate sat down beside her and patted her shoulder. "Now, why would you think that?"
"They asked me about... you know."
"You mean that you planned to talk to Marty?"
Pearl sniffed again. "Yes."
"That doesn't give you a motive to kill Kelli. In fact, it would be the other way round. She was really angry with you that day."
Pearl shivered. "That policewoman kept asking me why I wanted to ruin Kelli's marriage. Asked me if I had a grudge against her. She kept on asking... I know she thinks I did it."
Kate looked at Rose. "Was there just one police officer here?"
"No, two. That one and a policeman. They weren't being nasty or anything, but Mom had made no secret of her intention and someone in the village told the police about it, I guess."
"Of course, they would have to follow up. Honestly Pearl, I think you're worrying for nothing. It would be different if they knew about the assault Kelli made on you. That would give them a motive. But only we three and Captain know about that."
There was silence. Kate said, "Oh no! Does someone else know?"
Rose spoke first. "Mom just couldn't keep it to herself. She told a couple of friends, didn't you, Mom? I just heard about it this morning."
Pearl started to tear up again. "Olive and Jean wouldn't tell anyone. I know they wouldn't."
"Ridiculous," snapped Rose. "Of course they'd repeat a nice juicy bit of gossip like that."
Kate intervened. "But Pearl, did the police mention anything about it?"
"No."
"But they will hear. I can guarantee that," Rose said. "Oh Mom, why can't you just use your head and stop talking?" She slammed a cupboard shut and stamped out of the kitchen.
Pearl looked at Kate, tears running down her face. "What shall I do?"
Kate got up and dampened a tissue. She handed it to Pearl. "Here, stop crying and wipe your face. Then we'll sit and talk, okay?"
She went in search of Rose and found her just coming out of the bathroom. "I'm so worried about her and she's her own worst enemy," Rose said.
"Come back into the kitchen and we'll all talk sensibly about this."
Pearl had stopped crying, but looked like she could erupt again at the slightest thing.
"Right," said Kate. "Let's all have a fresh cup of tea and talk calmly about everything."
Rose made the tea and brought 3 mugs to the table, removing the cold one that her mother was still clutching. Once she and Kate were seated, Rose said, "Okay, Kate, tell us what you think. You're not involved and are probably thinking more clearly than we are."
Kate sipped her tea and put the mug down. "Right. Let's just look at the facts." She looked at Pearl and raised her forefinger. "First, the police know about your intention to talk to Marty." She raised a second finger. "And we have to face the possibility that they will hear about Kelli slapping you. That cat's out of the bag."
Pearl sniffed and wiped her eyes. "I shouldn't have told anyone."
"Well, it's done, so let's move on." Kate raised a third finger. "When they hear about it, they could conclude that you have a motive for revenge, and you could be a suspect."
Pearl started to sob.
"Hear me out," Kate said and raised a fourth finger. "I don't think it is a strong motive. Kelli was much bigger and stronger than you. It seems unlikely that you could overpower her."
Pearl nodded. Kate continued. "What reason would you have to want to meet her? And why choose the golf course? Why would she agree to meet you? Doesn't make any sense."
Rose spoke up. "You're right. If Mom wanted to meet Kelli for any reason, although I can't think of one, why would she choose the golf course? And I can't see Kelli agreeing to meet her, anyway."
"Exactly. But turn it around. What if Kelli asked to meet Pearl?" She looked at Pearl. "Would you have gone?"
"No! I was afraid of her."
"There, you see. It's all very unlikely. The police aren't stupid. If they do hear about the slap, they'll have to talk to you again. But there's no likely scenario that would implicate you."
Rose said, "There, Mom. It's not a great situation, but what Kate says makes sense. Stop worrying."
"Easier said than done," Pearl said tartly, getting back some of her spunk. "But I'll try."
"Good, let's have lunch."
KATE DECIDED TO TREAT herself to another dinner at Barney's. Rhonda greeted her with her usual welcoming smile. "White wine?"
"Please."
Rhonda brought the wine and the menu, and said, "I'm glad to see you. Can we talk later?"
"Of course."
"What would you like tonight? The special is finished, but the fish and chips are good."
"Perfect. That's not something I'd make for myself."
Wonder what she wants to talk about? Sounded mysterious.
Kate sat back after finishing her dinner and sipped the last of the glass of wine. Rhonda appeared with another. "On the house. I'll just see to the last of these folks, and I'll come and sit with you."
Kate watched Rhonda as she produced the bills and took payments, always efficient, always pleasant. As the door closed behind the last customers, she brought a glass of her own and sat across from Kate.
"So? Something's wrong?"
Rhonda nodded. "It's Natalie. She's in an awful state. Someone told her about Logan and Kelli."
"I'm surprised she didn't already know."
"Natalie is one of those innocent people. She never gossips. I mean, of course she'll talk about people and things that have happened in the village, but I've never heard her say a bad word about anyone. She says she had no idea about Kelli."
Kate told Rhonda what she had heard in the salon.
"See, that's what I mean. She just believed that he had to work late. She never suspected anything," said Rhonda. "She came to me to ask if it was true. I didn't know what to say."
"Are you close to her?"
"Not really. Friendly like, and she does my hair, but she's quite a bit younger than me. She's not from Partway Cove. Neither is Logan. They came here when Logan got the golf pro job. I think they socialise with a younger crowd. But like I say, we're friendly."
"Why did she come to you?"
"She said that she thought I would know, being as I work in the restaurant and would hear people talk. Which is true. Anyway, she asked me to tell her the truth."
"And?"
"I told her that I had heard rumours, but I couldn't say if they were true. I hadn't seen anything with my own eyes."
"How did she take that?"
"She cried. You know she's pregnant?"
