Chest of Secrets

  Chest of Secrets

  Sweefern Harbor Mystery #10

  Wendy Meadows

  Copyright © 2018 by Wendy Meadows

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, without prior written permission.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are a product of the author’s imagination. Locales and public names are sometimes used for atmospheric purposes. Any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, or to businesses, companies, events, institutions, or locales is completely coincidental.

  Printed in the United States of America

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Thanks for reading

  Be the First to Know

  About the Author

  Also by Wendy Meadows

  Chapter 1

  Diversified Guests

  The warm late spring air matched Brenda’s feelings of wellbeing. She and Mac sat outside in the backyard of Sheffield Bed and Breakfast and enjoyed the quiet lapping sounds of the nearby Atlantic Ocean. The framing for their new home gave pleasure to both. Brenda referred to it as their new cottage, but as plans formulated, both knew their new home would grow into a much larger, spacious structure.

  “It will be great to finally move into our own place, Mac. I’ve loved the apartment in the bed and breakfast, but we need this.”

  Mac shifted so his arm reached around his wife’s shoulder. “I’m looking forward to that, too, Brenda.” He paused, as if formulating his words. “Do you think we’re going too big with it?”

  “We have to look far ahead. If our bed and breakfast continues to be successful, this new structure could become a future annex. We’re turning guests away now because of lack of space.”

  Mac chuckled softly. “I do hope that’s in the faraway future. As for me, I want to live there with you for the rest of our lives.”

  They talked of the architecture Brenda and Rich Turner discussed. Brenda was adamant it should correlate with the 1890 Queen Anne she inherited from her uncle Randolph Sheffield. She watched every detail as Rich and his crew stripped down the summer house to emerge into the home of their dreams.

  Mac’s cell phone rang and he gave Brenda a regretful look. Detective Mac Rivers rarely caught moments when he could be totally alone with Brenda. She understood that his job was a demanding one, but Mac didn’t want to mar the tranquility of the night. He was determined to sit in silence and listen to the ocean sounds.

  “This can wait until morning, Bryce. Go ahead and book the man and I’ll be there bright and early.”

  Mac explained to Brenda that their son-in-law, Detective Bryce Jones, had successfully nabbed a man apparently responsible for recent break-ins around Sweetfern Harbor. He reflected that until it became a tourist attraction, the small town had experienced very little crime.

  The next morning, Allie Williams arrived on time as usual. The young reservationist loved her job at the historic inn. She dealt well with all guests and lived a full life at age seventeen. She planned to start college in the fall, though Brenda hoped she would stay on with her. The demand for Allie’s unique and sometimes quirky paintings was growing. When Brenda came downstairs, Allie bent over the computer screen.

  “It looks like we may have a good diversity of guests arriving for the weekend, Brenda.” She pointed out towns and cities the guests were coming from. “I hope they get along well.”

  “They will. You’re wonderful at helping the process along when we have shy guests.”

  Brenda proceeded to the dining room where she and her head housekeeper, Phyllis Pendleton, met routinely before starting their day. They were alone since former guests had checked out and new ones had not yet arrived. Phyllis asked Brenda about the progress on the new home. That question was all it took for Brenda to delve into the subject with enthusiasm. Allie joined them and poured a cup of hot chocolate for herself. She started to go back to the front desk.

  “Wouldn’t it be something if they dug up a buried treasure out there?”

  Young Allie and sixty-year-old Phyllis rivaled one another when it came to imaginations running wild. “It’s very possible something is buried out there. This place has been around a long time,” Phyllis said. “Maybe you should tell Rich and his men to dig carefully. We have no idea what secrets are hidden in this place.”

  Brenda didn’t have time to answer.

  “What if dead bodies are buried out there?” Allie said.

  Brenda held up her hand to stop both of them. She told them no dead bodies were buried in the yard, though she thought the possibility of hidden treasure had merit. She shook her head and realized she was as bad as the other two when it came to imagination. She thought about the silver skeleton key she found in the attic when she first took over the Sheffield Bed and Breakfast. It didn’t fit anything she found up there and she often wondered what it was for. Her uncle collected artifacts, and she decided the key was just one of them. It rested now in her top bureau drawer in their bedroom.

  Phyllis seemed to have the same thoughts going through her mind. “Did you ever find out what that key was for, Brenda? The one you found in the attic?”

  “I’m sure it is one of Randolph’s artifacts. It’s in very good condition, and I brought it down to our apartment. I’ve never found that it fits anything in the bed and breakfast. But there are nooks and crannies I am still finding.”

  Allie took her hot chocolate and told them she was going to work on sketches for her next drawings until guests started arriving. Phyllis and Brenda finished their beverages. They took a walk-through of the guest rooms to make sure everything was in order. When they came back downstairs, Tim Sheffield came through the front entrance. Brenda’s surprised look caused her father to laugh.

  “I’m surprised you didn’t sneak in the back door,” she said. “Anna is in the kitchen with some fresh cinnamon rolls.”

  Tim’s smile spread wider. “Can’t I say hello to my daughter first?” He leaned down and kissed Brenda on her forehead. Tim started down the passageway to the kitchen.

  “When are you going to give Anna a ring, Dad?” Brenda loved to tease her old-fashioned father. Everyone knew he and her chef were an item. Brenda had even begun planning a party to celebrate their engagement, if he ever made his move.

  “We are getting to know one another,” Tim said. He waved at them over his shoulder and picked up his pace.

  It was two in the afternoon when Annette Pickard walked in with an overnight bag, pulling her suitcase behind her. She appeared to be in her early thirties and was very attractive. Dressed casually, she walked in with an air of ease and a certain grace. Allie greeted her with her usual bubbly welcome. The guest appeared to cringe but managed a weak smile. Allie called Michael to help with the bags while she checked in their newest guest.

  “I have my laptop and briefcase in the car,” Annette said. Allie offered to get it for her but Annette turned to go back out. She ignored the offer. When she returned, her manner remained serious.

  “I hope you enjoy your time here, Miss Pickard. Let us know if you need anything at all.”

  “I won’t need anything, and I prefer to be left alone. I’m a writer, and I’m here for peace and quiet to finish a novel.”

  Allie didn’t miss the fact that the guest wanted to be left alone, but her curiosity overcame her. “What is your book about?” Allie asked as they climbed the stairs to the second floor.

  “It’s a sto
ry about a crime. It’s fiction, though parts of it, I believe, are non-fiction.”

  Her demeanor prevented Allie asking any more questions. She hoped that Annette Pickard would open up more. Allie’s curiosity wasn’t easily contained. She asked the guest if the room was satisfactory. Annette looked out the back window that overlooked the yard and then walked to the side window. She was glad she had a corner room with two views, but frowned.

  “I hope whatever construction is going on out there won’t be disturbing.” Allie assured her the bed and breakfast was tight and very little noise permeated. “I’ll give it a try then.”

  Annette stared at Allie and the hint for her to leave the room wasn’t lost on the young receptionist. She went back downstairs and heard Brenda and Phyllis discussing Sweetfern Harbor weekend activities. She knocked lightly on the opened door and walked in. She described their first guest.

  “Please make sure no one disturbs her. She’s not a friendly person.”

  “We’ll respect her wishes, Allie,” Brenda said, “and make sure she has her privacy. Did you tell her the signal for dinnertime?” Allie said yes and then turned when she heard voices from the foyer.

  Allie caught her breath when she saw the stylish couple approaching her. Both were impeccably dressed in upscale attire and yet casual enough to fit in among the population of Sweetfern Harbor and Sheffield Bed and Breakfast.

  “Your jacket is beautiful,” Allie said to Jane Clark.

  The fortyish Jane smiled and told her she had designed it herself. “I’m a designer in housewares in New York City but I dabble in clothing designs as well. I’m lucky to have a husband who is a textile broker with access to excellent materials.”

  Logan Clark stepped forward and introduced himself. He was less talkative than his wife. Both had manners that came across naturally. Michael appeared from the alcove and picked up their bags. Allie gave him their room number and the couple followed him upstairs. Logan Clark carried two more bags. Michael showed them to the room next to Annette Pickard’s. The spacious window brought in natural light and faced the side yard. Michael pointed out that the ocean was behind the seawall. The waters in the distance were visible. He told them there was a pathway down to the beach area. He cautioned them to wear durable sandals or other shoes since they first had to walk over small rocks to get there.

  “I’m looking forward to soaking up some sun,” Jane said. Logan thanked him and slipped a generous tip into Michael’s hand. After he closed the door, Jane said, “Maybe this is a good choice after all, Logan. I had my doubts when you mentioned staying in this small sea town.”

  Phyllis went into the room off the gathering room. She checked that all office supplies were available and that the copier had paper. Jane and Logan Clark had requested ahead of time to have access to an office to check in on their work. The guest office area was reserved for their use alone. She met the couple when they came back downstairs.

  “I’ll show you the office we provided for you.” She led them to the room and handed them the key. “Nothing will be disturbed, and you are the only ones with access to the office except for Brenda and me. We won’t go in unless you need additional supplies that I may have overlooked.”

  Brenda heard the voices and introduced herself. She welcomed the couple and told them that dinner would be served at seven that evening. Brenda pointed at the corner of the office where a coffee pot and basket of snacks were set. Tea bags were in a smaller basket nearby. She didn’t repeat anything else regarding amenities since Allie’s job was to give information when guests checked in. Finger foods and drinks were available 24/7 to all guests in the common area. Phyllis and Brenda left the couple after making sure they had everything they needed.

  They came into the front desk area just as two young couples walked in. The two men talked of water sports. One of the women introduced them all. Lauren and Josh Meyers had been friends with Holly and Clint Evans since childhood. Josh and Clint never seemed to get tired of the water, according to Holly.

  Brenda was glad they were so full of life. All were in their early twenties. Fit bodies indicated they were used to active lifestyles.

  Brenda introduced herself and Phyllis. “There is someone in town who can be a resource for you if you want to learn new water sports,” Brenda said. “Jonathan Wright owns a boat rental business near the water and he also teaches water sports.”

  “We’re all for learning anything new that has to do with getting into the water. The ocean will be a new challenge for us,” Josh said. All four added enthusiastic remarks.

  They insisted on carrying their own bags, and Michael accompanied them to their rooms opposite the Clarks. Both couples were pleased with the choices and Michael told them dinner would be served at seven. He left them to their chatter. Meanwhile, downstairs, Brenda breathed a sigh of relief. She was thankful the two young couples had brought life into the inn, superseding the distant manner of Annette Pickard and the somewhat reserved Clarks.

  Chapter 2

  Unexpected Find

  It became habit for Brenda and Mac to sit outside in the evenings and admire the progress of their new home. Brenda commented on her guests.

  “It looks like all eight rooms are booked again, Brenda.”

  “I think they are enjoying first impressions. Annette is holed up in her room. It’s too bad she isn’t giving herself time to enjoy the shops downtown.”

  “I suppose writers are like that, Brenda. She did ask for peace and quiet.”

  “I may ask her if she would like a break tomorrow after breakfast. Phyllis and I plan to go down to Morning Sun Coffee Shop. Molly Lindsey is getting closer to Jon Wright, and I think Phyllis worries about her daughter.”

  “The two of you shouldn’t meddle. Molly is a grown woman now. The fact that she successfully runs and owns the coffee shop should tell both of you something.”

  “If you recall,” Brenda said, “Molly thought she’d found the right person with the mailman, Pete Graham. We all know how that turned out.”

  Mac gave up. He’d learned from the beginning that when Brenda and Phyllis set their minds on something, it was hard to budge them. He stood up and stretched. “Come with me. I need a walk.”

  Brenda joined him and they walked toward the skeleton of their new home. Rich had taken advantage of the good weather and one wall was already in place. They noted where pipes would be laid. Brenda told Mac that she and Rich were set to meet in regard to the next steps the following morning. She hoped Mac could join them, but he told her he was swamped at work.

  “You can call me if you have any questions when you meet with him, Brenda, but I just can’t get away right now.”

  “I understand, Mac. Don’t worry about it. We can count on Rich Turner doing a good job.”

  The next morning at ten, Rich stopped his work and walked over to meet Brenda, who carried two tall glasses of iced tea. They sat at the round patio table and Rich began discussing the progress.

  “It’s all going quite well, Brenda. I called William Pendleton and he agreed to come over and give me a little more history of the architecture we’re going for. William’s knowledge is invaluable.”

  Phyllis’s husband had lived in the area most of his life and was very involved in preserving the history of the town. Brenda and Mac’s new home was no exception. William was happy to be consulted. The new home would look as if it had been built in the Queen Anne era.

  “I do have a question,” Rich said. “We were digging to place pipes in the kitchen area and we’ve hit something hard. Around here it could be sheer rock, but I want to tread carefully. William said that we could easily find relics that may be significant. I don’t doubt it, since the grounds have been occupied for a long, long time.”

  “Maybe you will dig up buried treasure after all,” Brenda said. When Rich’s eyes became question marks, Brenda explained the notions of Allie and Phyllis about finding buried treasure. “As long as you aren’t hitting a coffin, I’m fine with
treading carefully until you know what it is,” she had to explain again. Both laughed.

  “I doubt it is a coffin of any kind, but something hard is there. I’ll bring a bigger piece of machinery tomorrow. We’ll be careful, but I think it’s just rock.” He sipped the cold drink. “I’m an avid reader of biographies of historical characters. I’m sure there are plenty of books out there that tell stories of this property before your uncle bought it.”

  “Hey, Boss,” a voice interrupted. “What do you want to do about that area where the kitchen pipes will go?” Rich snorted softly. “Do you think I can find anything interesting to add to my collection out there?”

  “I told you to wait until tomorrow when I can get the other backhoe in here. As for anything interesting, whatever is found will go to this woman right here.”

  He pointed to Brenda. Brenda noticed Rich didn’t have the patience with the thirty-five-year-old Andy Shelton that he did with the others. Andy often helped build floats for parades during special Sweetfern Harbor events. Brenda liked his enthusiasm, but there was a thorn between the two men.

  Rich thanked Brenda for the cold drink and discussion. He joined his workers and another wall went up before the day ended. William Pendleton walked around to the backyard. Everett Bennett, the well-known archaeologist in the area, accompanied him. He and William had reconnected years before when in college together. Brenda greeted them and called to Rich. She then left them to discuss matters of history. She was behind on her accounting in the office and knew that William would later catch her up on the conversation.

  That evening, Brenda and Mac joined their guests at dinner. Holly Evans sat next to Annette and more than once attempted to draw her into the ongoing conversations. Holly was persistent, and when she asked Annette about her occupation, Annette answered.