Death Rings a Bell, page 10
“I will, and thank you, Wildon. I appreciate all your help.” She gave him her best smile.
“Aw, no problem.”
He actually returned her smile. Maybe she’d made a friend, after all. Just in case anyone was watching, on the way to her car, Nina kept her head high and her step firm. Reaching the vehicle, she scanned the windows to make sure no more notes had been left. The windows, including the windshield, were all clear.
On the drive to Richmond, she mulled over her visit to the tower. With all the excitement of finding Gwyn’s journal and then the door malfunction, she’d all but forgotten she had achieved her goal of examining the area for the Lit Fest program. Discovering Gwyn’s book was an exciting bonus. She could hardly wait to get home and explore her professor’s personal writings.
The warning note and the broken door handle were not anticipated, although not altogether surprising. Were the two related? First, the note, then the fake call to Wildon, to remove him from the scene. Then, to trap her in the tower. Surely, the person—or persons—would know any imprisonment would be only temporary. They had to assume she carried her phone and could call for help. They would know that eventually Wildon would return and free her.
These events were meant to scare her rather than cause any real harm. Someone didn’t want her in the tower. Why? Did he or she—or they—know about Gwyn’s book and want it for themselves? Was something else in the tower yet to be found?
If the perpetrators of today’s events expected to scare Nina, they were sorely mistaken. What happened only served to prove a mystery surrounded Gwyn’s death, which fueled Nina’s resolve to discover the truth. She would not back off but instead forge full steam ahead.
As Nina pulled into her parking spot at the Seaview Library, she realized she forgot to call Stephen to tell him she finished her trip to the tower.
“I’ve been thinking about you,” he said, when he answered her call. “Everything okay? How’d the tower visit go?”
“Very…interesting.” She hadn’t thought through just how much she would tell him.
“You climbed to the top safely?”
“With no problem. Oh, and I found Gwyn’s journal.” Nina patted her jacket pocket, feeling the book through the fabric.
“Her diary?”
“Sort of, but mostly for jotting down poetry. The book was wedged between the stairs and the wall. I haven’t had a chance to read it yet, but since I just arrived at the library, the book will have to wait. I’m excited to look at what she wrote, though. Hopefully, I’ll find clues.”
“Sounds like a good find. So, your trip went off without a hitch, otherwise?”
“Well…the maintenance man met me as scheduled. The tower was…tall…and big.” Would he see through her evasive rambling? “I’d better sign off now and report to work.” Nina straightened and grasped the door handle.
“Wait. Come to my place for dinner tonight. Bring Gywn’s journal. We’ll look at it together.”
“All right. I was planning to share it with you.” After the unsettling events of the day, being where she felt especially safe and secure held a strong appeal.
“I’ll pick up some Chinese at Wink’s Wok.”
She laughed. “That clinches the deal. I’ll be there.”
He matched her laugh with a chuckle. “I know how to get my way with you. See you later.”
Nina looked forward to discussing her trip to the tower with Stephen, but would she share all the details?
****
At six o’clock, Nina arrived at Stephen’s house, parking her car next to the garage. A covered walkway led to the back door and the kitchen. The door was open with Stephen’s outline visible in the growing darkness.
“Hey.” He took her hand, drew her inside, and pulled her into an embrace for a long, lingering kiss.
“What a greeting,” she said, when at last they broke apart.
“I’ve missed you.” He led her through the kitchen and down a hallway to the living room, where a fire blazed in the arched fireplace.
Slipping off her coat, Nina laid it over the back of a nearby chair and then turned to the picture window, where the view always drew her attention. Beyond the deck, a path led through his front yard to the beach and a boat dock. Out on the water, lights glowed from several boats, including a ferry headed for the peninsula.
Stephen picked up two glasses of wine from the coffee table and held out one. “Here you go.”
She sipped the wine, recognizing at once a favorite Chablis. “You’re pretty fancy tonight. What’s the occasion?”
“You. Us. Being together.” He gave her a lingering look.
Just then, a buzzer sounded.
“Uh-oh. The food’s ready.” He set his glass on the coffee table.
“I’ll help.” Placing her wine next to his, she followed him into the kitchen where trays of food waited in the oven. All her favorites, she soon saw, from wonton soup to sesame chicken to sweet and sour prawns. The aromas filled the room, making her mouth water.
She helped Stephen carry the food into the living room and arrange it on the coffee table. Settling next to him on the sofa, she loaded her plate with servings. Then, picking up her chopsticks, she eagerly sampled each dish, savoring the various flavors. The wonton dumplings were juicy with ginger and soy sauce, the sesame chicken crisp and crunchy, and the prawns enhanced with sweet and sour flavors. “Mmm, everything’s delicious.”
Stephen reached for another piece of chicken. “I agree. Wink’s is the best.”
After awhile, Nina sat back and patted her stomach. “That was wonderful, Stephen. Thank you so much.”
“My pleasure.” Stephen refilled her teacup. “Now, let’s hear about your trip to the tower and take a look at the book you found.”
“I’m eager to examine it, too.” Nina reached for her coat and pulled the journal from the pocket. Placing the book on her lap, she stared at the bright pink cover decorated with purple flowers, and suddenly the excitement of her discovery faded, replaced by a new dilemma.
“What’s wrong?” Stephen’s brow wrinkled.
She turned toward him. “I don’t know if I should keep this book or not. Legally, it belongs now to her sister, Cassandra.”
“Cassandra?”
She nodded. “I met her today at the committee meeting. I’ll tell you more about her later.”
“I understand how you feel, but what if the journal holds the answer to the mystery of Gwyn’s death?” He sipped his tea and set the cup on the coffee table.
Nina ran a forefinger over the book’s embossed roses. “You make a good argument.”
“The decision is up to you, of course, but why not read the entries and then give the book to her sister?”
“Okay, here goes.” She opened the book. Gwyn’s name on the inside cover confirmed the ownership. The first page was dated six months ago, and the writing—some in pen, some in pencil—featured phrases such as “a song springs forth,” “the earth’s awakening yawn,” and “thunder explodes,” with “explodes” crossed out and “bursts” written in its place. Perusing several more pages revealed the same pattern.
“What are you finding?” Stephen leaned to look over her shoulder.
“Just jottings, nothing put together, and nothing really personal. Not yet.” She read more pages and then looked up. “This journal is disappointing. I expected to find clues to what troubled her. Tell me what you think.” She handed him the book.
Stephen sat back and, brows knit, focused on the book. Then he looked up. “I see what you mean.”
As he returned the book, the back cover fell open, revealing a glued-on piece of cardboard stuffed with something solid.
“What’s this?” Nina pulled out a metal disc attached to a chain. “A medal, engraved with ‘First Place, Drag Dusters.’ ” Under the inscription was the outline of a racecar and then the date. “Whoever this belongs to won a car race two years ago.”
“I wonder why Gwyn had it. Something she found, I suppose, but why would she keep it, especially in her journal?”
“It must be important…” Nina fingered the medal. “Look, the chain is broken, with only one half of the clasp remaining.” She pointed toward the chain’s broken end. “We need to know the medal’s owner.”
“I’ll take on that assignment.” Stephen picked up his cell phone from the coffee table and punched the keyboard. “Finding out who won that race two years ago should be easy enough.”
“All right. Meanwhile, I’ll give the book more study.” She tucked the medal into the book’s makeshift pocket.
He replaced his phone and turned toward her. “Were you comfortable enough in the tower to go ahead with the Lit Fest program?”
Nina’s stomach tensed, and she looked away. “Well… Something else happened…”
“What? Tell me.”
“I found a note stuck in my car’s window.” Nina dug the note from her coat pocket and held it out.
Stephen unfolded the paper and read aloud: “Keep away from the bell tower.” He looked up, his brow wrinkled. “Did you discover this before or after you went into the tower?”
Nina took a deep breath. She wished she didn’t have to tell him about the disconcerting experience, but he needed to know. Trust was important in a relationship. “Before, but I wasn’t about to cancel my visit, not after all the trouble I had obtaining permission. I knew the maintenance man would be with me, so what could happen?” She shrugged and turned up both palms.
“Nothing came of the note, then?” He tapped the paper with a forefinger.
“I’m not sure…” She told him about the broken door handle and waiting for Wildon to return. “I don’t know whether the note and the problem with the door are connected or not. Or if the warning is just a prank.”
Stephen straightened and handed her the note. “Do you plan to go back to the tower before the program?”
“I’d like to. I talked Wildon into giving me a key.”
“I’ll go with you for sure, next time.”
Nina put out a hand. “You don’t have to.”
“Oh, yes, I do.” He reached for her hand. “I want to help.”
“I know, Stephen, and you are helping.” She gave his fingers a reassuring squeeze. “Coming here tonight was just what I needed. But about your going with me next time, let’s wait and see. Now, I’d better go home. Besides being full of delicious food, I’m beat.”
“Stay here tonight.” He put an arm around her shoulders and drew her close.
His nearness stirred her senses. Spending the night would be so easy… “Thank you, Stephen, but I need to sleep in my own bed tonight.”
He heaved a deep sigh. “Okay, I hear you. Let me get your coat, and then I’ll walk you to your car.” Before tucking her into her car, he took her in his arms and kissed her. “Goodnight, Nina,” he whispered in her ear. “I love you.”
Warmth filled her. “I love you, too, Stephen.” She really did love him, she thought as she drove away. If only their lives weren’t so complicated. Especially now, with this mystery to solve… Nina straightened her shoulders and gripped the steering wheel, renewing her vow to continue her investigation until she discovered the truth about Gwyn’s last night in the bell tower.
Chapter Twelve
At the Seaview Library the following morning, Nina guided a book truck around the stacks, choosing books for an autumn-themed display. She had a list from their catalog, but she also kept an eye out for any titles she might have missed. Finished with her task, she returned to her office.
Her computer pinged, indicating a new email. The message was from Gil Grady, her supervisor:
Alexander Brightly’s book talk confirmed. Send pertinent details for our newsletter.
So, Alexander would have his wish to use Seaview for his gathering. She must give him the news, but before she could look up his email address, her office phone rang. The number displayed was unfamiliar. She picked up the phone. “This is Nina Foster.”
“Hello, Nina.”
Although she recognized Alexander’s deep, sexy voice, she couldn’t resist asking, in her most professional tone, “Who’s calling?”
“Alexander.”
“Mr. Alexander?” Nina pressed her fingers to her lips to suppress a laugh.
“No, no. Alexander Brightly.”
“Oh, of course, Mr. Brightly. From Lit Fest.”
“Alexander, please. I think we’ve passed the mister and ms. phase of our relationship.”
Relationship?
“I called to find out if you’ve received a go-ahead for my event.”
She’d best stop teasing and give serious attention to his question. “As a matter of fact, a moment before your call, my supervisor sent an email.”
“Good. Now, we need to discuss the details.”
She held up a hand. “Wait. Don’t you want to know what the email said?” Did it occur to him his request might be refused? Apparently, not.
“All right. What was in the email?”
Ignoring his impatience, she kept her tone cheerful. “That your book talk is confirmed.”
“Of course, it was. I’m sure George—”
“Gil.”
“Whoever—realizes the publicity value of a Brightly event. Now, we need to meet and work out the details. I’ve heard the Blue Heron is one of your best restaurants. Friday night fits my schedule. My associates have other plans, so we’ll be free of distractions.”
Nina shifted in her chair. “Oh, no, Alexander. I, no…”
“Are you telling me the Blue Heron is not a good place?”
“The food is excellent. But I have…other plans for that evening.” True enough. Friday nights were spent with Stephen.
“But I must see you. We need to talk about my program.”
He was right; she did need to do some planning. But best keep their meeting during business hours and in a public place. She didn’t want anyone to think she and Alexander had personal reasons for getting together. “I can meet you tomorrow for lunch at Tilly’s Café. It’s on Pine Street, a few blocks from the ferry terminal.”
“Tilly’s Café?”
His tone reeked of derision. Nina suppressed a chuckle. “Famous for their halibut burgers.”
“Well…all right.”
After hanging up, Nina returned to planning the book display. Still, a part of her mind lingered on Alexander’s invitation to dinner and her immediate refusal. She had no trouble squelching his attempt to turn their business meeting into something more personal. Despite his handsome looks and his seduction skills, she wasn’t attracted. She was with Stephen now, even if she couldn’t take the next step in commitment. What was the next step, anyway? Living together twenty-four/seven instead of only on weekends? Wearing his engagement ring? Which he hadn’t actually offered but had hinted at often enough.
Nina sighed. Relationships could be so complicated and so troublesome. Solving mysteries was easier. She’d concentrate on the mystery of Gwyn’s death and leave relationships for another time. Still, when she settled on the sofa that evening for a phone call with Stephen, she looked for an opening to casually mention her lunch appointment—she would not use the word date—with Alexander.
“I’m attending a city council meeting tomorrow morning, just a couple blocks from Seaview,” Stephen said. “How about meeting for lunch?”
Ah, here was the perfect opportunity. “I’d love to, but I’m already having lunch with Alexander.”
“Who? Oh, the writer with the big nose.”
Picturing Alexander’s handsome face, Nina frowned. “Really? I hadn’t noticed the size of his nose.”
Stephen laughed. “I didn’t mean literally. I meant figuratively.”
“Oh.” She waved a hand. “Well, anyway, we’re meeting at Tilly’s Café to work out the details of his talk at the library. So you don’t need to worry that…” She swallowed hard. What was she getting herself into?
“That’s he’s personally interested in you? I already know he is. But I’m not worried.”
“You’re not worried about him? Or about me responding?”
“Neither.”
Nina narrowed her eyes “So you take me for granted?”
“Nina, what’s going on?” Stephen’s tone deepened. “Are you upset about something?”
“No, yes…” She ran a hand over her forehead. “I just have a lot on my mind right now—Gwyn’s death, the festival, keeping up with my work at the library.”
“I know you have a lot on your plate. But, look, if something about our relationship bothers you, wait until we’re together to talk. Over the phone’s no good.”
“I guess I’m just tired. A good night’s sleep should help.” She offered a wan smile.
“All right, honey. I’ll call you tomorrow night.”
“Thanks, Stephen. I should be home by six.” Disgusted with herself, Nina sat back and folded her arms. She’d wanted to discuss her lunch with Alexander calmly and matter-of-factly. Instead, as usual, her emotions bubbled over. Would she ever learn how to be successful in a relationship?
She dropped her gaze to the two books lying on the coffee table. One was Alexander’s Island Dreaming. The other was Gwyn’s pink journal. She wanted to explore both, but which one first? In case Alexander asked if she’d read his book, she’d better at least take a look tonight.
After making a cup of tea, she sat again on the sofa and opened the book. The dedication was to Portia, his public relations agent. “To the best darn PR person ever,” the line read. Not exactly a poetic or sophisticated dedication, but the words sounded like something he would say.
The story began with the heroine, Delia, who, while recovering from a broken love affair, travels to a Caribbean island resort. She meets dive master Jaret, a free spirit who’s refreshingly different from the made-in-a-mold executives she’s used to. The story line was not one she would select on her own, but the opening pages drew her into the narrative. The writing proved to be a cross between “literary” and “commercial.” Some of the descriptions, especially, were evocative.
At the end of the first chapter, Jaret had just approached Delia with an invitation to a party given by one of his diver friends. Would she fall for his blatant flattery, or would her rational self prevail? Nina chuckled. No mystery there. But, okay, she wanted to find out what happened next. She read on, continuing to be impressed. Alexander might be clumsy in his speech, but he certainly could write.
