The Inspector seems surprised by this answer, and we all assure him that we've never seen Paul smoke at university, and none of us smoke either. The Inspector seems to be quickly losing interest in these butts.
Kat says, "I see you've got your patrol boat back in action. Who fixed it for you?"
"Henry. He's a Junior Mechanic. He takes care of all our boats, and Gary's. But this isn't it. This is a smaller boat than the one I normally use. The larger boat is almost ready. It's much more powerful. Henry's checking it out to make sure it's okay."
Kat asks, "Was Henry out testing it earlier today, by any chance?"
"I suppose he took it around to make sure it's in proper working order." He turns to Henry, "Did you take the boat out this morning?"
Henry smiles, nodding his head.
I say, "By the way, what kind of cigarettes do you smoke, Henry?"
The Inspector answers for him. "I've known Henry for a long time. He's a little strange. He drinks too much, but he doesn't smoke. He says it's not good for his health."
Henry grins, seemingly unmoved by the Inspector's description of him being a little strange. "Yeah!"
Inspector Charles turns to Paul. "Too bad you posted bail. I was going to release you this morning anyway."
Paul asks, "Why? What made you decide to release me?"
"Last night I called your servant, Kathy, and she confirmed that the envelope was sealed when she put it on the door. I asked her if anyone else knew about it. She said, 'The other four servants saw the envelope. We all laughed because we knew it was one of Mr. Paul's practical jokes.'
"I asked her how she knew what it was, without looking inside the envelope. She said, 'Because when Mr. Paul was a little boy and had nothing to do, he'd pin an envelope with the word 'Welcome' somewhere in the house for us to find. He'd do it on that old typewriter in the library. At first it scared us a little. It said things like, 'Today one of you will break your leg,' or 'Tonight someone will come into your bedroom.' Mr. Paul even wrote, 'One of you will die tonight.' It was just a game. Nothing ever happened to us, so we'd just play along with him. He was always a nice boy. All of us servants thought he was a very special child.'"
Smiling, we all look at Paul, and say, "You are," letting him know we love and trust him.
The Inspector coughs impatiently. "Let's get back to this knife. It's not the murder weapon that was used on your friend Sue. I have that one tightly secured at the station. Unfortunately, seawater has a destructive effect on forensic evidence and washed it clean. So we didn't find anything useful. Anyway, the murderer had probably wiped his prints from the handle."
This is something I didn't know before, and make a mental note about it.
The Inspector looks at each of us in turn. "So unless the murderer is one of you, someone came in here last night and put an identical knife on the counter. Then today he or she came back while you've been in here and took it away. That sure doesn't seem logical."
Nadia sighs. "Nothing about this whole thing seems logical. Who would want to kill Sue? Who's playing with our minds? And who wants to kill one more of us?"
No one has an answer.
Kat says, "Perhaps it's someone who has nothing against any of us, but is out looking for a thrill. Maybe someone who's living a dull life and wants some excitement."
I say, "Yes, someone who didn't even know that Sue was pregnant. Someone who didn't even know who she was. They saw the note and acted on it."
"But who?" the Inspector asks. "No one comes to this island. There's that warning sign on both piers. Even when Gary rents his boats, he tells visitors that this island is off limits, and if they go on it, they could face a jail sentence, plus a heavy fine. I don't think anyone could be jailed, but it certainly acts as a strong deterrent. The only one who has permission to come here is Henry, and he only visits occasionally. I'll check with Gary, but I don't think anyone has rented his boats for more than a few hours at a time, and only in daylight. Remember, most of our tourists are university students. They arrived just after you did and will be leaving tomorrow."
Paul speaks up. "If it's someone who's out to get their kicks, it has to be someone who either lives in the area or is staying on the Main Island for a couple of months."
"I'll check with the hotels to see if they have any long-term registered guests," the Inspector volunteers. His voice seems softer now. Perhaps he no longer sees any of us as guilty.
Kat explains she has made coffee for everyone, but because of all the excitement, has forgotten about it. She goes into the kitchen and we hear her opening up drawers and clanging cups. Soon she brings everything in on a tray.
"Oh, I forgot the sugar." Kat returns to the kitchen. We hear a cabinet door open and her words, "How did you get in there?"
She returns, carrying the missing knife by the tip of the blade.
Chapter 21
Nadia says, "Now I know for sure someone's playing with our minds. That knife was in a bag earlier. If they're not careful, they're going to get themselves caught, and I hope it's real soon."
I ask, "Nadia, why did you say 'they'?"
"It's just a figure of speech. He or she. But I guess it's possible that there's more than one."
Inspector Charles shakes his head. "I don't think so. All the evidence we've gotten so far leads to just one person – a person who knows this island well, and is foolish enough to take chances."
Staring at the cigarette butts, Kat says, "I feel one of our answers is going to be about these." She holds up the plastic bags containing the butts.
Steve asks, "Inspector, what about the envelope that held the note? Did it take you long to find one that looks like the original?"
"Unfortunately they're very common. You can buy them in several stores on the Main Island." Turning to Paul, he asks, "Where did you get your envelopes?"
Paul thinks about it. "My mother sent them to me at university, along with writing paper. She's always after me to write home more."
The Inspector says, "I've just had a thought. Let's go into the library for a second. I want to check something out."
We all get up. I'm sure I'm having the same thought as his. I'm talking out loud as we all adjourn from the living room to the library. I say, "How did the murderer know about that old typewriter in the library, and know where to find an envelope? I think it must be someone who's been in this house many times before."
Kat says, "Good thought, Kit. I'm glad you're on our side."
I hope Kat is being generous with her praise, and not making fun. Was I really stating the obvious? She winks at me and I feel better. Friends should be able to joke with each other without causing offense.
With an impatient tone in his voice, the Inspector says, "Those were my thoughts also. I guess two great minds do work together."
We all look at him, and I say, "Okay, Inspector, good thought." I don't think he's happy that we're working on the case, too.
It doesn't take us long to find a box of white envelopes and note paper stacked right next to the inkjet printer. I'm assuming that whoever used the typewriter didn't have the time to fire up the computer and printer just to type "Welcome" on an envelope. Or maybe the murderer doesn't know how to operate a computer. Henry might fall into that category.
The paper is identical to the one that says, "Two of you will die before your five days are up." It's also the same paper used for the note pinned to the umbrella. That seems like six months ago rather than three days. So much has happened during this brief time.
The Inspector says, "This could mean it wasn't a planned murder. Somehow the person stumbled across the note, opened it up, and after reading it, planned on having some fun at your expense. He then goes to put it back, notices the envelope is torn, and somehow gets into the house and …"
Kat interrupts, "The kitchen door isn't locked."
She tells the Inspector how we'd left and returned through the kitchen door, and that the door doesn't automatically lock. "When Kit and
I left, we just opened the door and went out. When we returned, the door wasn't locked."
Looking at us, the Inspector says, "Are you sure? Perhaps one of you unlocked the door for some reason."
We all say no, and just as the others told Kat and me, they tell the Inspector that the only doors they've used are the front door, when we arrived, and the sliding one going out to the patio deck.
Steve says, "But if the kitchen door is unlocked, that's how the perpetrator came into the house to type the note."
Erica adds, "Where did he get the scotch tape? He surely didn't have it with him."
I'm ahead of her. "Right here, next to the box of envelopes," as I point to a tape roll. "Don't touch it. I guarantee there are fingerprints on it."
The Inspector holds out his handkerchief and picks it up carefully. "I doubt if my finger print man went in here. I'll get it checked. But they may not be the murderer's prints. Lots of people will have used this tape."
Kat asks, "How did the murderer know the door would be open, and where to find the typewriter and stationery. And why was he on the island to begin with?"
The Inspector says, "I still think one of you opened the kitchen door and just don't remember. Especially since so much has happened these last few days."
Nat says, "Well, I guess it could be possible."
The rest of us look at each other and say, "No way!"
Chapter 22
As soon as the Inspector leaves, we get cleaned up and go over to the Main Island to Rachel's Restaurant for dinner. The sea is much calmer now and the weather looks settled. No one at the house wants to cook. Besides, I need to go back to Gary's Rental. Some of the others also want to see what they can discover that might help us solve the case, so we can get on with our lives.
After we eat, Paul, Kat and I go to Gary's. I want to pick his brain about his boat renters. Since Paul and he have been friends for a long time, I'm hoping Gary will want to cooperate.
When we arrive, Gary says hello to all of us in a very congenial manner, and acts like he wants to help us. Unless it's all a pretense, but somehow I don't feel it is.
"I thought you guys weren't supposed to leave your folks' island." He's speaking to Paul.
Paul shrugs. "The Inspector hasn't told us not to come here. None of us are suspects now. Besides, once we're here on the Main Island there's no way we can get to the mainland without him finding out. I'm sure the Inspector has instructed the airport and the ferry terminals not to give us reservations. He probably wants us to stay on my parents' island just so he can keep track of us, and also perhaps for our safety."
Gary says, "Okay, then why do I have the honor of all of you coming here to visit me?"
I tell Gary, "We want to help the Inspector solve this case and move on with our lives. We're sorry for what's happened to Sue, our special friend, and know we can't bring her back to life. But we think we can help find out who murdered her."
Kat and Paul nod their heads in agreement. I continue, "We're still curious about that little boat over there. I'm fairly sure it's the boat we saw on the island a couple of nights ago."
"I don't think so. I'm certain no one has rented it. As I've said before, I use it mostly myself for troubleshooting. Let me check our rental log. Sometimes my wife is here when I have to be away for a long time. Perhaps she rented it out."
He finds the in-and-out log book, and looks it over. "Just as I thought, no one has rented that little boat for any length of time within the last three months."
Paul asks him, "Now that you have the log in your hand, Gary, how about checking to see if anyone has rented any of your boats for three days or more."
I'm expecting Gary to say something like, "The Inspector has already asked me that question." But he studies the log sheet, then turns to us. "No, I'm sorry. I wish I could help you guys."
Gary doesn't mention the Inspector. I think that's a little strange, as the Inspector said he was going to check into it. We thank Gary and start to walk away. I'm thinking that maybe the Inspector has already interviewed Gary, but for some reason told him not to tell anyone. Or has the Inspector not found the time to speak to Gary yet?
Gary calls us back. "Here's a thought. I'm not pointing my finger at anyone, so this is just for your information. After Henry's finished working on one of our boats, he usually takes it out for a spin. When he does, we don't log it in our book. It's not a rental, it's a repair job. He sends us a bill at the end of each month. Then that goes into our repair book."
I ask, "Would you check your book to see if Henry has fixed any of your boats within the last few days, especially the little one?"
"We wouldn't have those bills yet. This is only the twenty-ninth, so we have a couple more days before he brings us the work sheet on the boats he's repaired this month. Remember, I'm not saying that Henry is involved with your friend's death. It's just something I felt I should mention. But I want you all to know that I trust him completely."
Kat asks, "Have you ever seen Henry smoke a cigarette?"
Gary shakes his head firmly. "I've known Henry for a long time. If he's having a tough time making a repair, he never reaches for a cigarette. Instead he reaches for a bottle of booze. And from the amount he drinks, he seems to have quite a few tough times in his work!"
We thank Gary again, agreeing that our conversation will be just between us, and for him not to worry that we will mention it to Henry. But the seeds have been planted in our minds.
Gary smiles. "Thanks. Henry is probably the best mechanic on the island. I'd hate to lose him because of scuttlebutt. He's really a nice guy."
We meet up with the rest of our team. They say they haven't found anyone who's been over to Paul's Island recently. Most local people say they only go there when they've been invited, which is a rare occurrence. Others know of Paul's family, but don't know them personally, so have never been on the island.
Steve says, "We did a no-no."
Kat asks, "Where did you go?"
"Well," Steve says, "we went to the airport and the ferry terminal to see if we could make reservations for tomorrow, just as a test. They put our names in their computers and everyone told us that before we leave the island for the mainland, we have to get written permission from Inspector Charles."
Nadia grins. "I'm sure the Inspector is going to find out what you've done, and get after us for doing it the next time we see him."
We all give a little chuckle of agreement.
Chapter 23
None of us are drinkers, but there's a tavern close by. It's called Andrew's Tavern & Grill. As we walk toward it, Paul says with a wry smile, "I don't imagine this place belongs to Reverend Andrew."
We all look puzzled.
He continues, "Remember, he's the preacher who was going to marry Sue and me?"
We fall silent, and I can feel a lump forming in my throat. I'm sure the others must feel the same way.
Paul says, "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that."
Kat says, "It's alright, Paul, there will be many things over the years that will remind us of Sue. Just because she's gone doesn't mean we should forget her."
Paul puts his arms around Kat and me, holding us back for a second while the others go through the door of the tavern. He squeezes us both, and says, "I've been meaning to tell you this about Sue. She told me that last Sunday, when we all went to church with the two of you, she repeated the prayer to invite Christ into her life. She says, 'I didn't go forward, but I know now that Jesus lives in me. I'm going to tell Kit and Kat when we get to your island.'"
Kat and I remember that was the Sunday when Sue mentioned how much she enjoyed the service.
With our arms around him, we give Paul a tight squeeze. Looking him in the eye, I say, "Paul, that's great news. Thank you for sharing it with us."
All three of us start to tear up. Before going into the tavern, we sit down on a bench outside. Kat and I pray and thank Jesus that we will see Sue again.
Paul says,
"Sue wanted me to talk to you, Kit. She said you'd explain what she did, and help me to understand. I was going to approach you some time while we were on the island this week. But, well, you know, what with …"
I say, "When this is all through and our minds are back in focus, I want to do just that. I want you, too, to accept Christ. Not because Sue did or because of your emotional state of mind, but because you want to believe and have faith in Jesus, and know the peace of forgiveness."
Paul nods thoughtfully as we go into Andrew's Tavern and Grill, walking in with our arms still around each other, Paul being in the middle. I lean back at the same time Kat does, mouthing to each other, "Praise the Lord!" Then without even thinking, I say, "I love you, Kat." She smiles, and I wink at her.
Our friends have found a table. Three of them with beers in front of them. Erica had a 7-up, and Kat and I order Diet Coke. The bartender looks at Paul, who says, "I'll have the same."
We hear a commotion in the corner. The place is dark and the music loud. I'm beginning to wonder if this is a place we should be in. The noise gets louder, and then all of a sudden someone comes tumbling out of the dark corner. Kat practically jumps onto my lap.
It's Henry, drunk as a skunk, as the saying goes. He looks at us, gives us that snickering sneer and then the "Peter Lori laugh." We look at each other and bust out laughing. Even under the circumstance we can't control ourselves. With the surroundings the way they are, the noise of the juke box and Henry now lying sprawled on the floor, we definitely feel we are in the middle of a forty's movie.
I look at the corner Henry came flying from, thinking for sure Humphrey Bogart will appear at any moment. It's like comic relief in a very heavy drama. No one comes out. All we hear is loud laughter.
Henry looks up at us from the floor. "Stop your laughing. We all know what that note says: One down, one to go. One of you will be next!" With that, he staggers to his feet and stumbles out of the tavern, knocking over several chairs and a table on the way.
The seven of us look at each other. We've been so busy trying to get information about Sue's death that we've totally forgotten about the threat in the note. We keep looking at each other, shake our heads and lift up our glasses in a toast. When we clang our glasses together, all of us say in unison, "No, there won't be another!"