Bear Witness to Murder Read online

  “Yup. A leather jacket, a black T-shirt with a skull on it, and leather pants,” the girl said promptly. “I’ve got the chains and collar to match mine. I’ll pay whatever it costs.”

  “When do you need it by?” I figured Maddie had wanted my input to squash a big project since we were so swamped. “A special costume for one bear won’t be a problem.”

  “I’m playing in the band two weeks from now, at the village festival. I want a bear with a matching outfit, or close enough.”

  “How fun!” Aunt Eve snapped her fingers. “That’s a great idea. Maybe I’ll make a tiny dirndl skirt and blouse for a teddy bear, too. I recommend the larger size bear, Emily. See how he’d fit in the crook of your elbow?” She demonstrated.

  “We sell a silver bear in that size if you don’t want tan fur,” I said. “Here’s an order form. Be as specific as possible so we can get the costume exactly how you want it.”

  Emily spent a good five minutes writing and sketching before she handed a twenty-dollar bill to Aunt Eve. “Down payment, is that enough? I’ll pay for the bear and the finished costume when it’s done. Can you explain the Oktober Fest? Like, what else goes on that weekend.”

  Aunt Eve glanced at us. “I just moved back here, so they better tell you. It started long after I divorced Ross.”

  “It’s called the Okto-bear Fest,” I said. “German beer, food, the dance contest you’re playing for, and standing sculptures around the village called the Bears on Parade.”

  “Cool. What are they made of? Clay?” Emily asked.

  “They’re cast in a mixture of resin and fiberglass,” Maddie said. “I know several of the artists, and one of my designs was chosen for a sculpture in the parade. The bears don’t actually parade around, of course, they’ll be at certain locations. Visitors do the parading.”

  “Sounds neat.” Emily waved at Aunt Eve, who fanned herself with a manila file folder. “Thanks again for listening, and for all your advice. Not many people understand my situation. It’s pretty hairy.”

  “Anytime you want to chat, drop by. I’ll be here with a ready ear.”

  “I better run or I’ll be late getting to my gig.”

  The young woman rushed out the door. Both Maddie and I turned to Aunt Eve, who raised an eyebrow. “Something wrong?” she asked. “I wanted to make sure you agreed with taking on a custom order. Even a small one like Emily’s.”

  “Sure,” I said, “but what did she mean by her hairy situation? Seems pretty young to have it that rough.”

  “Emily Abbott is a foster kid. Oh, she’s old enough to be on her own now,” Aunt Eve amended. “Her birth dad died and left her an inheritance. She’s never had much in her life, going from family to family in the system, so the money’s thrown her off-kilter.”

  “Sounds like she needs a financial advisor.”

  “Yeah, I told her that. It’s not like a million dollars, but at least half that.”

  “So Emily plays in a band?”

  “At Quinn’s Pub. She rents the flat above it.”

  “How did you meet her?” Maddie asked. “You just moved back a few weeks ago.”

  “A lot of people avoid her due to all the Goth stuff she wears.” Aunt Eve laughed and shook the crinoline under her striped skirt. “I get the same surprised looks.”

  “Dad says it’s good publicity, your unique style.” When Rosie gave a loud bark, I had to laugh. “I guess she’s getting antsy for her walk. Hold down the fort while I’m gone.”

  To my surprise, Maddie spoke up. “Wait for me, Sash. I need to change shoes. We’ve been cooped up all day inside, so I could use a little fresh air. Want to come, Aunt Eve? A walk will do us all good.”

  “No, you kids go ahead. I’ve still got plenty to do here.”

  My sister rushed upstairs. I took Rosie out to the back porch, wondering what was up. Not that Maddie didn’t join me on occasion for a bike ride or a swim at the YMCA, but wanting to tag along on a walk seemed odd. I hoped she didn’t have something major on her mind. I’d already learned way too many crazy things today.

  Chapter 4

  Rosie tugged me down the steps to the garden. I paced back and forth, deadheaded a few Shasta daisies, and then dropped them to reseed in the flower bed. Was Maddie worried about her bear sculpture? The Polka Bear sounded sweet, given the painted polka dots and accordion. Maybe she was worried about her relationship with Kip. But why would she confide in me? She’d never shared much about boyfriends in the past. And I hadn’t told her much about what I’d dealt with while being married to Flynn.

  Once she appeared in ankle boots, we headed out. Maddie had shed her cardigan and dress for a denim jacket and jeans. Rosie sniffed every bush on the way to Kermit Street. We passed Holly’s shop, then angled through town toward the Village Green.

  “The Oktobear Fest is only a few weeks away,” Maddie finally said.

  “I can’t wait for all this to end.” I tugged Rosie away from a discarded potato chip bag in the large parking lot behind the brick building that housed Fresh Grounds, The Cat’s Cradle bookstore, and Mary’s Flowers. “The Christmas rush will be breathing down our necks soon enough. I need our Mackinac Island weekend to recharge my batteries.”

  “Um, about that . . .”

  “What?” I rounded on my sister so fast, Rosie yelped. Her leash wound around my legs, too. “Sorry, sweetie. You didn’t make the reservation?”

  “I tried. The Metevier is booked for a wedding. Cloghaun’s and Haan’s are both booked, but they’ll call if they get a cancellation. There’s always the Grand Hotel.”

  “It’s so expensive, though.”

  Maddie shrugged. “We could stay at Mission Point.”

  “Oh man. It’s so far from everything.” I yearned for our usual routine and the quiet of Market Street, although many shops closed late in the season. “We’ll have to wait and see. There’s those west bluff condos, too.”

  “Talk about being far from everything! And we’d have to wait for the shuttle there and back.” Maddie changed the subject. “So. Now that the tea party is done, what else are you going to volunteer to help with for the Oktobear Fest?”

  After untangling Rosie’s leash, I followed my sweet dog to the grassy lawn past the courthouse. Once I let out the extension to its farthest point, Rosie sniffed around her favorite trees and bushes. Maddie stood waiting, arms folded over her chest.

  “What does Amy need help with?” I asked.

  “In the beer tent, of course, serving drinks or checking IDs. How about working in the food tent? Handing out German pretzels, sausage, and pastries, that kind of thing.”

  “How about being a judge for the dance contest?” I was half-kidding, but my sister perked up at the idea.

  “I’ll ask. Jay Kirby’s one of the judges.”

  “He is? Why not, it might be fun.”

  “That would be so cute, the two of you together,” Maddie gushed. “Did you know Jay’s carving a permanent sign for the Oktobear Fest? He came to the committee a month ago with the idea, and we loved his design.”

  “That’s nice.”

  “Kip and I are getting together with him tonight. You ought to join us—”

  “Hey, stop that barking!” I hauled the leash back, since Rosie was growling at a large Doberman. Luckily, the other dog looked amused but reserved. “Stop, or we’re leaving.”

  “Really, Sash. You need to get involved with our committee. You don’t do much except work at the shop and walk the dog. That’s gotta get old fast.” Maddie clapped her hands hard, startling Rosie and me both. “Sit! Good dog. Come along for dinner at the Regency Hotel. It’s not really an official meeting, and you need adult time. You like Jay, right?”

  “Aha. So that’s why you tagged along.”

  “Oh come on. You ought to know he likes you—”

  “I don’t need you to set me up on a date with Jay Kirby or anyone else. And everyone knows you love playing matchmaker, so don’t try to deny it.”


  “But you’re interested, right?”

  I sighed. “I’m too busy right now to date. We need to keep Mom from redecorating the office into what she wants instead of the way we’d planned. Then there’s getting Aunt Eve settled into the office routine, plus making sure the five-foot bear for Oktobear Fest’s grand prize is finished on time. Oh, and I decided to sew Rosie a vampire cape for Halloween.”

  “Cute, but that’s a lame excuse.” Maddie looked smug. “Let Mom do what she wants in the office, who cares? Less for us to do. And Aunt Eve’s doing fine. I checked out her progress on the computer’s accounting system, and things look solid. As for the grand prize, the bear is finished. The staff only has to make the lederhosen and a hat.”

  “But Rosie’s costume—”

  “Get Aunt Eve to do it for you, since you’re so busy.”

  “I’ll think about it.” I cleaned up after Rosie, using a plastic bag like a glove to scoop her droppings, and then discarded it in the nearest trash bin. “And since when are we putting clothes on this bear? The committee is getting it at cost. That’s a big discount already.”

  “Aunt Eve and I think the bear will look adorable in the costume.”

  “But we never discussed it!”

  “Don’t be a spoilsport,” Maddie said. “We’ll make a pattern if we can’t find one to fit the bear, and a hat shouldn’t be too hard, either. Uncle Ross and Aunt Eve battled over making a costume until Dad okayed the project. The costume’s a done deal.”

  “Hoo boy. Ever since Aunt Eve hit town, she and Uncle Ross have been at each other’s throats. If it’s not about production, it’s over quality control.”

  “They’re only getting used to each other again. Things will settle down.”

  “I’m not so sure.” I tugged Rosie across the street toward Fresh Grounds. “Come on, baby. I’ve got a headache, so I think an iced coffee might help. Let’s see what Mary Kate’s got left in the bakery case, too.”

  “Forget that,” Maddie said. “You’re coming to dinner with me, Kip, and Jay. Tonight, remember? We’d better get home and change.”

  I flexed my shoulder muscles, wishing I could think of a better excuse. All I wanted was to veg on the sofa. Then again, maybe she was right. I didn’t do much except manage the shop and keep Rosie and Onyx company. Maybe I ought to rejoin the book club, or take piano lessons, or sign up for craft classes. I’d been slacking off on feeding my creative juices.

  “Fine, I’ll go tonight. But that Cran-beary Tea was exhausting.”

  “Admit it,” Maddie said. “You’ve been jealous of how often I’ve been meeting with artists. You should have tagged along from the beginning.”

  “Me? Jealous?”

  She laughed and pulled me past Fresh Grounds. “Every time I met with the committee, you started moping around the house.”

  “How do you know? You weren’t home to see me.”

  “I can read you like an open book, Sash.”

  “Hmph.” I wasn’t about to admit that Maddie was right. And I did like Jay Kirby. I was hungry, too, so maybe dinner wasn’t a bad idea. “What if you can’t find an accordion for your Polka Bear? Cheap enough, not like the ones on eBay for hundreds of bucks.”

  “Kip said he’ll find one. Jay’s delivering a sculpture, so the two of them planned to check a few resale shops on the way. But I have no idea if they were successful.” My sister stopped to tug at her right boot. “I’m getting a blister. Do you have to walk so fast?”

  “I’m keeping up with Rosie. Why did you wear those?” I feigned a look of horror. “Oh, forgive me. Your fashion sense might be scarred for life by wearing sneakers.”

  “Well, one of us has to look decent around Silver Hollow.”

  I stuck out my tongue, but Maddie didn’t see since she waved madly at Digger Sykes. He waved back while passing in his patrol car, and turned onto Main Street. Now that the sun had vanished behind the distant trees, our shadows stretched long before us when we crossed Kermit Street. Rosie sniffed the air and then led us around the corner of Holly’s shop.

  The door suddenly swung open, smacking me in the arm before I could stop. Rosie yelped, too, and I crouched down to make sure she wasn’t hurt. “My poor baby! Are you okay?” I ruffled her fur and checked her head. She licked my hand.

  “Sorry. I had no idea anyone was out here.” Holly held a thick stack of flattened cardboard boxes. “That tea party was so nice. The kids sure looked like they had fun, too. I’m going to host one here at my shop, maybe around Halloween.”

  “You’re copying our idea?” Maddie asked in dismay.

  “No, I’m going with a Harry Potter theme.”

  “That sounds great.” I rubbed my sore arm. “A lot of kids would attend.”

  “I think so, too.” Holly dumped the cardboard into the Dumpster and let the lid fall with a clang so loud my ears hurt. “We’re doing far more online sales than in the shop. Is that normal for business? I figured weekends in small towns like Silver Hollow would be packed. Especially the way the Oktobear Fest has been scheduled.”

  Maddie shrugged. “Our Cran-beary Tea was only the first event. Things will pick up after today. Wednesday should be busy with people coming to see the bear sculptures.”

  “I’d better stay open late that night. Traverse City has had much better success with events, though.” She sighed. “Better planning and publicity. It is a bigger town, after all.”

  “So why did you move here, if it was so much better in Traverse City?”

  I elbowed Maddie, whose tone had a biting edge. My sister ignored me. Holly narrowed her eyes, though, as if aware of her borderline hostility.

  “For one thing, I have friends here. But it’s really none of your business.”

  Rosie growled low in her throat. “We’d better be going,” I said, and tugged my dog away from Holly’s shin. “Come on, Mads—”

  “It is my business, since you’re competing against our shop,” Maddie retorted. “Selling cheap bears from a rival company, and what about all the children’s books? You know Matt and Elle Cooper have owned The Cat’s Cradle on Main Street for almost a decade.”

  “A little competition doesn’t hurt.” Holly sounded smug. “But if Silver Hollow is too small for similar shops, then may the best bookstore win.”

  “Really?” Maddie patted Rosie’s head when she growled louder. “Good doggie! Bite the wicked witch of the north.”

  “That’s really mature. As for cheap bears, I can sell whatever I like in my shop.” Holly sauntered toward the shop’s back door. “Seems things haven’t changed around here since high school. Hard to believe, but Mayor Bloom asked if my husband owned this business! Talk about old-fashioned and creaky. Or maybe he feels threatened. He certainly feels that way about Gina, but the mayor had better be prepared to lose that lawsuit in court.”

  “He had good reason to not pay her,” my sister snapped. “He told her he wasn’t happy and asked for changes. She ignored him. Why should he pay for something he couldn’t use?”

  “That shows how little you know.” Holly opened the door, but turned back. “And Traverse City is more like Manhattan compared to Nowhere Hollow, USA.”

  “Then go back! We won’t miss you.”

  The screen door thwacked shut behind Holly. “Good Lord, Mads,” I said. “Why did you egg her on? Come on, I need a shower. And a nap.”

  “No time for that.”

  Rosie led the way down Theodore Lane. Maddie limped behind, already talking on her cell with Kip, and asking if he’d confirmed their reservation for dinner. I regretted stopping to chat with Holly Parker. Clearly my old rival planned to push my cousin out of business.

  After all their hard work, I’d hate to see Matt and Elle lose their bookstore.

  Chapter 5

  “Hey, guess what I heard?” Maddie waved her cell and limped to my side. “And not just about the election campaign. Abby filled me in on a lot more.”

  I held up a hand. “I loathe politics. Don�
�t tell me if it’s silly gossip.”

  “It’s serious gossip. Mayor Bloom might not be a shoo-in for re-election after all.”

  “I’d rather not hear it if that lawsuit is the reason.”

  My head hurt, so I hurried through the garden with Rosie. Loud voices drifted from the covered walkway, and that meant Aunt Eve and Uncle Ross were at it again. Great. Politics was bad enough, but the whole village might be able to hear their argument. His voice boomed; he faced his ex-wife, scowling, and waved a hand in the air. Aunt Eve had both hands on her slender hips, spike heels elevating her to his eye level. I wasn’t so sure Maddie was right about them “getting used to each other again.”

  “We can’t throw money around for every cause,” Uncle Ross said.

  “Alex said we could afford the clothes for that bear! Why don’t you admit it,” she snapped back. “You’re as pigheaded as ever, Ross.”

  “Oh, brother.” Maddie had caught up to me. “I thought this issue was settled. . . .”

  She walked over to referee. In the kitchen, I changed Rosie’s water, fed her, and then walked upstairs to my room. Dinner at the Regency, hmm. The fanciest hotel in town. Not a date, but sort of, given my sister’s slyness. I wondered if Jay knew I’d be joining them. Maybe I’d better go more casual than Maddie would expect. Kip wouldn’t be caught dead in a suit, that was certain. And Jay had delivered our mailbox in a sawdust-coated T-shirt and hiking boots.

  I chose my best jeans, a maroon shirt, and matching blazer, and then draped a navy and white patterned pashmina over one shoulder.

  Good enough.

  A touch of lip gloss, a smudge of deep blue eye shadow, and a brush of pink blush over my cheekbones added a little polish. I brushed out my hair and then chose casual flats. My feet still hurt after setting up, serving, and helping the Wentworths clear the tea room after the party. A long Saturday, and I’d been on my feet all week, too. I refused to wear kitten heels. It took a few more minutes to toss my wallet, hairbrush, and other essentials into the deep maroon Coach crossbody purse I adored with its long, braided strap.