Death By Ink: A Whispering Cove Mystery Read online

  DEATH BY INK

  KACIE CLEMENT

  CONTENTS

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  About the Author

  CHAPTER 1

  Friday, Mid-Day

  Catherine Landen breathed in the intoxicating scents of the salty sea air and the deep aroma of cedar infused with the smells of sizzling steaks being grilled on the restaurant's outside deck of her new inn.

  Standing in front of the inn, she loved the newly installed blue awning with its overhead sign, 'The Saltwater Inn.' Inspired by the Oregon breathtaking sunrises, Catherine had the awning painted in vibrant blues and golds with the lettering completed in magenta.

  Her eyes rested on the bay windows on either side of the entrance. The one to her right displayed an old-style sailing ship created from a red oak tree. Her grandmother, July Worthington, had the ship-carved by the Inn's first guest back in the '40s.

  The window to her left displayed brightly colored lighthouses in various colors and sizes. She thought, ‘I have only been here in Whispering Cove for eight weeks, but it feels like home.’ Catherine smiled to herself while she straightened her black boyfriend jacket, which overlapped her light gray skinny jeans, and stepped inside the Saltwater Inn.

  As the door swung open, the bells overhead rang, and she smiled at her two desk clerks behind the reception desk, who were busy checking in newly arrived guests. "Hello, Mindy, Jackson. How are things?"

  Jackson, the captain of his college football team, working at the Inn during the off-season, grinned. "I am pleased to tell you we have a full house, Ms. Landen."

  Nodding, Catherine scanned the large sitting room, noticing the different guests sitting on the rich burgundy couches and green chairs, enjoying glasses of wine. Her eyes moved to the wall filled with books arranged by genre. She had even created a cozy reading space just on the right side of the book wall.

  Looking up at the carved wooden beams in the ceiling, she was glad she called the restoration specialist from her hometown of Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts. She hoped her grandmother was proud of her and the restoration of the Inn. It isn't every day you inherit an inn from a grandmother you knew nothing about, she thought. It made her feel blessed.

  Catherine thought back to the day she received the letter from the Oregon attorney, letting her know she had inherited the Saltwater Inn from her grandmother, July Worthington. A grandmother she did not know of or had ever met. That was the day her life turned upside down. Learning she was adopted and had an extended family. She always wished she had siblings, and now with Temple Wilde, she had a cousin and sister all in one. The two women connected immediately, with Temple encouraging her to make the move from Martha’s Vineyard to Whispering Cove, Oregon to run the Inn. Something she had never considered as a career. She was a best-selling mystery author. Though she was finding owning and managing an inn was both fun and challenging all at once. She didn’t regret making that decision. But she had yet to prove to herself, she could juggle both writing, her first love, and being a successful Inn owner. Business wasn’t always her strong point.

  "Looks like you have a full house. So, tell me. What is it going to take for a girl to get a drink here?"

  Catherine spun around to come face to face with her petite, dark-haired cousin, Temple.

  Embracing her, she chuckled. "Are you ready for the Famous Author Pen Exhibit tomorrow?"

  Temple grinned, "Ready as I’m going to be. But I need a drink, and those steaks smell delicious!"

  Catherine took Temple’s arm and started for the restaurant's outside deck. “Maybe a bottle of red, to go with steak? What do you say?”

  Before Temple could respond, she turned when she heard a voice she recognized say, "Ms. Wilde."

  Catherine turned to look at the lithe gray-haired man, dressed in an expensive suit. She didn't miss the look of disdain on his face. "Who is watching your store, which holds my exquisite and quite expensive exhibit, if you are here? I can't begin…"

  Temple smiled and replied, "Mannford Summers, meet Catherine Landen, the owner of the Saltwater Inn, and my cousin. You need not worry, Detective Moreno and my cat, Wizzi, have the shop secured."

  "Wizzi, your black cat? Ms. Wilde, I don't think that a cat qualifies as security."

  Catherine giggled, "Mr. Summers do not underestimate Wizzi. That cat has actual superpowers. Why just yesterday…."

  A middle-aged man, bulky in the middle and dressed in an Armani gray suit, walked up to the group. "Mannford, I need to speak with you immediately. Why would you offer Tamara Collier one of my pens at half price?"

  Catherine took her cousin by the elbow. "Excuse us, gentlemen, but Temple and I are going for dinner." She winked at Mannford, saying, "Everyone deserves a dinner break."

  Giggling, Catherine led Temple away from the two men and said, "Let's go up to my penthouse and order in. There will be no further interruptions to deal with. Then we can go back to your bookstore for the writer's group's early tour of the exhibit. I have to tell you, Temple, I am nervous about meeting the others in the writer's club."

  Temple grinned. "Silly girl, there is nothing to be worried about, they are going to love you."

  As the women crossed the lobby, Catherine walked behind the desk. She saw the man who had earlier accosted Mannford now standing at the front desk.

  Catherine noticed a striking younger woman move in beside him. She wrinkled her nose in disgust as Henri nudged the woman to the back of him.

  Catherine heard Mindy, the Inn’s manager, say, "Welcome to the Saltwater Inn. Let's get you checked in. Your name?"

  The man spoke with arrogance, "Henri Duchene."

  The woman behind him thundered, "Harriet Sutherland."

  Henry, looking agitated, said, "Yes, I reserved two rooms for the next two nights."

  Harriet stepped forward, "We actually only need one room, miss."

  "No, that is two rooms."

  "Henry, we are practically living together. I thought this was a romantic getaway for us. You promised."

  Henry, agitated, turned to look at Harriet. "I told you I had to work this weekend, but you insisted on coming."

  Henry stated firmly, "The two rooms, miss."

  When the Inn’s guests started to stare at the loud couple, Catherine stepped in next to Mindy and said, "Mindy, would you please check in with Chef Jose and make sure he has enough asparagus for tonight’s dinner special? I will finish up here for you."

  Looking directly into Henry’s eyes, Catherine said sweetly, “Let’s get the two of you checked in. Ms. Sutherland, your room will have a stunning view of the coast, a great place to enjoy that first cup of coffee or tea in the mornings.”

  Just as Catherine was finishing the check-in procedure for Mr. Duchene and Ms. Sutherland, Mindy returned. Mindy mouthing a silent thankyou to Catherine watched as Temple and Catherine followed the disgruntled couple to the elevator. They looked at each other, silently deciding to catch the next elevator to the penthouse floor of the Saltwater Inn.

  Fifteen minutes later, the server, Joseph, a local man who had worked at the Inn for twenty-five years, wheeled their dinner cart into the penthouse, where Catherine lived. Temple was on a call in Catherine's bedroom.

  "Joseph, please serve the dinner out on the lanai."

  Catherine followed Joseph out to the patio and glanced over the sea as he prepared the table. The beach was f
lax gold. The ocean was calm but brought a mesmeric beauty with its beat, creating its own master and kindling its symphony. Catherine always found the planking of the waves against the rocks off the beach to be enthralling.

  She breathed in deeply, hearing Temple coming out to the lanai. She could smell the saline tang of the ocean mingling with the cuisine. Catherine turned to find Temple already digging into her steak and lobster dinner. She smiled as she sat down across from her to begin her dinner of shrimp scampi.

  When they had completed their meal, Catherine poured them each a glass of red wine.

  "So, tell me a bit about the members of the writing club."

  Temple smiled. "Sure. I'm telling you they are going to love you, well, except Reyes. He likes to drop in from time to time. But I'll get to him in a minute. Now let's see. First, there's Justus Gordon, retired New York Detective. Justus lives in a beach cottage just east of here. His genre is true crime novels. He likes to keep to himself but never misses a meeting.

  "Then there is Rafe Corbyn. When you go into town, if you see a fortyish-looking man in Bermuda shorts and sunglasses, that would be Rafe. He is a British romance writer who lives to surf and often competes globally in surfing competitions. He lives in a studio over the Splash Box Flower Shop downtown, the one owned by Doris the Florist."

  "Doris the Florist? That sounds intriguing."

  "Doris knows everyone, and she loves to gossip. She is the one supplying the flowers for the Famous Author Pen Exhibit. She is a character, but not part of the writing group."

  "Are there any others in the group?"

  "Hmm, there's Judy Reynolds, the librarian. She knows all, and if she doesn't, she finds it. She is an aspiring writer and allows us to hold our meetings at the library. The writing club members place bets each month on what color her hair will be. Judy changes her hair color weekly.

  "Oh, and then there is Reyes Moreno. Our local detective. He shows up occasionally, mostly to tell us to mind our own business. That is one man you will need to watch out for."

  "Now, why would I need to exercise caution around a detective, for heaven's sake?"

  "Reyes Moreno…" Temple grinned ear to ear. "How would I describe him? He rides a Harley, scorches his throat with whiskey, is a magnet for women who like life on the wild and dangerous side. He treats his women like his missions; in, out, and gone. On the other hand, he is one hell of a detective. Everyone trusts Reyes to keep the town safe. I can’t think of one case he hasn’t solved.”

  “He sounds more like a member of a motorcycle club, with a talent for exploiting women. Not exactly someone that would be on my radar to get to know. I really dislike men who think they are all that and a bag of chips too.”

  "That’s Reyes. But the man is sexy as hell and single. But he’s good at what he does. With his looks and personality, I really think that is part of his attributes in solving crimes. No one expects his brilliance in investigating crime The man can be sulky, but he is good at what he does. I find it hilarious when he gets irritated when the writing club investigates local crimes."

  Catherine's eyes widened. "The Whispering Cove Writer's Club investigates local crimes?"

  Temple looked at her watch. "We better get over to The Haven, I am sure Mannford is outside waiting for us, and he is a rather cranky gentleman."

  Catherine and Temple made it back down to the lobby and were heading out the door when Catherine heard the deep growl of a Harley motorcycle. She watched a tanned, tall, lithe, rugged man get off the bike and walk toward the two women.

  She stood rooted to the spot, her breath catching in her throat. Looking at the man walking toward them, Catherine thought, ‘Holy Hannah, sexy as hell, didn’t even begin to describe the man coming to stand in front of them.’ She felt the handsome man eye her from top to bottom, her belly tightening. This was one man she would need to keep at a distance. She refused to be another one of his conquests.

  Temple grinned ear to ear. "Hey Reyes, I thought you were at the bookstore?"

  Reyes held out his bandaged arm. "I was, 'til your cat attacked me."

  "Oh, dear. Sorry about that. She can be… feisty." She tossed her hair behind her shoulder. "Anyway, Catherine Landen, I would like to introduce you to Reyes Moreno, our town's top detective. Reyes, this is Catherine, my cousin, owner of the Saltwater Inn, and best-selling mystery writer and author."

  Reyes looked at Catherine suspiciously, "Great, just what this town needs, another mystery writer who thinks they can solve crimes."

  Catherine raised her left eyebrow. "Excuse me?

  “I’m just saying, don’t be like all the other writers in that club that suddenly turn into self-proclaimed detectives.”

  “Tell me, are you always so rude, Detective Moreno?”

  “Just telling you how it is, Catherine.”

  “That is Ms. Landen, please. We don’t have time for this. Now, if you don't mind, Temple and I were just leaving.”

  As Catherine and Temple walked towards Temples Maroon colored Escalade, Catherine watched as Detective Reyes Moreno slyly smiled. She could feel his dark eyes watching them. Turning back, she watched him enter the Saltwater Inn, wondering what kind of business he had at her establishment.

  Through the window, she saw a young bleached blonde woman dressed in a black sequined mini skirt move toward him and kiss him. Her eyes momentarily met with Reyes, as he kissed the woman back, watching her through the window, her heart quickening at the soldering look in his eyes.

  CHAPTER 2

  Catherine and Temple arrived at the bookstore to find not only an agitated Mannford Summers, but another man he brought along.

  “Temple, Ms. Landen, I thought you would have arrived a bit earlier. I would like to introduce you to my colleague, The Duke of Somerset.”

  Catherine, surprised, held out her hand to the duke. “Very pleased to meet you, your Grace.”

  The duke took Catherine’s hand, kissing it gently. “As I am pleased to meet you, Ms. Landen, I trust you will allow me to have a dance during tomorrow night’s upcoming event?”

  Catherine’s face turned a bright red. “I would be honored, your Grace.”

  As Temple opened the door, she saw Justus Gordon striding up the sidewalk toward them. She let Mannford and the duke into the bookstore, turning to greet Justus.

  “Hey, Justus. I am glad you made it. Justus, I would like to introduce you to my cousin and newest member of the Whispering Cove Writing Club, Catherine Landen. She owns the Saltwater Inn and is new to our community.”

  “Catherine Landen? You’re the author of Innocent Eyes. Number two on the USA Bestsellers list this week.”

  Catherine held out her hand. “Yes, I believe it is, Mr. Gordon. Nice to meet you.”

  “Nice to meet you, Catherine. Please, just call me Justus. So, what are you working on now?”

  “I don’t know yet, I still haven’t fully unpacked, and have a box of story ideas I want to go through.”

  Catherine, hearing laughter, watched a group of people approaching them. She heard them teasing a man who from Temple's earlier description must be Rafe Corbyn.

  “This must be the rest of the Writers Club.”

  Temple giggled. “That it is. Everyone, this is Catherine Landen, our newest member.”

  “Hello Catherine, I am Judy Reynolds, the town librarian and an aspiring writer. I hope you will come in soon and get a library card, so we can get to know each other better.”

  A thought flashed through Catherine’s mind, ‘who colors their hair pink like that? Judy doesn’t look like your idea of a librarian, and that flash in her eyes? There is more to this woman than meets the eye. Maybe a library card should be on her to do list.’

  Catherine looked at the man now standing before her, dressed in a pair of bright yellow and green surfer shorts patterned with pineapples, and a matching yellow sports jacket over a bare torso, with a lime green tie and sunglasses.

  “You must be Rafe Corbyn, Whispering Coves famous
surfer.”

  While bowing, Rafe said, “Yes, and British romance writer extraordinaire. Nice to meet you, Catherine.

  Temple opened the door. “Come on in and let’s get the early tour of the Famous Pen Exhibit started before Mr. Summers, the emcee of this exhibit, comes looking for us. Word of warning friend, he has no patience whatsoever, and he does not like Wizzy!”

  Everyone laughed, while Rafe said, “Who couldn’t love Wizzy?”

  Once inside, the group moved to the large back storage room of the bookstore. Judy Reynolds, the town librarian, gasped. “Temple, this looks fantastic.”

  The storage room, which once held crates of old books, now had a new wood floor, and the walls were freshly painted in a light sage green. The remodeled space not only held the pen exhibit, but had room enough for round tables, chairs, a dance floor, and a stage. Along the far wall, it was set up with long tables to hold the various warmed food items for the upcoming official event to be held Saturday night.

  Mannford, standing next to the exhibit, seeing the group enter, turned to face them all. “Welcome everyone. I am Mannford Summers, curator at The Writers Museum in Scotland.”

  Turning towards the man next to him, he continued. “This is my associate and friend, the Duke of Somerset. He is a collector of fine fountain pens and is in the process of writing his memoir as a member of British royalty.”

  Rafe Corbyn, a member of the Whispering Cove Writing Club, raised his eyebrow in surprise. As everyone gathered to introduce themselves, the Duke of Somerset looked directly at Rafe.

  “Mr. Corbyn, is it? I feel like I should know you. Possibly we attended Oxford College at the same time?”

  Before Rafe could answer, he felt Judy Reynolds take hold of his arm. In her other hand, she held out a pair of eyeglasses. “Rafe, you forgot your glasses at the library. You cannot enjoy the exhibit if you can’t see the pens.”