The chest came last. With Bert’s assistance I unwrapped it.
I needed to do more sports, I decided, when that too was done and I folded the large horse blankets that had been used for the job. I shouldn’t have been this hot and uncomfortable after this little exercise, unless my HRT patch had fallen off again.
“It’s a beauty,” Bert said. “I wouldn’t mind having that in my house.”
I agreed. “Can you help me with the lid? The chest can do with a bit of airing out. Gently, please.”
“Sure thing.” On the count of three we each grasped an end and lifted the heavy wood.
I looked inside and terror rose in me. My HRT patch was working alright. The heat had been a witchfire wave, caused by the presence of evil.
Or, in this case, a dead body.
A man had been dumped inside the chest. The murder weapon still stuck between his ribs.
Chapter 7
Detective Trey Stone shook his head at me. “Another murder in Willowmere. I should have known I’d find you close by.”
“Technically, I think you’ll find that this dead body belongs to Cannon Hill. At least that’s where the chest was put onto the delivery van.” I shivered.
“Cannon Hill?” He motioned to the crime scene team who’d come together with him, accompanied by Ange’s husband. Nick was fast becoming used to being called in by the police, since he’d passed his medical examiner qualification last year, in addition to being one of the three town doctors.
Nick had confirmed that the victim really was dead, and whatever else he’d been called for, and the body was already on the way again. So was Nick.
Ange was still at Bert’s Antiques' Barn with me. She’d taken the shocked Bert to his office. In his line of work, he came across unpleasant odors, blood and other stains, and the occasional dead mouse, bat, or raccoon. Amurdered man was a first for him.
I wish I could say the same for Ange and me. The detective was right; unnatural death made an appearance in Willowmere too often these days. But at least for once, this one had nothing to do with me, or my role as secret guardian of our community. The case belonged to the police in the city, and I wished them all the best with it.
Detective Stone silently read through the notes he’d written down while talking to me. “But this chest belongs to you?”
“No. I agreed with the buyer that I’d restore it and the other things –” I vaguely swept my hand in the general area. “We’d visited the antiques’ fair on Friday night and Saturday. I said to have everything sent here after the fair ended. The delivery also included objects that Ange Gale bought.”
“And the owner is?”
“Candice Schott. She’s engaged to my ex-husband.”
I’d never seen Trey Stone lost for words before. He was now.
I felt defensive. “It’s not that unusual. We’re on good terms, and I’ve helped her and my ex out before. She used to be our assistant.”
“That’s nice. I wish more folks had your attitude towards their exes.” He attempted a chuckle. It didn’t work.
Like myself, the detective was recently divorced. Unlike me, he was already dating again. He and my old high school friend, Louisa, a successful lawyer, were now “official”.
I hoped his unsuccessful chuckle meant that his ex-wife was the one with the bad attitude. Louisa deserved to be with the right guy.
“Can you give me her address?” he asked.
I gave him Rick’s details. “She’ll still be in Cannon Hill, I think. She’s got an assignment there. The delivery company should be able to give you her address. Or you can try this phone number.”
After searching through my contacts, I found it. The detective wrote it down. “Thanks.”
“If you have more questions, you know where to find me.” I turned to go to the office.
“One last thing.”
I stopped. “Yes?”
