Death on the Coast, M Comley [book club books TXT] 📗

“If it weren’t for the conscientious and loving investigation by Lucy Diamond, this crime might have gone unsolved. It came for her at a cost, however. When Bertha reappeared finally, supposedly to settle things with Dewhurst, he and Christine decided Bertha had to be taken out and did it quite dramatically by luring her to Lucy’s house under a pretense, sending her to the basement and knocking her on the back of the head before shoving her body to the bottom of the stairs. The coroner’s report indicated that blunt force had preceded the fall—a fact we’ve kept quiet until now.” He glanced apologetically at Lucy, then added, “After Bertha’s death, Christine and Dewhurst escaped to live in a house in Londonberry that she had purchased right about the time of her mother’s death. Angie’s assets were also in Christine’s name, so there were no questions to be asked.” Lucy constantly shook her head in disbelief. How could a daughter treat her mother so despicably? For what? Love?

“Kathy Simpson, who had no part in this, will be arrested for withholding evidence of a crime, but is expected to be given probation since she has willingly cooperated with my department, revealing what she knew and helping us to solve the mystery. Mrs. Bannutt is, of course, deceased. Mr. Dewhurst will be tried for three murders to begin with and likely a slew of other crimes. What many of you probably aren’t aware of is that Angie was pregnant, most likely with his child.” Lucy mentally kicked herself for doubting Kathy and Brendon. She blushed at her stupidity.

A gasp went through the crowd, and louder sobs exploded.

“Dewhurst is already a wanted man. Christine will be arrested as an accessory in the death of her mother and the baby.”

He looked at Lucy once more and then spoke to the crowd. “I’m sure some of you are wondering about Mark Diamond’s role in all of this. Essentially, he has none. His phone was found near the crime scene, he wasn’t involved. He let his nosiness get the better of him. Went snooping around up there and dropped his phone in the undergrowth just as it was getting dark. By the time he realized his mistake, the phone was already back at the station, sitting in an evidence bag. Another thing I want to mention, the Diamonds are dealing with personal issues that, while the timing is coincidental, are not related to the crimes at hand. I would appreciate it if you would leave them both in peace. And that sums everything up. The individuals arrested will be escorted to the precinct, and the rest of you may go about your normal lives. Wellington Village is once again a safe and a peaceful place to live.”

28

Lucy sat across the room from Brendon at his desk. She was shell-shocked by the revelations. “I finished the story for Len, so he’s off my back for the time being,” she told him.

“That’s good. You look exhausted.”

“I am, as a matter of fact, in more ways than one. I still can’t believe a daughter could be capable of doing the dirty on her mother like that, and with her fella too.”

“It takes all sorts. I think money had a lot to do with it. The root of all evil for some.”

“I suppose. Anyway, Mr. Smith organized a volunteer work party of the neighbors to clean up my basement. They did us both proud, removed anything affected, scrubbed, and painted the floor and stairs. All traces of Bertha are officially gone. I’m going to remain firm friends with Mr. Smith, and he’s promised to be my mentor. Maybe he sees me as a slight replacement for his daughter. I find that charming, not creepy in the slightest.”

He smiled warmly and nodded, waiting for her to go on.

“You want to ask about Mark, don’t you?”

“Of course, I do.”

“I let him know his things were in the garage, all bagged up. He came to collect them, and we talked. His remorse at what he put me through is genuine. He’s giving me the house with a clear title and paying for all the legal bills in return for an amicable divorce. I’ll be entitled to half his retirement pension, prorated for the years we’ve been married. In three weeks, it will all be over, and I’ll probably never see him again. Of course, there are no children involved.” She was quiet for a few seconds after that. “I’ve moved out of Jon’s apartment and back into my house. I’m quitting my job at the paper, except for a regular blog on local gossip. I’m going to write that book I’ve always intended. Things will be tight for a while, but that’s a great incentive for me to write a bestseller.”

“You can do it. I know you can.”

“So,” she said, slapping her palms on her lap as she stood, “that’s it. The Angie stuff is all but dealt with, and I’m taking my life back.”

“And…?”

“And, what?”

He stood and came around the desk, putting his arms around her. She leaned into his chest. “What about me? About us?”

“Well, that part is up to you. I’d say, for the time being, you have your hands full.”

“Will you stay in my life?” he asked.

“I will if you want me there.”

“I want you there.” His tone was final, and he kept his arms wrapped around her. “You know, there’s something in all of this I haven’t told you yet. You might want to sit down.”

She looked up at him, her face fearful.

“No, no, it’s not bad news.”

She nodded and dropped back into her chair. “What is it, Brendon?”

“You remember the guy who came up to you at the diner?”

She nodded again. “He’s the part I can’t figure out.”

“I might be able to help you with that. He was Angie’s old lover, probably her first,” Brendon explained. “He truly did advise her, but more like a father would. That said, he’s Christine’s father.”

“No kidding?”

“No