“That must have come as a shock.” Mary sighed.
“I’m sure it did.” Jason nodded. “Nina was going to help Amelia get more information about the scandal, but then she found out who was involved, and then Amelia was murdered so she backed out. We were able to positively identify the death threats that Amelia received as being typed on the same typewriter.”
“JuJu said that this wasn’t only about stealing the manuscript, she was also after the typewriter. The imprints left on the ribbon could have landed her in prison for the death threats. When she tried to get it back, Amelia caught her, there was a struggle, and JuJu killed her. I guess you will find out far more when you question her.” Suzie straightened her shoulders as she scanned the dock. There were several police cars, two ambulances, and one loudly barking Pilot. “You found him!” She smiled as Paul navigated the boat into an empty slip.
“Him, yes. JuJu, no.” Jason sighed as he turned to look at her. “She slipped away from me. I’m sorry. I can’t be certain that you’re safe. But we are tracking her as we speak.”
“It’s okay, Jason.” Mary studied him for a moment. “I think I know of a way you still might be able to catch her.”
“You do?” Jason helped her, then Suzie, off the boat. As the group gathered on the dock, Pilot ran up to them. He bounced back and forth between Suzie and Mary, licking their hands and whimpering with happiness.
“Lavinia and Michael were dating. Remember the shape that was cut into Amelia’s hand?”
“Yes, it looked like a bird. What about it?” Jason frowned.
“I don’t think it was a bird. I think it was the letter ‘m’. I think it stood for Michael. Michael had a chunky, long necklace. I offered to put it in the safe for him, but he refused. I couldn’t see the pendant because it was tucked under his shirt, but maybe it was the letter ‘m’. He said he had something to give Lavinia, maybe he gave the necklace to her. I am sure I saw Lavinia wearing it. I didn’t see it close up though. I was going to offer to put it in the safe for her, but the next time I saw her she didn’t have it.” Mary narrowed her eyes. “If they were close then it might be enough to draw JuJu out of hiding. Do you still have access to Michael?” She met his eyes.
“Mary.” Jason cleared his throat, then forced himself to look back at her. “Michael was the drowning victim.”
“What?” Mary’s cheeks flushed. “Why didn’t you tell us?”
“I couldn’t. It needed to remain confidential while we were hunting the murderer. That was why I wanted you to stay out of this, I knew how dangerous the murderer might be. We now believe JuJu killed Michael when he suspected or worked out that she killed Amelia. We believe he came out to the shack and she drowned him to keep him quiet. It was his boat she just used to get away.”
“Oh Jason.” Suzie sighed, then rubbed her cheeks. “How are we ever going to find her now?”
“It won’t be hard. I have the help of someone that she won’t expect. Her cousin, Nina. She has already alerted me that JuJu had called to ask if she can spend the night at her place. I was headed there when I heard the report of you two missing. I sent Kirk and a few others to pick her up.” Jason glanced at his phone, then nodded. “They caught her on the way there. She’s in custody. You and Mary are safe now.” He smiled as he looked between them.
“What a relief.” Mary grabbed Suzie’s hand and squeezed it. “It’s over, Suzie.”
“Yes, it is.” Suzie felt as if every muscle in her body relaxed, and suddenly she was ready for a nap. “Let’s go home, Mary.”
“Absolutely.” Mary wrapped her arm around Suzie’s. As Pilot walked beside them, they headed for the magnificent house on the hill above them. Finally, the truth about Amelia’s death was revealed, and though it would take some time for the memory of it to fade, the important thing was that her murder was solved.
The End
***
Thank you very much for reading Manuscripts and Deadly Motives. I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. You can sign up for my newsletter to be notified of my latest releases so you don’t miss out on the special new release price at
http://www.cindybellbooks.com
Also by Cindy Bell
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About the Author
Cindy Bell is a USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author. She is the author of the cozy mystery series Wagging Tail, Donut Truck, Dune House, Sage Gardens, Chocolate Center
ed, Macaron Patisserie, Nuts about Nuts, Bekki the Beautician, Heavenly Highland Inn and Wendy the Wedding Planner.
Cindy has always loved reading, but it is only recently that she has discovered her passion for writing romantic cozy mysteries. She loves walking along the beach thinking of the next adventure her characters can embark on.
You can sign up for her newsletter so you are notified of her latest releases at http://www.cindybellbooks.com.