HELL'S HALF ACRE a gripping murder mystery full of twists (Coffin Cove Mysteries Book 2) by JACKIE ELLIOTT (classic literature books .txt) 📗

him smiling and accepting an award for bravery, accompanying Andi’s story about Charlie saving her from a crazed killer.

Matt Beaufort stood beside him. He was staying on for the time being, he’d told Andi. He wanted more experience before he transferred to a city. Besides, the detachment was getting an overhaul and some new equipment. Plus, the mayor had found enough money in the budget for an extra full-time officer. It was the service Coffin Cove deserved, she’d said.

Doug and Terri South were not there.

Andi knew they had a special appointment. Today, Art Whilley would be laid to rest in the Coffin Cove cemetery. It was a controversial decision, Doug said he knew, but the secret ceremony was to remember the boy, not the killer. It would have pleased Ann, Doug’s mother. Andi had decided not to report this in the Gazette.

Katie Dagg stood beside Lee. The museum was open, and the first exhibit was called “Pioneer Women” and featured Clara Bell, who had offered to tell stories to the tourists. For a fee, she had told Katie sternly.

Jim tapped Andi on the shoulder.

“I hear Lee and Katie are moving,” he said. “Hell’s Half Acre will be vacant. Unless Wayne comes back.”

Andi nodded but said nothing. The last time she’d talked to Andrew Vega, he’d told her about a second set of human remains they’d recovered from the chapel, just where they had found Ricky Havers. Forensics were still working on it, he said, but he was certain they belonged to Wayne Dagg.

Andi and Andrew Vega had met for a coffee before he caught the floatplane back to the mainland. Andi had felt awkward at first, remembering the intimate moment they had shared. Maybe Vega felt the same, because at first, he’d talked a lot.

Vega had been suspended. Superintendent Sinclair had no other option, he explained to Andi. He’d simply not followed standard procedure.

“But you saved Jade Thompson,” Andi said. “If you hadn’t authorized the search parties, she’d be dead now. And maybe more people. Doesn’t that count for anything?”

“It does,” Vega said, smiling, “but an officer was shot, and a civilian killed a suspect. There are rules, Andi, in my job. I broke them, and now I have to pay the price.”

But he went on to tell her the better news. Nanaimo RCMP had credited his team for helping crack the drug ring. Kevin Wildman had provided enough information to lead the drug squad to the Knights’ headquarters. In a small warehouse, they had found a stash of drugs matching the “dukes” on the street. Interestingly, they also found a freezer and traces of embalming fluid. Vega was sure they would link the warehouse with Art Whilley.

“Can I print that?”

“Sure. It’s a scoop, right?” Vega had teased her. But then he’d looked serious. “You were right about a lot of things, Andi. You have good instincts.”

Andi had wanted to ask what it was she’d been right about, but the distant throb of an engine got nearer, ending their conversation.

As the floatplane taxied to the dock, Andi had impulsively blurted out, “What now? For you and me, I mean.”

Andrew Vega had stood still and then reached out an arm to pull her into a hug.

“I hope there can be a ‘you and me’, Andi. But . . .”

“But I’m a journalist and you’re a police officer?”

Vega had nodded.

“It would always be complicated.”

Jim poked her in the ribs, interrupting her thoughts. “Are you ready? Harry’s cooking.”

“I know,” Andi said and smiled. “Hey, Jim, did you know halibut have cheeks?”

Jim rolled his eyes. “Everyone knows that,” he said, and they walked down the boardwalk to the Pipe Dream, where Harry was waiting.

THE END

ALSO BY JACKIE ELLIOTT

COFFIN COVE MYSTERIES

Book 1: COFFIN COVE

Book 2: HELL’S HALF ACRE

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