Esther Valentine Chronicles Book 6: Green Paint Killer: Esther Valentine Chronicles, #6

By Rebecca Conaty Bruce

   When Esther is a witness to a fishing boat explosion, her fiance' Detective Sailor invites her  to assist with the investigation before their big day. When a body is discovered on the burned out boat the investigation becomes a murder case. Searching for the Green Paint Killer proves to be a test of Esther's strength, courage and commitment.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rebecca Conaty Bruce
• Release date: Nov 22, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201452018

Rebecca Conaty Bruce

Rebecca started writing at an early age but did not become a serious writer until she retired and then published her first book: Irish Bones Rebecca now lives in Florida with her husband and writes full time. She has two series published and one YA fiction/fantasy.

Book preview

A novel by

Rebecca Conaty Bruce

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Envy, disease, and inexperience have all been associated with the color green. This time it stands for murder

Promotion

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After my last case, the holidays, and time at the ranch planning a wedding I was eager for some work, a cold case or at least a missing person. I know...A girl should be excited to make wedding plans with her sister and mother however I cannot look at but so many flower and lace choices before I get a little batty. Patterns start running together and make my eyes go cross.

My long time friend and fiancé Detective Mark Sailor was busy relocating to the Dallas office after another well deserved promotion. I suppose I should be excited about that too but all I can think about is solving cold cases. Give me an unidentified skeleton anytime. Anything to get my mind off wedding plans.

It was because of this well deserved promotion that I was thrust into the case of the Green paint Killer. It is not a cold case like I am used to; instead it was a live case that unfolded right before our eyes with a loud boom.

When it comes to cold cases the clues have gone cold and the blood, rotting remains, and crime tape have all been removed. This will be a unique situation where my detective skills will be put to the test.

It was turning into a nice spring day at the ranch. The sun wasn’t too hot and the breeze was light enough to keep the sweat from forming. My sister Marja was taking advantage of the weather and riding Buddy the horse when Pug, my new shadow, and I went to find her.

I have a tendency to bring something home from every case I solve. Sort of like a souvenir only better. They become part of the family. Much like Buddy the horse, I brought home Pug the dog from the last case. Pug has become a close constant companion and sleeps at the foot of my bed. He is now my security alarm barking at the slightest movement in the house. His gentle nasally snore hums me to sleep.

Detective Sailor was expected for dinner so I went to find Marja for a little help seeing that she has become quite the chef these days always trying new recipes. Her authentic Mexican chorizo will set your taste buds on fire. It is slightly different than its Spanish cousin, but equally delicious and my favorite.

I waved at Marja then motioned her to meet me as I walked to the barn. I grabbed a small part of a bale to help put hay out for Buddy as she arrived.

Marja, you ride Buddy like a professional horsewoman. Is there anything you cannot do? I laughed helping take off Buddy’s bridle.

Marja was one of the first keepsakes I brought home from a case in Mexico a few years back. She was a young woman of nineteen who had been left alone in the Mexican dessert after a crime had been committed, and I could not leave her there. She has blossomed in Texas and eagerly learns everything she can. Because the procedure was quicker than getting a green card, my mother adopted her, making her my legal sister. Marja has proven to be a valuable asset to my private detective agency. She has learned mad computer skills, checks medical examiner reports and scans police reports with the dexterity of a ninja, all while keeping tabs on my whereabouts. Watching her dismount her horse with her black hair swinging in the wind made me realize Marja was turning into a beautiful woman before my eyes.

I have not mastered cake baking if that makes you feel any better laughed Marja. We need a cake to celebrate Detective Sailor’s promotion don’t you think?

He loves pie, can you make a pie? I asked.

Only mud pies sister dear. I think you should make a trip into town to purchase the sweet of your choice while I head into the kitchen to start the savory

Anything to get away from wedding plans. I will leave now and you take Pug in with you

Sounds like I got the better end of the deal sister. Hurry back chuckled Marja.

Ignoring her snarky remarks I loaded up in my trusty red jeep and headed toward town to Kathy’s Pie Palace. On the way I decided to confirm Detective Sailors time frame for arrival and see if I can casually discover his favorite pie. As he answered I could detect quite a bit of commotion going on in the background.

Hello Esther, I am trying to wrap up this last minute paperwork then I can head to your ranch. I guess I could call it our ranch seeing as we are about to marry...right? he said jokingly. What time is dinner? I hope Marja is cooking something special tonight

You haven’t moved in yet my love, don’t get ahead of yourself.  My ranch was the first thing I bought as a proper adult detective. It is going to be like pulling teeth for me to change the deed and yes, Marja has agreed to cook tonight

Wow, you sure know a way to a man’s heart with all that sweet talk Esther Detective Sailor laughed.

Speaking of sweet talk, if you were a pie what flavor would you be? I asked slyly.

If you are curious as to what kind of pie I like then just ask. By the way, it is apple crumb pie he snarled. It is the best

Gotcha, loud and clear. You see how well I used my detective skills there? I joked.

You are the best Esther and by the way congratulations on receiving your official license as well. I guess we both got a promotion. I will see you soon.  The men have been steady hazing me on my promotion. There was even a live frog in my desk covered in police tape.  Be prepared for things to go worse at the policeman’s dinner tomorrow night.  We could end up coated in flying mashed potatoes the way these rowdy guys are. I shouldn’t be too much longer. Love you

I had almost completely forgotten about the Police officers promotion banquet and have no idea what to wear. I am not a girl who dresses up. I am most comfortable in khaki cargo pants, a black tee, my boots, and a hat. I love my boots. I am a Texas girl through and through.

This dinner ought to be a fun time. If you get a group of law enforcement letting their hair down things will happen. They love practical jokes and pranks but if they are on the clock they are always professional. Perhaps that is why they have these dinners at local restaurants and not a formal banquet hall.

I should go to the dress shop in town after Kathy’s Pie Palace. Better yet, instead of going to a high-end dress shop, I should visit the thrift store to find something to wear that will go with my boots.  It's possible I will have to toss the dress after the dinner escapades. Detective Sailor’s promotion calls for a banquet while mine has been quietly sending me a certificate in the mail.

At least my promotion does not include flying mashed potatoes, who would waste a good potato like that? I thought to myself. My Irish Bones would never allow the waste of potatoes.

I have never been one for parties or mingling at social gatherings. Growing up in Amarillo I prefer a simple life and simple attire. Browsing through a well stocked closet is not for me. I grab my boots, a pair of cargo pants and I am off to the races. Keep it simple is my motto.

Fire

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For the Policeman's dinner, I was fortunate enough to find a simple black dress and matching flats. I guess I will leave the boots at home. With his black suit and blue tie, Detective Sailor and I resembled something of a well dressed couple out for a night on the town. Realizing he had never seen me in a dress, I couldn't help but notice his eyes roving my body as I descended the stairs. Adding a little flirtatious swing in the mix seemed to really put a smile on his face.

Arriving at the Flying Fish Restaurant on Wharf Road, we were greeted by the many brave men who work under the now assistant-to-the-Chief, Detective Mark Sailor, my date for the night. Feeling proud with my arm hooked in his we were escorted to the deck overlooking the water.

I see they put us outside in case the mashed potatoes start flying I chuckled.

Enjoy the night Esther, but don’t leave my side. I will warn you when to duck and cover

That is so comforting Mark I said sarcastically.

You know I love it when you call me Mark. How fast can you get out of that dress?

Hush, detective. My feet are killing me

Soon after a lovely buffet dinner of wonderfully cooked seafood and no potatoes, it was time for Detective Sailor to give his speech. I watched as the handsome man I was destined to marry walked up to the podium.

Good Evening ladies and gentlemen, if I can call you that after all the shenanigans that have gone down since the announcement of my promotion he chuckled. When you see a Texas Ranger what comes to mind? Well I will tell you it is rugged determination. It was determination that appointed Robert Williamson as the first Head Major of the Rangers in 1835. He was my great-great grandfather on my mother’s side. He would be very proud of me today. With the...

BOOM! The explosion was so loud that it shook the deck where we were sitting.  All eyes turned to the waterfront as we watched a large fishing boat begin to go up in flames.  As the second explosion lit up the sky, everyone ducked behind tables and chairs.  We could feel the heat from the flames on our faces. Detective Sailor had stopped his speech in mid-sentence thinking at first this was part of a joke being played on him. It was louder than a thunder clap.

When the second blast occurred he dashed to my side on the floor bracing for the next boom.

Someone did not like my speech he whispered.

I don’t think it was your speech honey, someone blew up a boat I whispered back.

Swinging into action like ants fleeing an ant hill, several men began running to the scene while someone shouted to call the fire service. As ash began to swirl in the air, Detective Sailor slowly helped me to my feet.

"I have to go Esther; will you be okay if I leave