A Curious Corpse Was He: Madeline McPhee Mysteries, #2

By June Lucas

Professor Madeline McPhee is finally settling into her new job in Portland, Oregon, when one of her Aunt Fiona's Bridge buddies draws her into another investigation into an untimely death.

Dmitri Petrovich, a middle-aged man who'd recently lost his wife, was found poisoned at his favorite haunt, the Oregon Garden. Police concluded that Dmitri had died of an accidental exposure to pesticides but his brother, Mikhail, adamantly refused to accept that decision. Madeline figured that she could at least provide peace to Dmitri's family by learning more about the case but soon realizes that the evidence doesn't support the police's conclusion. Because of their reluctance to involve her, Madeline sets out to do some investigating on her own and discovers a deadly truth that brings her close to a killer, both human and poisonous.

A Curious Corpse Was He is the second installment in the Madeline McPhee mystery series, stories that embrace the quirky characters of a small village in the Pacific Northwest, the antics of a Maine Coon cat, and an amateur sleuth with the calm demeanor of Jessica Fletcher and the deductive skills of Sherlock Holmes.

• Language: English
• Publisher: June Lucas
• Release date: Nov 27, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215366127

June Lucas

June Lucas is the pen name of Dr. Laurel Standley, a scientist and author living in northern California, though her heart remains in the misty forests of Oregon, especially Portland, which is where the Madeline McPhee mysteries take place. To learn more about her cozy mysteries and the associated cookbook, 50 Shades of Scones, visit www.authorjunelucas.com and follow @junelucasauthor on Instagram. The idea for the Madeline McPhee mysteries began when a light-hearted story Laurel wrote about her cat was accepted for publication in Chicken Soup for the Soul: My Cat Did That? Laurel decided to try her hand at writing cozy mysteries with a strong feline presence. And, of course, she loves all things Scottish—tea, scones, plaid, the accent. Many of the antics of the fictional cat Angus in the stories were inspired by Wall-E (see picture), a big orange kitten Laurel adopted from a shelter in the winter of 2019. The titles for the McPhee mysteries were inspired years ago by Laurel’s Aunt Gail when she nicknamed Laurel’s sweet but grumpy cat Teacake “The Wreck of the Hiss Purr Hiss,” a play on Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem, The Wreck of the Hesperus. Thus, titles for the McPhee mysteries are created in the spirit of lines from Longfellow’s poem with a feline twist.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

Sensing the faint odor of newly rotting flesh, the vulture craned his red, leathery head in a focused rhythm as he soared in a wide circle above the Willamette Valley. Cool currents of wind flicked the feathers at the tips of his broad wings as he homed in on the scent which, oddly, seemed to be coming from an area usually devoid of ready meals.

His prey often met their end beneath the noisy beasts on the small, winding paths and broad throughways. At least here, he would be less likely to be struck by one of those beasts while dining.

Approaching the small opening among the trees, he scanned the region where the scent was strongest and spied one of the large creatures he often saw riding inside the noisy beasts. Eyeing the motionless form heaped alone on a perch, the vulture circled more tightly, checking for signs of danger. As he flew close, he detected an acrid smell commingling with death’s odor.

Seeing no other large creatures nearby, the vulture tilted his wings and angled down, landing on the far side of the perch, close, yet far enough to lift off quickly if necessary. The tasty smell of rot was heavily contaminated by the foul smell and the vulture hesitated, alert to potential toxins that might be contaminating this meal. Perhaps this was characteristic of these creatures. He’d never come upon one of their corpses before.

Hopping closer, the vulture tilted his head to peer beneath the cover on the creature’s head and saw a horrific expression unlike any that he’d seen on creatures struck by the beasts. As he hopped back to the other end of the perch to contemplate whether eating such a meal would be wise, he heard other creatures approaching. Pivoting his head around, he located two large creatures just visible through low-hanging branches of trees.

With a powerful thrust of his wings, the vulture flew up onto a branch, remaining within sight of the lifeless one. The advancing creatures entered the space, chattering in disparate tones that were unintelligible to the vulture. The larger creature had a deeper tone and was feathered in feminine browns, but the smaller one wore an array of colors that would make any male songbird proud.

As the vulture watched their meandering journey, he saw the larger one trip over stones bordering the path, likely distracted by its focus on the smaller creature.

A trilling in the way peculiar to these creatures ensued from the smaller one. Jamie, watch out.

But you look awesome in those tight jeans.

Will you stop? This is my favorite garden. They’ve got all the medicinal plants in here.

"Are there any poisonous ones? Now that would be interesting."

The small creature hit the larger one’s head with the tip of her featherless wing. You are so bad.

Listen, there’s a cool garden in England where they grow poisonous plants. People who work there wear gloves and stuff to keep from dying. We should go there sometime.

Why? Planning to murder me for my money?

The large creature spun toward the other and stopped. You didn’t tell me you were rich! All this time, I thought you were just a poor college student like me.

I’m poor as a church mouse but rich in wisdom, Jamie boy. The small creature paused and pointed to the lifeless form. Shh. Looks like that old guy’s asleep. Darn it, the bench he’s on is right in the middle of the best plants.

The large creature shook its head. I don’t think he’s asleep.

What? Wait, what? The small creature flapped its wing against its chest. We’d better go see if he’s okay.

The two creatures walked toward the lifeless form. As they drew near, the small one chirped, Hello, sir? Are you okay?

Taking a deep breath, the larger creature strode forward and nudged the shoulder of the lifeless form, which then slumped to the gravel path.

Oh no! I think he’s dead. The smaller creature kneeled by the prone form and touched its neck. He’s cold. Jamie, go get security. Call an ambulance, do something.

I don’t want to leave you alone with a dead body. Look at his face.

It’s okay, he probably just had a heart attack or something. I’d want someone to stay with me if I died. Wouldn’t you?

The larger creature glanced up into the trees and pointed at the vulture. Oh man, can you believe it? The vultures have already arrived to eat the poor guy.

As both creatures looked up at him, the vulture flew to a higher branch. Not ready to abandon the potential meal, he settled in and watched as the larger creature trotted away. The vulture returned its attention to the small one, as it pulled something white from beneath its coverings and began patting away drops of water from its face. Then more of the large creatures came running into the space. With its meal now lost, the vulture lifted off from the branch and soared high into the gray sky. He scanned the horizon for places with the noisy beasts and where his next meal could be enjoyed in relative peace.

CHAPTER ONE

W e could just leave Angus under there and let your daughter find him. Fiona patted the purring mound of cat beneath the sheet they’d just tucked onto the bed.

Madeline McPhee and her aunt were getting the downstairs guest room in Fiona’s Craftsman home ready for Kirsty’s arrival, and the rapidly growing red Maine Coon kitten was proving to be a big help. Madeline ran her hand over what she believed to be Angus’s head, but it could have been his butt. In a flash, the mound leaped and grabbed at where her hand had been a second earlier.

Fiona jumped. Ooh, he’s fast, this kitten! I just wish he’d catch the mouse.

We have a mouse? Madeline stared at her aunt in surprise.

Fiona tsked. Have had for a couple of days, not that this boy’s doing anything about it.

I guess he’s a lover, not a killer. Madeline smiled at the lump beneath the sheet then tucked her unruly curls behind her ear, as though that would keep them out of her way.

They piled a blanket over the enveloped cat, then the quilt, hand-sewn by Fiona in a wedding-ring pattern for Madeline’s parents more than fifty years earlier. The finished bed was a rumpled mess, but good enough despite the feline assistance. Madeline shook a treat bag and the culprit emerged from beneath the covers with the satisfied look of a cat whose job of disruption had been well done.

Okay, I think we’re ready for Kirsty. Madeline checked the time on her phone. She should be here any minute. Is dinner about ready?

I’ll pop the salmon for our Sunday supper in the skillet when she gets here, then we’re all set for our girl. Fiona tightened the McPhee tartan-patterned apron around her ample waist and followed Madeline toward the kitchen.

We should toast her arrival. I’ll bet she could use a few sips of wine after driving for two long days. Madeline walked over to the wine rack in the dining room and searched for a suitable selection.

Open that Pinot Noir on the top rack, Maddie. That’ll go best with the salmon and asparagus.

Where’d you get this? Madeline pushed her glasses up onto her head so she could read the label.

The girls and I did a bit of wine tasting over near Dundee.

Did you now? Madeline smiled. I'm afraid to ask who drove.

Oh, you! Bertie’s niece drove us. Anyway, I liked this one, so I bought a few bottles to save for special occasions. I think Kirsty’s homecoming calls for a nice bottle of wine.

Careful. We have to be subtle about calling it a homecoming. They’d talked about working on Kirsty over the summer to see if they could get her to transfer to a university in the Portland area instead of the one down in Arizona. It would be wonderful to have all three generations nearby, but they’d have to proceed cautiously because of her daughter’s rebellious nature. The prior summer, Kirsty had announced her intention to go to college as far away as possible from her professor parents who, at that time, were newly divorced.

Right. Fiona mimicked zipping her lips. We’ll be real undercover about it. We’re getting good at that.

Sure, we are. Madeline was pretty sure Portland’s Detective Griff O’Neill wouldn’t agree with that assessment after their close encounter with a killer a couple of months earlier. But then, he wasn’t here to challenge them.

Madeline heard a car with a noisy muffler pull into the driveway. They hurried to the front door and, as Madeline swung it open, her heart swelled at the sight of her nineteen-year-old daughter waving from the front seat of the old Ford Escort station wagon.

Kirsty shoved the creaking door open and stepped out into the still warm June evening. Geez, this place is hard to find. I made it all the way into downtown Portland before I finally turned around and found the right exit for Dunnett Village. Even my phone had trouble finding it.

But you made it, sweetie. We’re so happy to see you! Fiona pulled her into a hug.

Madeline joined the hug, then leaned back to examine the purple-dyed spikes on her daughter’s head. You cut your hair.

It looks fabulous, Fiona said.

Thanks, Kirsty said. I needed a change.

Madeline reached for the backpack Kirsty dragged from the car.

I’ve got it. Shouldn’t you be careful with your arm? Kirsty shot a concerned look at Madeline’s left arm, recently freed from the cast she’d gotten after being run off the road a couple of months earlier.

I’m fine. Madeline shot a look at the Escort and realized it was jammed to the roof with boxes. She felt a glimmer of hope and concern. Did you have to move all your stuff out of the dorm?

Kirsty shrugged. Not sure I’m going back, Mom.

Madeline’s heart sank. Not going back, why? To Arizona or college?

Fiona clapped her hands. Ooh, does that mean you’re moving up here for good?

I don’t know, Kirsty said.

Well, we can talk about that later, Madeline said. We’re hoping to convince you to stay up here. And, she thought, go back to college one way or another.

Kirsty frowned. Slow down, you two. I’m not sure what I’m going to do yet.

Madeline gave her daughter a hug. No pressure, sweetheart. You must be very tired. How about we go inside and get you a small glass of wine? Fiona’s opened a special bottle for the occasion. We can unpack the car after dinner.

Thanks, I’m exhausted. And I want to meet this famous cat you guys keep telling me about.

As they walked up the steps, a rust-colored furry face with long white whiskers peeked through the beveled glass door.

Wow, he’s huge! And so cute, Kirsty said. She opened the door and was greeted by Angus, who immediately wrapped himself around her ankles. Aren’t you adorable.

Now you’ve truly been welcomed home, Fiona said, beaming. C’mon in. I’ll go put the salmon in the skillet.

Madeline wished she could give her daughter another hug but didn’t want to push her luck, as her daughter was still very much in her standoffish-teen years. Go ahead and set your pack down in the guest room on the right then come join us in the kitchen.

Madeline swung by the dining room to pick up the bottle of wine then headed toward the kitchen where Fiona was navigating around the almost twenty-pound kitten circling at her feet.

Move aside, you rascal, Fiona said. I’ll give you some salmon once it’s done.

Kirsty joined them and Madeline poured three glasses of wine, a half glass for her daughter.

Just as they raised their glasses to toast Kirsty’s arrival, Angus hopped up to the top of the refrigerator in one graceful leap.

Get down from there! Madeline set her wine glass down and reached for him, but he retreated to the back corner where he could keep an eye on the salmon in the pan.

Kirsty laughed. He’s such a character.

Fiona waved the spatula at him. You’d better not try to jump into the pan, you scamp, or we’ll have an orange kitten with our salmon for dinner.

Want me to try to get him? Kirsty asked.

Good luck, Madeline said. Though maybe if we both climb on chairs and corner him.

Might as well leave him for now, Fiona said. Let’s toast to Kirsty’s safe arrival.

They clinked their glasses together then took a sip of wine.

After tempting Angus down from the refrigerator with a piece of salmon in his bowl, they settled at the dining room table. Light from several candles cast a warm glow around the wood-paneled room. Sitting across from her daughter, Madeline smiled as she watched her carry on an animated conversation with Fiona. Kirsty’s new haircut was complimentary to her heart-shaped face, and the candlelight brought out the color in her cerulean blue eyes, so unlike Madeline’s own pale blue but a mirror image of Kirsty’s father’s eyes.

What are you up to this summer, Mom? Solving any more murder mysteries? Kirsty grinned.

Absolutely not! I’m finally setting up my lab at the university to get ready for fall term. I’ve got grant proposals to write and lab supplies to order. And, I’m having a hard time finding an affordable house that’s close to Fiona and work.

You two can stay with me as long as you need to, Fiona said. It’ll be fun having us all under one roof.

So, things have settled down after that murder? Kirsty asked. You really had me worried.

I’m sorry about that. I hope it didn’t mess up your exams, Madeline said. Things are much calmer now. Everybody’s back to arguing about Dunnett Village’s future. Now that the pot store…

Dispensary, Maddie, Fiona said.

Oh, fine, Madeline said. "Now that the dispensary has closed, a debate is raging among villagers about what should go into that space."

I’m sorry I missed all the excitement. And I wish I’d seen you two get high on brownies.

Madeline put her finger to her lip.

Kirsty’s eyes widened. Wait. You still have some?

We’ll discuss that in the morning, dear. Fiona stood primly and started clearing dishes from the table. I’ll take care of these. Why don’t you two move the rest of Kirsty’s stuff into her room?

Kirsty grinned. You two are hilarious! Angus, are you a pot head too?

Madeline rose and headed toward the front door with Kirsty. He’s such a slave to treats, I’m beginning to wonder what’s in them. Probably some catnip. I’ll show you where we lock them up later.

As they brought in the last of the boxes, the landline rang. As Fiona bustled into the living room to answer, Madeline felt a tingle of dread down her spine.

Why hello, Gertie. Fiona started untying her apron. What’s up?

Madeline closed her eyes. Oh boy.

Are you all right, Mom?

She shook her head. Whenever we get late phone calls, it’s never good news.

They paused in the entrance to the living room and watched as Fiona’s face grew serious, her responses brief.

Oh dear. That’s awful, Fiona said.

Madeline turned to Kirsty. Honey, why don’t you go on up to the bathroom and get ready for bed. You must be exhausted.

In a minute. I want to hear about what’s going on.

Madeline shook her head. You’re as bad as I am.

Kirsty grinned. Maybe Professor McPhee is getting called out on another investigation?

I hope not. The last time was bad enough. I fully intend to return to my job as a boring professor who tracks down sources of pollution instead of crime.

Goodness sakes! Fiona waved Madeline and Kirsty closer. I’ll let her know. I’m sure she’d be happy to have a chat with him.

Madeline’s heart sank at the implications of that statement and started thinking of ways to resist whatever forces were about to entangle her in another village drama.

You have him do that, Gertie. Mid-morning should be fine. All right, honey. You have a good night. Fiona dropped the corded phone receiver into its base.

I’m pretty sure I’m not going to like what you’re about to say. Madeline started backing toward the stairs.

Where do you think you’re going, missy? Fiona asked.

Kirsty started giggling. Good luck hiding with that red hair of yours.

Nuts! Madeline found herself unable to take another step as Angus had stretched himself in front of the steps. Et tu, Angus? She sighed in defeat. Fine. Break it to me gently.

How about I make us some cocoa nightcaps? Fiona suggested.

It’s that bad? Madeline asked.

Well… Fiona looked sheepish.

Welcome home, Kirsty, Madeline said. This place only looks like a bucolic village from the outside. Inside town limits, it’s mayhem.

Great! It’s so boring in Arizona. Fiona, why don’t I help you make the—what’d you call them? Kirsty followed her great aunt toward the kitchen.

Fiona retied her apron. Nightcaps, sweetie. We invented another way to get chocolate and booze in before bedtime.

Needing a few moments to prepare herself for Fiona’s news, Madeline walked into the living room and sank onto the couch. She welcomed Angus to her lap then began scratching the cat’s chin from every angle as he purred loudly. I have a bad feeling about this, buddy. At least last time, we got to adopt you.

Fiona and Kirsty returned with mugs loaded with whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles.

This must be really bad. You even brought out the sprinkles. Madeline patted the couch next to her. Come sit by me, Kirsty. Give me some support.

Fiona settled into the overstuffed chair across from them. Take a big sip, Maddie. You’re going to need it after I tell you this. So, Gertie—I don’t think you’ve met her yet. She’s one of my bridge pals.

Get to the point. Madeline knew Fiona’s side stories were a way to delay delivering bad news.

Fine! Anyway, she was out in her backyard planting tomatoes, though it’s a bit early for those yet. We could still have a frost.

It’s June, Fiona, perfectly safe for tomatoes, Madeline said. Now tell it to me straight.

"All right, all right. So, Gertie’s out in her backyard when she hears people talking next door. That house had been vacant ever since the owner died a few months ago, so she was hoping it was somebody looking to buy the place. It used to have a lovely garden, but the man’s wife died years ago, and he just let it go. Then he died unexpectedly."

Well, that’s not that unusual. Elderly people don’t always live long after their spouse passes, Madeline said.

That’s just it, Maddie. They were only middle-aged, Fiona said. Anyway, Gertie leans over the fence to chat with the couple who turned out to be the dead man’s brother and sister-in-law.

Okay. Madeline took a sip of her drink, gasping after getting a hefty dose of peppermint schnapps. This must be very bad news if Fiona put that much schnapps in her cocoa.

Fiona continued. After a bit of chatting, he tells Gertie that he thinks his brother was murdered.

Wow, that’s scary, Kirsty said.

He might just be having trouble losing his brother, Madeline said.

Fiona shook her head. Gertie says that Mikhail said that his brother, Dmitri, was poisoned.

Madeline leaned forward. Poisoned? How?

By the Russian government. Fiona set her mug down dramatically on the side table.

The police said that? Madeline couldn’t help the skepticism in her voice.

No, honey. The police think it was an accident. But this Mikhail guy said that he and his brother escaped from Russia when they were young because the bad guys in the government were after them. He thinks they finally caught up to his brother.

Decades later? That doesn’t make sense, Madeline said.

Well, maybe he can explain it better, Fiona said.

Better yet, let him explain it to the police, Madeline said.

"He told Gertie they’re