The Ghost in the Vineyard: Crystal Cove Cozy Ghost Mysteries, #4

By Mathiya Adams

Before his death, Matthew O'Brian had a love of vineyards. His family owned a vineyard in Napa Valley, now run by Matt's sister Susan. So it was no surprise that Matt had helped his good friend Fred Ricci to purchase and establish a successful vineyard.

 

Now Fred is calling again, asking for Matt's help. Unfortunately, Matt is no longer alive, so Sally has to decide if she can help Fred.

 

"What do you need, Fred?"

 

"I need you to find my son. He's missing, and I suspect the worst."

 

Indeed, the worst did happen. Sally found Fred's son, Tony Ricci, dead in the vineyard, murdered. She is about to call the police when Tony's ghost begs her to find out who killed him.

 

"You have to help him, Sally," urged Matt. "For us, this is personal."

 

Sally nodded, knowing that she would run into opposition not only from Police Chief Harvey Morris, but also from her daughter, Jennifer.

But how could Sally ignore Tony's pleas for help? Wasn't the reason Sally herself had come back from the dead to help other lost and confused souls find peace?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Misque Press
• Release date: Mar 2, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215226698

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

1. At Paisano's Winery

Sally lay in her bed, waiting for sleep to come. Matt was comfortably hidden in the hat box, over on the dressing table. Sally didn't know if he was sleeping or just hiding. There was still a lot about ghosts she didn't understand.

Her phone rang. She glanced at the clock, wondering if she should just let the call go to messaging. Matt popped out of his hat box.

Are you going to answer it? he asked.

Sally nodded her head and smiled. Just for you, dear, she said. She picked up the phone and looked at the display.

It's Fred Ricci, she said.

Fred? Matt scratched his head. I haven't heard from Fred in more than a year.

You've been dead most of that year, observed Sally, answering the phone. Hi Fred, how are you?

I didn't know who else to call, stated a gravelly voice on the other end of the call. Sally, I need Matt's help.

Uh, Fred, don't you know? Matt passed away,last year.

There was a pained moment of silence on the phone. What? Matt is dead? What am I going to do?

What's the matter, Fred? What's wrong?

It's my boy, Tony, Sally. Tony is missing. I don't know where he is. Is he at your house?

Sally frowned at Matt. Why would he be here, Fred?

I don't know. I just don't know what to do, Sally.

Sally stared at Matt. Fred, it's late. I will be over the first thing in the morning. You can tell me what's going on then. Is that okay?

There was no answer. The phone call was disconnected

The next morning, Sally hurried out to her car, Matt floating quickly behind her. She drove down Pine Road, past the interchange with Highway 38, and on past her former neighborhood of Rancho Tortuga. The Paisano Winery was located halfway between Rancho Tortuga and the outskirts of Crystal Cove itself. Fred Ricci owned about fifty-two acres of land, stretching from Turtle Hill up to the slopes that led to the National Forest. With that acreage, he had finally managed, with much advice from Matthew O'Brian and his father, to produce a vineyard and winery that produced upwards of 75,000 bottles of wine a year. The winery could produce more, but Fred tried to manage everything himself, depending on the labor of his sons and local neighbors.

Sally drove up the driveway towards the main house, passing several buildings associated with the winery. She had been out to Paisano's Winery several times, with Matt, but only to sample a new vintage.

She found Fred Ricci sitting inside the house, in the living room, a half-empty bottle of wine spilled onto the floor. I thought he didn't drink, she muttered to Matt.

He doesn't. He samples, but I've never seen him drink more than a glass. You'd think that someone who made so much wine would drink it like water, but not Fred.

Fred, called Sally. It's me. Sally O'Brian.

Fred looked up, a blank expression in his eyes.

Fred, can you get up? Can you walk around a bit?

Fred did not answer, but did not object when Sally helped him to his feet and led him into the kitchen. The kitchen was a mess. Fred lived with his two sons, Tony and Augie. He had a daughter, Celeste, but Sally did not know where she was now. Fred's wife, Angelina, had passed away a couple of years earlier, an early and unfortunate death. Sally suspected that Fred had never gotten over her loss. Sally helped Fred sit down at the kitchen table, cleaned up the counter enough to make a pot of coffee, and then sat down next to him. Matt hovered just past Fred's shoulder, watching his friend anxiously.

What happened, Fred? Where are your boys?

Fred looked up, then shook his head. I don't know. Tony went out to see someone, but never came back. Augie...who knows where Augie is?

Sally wasn't able to get much more information from Fred. He drank a few sips of the coffee, then insisted she take him to the couch in the living room. He lay down and in a few minutes was fast asleep.

What do we do? asked Sally.

He needs someone to take care of him.

I can try to contact his daughter, but it may take her a while to get here. Hey, how about I see if Melody Campbell can come over and watch him?

Matt shrugged. I think that would be a good idea.

Sally started to dial Melody's telephone number when she heard a moaning coming from somewhere else. She looked at Matt, who pointed to the door.

It came from outside, he said.

Sally went to the door and looked out. There was still a glean of hoarfrost on the vines that stretched away from the house. Sally grabbed her jacket and went out. She followed the sounds of the moans until she found herself staring down one of the spaces between the rows of grape vines.

At the far end of the row, she saw someone coming towards her. As the person neared, she recognized him as Tony Ricci.

He walked awkwardly, woodenly, painfully trying to get to the house.

And he had a huge gaping hole in his chest. The corpse looked over at Sally, a puzzled look on its face. It was only then that Sally realized it was the ghost of Tony Ricci.

What happened to me? he asked.

2. At the Edge of the Yellow Tape

Sally was surprised by the ghost of Tony Ricci. She had seen a dozen or so ghosts so far, and all of them were -- how to describe it? -- intact. Even Matt, whose physical body had been badly mangled in the crash, so much so that his family decided not to have an open casket funeral, looked pretty good as a ghost.

But Tony Ricci looked terrible.

A gaping hole in his chest, blood and guts splayed all over. His clothes were torn, tattered, and quite filthy.

Sally found it difficult to look at Tony's ghost. It was like looking at something from a horror movie.

As much as she wanted to stand around and conduct a discourse with the spirit, she decided to inform the police that a crime had been committed.

Sally called the police and let them know there was a dead body in the middle of the Paisano Vineyards. She gave instructions for the police to look for her at Fred Ricci's home, and then she could take them to the crime scene.

You didn't contaminate the scene, did you? asked Betty Fish, the police department receptionist and dispatcher.

Betty, you know me better than that. I was very careful to leave the body as I found it. I did check to make sure he didn't have a pulse -- he didn't -- but I didn't interfere at all.

Even though the Crystal Cove Police Department was not that far away, it took fifteen minutes before the first squad car arrived at the front door of the Ricci house. Sally wondered what would happen if they were responding to a crime in progress. She went out onto the front porch and waited for Chief Harvey Morris and Deputy Barb Underwood to clamber out of their vehicle.

Okay, Sally, what's going on? demanded Chief Morris.

I found a body in the vineyard, said Sally. I am pretty sure the victim is Tony Ricci. I've already notified his father, Fred, that Tony has been murdered.

Chief Morris was not pleased with her statement. What? You don't have the training to do that, Sally O'Brian! How many times do I have to tell you to leave police business to the police?

Fred already suspected something was wrong. That's why he called me here to look for Tony.

He's probably a suspect, Sally, snapped Morris. You shouldn't have been talking to him.

He's a father, Harvey. He wanted to know where his son was.

If his son was dead, how did you find him? This is a pretty big vineyard.

Sally looked over at Matt. She couldn't say that she heard sounds coming from a ghost, yet that was how she had located the body. Do you want to see where the body is located? she asked.

Deputy Underwood stepped forward. Take us there, Mrs. O'Brian. How far is the body from here?

It's actually close to the road, said Sally. You can have the ambulance come there, once you're at the site.

Sally led Morris and Underwood through the pathway between the rows of vines. The ground was crunchy with frozen precipitation from earlier in the day. Sally wasn't sure when Tony Ricci had been killed; she suspected the cold weather would make determining TOD a bit tricky. When they got to the location where Tony lay face down on the ground, Morris told Sally to stay back. He and Underwood approached the body. Underwood took pictures of the ground around the body, and of the body itself, before Morris got too close. Sally was surprised that Morris followed Barb Underwood's directions.

Maybe there's hope for him after all, observed Matt.

I doubt it, said Sally.

Eh, what's that? asked Morris. Oh, Sally, you're still here? How about you get back to the house. Better yet, you should just leave the crime scene entirely.

Don't you want to take my statement? asked Sally.

I know where you live, said Morris. I will call you when I need to talk to you. Now, how about letting us do our work?

Sally promptly headed back to Fred's house. It was cold outside in the vineyard, and she figured she might be able to interview Fred. Then she remembered that even though he hadn't forbidden her talking to Fred Ricci, Chief Morris probably would find a reason to become angry with her. No matter. She knew where Fred Ricci lived, and she could easily pop over here and talk to him once the police left the farm.

She didn't even stop at the house, but walked around it to where she had parked her car in the front. As she rounded the corner, she heard someone call her. She looked up, then smiled.

Detective Reyes, she said. How nice to see you. Are you here for the murder? Sally had worked with Detective Reyes before on several different murders. It seemed that they got along with each other pretty well, considering the macabre nature of their friendship. On the other hand, Sally had helped encourage Detective Reyes to meet the girl of his dreams. Naomi Nelson. Sally looked forward to going to their wedding later this year. Reyes was a clean-cut young man with dark hair, dark smoldering eyes, and a great physique that easily turned the eyes of any maiden.

Yes, said Reyes. Barb said that you found the body. She said it was pretty gruesome.

It looked like he'd been shot. Not like the kind of death you'd expect to find on a farm. As soon as she uttered the words, Sally felt contrite. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that. After all, someone is dead.

Detective Joshua Reyes smiled. When you've been around police long enough, Mrs. O'Brian, you learn that dark humor is par for the course. This is actually my first official murder case as a full detective. I must say, however, that I am very surprised to find you here.

I found the body, said Sally, then blushed. He had already said that he knew she found the body.

Reyes cocked his head. How did that happen?

Sally looked around, checking for the two ghosts she expected to find here. Matt was floating nearby, but there was no sign of the ghost of Tony Ricci. I heard a sound. I thought it was someone moaning, but I think it was the wind. I followed the sound and found Tony's body. I'm sure it was pure serendipity.

Was he still alive when you found him?

No. As I said, I think the moaning sound might have been the wind blowing through the grapevines.

Joshua Reyes nodded. Makes a lot of sense. I guess I also shouldn't be surprised that you're involved with another Crystal Cove murder.

Oh, I hope you don't think that, said Sally. I don't cause them.

I was thinking that your detective skills uncover them, Mrs. O'Brian. I'm pretty sure you aren't the cause of any of these unfortunate events.

3. In Fred Ricci's Home

After Sally gave Detective Reyes directions to the section of the vineyard where the body was, she headed back into Fred Ricci's house. Despite Chief Morris telling her to leave the scene of the crime, Sally was determined to find out as much as she could before Morris extended the crime scene to include Fred's house.

Fred was again sitting at his kitchen table, his head resting on his folded arms. He might have been sleeping. He didn't move when Sally entered the kitchen and sat down across from him.

Fred? Are you awake?

He slowly raised his head. His eyes were red, his aged faced creased with worry lines and encrusted tears. I'm awake, he said quietly. He looked forlornly out the kitchen window into the vineyards that surrounded the house. The winery buildings were not visible from this side of the house. Sally followed his gaze. The flashing red lights of the ambulance and other police vehicles could be seen on the road that separated the two sections of Paisano's Vineyards. Sally tried to get Fred's attention.

You called me last night to tell me that Tony was missing. How long had he been missing, Fred?

Fred looked around the room, possibly searching for an appropriate answer. I hadn't seen him for more than a day. Maybe, no, yes, I saw him at breakfast on Thursday morning.

You're sure of that?

Yes, he made some omelets for us. They were pretty good, much better than usual. He pointed at the sink. The dishes are still there. I didn't get a chance to wash them yet.

I can help with the dishes, Fred. When was the last time you've eaten?

Fred looked confused, then slowly nodded. I guess it was the omelets.

You must be starving, said Sally. You haven't had any lunch yet, have you? I'll make some sandwiches or something.

Sally quickly busied herself with searching the refrigerator for something that she could whip together. She finally put a ham and cheese sandwich in front of Fred. He slowly began to take a bite out of the sandwich.

Sally watched him eat. Do you remember if Tony met with anyone on Thursday?

Thursday? I don't know. He said he had things to do. I asked him how the vine pruning was going, but he didn't answer me. He was supposed to hire some people to help with it, but that was a week or so ago. It should have been done in the winter, you know, but Tony didn't do it. He's always so busy.

What does he do beside work here at the winery?

I don't know. You have to ask him.

Anyone besides Sally might have found the comment disconcerting, since Tony was dead. But she knew that he was a ghost, meaning he had not yet passed on. She could ask him what he did besides work at the winery. That is, if the ghost showed up again.

I've called your other children, Fred, said Sally. Celeste and Augie. I think they might come by today or tomorrow.

Oh, my kids. Yes, I need to call my kids.

I called them already. They're on their way here.

It was apparent to Sally that Fred was too distraught to answer questions. She got him a glass of water, then wandered around the house, looking to see if there was any sign of something out of the ordinary. Certainly, the house did not look as though any conflict had occurred inside the house. Of course, the house looked like it needed a touch of cleaning. When did Fred's wife pass away? she asked Matt.

In January, 2020, I think, said Matt. Yes, I'm pretty sure it was right after Christmas. I remember them bringing a bottle of wine over for Christmas in 2019. You know, I don't think we ever drank that bottle.

We were saving it?

I think we were trying to cut back at that time, admitted Matt.

Very hard to do when your family owns a vineyard and your best friend runs a winery.

Matt frowned. I'm not sure Fred was my best friend, dear. But he was someone I liked to help. He was the kind of guy who could take advice and appreciate help. Do you know how rare that is? We live in an age where everyone thinks they're an expert.

Sally's smart retort was cut short by a knock at the door. Before she could go over to answer the door, it swung open, and a tall, determined blond lady swept into the house, shouting loudly, Daddy, where are you? Daddy! What happened? Where's Tony?

Only then did the blond lady see Sally O'Brian approaching the door. Oh, Mrs. O'Brian. Are you the person who called us?

Sally nodded. I think I spoke with your husband Eric. I'm sorry I didn't get to talk to you, Celeste. It had been at least five years since Sally had last seen Celeste Ricci, or Celeste Plimpton, as Sally reminded herself. Celeste had a long oblong face, arching eyebrows, dark brown eyes, and a long narrow nose. Her blond hair cascaded over her shoulders, She lugged a carry-on travel bag behind her, which she deposited by the door.

Where is my father? she demanded.

He's in the kitchen, Celeste. He's a bit confused right now. Try not to get him too excited, okay?

Celeste Plimpton gave Sally a look that implied Sally had no place making such a suggestion. She pushed past Sally and hurried into the kitchen.

Dad, why are you just sitting here? barked Celeste when she entered the kitchen. Have the police caught the murderer? Who was Tony seeing that got him killed? Is he still with that little twit Dannie? Is this a drug thing?

Fred Ricci looked up, his eyes still bleary. What? I don't know. No, the police just got here. Sally only found Tony's body this morning.

Celeste turned and glared at Sally. Where did you find Tony's body?

Sally pointed out the window. In the vineyard. A bit northeast of here.

What was Tony doing in the vineyard? asked Celeste.

Sally shrugged. I don't know. I think that's what the police will try to figure out. Is Eric going to join you?

Celeste looked around the kitchen. Sally was pretty sure Eric wasn't in the kitchen. Finally Celeste sat down across from her father. He's going to come later today.

If you need a place to stay, offered Sally, I have one.

I don't need your charity, Mrs. O'Brian. We will be perfectly alright here in the house.

Sally grimaced. I don't think you know how Chief Morris works, Celeste. But let's see what happens.

Celeste shook her head. That's just it, Mrs. O'Brian. We won't see what happens. Thank you for calling me and letting me know this terrible news, but I think it would be best if you just leave me and my father alone. Thank you and good bye.

4. In the Ricci Driveway

Well, that was certainly rude, muttered Sally as she and Matt exited the house.

Were the kids always such snotty brats? asked Matt.

Sally shook her head. Not that I remember. As a matter of fact, Celeste used to babysit Jennifer for us. She was quite a dependable person back in the day.

Whatever that day was, it's long gone, laughed Matt. But it's just as well. You hardly need to get involved in another mysterious death.

I don't think it was all that mysterious, said Sally. It looked like he was shot. Though I suppose the gunshot may not have been the cause of death. He might have bled out or even froze to death.

It hasn't been that cold here, said Matt.

There were ice crystals on the ground when we arrived, said Sally. I suspect it was a lot colder during the night.

I guess so, conceded Matt. The cold doesn't affect me anymore. In fact, I can't tell when it's hot or cold or just right. He paused, then continued. But I was serious about you not getting involved in this situation. Let the police handle it.

Sally stopped walking towards the car. What are you talking about? I have to get involved in this case.

Do you really?

You have to get involved too, Matt. After all, Fred called up asking for you. He wanted your help.

But I'm dead.

Right. And I'm alive. So it's up to me to give him the help he wanted from you. Besides, there's a ghost involved. You know my agreement with the Gatekeeper.

Wait a minute! There's hardly any agreement with the Gatekeeper! I am pretty sure he was no angel. What kind of angel is named after an alcoholic drink?

No one ever said he was an angel, dear, responded Sally. Who ever heard of fortune cookies being sold at the gate to heaven? We don't know why the Good Lord does the things he does. But I was sent back for a reason.

I thought the reason was me, said Matt.

It surely is. But it might be more, Matt. Maybe you're back here as a ghost to help me with people like Fred Ricci.

Matt shook his head in resignation. You're a hard lady to argue with, Sally O'Brian.

Then don't argue with me, Matthew O'Brian.

Okay, I won't argue with you. You -- we're here to help Fred. I guess that means figuring out who killed his son. But I don't think that ghost is going to be much help. Do you remember what he looked like? He looked like a guy who was shot with a large caliber gun.

I think I can confirm that, said a voice behind them.

Sally and Matt swiveled around and stared at the apparition of Tony Ricci.

He was in much better condition than the last time they had seen him, which Sally realized had only been about six hours earlier in the day. His clothes were no