A Sapphire Beach Cozy Mystery Collection: Volume 3, Books 7-9: Sapphire Beach Cozy Mysteries, #3

By Angela K. Ryan

Books 7-9 of the Sapphire Beach Cozy Mystery Series

 

Sun-drenched Florida beaches. A Fair Trade jewelry shop owner. Mysteries that will keep you guessing.

 

If you enjoy page-turner cozy mysteries, loveable characters, and palm trees swaying in the breeze, you'll love the Sapphire Beach Cozy Mystery Series!

 

Hurricanes and Homicide (Book 7)
A hurricane has Connie and her friends hunkered down in Palm Paradise waiting out the storm. However, when a neighbor is murdered, Connie discovers that the storm might not be the only danger they are facing.

 

Kayaks and Killers (Book 8)
When Connie Petretta and her best friends spend a much-anticipated vacation day at the beach, a kayak floats in on the waves, bringing another mystery to the shores of Sapphire Beach. Meanwhile, Connie meets Zach's parents for the first time, and she also receives a mysterious letter addressed to her deceased Aunt Concetta.

 

Friends, Foes and Felonies (Book 9)

When Connie's former boss and mentor, Sam O'Neil, visits Sapphire Beach, a murder turns a relaxing vacation into an exciting adventure. Meanwhile, Gertrude gives her family a run for their money.

 

Begin your getaway today!

• Language: English
• Publisher: John Paul Publishing
• Release date: Mar 7, 2024
• ISBN: 9781735306407

Angela K. Ryan

Angela K. Ryan, author of the Sapphire Beach Cozy Mystery Series, writes clean, feel-good stories that uplift and inspire, with mysteries that will keep you guessing. When she is not writing, Angela enjoys the outdoors, especially kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, snowshoeing, and skiing. She lives near Boston and loves the change of seasons in New England, but, like her main character, she looks forward brief escapes to the white, sandy beaches of southwest Florida, where her mother resides. Angela dreams of one day owning a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel like Ginger but isn’t home enough to take care of one. So, for now, she lives vicariously through her main character, Connie.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

F inally! Connie Petretta said to her friend and employee, Grace Jenkins, as she placed her hammer back in the toolbox. "All of the windows are boarded up, and Just Jewelry is as ready for Hurricane Emery as it ever will be."

At least Connie hoped so.

Meteorologists had predicted that Emery would be a Category 3 hurricane and that the winds would start to pick up later that afternoon. The Gulf-front town in southwest Florida Connie had called home for the past year-and-a-half would be in the thick of the storm in a few days. But judging from the steadily increasing winds and rain, Hurricane Emery was arriving more quickly than anticipated.

August was going out with a boom.

Grace peeked her head out the front door. The winds are getting stronger, and county officials just issued a shelter-in-place order. We need to get home right away and hunker down.

Connie and Grace lived next door to one another in their condominium building, which was called Palm Paradise. They had been neighbors since Connie’s Aunt Concetta had passed away, leaving Connie her Gulf-front condo.

Ginger, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel she unofficially inherited along with her aunt’s condo, looked up at Connie with her trusting brown eyes. She was patiently watching her master from her doggie bed at the back of the store. I agree. Ginger looks like she wants to get home, too.

Before we head out, let’s check on Ruby, Grace said, pulling on her yellow rain slicker and slipping the hood over her head.

Connie did the same with her own powder blue slicker, then she picked up Ginger and protectively tucked her beneath her jacket while she followed Grace next door to Ruby’s souvenir shop. Ruby and one of her employees, Daisy, were about to leave.

We’ve battened down the hatches, Ruby said when she saw Connie and Grace. It’s time to get out of here. I don’t like the looks of this storm.

No sooner did the words come from Ruby’s lips than a peal of thunder sounded, and Ginger trembled in Connie’s arms.

We just wanted to make sure you didn’t need any help before we left, Grace said, but it looks like you have everything under control.

Yes, Mickey called this morning to check on us, but I told him Daisy and I could handle it. I think he’s afraid of losing his properties to the storm before he has a chance to unload them.

Mickey Miranda owned the buildings that housed both Connie’s and Ruby’s shops, as well as several other commercial properties in the downtown area. He and his wife, Susan, had been up north visiting Mickey’s brother for the summer, and had just returned to Sapphire Beach the day before. Much to the chagrin of Connie and Ruby, Mickey was planning to sell the properties as soon as he got back in town. The women were concerned that the new owners would require them to move when their leases expired in January and neither wanted that. They loved being neighbors and enjoyed a prime location, which was just a couple of blocks from the beach.

Besides, before opening her jewelry shop, Connie had spent a good chunk of her savings renovating the store. The last thing she wanted was to start over in another location.

But there was no time to dwell on that. They needed to get safely home and out of the hurricane.

We’re anxious to get out of here, too, Grace said. We’ll see you on the flip side.

After Ruby locked up her shop, she and Daisy hopped into their cars and drove away.

Grace, get into the car, Connie said, unlocking her silver Jetta with her fob key. I’ll lock up the shop really quickly, so we can get out of here. Since they lived right next door to each other and they hadn’t planned to stay long at the store, Connie and Grace took one car that morning.

Grace slid into the passenger seat, and Connie locked the door to the store. She stroked Ginger’s silky back. Don’t worry, sweet girl. I’ll have you home in no time.

Since Connie had parked her car directly in front of Just Jewelry, she put Ginger down on the ground. Then she said a quick prayer that her beloved shop would remain undamaged by the impending hurricane.

Grace pulled her hood over her head and exited the front seat to open the back door for Ginger.

Connie laughed at the sight of Grace, her yellow hood pulled tightly around her face, dripping with water.

Grace gave Connie a thumbs up, and Connie nudged Ginger in the direction of the car.

Just as Ginger was about to jump into the backseat, another crash of thunder sounded in the distance. A terrified Ginger bolted away from the car and down the alley that led to the back of Connie’s store.

Oh no! Connie said to Grace. The poor dog is terrified. I’ll be right back.

She was about to sprint after Ginger when she heard a voice yelling from across the street.

Connie, stop!

She turned around and through the torrential rains, saw Gallagher waving his arms and running towards her. You need to get home. They’re telling everyone to get off the roads right away. Gallagher was the owner of Gallagher’s Tropical Shack, the thatched-roof restaurant across the street from Just Jewelry.

Not without Ginger, Connie yelled.

You get Grace home. I’ll find Ginger and drop her off at Palm Paradise on my way home.

Connie started to protest, but Gallagher had already disappeared down the alley.

I’ll wait for you at the front entrance, Connie yelled into the air, not sure if he would even hear her over the wind and rain. She was tempted to run after him, but Gallagher was a man of his word, and Connie really needed to get Grace home. If anything ever happened to Grace because Connie had kept her out in the storm too long, she would never forgive herself.

Drenched to the bone, Connie got into the driver’s seat. She glanced one more time at Just Jewelry before starting the car. Let’s hope our little shop is still standing the next time we see it.

Hurricane Emery was the first major storm since Connie moved to Sapphire Beach. She was confident that her home would remain safe, since Palm Paradise had been built after Hurricane Andrew. In 1992, Hurricane Andrew, which was a Category 5 storm when it hit landfall, had destroyed about sixty-three thousand homes and damaged another hundred thousand. His 175 miles-per-hour winds had flattened entire neighborhoods, leading to stringent building codes, so Connie knew her home was solid. But she wasn’t as confident about her shop. Even a Category 3 could do some serious damage to older structures.

Connie and Grace had spent yesterday bringing all of Connie’s inventory home and storing it away, preparing for a worst-case scenario. After all the hard work Connie and her Fair Trade artisans put into creating their jewelry pieces, she wasn’t taking any chances.

The one-mile stretch that separated Connie’s shop from her home was already treacherous. Visibility was poor and many leaves and small branches littered Sapphire Beach Boulevard. About halfway home, they passed a car accident and could hear an ambulance approaching in the distance. Connie drove in silence, not daring to take her attention off the road.

Look, your knuckles are white from gripping the wheel so tightly, Grace said as Connie punched in the pass code to gain entrance into the underground garage.

Relieved to be home, Connie pulled into her designated parking space, then they climbed the stairs into the elegant lobby, waving at Gertrude, who was anxiously watching her neighbors return to safety. Gertrude was an octogenarian who lived in Palm Paradise and with whom Connie had become friends. She was also the great-aunt of Elyse Miller, one of Connie’s best friends in Sapphire Beach.

Connie and Grace waited by the front entrance and watched through the glass double doors for Gallagher and Ginger. Jessica, the management company employee who kept office hours on the premises, also stood watching the parking lot with a young boy.

You two made it back just in the nick of time, Jessica said. The authorities are requesting that everyone get off the road as quickly as possible. It looks like Hurricane Emery is coming sooner than anticipated.

Grace explained how Ginger ran off and that Gallagher would be arriving any minute to drop her off.

He’d better hurry, the boy said. Mom and I are stuck here until the storm is over.

You must be the famous Robbie, Connie said. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you. I’ve heard so much about you from your mom. I’m Connie, and this is Grace.

Hi, Robbie said.

This is Concetta’s niece, Jessica explained. Concetta is the kind woman who used to bake us those Italian cookies all the time.

Do you bake cookies, too? Robbie asked.

Not nearly as well as my aunt used to. But since it looks like we’re going to be stuck indoors for the next few days, how about if I promise to give it a shot? Maybe you can help, since you’re staying here, too.

Deal, Robbie said.

After what felt like an eternity, Gallagher finally arrived in his beat-up old Honda. He pulled up a few yards from the door and ran toward Connie holding a trembling and wet Ginger in his arms.

Your delivery, Ma’am, Gallagher said, handing her to Connie.

Ginger licked Connie’s face and wagged her tail, clearly excited to be reunited with her owner.

Connie gave her a squeeze, then hugged Gallagher. Thank goodness. I would never have forgiven myself if anything happened to you or Ginger.

Connie placed the dog on the floor, and Robbie bent down to scratch Ginger’s wet head.

As Robbie greeted Ginger, a man with salt-and-pepper hair who appeared to be in his late fifties came running from the outdoor parking lot, his arms loaded with soggy brown paper grocery bags.

Everyone stepped back so he could take shelter.

The three women couldn’t help but notice that his bags were filled with ice cream, chips, and cookies.

The man chuckled. I figured we might be trapped inside for a while, and I don’t like to be caught without snacks.

A man after my own heart, Grace said.

Tony, why on earth didn’t you park in the underground garage? Jessica asked.

Each unit had an assigned underground parking spot, as well as one in the outdoor parking lot.

Tony shrugged his wet shoulders. I just wanted to get out of the elements as quickly as possible, but you’re right. That’s what I should have done. Oh well. I’m not moving it now. Then he disappeared into the stairwell on the other side of the lobby.

You’d better get home too, Gallagher, Jessica said.

I know. The roads are getting worse by the minute. But before I leave, I want to check something out on the side of the building. I thought I heard a moaning sound coming from the shrubs.

That’s strange, Connie said. Are you sure?

Between the gusting wind and the pouring rain, I’m not sure of anything, but I need to at least check. Someone could have been hit with a flying object with this wind.

I’ll come with you, Connie said.

Be careful, Jessica warned.

Connie waved back at Jessica to indicate that they would.

They walked around the cement pathway leading from the front entrance to the back of Palm Paradise, where the swimming pool was located.

When they arrived about halfway down the side of the building, Gallagher stopped short and pointed at the bushes. A pair of black sneakers poked out from the shrubs and pointed upward.

Somebody must have lost their shoes, Gallagher said.

Something didn’t seem right to Connie. With all this wind, how are those shoes remaining upright? Wait a minute…

Connie bent down and squeezed the shoes.

They were attached to a person.

CHAPTER 2

H e doesn’t look good, Gallagher said. Is he still alive?

I can’t tell. Instinctively, Connie placed two fingers on the man’s neck. She thought she felt a faint pulse, but she couldn’t be sure that it wasn’t coming from her own finger. He’s still warm, I think.

I should have come over quicker, Gallagher said.

Connie leaned in closer. Sir, can you hear me?

There was no response, only the sound of the wind whipping through the palm trees, thick raindrops pelting the ground and waves crashing in the distance. She was about to shake him when the man let out a faint groan. He opened his eyes and tried to focus on Connie.

He looked familiar, but Connie didn’t know his name.

Gallagher knelt beside Connie. Don’t worry, sir. We’ll call for help. You’re going to be okay.

Connie pulled her phone from her pocket and was about to dial 9-1-1 when the man reached over and grabbed her forearm. His lips appeared slightly blue, and his face was losing color. There were also bruises around his neck. Who did this to you? Connie asked. Did somebody strangle you?

He nodded, then opened his lips as if to speak but only groaned. With all the strength he had left, the man shifted his body and pointed toward Palm Paradise. Then he fell back on the ground and was motionless.

What are you trying to say? Connie cried. But it was no use. She couldn’t rouse him.

Hang in there! I’m calling 9-1-1! Gallagher frantically tapped his phone with his index finger.

Connie felt the man’s neck again for a pulse but this time, she was unable to find one. She shook his arm and called out to him, but the man remained unresponsive. I’m pretty sure he just died.

Gallagher relayed the information to the 9-1-1 operator. I think we lost him. What should we do?

Connie couldn’t hear the operator’s response, but judging from Gallagher’s horrified expression, it wasn’t good. By the time Gallagher disconnected the 9-1-1 call, he looked almost as white as the man in the bushes. He stared at Connie in disbelief.

It’s okay, Gallagher. I’m sure they’ll send the police right away.

Unfortunately, Connie had been in enough of these situations to know the drill. The police and fire rescue would likely arrive within minutes.

Gallagher shook his head. Not true. When I told the operator that the man had already passed away, she said that because of all the falling debris and car accidents, all the town’s ambulances are out responding to critical calls, and the police are busy assisting with rescue efforts. It seems that every resident of Sapphire Beach is trying to get home, but many are not making it. Since the victim has already died, and the ambulances are overtaxed, we are not a priority. She said to hang tight, and they would send someone as soon as possible to retrieve the body. But rescue efforts trump investigations at the moment.

What are we supposed to do? We can’t just leave him out here in the shrubs with a hurricane approaching.

She said to do our best to section off the area and try to get him into a refrigerated room if possible.

You’ve got to be kidding me, Connie said.

Connie stood next to Gallagher, drenched to the bone, staring at the body and trying to process what had happened, until the sound of Jessica’s voice pulled her from her thoughts.

Is everything okay? You two have been out here forever.

When Jessica noticed the body, she gasped. That’s Jacob Atkins. He lives in the building.

Jessica edged her way in between Connie and Gallagher and joined them in staring at the body in disbelief.

Finally, Connie composed herself. We called 9-1-1, but it’s too late for Jacob.

Jessica pushed her wet, brown hair out of her eyes. Are the police coming?

Just then sirens sounded in the distance.

Maybe that’s them, Jessica said.

Gallagher shook his head. The 9-1-1 operator informed us that ambulances are in high demand right now due to the storm, so since Jacob has already passed away, they are prioritizing resources for situations where they can help. It looks like we’re on our own.

Jessica’s eyes widened. So, what are we supposed to do? We can’t leave Jacob here. How would we explain that to his son, who lives in the building?

Gallagher looked dumbfounded at Jessica. According to the 9-1-1 operator, we need to move the body to as cold a location as possible. Is there a walk-in freezer anywhere in the building?

No, Jessica said, with panic in her voice. She took a deep breath. The only place I can think of is the storage closet on the basement level. It’s a tiny room, and we could raise the air conditioning as high as it will go. We just need to pray that we don’t lose electricity, or the AC will shut off.

It sounds like our only option, Connie said. It’s not ideal, but at least we can move the deceased out of sight and into a secure room.

The body will definitely be secure there. I am the only person currently on the premises who has a key.

I just remembered, Gallagher said. The 9-1-1 operator instructed us to take extensive pictures before we move him.

Of course, Connie said. I should have known that. Connie pulled out her phone and snapped some pictures of the body and the potential crime scene from every angle she could think of.

I know I’ve seen this man somewhere, but I don’t remember where, Gallagher said, as Connie was taking pictures.

It doesn’t matter now, Jessica said.

After she finished, Connie went up to her condo to get a sheet to wrap the body, using the back staircase to avoid answering questions from those gathered in the lobby, while Jessica and Gallagher went to the pool house to retrieve a stretcher that was kept on hand for pool emergencies.

Five minutes later, the three of them reassembled next to the body and, with as much respect and solemnity as they could muster with a dangerous storm raging around them, they wrapped Jacob Atkins’ corpse in the sheet and moved it onto the stretcher. Gallagher carried the front while Connie held the back and Jessica walked ahead of them, opening doors and ensuring there were no people in their path.

When Jessica opened the back door, they heard the sound of footsteps running up the stairs.

Hello? Jessica called.

It’s probably just a nosy neighbor wondering what we’re doing, Gallagher said.

That’s what I’m afraid of, Jessica said. Gossip spreads like wildfire in Palm Paradise, and I’d rather nobody knew what happened until the police can get over here.

They carried Jacob down the stairwell and placed him in the storage closet. Then Jessica raised the air conditioning as high as it would go.

I guess we just hope for the best, Jessica said.

While they were downstairs, Jessica found some caution tape in the maintenance office, so they returned to the crime scene to tape it off as best they could. But Connie was not optimistic that it would hold through the storm or that any evidence that might have remained for a trained eye to analyze would not be washed away.

By the time they finished their unenviable task, all three were dripping wet, so they stood in the vestibule by the front door of the building to drip dry.

Grace and Gertrude had been keeping an eye on Robbie and by this point, Stephanie had come downstairs from Grace’s condo to see what was taking her mother so long. Stephanie lived in a bungalow a few blocks away, and Connie was thrilled that she had decided to ride out the hurricane with her mother at Palm Paradise. Stephanie was also a close friend and would be good company while they were stuck indoors.

They filled Grace, Stephanie, and Gertrude in on what had happened, swearing them to secrecy.

Apparently, whoever had been in the stairwell must have discovered what was happening, because within a few minutes, a tall thin man with thick, disheveled grey hair, made his way toward Jessica. He was visibly upset.

Jessica whispered to Connie and Gallagher, That’s Jacob’s friend, Ned. He visits Jacob every year and is probably wondering what happened to his friend.

Where’s Jacob? Ned cried as he approached Jessica. Did something happen to him?

Grace and Gertrude took Robbie to the other side of the lobby, away from the conversation.

As Jessica tried to calm Ned down, another man, a large, sturdy guy who looked to be about thirty, approached them.

Jessica introduced him as Jacob’s son, Joel.

Jessica had no choice but to tell them what happened.

"You mean my friend’s body is in a storage closet? Ned asked. This is unacceptable!"

I agree with you, Jessica said. But given the circumstances, it’s our only option until the police can get here.

Joel didn’t seem nearly as upset as Ned. Calm down, Ned. There was nothing else they could do. I’m sure the police are swamped with search and rescue work for people who are still alive.

Thank you for understanding, Joel, Connie said, somewhat taken aback by his emotionless response.

Tony, whom Connie had met earlier when he came through the lobby with groceries, had returned to the lobby and was checking his mail. He had overheard the conversation between Jessica, Joel, and Ned and came straight over to offer his condolences to Joel.

Ned wiped the tears from his eyes with the back of his hand. What am I going to do? I can’t stay in Jacob’s apartment given everything that happened. It would be too hard. And I obviously can’t drive to a hotel.

You certainly can’t leave the building, Ned, Jessica said. Then she looked at Tony. I don’t mean to impose, but don’t you live alone, Tony? Under the circumstances, perhaps Ned could stay with you?

Tony shifted uncomfortably. Um, well, I’d rather not, if you don’t mind. I have a lot of work to catch up on for the yacht club over the next few days, and I can’t really afford to have any distractions.

Joel held up his hand. No worries, Tony. Now that my father is gone, I’ll be moving into his condo anyway. Ned, you can stay in my studio apartment.

Connie was so taken aback by Joel’s casual response that no words came out when she opened her mouth to speak. Joel was treating the death of his father like a mere inconvenience.

But before Connie could comment on the situation, the three men had left.

Once they were gone, it suddenly occurred to Connie that Jessica and Robbie probably had no place to stay. Where will you and Robbie sleep? Connie asked.

We were just about to head home before all this happened, but it’s too late now. The winds have picked up and it’s no longer safe to drive. I suppose we’ll set up camp in my office until the hurricane passes, Jessica said.

Gertrude, who was a short distance away with Robbie, put her arm around the boy’s shoulders and guided him back to his mother. That’s ridiculous. You can’t sleep in your office. My guest room is empty. The two of you will stay with me.

Jessica looked hesitantly at Gertrude. That’s asking a lot. I don’t want to put you out.

Gertrude shook her head resolutely. I insist. It will be nice having the company. Besides, you’ll need someone to help you with Robbie. You’re going to have your hands full with everything that’s going on.

You’re probably right, Jessica said.

Grace winked at Jessica. I wouldn’t go against Gertrude’s wishes. She has a way of getting what she wants in the end, anyway.

Jessica and Robbie laughed. That’s very kind of you, Gertrude. Robbie and I really appreciate it.

Gertrude smiled triumphantly. Then it’s settled.

Connie placed her hand on Gallagher’s forearm. You can’t leave, either. You can stay in my guest room.

Yay, Grace said. It will be like a slumber party. We don’t spend enough time with Gallagher, anyway. This will give us the perfect opportunity to change that.

Gallagher laughed. Well, we have been saying we should hang out more. And it will be good to be with friends. Besides, Gallagher said softly, Jacob Atkins pointed to Palm Paradise when you asked who strangled him. I don’t like the idea of you ladies being alone with a killer in the building.

Connie hadn’t thought of that, but now that he mentioned it, it would be comforting knowing that Gallagher was just a short distance away.

Now that everyone knows where they’re staying, Jessica said, what are we going to do about the fact that there’s a killer on the loose in Palm Paradise?

First things first, Connie said. Let’s get everyone settled into where they are staying, then we can regroup to come up with a plan.

I hope the police get here soon, Jessica said.

Gallagher chuckled. Police or no police, I don’t think any of us has a doubt that, as our resident amateur detective, Connie will be heading up this investigation.

CHAPTER 3

Everyone left to settle into the condo they would call home until Hurricane Emery permitted them to leave.

Before heading upstairs, Connie waited for Gallagher to quickly run out to his car to grab his gym bag. Fortunately for Gallagher, he always kept a change of clothes for when he showered at the gym after a workout.

How are you doing? Connie asked as they rode the elevator to the seventh floor. That was quite the traumatic morning.

I guess I’m doing okay. It’s all kind of a blur. I still can’t believe we accompanied someone as they took their final breath.

I know, Connie said. It feels like a bad dream. Given that we were the last to see him alive, it seems like we owe it to Jacob to try to find his killer.

Gallagher looked thoughtfully at Connie. I know what you mean.

When they got up to Connie’s condo, she pulled down the Murphy bed in her spare bedroom for Gallagher, brought him some fresh linens, and found him a new toothbrush.

Gallagher smiled gratefully. I’m good to go.

After she dried off and changed into a fresh pair of khaki shorts and her favorite powder blue t-shirt with a pineapple graphic, Connie brewed a strong pot of coffee and waited for Gallagher at the dining room table while he settled into his temporary home.

While Connie was waiting, she decided to call Zach to tell him about Jacob and to see how he was faring in the storm. Detective Zachary Hughes and Connie were dating. He and Elyse’s husband, Detective Joshua Miller, were the only two detectives in the Sapphire Beach Police Department.

I’m not surprised that we weren’t able to send a police officer, Zach said. It’s all hands on deck with rescue efforts right now. But it sounds like you, Gallagher, and Jessica handled a difficult predicament in the best possible way. Hang tight. I’m sure someone will be over as soon as possible.

I hope so, Connie said.

I’ve gotta run. I’ll call as soon as I can.

When Gallagher came out, she relayed her conversation with Zach.

Sounds like we’re on our own for the time being, he said, filling a large mug with coffee.

While they were enjoying their beverage, it occurred to Connie that Gallagher followed a diet that consisted of super healthy food. He had even inspired her to buy a juicer to keep in her shop when they first met. I hope my food is healthy enough for you, Connie said. I have lots of fruits and veggies, but I’m guessing if we eat with the others, our meals might be less than healthy.

Gallagher winked at Connie. I still try to eat healthy, but I’m not nearly as strict as I was when we first met.

In that case, I also have plenty of ice cream. We certainly won’t starve over the next few days.

With renewed energy from the coffee, Connie suggested they return to the lobby to see if they could learn anything more about Jacob from any residents who might be lingering. They decided to start taking the stairs instead of the elevator just in case the electricity went out.

When they arrived, Connie was not surprised to see that a group had gathered and were discussing Hurricane Emery and her inevitable path of destruction. According to meteorologists, the eye of the storm was supposed to hit a few miles off the coast, but hurricanes were famous for changing course at the last minute. Hopefully if it did, it would move further out to sea.

There’s Ned, Gallagher said. He looks familiar, too. I wish I could remember why.

Ned was sitting on an armchair towards the back of the lobby staring vacantly at the flurry of activity taking place around him. Connie sat on the chair that was arranged, conversation style, next to Ned’s, and Gallagher sat on the arm of Connie’s chair.

I’m so sorry for your loss, she said.

Ned looked as if he were in another world. Thank you.

Have you moved your things into Joel’s studio? Gallagher asked.

No, not yet. I’m giving Joel a chance to move his stuff first. He’s in the process of bringing his belongings into his father’s condo now.

Won’t that take a while? Connie asked.

Ned shook his head. Joel’s studio is small, so he only needs to move his clothes and a few personal items. He said he plans to remain in his father’s condo and rent out his studio for some extra income as soon as the hurricane is over. Jacob’s condo is paid for, so living there will save him a lot of money. And he’s an only child, so the condo will belong to him soon enough, anyway.

If you don’t mind my saying, Connie said, Jacob has scarcely been dead for an hour, and his son already has plans for his condo. That seems fast.

Ned let out a quick breath. I wouldn’t exactly call the relationship between Jacob and Joel warm and fuzzy. Joel’s mother lives in Michigan, but Jacob moved to Sapphire Beach fifteen years ago when they divorced. Jacob used to take Joel during school vacations and would come home for the summer to spend time with him, but as soon as Joel graduated college, he moved to Sapphire Beach. Jacob and Joel liked to be near one another, but they easily got on one another’s nerves.

That does seem unusual, Connie observed.

Ned shrugged. I guess it worked for them. Joel always felt Jacob should be more supportive financially, but Jacob wanted Joel to find his own way. Joel was forever coming up with ideas for new businesses, but his father always refused to invest in his ideas. I can’t say I blame him. Some of them weren’t exactly winners. He shook his head and chuckled. I think their problem was that they were too much alike.

Alike or not, it looked like Joel would soon have Jacob’s entire wealth to do with as he pleased. Connie hoped he didn’t squander it on a long shot business.

How long did you know Jacob for? Gallagher asked.

A faraway expression spread across Ned’s face. We’ve known each other since high school. We both went on to Columbia University to major in business. Over the years, we each tried and failed at so many ventures that I lost count. Both of our luck finally changed when we teamed up on a dot-com startup twenty-five years ago and sold it for a huge profit five years later. After his divorce, Jacob retired early here to Sapphire Beach at the ripe old age of forty-five, and I remained in Michigan.

Ned looked as if he were enjoying reminiscing about Jacob.

Can I ask what brought you to Sapphire Beach in August? Connie asked. Most snowbirds and tourists stay away from southwest Florida during the hot and humid summer months.

I come every year to visit Jacob, but usually in January. He would spend summers back in Michigan, where he kept a small condo, and normally didn’t return until October. He came back early this year to oversee a remodel of his condo, and I came along to keep him company. Tears welled in Ned’s eyes. I don’t know how I’m going to inform his sister of his passing over the phone, but it looks like I have no choice.

Maybe you and Joel could do it together. I would think he would want to be there when you break the news to his aunt.

I think it’s better coming from just me. His face showed the hint of a smile. Dina and I are dating, and Joel doesn’t have much of a bedside manner.

Just then the elevator door opened, and Joel exited. He handed Ned a key. All set, Ned. You are welcome to stay for as long as you want. I’m all moved into Dad’s. I left plenty of food in the fridge, since there’s enough at my father’s place to last for a month. He really stocked up on provisions for this hurricane.

Connie couldn’t help but notice that Joel still didn’t appear to be grieving.

Ned thanked Joel, excused himself, and left by way of the staircase.

Joel also turned to leave, but Gallagher stopped him. I’m not sure if you knew, but Connie and I were the ones who found the body of your beloved father. We called 9-1-1 immediately, but he couldn’t hang on.

Yes, I heard. Well, I’m sure you did everything you could.

He turned again to