Page 39 of Pepper, the Biker & the Vanishing Body

“I do hope we follow in their footsteps,” Ian said and kissed me. “Now how about we go over all we have so far on the Willow family mystery?”

I grabbed my computer off the coffee table eager to discuss it with him. “I was hoping you would say that.” I snuggled next to him, his arm going around my shoulder and we settled in to investigate. I pulled up the file. “Amy and I had a productive afternoon once we left the diner. We combed over the Willow Lake Historical Society’s files we got and combined what they had on the Willow family with what you and I learned from the church files. But let’s start from the beginning and see what we can piece together so far.”

“The looting, though barely, at the mausoleum and finding the body,” Ian said. “Why loot the place? We now have a possibility—treasure. But what was the body doing there? Was he one of the looters?”

“Then there is the sudden appearance of Stone and his gang and him claiming to be a descendant of the Willow family but not having an ounce of proof.”

“Which makes one wonder what he’s after,” Ian said.

“Follow that with the vanishing guy showing up at the garden center appearing dead again only to vanish again.” I shook my head. “The only reasonable explanation for him being there was to meet someone, but who and why?”

“Then comes your mom’s unfortunate assault,” Ian said.

“Which takes the mystery to the Willow Mansion and the distinct possibility that my mom was assaulted to get her keys.”

“But why not just break into the place. Why try to rob the keys and why from your mom and not the other people who work there, especially with your dad being the sheriff?”

“You’re right,” I said. “Why rob my mom when they could have robbed the keys from any of the people working there.”

“Does your mom hold a key to the Willow Mansion that the others don’t?” Ian asked.

I hurried to move the computer to his lap. “I don’t know but I am going to find out.” I grabbed my phone off the coffee table and called my mom.

“Hi, Pepper,” she sang into the phone.

“Where are you, Mom?” I asked, hearing music and laughter in the background.

“At the campaign party the local woman’s club is hosting for me. I’m having a blast.”

“Where’s Dad?”

“He had work to see to. He’s picking me up afterward.”

Nice excuse, Dad,I thought but didn’t say.

“I’m sorry, Pepper, I don’t have time to talk. Did you call for a reason?”

“Yes, Mom, and I won’t keep you. “Are your keys for the Willow Lake Historical Society any different from the other society members’ keys?”

“I don’t believe so.”

“Okay, that’s all I needed to know. Enjoy the party.”

“Toodles,” my mom sang out before ending the call.

Ian smiled. “Your mom is partying?”

“Yup, and my dad, the sheriff, is hiding out at the police station.”

“Why? He seemed to have a great time at my Halloween party.”

“A mixed bunch. This party is women only and no way would my dad want to be the only man there and I don’t blame him.”

“Some men might enjoy it.”

“Would you?” I rolled my eyes. “What am I thinking? You’re a male cover model. You’re used to women hanging all over you.”

“There is only one woman I want hanging all over me.”

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