Sleuthing in Stilettos

Book 5: Resale Boutique Mystery

by Debra Sennefelder

Genres: Amateur Sleuth; Cozy Mystery

Synopsis

Kelly Quinn, owner of a high-end consignment shop, is a booster for her Long Island town’s small businesses—but now a store owner’s murder has brought big trouble . . .

Locals in Lucky Cove seem to harbor hostility toward Miranda Farrell, proprietor of a new shoe store. Nevertheless, Kelly invites her along to a Chamber of Commerce meeting. But soon afterward, Miranda’s body is found in her shop, with Kelly’s uncle—who’s had multiple public arguments with her—standing nearby. Could her uncle really have committed murder over a business dispute? Or is Miranda’s death related to her late husband’s long-ago embezzlement case?
 
Kelly feels compelled to investigate, despite her detective boyfriend’s objections—not to mention her commitment to promoting Small Business Saturday. But her effort to pump up sales may fall flat. After her presentation to the committee is sabotaged, the Chamber gives her the boot—and tongues start wagging. Now she has to do some fancy footwork to find the killer . . .

Release date: December 6, 2022

Publisher: Lyrical Press

Print pages: 256

Sample

Chapter 1

Kelly Quinn eyed the closet of tunics and blouses before stepping forward and flicking through each one. She quickly appraised what could sell at her consignment shop, the Lucky Cove Resale Boutique. Annabeth Travis had been a frugal woman before her death six months ago, and it showed in her wardrobe. Her daughter, Courtney Johnson, had told Kelly her mom preferred not to spend money on frivolous things. Fashionably speaking, there certainly was nothing frivolous about Annabeth’s clothing. Not even a ruffle in sight.

“Well? What do you think? There are also clothes in the dresser. And in the hall, there’s a coat closet.” Courtney had led Kelly through the modest home into the bedroom minutes earlier. Her shoulders had slumped with the weight of grief and responsibility. Kelly understood how her friend felt. She remembered how much work it had been when she inherited her granny’s business and home.

“Your mom preferred the minimalist look, didn’t she?” Kelly reached for the sleeve of a V-neck mixed-stitch tunic. She inspected the finish on the sleeve and the underarm area. Unfortunately, visible signs of wear and laundering meant it wouldn’t sell at the boutique. However, the item had a little life left and could be donated.

Courtney chuckled. “If by minimalist you mean frugal, then yes, she was.”

Kelly’s gaze landed on a pair of knit black bootcut pants. She pulled the hanger out and slipped the pants off. “These look brand new.”

While Kelly had gone to work looking for consignable clothing, Courtney had gone back to her task of packing. She looked up from the box of knickknacks she’d just taped closed.

“They are. I bought those pants for Mom just before she…” Her voice choked, and she lowered her head. “I’m sorry.”

Kelly set the pants on the bed. Her heart ached for her friend. Annabeth’s death had been sudden, leaving Courtney to deal with the loss while tending to all the details of her mom’s estate. The modest estate consisted of the home her parents purchased fifteen years ago—a simple ranch home on a cul-de-sac with a Sold sign on the front lawn. The house sale had been quick, which meant Courtney had only days to clear out everything before the closing. She’d asked Kelly to come by to see what could be consigned, while antique dealer Walt Hanover sorted through the furnishings to see what he could sell at his antique shop.

“There’s no need to apologize. I understand. I really do.” Kelly couldn’t let her thoughts go any further on the subject, or she’d dissolve in a puddle of tears.

Courtney gave a small, knowing smile. Kelly knew they both felt raw with emotion and were treading carefully so as not to completely break down.

“I hope this gets easier and soon. I really do.” Courtney pushed the box off to the side with her foot and then lifted another box off the floor and set it on the bed.

Kelly folded the pants and set them to the side. She noticed a hardcover book on the nightstand and moved closer. The title caught her attention: Danger Next Door. True crime. She hadn’t read one of those in ages. Instead, she’d been living it. She lifted the book and flipped it over to read the blurb on the back.

“My mom was obsessed with true crime. She always had one on the nightstand. So, I have no idea how she slept at night.” Courtney reached her arm out over the double bed for the book. “How have you managed to sleep soundly at night?”

Kelly handed over the hardcover and pressed her lips together. The question was a valid one. She had found herself tangled up in one too many murder investigations since returning to her hometown of Lucky Cove, New York. Unfortunately, the one that caused the most sleep deprivation had been the murder of her cousin, Becky Quinn, over the summer. She was tempted to shrug off Courtney’s question and give a glib answer so they could move on with their tasks at hand. But she wasn’t feeling that glib.

“It’s not easy. But knowing that justice was served helps. Like it must have for Adriana Barr’s family.” It had taken a little time searching her memory before Kelly finally remembered. The Manorville resident written about in Danger Next Door had become the obsession of a neighbor, which ultimately led to her death.

Courtney nodded thoughtfully. “It was so sad. Her family was devastated, and his family was…well, he really didn’t care about anyone but her.”

“They never do.”

Courtney set the book down and propped her hands on her hips. Her gaze swept around the room. “I don’t know how I’m going to get the entire house packed in time for the closing.”

“I know it seems overwhelming, but you’ll get it done. You have Walt going through the furniture, and I’m going through the clothes.” Kelly flashed her most hopeful smile, and it worked. She got a small smile from her friend. “I’ll help you pack.”

Kelly would be grateful for another task to add to her to-do list. Keeping busy seemed to be the only way she could not think about Becky’s death 24/7, though her therapist had said doing what she was doing was unhealthy. Perhaps Dr. McMahon had been right. Possibly stopping the sessions hadn’t been the smartest thing Kelly had done. Heck, it was just another bad decision in a long list of bad decisions over the years.

Kelly snapped out of her thoughts and refocused on the here and now. She walked around the bed, on her way to the dresser to check out its contents, when she stopped at an opened box on the floor. Stuffed inside were photographs, file folders, and magazines. Definitely a hodgepodge of things Courtney would need to make decisions on at some point.

“I appreciate the offer, and I’ll probably take you up on it,” Courtney said. “Not only do I have to sort through all the furniture and knickknacks, but I also have to sort through boxes my parents packed decades ago.”

She hoisted one such box up to the bed. Scrawled in black marker on the side was a date. It had been packed twenty years ago.

The stack of photographs in the box drew Kelly’s interest. She peeked at the top one—a group of people on the beach. It looked like a bonfire.

“This one plus two others were up in the attic.” Courtney blew out a breath, and her wispy cinnamon-colored bangs fluttered. She closed the box and carried it to the corner of the room where three others had been stacked. “I have to figure out what’s important and what isn’t, but that can wait until after I hand over the keys. Between all this and the shop, I swear I need an extra ten hours a day.”

Courtney owned the gift shop Courtney’s Treasures. It was a few shops down from Kelly’s boutique. Courtney had been one of the first shop owners to welcome Kelly into the Main Street business community. Not too long after, Kelly eagerly joined the chamber of commerce.

“You have Zoe to help you. Speaking of work, I need to get back to it and see what else I think will sell.” There wasn’t a lot Kelly could work with, but the bright side was that Courtney would be able to make a sizable donation to the church’s clothing drive. She dove back into the closet and started sorting clothing, and twenty minutes later, she had an armful of clothes to take back to the boutique. And Courtney had three full bags of clothes to drop off at church later in the day.

“I have to get going to open the boutique. I’ll come back later to look into the coat closet and dresser, okay?” Kelly asked as she reached the doorway. “Don’t forget about the chamber of commerce meeting.”

While volunteering for the chamber had been out of necessity to keep herself busy, Kelly had come to enjoy taking on a more active role in the business community. It made her feel more grounded and connected to Lucky Cove. She’d turned her back on her hometown ten years ago. Maybe this was her way of trying to make amends for her mistake.

Courtney groaned. “Another meeting?”

“Don’t be like that. It’s a luncheon meeting at the Lucky Cove Inn. They have great food.” Kelly’s mouth watered at the thought of the inn’s fettucine Alfredo. She wondered if it would be on the menu.

“They do set up a nice buffet. So, I guess I can squeeze it into my schedule. And it would be nice just to sit for an hour.”

“That’s one way to look at it. It’s crucial all the members attend this meeting. We’re going to discuss plans for the holiday season. We want to promote Shop Small Saturday. Lucky Covers should be spending their disposable income right here on Main Street, not in Manhattan.”

Shop Small Business Saturday was a national shopping day sandwiched between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The day encouraged consumers to shop and support their local businesses. Last year, Kelly had been too overwhelmed with her first holiday season to participate in the event. So she intended to make up for it this year.

“It’s hard to compete with the city,” Courtney said.

“Well, they do that Christmas show, and they have all those amazing shops and that giant tree.” A hint of wistfulness worked its way into Kelly’s voice. She loved strolling along Fifth Avenue, shopping bags from countless stores in hand, with the brisk air wafting the fragrance of roasted chestnuts and the chorus of ringing of bells by sidewalk Santa Clauses. The memory was beloved, but her hometown was where her heart was now. While Lucky Cove had a tremendous amount of charm and tradition, it could up its game when it came to decking itself all out for the holiday shopping season.

“Perhaps we can get the Town Players to whip up a Christmas musical.” Courtney laughed, and Kelly joined in, happy to see some lightness in her friend again. “And a taller tree!”

“I might just suggest that at the luncheon. Oh, I’ll invite the newest shop owner on Main Street to join us,” Kelly said.

The lightness in Courtney dimmed as quickly as it had appeared. “Miranda Farrell?”

Kelly nodded. “I haven’t had a chance to meet her yet. Though, the shoes she has displayed in the shop window are killer.”

“Well, Miranda isn’t much for joining things.” Courtney moved toward the chest of drawers and removed the framed photos set on top to the bed.

“You know her?”

Courtney shrugged. “Not really. She lived here a long time ago.”

The silence that fell between them was thick. It was clear to Kelly that Courtney hadn’t wanted to talk about Miranda, which piqued her curiosity about the woman.

“I…I should get going.” Kelly hoped Courtney would say more about Miranda, but she hadn’t. Just silence. Okay, then. “I’ll be in touch about the rest of the clothes.” She gave a final glance at the room and then turned to leave. She traveled along the hall and when she reached the living room, she glanced in.

Walt Hanover stood at the claw-foot coffee table with his hands propped on his hips and an exasperated expression on his face. His employee, Bud Cavanaugh, was leaning against the fireplace mantel and texting on his phone.

“Would you get off that darn thing?” Walt snapped. “Go on into the dining room and get the chairs out to the truck.”

Bud slipped the phone into his back pocket and moped out of the room, passing Kelly, and he flashed a sheepish smile.

“Good morning, Kelly.” Walt looked up from the coffee table. The piece of furniture looked old but in good condition. His interest indicated that it was an antique. The salt-and-peppered, reed-thin sexagenarian had a deep appreciation for all things old. “He’s worse than a teenager with that phone. But I think it’s because he’s lovesick.”

Kelly chuckled. First, Walt’s use of the word “lovesick” seemed as ancient as the antiques he coveted. Second, hearing that a man in his early forties behaved like a teenager with a cell phone just seemed so funny. Though she was happy to hear that Bud probably had a new girlfriend. The last one broke his heart.

“You think you can sell that coffee table?” Kelly didn’t want to gossip about Bud’s personal relationships, so she steered the conversation back to the coffee table.

Walt straightened up and grinned. “This is a mahogany Chippendale coffee table circa 1930. I have at least two clients who would jump at this. You think you can sell what you have there?”

Kelly glanced at the clothes draped over her arm. “In a New York minute. So I’d better get going. Have a good day, Walt.”

She stepped out into the chilly morning air. Early October was a fickle month in the northeast, especially on Long Island. The temperatures could range from the low fifties to balmy nineties and anywhere in between. That morning was an in-between morning and had her reaching for her newest purchase—a camel-colored coatigan. Officially, the longline garment was a sweater. But its weight and style lent itself to being a coat when it was too chilly for just a cardigan, and you didn’t want to pull out a heavier outerwear garment just yet. The day promised to warm up as the sun broke through the clouds. Kelly wasn’t overly excited about that forecast. She loved autumn in all its pumpkin spice goodness and coziness of sweaters with tall boots.

When she reached her Jeep, which technically wasn’t hers, the cargo door opened with a click of her key fob. The vehicle was on loan from her friend and employee, Pepper Donovan. Pepper and her husband had graciously handed over the keys after Kelly returned to Lucky Cove when she inherited the boutique. Having lived in New York City since her college days, Kelly hadn’t needed a vehicle. She’d had taxis at the wave of her hand or an Uber at the tap of her cell phone. Lucky Cove didn’t have reliable public transport, and she’d go broke with rideshares. So, she was grateful for the loan of the car.

Kelly set the clothing inside. She was confident what she pulled out from Annabeth’s closet would sell quickly. The garments were good quality, season appropriate, and in the size many of her customers wore.

With the cargo door closed, Kelly dashed around the vehicle and slipped in behind the steering wheel. After starting the ignition, she navigated around Walt’s box truck and pulled out of the driveway onto Moor Cove Road. Within a few minutes, she was turning right onto Main Street.

She checked the dashboard clock and saw she had time to make a quick trip. After parking behind the boutique, she hurried to Doug’s Variety Store for a coffee. This autumn, Doug changed his seasonal coffee flavor from the tried-and-true pumpkin spice to apple cider donut. Hesitant at first, Kelly had been converted. Minutes later, she exited the shop, sipping her large coffee.

Main Street was waking up for the day. While faithful runners paced themselves as they traveled along the sidewalk, shop owners were busy tidying in front of their stores, setting up displays, and inspecting their windows. Passing her fellow chamber of commerce members, Kelly nodded and greeted but didn’t stop to engage in conversation because she was enjoying her coffee so much. That was until she reached Miranda & James, the new shoe store on the block.

Only a few weeks ago, it had been an empty storefront after Gem Jewelry closed, leaving papered windows and a closed sign hanging on the door. Now there was a striking display of fall footwear that stopped Kelly in her tracks. She got so close to the glass, her nose was almost pressing against it, while her gaze locked on a pair of black suede D’Orsay pumps.

“Hello, lover.” She couldn’t resist the iconic line from her favorite television series as she took in the beautiful work of art in front of her. Four-inch stiletto heels with cut-out sides, delicate ankle straps, and pointed vamps. Sophisticated. Chic. And expensive. She sighed. Why did she always fall in love with high-three-digit-priced shoes?

“See something you like?”

The unexpected voice had Kelly pulling her gaze from the shoes and to the woman standing beside her.

Where had she come from?

The woman, tall and slender, was dressed in a classic wrap dress. Her long, sleek dark hair fell below her shoulders, and her wide hazel eyes held a glint of amusement.

“Ah…yes…those shoes!” Kelly pointed to the pumps. “Gorgeous.”

“They are indeed. And I think I have your size if you’d like to try them on.”

Kelly pressed her lips together. She’d love to try them on, but she knew they were out of her price range. Way out of her price range.

“Thank you for the offer, but I have to get to my boutique to open.” Kelly dragged her focus from the shoes and extended her hand. “I’m Kelly Quinn, owner of the Lucky Cove Resale Boutique. You must be Miranda Farrell.”

Miranda’s handshake was firm. “Nice to meet you.”

“I’m actually glad I bumped into you; it’ll save me a trip later.”

Miranda took back her hand and tilted her head. “We could talk while you try on those marvelous shoes. You know, D’Orsay pumps are classic.”

Kelly chewed on her lower lip. The temptation was hard to resist, and so was Miranda’s hard selling. But she couldn’t fault the gal for trying to make a sale, even though it wasn’t Kelly’s style.

“To be honest, they’re out of my budget. However, that designer is on my wish list.” She glanced back at the shoes again, and her heart gave a pitter-patter. No. She’d remain strong and not give in to such an expensive impulse buy. She’d done that too many times over the summer, and now her credit card was on a time-out.

“The reason I wanted to speak with you is to invite you to the chamber of commerce luncheon tomorrow. We’re going to be talking about what we can do for Shop Small Saturday.”

Miranda’s gaze darted for a moment, and then she tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. “Well…I appreciate the invite.”

Kelly was surprised that Miranda seemed hesitant. She didn’t strike Kelly as shy. “Since you’re a new shop owner, it’s a great way to meet fellow business owners and network. And the Lucky Cove Inn has amazing food. No rubber chicken.” She flashed what she hoped was an encouraging smile.

“You’re right about the food at the inn. Yes, I’d like to go. Especially now, since I have a friend.”

Friend? That was fast. If that’s what got Miranda participating in the business community, then so be it. Having another friend would be a wonderful thing, Kelly thought.

“Great. All the info is on the chamber’s website, and I’ll meet you there.”

“Sounds good.” Miranda stepped away but stopped. “Hey, do you know anyone who’s looking for a job? I need at least one more salesperson.”

“Poaching Breena wasn’t enough?” Kelly laughed, making light of the situation.

Breena Collins had come to work for Kelly after quitting her waitress job at the Thirsty Turtle, a local bar with a questionable reputation. Until the past summer, she supplemented her income by working part-time at Doug’s Variety Store. Putting herself through college and raising her daughter wasn’t cheap. So even though she now had full-time hours at the boutique, she needed a little bit more money to save for Christmas gifts. Her daughter, Tori, had already started her list for Santa.

Miranda joined in on the laughter. “She’s a very hard worker. I promise—” The ringing of her cell phone interrupted her. When she glanced at the phone’s caller ID, her forehead creased with annoyance, and she huffed. “I should get back inside. See you at the luncheon.”

Before Kelly could say bye, Miranda had reached the door. Her exit was abrupt, and Kelly couldn’t help thinking it had something to do with the call. But, whoever it was, wasn’t any of her business.

For the final quarter of the year, she had decided to change things up not only with her wardrobe but also with her not-so-flattering flaw—nosiness.

She wanted to tone down exaggerated sleeves, embrace more pastel colors, and not get involved with other people’s drama or murder. She was 100 percent confident she could achieve her fashion goals. Staying clear of drama or murder…well, that was a hard one.

Especially since she’d already been dragged into her uncle’s deep, dark secret. The one that turned her relationship with Ariel Barnes upside down. She wasn’t sure their friendship could overcome another obstacle. But she did her best to remain hopeful.

Kelly pivoted and walked along Main Street toward her boutique. Staying clear of another murder should be easy to do since she was determined not to find another dead body. Ever.

* * * *

Back at the boutique and ready to start the workday, Kelly flipped over the closed sign and unlocked the front door. Then, she spun . . .