A Zen For Murder (Mooseamuck Island Cozy Mystery Series Book 1) by Leighann Dobbs Read Free Book Online Page B

that’s it. I went out and showed her where the original camp was, then each section that had been added.”
    “You said she seemed agitated.”
    Kenneth’s eyes darkened. “Oh, right. She did. She kept looking around, like she was expecting someone or something.”
    “Oh, really? And did anyone come?”
    “No. It’s pretty remote out there. The conservation land abuts three quarters of that lot.” Kenneth’s brows scrunched together. “Well, now that I think about it, someone rode by on a bicycle up the path that goes through the conservation land. She seemed really spooked about that.”
    “Who was it?”
    “Just the Flannery kid. She relaxed once we saw who it was, but when we heard the bike coming, she seemed agitated.” Kenneth hesitated, then added, “I just figured she was probably waiting for Ben to come back.”
    “Ben?”
    “Yeah, Ben Campbell. The guy who works for Sarah. I saw him peddling away on his bike, like he was being chased by a demon on my way out there.”
    Dom’s eyebrow twitched and he reached up to smooth it. “How interesting. Did she mention what he was doing there?”
    “No. I assume he must have delivered some food up to her.”
    “Or he could have been a client.”
    “I suppose.” Kenneth’s face darkened. “Hey, you don’t think—
    Dom held up his hand, cutting him off. “Oh, no, I don’t think. Not until I have all the facts, anyway. Right now, I’ve just begun to gather them.”
    “Okay, right. Wouldn’t do to jump to conclusions.”
    “Nope. But you’ve been very helpful.”  
    “Sure, anytime.”  
    Dom turned to leave, walked a few steps, then pivoted around again. “Say, did you see anyone coming up to her place when you were leaving?”
    Kenneth frowned. “Now that you mention it, yes, I did. I was driving away and passed Shane McDonough at the end of the road.”
    “And what time was that?”
    Kenneth frowned. “Well, I'm not sure, but I wasn't there long. I guess it must have been about one o’clock.”
    “Okay. Thanks.” Dom turned and left for good, this time, getting into his Smart Car and pulling around the fountain, then out of the driveway. As he pulled out onto the road, he saw Claire Watkins’s brown Fiat taking a left into the driveway.
    Dom waved and smiled, despite the feeling of irritation that swept through him. He was certain Claire was visiting Kenneth for the same reason he was. He was annoyed that Claire was investigating Zoila’s murder. He didn’t need her butting in with her touchy-feely methods.  
    Then again, joining forces with the woman might not be such a bad idea. Though she was annoying to work with, they had done good work in the past and her assistance had been vital in solving quite a few of the cases they'd been on together. Not only that, but he was convinced Claire Watkins knew something and his instincts told him what she knew was a key piece on the puzzle of who murdered Zoila Rivers.

Chapter Eight

    Claire eyed the silver Smart Car with irritation. She should have known Dom would be investigating. That was exactly what she didn’t want. She was afraid he would misinterpret what was going on, with his ‘stick to the facts’ attitude. He was too rigid in his ways and Claire had a feeling this was a case where you had to consider the human aspect.  
    She knew the islanders better than Dom and would be able to interpret the clues more accurately with that knowledge. A feeling of dread settled on her as she parked next to the fountain. She just hoped she could find the killer before Dom or Zambuco went off half-cocked and arrested the wrong person.
    Kenneth came round the side of the house as she was walking toward the front door. A scowl darkened his face when he saw her.  
    “I should have known you would show up,” he said.
    Claire frowned at him. Kenneth was in his mid-forties—a spoiled rich kid that Claire didn’t have much use for. She’d never had much to do with him and judging by the rude