A Fueling Disturbance (An East Pender Cozy Mystery Book 7)

  A Fueling Disturbance

  An East Pender Mystery Book 7

  Leona Fox

  Contents

  Copyright

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Copyright © 2016 by Leona Fox

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  Chapter 1

  The morning was turning into the afternoon and the sun was making its slow, inexorable arc across the sky. Things in the town were tense. It should have been a time of celebration for Andy and Ellen, for they just had caught a killer who had been hiding in the forests that ringed the small town of East Pender. It had been an arduous search, and only through Ellen's ingenuity had they been able to lure him out of his hiding place. If they had not been able to do so the trained military man may well have led them on a wild goose chase for who knows how long. But in the end, justice had been served. The handcuffs had been clamped on the criminal and he had been taken away, not that Ellen was without sympathy for him. The development of the crime had been a tragedy for everyone involved. It had been a prime showcase for the folly of human behavior, as jealousy and infidelity entwined with the heart to create a tangled web of lies, from which nobody remained unscathed.

  Usually, after a case, the universe allowed the amateur sleuth a little respite to regroup, reflect on the case, and prepare for whenever the next one came along. Yet, this time there had been a surprising revelation by a Hollywood superstar visiting the town and it had thrown everything into chaos for Ellen and Andy. As soon as the murderer had been caught, Andy had been greeted and congratulated by a tall stranger. He was the very definition of classically handsome and exuded a magnetic aura. Almost as soon as he had met with Andy and told the East Pender resident he was going to play the character based on Andy in the police chief's brother's books, Andy had scowled and excused himself. He strode away from the crime scene with immediate purpose. Of course, Ellen followed.

  Now they were back at Ellen's place and Andy was pacing across the floor, muttering to himself. Ellen was sitting on the couch, looking pensive. Whenever Andy got like this she knew she had to wait for him to work through it. There was no rushing him into talking about it. Ellen had been there when his brother had called to tell him about the movie that was being made. It seemed a lifetime ago now, since it had been before the Gary Speed case, and so much had happened since then. (Ellen felt a little guilty being with Andy now because she knew her best friend Kelly needed her as well. She had just broken up with her boyfriend but, unfortunately, Ellen couldn't be in two places at once.)

  “This is stupid,” Andy muttered repeatedly, unable to settle down.

  Ellen watched him pace back and forth, his hands on his hips, wearing a stern look on his face. She loved him, but in times like these she grew frustrated because he seemed to want to isolate himself and descend into an abyss of his own making. It was just a symptom of the fact that they both had been on their own for a long time. It was easy to slip back into that way of thinking, but they were in a relationship and when it came to emotional turmoil like this they had to make an effort to include each other.

  “I can't believe this actually is happening,” Andy said, adding similar things under his breath as he stomped around the room.

  Scampy followed him and, despite the heavy mood, Ellen found it difficult to suppress a grin as she watched the small dog follow Andy back and forth, back and forth, turning and twisting its little body until it had done this so many times it grew dizzy and staggered back to the couch. Ellen picked him up and stroked him, feeling the rapidly beating heart inside.

  “Andy,” Ellen said, trying to break through his train of thought and remind her boyfriend that she was still in the room, still there to help in any way she could.

  Yet, almost as soon as she said this he slammed his fist against the wall and cursed loudly. It was a side to him she rarely saw as he usually managed to keep himself under control, but he was a man of deep passions and there were a couple of emotionally fragile weak spots in his psyche. This fictional depiction of him was most definitely one of them.

  “Andy,” Ellen repeated, this time in a soft, nurturing tone, trying to soothe the aching in his soul.

  “My brother never should have written those stupid books. He never should have written me into them either. I can't believe this. And now they're making a movie and it's all going to be a mockery of me. And, of course, I'll have to see it because my brother made it and everyone is ‘Oh, so proud of him’ because he's such a popular writer but what does he actually do? He just popularizes the real crimes that happen every day and he makes everyone think this is a glamorous business but it's not. And now I have this Hollywood guy coming in to harass me? This can't be happening, I won't allow it to happen.”

  “I hardly think he's here to harass you,” Ellen said quietly. Andy turned on her, a raging, white hot fury in his eyes.

  “He walked up to me just after I had apprehended a suspect! I've a good mind to drag him in for interfering with police business. That would show him! These big-headed people, thinking they can come in here and look at us as though we're a sideshow or something. I should just tell him to leave. Yeah, that's what I'll do.”

  Ellen exhaled deeply and bit her lip. She knew this was a particularly sore point for Andy and that she would have to be rather...diplomatic in what she said next to reassure Andy she wasn't his enemy.

  “Andy, I know this is difficult for you but please come sit down and try to relax. You're doing yourself no good getting worked up over this. It's not worth the stress.”

  “Oh, it is worth the stress. It's making me see things clearly. Oh yes, I bet my brother relished my reaction when he found out they're making a movie based on his books,” Andy said.

  Despite his words he did move to the sofa, where he sat beside Ellen. She wrapped her arms around him lovingly and gave him soft kisses, and soon enough the fiery beating of his heart slowed and he breathed a little easier. When she broke it off and looked at him she saw he had a morose look on his face.

  “Let's talk about it,” she said, “I know you've always had...a dislike for your brothers' books but this isn't the worst thing in the world, is it?”

  Andy looked at her with a deep sadness swimming in his eyes. “You know why I feel this way. Am I never going to be allowed to forget about my past? About my mistakes?”

  Ellen had a grave feeling in the pit of her stomach. It had been a long time since they had spoken about Andy's past. She even thought he finally had moved on from it since he didn't suffer from nightmares anymore, at least not on the nights they spent together, but it seemed it was a difficult thing to escape from. She leaned her head against his shoulder and draped her arm across his chest, caressing him gently in the hopes of relaxing him but she could feel how his body was rigid with tension.

  “I thought I'd finally been able to make a go of it here but it's like the universe doesn't want me to move on, what with Lisa coming back and now this. It's almost like I just can't ever start a new life.”

  “You have though. I know it may not seem like it but you have been able to move on and rebuild yourself. This town owes you so much, and so do I because I can't imagine my life wit
hout you in it. You're a wonderful person Andy, and you've done so much good. I love the fact you care so much about your job and people that this one case matters so much to you, but losing yourself to it only is going to do more harm than good. Is nothing you do ever going to make up for that one case you couldn't solve?”

  “I just can't get that little boy out of my head. He lost his life because I wasn't good enough, because I wasn't able to get there in time,” Andy said, his voice heavy with the weight of all he had felt throughout the past.

  “Moving here and starting a new life was supposed to make it better but those damned books just won't let me escape.”

  “Are you sure it's those books or is it your own mind?”

  “Sometimes I don't know. Both probably.”

  “You know I've read the books. I wasn't lying when I said the character doesn't remind me of you. I think you're putting your own thoughts about yourself into the book. Sure, when your brother first wrote it I'm sure it was based on you. Writers write about what they know, right? I know if I was writing a book I'd want to base characters on people I knew and respected, but after that the books are their own things. They're not describing your life or dictating the path you're walking. Just because that character was consumed by the guilt of his mistake doesn't mean you have to be as well. Your brother is responsible for that character's life and choices, but only you are responsible for your own,” she said, speaking vehemently. Andy leaned forward and placed his head in his hands.

  “I know, I know all this,” he admitted, “and all I want is to escape this way of thinking and let go of everything but I just can't. I think I've been feeling this way for so long it's become a part of me and I don't know any other way.”

  Then he looked up at her and she witnessed the desperate look in his eyes, a look begging her for help, as though she was his savior. Yet, Ellen did not have any special wisdom or magic salve that could heal his wounds. She only could speak from her own experience and offer whatever came to her mind.

  “Maybe you're looking at this all wrong. See this as an opportunity,” she suggested.

  “What do you mean?”

  “You have this actor who has come to see you to observe the way you are and to learn from you so he can take that back and put all that information into his portrayal. If you're unhappy with the way your brother has been writing this character, then show Paul Diamond how heroic you are and that you are a good cop. Show him that what's in the book is wrong.”

  Andy thought about it for a moment and the tension in his body drifted away as he relaxed. His arms squeezed Ellen tightly and he seemed visibly soothed by her advice. By the end of their talk he agreed with her, and she hoped this state of mind would remain for a while. The last thing East Pender needed was its police chief distracted by personal matters from the past.

  Later that evening, there was a fundraiser at the cafe for a local charity and the place was packed. It was non-stop and Ellen had had to leave Andy early to go and get the cafe ready, and to her dismay she was unable to check on Kelly. The investigation of the murder of Gary Speed had taken up much of her time and, although she never would admit this, the fundraiser had slipped her mind somewhat. However, she managed to get the cafe ready and was glad to do her bit for a local charity.

  Ellen enjoyed the fact her little cafe had proven to be something of a hub for the community. She liked using it to bring attention to good causes, much like the charity this afternoon, which was raising money for the blind. There was no guest list and everybody was welcome to come along. So Ellen really had no idea how many people to expect. Only a few people were there at first but, soon enough, the cafe was full of people and a cacophony could be heard all around. Alison, the charity’s representative, was nervous at the beginning but soon enough was chatting away with everyone. Ellen was also glad to see that Kelly appeared as well, and she managed to get a moment to talk with her friend.

  “How are you doing?” she asked.

  “I've been painting all day and night,” Kelly said, although from her appearance you'd never have thought it. Kelly had an annoying knack of always looking pretty no matter what state she was in.

  “But I'm just...I don't know, part of me wants to call him and part of me thinks I should just leave it. I've done enough damage.”

  “Maybe you can give it a few days and see how you feel? A bit of space might do the two of you some good,” Ellen suggested.

  “Maybe. It looks like this place is busy.”

  “Yeah, hopefully that will translate to a lot of money raised for the charity.”

  “I donated a painting of the town that they can sell, and all the money will go to that.”

  “That's really nice of you. I'm sure it will. Your paintings are always in demand. You know, you really should try getting them into an art gallery or something and have a proper showcase. I've seen some of those things sell for millions! I know you're doing pretty well for yourself but think about all the money you could have.”

  Kelly blushed, “I'm doing just fine with what I am to be honest. The problem with me is that I like loafing too much. I hear about some artists who paint day and night all the time but I need my downtime. I want to enjoy life really. Besides, I don't think I'd want all the attention of an exhibition.”

  “You don't want the attention? There's something I never thought I'd hear,” Ellen teased. Kelly smiled, and it was a welcome sight for Ellen.

  “I'm sorry I wasn't able to call you earlier. I was busy with Andy and then I had this to take care of,” she apologized.

  “Busy with Andy? I bet you were,” Kelly said with a bawdy smile.

  “Stop you,” Ellen said, narrowing her eyes playfully.

  “I guess you haven't heard. There's an actor in town, Paul Diamond. He's going to be playing the character that was based on Andy so he's come here to see Andy in action.”

  “Oh, he must be overjoyed with that,” Kelly said.

  Ellen gave a slight nod and rolled her eyes. They continued chatting for a little while longer when Andy entered, looking a bit more refreshed and relaxed than before. However, soon enough Paul came into the cafe as well and, of course, the town had been alive with the buzz that a Hollywood star was visiting. However, Andy rolled his eyes and instantly tensed up.

  “Of course he had to come. I've a good mind to slap a restraining order on him for stalking me,” he said bitterly.

  “Oh come now, don't let yourself get in a foul mood. We are at a charity event, remember? And remember what we talked about,” she reminded him.

  Andy had a sullen look about him but it quickly vanished as he forced it away. People gathered around Paul Diamond like moths to a flame. Here was a true star, and you could tell from the way he interacted with the people in the cafe. He was quick with a smile and effortlessly moved through the crowd, shifting from one conversation to another and, before Ellen knew it, he was standing close to them. The town only had one small cinema and it mostly showed old films, but they did get the occasional big release and she had seen one or two of his movies. East Pender was removed from the world, though and most people just were amazed a star was in their midst. A few of the younger people truly were excited though, and were rattling off how many times they had seen his films and which of his roles had been their favorites.

  “Well, I'm hoping you'll all enjoy my next role, which is going to be based on your police chief here,” he said, and placed his arm around Andy.

  Ellen stifled a giggle as she saw how hard Andy was trying to suppress his irritation. Paul waved a little and then turned around so he could talk with Ellen and Andy privately. Well, as privately as was possible in the crowded cafe.

  “I have to admit it's nice to be in a place like this. And nice to know I have fans, even in these small towns. Although part of me was hoping to remain anonymous and shadow you so I could get a true picture of what you're like. Yet I long ago learned loss of anonymity is the price we pay for fame, and who might you be?
” he said, turning to Ellen and holding out his hand. Ellen took it and Paul leaned down to kiss her hand. Ellen blushed a little, and withdrew her hand, then sidled over to Andy.

  “This is Ellen. She's my girlfriend and she also consults with the police on some cases.”

  “Interesting, interesting, I'm sure that must lead to a few different stories. Shame there's not room for that in the movie! I was wondering if I could sit down with you at some point and talk about your work and the things you do around here. I want to make this as accurate as possible.”

  “Well, you know, that character was based only loosely on Andy,” Ellen said, “I mean, I don't know how many of the books you've read but-”

  “I've read almost all of them, and I actually was interested in the dramatic arc the story provided. I mean, a cop who is so haunted by his one mistake that he's driven to take his own life. I'm glad you didn't suffer that fate but to wrestle with those demons makes for some intense material. I've read the script and I'm hoping it might even be nominated for some awards. I know this character isn't the lead but I think with the right research I can make sure I get some good screen time and maybe even get a supporting actor nomination, if I play my cards right. That's really what I'm looking for, you know. I want to move into some more serious films. I'm kinda tired of doing the romantic stuff, but either way, I bet it's not as exciting as the work you do.”

  “There's nothing exciting about murder. This isn't a game,” Andy said. There was an awkward moment, and it fell to Ellen to break it.

  “I'm not sure you'll be seeing many things around here. East Pender is usually pretty quiet but I'm sure we can sit down with you at some point.” She linked her arm in with Andy's.

  “I, at least, am excited about this, and I want you to know Andy is much more heroic than the character in the book. So hopefully you'll be able to take that and let the real Andy influence what you do in the film.”