“He said something about a clipper ship sinking out there.”
“Yes, the Glorious Maiden. That’s where your father went on a diving trip with Jesse and Bob a few years ago.”
“Oh yes.”
“Rumor has it that it sank with a huge stash of gold, payment for the opium it had delivered to San Francisco. These days we get our share of diving enthusiasts who show up every year, hoping to find some kind of treasure down there.”
I watched his face for any reaction to the mention of gold and treasure.
“Does anyone ever find anything exciting?” His eyes flickered with interest. A good sign.
“A gold coin might wash up on the beach every few years, and that seems to be enough to keep some of the more adventurous people interested and coming back.” While that was true, most normal people returned to Lighthouse Cove for completely different reasons such as the great weather, the beauty of the coast, the Victorian charm, and the welcoming warmth of the townspeople.
“A lot of folks want to get something for nothing,” Stephen said, frowning.
“True enough.” I took a sip of wine and savored the flavor. “Jesse used to boast that he’d found some fabulous piece of jewelry while diving around the Glorious Maiden.”
“Jewelry?” he said, perking up again. “Now, that’s exciting. Did you ever see it?”
“No.” I chuckled. “Jesse had a tendency to tell tall tales once in a while.”
“But if he found it, what would he do with it?”
“Sell it? Or give it to a museum? I don’t really know.”
“Would he hide it?”
“Maybe. What would you do with something like that?”
He blinked and seemed to catch himself. “Uh, yeah, I’d probably give it to a museum. But you don’t think it exists? Too bad.” He glanced around at the walls and ceiling and I could feel his attention slipping away again.
“Jane’s place is fantastic,” he said.
“Isn’t it? It took us a few years to get it into shape, but it was worth it. It’s beautiful.”
“It sounds like you had a hand in it.”
“My construction company helped Jane renovate the entire building.” I gazed around the room. “But the furnishings and color schemes and the warmth are all due to Jane.”
“She is a warm person,” he said, his gaze focusing on someone behind me. Was Jane back there?
“Yes, she’s got a loving and generous heart and she’s smart and beautiful. She’s been my best friend since kindergarten.” So don’t play games with her, I added silently.
I thought maybe he got the message, because his jaw tightened ever so slightly. “That’s great to hear.”
“Hello, you two,” Jane said from behind me. “Having fun?”
“Sure are,” I said.
“Jane, I’ve been looking all over for you.”
“Hello, Stephen.”
“I was hoping we could take a walk in the garden.”
“Maybe a little later,” she said vaguely, and gave him her most gracious smile. “Help yourself to some appetizers. They’re delicious.”
“Don’t mind if I do. Thanks.” He rushed away and Jane gave me an accusing look.
“What did you say to him? He ran off like a scared rabbit.”
“I didn’t do anything. I thought we were having a pleasant conversation. I guess he was hungry.”
“I know he’s on your so-called suspect list, but that doesn’t make him guilty of anything.”
“Then why does he act so suspicious?” I whispered.
“Shannon,” she warned.
“Okay, but you were right about one thing.” I leaned in and said, “He’s boring.”
The truth was, I hadn’t tried very hard to frighten Stephen, but he’d looked awfully uncomfortable talking to me. And he’d seemed a little too interested in Jesse’s house and in what Jesse might’ve done with the necklace if he found it. Made me wonder what kind of secrets he was hiding and how I might find out what they were.
Jane was right. Stephen’s discomfort didn’t mean he was guilty of anything—except maybe boring me to death. One thing was certain, though: I would be keeping an eagle eye on Stephen Darby from now on.
Chapter Nine
“How do you think the party’s going?” Jane asked an hour later as she cast an anxious look around. “I’m too involved to see it objectively.”
“It’s going great,” I said. “It’s a fabulous party. Try to relax. Everyone is raving about the great food and excellent wine, and your place looks fantastic. Did you redo the lighting in here?”
“Just tweaks here and there.” Jane’s smile was tinged with pride. “I think we cleaned up well.”
“I’d say so,” I said, laughing. “Everything looks elegant and welcoming. Have any guests arrived yet?”
“Yes, two darling couples drove up from San Francisco earlier this afternoon and were the first people to check in.”
“How exciting.”
“It was. I gave them each a champagne basket to celebrate.”