Grave Insight (A Maddie Graves Mystery Book 2) Read online

  Grave Insight

  A Maddie Graves Mystery

  Book 2

  Lily Harper Hart

  Text copyright © 2015 Lily Harper Hart

  Table of Contents

  One

  Two

  Three

  Four

  Five

  Six

  Seven

  Eight

  Nine

  Ten

  Eleven

  Twelve

  Thirteen

  Fourteen

  Fifteen

  Sixteen

  Seventeen

  Eighteen

  Nineteen

  Twenty

  Twenty-One

  Twenty-Two

  Twenty-Three

  Twenty-Four

  Twenty-Five

  Twenty-Six

  Up Next

  Author’s Note

  Books by Lily Harper Hart

  One

  “It’s hotter than Satan’s rear end in here.”

  Maddie Graves glanced up as her grandmother shuffled into her kitschy magic store, aptly named “Magicks,” and threw herself into one of the wingback chairs by the front window. Maude Graves started fanning herself with a magazine as she profusely perspired and glared out the window.

  “You have a way with words, Granny.”

  “If you don’t stop calling me ‘Granny,’ I’m going to take you over my knee, Maddie.”

  “Should I start calling you Maude?” Maddie teased, brushing a strand of blonde hair away from her face and pushing herself up from the floor. She’d been rearranging books and dusting shelves for more than an hour, even though the oppressive heat was pushing her toward the notion of an afternoon nap – or cold shower.

  “I prefer Maude to Granny,” she said.

  “Well, I’ll consider it.” Maddie exhaled heavily, blowing her damp bangs off of her forehead as she glanced around. “It is hot, especially for this time of year. I can’t believe you guys never got central air conditioning in this place.”

  “It’s Michigan, Maddie,” Maude said. “You usually get four hot days. It seemed like a waste of money.”

  “Well, it doesn’t seem like a waste of money now, does it?”

  Maude shook her head. “Maybe we can go to Traverse City and get some of those window units? The weather forecaster says it’s going to stay this way for at least two weeks.”

  “And we all know how accurate weather forecasters are,” Maddie teased. Still, Maude had a point. Living in the old Victorian was like living in a furnace. Heat rises, and while the main floor of the family house had been turned into a magic shop, the upper floors were where they had to live – and try to sleep – every afternoon and evening. It was oppressive up there these days. “I think we should probably go and get a few of them, though,” Maddie conceded.

  “I want one in my bedroom,” Maude said.

  Maddie smiled. “I think we should get one for each of our bedrooms, one for the store, and one for the kitchen.”

  Maude nodded approvingly. “That sounds good. Let’s go now.”

  “It’s the middle of the work day,” Maddie balked.

  “And there’s no one out and about,” Maude shot back. “People aren’t going to a magic store when they have free time. They’re going to the lake, or a big mall where there’s air conditioning.”

  The point was hard for Maddie to argue against. She did, though. “It’s still not good business practice to post hours of operation and then close early. It’s only two hours.”

  “When you’re trying to pretend that your butt isn’t sweating and making your girdle all slippery, two hours seems like forever,” Maude grumbled.

  Maddie barked out a laugh. “Granny … .”

  “I’m just saying … .”

  Maddie shook her head and returned to her organizational endeavor. “It’s two hours, Granny. I’ll even buy you dinner while we’re there.”

  “Anywhere I want?”

  “Anywhere you want,” Maddie agreed.

  Maude brightened. “I want Ruby Tuesday’s.”

  “I figured you would,” Maddie said, smiling. Maude loved the salad bar at the chain restaurant, and Maddie was fairly fond of it herself. Since Maddie had returned to Blackstone Bay, her childhood home, several weeks before, she hadn’t had a chance to treat her grandmother to one of her favorite meals. Tonight seemed like as good of a time as any.

  Maude studied Maddie for a moment, her face thoughtful. “How are you feeling, Maddie girl?”

  Maddie straightened her shoulders and focused on her grandmother. “I’m okay, Granny. I know you’ve been worried, but I’m okay.”

  Two weeks before, Maddie had almost died after a run-in with a former classmate and a local teenager. Todd Winthrop and Dustin Bishop had formed an unlikely union, joining together to kidnap and rape women, and then kill them and discard their bodies like trash. Maddie had managed to escape thanks to the intervention of her lifelong best friend, Nick Winters. He’d fought off both men, and then dove into the frigid waters of Willow Lake to retrieve her freezing body and breathe life back into her still lungs.

  The night had marked Maddie, and not in the way she expected. Always timid, Maddie now felt a new sense of strength and purpose. She was never going to be one of those women who walked into a room and held everyone’s attention on a string as she manipulated them, but she’d vowed to be stronger. She was twenty-eight years old, and she had a lot to be thankful for. Her reforged bond with Nick was only one of them.

  “You’ve been different since that night,” Maude said. “You’ve been … calmer.”

  “Was I prone to fits of histrionics before?”

  “No,” Maude said. “You’ve just been more peaceful. Is it because you saw your mother in the water?”

  Maddie’s mother had died seven weeks before, an undiagnosed heart ailment cutting her life short while she slept. Since Maddie was psychic and could see ghosts, the death hadn’t separated mother and daughter. No, Olivia Graves was still wandering about, popping in from time to time to chat with her only child.

  “It’s because … I just realized I wanted to live,” Maddie said, shrugging. “I realized I want to have a good life. Sitting around and moping is not going to make me happy.”

  “What is going to make you happy?” Maude probed.

  Maddie faltered. “I … haven’t decided yet.”

  Maude smirked. “Oh, you’re such a bad liar.”

  “What is that supposed to mean?”

  “The only thing you need to make yourself happy is about six-feet tall, with dark brown eyes and a killer smile,” Maude said. “He’s the guy who shows up four times a week to dote on you, and who calls and texts you ten times a day.”

  Maddie worried her bottom lip with her teeth. “Nick and I are just friends.”

  “That should be your theme song,” Maude said. “You’re more than just friends. He sat by your bedside in that hospital for eight hours straight. He held your hand and didn’t move a muscle. That’s not friendship. It’s love.”

  “Of course we love each other,” Maddie said carefully. “We’re best friends.”

  Maude made a disgusted sound in the back of her throat. “I’m seriously going to lock you two up in a room and confiscate all of your clothing. I can’t wait much longer.”

  Maddie rolled her eyes. “You just need to chill,” she said. “You’re being really pushy lately, and I don’t like it.”

  “That’s a grandmother’s job,” Maude replied, unruffled. “I only have so many years left ahead of me, Maddie. I want to see you happy before I go.”

 
“Oh, Granny, don’t say things like that,” Maddie chided. “You have a lot of years left ahead of you.”

  “Of course I do,” Maude said. “That’s not the point. I want you and Nick settled. This obstinate game you’re playing with one another is tiresome.”

  “It’s not a game.”

  “Oh, whatever,” Maude said, getting to her feet wearily. “You ran away for ten years because you didn’t want to tell him the truth about your nature. You thought he’d shun you when he found out about your abilities. That didn’t happen. He loves you more now than he did when you left – and that’s an impressive feat, let me tell you. You just need to suck it up and tell him how you feel.”

  “He has a girlfriend,” Maddie pointed out, her mind briefly traveling to Nick’s peaches-and-cream significant other, Cassidy. She hadn’t seen the two of them together in weeks, and that had given her hope. She also hadn’t heard of their breakup, and that was enough to give her pause.

  “Jeepers creepers, Maddie. You are a trip,” Maude said. “Fine. Sit in here and enjoy your sauna. I’ll be ready at five sharp. I want dinner and air conditioners. You’re on notice.”

  Maddie sighed as she watched her grandmother flounce out of the store. She knew Maude was trying to help. She knew her grandmother had her best interests at heart. She also knew that unrealistic hope where Nick was concerned would crush her. So, she’d tamped down her expectations. She’d half-expected Nick to profess his love for her in the hospital when she regained consciousness, but he hadn’t. He’d remained by her side for two straight days, making sure she was fed and safe, but he hadn’t been romantic.

  Maddie was starting to believe the feelings she’d harbored for him were entirely one-sided. Everyone kept telling her one thing, but Nick was still dating Cassidy. There had to be a reason, and that reason was Nick. He genuinely cared about his girlfriend. There could be no other explanation.

  Maddie jolted when the bell over the front door of the store jangled, signifying someone was entering. The woman standing there was short, no more than a pixie really. Her brown hair was cut close to her head, offsetting her angular features, and her dark eyes were wide and engaging as they glanced around the store.

  Maddie smiled at her. “Hi. I’m Maddie Graves. Are you looking for something specific? I’m sorry about how hot it is in here, by the way. We’re going to get air-conditioning units this evening.”

  “The whole town is on fire,” the woman said. “Don’t worry. Only a few places in town are cool right now. Why do you think the library is hopping?”

  Maddie grinned. “I guess I hadn’t thought about that. It makes sense, though.”

  “I’m Tara Warner,” the woman said, extending her hand.

  Maddie shook it. “It’s nice to meet you. Have you lived in Blackstone Bay long?”

  “I moved to the area about three years ago,” Tara said. “I work at the flower shop down on Main Street.”

  “Oh, you work for Mrs. Duncan?”

  “She’s a wonderful lady,” Tara said. “She’s getting up there, though, and she just can’t work forty hours a week any longer. I love it here, though.”

  “Did you grow up in the area?”

  “I grew up in Charlevoix,” Tara explained, referring to another Northern Lower Michigan town. “I used to come over here during the summers, though. I stayed with my aunt.”

  “Oh, who is that?”

  “Chelsea Graham.”

  “I know Chelsea,” Maddie said, smiling. “She’s a wonderful lady. Is she still around? I haven’t had a chance to see everyone since I got back into town.”

  “She is,” Tara said. “We have tea once a week.”

  “That’s great,” Maddie said, shifting. “So, do you need anything specific? Or are you just in the mood to sweat?”

  Tara smirked. “I was hoping to get a tarot card reading.”

  “Oh,” Maddie said, surprised. “Sure.” She gestured toward the table at the far end of the room. “Have a seat.”

  Maddie started shuffling the cards when they were settled, holding them out when she was finished so Tara could cut them. Once the woman did, Maddie waited for further instructions. When Tara didn’t volunteer them, Maddie chose her words carefully. “Do you have a specific question you want answered?”

  “Is that important?” Tara asked, wary.

  “Not really,” Maddie said. “If you want a general reading, those are easier.”

  “That sounds good,” Tara said. “I used to come in every couple of months and your mother would give me a reading. She was a really wonderful woman.”

  “She was,” Maddie agreed. “I miss her a great deal.”

  “Still, it’s great you opened her shop back up,” Tara said. “I’ll bet that would have made her proud.”

  “I’m sure it would have,” Maddie said, dealing the cards onto the table. She started the reading, making sure to follow her mother’s golden rule: People only want to hear good news. It’s not like Tara’s cards were full of doom and gloom – that is until Maddie flipped the last card up.

  She was so focused on that card – the tower – and it’s placement in the spread, that she hadn’t heard Tara’s question. Maddie shifted her gaze to the woman finally, searching the pretty face for a hint.

  “What did you see?” Tara asked, nervous.

  “Just that a big change is coming your way,” Maddie said, forcing her voice to remain even. There was no way she could tell the woman what she really saw. After all, no one wants to hear about their own death.

  Two

  “Are you ready to go?” Maude appeared in the doorway that separated the main house from Magicks, impatience flooding her shiny face.

  “I’m not sure I can go,” Maddie said, her hands clasped on her lap as she stared out the window.

  Tara had left about an hour before, her face flushed with excitement (and heat exhaustion), but she’d been happy with the reading. Of course, that was mostly because Maddie had recovered quickly and then proceeded to lie for the better part of an hour. Now Maddie was conflicted.

  “What do you mean?” Maude was beside herself. “I want air conditioners.”

  “I know, but … there was a woman in here,” Maddie said. “She wanted her cards read.”

  “Well, great,” Maude said. “I’ll alert the media.”

  Maddie made a face. “She said her name was Tara Warner.”

  “The woman who works in the flower shop?”

  Maddie nodded.

  “What did you see in the cards?” Maude asked, sinking into the chair next to Maddie and sighing. “I’m assuming it wasn’t something good.”

  “She’s going to die.”

  “Well, that’s definitely not good. Do you know how?”

  Maddie shook her head.

  “Well, what are you going to do?” Maude asked.

  That was a very good question. “I don’t know,” Maddie said. “I feel helpless. I can’t just blurt it out. People don’t like that, and then she’ll just freak out and see danger around every corner.”

  “You could send her an anonymous note,” Maude suggested.

  “Really? You don’t think that would be weird? What do you want me to do? Should I just write ‘you’re going to die’ on a sheet of paper and slip it under her door?”

  “Don’t be sarcastic,” Maude said. “I’m trying to help.”

  Maddie sucked in a calming breath. “You’re right. I’m sorry.”

  “You can’t just ignore it,” Maude said. “If you ignore it, and she really does die, you’re going to feel guilty for the rest of your life.”

  “If I tell her, and she dies, I’m also going to feel guilty,” Maddie pointed out. “If I tell her, and she doesn’t die, then I’m going to feel like an idiot. I need to think of a better way to approach this.”

  “I’m sure you could think better if we had air conditioners,” Maude said. “And Ruby Tuesday’s.”

  Maddie scrunched her face up as she regarded
her grandmother. “We’ll go tomorrow. I promise.”

  “And what are you going to do tonight?”

  “Think.”

  Maude scowled. “You’re really not my favorite person right now. You know that, right?”

  “I know.”

  “Good,” Maude said. “I’m going to take a cold bath and curse your name. I don’t want to see you for the rest of the night.”

  “Thanks for being supportive,” Maddie called to her retreating back.

  Maddie returned to her deep thoughts. She needed perspective – and fresh air – to think. She wasn’t going to get either in the stifling heat of Magicks – or the frigid cold of Maude’s company upstairs. She needed space, and there was only one place to get it.

  NICK WINTERS strolled through the woods casually, taking the time to enjoy the darkness as it started to descend. It was still hot and humid, but the sun’s retreat offered welcome respite.

  He’d stopped by Magicks, hoping to collect Maddie for an evening walk, but a pouty Maude had informed him she had no idea where her granddaughter was. As much as Nick loved Maude, he was glad she wasn’t his cross to bear. She was clearly in a mood, and if Nick knew Maddie (which he did) she’d escaped the house with visions of Willow Lake dancing through her pretty head.

  Even though the light was waning, Nick never made a misstep. He knew these woods as well as he knew his own yard. He’d spent years frolicking in them with Maddie. They’d built forts under the shaded boughs in the summer, and hunted for mushrooms in the spring. It felt like home.

  Nick slowed his pace when he caught sight of the lake, narrowing his eyes so he could scan the beach area. He didn’t see Maddie’s familiar figure. There was no hint of her honey-colored hair, or lithe frame. He was sure she was out here. Now he just needed to find her.

  When he got to the edge of the lake, Nick found a familiar pair of Converse discarded on the small beach, as well as a pair of shorts and a tank top. She was swimming. That had to be a good sign. After she’d almost drowned in the lake, Nick had worried she would fear the one place that always offered her solace.

  Nick lifted his head and peered into the water. Dusk made his task was difficult, but after a minute, he saw her about fifteen feet out. She was treading water, and her back was to him. Nick grinned as he stripped his shirt off and dropped his shorts on the ground next to hers. He kicked his shoes off, and waded into the lake wearing nothing but his boxer shorts.