The Flapper Caper: Citrus Beach Mysteries, #6

The Flapper Caper

A Citrus Beach Mystery

By Victoria LK Williams

Chapter 1

Friday

The jubilant bark from the beagle riding shotgun in the white Jeep made the driver smile. Reaching over, she stroked his silky ears, getting a swish of a happy tail in response.

You’re right, Barney, it’s a perfect day to be out on a drive.

With another bark of agreement, the dog turned back to the window, not wanting to miss a thing. Megan Cassidy gave his ears another tug and then turned her attention back to the road. As she drove, the sun emerged from behind a random cloud racing across the September sky. The glare off the window made her squint, and she reached up with her left hand and pulled down the sun visor.

As she brought her hand back down to the steering wheel, the glint off the diamond ring she now wore winked at her. In a gesture that every woman knows, she held her hand up so she could see the ring in all its glory. It was more than she ever expected and fit her taste perfectly. The 2-carat, princess-cut diamond was surrounded by emeralds; to match the flecks of green in her hazel eyes, she’d been told. With a shake of her head, she put her hand back on the steering wheel, but she couldn't help another glance at that ring. That ring proclaimed the love of a man she never expected to meet, a love she never expected to return. Megan had been on her own for years raising her daughter after the death of her husband from a sudden heart attack early in their marriage. She became content with her life, happy with her routine, and satisfied with the love of the friends and family around her.

But when Aiden Tory swept into her life a little over a year ago, everything changed. Not only was a new relationship formed, but they had gotten involved into things she never thought possible. Her life in the quiet little Southern Beach town of Citrus Beach been turned upside down with their adventures.

Since she’d met Aiden, she’d investigated crimes like smuggling, murder, espionage, and extortion. Not that Aiden was a criminal. If anything, the opposite was true. He was a former FBI agent, now doing his own consulting and investigation work. Yet trouble just seemed to find the two of them. And Megan's determination to help her friends and family would not deter her from the danger she often found herself.

The last eight months had been quiet, and they’d flown by quickly as she and Aiden deepened their relationship further, announced their engagement, and settled into a new way of life.

The beep of a horn as a car passed her brought her thoughts back to the present. She gave a quick wave when she recognized the other driver. She would recognize that beat up old VW Bug anywhere. It belonged to Jake, Aiden's assistant. Knowing Jake, he was late for work again which explained why he was passing her quicker than he should. Megan grimaced to herself as she remembered her own experience with a heavy foot and hoped Jake wouldn't end up with a ticket before he arrived at work. Since she was heading to the same place, she figured she'd find out soon enough.

The drive through town was pleasant; it was early morning and traffic hadn’t picked up yet. It was still off season, so there wasn't much traffic to begin with, not yet. In another month, it would be a different story. Megan's white Jeep, a familiar sight on the streets, stood out and many people waved as she drove past. Barney barked along with her return wave, proving he recognized the people too. Megan had picked up the new Jeep recently. It was a replacement for her first Jeep, which turned out to be involved in a smuggling ring. By the time she'd gotten it back from the police, she decided she wanted no part of having the car. So, the car dealer traded the mundane tan Jeep into this pristine white one. It wasn't the flashy blue one she’d initially picked out, instead it was a happy compromise.

Making her way down Citrus Beach’s Main Street, she could glimpse the river on the east side where the fishing boats were leaving for the best fishing spots. Main Street was lined with small mom-and-pop businesses. The town had invested in decorative awnings to cover each business’s entry, giving a uniform welcome to visitors. An added benefit of the awnings to the shopkeepers and shoppers alike was the shade they created, diffusing some of the sun’s heat as it beat through the huge display windows.

She passed one newly opened business and peered curiously into the windows, wondering if the owner was in yet. The shop happened to be her best friend Lucy's new jewelry shop. Megan helped her get the shop set up. Her cousin Paul, Lucy's husband, was a builder so the shop's interiors met Lucy’s every need. Catching sight of Lucy through the window, Megan gave a wave, but kept driving. A few moments later she turned the corner into a side street which ran along a branch of the river and where Aiden's investigation office stood. Sure enough, Jake's VW was there ahead of her, but she saw no sign of the young man. He must have already dashed into the office. Pulling into the back where she had her own private parking spot, she turned off the engine and got out of the car, motioning for the eager beagle to follow her. Before she reached the front door, it opened and Barney ran inside, excited to find his best friend Gypsy, a small Shih Tzu that Aiden had adopted after finding her abandoned at a murder scene. Gypsy barked happily at the arrival of her friend, while Megan followed up the walkway. Before she had a chance to enter, she found herself folded into the embrace of the man she had promised to marry.

Good morning, the deep voice whispered in her ear before he bent down to give her another kiss.

Pushing against his shoulder she tried to step back, giggling like a schoolgirl.

Good morning to you, too. She kissed him back and then looked around to see if anyone was watching.

Maybe we should continue this in the privacy of your office, she suggested.

Can't do that, we've already got visitors this morning.

Stepping back, he allowed her to precede him into the office. Once inside she headed directly for the coffee machine, casually saying good morning to her cousin Paul and the other man sitting on one of the comfortable chairs in Aiden's waiting room. Joe Stevens, also a client of her business Citrus Beach Concierge, returned her greeting. When she saw the other two men she realized why Aiden had left so early this morning. The three men were meeting once again about their pet project. She knew that in a matter of moments they would be so deep in conversation that they wouldn't even notice her. Sure enough, after returning her greeting, the other two asked Aiden a question, and they were off on another tangent, forgetting she was even in the room.

Typical, she muttered to herself.

After fixing her cup of coffee, she leaned against the counter and looked around her, seeing the two dogs, each tugging on the end of a large chew toy, not willing to share, but not willing to give it up either. A movement at the reception desk caught her attention, and she looked over to find Jake grinning at her.

Well, you made pretty good time getting here this morning. I guess Deputy Young wasn't using his radar gun, checking your speed, she teased.

I was just taking advantage of the open road. Not all of us drive like we're going for a Sunday drive in the country.

And I suppose it had nothing to do with the fact that you were running late again as usual?

The younger man laughed along with her, not at all embarrassed about his bad habits. After taking a sip of her coffee she nodded towards the three men who were now deep in conversation.

Problem at the museum?

Just a little glitch with one of the hydraulic pumps in the display table. Listen, while they're occupied, I have a few things I need to go over with you about the museum’s grand opening party. Do you have a minute?

Sure, what's up?

Soon, they too were deep in conversation, going over the details of the grand opening party scheduled for the next night. Megan had her electronic tablet out and was looking up information to give Jake the right answers. As she searched through her endless notes, Jake couldn't help but admire how detailed Megan's work was. And it was a good thing, because this was an enormous project they had undertaken. He would have been lost without Megan's help.

With all his questions answered, they went over the checklist Megan had made the previous night. For her, it was imperative that the project go smoothly. Three of the most important men in her life were heavily involved in it. Her future husband, her cousin Paul who she had grown up with and was more like a brother than a cousin, and one of her favorite clients.

As she listened to their conversation, she realized they had answered their question about the hydraulics and now talk centered on the opening gala. Deciding now would be a good time to interrupt them, she walked over to stand next to Aiden. He casually slipped his arm around her shoulders, not even breaking his conversation.

Listen guys, if you've got your problem solved, then we need to get moving. There are a lot of last-minute details to see to by all of us. Aiden, I'm confiscating Jake for the afternoon. You’ve already got a list from me of things that need your attention. Joe, you need to pick up your costume for tomorrow. Paul, Lucy needs you to swing by and pick up your son, Toby, and make sure he's involved as much as possible.

They all smiled at the mention of Toby, an eager 12-year-old who loved cars as much as the three men in front of her.

And that's what everything was about –cars. Antique cars in particular.

Chapter 2

The gala marked the opening of a new antique car museum that the three men had worked on for the last eight months. Joe Stevens owned a collection of cars spread across the country. He’d wanted the collection in one place where others could also appreciate them. He wanted to preserve historic, beautiful old cars, while igniting passion in others for the glory days of the Model A and others. Joe had purchased a warehouse years ago for that purpose but hadn’t made much progress before he found kindred souls in Aiden and Paul. They’d worked nonstop for months to realize his vision. Tomorrow night they would celebrate the opening with a party that pulled out all stops.

Now that the three men had solved their immediate problem, and each had their work orders from Megan, they said their goodbyes and went their separate way. Jake watched the last car leave the parking lot and then turned to Megan, ready for any final instructions she might have for him.

Do you want to add anything to my list? I’ll be gone for a while once I start. Of course, my phone is on, so you can always call me if something comes up and you need me.

You’ve got plenty on your list to fill the morning. Why don’t we meet at the museum for a quick break at lunchtime? I’ll pick up something for everyone and send out a message to everyone else letting them know. Oh, and Jake, don’t forget to pick up your costume too.

The young man grinned back at her. He was excited about his costume for the gala. He wouldn’t tell anyone what it was, but Megan was sure it would be perfect for the night. She wasn’t sure what was causing more interest in Citrus Beach: the opening of the Antique Car Museum or the costume gala planned for that evening.

Megan had to admit to herself that she was thrilled with her own choice in costume and couldn’t wait to wear it. They’d decided to celebrate the opening by dressing in period clothes that would reflect the age of the cars. Each ticket sold for the event was attached to one of the featured autos in the museum. Guests were asked to dress in the style of that car. It promised to be quite the fashion event with styles ranging from the 1920s and the Model T through the muscle cars of the 1960s and 1970s.

One car, Joe’s pride and joy, had been selected to be the centerpiece of the event, and all the decorations and entertainment would reflect that choice. With the choice of the 1929 Duesenberg Model J, the event turned into a Gatsby Party. The decorations and lighting were imitations of the settings from the 1974 version of the movie, The Great Gatsby. Megan had been thrilled when her tickets showed the picture of that car on it. Aiden would dress like Gatsby and Megan would dress like Daisy.

Okay, I’m off. I’ll be there for lunch, and I’ll be hungry – just so you know.

When aren’t you hungry? Don’t worry, I’ll get plenty of food. I’ll lock up, but first I want to take the dogs for a walk. I think I’ll leave them here for the morning.

Jake nodded in agreement with her plan and then he was gone. Calling to the dogs, Megan hooked them both up to the leashes kept at the backdoor. Locking the door behind her, she started down the sidewalk at a brisk pace. She let the dogs sniff around at the trees they passed, but she had a destination in mind and didn’t want to dawdle.

It had been a few days since she had stopped by Lucy’s new shop and she was eager to see what had been accomplished since her last visit. The grand opening was in six weeks and she knew Lucy was getting nervous. It didn’t take long to get there, despite the dog’s detours to sniff out almost every blade of grass between Aiden’s office and her destination. When she reached the shop, Megan stood admiring the display window for a moment. Even though Lucy hadn’t put out any products yet, the window looked inviting. She had created a scene from the beach, leaving places for her jewelry to be displayed to catch the eye of passing pedestrians. This was a smart move as they were about to enter tourist season. Soon the sidewalks would be full of shoppers and Lucy’s window was sure to catch their attention.

Come on in, Megan. Don’t stand there and gawk. I can show you the pieces I’ve selected to use in the window and you can let tell me what you think.

Megan hadn’t heard the petite blond walk up next to her and she jumped when Lucy spoke. Returning her friend’s hug, she complimented her on the display window’s design.

Hi, Aunt Megan.

An impish little girl ran up to Megan and threw her arms around her waist. Megan smiled widely as she returned the hug, always thrilled to see her new niece. Lucy and Paul had recently adopted two children and they easily fit into the family dynamics and the small town.

Hi right back at you, Sammy. No school today?

Nope, teacher’s work day, so we have a long weekend. Isn’t that great? Without waiting for Megan to answer, Sammy grabbed her hand and dragged her over to a display area.

Look what we’re adding – a children's workshop. It was my idea, you know. The energetic girl stood there with her hands on her hips, waiting for Megan's vote of approval.

That is a great idea, Sammy. How does it work? Megan knew all about it of course, but she wanted to let her niece tell her anyways.

"You bring your parent,