Page 31

Nora said, “No. The fire in 1965 was the greatest disaster to ever befall the island.”

“How is it I’ve never heard anything about this fire until this past week?”

“Amazingly, no one was killed.” Nora shrugged. “And what doesn’t kill you, leaves others little to talk about.”

Chapter Ten

“I found her!” Nora announced.

Ellery looked up from reading Tony Bernard’s online obituary. Vernon’s navy diving buddy and best pal had been killed in a covert operation off Vietnam in 1967. Bernard had left behind two grieving parents and a fiancée: Miss Vera Shandy of Pirate’s Cove, Buck Island, RI.

The information came courtesy of a distant niece of Tony’s, who had posted her entire family history on a public website for the edification and entertainment of all. It was unsettling what the love for genealogy could do to a person.

Ellery had been frowning over why Vera would have named her former fiancé as a possible suspect in her brother’s disappearance when Nora popped her head in the doorway.

“Who?” Ellery asked blankly.

“Josephine Franklin.”

“Isn’t she—” Ellery was going to saydead—he had already concluded Josephine had moved on to that island in the sky—but Nora said, “She’s still living in Pirate’s Cove.”

“Sheis?”

“She’s at Sunset Shores.”

“What the heck is Sunset Shores?”

“A residential facility for elders. Actually, it’s the island’s only residential facility for elders.”

Ellery said, “Every day I learn something new.”

“It’s fairly small and relatively expensive. Most families here keep their senior loved ones at home. But it’s not always possible. And it’s not always preferable. Not everyone wants to room with their children and grandchildren.”

“True. I guess.”

“Anyway, she was thrilled. She can see you this afternoon.”

“What?When?” Ellery rose, dislodging Watson, who was sleeping beneath the desk, with his head on Ellery’s foot. “It’s already the afternoon!”

“Three o’clock. That leaves you plenty of time to get there. Also, she said to bring her a carton of cigarettes.”

“She— To a nursing home?”

“Assisted living, dearie. They’re not exactly the same thing. But yes, you’re quite right. It’s a no-smoking facility.”

“Then why—what did you tell her?”

Nora’s smile was composed. “That you wouldn’t be late for your appointment. She doesn’t have all the time in the world, you know.”

Ellery, halfway out the door, threw her an uneasy look. “Yikes. A little cold, Nora.”

“People my age are realists. Now remember, your name is Elliot Parker.”

Ellery halted mid-step and turned to face her. “CUT. You gave her my stage name? Why?”

Nora looked at him as though he were the ninny Vera had claimed. “Because we don’t want to give your real name.”

“But I always give my real name. Why the subterfuge?”