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“Distinct tire tracks, paint flecks and smears, and several firsthand accounts of June Shandy arguing with, and threatening to kill, Tackle.”

“You think Tackle’s wife killed him?”

“It’s been known to happen.”

Despite the fact that Ellery had once suggested that scenario as a possibility, he was genuinely startled. “You don’t think Tackle’s death has anything to do with Vernon or the treasure?”

“We’re still looking at all the possibilities. But this is the most plausible scenario. We know June was arguing with Tackle over money. They were in financial hot water and increasingly desperate. It seems Vera had stopped doling out cash when she discovered Tackle was trying to rope Ned into another of his illegal activities.”

“What illegal activities?”

“Take your pick. In this case, extortion.”

“I see…”

Jack tipped his head, viewing Ellery. “You don’t like that theory?”

“Like you say, it seems the most plausible. The most likely.” He made a face. “It’s not like I have a strong preference.”

“I’m thinking about getting Ned into the police academy.”

“Are you serious?”

“I am. Yeah. I think he’s smart and resourceful and actually a pretty good kid. He needs some guidance, and he needs a direction in life.”

“But doesn’t he have a criminal record?”

“He does. But he doesn’t have a felony conviction, and the other charges against him have been reduced.”

“You reallyareserious.”

“I believe there’s an opportunity here to steer this kid onto the right path. A path that will be good for him and good for the community—” Jack’s phone rang. “Here’s my call.”

Ellery nodded and rose.

Jack said, “Are you staying over tonight?”

“Yes. But I might be late. I’m supposed to meet James Franklin for drinks at the Deep Dive around nine. I might drop Watson off at your place first.”

Jack’s brows drew together, but he nodded, and said crisply into the receiver, “Chief Carson speaking.”

Chapter Seventeen

Ellery was walking back to the Crow’s Nest when he remembered the hiding space in the trap door beneath the carpet in his bedroom.

Eudora did not seem to throw anything away. But if her diary from 1963 had contained sensitive or damaging information, she might very well have hidden it in one of Captain’s Seat many secret places. What better secret place than her bedroom?

Accordingly, when he reached the Crow’s Nest, he went straight to the parking area behind the store.

Arf. Arf. Arf.

He could hear Watson barking from inside the store. Ellery sighed. Hopefully, that was because Watson knew he was nearby and not the way he behaved every time Ellery left the bookshop.

He jumped in the baby-blue VW and headed out to Captain’s Seat.

When he arrived at the house, he was relieved to see the front drive full of vans and trucks, so renovation had resumed. Maybe too relieved. It was going to be flipping ridiculous if he became nervous about staying on his own. He did notreallybelieve Captain’s Seat was haunted. Not in the light of day, anyway. But there was no question he felt better hearing the barrage of hammers and nail guns and footsteps stomping back and forth.

The banker’s box of Vera’s photos still sat against the wall, where Jack had stowed it for safekeeping. With everything that had happened, Ellery had completely forgotten about it. He made a mental note to grab the box when he left.