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They filed out the door of Fiona’s home and down the stairs, bracing themselves against the brisk spring air. Fiona grabbed her large leather bag, slinging it over her shoulder, and followed her friends out the door. Leaning into the wind that was rolling in off the sea, she looked to the empty pedestal overlooking the harbor where Nagisa had once stood and vowed that one way or another she would find out what had happened that cold, dark and stormy night.
CHAPTER2
FIONA
Fiona led the way to Seraphim. It was a short walk, but Fiona thought she’d give her fellow Murder Club members the basics of the cold case she wanted them to consider.
“Disclaimer: the case I have in mind isn’t a murder,” she began.
“I know we call ourselves the Mystery Writers’ Murder Club, but I don’t think all the cases have to be murders,” said Lori.
“Agreed,” said Christie. “I think we take the most interesting cases regardless of whether or not somebody died.”
“I agree with Christie and Lori,” said Jessica. “I don’t think that all of the best mysteries are about murder. I mean technically, last time we solved a missing persons case. It may have turned out to be a murder, but still, it was worth doing.”
“I can tell you that solving one case often leads to others. So, whatcha got?” asked Christie.
Fiona grinned. “I’m so glad you guys feel that way. You may not know this, but Angel’s Rise was a hot spot for importing illegal booze from Canada during Prohibition. The life-size, bronze angel that looked over the harbor was stolen the same night the local cops and the feds had planned to raid several sites, but just as they got started, the call came in that Nagisa had gone missing.”
“Who is Nagisa?” asked Christie.
“She’s the angel that stood guarding the harbor for more than a century,” answered Fiona.
“And they never found it?” asked Lori.
“Nope,” said Fiona.
“Good lord; how did something that heavy get moved?” asked Jessica.
“That’s always been the question. How do you remove something that big from its pedestal and leave no trace of it behind? Some think it had to have been moved onto a boat, but I think the way down to the water is too treacherous.”
“I’m not sure what other cold cases you had in mind, but I think we should look for Nagisa,” said Jessica as she opened the door to Seraphim. Looking around at the crowded dining room, she continued, “I hope we have a reservation.”
“We do,” said Fiona, stepping up to the hostess’ station. “Fowler, party of four.”
“Chef Stuart wanted you to have the private room at the back. It has the best view of the river.”
“That would be lovely.”
The hostess led them to the back room and made them comfortable, giving them menus including a list of the day’s specials.
Once they were seated, Fiona opened her enormous shoulder bag and pulled out a file.
“Ha!” cried Christie. “I knew there was a reason you were carrying that big, heavy bag.”
“I can’t lie,” admitted Fiona. “I was hoping we could solve the one set right here in town. I would love to see her restored to her rightful place overlooking the harbor.”
The door opened and a man in a chef’s coat entered the room, carrying a platter. “Good afternoon. I’m Chef Stuart. Welcome to Seraphim! I have to say, I’ve read every single one of your books, and I think you’re all fabulous. Ms. Fowler, I’ve been meaning to extend a personal invitation to you to visit the restaurant. I took the liberty of bringing you one of the restaurant’s specialties.” He set the platter down on the table. “Lobster fritters. The lobster is fresh and local. I think you’ll love them. Have you had a chance to look at the menu?”
“Not yet…” started Lori.
“Then please let me bring you a tasting menu of what I consider our best,” offered the chef.
Fiona looked at her companions who all nodded. “That sounds wonderful and awfully kind.”
The waitress came in and Chef Stuart turned to her. “Tell Bobby to start the tasting menu and bring a bottle of the 2019 Stolen Owl Malbec for the ladies to enjoy.”
“Thank you,” said Jessica, taking a bite of a fritter. “Oh my god, these are amazing.”
