Free Buried (Twisted Cedars Mysteries Book 1) by C. J. Carmichael Page A

pre-school age. Her sister had invited her into her bedroom—a rare occurrence—then told her she was old enough to know the family secret.
    “What is it?” Charlotte had been beside herself with curiosity.
    “Aunt Shirley killed herself. But we aren’t supposed to tell anyone.”
    Not until she was much older, an adult, had Charlotte confirmed the facts with her mother. Not that her mother had been able to explain much. Apparently the suicide had come as a complete shock to the family.
    Charlotte couldn’t help but feel defensive. “Why all these questions about my aunt?”
    “Shirley Hammond was listed as a board member and president in the OLA Quarterly from 1972 until 1976. Suddenly in 1977 there was no mention of her. Most former board members get a special write up if they retire or pass away. Which made me wonder if there was something—unusual—about the way your aunt died.”
    “If you’re thinking my aunt was strangled like those other cases you’re investigating, I can assure you that was not the case.”
    Dougal looked at her steadily for a long time. Then he asked another question she wasn’t expecting. “What happened to your aunt’s cottage? Did your family sell it?”
    “No. We still own it.” Since her parents’ death, Charlotte managed all of the family’s assets, but she never thought of them as hers. Her parents had been quite wealthy and if—when—her sister returned, Charlotte would be all too happy to relinquish Daisy’s share of the inheritance. In the meantime, it was her responsibility to pay the property taxes for the cabin. Occasionally she drove by to reassure herself the building was still standing, but she never went inside.
    Too spooky.
    “Do you rent it out?”
    “We never have. Who would want it?” The little A-frame was small, not worth much, tucked so deep into the forest that it could hardly be seen from the road.
    Dougal leaned his elbows on her desk. “Would you consider renting it out?”
    “I suppose. But it’s very isolated.”
    “Which makes it perfect for me. I’ve been thinking about staying in Twisted Cedars to continue my research.”
    It was what she’d hoped for earlier, but suddenly she wasn’t so sure. Dougal wasn’t just probing into a long forgotten mystery. He was digging into her family history, which was not comfortable territory, at all. “I’m not sure the cottage is even habitable.”
    “I’m not fussy. And it would be better than staying at the motel.”
    He had other options. Like the home where he’d grown up. After the wedding, Jamie would be moving in with Kyle and the trailer would be vacant.
    “I could show you the cottage after work. If you still want the place after you see it, I’d have to get the electricity turned back on. There’s a well and septic tank—not sure what shape they’ll be after all these years.”
    “I can get all that sorted out.”
    She frowned, trying to imagine what the place would look like inside after being vacant for so long. “We’ll also need to book a cleaner.”
    “Is Stella Ward still working?”
    “Yes. You remember her?”
    He paused a second then said, “She and my mother were partners.”
    “Of course.” Charlotte had forgotten Dougal’s mother had cleaned houses for a living. In fact, Kate Lachlan had cleaned for her parents, for decades.
    “How about we grab a bite after you’ve closed the library, then head out to the cottage to take a look around?”
    It was a casual suggestion, and Dougal knew she was seeing Wade. But Charlotte still felt a little excited, and a little guilty, as she accepted.

chapter eight
     
    when Dougal and Jamie were kids, they spent a lot of time at Stella and Ward Amos’s house. Stella had been his mom’s partner and best friend, and the Amos’s were like family. Now, standing by their front door, Dougal was struck by how small the three-bedroom bungalow seemed. He knocked, and heard a shuffling sound from inside. After what seemed like a