Mini Mystery

Had a crime been committed—or did a famous author travel back in time?

Detective Shauna Miller studied the large group of fans who were keeping a silent vigil on the lawn of the famous time travel romance author, Catherine Rhinnet. The author, who claimed to frequently travel back in

Q. Where do whales go on dates? A. ✻ To the dive-in movie!

time to gather interesting and sometimes lurid historical tidbits for her books, had gone missing.

Ida Pryce, the author’s sister, allowed Detective Miller into Catherine’s beautifully furnished home. Ida stated when she couldn’t get in touch with her sister for more than a week, she became concerned and used her key to gain entry. When she found the house empty with Catherine’s handbag by the door and her car in the driveway, she called the police. Detective Miller noted that the windows were latched and nothing appeared to have been disturbed. There was no ransom note. A quick tap brought Catherine’s computer screen to life and revealed that six nights ago the author had been working on her latest book.

“So, you obviously don’t believe she’s away time traveling?” Detective Miller smirked.

Ida waved a dismissive hand. “That’s a PR stunt. Catherine slips out of the house and spends a few nights with me and then posts details on her website about her adventures. I’m the only one who knows where she really goes.” “Do you two get along?” Ida rolled her eyes. “Catherine can be very selfish, shows up whenever she feels like it and expects me to go along.” The irritation was clear in her voice.

“Who else has a key to the home?”

“Her editor, Lynda. And her agent.”

“Does she have any boyfriend problems?”

Catherine doesn’t socialize much. Locks herself in her office and writes all the time.” “And if some foul play has occurred, who would inherit your sister’s rather large estate?” “That would be me.” Ida gave the detective a cold stare. “And I deserve it.” Detective Miller drove across town to interview the editor, Lynda Davenport, who told her point blank, “Catherine went off time traveling. She’ll be back.” Lynda tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and added quietly, “If she can get back.” “Does she get along with her agent?” “Yes, but Mark was unhappy when Catherine didn’t sign a new contract with him. Tell you the truth I wasn’t all that pleased either.”

“How long have you been with her?”

“From day one, and I’ve worked hard to help her build the series up to a smashing success,” Lynda declared.

“When was the last time you saw her?”

“A week ago. She took off without telling anyone, as usual. Catherine was so self-centered. Never thought about others.”

“I hear her book sales are good.”

“Better than good with nine bestselling titles currently on the shelves.” Lynda released a sigh of disgust. “But frankly, she was just slapping the tenth one together as fast as she could.”

Detective Miller then made her way to the agent’s office where Mark told her that he hadn’t seen Catherine in more than a month.

“Any idea why she wouldn’t want to continue her successful run?”

“Catherine started losing interest in the project around book number seven. Lynda actually wrote a lot of the chapters in the last few books, trying to keep the contract alive, but I know Catherine planned to kill the series with book ten.” Mark leaned back in his chair and sighed. “She wants to write a cookbook. Not much money in that!”

“Is it possible one of her fans didn’t like the series ending?”

“Only Lynda and I knew what her plans were.”

“Does she get along with her sister?”

“Ida probably put on a good face in front of you, but they fight all the time.”

Detective Miller knew who she wanted to speak to again.