AWARDS, ADVENTURE, AND ACCUSATIONS

  DUNE HOUSE COZY MYSTERIES

  BOOK THIRTY-FIVE

  CINDY BELL

  CONTENTS

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  About the Author

  Also by Cindy Bell

  Copyright © 2025 Cindy Bell

  All rights reserved.

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

  This is a work of fiction. The characters, incidents and locations portrayed in this book and the names herein are fictitious. Any similarity to or identification with the locations, names, characters or history of any person, product or entity is entirely coincidental and unintentional.

  All trademarks and brands referred to in this book are for illustrative purposes only, are the property of their respective owners and not affiliated with this publication in any way. Any trademarks are being used without permission, and the publication of the trademark is not authorized by, associated with or sponsored by the trademark owner.

  CHAPTER 1

  “It’s an honor to be honored.” Mary Brent waved a piece of paper through the air.

  The sunlight that spilled into the large kitchen, through wide windows over the sink, danced off the surface of the glossy paper.

  “What’s that supposed to mean?” Suzie Allen laughed as she joined her in the kitchen, summoned by Mary’s happy voice. She attempted to snatch the paper out of her hand.

  “We’ve officially been nominated for the prestigious award of Travel and Hospitality Boutique Accommodations of the Year.” Mary laughed as she spun away from Suzie, shielding the paper from her grasp. “It’s the coveted THBAY.”

  “THBAY?” Suzie finally snagged the paper and began to read it over. “I’ve never heard of it.”

  “Apparently, it’s like a warm-up for the real deal. Another actually prestigious award, but if we win this one, we’re a shoo-in for the big one.”

  “I don’t understand. How did we even get entered?” Suzie studied the gold embossed text on the thick paper and recalled what it had been like to win awards in the past as an investigative journalist, in a life when things had moved quickly and she was always chasing something.

  That seemed so long ago, now that she owned a bed and breakfast with her best friend, and spent most of her time thinking about new themes for room designs and navigating an unexpected relationship with a scruffy fisherman. She couldn’t recall the last time she’d dressed up for an awards ceremony, or for anything else for that matter.

  “Technically, we weren’t entered, we were nominated. Which means that someone enjoyed their stay here so much, they put our names in the ring, and then summoned enough support from our previous guests to warrant being included in the final competition.” Mary took the letter back from her. “So, we’ve been invited to attend the awards celebration in North Carolina.” She held up one hand as Suzie was about to protest. “I know, I know, you don’t want to go.”

  “I didn’t say that. It’s just that we have a business to run here. It’s crazy to take time off to go to some awards ceremony.”

  “Travel’s paid for, we’ll get to stay in a luxury inn, and there will be a showcase of the different amenities that modern B&Bs are offering. And the best part is one of the sponsors of the event is a private charter company, so we get to go on a private plane.”

  “Wow,” Suzie gasped.

  “You could even call it a research trip. Yes. We have a steady business, because we have the ocean as a draw and our B&B is beautiful, but we still have to keep up with our competition, and we might find something that could enrich our guests’ experiences.” Mary followed Suzie through the kitchen as she neared the coffeepot. “Really, it would be wasting an opportunity if we don’t go.”

  “Okay. You don’t have to convince me.” Suzie poured herself a cup of coffee, then turned to face her friend. “If you want to go, we’ll go.”

  “I’m so glad.” Mary paused, her breath caught in her chest as she braced herself for Suzie’s reaction to her next words. She said them as quickly as possible. “Because I already agreed and signed us up for the trip and we actually leave tomorrow.”

  “What?” Suzie’s eyes flew wide open, as did her mouth.

  “Don’t worry, I’ve already made all the arrangements. Busy season’s coming to an end, and it’s midweek, so we don’t have any reservations until Friday. It seems like it’s meant to be. I’ve asked Jason and Summer to stop by and check on things a few times.”

  Mary knew that Suzie would trust her cousin Police Chief Jason Allen and his wife, the medical examiner, Dr. Summer Rose, to take care of everything.

  Mary circled slowly around her stunned friend as she ticked off all the things she knew Suzie would be worried about.

  “I’ve updated our phone service to forward any calls to our cell phones, asked the gardener to come inside and take care of the indoor plants as well. I even packed Pilot’s bag and some calming treats for the flight. Since his previous owner was a pilot, I think he’ll be fine, but just in case, you know?”

  The yellow Lab perked his head up from the bed he’d been contentedly curled up on by the back door.

  “I don’t understand.” Suzie’s shoulders slumped as every argument she could think of was undone by Mary’s list. “Why didn’t you just tell me? We could have done all this together.”

  “Because I wanted to make sure you would feel okay saying yes.” Mary stroked her shoulder. “Aside from that one road trip, which turned out to be less of a vacation and more of a murder investigation, we haven’t taken a break since we moved here and opened Dune House. I know you feel a lot of responsibility for its success, especially since we both manage it. But it’s a success, Suzie. Things are going very well. It’s okay for us to have a little fun, a little adventure.” Her eyes sparkled as she watched a hint of excitement surface in her friend’s expression.

  Suzie was usually trying to get Mary to relax, but Mary knew they both needed a break.

  “Do you think I’ve forgotten the kind of life you had before you decided to run Dune House? I know you love it here, but Suzie, I also know that you miss going on adventures. And while this might be a tame one compared to jetting off to a foreign country to cover a political crisis, it’s something. Right? Something different. I didn’t want you to talk yourself out of going. This way, you have no choice, and all the hard stuff is already done.”

  “I still have a choice.” Suzie pursed her lips, though the stubbornness in her tone didn’t reach her still shining eyes. “But I wouldn’t want to disappoint you.”

  Mary threw her hands in the air with a heavy sigh followed by a laugh. “I’ll take it.”

  “Now, I have to pack, and we need to contact the credit card company to let them know we’ll be traveling out of the area, and call the local motel as we’re on their list for referrals if anyone’s looking for a place to stay and they’re booked up. We wouldn’t want them to refer us when we’re not open for business.” Suzie took another sip of her coffee.

  “Ugh, I knew I was forgetting something. You pack. I’ll take care of all of that right now. By this time tomorrow, we’ll be on a private plane, on our way to a luxury inn!” Mary squealed with excitement. “It’s just what we need. Someone to cater to us for once. All our meals taken care of. Room service!”

  As Mary hurried toward the front desk in the large entrance of the house, she was relieved that Suzie had accepted the trip. Secretly, she really wanted a chance to be two friends on a vacation together. It had been some time since they’d been able to just relax and enjoy each other’s company without business responsibilities getting in the way.

  Mary glanced back at Suzie and smiled. Suzie met Mary’s eyes and smiled in return.

  Mary was sure they were in for a fun time.

  Still, with their luck, she knew their best-laid plans usually turned into more than they bargained for.

  CHAPTER 2

  Small text swam in front of Suzie’s eyes as she reread the same sentence for what might have been the third time.

  Determined to use her time on the short flight to actually conduct research, she’d printed out information about the Primrose Inn, the contest, and the other nominees for the award.

  So far she’d discovered that the event included more than just B&B owners. It also invited owners of small travel businesses and ev
ent organizers. Although there was only one award for accommodations, there were a few others, including best tour company and best boutique event venue.

  “Did you know that we’re going up against ten other businesses?” Suzie glanced up from the papers.

  Mary, who was curled comfortably into one of the wide leather seats, lifted her sleep mask. “No. I do now, though. Are you trying to make me more nervous than I already am?”

  Pilot, stretched out on the carpet between them, opened his eyes to look at them, then fell back asleep.

  Mary’s prediction had been right, Pilot had been excited to get on the plane, and now he was content to relax on it.

  “Just trying to be informed. It looks like there are several owners of inns, and only two other B&B owners. I think it would be better if we had our own category. An inn is more like a motel, don’t you think? They don’t really need to keep things homey, or provide meals.”

  “Don’t worry, we’re definitely going to win.” Mary patted Suzie’s knee. “We have something none of the other nominees do.”

  “No, there are at least two other coastal businesses.” Suzie scanned through the names of their competitors.

  “I’m not talking about the beach. I’m talking about Pilot.” Mary reached down and scratched behind his ears. “With him, no one can possibly beat us.”

  “I don’t think they let you advertise your pets.” Suzie couldn’t help but smile. “But you’re right, he’d definitely sway anyone with those big brown eyes.” She sat back against her seat. “I’m not worried about winning. I just like things to be fair.”

  “I can understand that, but I’m more interested in spending a few days enjoying a room that someone else has to clean, and using towels that someone else has to wash.” Mary grinned.

  “I’m not even sure if I want to go to the awards dinner. I might just leave that to you.”

  “Oh, no you won’t.” Mary shot a horrified look in her direction. “You’ll be right there by my side, shaking hands and making small talk. You’re much better at that than me.”

  “If you insist,” Suzie said.

  “We’re already preparing to land.” Mary peered out the small oval window at the patchwork of fields and roads far below.

  “Great.” Suzie shuffled her papers back into a folder and slipped it into her soft-sided briefcase.

  “Suzie.” Mary met her friend’s eyes. “We’re going to have fun. I promise!”

  “I know we will,” Suzie said, just as the plane dipped sharply. The jolt reminded her just how small the aircraft was.

  Pilot stirred from his spot on the floor, ears flicking at the change in motion, before settling back down as they began their descent into North Carolina.

  When the wheels touched down, and the plane rolled to a stop, Pilot was the first on his feet, tail wagging as if he’d been the one flying.

  Suzie followed Pilot to the narrow stairway.

  The yellow Lab bounded carefully down the steps, nose lifted to the new scents in the air, before pausing to wait for them at the bottom.

  A short time later, after collecting their bags from the small terminal and making their way outside, they found themselves in the middle of a busy airport.

  Suzie felt flustered but eager to get out of the bustle. She stopped short when a woman near the doors began calling their names.

  “Suzie! Mary!” Wild, white-blonde curls bounced as she waved, her salmon-pink nails flashing. She wore a practical pantsuit with sensible shoes, and looked to be a little younger than them. “Hi, there!”

  Mary had been told that Martha, the inn’s manager, would pick them up from the airport.

  “Martha?” Mary smiled as she adjusted the strap of her carry-on bag on her shoulder to keep it from slipping off, while grasping Pilot’s leash with her other hand.

  “Yes, that’s me.” Martha smoothed her jacket and smiled, then glanced around at the rush of people who swirled around them to reach the exit. “It’s so crowded here, you’ll be glad to get to the inn. It’s such a wide-open space, and the weather is just perfect.”

  “I’ll be glad to get anywhere.” Suzie had tossed the strap of her carry-on over the top of her head to keep it from slipping away while she carried both her suitcase, Mary’s suitcase, and Pilot’s duffel bag of supplies.

  “Let’s get you three to the inn.” Martha winked at them, grabbed the suitcases from Suzie, then led the way through the exit doors into a designated arrivals area, packed to the brim with cars and taxis waiting to pick up travelers.

  Suzie’s thoughts traveled back to the days when she’d hop from airport to airport for a story. Back then it had never crossed her mind to care about where she slept, or what the thread count of the sheets were. She felt a faint spark of excitement ignite within her. Maybe Mary was right. Maybe she’d gotten too far away from the person she used to be. Some excitement, and an actual vacation, might be just what she needed.

  “Don’t worry, even though the inn is set out in the woods, it’s actually not a far drive from the airport,” Martha said. “It’s one of our biggest advantages, because travelers don’t want to fly and then drive for hours.”

  Suzie settled into the back seat of the car, and Pilot put his paws in her lap. She smiled and relaxed as she ran her hand along his back.

  Mary, on the other hand, chatted easily with Martha on the drive. Suzie gathered that Martha had grown up in the area, worked in hospitality since she was a teenager, and never married. Their conversation drifted from menus to bed linens.

  By the time Martha turned onto a cobblestone road, lined with towering trees, it was clear they both had a passion for taking care of people.

  Soon, Suzie’s thoughts were swept away by the sight of the Primrose Inn. As it came into view, she gasped. She had expected a rambling log cabin or maybe a modern resort. Instead, the massive building that faced them had the storybook elegance of a grand Victorian, with wide porches, graceful gables, and a welcoming presence.

  “I know. It’s gorgeous, isn’t it?” Martha cast a smile over her shoulder in response to Suzie’s subtle gasp. “Saul really wanted the inn itself to be the destination, and he wanted it to be magical. I think he did a great job restoring it.” She led them through the tall wooden double doors, decorated with floral carvings. “Get settled, but then please join us in the dining room. We’re having a mixer.”

  Martha winked as she turned and began placing their bags on a luggage cart.

  “We set it up as a way to welcome everyone to the inn, and give you all a chance to get to know one another in a relaxed, no-pressure environment.” Martha smiled. “We’ve got drinks and hors d’oeuvres available.”

  “That sounds great.” Mary tightened her grip on Pilot’s leash. “We’ll come back down once Pilot’s settled.”

  “Right this way.” Martha rolled the luggage cart into an elevator. “I just texted Esme. She’ll be waiting on the third floor to show you to your rooms.”

  “Wow, you’re very well-staffed. That must make things pretty smooth around here.” Suzie stepped into the elevator with Mary and Pilot just behind her.

  “You would think.” Martha laughed, and her cheeks flushed, just before the elevator doors slid shut.

  “She doesn’t seem to agree.” Mary raised her eyebrows. “I guess with a place as big and fancy as this, it’s hard to keep up no matter how well-staffed you are.”

  The elevator doors slid open revealing a woman who looked to be in her twenties, with her long, black hair in a tight braid. Her lips curved into a polite smile, friendly, but all business.

  “Suzie, Mary, welcome to the Primrose Inn. I’m Esme.” She looked down at the dog who stood between them. “Oh, right, you’re the ones who brought a dog.”

  She turned away before she could complete her eye roll, then walked off down the hall.

  She stopped in front of a tall door with brass numbers. “Feel free to let me know if you need anything.” She handed Suzie two key cards.

  “Thank you.” Suzie pushed open the door, and the faint scent of roses greeted them. The suite was airy with a high ceiling, two bedrooms with queen beds, and a sitting area with a small sofa and coffee table. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors opened onto the terrace, where Pilot immediately trotted out to sniff the planters along the railing. His tail wagged happily as if he approved of the accommodations.