“I’m sorry, I just can’t take that chance.” Martha steadied the cutters up to the cable and squeezed as hard as she could.

  CHAPTER 29

  Suzie clung to Mary, and to the brake that held them in place on the zip line. Despite Suzie’s fear, she felt a deep certainty that they’d find their way to safety. If she didn’t, she might dissolve into tears.

  “Hold on, Mary, just hold on,” Suzie said.

  “They aren’t working,” Martha grumbled as the cutters failed to slice the cable. She dropped the cutters, ran across the platform, and descended the steps.

  “She didn’t cut it!” Mary gasped.

  “Maybe not all the way.” Suzie squinted at the cable. “But if she damaged it, it might still snap. And she might come back. Come on, Mary, you’ve got to climb up. I’ll help you.”

  “Climb?” Mary’s eyes filled with tears. “Are you kidding? I can barely hang on!”

  “Listen to me, we’re going to get through this. We’re going to do it together. I’m going to hook my legs around you, okay? I’m going to hold your weight with them, and when I do, I want you to reach up from the belt with one hand, and grab on to the shoulder strap of my harness, or as high as you can reach. Okay?”

  “I’ll fall!” Mary cried as her body trembled.

  “No, you won’t. I promise, I won’t let you fall.” Suzie squirmed until her legs were securely hooked around Mary’s waist and thighs. “I’ve got you. Can you feel the difference?”

  “Yes.” Mary let out a shaky breath as some of the pressure eased off her arms. She squeezed her eyes shut, then reached up, and grabbed one of the straps of Suzie’s harness.

  “Good. Now the other hand.” Suzie gripped the brake with all her strength, feeling Mary’s weight shift onto her back and shoulders. “Okay, now, see that strap hanging to your left? Grab it. It’s an extra safety tether. Clip it to the loop at your waist. Yes, just like that. It’s going to act as your harness now.”

  “Yes, I’ve got it.” Mary blinked back tears. “But why will that matter if the cable snaps?”

  “We’re not going to wait for it to snap. We’re going to get closer to the next platform. Even if someone comes to save us, they won’t be able to reach us out here, and we can’t go backward. Now that you’re secure, we can move down the zip line together, slowly.”

  A sudden voice rang out from the wooden platform farther down the zip line. “It’s okay! Help is on the way!”

  Suzie started at the sound, then squinted through the dense trees to identify the man who’d waved to them. But she couldn’t.

  “The line might be damaged!” Suzie shouted back as she continued to cling as tight as she could. Pain coursed through her hand, and she knew she couldn’t hold on much longer.

  “It’s Detective Warren!” He raised his voice. “I’ll arrange for a rescue crew to get out here, but it will take some time.”

  “How do you think he knew we were out here?” Mary peered up at Suzie.

  “I don’t know. Maybe it’s a trick? Maybe he’s working with Martha? They’re both locals. Maybe they’re connected in some way that we missed?” Suzie grunted as her hand began to tremble. “But we’re not going to have much of a choice in a minute or two. I can’t keep holding on to the brake.”

  “It’s okay, Suzie.” Mary tightened her grip on her. “Whatever happens, with the two of us together, we’re going to get through this.”

  Suzie glanced at the long drop beneath them. Deep down she knew that if the zip line was damaged, they weren’t likely to survive. They only had minutes to do something, anything, that might save their lives.

  Suzie closed her eyes as she felt her hand go numb. Her grip on the brake became loose. She opened her mouth to say something meaningful and poetic to Mary before they risked meeting their demise. But her hand gave out before she could, and all that escaped her was a long, high-pitched scream, rivaled only by Mary’s ear-splitting shriek.

  The two of them, tangled together, zipped toward the platform where Blake was waiting.

  The detective’s eyes widened at the sight of them. He bent his knees, spread his arms, and braced himself.

  “I’ve got you, don’t worry! You’re going to be just fine!” Blake shouted.

  Just before they would have slammed into him, Mary managed to skid her feet across the wooden platform, slowing them down.

  Blake wrapped his arms around them, helping bring them to a smooth stop.

  Mary burst into tears of relief.

  Suzie muttered a few breathless words as she and Mary untangled themselves from the harness and ropes.

  “Thank you, Suzie.” Mary hugged her tightly.

  “I’m so sorry.” Blake frowned. “I would have been here sooner, but I was overseeing Martha’s arrest. I had to get the warrant approved.”

  “So, you know she killed Rick because of Henry?” Suzie asked, catching her breath.

  “I just pieced it together from that video,” Blake said. “While I was investigating Rick’s murder, I also looked into Henry’s death at the zip line near Rick’s inn. I felt that something didn’t add up with Rick’s story, but I couldn’t prove anything. When I was questioning Antonio he mentioned that Martha got him the job at the Primrose Inn, and when I asked him about it, I found out her connection to Henry. So, when I saw Henry in that video, I suspected Martha might be involved in Rick’s murder. But I didn’t have the proof I needed for an arrest. Even Esme grew suspicious because Martha told her to stay out of the laundry. She told me she went into the basement to see if Martha was hiding something there, and you two almost caught her.”

  “That must have been who turned out the lights and ran out of the basement,” Mary said.

  “Yes. But she had no idea that you’d found Rick’s computer. I think Martha threw the laptop in the chute but couldn’t risk going to get it right away with all of the police swarming around. When you gave me the laptop, and I saw that video, I finally knew what had happened. I left to get the arrest warrant. I didn’t expect that Martha would try to kill you two during that time.” Blake glanced between the two of them.

  “But you got here in time,” Mary said.

  “Just in time. I’m sorry I wasn’t quicker. When Esme mentioned she’d heard Martha saying she would take you to the zip line, I knew I had to get here fast,” Blake said. “We ran into Martha on the way back to the inn and I came here looking for you.”

  “She killed Rick, because she’d found evidence he’d murdered her brother.” Suzie ran her fingers through her hair in an attempt to straighten out the chaos that the zip-line ride had created. “I don’t understand. Why didn’t she just go to the police?”

  “She probably thought no one would believe her,” Blake said. “Rick was respected, and she didn’t think the video would be enough. And she probably was right. Or maybe she just snapped. The zip line had been recorded as damaged by a tree limb during a storm that happened the day before. But the video showed Rick using it, with Henry there, too. Which meant it was functional, and that Henry hadn’t snuck out to use a damaged zip line alone, as Rick had claimed.”

  “And she was going to kill us the same way.” Mary shuddered.

  CHAPTER 30

  After returning to the inn, the detective led Suzie and Mary into the lounge where Pippa and a few officers were gathered.

  “Are you both okay?” Pippa gushed as she ran up to them. “I’m so sorry. I should have said something right away.”

  “What do you mean by that?” Mary searched her eyes.

  “I realized what Rick had done when I saw that video on your phone. I never even looked at his presentation properly,” Pippa admitted. “I was shocked, and I panicked while we were all watching, so I tried to get Elliot to stay quiet.”

  “When Martha found out what Rick had done she thought you knew all along and you were covering for him. That’s why she tried to frame you for Rick’s murder,” Suzie said.

  “I should have realized what he’d done,” Pippa murmured. “I just could never have imagined my husband killed a man because of business competition.”

  “He had plenty of competition. He didn’t murder anyone else. Why would he only go after Henry?” Suzie asked.

  “I think because the property was so close and he planned to offer similar things. And he was spying on our inn, or at least Rick thought he was. He was furious about it.” Pippa sat down beside them. “The truth is, I suspected Rick was lying about how Henry had died. But I kept insisting to myself that I was being absurd. I didn’t want to believe it.”

  “If you suspected what Rick had done, why didn’t you tell the police about Martha right away?” Mary asked.

  “I had no idea who she was.” Pippa’s eyes widened. “It’s hard to imagine that Rick would probably still be alive if he hadn’t been so careless. If he’d taken two seconds to think about the video he included in his presentation, I’m sure he never would have used it. But that was always the problem with Rick. He lived in his own world.”

  Suzie looked up at the detective. “What’s going to happen now?”

  “Martha’s been arrested for Rick’s murder.” Blake leaned against the bar beside them. “Antonio has been released. With Pippa’s help we also have proof that the money Rick told her he’d loaned Elliot was actually used to pay off an inspector, so Henry’s death would be labeled a tragic accident. Rick never gave Elliot a loan, but told Pippa he did because she wanted to know where the money had gone. As for Jocelyn, she’s admitted that her site isn’t working properly. She’s very upset about it. But she didn’t take a bribe to rig the results. It was a technical error.”

  “Wow,” Mary whispered as she tried to make sense of everything she’d just heard.

  “I’ll let you two get some rest for now.” Blake looked from Suzie to Mary, then focused on Pippa. “You and I need to go back over your statement and make sure we have everything clear.”

  “I want to go upstairs and see Pilot, Mary.” Suzie stood up.

  “Me, too.” Mary walked with her to the elevator. They rode up together in silence but holding hands.

  As they stepped out, they found Saul waiting in the hall, his expression tired but gentle.

  “I was actually coming to find you. I’m relieved you’re both okay, and I wanted to let you know that Dune House won the award. But after everything, we’ve canceled the ceremony. No one’s in the mood right now. What matters most is that you’re safe.” Saul gave them a small nod. “Congratulations.”

  “Thank you.” Mary smiled.

  Saul turned and walked down the hall.

  “Looks like John was wrong, and he’s not the winner after all.” Suzie gave a quick laugh.

  When they stepped into their room, Mary squeezed Suzie’s hand. “You know you saved my life back there.”

  “I saved us both.” Suzie winked at her. “You know I could never go on without you.”

  Pilot jumped up against their legs as his tail wagged happily.

  “I think Pilot feels the same way.” Mary laughed as he tried to lick both of their hands at the same time.

  “That was scary. I’m not going to pretend it wasn’t.” Suzie winced. “But I’m glad it all worked out. At least this is all solved.”

  “It’s hard not to feel bad for Martha, after what happened to her brother. But, instead of admitting to losing her temper and killing Rick, she tried to kill us.” Mary shook her head. “I’m sorry I talked you into this trip. I almost got us both killed.”

  “You?” Suzie raised her eyebrows. “Don’t you remember who decided to try out the zip line? I can’t believe I didn’t see right through her plan.”

  “Well, I guess she managed to fool us, just like she fooled everyone else.” Mary walked over to the window overlooking the gardens. “It really is beautiful here. Too bad we didn’t get to enjoy it.”

  “All these inns have so many exciting things to offer.” Suzie leaned against the wide windowsill. “But I can’t wait to get back to Dune House.”

  “So, you can install a zip line? Or a mountain-climbing wall?” Mary shot her a wry smile.

  “No, so we can open our beautiful seaside home to the people who want exactly what it has to offer.” Suzie patted Pilot’s head. “A place that welcomes you in, and leaves you all the room to create your own adventure.”

  “Exactly.” Mary’s smile spread so wide that her eyes crinkled at the corners.

  “And best of all, the three of us. The three things that no other bed and breakfast, inn, hotel, motel, or fancy resort can ever offer.” Suzie pulled her into a warm hug. “Just promise me, you’ll always tell me if you want things to change.”

  “Of course.” Mary looked into her eyes. “Suzie, you never have to worry about that. Our friendship always comes first. If there’s something I need, I promise I’ll tell you, and I hope that you’ll do the same.”

  “I will.” Suzie looked back out the window, hesitated, then grinned at Mary. “But you know, a zip line wouldn’t be the worst idea. It was actually a little fun, don’t you think?”

  “Absolutely not!” Mary burst out laughing as Suzie dissolved into giggles.

  “Just kidding, I promise!” Suzie held up her hands.

  “I just can’t wait to get back to Dune House for a little peace and quiet.” Mary smiled.

  “I don’t know, Mary. Our lives never seem to have a dull moment.” Suzie laughed. “Adventure and mystery always seem to follow us everywhere.”

  The End

  ***

  Thank you for reading Awards, Adventure, and Accusations. I loved writing it, and I hope you enjoyed reading it. Ready for more of Suzie, Mary, Pilot, and the rest of the crew’s fun sleuthing adventures? The next book in the series is Lights, Lanterns, and Lies. If you’d like to receive an email when I have a new release, please join my cozy mystery newsletter.

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Cindy Bell is a USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author. She is the author of over one hundred books in thirteen series. Her cozies are set in small towns, with lovable animals, quirky characters, delicious food and a touch of romance. She loves writing twisty cozy mysteries that keep readers guessing until the end.

  When she is not reading or writing, she loves baking (and eating) sweet treats or walking along the beach thinking of the next adventure her characters can embark on.

  If you’d like to receive an email when she has a new release, please join her cozy mystery newsletter at https://www.cindybellbooks.com.

  ALSO BY CINDY BELL

  DUNE HOUSE COZY MYSTERIES

  Dune House Cozy Mystery Series 10 Book Box Set (Books 1 - 10)

  Dune House Cozy Mystery Series 10 Book Box Set 2 (Books 11 - 20)

  Dune House Cozy Mystery Series 10 Book Box Set 3 (Books 21-30)

  Dune House Cozy Mystery Series Boxed Set 1 (Books 1 - 4)

  Dune House Cozy Mystery Series Boxed Set 2 (Books 5 - 8)

  Dune House Cozy Mystery Series Boxed Set 3 (Books 9 - 12)

  Dune House Cozy Mystery Series Boxed Set 4 (Books 13 - 16)

  Dune House Cozy Mystery Series Boxed Set 4 (Books 17 - 20)

  Dune House Cozy Mystery Series Boxed Set 4 (Books 21 - 24)

  Dune House Cozy Mystery Series Boxed Set 4 (Books 25 - 28)

  Dune House Cozy Mystery Series Boxed Set 4 (Books 29 - 32)

  Seaside Secrets

  Boats and Bad Guys

  Treasured History

  Hidden Hideaways

  Dodgy Dealings

  Suspects and Surprises

  Ruffled Feathers

  A Fishy Discovery

  Danger in the Depths

  Celebrities and Chaos

  Pups, Pilots and Peril

  Tides, Trails and Trouble

  Racing and Robberies

  Athletes and Alibis

  Manuscripts and Deadly Motives

  Pelicans, Pier and Poison

  Sand, Sea and a Skeleton

  Pianos and Prison

  Relaxation, Reunions and Revenge

  A Tangled Murder

  Fame, Food and Murder

  Beaches and Betrayal

  Fatal Festivities

  Sunsets, Smoke and Suspicion

  Hobbies and Homicide

  Anchors and Abduction

  Friends, Family and Fugitives

  Palm Trees and Protests

  Road Trip, Risk and Revenge

  Fruit Smoothies and Felonies

  Sunshine, Scents, and Suspects

  Docks, Discoveries, and Danger

  Moonlight, Music, and Murder

  Hammocks, Hardcovers, and Homicide

  Awards, Adventure, and Accusations

  Lights, Lanterns, and Lies

  CHOCOLATE CENTERED COZY MYSTERIES

  Chocolate Centered Cozy Mystery 10 Book Box Set (Books 1 - 10)

  Chocolate Centered Cozy Mystery 10 Book Box Set (Books 11 - 20)

  Chocolate Centered Cozy Mystery Series Box Set (Books 1 - 4)

  Chocolate Centered Cozy Mystery Series Box Set (Books 5 - 8)

  Chocolate Centered Cozy Mystery Series Box Set (Books 9 - 12)

  Chocolate Centered Cozy Mystery Series Box Set (Books 13 - 16)

  Chocolate Centered Cozy Mystery Series Box Set (Books 17 - 20)

  Chocolate Centered Cozy Mystery Series Box Set (Books 21 - 24)

  The Sweet Smell of Murder

  A Deadly Delicious Delivery

  A Bitter Sweet Murder

  A Treacherous Tasty Trail

  Pastry and Peril

  Trouble and Treats

  Fudge Films and Felonies

  Custom-Made Murder

  Skydiving, Soufflés and Sabotage

  Christmas Chocolates and Crimes

  Hot Chocolate and Homicide

  Chocolate Caramels and Conmen

  Picnics, Pies and Lies