The Inn at Holiday Bay:
Clue in the Clam
by
Kathi Daley
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
Copyright © 2021 by Katherine Daley
Version 1.0
All rights reserved, including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form.
The Inn at Holiday Bay
Boxes in the Basement
Letters in the Library
Message in the Mantel
Answers in the Attic
Haunting in the Hallway
Pilgrim in the Parlor
Note in the Nutcracker
Blizzard in the Bay
Proof in the Photo
Gossip in the Garden
Ghost in the Gallery
Turkey in the Trap-Room
Cookies in the Cottage
Details in the Document
Clue in the Clam
Portent in the Pages
Table of Contents
The Inn at Holiday Bay
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
Up Next from Kathi Daley
Up Next from Holiday Bay
Chapter 1
“Welcome to the Inn at Holiday Bay,” I greeted the middle-aged man with sandy hair and a sun-kissed tan. “My name is Abby Sullivan. Are you checking in?”
“I am,” the man answered. “My name is Christopher Galloway. Please call me Chris.”
I looked down at the list my inn manager, Georgia Carter, had left for me. She usually took care of our guests as they checked in and out, but she was away today taping her cable cooking show, Cooking with Georgia, so I’d volunteered to hang out at the inn and get everyone checked in so our full-time employee, Jeremy Slater, could continue working on the pond he was building in the yard.
“I see that you’ve reserved suite five. Will you be staying alone?”
He nodded.
“Did Georgia explain about the stairs?” The inn was laid out over four floors, and unfortunately, we didn’t provide an elevator. There was only one suite on the ground floor, so we made sure to let everyone who made a reservation know about the stairs they’d have to travel up and down each day.
“She did, and I’m fine with stairs. In fact, I welcome the extra workout.”
It did appear as if the man was in excellent shape physically. If I had to guess, given his bleached hair and tanned skin, I’d say that he worked outdoors.
I asked for a credit card to keep on file. While I ran it, I asked Chris about the reason for his visit. I knew Georgia made a point of getting to know a bit about every guest. Doing so helped the staff create a feeling of family for our visitors during their stay, so I’d decided to do the same.
“I’m a marine biologist. I’m actually in the area to do some research.”
“I’ve always thought the study of marine biology would be interesting. Will you be out on the water?”
“I will. I’ve rented a boat for the week and will probably be away for the majority of every day. I understand meals are included, so I’ll make a point of letting you know which meals I might be here for.”
“We’d appreciate that. Having a headcount helps us anticipate quantities needed.” I returned the man’s credit card and then handed him a key to his suite and a list of events. “I hope you enjoy your week with us and that your research is fruitful.”
“Thanks. I appreciate that.”
“The suite you’re booked into is on the third floor. Once you reach the third-floor landing, take a right. I’ll have someone come in and help you with your luggage.”
“No need.” He picked up his two overnight bags with no problem. “I’ve got it.” He slipped the strap of the smaller bag over his shoulder. “Does the inn provide Wi-Fi?”
“We do. You’ll find a binder in your room with all the information you’ll need, including a password for the Wi-Fi and a channel lineup for the satellite TV.”
His brown eyes flashed with appreciation. “Thanks.” He started toward the stairs and then turned back. “Oh, I will be here for dinner this evening. What time do you serve?”
“Cocktails and appetizers are served in the lobby at six, and dinner is served in the dining room at seven. We also offer room service for those who prefer to eat in their suites.”
“Good to know. Once I get into my research, I may take advantage of that, but I’ll be down tonight. Thanks again.”
With that, he headed up the stairs.
We had two other parties checking in today. Jasper and Emma Brown had indicated that they’d be celebrating their fiftieth anniversary while in the area and had booked suite three a year in advance. They were due to arrive this afternoon, so I figured they’d be here at any time.
A woman named Samantha Smith was due to check into suite two within the next hour or two. She’d just given the reason for her stay as rest and relaxation.
Joel Stafford, a retired history professor, who’d been with us the previous month during the storm that hit the area, had taken advantage of a last-minute cancellation and booked suite four. He’d checked in yesterday and would be with us until the following Monday. It was good to see the man who’d helped keep everyone entertained during what had turned out to be a couple of very stressful days.
Also currently checked in was a man named Rodney Kendrick. Apparently, he was an old boyfriend of a Holiday Bay local, Christy Baldwin. According to Georgia, who’d managed to get the scoop during an afternoon event on the lawn, Christy and Rodney had dated all through college, and they’d even discussed marriage, but then
