The Coffin Maker

Chapter 2

The call to Viewpoint Private Investigating Services of Minneapolis came mid-morning and although Ailsa Craig was still in bed, she answered on the second ring. The caller, a lawyer who introduced himself as Yarden Hoffshire, said that his client was interested in acquiring services. Ailsa jumped out of bed and scrambled for pen and paper to scratch out the information that might free her from the endless routine of deadbeat dad cases and marrieds wondering where their spouses are. Could she come for lunch at 1:00 p.m. at the Crowley estate to discuss the matter further? Ailsa scribbled the address on the back of an envelope and before the call ended, was skimming the closet for something to wear. She located her favorite top in a crumpled heap on the rattan armchair and decided it qualified for additional duty after a few light iron strokes. She showered and got ready to go. On her way out, her eye caught a box filled with her ex's movie collection, the sole residue of their nearly two-year relationship. She had forgotten she had agreed to allow him to retrieve it today, so she set it outside her door with a note. If she knew him, the box would remain unclaimed when she returned. In the condominium parking lot, she banged the Crowley address into the Toyota Camry's navigator, noted the ETA and drove to Starbucks.

It was hard to contain the excitement. Every young private investigator in Minnesota knew about Edmond Crowley, the retired District Court Chief Judge, a luminary who had presided over a number of renowned first-degree murder trials. Known for willingness to accept innovation and technological advances in forensic pathology in the courtroom, he boasted a lengthy list of honors, awards and articles and remained active in a teaching role as an adjunct professor. In mid-life, his marriage to the very rich Lorna Bull elevated him to the upper ranks of society and the couple made significant contributions to the arts, theatre, athletics, education, hospitals, local parks and the environment, and libraries. It came as no surprise to Ailsa that the navigator pointed to one of the prestigious suburbs located on the shores of Lake Minnetonka. She guided the Toyota up the sweeping lane of the 20-acre estate marveling at the sparing use of trees, shrubs and flowers that presented a simple, balanced setting for the classic mansion. She passed another laneway that appeared to branch off to a carriage house and additional outbuildings and pulled up behind a black Mercedes E-class sedan, which she presumed belonged to the lawyer, Hoffshire. Stepping up to the mahogany double door with hand-carved floral panels, she speculated on the family's need for investigative services, with strong consideration leaning to suspicion of infidelity by a son or daughter-in-law. Expecting a servant, Ailsa was slightly surprised when Lorna Crowley answered the door.

"You must be Ailsa. Hello, I'm Bunny Crowley. Please come in." They shook hands. A woman in her early sixties, Lorna Crowley had a pleasant face, light blond hair flecked with gray and a smooth complexion that belied her age. Below a slightly upturned nose, a small cute mouth framed two large teeth that hollered the origin of a lifelong nickname. She was tastefully dressed in a classic British style cashmere cardigan with three quarter length sleeves, plain cotton pants and Jimmy Choo flats.

"Thank you, Mrs. Crowley. You have a lovely home."

"Thank you dear. Call me Bunny. It's been in my family for many years." Ailsa followed Bunny out of the expansive foyer glancing at the spiral staircase, statues and mirrors down a paneled hall. "Make yourself comfortable in the library. I'll bring some refreshments before lunch."

"May I help?" asked Ailsa.

"No, you make yourself at home. Edmond and Yarden will be in shortly. They are at the putting green trying out new wedges. Do you golf, Ailsa?"

"No."

"Neither do I, but I love golf. Five or six hours to myself, each time he and Yarden go to the club!" laughed Bunny Crowley. "They're nearly inseparable, those two," she said shaking her head. "Yarden lives just down the road."