Crocuses and Corpses (Treehouse Hotel Mysteries Book 5)

by Sue Hollowell

  Mom clasped her hands together. “Really? That would be wonderful.”

  Cecil shoved his plate back and leaned both elbows on the table. “How can I resist? You’ve made it sound wonderful. Speaking of which, Mabel, your hair looks lovely. That hairpin is beautiful.”

  Mom touched her hair and dipped her head.

  Cecil leaned in. “Are you OK?”

  Mom shook her head. “It’s just so sad that after Luke did my hair, someone killed him. Chloe thinks we maybe even saw the killer when we were leaving and didn’t know it.”

  Cecil released Mom’s hand and ran it through his hair. “Are you sure?” His eyes widened. His chubby faced paled.

  Mom shrugged. “Maybe.”

  Cecil stood and grabbed his empty plate. “Well, Mabel, my darling, this has been a treat. I must go, but I’ll see you this evening as my date for the ball.” His face stoic, he marched away.

  I slumped in my chair, exhausted. Max sprinted to Mom’s side and jumped into Cecil’s empty chair. He put a paw on her arm. His jowls drooped. We both had the same concern for her well-being, Max angling to protect her from the danger.

  CHAPTER SIX

  I leashed up Max and we quietly exited the stateroom. Mom should rest for another busy day and evening. There was no way I could talk her out of being Cecil’s date for the ball tonight. Max and I would have to just keep glued to her so she didn’t get herself in too deep with him. We rounded the corner to the doggie play area. This place looked like Disneyland for dogs. They even had a pool. It was sparsely populated given the early hour. Max deserved a romp, so I removed his leash and pointed to a maze. This was made for him. He took a few steps and looked at me over his shoulder.

  “Go ahead, boy. This is all you,” I said. I grabbed one of the chairs at the bistro tables that rimmed the playground.

  Max trotted to the opening of the maze and disappeared. It couldn’t have been more than a minute before he emerged at the exit, his huge Muppet grin plastering his face. He ran toward me, jumped on my lap, and licked my face.

  That gave me an idea for the hotel. Maybe we needed a maze of our own. I walked Max over to an obstacle course, like the kind you see on those dog competitions. We entered and I led Max through the path with each obstacle. I returned to the beginning and jogged the path a second time, pointing each time we passed another obstacle. As if instinctively knowing how to navigate each one, he expertly jumped, squatted, and crossed them like a pro athlete.

  “Maybe you missed your calling.” We stopped at the end. Me, bending, trying to catch my breath. Max, bouncing, ready for round two. “I didn’t bring my workout clothes. That’s it for me.” I leashed him up, and we returned to our exploration of the ship.

  Our next stop was the adult play area. A few early birds were already fully engaged in what looked like an intense game of shuffleboard. We took a seat. Mostly so I could recover from that little jog. Note to self: get your booty in better shape. This would be a great place to bring Mom and occupy her away from Cecil. A carpet bowling section was down at the left end with several lanes. And a short, miniature golf course book-ended the area on the right. A few older gentlemen were in a heated discussion at one of the holes. Game or not. Some guys took the links very seriously.

  As I stood, Max took off like a rocket, dragging his leash. He snagged one of the golf balls and returned to me with his prize, dropping it at my feet. One of the men raised his fist into the air. I shrugged as I walked over and returned the ball. “Sorry guys, what are you gonna do? We just left the doggie play place, so I think he got confused.” Max was rarely confused. He strategically interrupted them to stop the bickering. He continued to amaze me every day with his wits.

  The guy grabbed the ball from my outstretched hand. “Well, that’s what that leash is for.” He turned and stomped over to the hole in dispute, placing his ball in the spot it had previously been.

  “Let’s go, Max,” I said. He whimpered, wanting to stay and play. I snickered. Those two guys could use some levity. Lighten up. It’s a game, and you’re on a cruise ship for crying out loud. We headed to the exit, the two men’s voices still quite audible as we left.

  Next stop, coffee. I needed a java boost. The coffee shop was bigger than our new lodge at the hotel. I ordered the largest black coffee I could get and selected a cozy U-shaped seat to enjoy. This place must also double as a bar in the evenings. Max jumped on the seat next to me and laid down with his tongue out. OK, so he was a little winded. That made me feel a bit better. His head popped back up and he whimpered. He stood and barked. In the distance was a goldendoodle the spitting image of a dog Max had met when he was just a puppy. Bruce had become a regular visitor at my home before I returned to Cedarbrook to help Mom with the hotel.

  The lady and her dog turned toward the commotion. She brought her coffee over, and the two dogs greeted each other like long-lost friends.

  “Hi, I’m Audrey. And this is Charlie.” She sat in the chair opposite me, and Charlie took the seat right next to Max.

  “I’m Chloe, and this is Max.” I gestured to my boy. “Nice to meet you and Charlie.”

  Audrey set her coffee on the table. “I haven’t seen you two around yet, but there’s so much to do here.”

  “We’ve mostly been with my mom, Mabel. She’s resting in our cabin now.”

  Audrey nodded. She took a sip of coffee and returned it to the table, looking around. “What do you do when you’re not on a cruise?”

  I reached over and put my hand on Max’s back. He and Charlie were getting a bit amped up. “Mom and I own a treehouse hotel. We just finished a big expansion. So we’re taking a break before the busy season starts.”

  Audrey moved to the edge of her seat, grabbing her cup. “Treehouses? Like people stay all night in a treehouse?” She blew on the hot coffee, then took another sip.

  I laughed. That was the typical reaction when we told others what we did. “Yes, exactly like that.”

  She sat back with the coffee and crossed her legs, shaking her head. “That sounds like a hoot. I’ll have to bring my mom there on a trip sometime.”

  “Oh, is she with you now?” I looked around.

  “No, not this time. Just Charlie and me,” Audrey said. She leaned forward with a conspiratorial whisper. “I have to say, it’s nice to meet someone a little closer to my age.”

  I smiled. From my peripheral vision I saw a bright object approaching. I pivoted slightly and saw Cecil in another of his crazy suits. This time, it was a number fit for the Kentucky Derby. Pale blue background with green gingham-checked pattern and pink and red roses. I didn’t want to know how many of those he had. This ensemble came complete with a bow tie. He strutted toward us, an eye on Max. Mutually, Max had an eye on Cecil.

  “Hello, Chloe. So nice to see you. I’m looking forward to escorting Mabel to the ball tonight.” He turned toward Audrey. “Hello, I’m Cecil.” He stuck out his free hand and they shook.

  “Audrey,” was all she said, her body angled away from him. I didn’t blame her. Those suits were offensive to the eyes. And the man in them wasn’t much better. Cecil appeared not to notice the cold shoulder from her.

  “Well, lots to do. See you later. Nice to meet you, Audrey.” He turned and the suit became a rainbow blur.

  Audrey had both hands on her cup, intently studying the contents. If she didn’t know Cecil, why did she bristle at his presence?

  She stood. “Let’s go, Charlie. Chloe, it was so lovely to meet you. Let’s be sure we spend more time together before the cruise ends.” She patted her leg for Charlie’s attention, turned, and left.

  Max sidled up to me with his chin on my thigh. If we could swing it, I’d love to have him spend more time with Charlie. We took the opportunity for a few more moments of peace before returning to pick up Mom and head to the dress shop. I really hoped the ball was the last time she would see Cecil. But I doubted it.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  Mom had her purse in hand when Ma
x and I returned to the stateroom to pick her up for shopping. She bolted from the chair, rested and ready for our next adventure. When we initially looked at the brochures for this trip, I was skeptical that I would get Mom engaged in much of anything, that she would fuddy-duddy all of my suggestions. Thankfully, my experience couldn’t have been further from that. We were enjoying most everything available. Max and I were going to need a nap at this pace.

  “Chloe, these places are beautiful,” Mom said as we strolled along the promenade next to the shops. The bright lights and inviting window displays beckoned you inside to part with your money. We rounded the corner and entered the shop with accessories galore. The small room was packed to the gills. We stopped in the entry and surveyed the wares, looking for scarves and shawls.

  “Mom, I think what you’re looking for is along the wall.” I pointed to the racks of multi-colored material hanging in rows. I led her single file through the array of choices. “Wow, so many to choose from.”

  Mom thumbed through the shawls, pulled one from the rack, and held it up to her, preening in the mirror. She shook her head and returned it to its place and continued her search.

  “Is there something specific you’re looking for?” I asked, looking through racks myself.

  “I’ll know it when I see it.” She retrieved another, removed it from the hanger, and placed it around her shoulders. “What do you think about this?” She turned around. It was a shiny, silver little number with a fastener in the front and fringes on the end.

  “I think that would look nice with your red dress. Do you like it?”

  She took it off, returned it to the rack, and continued the hunt. “It has to be just right for Cecil.”

  I gulped. “I met a nice woman at the coffee shop. She had a dog just like my neighbor dog before I moved back to Cedarbrook.” Maybe changing the subject would redirect her attention from that man. “This is her second time on the cruise. She came with her mom last time too.”

  “Mm-hmm.” Mom continued wading through the shawls. There must have been over a hundred to choose from. I was certain she would find something.

  “May I help you find something?” I turned to find a man whose hair was straight-up spiked about three inches high.

  Mom continued her search with no acknowledgment. “My mother is searching for a shawl to go with her dress for the ball.”

  “Well, of course she is. Why wouldn’t this gorgeous creature be whisked away by her prince like Cinderella?” He stepped forward, grabbed a handful of shawls, and laid them on a table.

  Mom turned on a dime and looked at him. “Can you help me? There’s just too many choices.”

  “You got it, beautiful! And with your stunning color, I think this little cream-colored number is right up your alley.” He gently placed it around Mom’s shoulders and guided her to the mirror. Standing behind her, he adjusted the shawl into place. “What do you think?”

  Mom turned over her shoulder and said, “It’s perfect. How did you do that so quickly?”

  He leaned his head back and laughed. “When I have someone so lovely as you? Piece of cake. I’m David, by the way.” He extended his hand for Mom and me to shake. “What else can I help you with today?”

  Mom took off the shawl and handed it to him. “This is it. Thank you so much. I’m Mabel. And this is my daughter Chloe.”

  David led us through the maze of racks toward the cash register. I owed him big for making this so easy. “So, ladies,” he said as he stepped behind the counter. “Are you coming to see my show?”

  Mom and I looked at each other.

  He laughed as he rang up our purchase. “Cats. I’m in the show. You must come and be my guests backstage.”

  Mom looked at me. “Chloe, do we have room in our schedule? I really want to go.”

  I stepped up and gave David my credit card. “I think we can squeeze that in,” I said to Mom. “What role do you play?” I asked him.

  He tipped his head and quietly said, “Right now, it’s a minor role. But I have designs on the lead.”

  “Well, I think we would love to come. And that’s so generous of you to invite us backstage,” Mom said. David handed Mom the bag with her shawl inside.

  He held his hand up to the side of his mouth and said in a loud whisper, “I have to warn you. It might be a bit chaotic. The guy who did the hair and makeup . . .” His voice trailed off and he shook his head.

  Mom’s hand went to her heart. “You mean Luke?”

  David nodded. “I’m afraid so. But, truthfully, if I can say, he wasn’t that good. I’m hoping my friend Shirley gets the gig now that Luke is gone.”

  Mom looked at me and touched her hair.

  “Would you ladies like a stick of gum?” David extended a pack of cinnamon gum to both of us.

  “No, thanks,” Mom said, holding up a hand. “It’s not good for my teeth.”

  “Well, hello ladies.” Linda appeared from the backroom like she was entering center stage. That woman had the performance bug. “These two were at karaoke the other night. Chloe and Max were a hit!” Linda crouched down and gave Max a good ear scratch. “I hope Cecil didn’t pester you too much.” Linda stood and frowned.

  Mom’s eyes glazed over. “He’s delightful.”

  Linda’s eyes bulged as she looked at me and slightly shook her head, clearly a look of warning. Message received.

  David reached his arm around Linda. “This one is a star in the making. I’m trying to get her an audition. It’s just a matter of time before she gets her big break.”

  Mom grabbed my hand. “Well, we better be going or we won’t make our appointment.” She practically dragged me through the store. As we exited to the promenade, she said. “Linda, in a show? Yikes! And I don’t know what David was talking about. Luke did a magical job on my hair. I love it. And he gave me this cute little hairpin too.” She turned and stomped away, miffed at the implied insult from David.

  I practically had to skip to keep up with her. “What appointment are you talking about?”

  She headed to a bench and sat in a huff. “There’s no appointment. I just wanted out of there.” She smashed her hands into the bag on her lap. “Why do people have to speak ill of the dead?”

  I sat next to her. “Well, that sounds fun, going backstage. You’ll have something else to share with the garden club ladies when you get back.”

  “If I go. I mean, David did help me with the perfect shawl. But Linda? I just don’t know about her. She’s kind of full of herself.” She pulled the shawl out and fiddled with the tag.

  He did know his fashion. Without seeing Mom’s dress, he chose just the right accompaniment.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  The evening had finally come. Secretly, I wanted this over with in order to separate Mom from Cecil the remainder of the trip. The grand ballroom had been transformed from the casual, karaoke night into a luxurious royal palace. Mom and I chose seats at a table on the opposite side that we had from karaoke night. The chandeliers hung a little lower and additional mood lighting provided a romantic setting to the large room. Max sat next to me, a bow tie around his neck. He couldn’t look more adorable if he tried.

  Mom looked stunning in her red ball gown with her new shawl draped around her shoulders. Her face beamed. “Chloe, this is amazing. Maybe we should host a ball every year at the hotel.” She gazed around, looking for Cecil. “It could really elevate our level of customers to a higher-paying crowd.”

  “It could be fun. I do enjoy getting gussied up every now and then, and Max apparently does too.” I looked at him and he grinned. What a good sport to allow me to put a bowtie on him.

  “Mabel, if I don’t say so myself, you look stunning.” Cecil’s voice grated on my nerves. He approached from behind and took the seat to Mom’s right. Again with the crazy suits; he couldn’t don a classic tux for a few hours? His number tonight was bright purple with a neon green tie and looked like the Joker from Batman. The vibe he emitted felt just as devio
us. He reached for Mom’s hand again, cupping it in his, staring into her eyes.

  He looked up at me, “Chloe, you look beautiful as well.” His eyes navigated to Max sitting to my left. As he looked away, I saw Cecil’s eyes roll. “Ladies, allow me to get us some drinks.” He stood.

  “That would be divine. Cecil, you are so thoughtful,” Mom said. She started the giggles again like a teenage girl at her prom.

  “What would you like?” he asked.

  “Surprise me,” Mom said.

  Cecil came to my side of the table. “Chloe?”

  I needed to make nice or I would never hear the end of it from Mom. Taking Cecil head-on was not the way to end this with them. “I’ll have a huckleberry vodka cocktail,” I said.

  “Well, that’s unique. I don’t know if they’ll have it.”

  He waited. I was not going to change my mind. Let him struggle with it. I felt like being a stinker because of my suspicions about his intentions toward Mom. The thing was, I didn’t know what those were. He hadn’t done anything specific to prompt my concern, only the smarmy feeling I got from him, suits and all.

  After an awkward amount of time, he departed.

  Mom swiveled in her seat and locked eyes with me. “Chloe, you could be a little nicer.” She busted me. Mom always knew what was up. And after all of the time we had been spending together at the hotel, she had regained her motherly instincts when it came to my behavior.

  “I’m sorry, Mom. I just don’t know about him.” My eyes pleaded with her to be careful.

  “Well, I do. And that’s all that counts. He is one of the kindest men I’ve met in a long time,” she said.

  I did not like where this was going. I had daughterly instincts too. And Mom had a pattern with men that gave me a clue to her motive.

  Our relationship had significantly improved since I had returned to Cedarbrook and agreed to help her run the hotel. Working that closely with Mom had given me the default role out of all of her kids as overseer. Not that we formally established that. And if Mom knew that’s what I was doing, she would revolt. Truthfully, she could hold her own. But when it came to men, she had a blind spot. I had to traverse this relationship carefully. I bristled to even think of it as a relationship at this point.