Lethal Lily (A Peggy Lee Garden Mystery)

by Joyce Lavene

  Arnie slid out, almost into her arms. He was unconscious. His breathing was shallow, and his heartbeat was slow. It seemed as though he’d been propped up right inside the door.

  “Okay.” The manager ran a hand through his dark hair. “I guess you were right. What do we do now?”

  Peggy had him help her lay Arnie on the pavement. “Call for an ambulance. He’s been poisoned.”

  He shook his head, but did as he was told. “That’s right. She said he was poisoned. She’s from the ME’s office. How the hell should I know if she knows what she’s talking about?”

  Peggy made Arnie as comfortable as she could. They would have to get it out of his system by the use of charcoal and hope they got to him in time. It was possible he could need blood dialysis if it had gone on too long.

  His face was ashen, and he was cold. She looked at the back of his neck and found a single red mark that showed the poison had been injected in the same way it had with Harry.

  Knowing now that this seemed to be about the jewelry they’d found, she called Steve to let him know. He didn’t answer, but she left him a short voicemail. She didn’t know if Ray and Ann would be brazen enough to tackle the FBI, but better safe than sorry. It seemed clear to her now that Ann was involved, as she had been twenty years before. Why else kill these two men? And how else would she know about the jewelry?

  The ambulance arrived at the same time as the police. Peggy made sure the paramedics understood the type of poison that was used, and that it had been injected. Many times, knowing the poison could mean the difference between life and death. There were dozens of poisons that presented in the same way as convallatoxin. She signed a document declaring that she was a poison expert, and with the medical examiner’s office, when the paramedic seemed unsure of her diagnosis.

  It seemed to take forever before Arnie was in the ambulance and the vehicle was leaving the mini-storage. Every moment could make the difference in his survival.

  The storage manager was talking to the police officer outside the unit. Peggy went inside, and switched on the overhead light. She hoped there was some trace of Ray Quick left behind that the police could use to find him. She was furious at him, popping in and out to threaten and kill people. They had to put an end to it.

  From the look of it, Arnie and Ray had wrestled through the boxes in the storage building. The floor was filled with debris. Boxes were turned on their sides, and nothing was where she’d last seen it. She was so glad she’d already taken the boxes that had John’s files and the information Harry had collected about his wife’s death. At least they were safe.

  How surprised Harry would be to know that Ann was still alive after all these years. She wondered if he’d actually seen her before he was killed.

  There was a cell phone on the floor. It seemed so out of place amidst the older items. Peggy picked it up carefully with a piece of paper and looked at it. When she pushed the button, she knew at once that it didn’t belong to Arnie. Ray Quick had dropped his cell phone. But was it an accident, or was it a trap?

  Sunflower

  The sunflower has been a source of joy and inspiration for artists for hundreds of years. They have been native to the Americas since 1000 B.C., where they were cultivated as a valuable food source. The bright flower with the happy face was brought to new areas, and their popularity grew worldwide. Their meanings include loyalty and longevity, vibrancy and energy. It’s not unusual to see them as part of bridal bouquets.

  Chapter Twenty-three

  Peggy jumped when the phone in her hand rang. She wasn’t sure if she should answer it or leave it alone. When she’d thought about it, she pressed the talk button. “Yes?”

  “Dr. Lee.” It was a woman’s voice.

  “Ann Fletcher?”

  “That’s right. I suppose it was an easy guess when I wasn’t where I was supposed to be.”

  “You could say that.”

  “I heard your lecture on botanical poisons. You’re much more knowledgeable about such things than I am. I enjoy playing around with them, but my real knowledge is limited.”

  “Too busy robbing people of their antique jewelry, no doubt.”

  Ann’s laugh was husky. “I suppose so. I’ve found it much more lucrative than knowing about poison plants. And really, I only need to know one. It does everything I want it to.”

  “I don’t find talking about killing people with convallatoxin particularly amusing. I’m going to hang up now, and give this phone to the police.”

  “Cool! I’ll just drop the one in my hand into a trashcan on my way out of town. Nice talking with you, Peggy.”

  She’s going to get away again. Peggy didn’t want that to happen. “I thought you wanted the jewelry you left behind.”

  “Are you offering it?”

  Peggy thought fast. “As you said, the botanical poison information isn’t worth much money. I have the jewelry. It looks quite expensive. I thought I might sell it—unless it’s worth more to you for some sentimental reason.”

  “Interesting. So you’re shaking me down not to give that stuff to the police?”

  “I work for the medical examiner part-time. I don’t really feel the need to share the jewelry with the police. I think I could make enough pawning it to pay off some bills. What do you think?”

  Peggy knew she was playing a dangerous game with Ann, but she was the only one who could play it. Steve or Al were both too much a part of the system. Peggy had only been part of the situation because of Harry and Arnie. Would Ann fall for it?

  “If you’re serious about only wanting the money, maybe we can come to some kind of an arrangement. What did you have in mind?”

  “I’m not really sure.” Peggy searched her brain. “I thought it might be more valuable to you because the pieces could have your DNA on them. The pieces were already valuable, or you wouldn’t have stolen them. I only need one-hundred-thousand dollars to pay off my debts. Is that unreasonable?”

  “That actually sounds quite fair,” Ann said. “Keep this phone. I’ll call you as soon as I can set something up. I’m looking forward to doing business with you, Peggy.”

  The phone went dead, and Peggy took in a huge gulp of air. What was she thinking? Steve and Al would both hit the ceiling when she told them what she’d done.

  On the other hand, Ann was about to leave Charlotte again—with at least one person’s death behind her—she didn’t know about Arnie yet. There could be others, like Sheila Conway, that she’d killed through the years.

  The police could look around all they liked, as Al had told her—accidents happened all the time. They might never prove that Ann had killed Sheila so she could disappear. That would leave Harry’s death unsolved.

  Peggy couldn’t let her walk away this time. She wanted to stop Ann from ever coming back to Charlotte again. The only way to do that seemed to be catching her red-handed.

  Her mind was buzzing with possibilities as she walked back to her car in the parking lot. Maybe they could make the exchange somewhere—the money for the jewelry—and Al could catch Ann then. Or Steve. She didn’t care which part of law enforcement did it. They could fight about it later.

  She got to her car just as her cell phone rang. “Hello. I guess you got my message.”

  “I did,” Steve agreed. “What’s going on?”

  Peggy explained what had happened to Arnie and her phone call with Ann. “She’s going to leave again, and you might never catch her. This way, we could set something up so that when she brings me the money, you could take her down.”

  “That’s not going to happen. Even saying we know about what you’re doing, screw-ups happen all the time. I don’t want to risk your life.”

  “This is probably the only way, Steve. Be reasonable. If you don’t want to do this for the burglaries, Al will want to do it for the murders.”

  “I’ll talk to Al. We’ll find some other way. Go home, Peggy, or go to the garden shop. You’ll be safe there while we thrash all of th
is out.”

  “I’m on my way back to The Potting Shed right now. I’ll talk to you later.”

  Peggy really planned to go to the shop, but she got a call from Dorothy that took her to the ME’s office. She called Selena and let her know that she’d be closing that evening. She’d probably head home after what Dorothy had to say.

  She parked and went inside, thinking about Arnie, and wondering if he was okay. She called the hospital, but there was no word on his status yet. Dorothy was in her office with news about Sheila’s body.

  “Her tissue samples tested positive for convallatoxin. I’d say it came from the same source as what killed Harry Fletcher, but I’m not an expert.”

  Peggy sat down. “The source could be traced, but I have no doubt there would have to be two sources with the length of time between their deaths. The toxin would become weaker as it was stored. And I think the lady who killed both of them enjoys making a new batch every so often.”

  Dorothy sucked in her breath. “You talked to her? Is it Ann Fletcher?”

  Peggy explained everything to her. The office was closing down for the night, and employees stopped by to say goodnight as they talked. Peggy also explained her plan for putting Ann in jail for the murders.

  “What a great idea. Do you think the police will go for it?” Dorothy asked.

  “Al might, but Steve is going to be a pain in the butt about it. You’d think I’d never done anything like this before. ” Peggy rolled her eyes and sighed.

  “But it’s nice that he cares, right? Wouldn’t you hate it if he set you up all the time without a thought for your life? I don’t think I’d like that very much.”

  Peggy smiled. “You’re right. I’m glad he loves me. But sometimes I feel like he wants an orchid instead of a sunflower, you know?”

  Dorothy laughed until she had tears in her eyes. “What a novel way to say it! Leave it to you to find a plant reference.”

  “I suppose so.”

  “I’m going home. I hope you are too. We’ll deal with this tomorrow, I’m sure.” Dorothy grabbed her handbag. “Do you need a ride home?”

  “No. Thanks. I have the car. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  Peggy went to her desk and watered the plants that were there. She’d also made it her responsibility to make sure all the plants in the office were taken care of, when she was working. There was a very pretty prayer plant that was leaning toward one of the windows. She watered it carefully and turned the pot so it would start leaning the other way as it sought the sun.

  She’d just picked up her bag when the cell phone rang. Her hands shook a tiny bit as she realized it was Ray’s cell phone that was ringing.

  “Hi, Peggy.” It was Ann again. “I have everything set up on my end for the swap. Are you ready?”

  “I just have to pick up the jewelry, and I’ll be ready.” And call Steve and Al. Neither one of them were going to be happy with this short notice.

  “Great. Drive over to Panther’s Stadium. It’s a little crazy right now because they’re working on renovations, but I think it will be a great place to meet.”

  “Sounds good to me.”

  “And Peggy? Don’t bring reinforcements. Ray just picked up your daughter-in-law—the one with the big belly. I’d hate for anything to happen to her. What sort of effect do you think an overdose of convallatoxin would have on a fetus? See you soon.”

  Spiraea

  Native to the U.S., spiraea tomentosa is a tall, perennial shrub usually found in wetlands. Native Americans used the flowers and leaves to treat diarrhea, dysentery, and morning sickness.

  Chapter Twenty-four

  It wasn’t a difficult decision to make. Normally, she would have gone alone to meet Ann. It was her way. It wasn’t that she wasn’t afraid, it was just better to get it done like that and not endanger anyone else.

  But all of that had changed knowing that Ann had Mai. Just the idea that Ann knew about Mai was enough to cause a shiver to go down her spine.

  Ann could be bluffing. Mai could be sitting at home, waiting for Paul. She might be happily involved with a box of donuts and some milk.

  Peggy knew she couldn’t take that chance. She wasn’t sure how to find out if Ann was bluffing without telling Paul about the situation. She tried Mai’s cell phone—there was no response. She hoped that was a good thing. She didn’t have time to get the jewelry together and check on Mai.

  She was going to have to involve others in this situation.

  Steve and Al both answered their phones when she called. She suggested a brief meeting somewhere safe, away from prying eyes. Al said they should meet at her house where it wouldn’t look as though they were converging on the place.

  Steve agreed. “I’ll bring the jewelry with me. Be careful, Peggy. This could be out of control very easily.”

  “Should we tell Paul?” she asked.

  “I don’t think so. If he knew, he’d be too emotional to be any good to us. We can’t meet Ann Fletcher with guns blazing. We have to let this play out, and then take her.”

  Those were the same thoughts running through Peggy’s head. She hated not to tell her son—he was bound to find out at some time—then he’d be angry. But she agreed to Steve’s idea, got in her car, and drove home.

  If Ray Quick, or any of Ann’s thugs were following her on the way home, Peggy couldn’t tell. She looked at the cars going up and down Queens Road. Any of them could be watching her. She was glad that she’d invited Al and Steve to help her.

  Steve was already at the house when she arrived. She went in, scared and shaky. Even Shakespeare was subdued. He whined and nuzzled her hand instead of barking and jumping. His big brown eyes looked nervous.

  “There you are.” Steve put his arms around her and held her tight. “Are you okay?”

  “I can’t believe she knew enough about me to grab Mai. That’s the worst of it. Is there any way to tell if Ann’s lying? I know we can’t say anything to Paul. I tried calling Mai, but she didn’t pick up.”

  “I sent Millie over—dressed like a cable repairman. She said the house was empty. There was no sign of a struggle.”

  “I imagine Mai went along quietly for the baby’s sake.” Peggy shook her head, tears starting to her green eyes. “I’ll never forgive myself if something happens to her or the baby.”

  “This wasn’t your fault,” he said. “They were the ones who got physical with you. You were just doing your job. You didn’t know all of this was involved.”

  “I wish that made me feel better.”

  Al knocked on the kitchen door and then came quickly inside. “I don’t think anyone is watching the house.”

  “I don’t think so either,” Steve agreed. “I have Norris and two other agents keeping an eye on things.”

  “I have a few officers out there too.” Al grinned. “Looks like we’re pretty secure here. Do you have the jewelry?”

  “I brought it with me. I wish we were making the trade here. Panther’s Stadium is a large, open area, not to mention the mess from the renovations. Any ideas?” Steve asked.

  “I guess we’ll set up a perimeter and let Peggy walk in with the jewelry. Surely with my guys and your team, she should be safe.”

  “What about Mai?” Peggy asked. “She’s very pregnant. The baby could come at any time.”

  “Let’s hope she holds off for a while.”

  Steve put his arm around her. “You don’t have to do this. We know where to find Ann and her crew now. We can do this without you,”

  “I wouldn’t take that kind of chance with Mai’s life,” she said. “I’ll be okay. You two just lay low enough that you can come in quickly if there’s trouble. I can handle the rest.”

  “You don’t have to worry about that,” Al assured her. “You know we’ve got your back. Just don’t try any fancy moves in there. We want you and Mai out safely.”

  “That’s all I have in mind.”

  The kitchen door opened again. Paul walked in with a concerne
d expression on his face. “I was on my way home and saw all the lights on—not to mention the police up and down the street. What’s up? Did something else happen, Mom?”

  Peggy couldn’t look into his eyes and lie to him, even if it was for the best. “There’s a problem. You should probably sit down.”

  * * *

  Paul took the news much better than they had expected. He was upset, but his training stood him well. “Are we just sitting here talking about what to do, or is there a plan?”

  Steve put his hand on Paul’s shoulder. “There’s a plan, but you’re not going to be part of it.”

  “Like hell I’m not.” He glared at Steve. “You’re sending my mother into harm’s way to rescue my wife and daughter. Try to keep me away.”

  Al shook his head and shrugged. “The boy’s got a point, Steve. He’s one of the best officers I’ve ever seen—except maybe for me and his father. He can handle this.”

  Steve reluctantly agreed. “All right. We’re set to do this. Peggy has to go there alone. We’ll follow with our people behind us. Paul, you’ll come with us.”

  The plan was simple, but so much could go wrong. Peggy realized that as she got in the car with the antique jewelry in her handbag and headed toward the stadium.

  She wished it was more of a comfort knowing so many people were right behind her. Yet it was all on her shoulders to make sure she and Mai stayed alive until everyone else could play their parts. The wrong word, or the twitch of an eye, and she and Mai could be dead before Steve and Al could rescue them.

  Just the idea that her tiny granddaughter was involved was enough to make her cry. On one hand, she was glad that they’d be able to stop Ann Fletcher and Ray Quick. On the other hand, she wished the burglary ring would have decided to go anywhere but Charlotte.

  She took a deep breath as she got closer to the stadium. It was starting to get dark, and the spotlights were coming on. Her heart was pounding as though she’d run a marathon, and her hands were cold and shaky on the steering wheel.