Lethal Lily (A Peggy Lee Garden Mystery)
Page 21
The boxes were dusty and crammed with pens, pencils, newspaper clippings, and old notes. She was searching for the files that Paul said he’d seen when he’d stolen everything from the mini-storage. It was silly, but she wanted to read them. Whatever they said was part of her past—part of her life with John.
She found the files that were filled with documents describing Ann’s ‘death’ and Harry’s investigation, but there were no files about John.
Puzzled, she searched more carefully through the boxes, pulling everything out. The files Paul had found had disappeared. She paused and thought a moment.
Where could they have gone?
She looked a third time, but the files simply weren’t in the boxes she’d brought home.
A noise at the door startled her.
It was Steve. “Aren’t you asleep yet?” He smiled and took her hand. “I thought you wouldn’t wake up until morning after everything you’ve been through.”
“You know I’m not the greatest sleeper.” She got to her feet. “I can’t find the files Harry said were in here about John.”
“Maybe he was lying,” Steve said. “Maybe he never had them in the first place.”
“I don’t think so—” She didn’t want to tell him about Paul’s actions.
He tugged at her hand. “Come on. Let’s go to bed. We can figure it out tomorrow.”
Peggy switched off the light, and went with him. Paul had copies of those files, she reminded herself. She could read those.
But what had happened to the originals?
She got in bed with Steve, and he put his arm around her. “You know, it might be for the best that Harry didn’t have those files about John,” he said. “It couldn’t make much difference now. You should move past it, Peggy.”
She didn’t answer, but long after Steve’s breathing had slowed as he slept, she was awake, wondering.
Peggy’s Garden Journal
Fall is an important time in the garden. Not only is it a good time for planting trees, shrubs, and spring bulbs—it’s a good time to take stock of your yard and make plans for the year.
Frequently, gardeners are too busy in spring and summer to really form a plan on what they’d like to do with what they have. Not having a plan can cost you in plant mistakes such as the bushes you put by the front windows that are too large now to see out.
Consider making a map of your garden. Fill in every plant you have, along with their heights and growth cycles. Remember that you’d like to have something colorful or blooming, even in the winter.
Always take this with you when you shop for plants so you can refer to it before you buy anything. A good garden plan will save you time and money, and you’ll be happier with your yard!
Happy Gardening!
Peggy
My favorite recipe for onion soup
8 servings
The key to great onion soup is to cook the onions thoroughly, but slowly. They should be sweet, dark, and soft when finished. I use a vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. Garnish with cheese, and serve with toasted French bread.
3 Tbs. butter
1 Tbs. vegetable oil
7 to 8 cups thinly sliced (or chopped if you like) onions
Salt to taste
2 Tbs. all-purpose flour
6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth (6 cubes of stock with 6 cups of hot water)
1 tsp. chopped fresh thyme or ½ tsp. dried
¼ tsp. freshly ground pepper
10 to 12 oz. shredded Gruyere cheese
In large, heavy pot, melt 2 tablespoons butter with oil over medium heat. Stir in onions, and seasonings. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Reduce heat, cover and cook 10 minutes. Remove lid and cook 15 minutes more, stirring occasionally. Add remaining butter to pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are caramelized and very soft, about 15 minutes.
Stir in flour and cook 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in broth. Cover and simmer 15 minutes.
Ladle soup into an ovenproof crock or bowl. Sprinkle with cheese. Broil until cheese is bubbly and golden. Serve hot.
Edible plants in your garden
Many gardeners are replacing flowering plants with edible ones. Tomatoes, peppers, garlic, and onions are all popular annual replacement plants.
But did you know that you probably already have edible plants in your yard?
Bachelor’s button flowers are edible. So are bee balms, marigold, and carnations. Dandelions are delicious greens and nasturtium flowers add spice. You can also eat rose petals and violets. Crushed in drinks or served with food, they can add color and unique flavor to your meals.
One caution: NEVER eat flowers from plants you don’t know, or pick flowers from forests or alongside the road. Grow the plants yourself to be sure what you’re getting.
Botanical poisons can be deadly!
About the Authors
Joyce and Jim Lavene write bestselling mystery together. They have written and published more than 70 novels for Harlequin, Berkley and Gallery Books along with hundreds of non-fiction articles for national and regional publications.
Pseudonyms include J.J. Cook, Ellie Grant, Joye Ames and Elyssa Henry
They live in rural North Carolina with their family, their rescue animals, Quincy - cat, Stan Lee - cat and Rudi - dog. They enjoy photography, watercolor, gardening and long drives
Visit them at www.joyceandjimlavene.com
www.Facebook.com/JoyceandJimLavene
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorJLavene
Amazon Author Central Page: http://amazon.com/author/jlavene
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-one
Chapter Twenty-two
Chapter Twenty-three
Chapter Twenty-four
Chapter Twenty-five
Peggy’s Garden Journal
About the Authors