by Lyndsey Cole
“I did, but she thinks I could be in danger and wants me to brush up on my skills.”
“You were the best shot in town. Do you think you ever forget how to shoot a gun?”
“No. I think it’s like riding a bicycle. I’ll just do some target practice. It’s about time I get past that accident anyway. Let’s get these flowers put away. How late can you stay?”
“Five. Will you come back to close up?”
“I can do that. Daisy, thanks for being so reliable. This murder has me running around like a chicken with my head cut off. I have to figure this out before someone comes after me.”
“Are you serious? Why do you think that?”
“Clifton was murdered in my house. Why was he there? Maybe the murderer thinks I know something. It’s a little creepy. And those begonia flowers were a warning.”
Daisy elbowed Lily. “At least you have a cop living next door.”
“And I can’t figure out what he’s thinking half the time. Plus, I always manage to do something stupid around him. Like shut my skirt in the car door or spill a drink all over myself. This is all getting so complicated and confusing.”
“In my opinion? The cop likes you. Go with your instinct. That has always served you well.”
“Yeah. It serves me well until it doesn’t.” The last flower arrangement was in the cooler. Lily shut the door. “I’m going to head to the shooting range now. See you in an hour.”
Lily parked her minivan away from all the oversized trucks. She saw her mom’s scooter which was dwarfed by a big Harley on one side and a giant black pickup truck on the other side. Lily squared her shoulders, tossed her head back and marched to the shooting range. Iris was in the thick of the activity.
“Lily. Over here.” She tried to ignore that voice of her last boyfriend. “I thought you gave up guns after you shot me in my leg?” All the boys around him laughed and punched Sam in the arm. “You’d better warn that new boyfriend about your gun history.”
Lily whipped her head around. “Watch it Sam, or next time it won’t be your leg.”
Sam sauntered toward Lily. “Is that a threat, Lily Bloom?”
Lily was silently kicking herself for letting Sam bait her. “Not a threat at all, Sam. Just the truth. Now get out of my way.” Just put one foot in front of the other. You can do this. Keep your head high. Don’t let these creeps see your fear.
Iris pulled Lily away from all the commotion. Smiling, she stared at Sam and whispered in Lily’s ear. “Breathe. Good. Now that’s behind you.”
“I don’t think I can do this.”
“Do what? You’ve done exactly what you needed to do. Show these bullies that they can’t intimidate you. They all know you’re the best shot around. Look at me.” Iris tilted Lily’s face up. “Listen to me. They’re scared of you. Now, we’re going to stare right back at them and walk to the parking lot. Tall and straight. Ready?”
Lily looked deep into her mother’s eyes. “Thanks Mom. I’m ready.”
Ryan’s cruiser was parked next to Lily’s minivan. This is awkward.
“Brushing up on your shooting skills?”
“No shooting for me today. Just dealing with some unfinished business.”
“Oh?”
Lily walked to her van door, but before she could open it and escape from Ryan’s prying eyes, he had has hand on her arm.
“You are full of surprises. What unfinished business?”
She kept her back to him. “Nothing important.”
“Maybe I should ask that group of young men about your unfinished business.”
Lily turned suddenly and glared at Ryan. “Go ahead. Talk to any of these people. They won’t tell you anything anyway. They don’t trust you. They’re all friends with your predecessor.” She pulled her arm loose, slid into the van and backed out.
As soon as she was out of view, tears spilled over the rim of her eyes. Why does he always say stuff to make me feel defensive?
Iris’s scooter was already parked in front of the shop when Lily got there. In the no parking spot, Lily noticed and smiled.
Daisy was gathering her things and heading out the door. “I’ve got to stop at my apartment, shower and change.” She was glowing. “Oh. I almost forgot. Your cop stopped by and said you could go back to your house.”
“My cop? Did you tell him I was at the shooting range?”
Daisy paused at the door. “He asked where you were. Was it supposed to be a secret?”
Lily sighed. “Not really. I thought it was just a coincidence that he showed up but maybe he was looking for me.”
Daisy glanced at Iris. “I get the impression that it didn’t go well.”
“He always makes me feel like I’m doing something wrong. Then I blurt out something stupid.” Lily shook her head. “I don’t feel in control when I’m around him.”
Iris laughed. “Sounds like trouble.”
“What do you mean?”
“You’ll figure it out.”
Iris was heading out the door too. “Are you going to pick up Rosie from my house before you go home?”
“Definitely. I need some company in my house after what happened.”
“Do you want to borrow a gun?”
“No. I’ll take my chances. I’m going to clean up here. See you in a while.”
Lily looked around at all that Daisy had done while she was gone. After everything was in the cooler, she checked her list and realized that all the arrangements were ready for the charity event. It was a little less work than it would have been for the wedding. No bride’s bouquet, corsages or boutonnieres. She closed the cooler door and felt a cool breeze on her face. The shop door slammed and made Lily jump.
“Hello. I’m in the back.” No one answered. She heard footsteps. “Hello?” Sam appeared in the doorway. Lily’s nerves tingled. “What do you want?”
Sam casually leaned in the doorway. “Your new boyfriend was asking around about you.”
“I don’t have a boyfriend.” Lily looked toward the door.
Sam blocked the exit. “Really? He seemed awfully interested in finding out more about you. Especially about your shooting abilities. Kind of a coincidence that Clifton Harris was shot in your house. Don’t you think?”
A chill went up Lily’s spine. Did people think she was the murderer? “There are a lot of people in town that know how to shoot. You for instance. Where were you when Clifton was murdered? You know your way around my house. Clifton was never on your best friend list.”
Sam’s mouth twitched. “At least I don’t have a history of shooting people. Like you do.” Sam absentmindedly rubbed his leg where Lily had shot him a year ago.
Lily decided to try a different tactic. “What do you know about the casino plans for Misty Valley?”
Sam relaxed slightly. “Great proposal for Misty Valley. Too bad Clifton turned on the group and put his support into the hospital instead. That pissed off a lot of people.”
Lily was excited to hear this information but remained expressionless. “I bet it did. Who do you think was the most upset?”
“My money would be on Tyrone Biotchi. He was going to make millions from that project.”
“Tyrone? What about the others?”
“Why so interested? Trying to find the murderer? Better watch out or you could be next.”
“You need to leave. Now.”
Sam took a step closer to Lily. “I can help you with those buckets of flowers. Like I used to.”
“No. I’m all set.”
The bell above the door jingled. Lily looked to see who was coming in. Perfect timing.
“I was hoping to find you here Lily.” Ryan looked from Lily to Sam and saw the tension in her eyes. “Everything okay here?”
Sam glared at Ryan. “Everything’s fine. I’m just leaving.” He rushed past Ryan, knocking his shoulder into Ryan’s arm.
“What was that all about?”
“Old problems.”
“I just wante
d to be sure you got the message that you can go back to your house.”
“Daisy told me. I have to pick up Rosie.”
“Okay then.” Ryan stared at Lily. He opened his mouth as if to say something else, then turned and left. She watched his muscular back disappear from view.
Why didn’t I say something to him about my behavior at the shooting range? He must think I’m an utterly crazy person.
She locked up the store, picked up Rosie and headed home. At least Rosie loved her no matter what. Rosie waited at the back door for Lily to let her in. Everything seemed the same but different. Would it ever feel the same after seeing a dead guy in her bathtub?
The sweet smell of freesias found her nose. Where did they come from? Lily saw the vase with pink and white freesias and a card underneath. Freesias are pink, freesias are white, if you get lonely, stop over tonight. Ryan
Lily couldn’t help but smile to herself. A little silly but it’s the thought that counts. He must have remembered when I told him freesias were my favorite flower.
Lily found two large dog bones and two hamburger rolls. She artfully arranged the dog bone burgers on a plate and left it at Ryan’s back door in a picnic basket. With a note. Dog bones are tan, dog bones are yummy, here’s a special treat, just for your tummy. Rosie
Lily showered and made herself a grilled cheese sandwich. Just as she finished, she heard a soft knocking on her back door. Her heart skipped a beat. Rosie ran to the back door, whining and wagging her tail. I guess it’s not a bad guy.
Ryan stood there with the picnic basket. “Thanks Rosie. Unfortunately, I’m allergic to dog bones so I brought them back for you to enjoy.” He looked at Lily standing in the kitchen. She was totally unaware of how strong, defiant and at the same time, vulnerable, she looked in her snug t-shirt and shorts. Her blonde hair was slightly curly, framing her lovely face. The smell of flowers was a subtle sweetness in the background. “I brought over something a little yummier than dog bones if you’re still hungry.”
“How can I turn that offer down?” Her heartbeat ratcheted up a notch.
Ryan very carefully placed the picnic basket on the table. He put the dog bone burgers on the floor for Rosie and took out two bowls with brownies and ice cream. “I thought we could start where we left off last night?”
Chapter 10
Lily tossed and turned all night. Someone was pounding on the door. Rosie was barking. It was dark. She couldn’t move. Something was over her face. A siren blared in the distance. Rosie told her to get out of bed. What? Rosie can’t talk.
Lily forced her eyes open. The pillow on her face blocked the light and muffled the ringing of her alarm clock. The sheets tangled around her legs made her feel trapped. Rosie was barking and someone was pounding on the door even after she knew she was awake. Was my dream warning me of danger? No, I don’t believe in that stuff.
Rosie was at the back door, barking and wagging her tail. Lily saw Ryan’s smiling face through the glass.
“Morning sleepyhead. Didn’t mean to wake you up. It’s a nasty day out today.”
Lily moved so Ryan could come in out of the rain. “Glad you did. I was having a bad dream.” Lily glanced at her kitchen clock. “It’s late. I need to get going.”
“I just wanted to make sure there were no bodies in your house this morning.”
Lily scowled, trying to keep her smile from breaking through. “Haven’t found anything yet. But if you keep picking on me, yours might be the next one.”
He pretended to look worried. “I’d better brush up my shooting skills. I’ve heard you’re the best shot in all of Misty Valley.”
“And don’t you forget it, buster. But, for the record, I don’t own a gun.”
They both laughed. Ryan asked. “Want to meet me at the shooting range later? I really do need to get some target practice in.”
“I’ll think about it. I’m not a big fan of guns anymore. Besides, aren’t you worried I might miss and hit you?”
Ryan walked to the door. “I’ve been warned. See you later?”
“Time will tell.” Lily winked and shut the door.
“Let’s get a move on Rosie. Want to come to work with me today? I like having you around. Keeps the jitters away.” I wonder what surprises are in store for me today?
Lily groaned when she arrived at her shop. Never a good omen when my day starts with Tamara Biotchi. Fake smile. Check. Fake peppy attitude. Check. “Good morning, Mrs. Biotchi.”
“Nothing good about this morning, Lily. Open the door. Let’s get out of this terrible downpour.”
Lily rolled her eyes.
“Are you bringing that dog in, too?”
“Yes, she’s my body guard,” Lily joked.
Tamara paused to digest that comment. “Very funny. It’s not professional to have her annoying your customers.”
“Don’t worry. She won’t annoy anyone.” Lily patted Rosie. “Right Rosie?”
Tamara shooed Rosie away. “And you talk to her? Put her someplace. I need to talk to you.”
“Come on Rosie. You can spend the day in the work room with Sweet Pea.” Lily yelled over her shoulder, “My bodyguard cat. They work as a team.”
Tamara settled her hefty frame into the one large chair in the appointment room.
“Okay. So what can I do for you Mrs. Biotchi?”Lily sat on the edge of another chair.
Tamara leaned close to Lily. “Clifton’s body was found in your house?”
“Yes.”
“Why didn’t you tell me that before?”
“Um, he was there and then he wasn’t.”
“What craziness are you talking about? Bodies don’t get up and move.”
“This one did.”
“Have they found anything else in your house?”
Lily stood up. “Why are you asking me these question? You should be asking the police.”
Tamara sighed. “They won’t tell me anything. I’m dying of curiosity. I was very close to Clifton, you know. Don’t you think Melinda has a right to know what happened?”
Lily paced. “I understand your emotions, but I don’t have any information for you. I am wondering about the loan Clifton made to help Geoffrey start his business. And Geoffrey doesn’t have to pay it back now?”
Tamara sputtered. “Clifton was a generous man. He helped a lot of people in town. He held the mortgage for Billy Owens when he wanted to buy the Misty Valley Market. Yes, Clifton was helpful. And no one in town seems to give him credit for that.”
“What about his family? I haven’t heard anything about his parents or siblings? Have they been notified?”
Tamara wiped a tear away. “Sadly, he has no family. Melinda was going to be the new start for him.”
The phone rang and the front doorbell jingled. Lily tried to extricate herself from Mrs. Biotchi who seemed to be oblivious to the activity surrounding her. This woman is so self-centered. “Excuse me for a minute.”
Iris was on the phone, all excited about something. “Just come here and tell me. I can’t talk now.” Daisy arrived, followed by Candy.
Tamara looked up at Candy. “Mrs. Biotchi. Just the person I’ve been trying to get in touch with.”
“Yes? Who are you?”
“I made the cake for your daughter’s wedding? Candy Clarke? Candies Cakes and Catering?”
“Of course.”
“I have the beautiful cake done. What do you want me to do with it?”
Tamara stared blankly. “The wedding is cancelled.”
“I’m so sorry about that. But you already paid for the cake. Would you like to donate it to the hospital charity?”
“That’s a splendid idea. Perfect. I’ll make sure the right person is notified.”
Candy whispered to Lily. “Crazy?”
“Something. Not sure what though. At least your cake problem is sorted out.”
Iris rushed in dripping wet and bubbling with excitement. “Lily. I need to talk to you.”
They w
ent to the back of the store. “I found this.” Iris held up a wallet. “Do you know whose it is?”
“Rosie found that. It must have fallen out of my tote when I stayed at your house.”
“But, do you know whose it is?”
“No. I never remembered to look at it.”
Iris looked around and whispered in Lily’s ear. “It’s Clifton’s wallet.”
Lily stepped back, eyes wide. “What?”
“Clifton’s wallet.”
“What’s in it?”
“Not too much except this ‘call in case of emergency card’.”
“Tamara told me he didn’t have any family. I wonder who that number is.”
Lily checked that no one was paying any attention to them. Especially Tamara Biotchi, who was still in her chair talking to Daisy and Candy. “Can you call the number? Find out who it is. Then we’ll make a plan. I have to stay here.”
“Of course. This could be exciting. I’ll call from my house and let you know if I find out anything.” Iris strolled to the front of the shop. “How’s everything Tamara?”
Big sigh. “As well as can be expected. We’re all in such a state of shock. Poor Melinda. She just doesn’t know what to do with herself. And Clifton with no family. I’ll have to arrange the funeral on top of all my other responsibilities.”
Iris sat next to Tamara. “I guess you won’t be able to make it to the hospital charity?”
“What? Of course I’ll be there.”
“Really? That would have been a conflict if there was still a wedding.”
“Of course, the wedding was much more important.”
“Of course.” Iris stood up. “I’m heading home now. Braving the weather.”
“Are you driving that ridiculous scooter in this downpour?”
Iris snorted. “No. I have my car.”
Daisy managed to escape Tamara’s presence and find Lily working in the back. “She wants to talk to you about Clifton’s funeral flowers.”
Lily arranged the royal blue delphinium with the white roses and added some eucalyptus. “There, that’s done. Can you put this in the cooler while I get the funeral figured out?” Lily walked back out front. “Mrs. Biotchi, Daisy said you want to talk to me?”
“I’ve been waiting here forever. You shouldn’t make your customers wait. It’s not good for business. Can you get me some tea?”