by Lyndsey Cole
Iris hollered after him. “You can’t walk away from your problems. You need to face them straight on.”
Mike looked back, spit toward Iris, and then got into his truck and drove off.
Lily and Jack silently watched the interaction as they unloaded the flower arrangements. Jack wiped the sweat dripping from his forehead.
“Jack. What’s going on with you and Mike?”
“What do you mean?”
“You’re acting like someone’s bullying you.”
Jack glanced toward Mike. “I’m trying to keep my job. That’s all.”
“Your job?”
Jack fidgeted. “Without Clifton around, there’s a power struggle going on. That’s all I can say.”
“Is Mike involved with the country club?”
“Listen, Lily. I don’t want to end up like Clifton. And you’d be smart to quit asking so many questions.”
Lily picked up another arrangement. “What about Melinda?”
Jack stopped dead in his tracks. “What does Melinda have to do with this?”
“Aren’t you still in love with her?”
“We’re good friends. That’s all.”
“Why all the sneaking around then? I saw you run into her house like a scared rabbit.”
Jack frowned at Lily. “You know her mother. And her father for that matter. Need I say more?” He started to walk away. “I have a phone call to make. Can you finish this by yourself?”
“I can finish. I’ll be back tomorrow morning to arrange everything.” Lily touched Jack’s arm. “I’m worried about you, Jack. Ask for help if you need it.”
Iris helped Lily carry the last few arrangements into the country club. “Looks like this is going to be a big event. Look at all these tables.” Lily counted. “Twenty tables. One hundred and fifty or so people? With the wedding cancelled, more people will be coming to this. I hope Clifton is remembered in some way. I have to pick up the rest of the flowers. Do you want me to drop you off at home?”
“No.” They drove off together. “I had an interesting chat with Mike Keller.”
Lily looked at Iris, waiting for more information.
“I think the casino was going to be a cover for his illegal activities.”
“Any proof?”
“Not yet. What was Jack telling you?”
“Just that there’s a power struggle now with Clifton out of the picture. He’s worried about losing his job. Maybe Tamara has more power now? She never wanted Jack to work there. I’m not sure who he was referring to, but he’s as jumpy as a jackrabbit.”
Daisy and Geoffrey were waiting at the shop.
Daisy pulled Lily in the back door. “Quick. Get inside.” Geoffrey rushed in behind Iris and slammed the door.
“What’s going on?”
“Mike Keller just got arrested.”
Iris was shocked. “I was just talking to him. He spit at me.”
Lily’s jaw dropped. “You didn’t tell me that part.”
Daisy interrupted. “Listen. He was trying to steal Geoffrey’s medical marijuana. He had it in his car but when I drove in, he wasn’t paying attention and he hit my car. We were doing the insurance exchange stuff and your cop friend showed up.”
Geoffrey continued. “Ryan noticed how nervous Mike was and searched the car. He found the pot in the trunk hidden under a pile of blankets.”
“Where were you Geoffrey?”
Daisy hugged Geoffrey. “Mike blindfolded him and tied him up. The weird part is that Mike knew exactly where to find the pot.”
Iris looked closely at Geoffrey. “Are you okay? You’re lucky he didn’t kill you. Mike probably killed Clifton. I’ve always known Mike Keller is trouble.”
Lily was curious. “Why did Ryan show up? Did someone call him about a break in or your accident?”
Everyone looked at her. Daisy was puzzled. “I was so glad to see him, I didn’t think about that. Cops always show up at accidents but I don’t know how he knew.”
Rosie was whining to go out and Lily patted her to settle her down. “Come on Rosie. You’ve been cooped up here for too long, haven’t you? I have to drop off the rest of the arrangements and then I’m heading home. I’m supposed to meet Ryan at six, I wonder if he’ll be done with work.”
Iris opened the door. “Daisy, don’t you and Geoffrey have someplace to be? A nice getaway?”
Geoffrey grinned. “Thanks Mrs. Bloom.” He looked at Daisy. “We should get going or we’ll miss our dinner reservations.”
Lily got the last of the flowers into her van. “Come on Rosie. Hop in. See you tomorrow Mom?”
“I hope so.”
Lily saw Jack getting into his car when she got to the country club parking lot. She ran over to his car before he could drive off. “Jack? Did you hear about Mike Keller?”
Jack was quiet for a few seconds. “Hear what?”
“He’s been arrested.”
Jack looked away. “I know.”
Lily remembered Jack saying he had to make a phone call. “It was you?”
“Yeah. I hate that guy. But he’ll know and he’ll come after me next.”
“Next? Did he kill Clifton?”
“I’m not sure.”
Lily looked around the deserted parking lot. “Why will he think it’s you who called the police?”
“I knew he was going there. I told him where to find the pot.”
“Why?”
“I told you before. I’m trying to keep my job. My mom is sick and I need this job to help pay her medical bills. I told him how to get into the storage area, but then I called the police station anonymously to give Ryan Steele a heads up about the break in.” Jack couldn’t look at Lily. “I was afraid Keller would hurt Geoffrey. Did he?”
“No. Geoffrey and Daisy left for a romantic weekend getaway. Jack?”
Jack finally looked up at Lily.
“You did the right thing. I’m proud of you. You did what you had to do. I think Ryan Steele is a good cop and that’s what this town needs.”
Jack nodded. “He has his hands full cleaning up this mess.”
“Oh?”
“Mike Keller is not the only bad guy around. A lot of people didn’t like Clifton but he was a good guy. He was figuring it out. That’s what got him killed. I don’t want to be next. Or you. Be careful, Lily. See you in the morning.”
Chapter 13
Lily was glad that Rosie was with her when she pulled into her dark driveway. It still felt a little creepy to her to walk into her house knowing a dead body had been in there only two days ago. She jumped as every gust of wind made branches hit her house. Ryan’s house was dark too. He must have had to work late wrapping up details of Mike Keller’s arrest.
Obsessing and worrying about what might happen was pointless. She put her fear out of her head and got busy making something to eat. Again, she realized she hadn’t eaten much all day and she was ravenous.
A bag of pizza dough looked like a start. She added pesto, mozzarella cheese, onion slices and broccoli. Perfect. She poured herself a cold beer to enjoy while she relaxed and waited for the pizza to cook. Rosie curled up next to her on the couch. Lily decided to turn on the news to see if there was any more information about Mike Keller.
The news camera zoomed to Geoffrey Biotchi’s greenhouse. “Exclusive. Mike Keller, former police chief of Misty Valley, arrested for break in and theft of medical marijuana. He was out on parole for illegal gambling allegations. The prosecution’s star witness, Clifton Harris, was found dead two days ago.” The camera showed Lily’s house. “Mike Keller was heard yelling that more heads would be rolling. Ryan Steele, Misty Valley acting police chief, said he suspects that this is the tip of the iceberg and he expected more arrests soon.” The camera zoomed in on the newscaster. “There you have it. Live from this sleepy little town of Misty Valley. Everyone is on edge waiting for the murder to be solved.”
Lily sat motionless, hypnotized by what she just heard and seen on the ne
ws. Her house? More arrests? She hugged Rosie close. The oven timer buzzed and she jumped and shrieked. Rosie looked at her as if to ask, what’s wrong with you?
Lily turned the television off. Enough of that. The pizza smelled delicious but her appetite was gone. She looked at her ringing phone, unable to move to pick it up. The answering machine cut off the ringing and she heard Iris’s voice. “Lily pick up the phone. I know you’re there.”
Lily started to breathe again. In. Out. In. Out. The phone rang again. “Mom? … Oh, sorry … I’m okay Ryan … I’ll make sure all the doors are locked … yes, Rosie is with me … okay, see you later.
Lily called Iris. “I’m okay… yes, I saw the news … Ryan? … I don’t know when he’ll be home … don’t worry about me … no, I’ll stay here with Rosie … see you in the morning.”
Suddenly, Lily was hungry. She forced herself to focus; a big slice of pizza to fuel her brain while she thought about all that had happened to turn her world upside down. “Who killed Clifton, Rosie? You must know. You were in the house when Clifton came in followed by the killer.”
Rosie wagged her tail and rewarded Lily with a goofy smile. “That doesn’t really tell me anything, but thanks for trying.” Her heart skipped a beat when she heard a bang on the back door. Rosie ran to the door, wagging her tail.
“Come in, Ryan. I have some pizza left over if you’re hungry.”
Ryan closed the door gently. “Sorry I banged so hard. You didn’t hear me when I knocked softly. Lost in thought?”
“Trying to piece it all together. Pizza?”
“Sounds perfect.” He draped his jacket over the kitchen chair. “Interesting day.”
Lily laughed. “I guess you could say that.”
He took a big bite of the pizza. “This is delicious. What’s this green stuff?”
“Pesto.”
“Does it have some hidden meaning?”
“I never thought about it but it’s made from basil which can mean good wishes, and garlic which can mean strength or protection.”
“That sounds good to me. I can use all of those meanings to untangle this web I’ve fallen into with this job.”
Lily was curious. “How did you know to go to Geoffrey’s greenhouse?”
“Someone called in anonymously but I know I’ve heard the voice before.”
Lily made a quick decision. “It was Jack Weaver. The manager at the country club.”
“How do you know?”
“He told me. He also said he’s trying to protect his job so he told Mike Keller where the pot was stored and then he called you so you could arrest him.”
“Keller’s buddies are not going to like that. I’m discovering how deep and tight that group is. Your old friend Sam hangs out with them too. What can you tell me about him?”
Lily tensed, catching herself before she said something stupid. “Why do you want to know?”
Ryan looked carefully at Lily. “You don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to. I’m just trying to understand this group of men.”
She relaxed. “He’s a jealous, possessive, control freak.”
Ryan joked, “That’s all? Just your run of the mill guy?”
“And I shot him in the leg. I could have killed him but I didn’t. It was just a warning to leave me alone.”
“Protecting yourself?” He said with admiration.
“You could say that. Mike Keller wanted to arrest me but I had enough witnesses that backed my side of the story. They’ve never liked me much since then. But I can shoot better than all of them put together and they know I will if I need to.”
Ryan took another bite and chewed slowly. “Except you don’t have a gun anymore?”
“Minor detail.” She laughed.
“So drugs and gambling? How did Clifton fit into the picture to get himself killed?”
Lily settled back. Her turn to share what she learned from Clifton’s grandmother. “Well, when I went to the nursing home, I had a nice chat with a very sweet grandmother.”
Ryan waited quietly.
“Marigold Harris.”
“Harris?”
Lily leaned forward excitedly. “Yes. Clifton’s grandmother. He kept her a secret.”
“Why?”
“She said he was adopted and grew up poor and he thought it was a stigma. She knew all about the wedding. He called her every day. And listen to this. He was supposed to have an important meeting at the nursing home the day he was killed.”
“No one knew about her?”
“I did manage to get Melinda to admit she knew. And Tamara knew but didn’t want Melinda to tell anyone. I think Clifton wanted to keep his background a secret until after he was married and a partner at Tyrone Biotchi’s law firm.”
“How does this fit with drugs and gambling?”
“I haven’t figured that out yet. But Jack told me that Clifton was a good guy and was figuring it out.”
“It?”
“Not sure. Jack thinks that’s what got Clifton killed. Mike Keller, his buddies, drugs, gambling, the land for the casino. It’s all connected somehow.”
Ryan took finished his pizza. “I think I’ll swing by Jack’s house and make sure he’s okay. If Mike Keller’s buddies figure out who ratted on him, Jack will be in deep trouble. Are you okay here?”
“Of course,” Lily said with confidence she didn’t actually have. She hesitated before offering a different plan. “If you want, I could drive. I know where he lives.”
“Sure. Does Rosie want to come too?”
Lily was much happier driving around with Ryan than sitting in her house. Jack lived just outside of town. It didn’t take long to get to his road. Lily drove slowly by his dark house. “No lights on. What should we do?”
Ryan told her to pull into the driveway. “I’ll knock on the door. It’s not too late.”
He was back in a few minutes. “No one answered. Do you know his number?”
“I think it’s in my contact list. Yup. Let’s see if he answers.”
“Jack? … it’s Lily … everything alright? … worried about you … you’re with Melinda? … okay … see you tomorrow.”
Lily closed her phone and turned to Ryan. “Melinda was scared and asked him to come over. I don’t know what’s going on between the two of them. He says they’re good friends but this seems awfully convenient for him now that Clifton is out of the picture.”
“You think he might have killed Clifton?”
“I don’t know, but he has motive. He’s always been in love with Melinda.”
Lily circled around back to her house.
Ryan walked her to her door. “You all set then?”
“I think so. See you at the charity event tomorrow night?”
He headed to his back door. “I’ll get there when I can.”
Rosie finished her tour of the backyard and Lily followed her into the house.
A hand went over her mouth. She twisted and turned. Rosie growled.
“Lily. It’s Jack. Don’t scream. I’m not going to hurt you.” He let her go.
She hissed. “Why did you scare me half to death? What are you doing here?”
“I don’t feel safe at my house. Can I stay here?”
Lily was furious. “I thought you were at Melinda’s house.”
“I was until her father stopped by. I left before he saw me.”
“What’s going on? Is there something you need to tell me?”
“Mike got the word out that I double crossed him. I can’t go to my house.”
“I’m not sure you’re safe here. Clifton was killed in my house.”
“I have no place else to go. Maybe with the new cop next door, no one will come here.”
Lily walked out of the kitchen. “Let’s sit in the living room. I have some questions for you.” Jack followed Lily. They sat in the dark, in case someone was watching the house. “Do you know who killed Clifton?”
“I thought it was Mike Keller. If not him,
someone in his circle.”
Lily settled into her comfy chair. “Did you know Clifton has a grandmother?”
Jack was surprised. “I didn’t know Clifton well. He helped me get the job at the country club and he had a lot of influence there. Other than that, I didn’t know much about him personally.”
“What about you and Melinda?”
Jack was sitting so Lily couldn’t see his face. “I already told you. We’re friends. Good friends. She loved Clifton. I accepted that. She’s scared now and is afraid someone may come after her.”
“Do you think she knows what Clifton discovered?”
“I don’t think so. He didn’t tell her that kind of stuff but other people might suspect he told her and that would put her in danger.”
Lily sat quietly, thinking. “Tomorrow is the big hospital charity event. I’m assuming you’ll be there?”
“I’ll be around. I don’t know if I can be at the event the whole time.”
“Make sure to sit at my table. My mom is bringing a surprise guest. It could make things interesting. And ask Melinda to sit with me too.”
“I’ll let her know. She may have to sit with her parents.”
“Tell her it’s important.”
“I don’t know what you have up your sleeve but I hope it works.”
Jack yawned. “Is it okay if I sleep here on your couch?”
“Yes. And I’m glad you came here for help.”
Chapter 14
The blanket and sheet were folded up neatly on the end of the couch when Lily got up in the morning. Jack was already gone but she found a note stuck under the vase of flowers on the kitchen table: Lily. Thanks for letting me sleep on the couch. See you at the country club. Be careful. Jack.
Lily walked into the quiet event room at the country club first thing in the morning. She was relieved to find it empty. She didn’t want any distractions while she put the arrangements where they belonged. Surveying the room, she had to pat herself, and Daisy, on the back for making such lovely centerpieces. Geoffrey’s flowers looked so fresh and vibrant. The flowers made the room pop with color and life. Two big arrangements filled with royal blue delphinium, white snapdragon and green bells of Ireland, bordered the long buffet table.