Lyndsey Cole - Lily Bloom 01 - Begonia Means Beware

by Lyndsey Cole

  An urgent tapping made Lily jump and look around. Tamara Biotchi was waddling toward Lily on her high heels looking completely distraught. “I can’t find Melinda. She didn’t answer her phone and when I went to her house, she wasn’t there.”

  “There must be a logical explanation. Maybe she went to a friend’s house?”

  Tamara collapsed into a chair. “She always tells me what she’s doing. Everything is falling apart. I had all my lists. Everything was organized to a tee. But now …” Tamara started to sob.

  “I have an idea,” Lily said, causing Tamara to pause in her weeping.

  Tamara looked at Lily through teary eyes. “What idea?”

  “It’s a surprise. I’m all done here. How does it look?” Lily waved her arm around the room.

  Tamara turned in a circle, looking at the whole room. “It’s beautiful. These were the wedding flowers?”

  “And now they will make the charity event spectacular. Let’s go.”

  Tamara followed submissively. Her world was shattered. Lily headed toward the Spring Valley Nursing Home. It’s high time Tamara meets Marigold Harris.

  Tamara looked aghast when Lily pulled into the parking lot. “Where are you taking me? A nursing home? I’m not ready for a nursing home yet.”

  Lily laughed. “Not for you. It’s time you meet Marigold Harris.”

  “Why?” She sat stubbornly in her seat.

  “To understand Clifton better. You liked him for all the wrong reasons.”

  “I thought he was perfect for Melinda. Tyrone never liked him though.”

  “Oh?”

  “Probably because I liked him. He wouldn’t think anything I liked could be any good.”

  They stopped at the front desk. “We’re here to visit with Mari Harris.”

  The receptionist looked up. “She’s not here today. Someone came and took her out for the day.”

  Lily’s smile turned to worry. “Can you tell me who took her and where they went?”

  “No. I’m sorry. That’s confidential information.”

  Tamara managed to find her old self. She stepped up to the receptionist. “I’m Tamara Biotchi. Could we speak to your supervisor please?”

  Startled, the receptionist replied, “Of course. Wait here, please.”

  Lily looked at Tamara. “Where did that come from? What on earth are you going to do?”

  Tamara whispered. “I don’t know yet. But I have a lot of experience in this type of situation. Let me do the talking.”

  The receptionist returned and ushered Lily and Tamara into a comfortable meeting room. A tall woman entered. “I’m the director of Spring Valley. How can I help you?”

  “My daughter was supposed to get married today to Mari Harris’s grandson. He tragically died a few days ago. We were hoping to visit with her. Is there any chance you could tell us who picked her up for the day?”

  The director looked thoughtfully at Tamara. “Mari did tell us about her grandson and the wedding. Let me take a look at the sign out. What is your name?”

  “Tamara Biotchi.”

  “The name on the sign out is Melinda Biotchi. Is that a relative?”

  Tamara looked at Lily and winked. She smiled at the receptionist. “That’s my daughter. You’ve been extremely helpful.” Tamara handed a business card to the director. “Be sure to add me to your list for your next fundraiser.”

  She smiled at them. “Yes. Of course. We’ll add you to our mailing list.”

  Tamara gracefully shook hands with the director and walked out of the room with Lily hustling to keep up.

  Lily caught up to Tamara. “That was impressive. I’m glad we’re on the same team.”

  Tamara turned to Lily with a confused look. “What are you talking about? What team?”

  “Never mind. Let’s get going. I think I know where to find Melinda and Marigold.”

  Lily pulled into Iris’s driveway behind Melinda’s car.

  Tamara looked at Lily, shocked. “How did you know?”

  “Lucky guess. Come on.”

  Lily walked in to see Iris pointing a gun at Sam’s left leg. “Mom? Giving Sam matching gunshot holes?”

  Iris waved the gun around. “I’m thinking about it. Unless he tells me why he was following Melinda.”

  Sam looked at Lily. “Your mother is just as crazy as you are.”

  Lily smiled sweetly. “That’s where I get it from.”

  Tamara stared at Iris holding the gun. This was all a bit too much for her ordered world. “Melinda, dear. Are you alright?”

  “Yes. Iris showed up just as Sam was trying to kidnap me and Marigold.”

  “Marigold?”

  “Marigold Harris. Clifton’s grandmother. You need to come here and say hello.”

  Tamara finally saw the tiny woman sitting next to Melinda, smiling in the middle of the chaos. “Isn’t this exciting? You must be Melinda’s mother. How nice to finally meet you. Clifton told me all about you. I think of you as a gardenia.”

  Tamara looked at Lily. “What is going on here? A gardenia? What does that mean?”

  “A gardenia? That means Marigold thinks you’re refined.”

  “Oh.” Tamara smiled. “I like that. A gardenia. Yes. That suits me just fine.” Tamara walked as far around Iris and her gun as she could to get to the couch to sit with Melinda and Marigold.

  Sam eyed Iris carefully. “You won’t get away with this, ya know.”

  Iris cocked her gun. “Get away with what?”

  Sam flinched. “Shooting me.”

  Iris smiled and looked around the room. “I have a lot of witnesses who will say you attacked me. Just protecting myself, dear.”

  Marigold’s sweet voice surprised everyone. “This is so much more fun than sitting in the nursing home. The most exciting thing there is when we get to play bingo.”

  Melinda looked surprised. “How do you play? You can’t see the numbers.”

  Marigold patted Melinda’s arm. “They give me a braille bingo card. Everyone thinks I’m cheating because I usually win. They don’t understand how someone blind can see the numbers. Makes me laugh every time.”

  Sam stood up. “I’ve had enough of this foolish talk. See you all later.” He started to walk toward the door. A gunshot whizzed past his ear, stopping him dead in his tracks. A wet spot seeped through his pants. He dove to the floor. “You really are crazy.”

  “Sit back down. I’m not sure where the next shot will go. My aim is a little off today.”

  Lily grabbed the gun from Iris’s hand. “I won’t miss and you know it, Sam. Sit down. We’ll all wait here for Ryan Steele to come and figure out what to do with you. With any luck, you’ll be able to spend some time with your good buddy Mike Keller.”

  Sam blanched when he heard that name. “Mike will kill me if you don’t.”

  Lily smiled. “Now we’re getting somewhere. What’s going on with you and Mike?”

  “He told me to keep Melinda and the old lady from showing up at the charity event.”

  “Why?”

  “He didn’t tell me why. He just tells me what to do. If I know what’s good for me, I follow orders.”

  “Is it always Mike’s orders?”

  “I only get orders from Mike.”

  Lily relaxed a little. “It sounds like your escort is here.”

  Ryan hurried in. “Someone reported hearing a gunshot.” He took in the scene; Lily holding the gun, Melinda and Marigold on the couch, Iris sitting in a chair. “Is anyone hurt?”

  Lily put the gun down. “Not yet. You got here just in time. Sam here was trying to kidnap Melinda and Marigold. Iris had to protect them.”

  “But you’re holding the gun.”

  “Iris’s aim isn’t the greatest. I took the gun before she did any real damage.”

  Sam blurted out, “She tried to kill me.”

  Ryan couldn’t help but notice the wet stain on Sam’s pants. He smirked. “Well, how about you come to the station with me and you can
tell me all about it?”

  Sam panicked and looked at Lily. “Come on Lily, tell him it was all a misunderstanding.”

  “I don’t think so. Good luck explaining this to Mike.”

  Ryan took the gun from Lily. “I’ll need this for evidence.”

  After Ryan took Sam out to the police cruiser, the ladies inside started laughing hysterically.

  Marigold was the first to pull herself together enough to say something. “I sure am glad you brought me here. I don’t think I can ever go back to the boredom of that nursing home.”

  Iris looked at Marigold. “I’ve been thinking I need a roommate. Maybe we can work something out.”

  Melinda stood up and walked to the window. “Why was he going to kidnap us?”

  Lily stood next to her. “Someone thinks you know whatever it was that Clifton figured out. And maybe they think Marigold knows something too. Mike Keller has a big network. This isn’t over yet.”

  Chapter 15

  The Misty Valley Country Club was buzzing with excitement. Lily meandered through the gathering guests, overhearing bits and pieces of conversation.

  “ … kidnapped?”

  “ … a mystery guest?”

  “ … wedding flowers?”

  Lily thought to herself, This will be an evening to remember. She was startled by a tap on her shoulder and hot breath on her cheek.

  “Nice to see you, Lily.” Lily’s head slowly turned to see Sam glaring at her.

  Don’t let him see fear. She slowly looked him up and down and replied sarcastically, “What are you doing here? I thought you’d be comfy in jail with Mike. Did you two have a nice chat in the jail cell?”

  Sam grabbed her arm tightly. “We did, and you were a big part of that conversation. But too bad for you that he has friends in high places that got us both out of jail. Your cop friend couldn’t stop it.”

  Lily twisted away from Sam and hissed at him, “You and your thug friends don’t scare me. Your game is over.”

  “Don’t be so sure, Lily Bloom.” Sam released her arm and walked away.

  Lily watched Sam approach Mike Keller and the rest of the thugs they hung around with. Mike looked toward Lily and smirked. Something is in the works. A commotion behind Mike and Sam caught Lily’s attention. Tamara and Tyrone Biotchi were having an animated argument. Lily was dying to know what that was all about.

  “Hey. The flowers look incredible.” Lily turned to see Jack standing next to her.

  “Too bad Geoffrey won’t be here to see how his flowers look. He does an amazing job growing the best stuff money can buy.”

  Jack was surprised. “He’s not coming?”

  “He took Daisy for a romantic weekend getaway. I have her ticket for a special guest.”

  “Oh?”

  Lily looked around. “Where’s Melinda?”

  “She should be here soon. I’m planning to sit at your table. Save me a seat?”

  “Of course.”

  Iris hustled over to Lily and asked her, “Where are Marigold and Melinda?”

  “What do you mean? I thought you were bringing Marigold.”

  “Tamara brought them to Melinda’s house after you left.”

  “I have a bad feeling.” Lily made a beeline to Tamara to try to intercept her before she got to the speaker’s podium. Jack stepped in her way.

  “Lily. Did you see who’s here? Look who’s talking to Tyrone.”

  Lily’s momentum to reach Tamara was gone. She looked in the direction Jack indicated and saw Geoffrey. “What’s he doing here?” She changed directions.

  She tapped Geoffrey on the shoulder. “Where’s Daisy?”

  Geoffrey was having a serious conversation with Tyrone and didn’t notice Lily.

  She pulled his arm. “Where is Daisy?” She demanded.

  “Oh. Didn’t she call you? She wasn’t feeling well so we cut our weekend short. She said she just wanted to go home and sleep.” He turned his attention back to his father.

  Lily found Iris. “Daisy’s home. Go over and bring her here so she’s not alone.”

  Tamara was banging on the podium, trying to get everyone’s attention. “Ladies and gentlemen. Please find your seats. We have a few announcements to make before dinner.”

  Lily was relieved to see Melinda and Marigold. They finally had arrived and were sitting at Lily’s table. Ryan was walking into the room too.

  Tamara continued, “I’m pleased to have my son, Geoffrey, say a few words to introduce his father, Tyrone Biotchi.”

  Marigold sat listening intently to the words as she patted Melinda’s arm. Geoffrey introduced himself and started his speech about his father’s accomplishments. Marigold scrunched her face and turned toward Lily.

  “I’ve heard that voice before. He came to the nursing home asking about Clifton. He said he was writing an article for the paper.”

  “Really? Writing an article? Do you remember his name?”

  “No. But I nicknamed him Tansy. I didn’t like him much.”

  “Tansy?”

  “Yes, he made me think of someone with hostile thoughts.”

  Lily leaned very close to Marigold’s ear. “Did you send a card to the police chief with a tansy in it?”

  Marigold looked sheepish. “Yes. I was hoping someone would make the connection.”

  A chill went up Lily’s spine. She leaned toward Ryan. “Don’t let the Biotchis out of your sight.”

  “What’s going on?”

  “I don’t know yet, but something isn’t adding up.”

  Tyrone was speaking now about the new hospital and he introduced Tamara as the head of the planning committee. He paused momentarily when Iris walked in with Daisy. He recovered and quickly finished his introduction.

  Tamara waddled to the podium. “I would like everyone to take a moment of silence in remembrance of Clifton Harris. He was instrumental in making this new hospital possible. He worked tirelessly and humbly getting the groundwork in place. In honor of his memory, I am happy to announce that there will be a separate facility for seniors and it will be dedicated to his mother, Marigold Harris. Marigold is here with us tonight. The building will be named The Marigold Harris Retirement Center.”

  Tiny Marigold clasped her hands together and tears streamed down her cheeks. Melinda hugged her and smiled. Everyone clapped, turning to get a look at the woman they never even knew existed until that moment.

  Iris helped Daisy to a seat at the table. Lily leaned toward Daisy. “Are you okay?”

  “I think so. I don’t remember much. Geoffrey said I passed out last night.”

  “Did you drink a lot?”

  “Not really. We had dinner and Geoffrey kept asking me what you knew about Clifton. I got annoyed and said I didn’t want to talk about family. He gave me a drink and I don’t remember much else. Every time I started to wake up, he handed me something to sip. Do you think he drugged me?”

  Ryan quietly left the room. Lily had taken her eyes off Geoffrey and Tyrone for a minute and now realized they were gone. She ran out, not answering Daisy, and bumped into Jack.

  Lily looked around. “Where did they go?”

  “Who?”

  “Geoffrey and Tyrone.”

  “I didn’t see them.”

  “Is there another exit?”

  “Follow me.” Jack sprinted around a corner, through an employee only door that took them to the outside of the building. They could see a black Mercedes driving out of the parking lot.

  “Hurry. We have to follow them.”

  Jack pointed to his truck and they trailed in hot pursuit. The Mercedes headed in the direction of Geoffrey’s greenhouses.

  Jack looked at Lily. “What’s going on?”

  “Geoffrey drugged Daisy. He was trying to find out what we knew about Clifton.”

  Geoffrey pulled his truck behind Tyrone’s Mercedes, blocking it in at the greenhouse. “What do we do now?”

  “I’m going inside. Call Ryan and make sure he knows wh
ere we are.” Before Jack could stop her, she jumped out of the truck and headed into the storage building next to the greenhouse.

  The door clicked behind Lily. She stood quietly for a moment to adjust to the dark and quiet. The sweet smell of flowers wrapped around her with another strong pungent odor she couldn’t identify mixed in. A clammy hand covered her mouth. “Not a smart place to be, Lily Bloom.” She twisted and turned but couldn’t break the iron grip.

  A gruff voice came from the side. “Lock her in the office.”

  Geoffrey dragged her to a small office in the back of the storage building and shoved her in. She heard the door slam and lock. Putting her ear to the door, she could hear muffled talking and something being dragged across the floor.

  Lily fumbled in the darkness, tripping against the edge of the desk. Feeling her way around the small room, she found the light switch. A tiny window was just out of her reach unless she could manage to push the desk against the wall. After some maneuvering, she squeezed out of the window, dropped to the ground and carefully crept to the corner of the building. She was relieved to see Ryan’s police cruiser parked next to Jack’s truck. They must have gone inside. The sound of another vehicle approaching made Lily freeze in place. Through the dim light, she made out Iris’s scooter. Lily stepped into view and motioned for Iris to stop.

  Iris ran to the corner of the building with Lily. “Here. I brought you something.”

  Lily felt cold metal shoved into her hand and smiled. “Good thinking. Let’s go inside and shake up this party.”

  Lily kicked open the door. Her eyes quickly adjusted to the darkness this time and she could see a standoff between Ryan and Jack on one side and Geoffrey and Tyrone on the other. Lily fired her gun before they could react to her entrance. “That’s just a warning, boys. Put down your gun, Tyrone. You know I won’t miss if you want to play that game.”

  Geoffrey nodded to Tyrone. The gun clanked on the floor. Jack grabbed it as Ryan handcuffed Tyrone and Geoffrey and escorted them into the back of his cruiser.

  Jack smiled at Lily and Iris. “You are amazing. I’m Glad I’m on your side.” Then he asked with his voice tinged with worry, “Is Melinda okay?”

  Iris put her gun away. “Tamara is keeping watch over Melinda, Marigold and Daisy. Let’s get back to the country club. This isn’t going to be easy for her to digest.”