Bones, Booze & Bouquets

by Marianne Spitzer

  Bones, Booze & Bouquets

  (An Annie Ryan Cozy Mystery)

  By Marianne Spitzer

  © March 2017

  This book is a work of fiction. All names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to persons living or dead, events, locations, or organizations are purely coincidental. All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced without the written consent of the author.

  Acknowledgements

  There are many people I would like to thank for their help and understanding while I wrote this book, but first and foremost, I want to thank God for all His blessings. I also wish to thank my family and friends for their patience when I disappear into my writing world especially my son, Lance, for his unwavering support. Last, but by no means least, my readers. Without your reviews, e-mails, and Face Book posts, I would have no idea if you enjoyed my book. Cover designed by the talented Laura at LLPix Designs.

  Dedication

  This series of books is dedicated to my mom, Anna (aka) Annie, her BFF and partner in all things fun Georgie, and my Aunt Irene. Mom and Aunt Irene were like two peas in a pod. Georgie was mom’s best friend. All three of these wonderful women have passed on, but still hold a large place in my heart.

  Chapter One

  Georgie and I waited anxiously for our daughters to walk out of the dorm. Georgie saw them in the crowd before I did. She began to laugh and point. I squinted not sure what I was seeing. Beth Ann ran up to her mom and hugged her. The bright purple streaks in her long blonde hair looked good.

  Laci walked up to me and mumbled, “Hi, Mom.” I wasn’t sure if she was quiet because she was angry with me over the upcoming wedding or because of the hot pink streaks in her beautiful light brown shoulder length hair. I was dumbfounded and couldn’t think of anything to say except, “Hi.”

  Georgie doubled over in laughter. She looked up at me with tears in her eyes, “This is too funny, Annie. The girls streaked their hair in your wedding colors.”

  “Wedding colors,” Beth Ann squealed. “That’s right. Congrats are in order, Aunt Annie. I’m so happy for you.” Beth Ann hugged me.

  I swear a dark cloud passed over Laci, and her mood struck me right in the heart. She grumbled something to herself and grabbed her large suitcase. She groaned and set it on one of the hand carts Paul had been smart enough to bring.

  I stepped back to let her have the space she seemed to need. Aunt Irene, sensing my trepidation over what to do, stepped forward.

  “Laci dear, you haven’t met your new Uncle Lyle,” Aunt Irene said pulling Lyle along next to her.

  Laci shot me a look that would curdle milk as if it were my fault Aunt Irene married Lyle. Or maybe it’s the subject of marriage she doesn’t like at present.

  Laci barely smiled as she shook Lyle’s hand. Georgie rolled her eyes at me and hurried Paul along to load the girl’s things into his truck and my SUV. In a few minutes, we were ready to roll.

  Aunt Irene announced, “Laci is going to ride with Lyle and me. I need to find out about school.”

  As she walked past me, Aunt Irene whispered, “And Laci needs to learn a few facts of life.” She smiled at me, and I knew Laci was in for a lesson from Aunt Irene on the thirty-minute drive to the restaurant.

  The restaurant was quaint and smelled of spicy food as soon as the doors opened. Decorated with sombreros and beautiful velvet paintings on the walls, Mariachi music floated on the air from unseen speakers. We sat in a large corner booth. Laci sat between Beth Ann and the end of the booth. Lunch was phenomenal as were, I expect, the two margaritas Aunt Irene enjoyed. I would have had one if I weren’t driving.

  As we were leaving the restaurant, Aunt Irene announced, “Lyle and I have something to do. Laci can ride the rest of the way home with you, Annie.” She grinned at me.

  I felt my stomach drop. I had no idea what Aunt Irene said to Laci or what Laci’s mood would be.

  Here we go, Annie. Keep smiling. For goodness gracious, she’s only a teenage girl, and she has to listen to you. Or does she? She’s nineteen now. Still she’s going to live under my roof this summer, and I pay her tuition. How bad can it be? Don’t think about it. Just breathe, Annie. Breathe.

  “Ready?” I smiled and asked Laci.

  “Yeah, I guess,” she mumbled and got into the passenger side of my SUV.

  Once we were out on the highway, I heard Laci quietly clear her throat. It was a sign she was ready to talk about something she would rather forget. She’d been this way since she began to talk. Moms know their kids…well, pretty much.

  “Umm, Mom,” Laci began. “Aunt Irene talked to me the entire time we drove to the restaurant. She pointed a few things out to me I never considered. I didn’t think you’d get lonely or would like a close companionship with someone other than your memories of dad.”

  “Oh, sweetie. Your dad will always have a special place in my heart. We were high school sweethearts. I’ll never stop loving him, but my heart is big enough to love again, and hearts hold love for many people. No matter what, he’ll always be my first love.” I reached over and took her hand. She squeezed back so tightly I thought she’d break my fingers.

  I saw a tear roll down her cheek when she continued. “I know it was a bit of a shock when poor Mrs. Kelleher dropped dead right in front of you, but I thought you could put all of that behind you easily enough since you inherited her mansion. Once Clark entered your life, and you got engaged, I didn’t want to hear about your life. It’s why I stopped our Sunday chats, and whenever Beth Ann spoke to Mrs. Roberts, I left our dorm room. I wouldn’t let Beth Ann tell me anything about you. Aunt Irene filled me in.”

  “I knew you were upset,” I answered. “I wanted to let you know right away before you heard it from someone else. I never thought you’d be so hurt or angry.”

  “It was sort of stupid, but I thought if you loved Clark, you stopped loving dad.” Her tears ran full force down her cheeks, and I let her cry a bit.

  “I hope you understand how I feel now.” I patted her leg worried she’d break my fingers for sure if she gripped my hand while sobbing.

  “I do, and I’m so sorry I didn’t know about the other things. Beth Ann tried to tell me what was going on here, but I told her if she mentioned your name I would stop being her friend.”

  Okay, someone please take the dagger out of my heart. I never thought Laci would feel this way. Breathe Annie; let her get it all out. She feels hurt, too. You can get through this and so will she.

  She pulled a half dozen tissues from her purse and dried her tears before she spoke again.

  “I knew Mrs. Boyle died, but I didn’t know you found the body. I didn’t know that crazy detective arrested you for her murder or that Aunt Claudine tried to kill you. She locked you in the bookstore cellar and had bullets for her gun. I can’t believe it. I’m so sorry Mom that I never listened to Beth Ann. Now I know why she was frustrated with me. I’m stubborn like you Aunt Irene said.”

  Boy, is she ever. I guess I should try to be less stubborn, but would I still be me? Probably not and I don’t want Laci to be anyone except who she is.

  “I know, sweetie,” I responded keeping both hands firmly on the steering wheel. “Did Aunt Irene tell you she was the one who rescued me?”

  Laci giggled. “Yes, she said she shot a hole through the cellar door to break the lock and argued with Chief Elroy about shooting her rifle in the store. She said she won the argument.”

  “She most certainly did,” I answered. “She’s stubborn, too like you and me.” I smiled at her, and she smiled back.

  Progress.

  “Forgive me, Mom?” Laci’s face paled.

  �
��Always,” I said.

  “Good, but I’m still not sure about Clark. I like the Cavanaughs. They were always nice to me when I went to the hardware store, but I never met Clark.”

  “He left town before you were born.”

  “Oh, okay. Aunt Irene said she and new Uncle Lyle were having a big barbecue on Sunday after church. She’s inviting the Roberts, the Cavenaughs, Grandma and Grandpa Ryan, and of course Clark. She said we all needed to meet since we’re going to be family soon.”

  “That’s a good idea.” I smiled thinking she sounded as if she were coming around to accepting things.

  Laci nodded. “I just wish I could see Aunt Claudine. She had a breakdown didn’t she after Mrs. Boyle’s murder?”

  “Yes, she did, but I refused to press charges, and she’s getting counseling and community service instead of jail time. She’s also not allowed to own a gun or come into the bookstore.”

  “Wow, Mom, you let her off the hook. I know you don’t like her at all.”

  “Claudine and I never got along, but she has kids and she’s your dad’s sister. I couldn’t imagine what her going to prison would do to them or your grandparents. They lost your dad, how could I be the one to insist they lose their only remaining child to prison.”

  “Wow, Mom you’re awesome.” A broad smile crossed her face.

  I’m awesome. I’m awesome. I think we have a breakthrough. I need to thank Aunt Irene. She was always the family miracle worker.

  I heard Laci inhale deeply and say, “I’m still not sure about Clark even though everyone likes him, so I guess I should ask about the wedding. Have you made any plans?”

  “Yes, the wedding is going to be small and held at the Kelleher mansion. Weather permitting; we plan to get married on the beach in front of the mansion. Georgie helped me pick out colors. I chose pink, of course, and since she looks awesome in purple, we chose purple. She found a gorgeous purple gown. My gown is ivory, and Miss Faith is making it after a picture I saw in a bridal magazine and then I tried the same dress on at the store. It’s lovely. You should come along next time I go, and maybe Joy can add you to my appointment for your fitting.”

  I flipped my turn signal to take the exit off the highway for the last leg of our trip home when she asked, “What fitting?”

  “Well, I hoped both you and Beth Ann would be bridesmaids so when Georgie and I shopped we bought a dress for each of you to match hers. They’re floor length, empire waist, sweetheart neckline, and of course instead of purple, we chose a color best described as hot pink. I think it’ll match the streaks in your hair.” I turned my head quickly and smiled at her.

  Her eyes were wide open. “You still want me as a bridesmaid?”

  “Of course.”

  She giggled again.

  Keep going, Annie. You’re on a roll.

  “Georgie and I are meeting the wedding planner at the mansion tomorrow. Would you like to come along? I could use your input.”

  “I can’t, Mom. Beth Ann and I are meeting up with a bunch of kids we haven’t seen since we graduated. Most everyone is back from college.”

  “Okay,” I answered. “We can go anytime.”

  “I hope I have time,” she murmured. “Aunt Irene said you hired the March triplets to work at the bookstore. I need to find a job.”

  “I’m sorry, but you refused to work for me, and I didn’t have time to wait.”

  “I know,” Laci said sinking in her seat. “She also said you rented the apartment above the store to the new cop in town and that he’s not much older than me and really dreamy.”

  Oh my goodness gracious, here we go again.

  I nodded.

  “Well, I guess I can find a job somewhere. I hope I find one close, so I can walk or ride my bike.” She stared out the passenger side window.

  Okay, Annie, here’s your chance to make her day. Spoiling your child is a mother’s prerogative if they want, and I want.

  “I’m sure you can find a summer job, but it might not be too close to home. I have a lot to do so I’m not sure how well sharing my SUV would work. Let’s say we go to the dealership on Monday, and you look for a car that’s cool enough for you to drive and safe enough for me not to worry too much.”

  “Really?” She popped back up in her seat. “Mom, you’re the best especially after I’ve been such a brat.”

  “I know,” I replied, and we were both laughing when I pulled into my garage.

  ~ * ~

  I rolled over and hit the alarm button. I found myself smiling remembering the previous evening. Laci and Yummy, my sweet Yorkshire Terrier, met and fell in love with each other immediately. Laci’s squeals and Yummy’s yips must be on the same wavelength since he followed her everywhere once we arrived home. My tiny bed buddy deserted me for Laci’s room at bedtime. When she bounded down the stairs carrying the two primrose candles I asked Mitzi to make for her; Yummy was right at her heels.

  “You remembered,” Laci said nearly out of breath. “I love Mitzi’s primrose candles. You’re the best, Mom.” I got a big hug, and she and Yummy bolted back upstairs.

  I sighed. I think I have my daughter back but lost my dog. At least I have Clark. We spoke for over an hour before I fell asleep. It’s nice to have him back in town even if he’s back in his little apartment. He made me feel like a teenager again when he asked if I thought I could sneak out of the house and come over.

  I threw the covers back and slipped out of bed. Time for a shower and to get dressed for my meeting with Georgie and the wedding planner. Georgie and I are going over early to get some ideas before the wedding planner blows in like a hurricane and takes over. Lizzy, the flower shop owner, says her friend Glory is very sweet and not the overbearing type of event planner, but Georgie’s convinced we need to make some firm decisions before we meet her. I think Georgie may be the force to reckon with today.

  There goes my phone. A text from Georgie asking me to open the door. She must have brought coffee. I hope so.

  I smiled at the sight of Georgie carrying two large coffee cups and a bag from the diner.

  “Lattes and muffins,” she said as she walked past me.

  I closed the door and followed her into the kitchen. She was already pulling a huge blueberry muffin out of the bag.

  “Where’s your sidekick?” She asked.

  “He deserted me for a younger woman. I think he and Laci bonded the moment she walked in the door.”

  Georgie swallowed and added, “Sounds as if you and Laci mended any broken fences, too. Must have been an interesting ride home yesterday.”

  “Not too bad,” I answered and gave her the important points of our conversation.

  “Wedding still on?” She looked at me with wide eyes.

  I nodded as I tried to chew the muffin and sip my coffee.

  We finished our muffins and left the bag on the table for Laci. She loved blueberry muffins.

  “Off to the mansion and planning,” Georgie stated as we headed for the door.

  A few minutes later we pulled up to the rear of the mansion. No matter how many times I see it, I am always impressed by the stately manor. Now that I own it, I’m in awe. The last time Georgie and I were here, we needed to hide in the bedroom panic room since Barbara’s killer was walking through the mansion after us. We escaped down a secret stairway I didn’t know existed.

  “Hey, Georgie,” I called. “Before we decide how and where to hold the actual ceremony, I want to go back up that secret stairway and out the panic room to be sure everything is okay. I hate leaving the stairway leading to the panic room open to all the people the wedding planner may have visiting.”

  “Sure, I’ll come with you. It’ll be interesting seeing it without freaking out. Last time we were in that room that crazy guy Teeny wanted to shoot you. Who knows what we missed, let’s go.” I watched her turn and head toward the laundry room and the secret door.

  The door stood wide open. Evidently no one had been up in the room since Georgie and I f
ound the exit and ran from the mansion. I walked into the small space at the bottom of the stairs and stared at the walls.

  “Do you remember exactly how we got out?” I asked.

  “Didn’t you push a button of some sort,” Georgie answered.

  “Let’s check,” I said running my hands over the wall. I didn’t feel a button, but a portion of the wall moved under my touch. “Hey, check this out. The wall wiggles.”

  “It’s an old house. Maybe that part of the wall rotted. There might be a water leak. I doubt it was checked often since this is supposed to be a secret exit,” Georgie mused.

  “You’re probably right,” I agreed and gave the wall a final shove. It opened in front of me revealing another set of stairs, but these headed down.

  “Gee, another secret room,” Georgie whispered. “This house is full of surprises. I still think you should live here.”

  I shook my head. “Nope, too big.”

  I peered into the opening leading down and saw a switch on the wall. I flipped it, and a hint of light came up from what appeared to be a basement.”

  “We need more light if we’re going down there,” Georgie stated.

  “I think there are flashlights and lanterns in the utility closet. I wonder why the Kellehers built a cellar under the mansion. It’s too close to the lake. They’d have water leakage. It’s why I don’t have one under my house.” I said.

  “I know,” Georgie said handing me a lantern, “But the Kellehers had a lot of money. Maybe they built a waterproof room for wine or something.”

  “You’re probably right,” I answered as I took my first step onto the old wood steps. Nothing creaked so I assumed they were stable. I worked my way down with the bright lantern offering enough light to see without tripping over my own feet. Georgie was right behind me.

  When we reached the bottom, we found ourselves in a small room with several shelves. One of the shelves held glass bottles and jars. Another held several bottles of wine.