Bones, Booze & Bouquets

by Marianne Spitzer

  Chapter Four

  I woke thinking I was late, jumped out of bed, and then promptly sat back down. I have an appointment with the wedding planner this morning, and I don’t need to open the bookstore. One of my three employees will open it. I wish I could tell those three girls apart. The March triplets are identical, and I suppose it doesn’t matter which one is opening the store. They’ll sign in, and I’ll work out the details when I do payroll. April, May, and June each have a name tag, and my customers will know their name. Then again, everyone in town knows them.

  I hesitated outside of Laci’s door. I’m not sure if she still wanted to go to the mansion and discuss the wedding, but Yummy needed to go out. I opened the door, and he scampered out. I closed the door again and walked downstairs. I’ll wake Laci later.

  An hour later, Yummy and I met Georgie outside the mansion. I unlocked the back door and opened Yummy’s carrier. My little side-kick took off to explore.

  “Good morning,” Georgie said handing me a large latte.

  “You know me so well,” I smiled and took the cup. “Where’s Beth Ann? I thought she was coming with you?”

  Georgie shrugged. “She said she’d be here in a while, and she’s picking Laci up.”

  “Interesting. When I asked Laci if she was coming this morning, she just looked at me like I didn’t exist and stormed into the bathroom.”

  “Don’t worry; Beth Ann will drag her here on time,” Georgie smiled while she took a sip of her latte.

  “I’m not sure I want anyone to force her to come. If she hates the idea of Clark and I getting married, life at home is going to turn upside down this summer. I’m not sure if the three of us can live under the same roof.”

  Georgie, the solver of most of my mother/daughter problems, said, “Lock the house, move into the mansion, and tell Laci she has to live with her grandparents if she doesn’t shape up.”

  I laughed. “She’s over eighteen. She won’t listen to me.”

  “You pay her tuition, and she doesn’t have a summer job. You hold all the cards.”

  I pondered that for a moment before a knock at the door broke my concentration. Georgie opened the back door and ushered Lizzy into the kitchen.

  Lizzy carried a cardboard box in her hands and a huge binder under her arm. The shaky smile on her face and the tear stains on her cheeks told me something was terribly wrong.

  “Lizzy, come in. What’s wrong?”

  Lizzy set the box and binder on the table and fought back the tears. “I don’t think I can do the flowers for your wedding. The police searched the flower shop early this morning before dawn. The search warrant said something about evidence in the death of Willy Wiley and his uncle. They shut down the shop. I can’t cross the police tape. My income depends on the flower shop. What will I do? Mom needs me to take care of her.” She dropped into a chair and covered her face with her hands.

  I sat next to her and promised her I would do everything I could to help her and to prove her family had nothing to do with the deaths.

  Lizzy smiled.

  Georgie nodded, “We’ll help.”

  I asked, “What did you bring with you?” I glanced in the box.

  “All the ribbon and floral vases are at my shop. I couldn’t bring any samples with me. The shipment arrived Friday. I went in early this morning to organize it all before coming here. I finished shortly before the police arrived. I had just put it all away when they stormed in.”

  “Oh my,” Georgie said. “That doesn’t sound like Clark. I thought he’d show more compassion especially since this is also his wedding.”

  “It wasn’t Clark,” Lizzy replied. “It was that new young cop and some Detective Wilson or Wilton. I never met him before.”

  I groaned. “Not again. I was afraid this would happen. Since I discovered the body at the mansion and the body’s related to Willy, Chief Elroy must have pulled Clark from the case. I bet he borrowed a detective from another county or the state police. This isn’t good. The odds are I’ll be their first person of interest, as usual. I don’t want to end up in jail again. They’ll name an interview room after me soon.”

  Georgie laughed trying to hide her concern. I know her too well not to see through her bravado. “I’ll break you out. Don’t worry.”

  “I’ll talk to Clifford Elroy, the mayor, or anyone else who can help Lizzy. She doesn’t deserve this and it’s my wedding.”

  “Good idea,” Georgie agreed.

  “Okay, let’s forget about anyone getting arrested. What did you bring Lizzy?” I asked looking in the box again.

  “These vases are my own. I had them at home. I brought the three you ordered, so the wedding planner has an idea what you want. I don’t have a sample of your ribbons. They’re in the store. I did bring a spool of white ribbon I had at home. It’s the same as the one you picked out. I wish I had a sample of the pink and purple that’s at the shop. It matches your swatches exactly. I hope the wedding planner can get a good idea with the samples I do have.”

  “It'll be all right,” I assured her. “Mitzi will be here soon, too. She made candles in the exact colors. I think between the swatches Georgie has and the candles; she’ll get a good idea.” I turned to Georgie. “You did bring the swatches, right?”

  “Umm, yeah. I left them in the car.” She hurried out to retrieve the swatches.

  I assured Lizzy again that I would do everything I could to help her. She smiled and whispered. “That’s not all, Annie. I had to special order your ribbon from a select vendor. I can’t replace it in time, and I can’t guarantee another vendor will duplicate the color as perfectly.”

  I bit my lip to fight my anger. It’s ridiculous. Everyone who knows Lizzy’s family knows there can’t be anything in her shop that’s linked to criminal behavior.

  “It’ll be okay. We’ll get that ribbon. I’ll talk to Clifford.”

  She smiled just as Georgie returned with Mitzi close behind.

  “Hi, Mitzi,” Lizzy and I said simultaneously.

  “Hi,” her cheery attitude brightened the mood. “I brought the candles and you can pick from several holders. This is exciting.”

  By the time Glory arrived, we’d made most of the candle and floral decoration decisions. Glory loved the ideas, made a few notes and suggestions. She handed me a list of things I needed to accomplish soon. Wedding invitations were at the top of the list.

  Lizzy told her friend, “I’m glad you had time to help Annie. Things are a bit crazy, and it’s nice to have your calming effect.”

  Glory hugged everyone and said it was her job to ensure the wedding went off without a hitch. We planned another meeting for a week and went our separate ways.

  ~ * ~

  I was hopping mad by the time I pulled up in front of City Hall. Clifford’s refusal to do anything fueled my anger and frustration. I looked down at Yummy looking up at me from his small carrier.

  “Don’t worry, boy. We’re going to get this handled today.” He answered me with a little yip.

  I entered the building, Yummy’s carrier snuggled under my arm and ignored the ‘No Dogs Allowed’ sign. I’m not a lawbreaker. I’m a good citizen. I love Heavenly Corners. It’s too warm to leave him in my car. His carrier isn’t much bigger than a purse, and he’s a good dog. I refuse to take the time to go home and drop him off. I hit the elevator button a bit harder than necessary and clenched my teeth.

  I pushed the button for the second floor and did my best to count to ten while the old elevator crawled upward. I managed to count to number five before I began to talk out loud grumbling about the situation. Yummy growled quietly. We both quieted as the elevator door slid open.

  I marched straight down the hall to Mayor Scrumbly’s office. I pulled open the door and spoke directly to his secretary, Danielle.

  “I’m here to see the mayor.”

  “I’m sorry. He’s with someone. I’d be happy to make an appointment for you.” She smiled a smile that reminded me of a child escapi
ng the kitchen with a handful of freshly baked cookies.

  I stood and stared at her for a moment and walked toward his office door. After all, I’m someone, too. A pretty angry someone right now.

  Danielle called to me as I reached for the doorknob. “You can’t go in there.”

  I stopped and looked back at her.

  She’s right. I can’t just go waltzing into the mayor’s office without an appointment. It’d be rude. I’m not a rude person. I’m polite. People at church ask me to join committees. I’m helpful. I’m a successful business owner for goodness sakes. What am I thinking?

  “Besides,” Danielle added. “You can’t have that dog in here.”

  That dog. She referred to Yummy as ‘that dog.’ He’s the best little dog in the world.

  The sound of the mayor’s laughter joined with the unmistakable laughter of Councilman Phillips drifted out the door and broke into my thoughts. I glared at Danielle and opened the door.

  “Mrs. Ryan,” the mayor stammered.

  “Annie?” Phillips added.

  I closed the door in Danielle’s face as she raced to get to the office. I was on a roll. If it was the day to break rules, I might as well break them all.

  “You don’t have an appointment,” the mayor continued. “I can’t see you now. I’m in a meeting.”

  “I can see that. Nice to see you up and around Phillips,” I said. “I didn’t think you’d be back to work this soon.”

  Phillips scowled. “The bullet wound healed faster than we expected and I’m not back to work. I’m visiting a friend.”

  “Nice,” I said. “You sure look better than when I found you in the boat alongside my pier. I thought you were dead. Good thing I called 911 fast enough to save your life.” I smiled.

  “Uh yeah, about that. I was going to call and thank you, Annie.”

  “No need, Phillips. I would have done that for anyone bleeding in a boat next to my pier.” He scowled at me again. I smiled back.

  Before the mayor could ask, I set Yummy’s carrier on a chair and stepped closer. I leaned forward and splayed my hands on the shiny surface of his Cherrywood desk.

  “We need to talk,” I insisted staring the mayor straight in the eyes.

  “About what and you can’t have that animal in here.”

  “Don’t worry about Yummy, he has better manners than Phillips.” Yummy yipped.

  Phillips growled under his breath.

  I smiled at him again.

  “Fine,” the mayor relented. “What can I do for you?”

  “You need to release Fred’s Florist as evidence. I spoke to Clifford since it’s his possible crime scene and was informed you and the judge decided to keep the shop closed. The police have removed all the evidence they need from the basement. There’s no reason to keep it closed. You’re going to ruin my wedding. Lizzy’s doing the flowers. She has special ribbon and decorations she ordered that she can’t reorder in time for the wedding. She can’t enter the shop to get them. You don’t want to ruin my wedding, do you?”

  “No, of course not, but you have to understand that Heavenly Corners’ reputation is at stake. I won’t allow a business that might have grown because of the profits of illegal alcohol production to remain open.” He leaned back in his oversized leather chair and crossed his arms.

  “You can’t do that. You need proof. Who knows who hid that stuff in the basement? I need my wedding decorations.”

  “I’m sorry, Annie. I have to do what I think is best.”

  “Then I’ll do what I think is best. I’m keeping the Kelleher mansion. I refuse to donate it to the city if the mayor doesn’t have a heart,” I yelled and flung my hands in the air.

  As usual, my intentions of having a quiet, intelligent conversation flew out the window. The mayor’s empty coffee mug also flew out the window when I threw my hands in the air and my pinkie connected with the mug’s handle. Before it bounced and broke the window, it hit a small planter sitting behind the mayor’s desk. When he spun to watch the mug, the planter spilled potting soil on his newly shined shoes and the knees of his expensive suit pants.

  Phillips jumped up to watch the commotion spilling some ugly words I can’t repeat, and Danielle raced into the room asking if we needed security.

  A car alarm sounded from the lot behind City Hall. The mayor glanced out of the window and looked at me. “The mug must have hit my car. That’s my car alarm.”

  I sunk into a chair. I didn’t think I would get my ribbon. I doubted I’d be getting married. I think I’ll be in jail.

  Oh, my goodness gracious, Annie. What have you done this time?

  “I’m sorry,” I muttered.

  The mayor dropped back into his desk chair and broke out into a gut-splitting laugh. I watched tears form in his eyes as he continued to laugh. Phillips stared at him. Danielle turned pale. Was he having a breakdown? I caused the mayor to lose his mind. They’ll arrest me and run me out of town.

  He turned to look at me doing his best to wipe the grin off his face. “You know, Annie, you may drive the rest of the city council and me crazy at times, but I can’t imagine Heavenly Corners without you. Not to mention, if I make you angry enough you may run against me in the next election.”

  I stared at the man believing he did lose his mind.

  Phillips added, “That’s not funny, she’d probably win.”

  The mayor glared at Phillips and Phillips mumbled, “Well, this town loves Annie.”

  “That’s beside the point,” the mayor answered. “I think we can work out a compromise, Annie.”

  This should be interesting. Maybe I made him wonder by taking back my offer of donating the mansion. The town wants the revenue, and I want my wedding decorations, I thought, hoping for a good outcome.

  “What kind of compromise?” I asked watching Phillips’ face pale as the mayor leaned forward and rested his elbows on his desk while steepling his fingers.

  “I can’t release the entire flower shop since it is still a crime scene. We may need to go back in and search for more evidence. However, I don’t believe there’s any evidence hidden in your wedding decorations. Let’s say I call Clifford and have him arrange to have an officer meet you and get what you need. I could suggest Officer Dawlings since I think she would understand all the wedding paraphernalia better than a male officer. She’d know what was needed.”

  Wedding paraphernalia? Was he serious? These are my precious decorations for the wedding to the man I love. I bit back my tongue wanting to let the mayor know I didn’t appreciate his sexist remark, but I was happy to get my wedding decorations. “Officer Dawlings would be perfect. I appreciate your offer.”

  “I’ll call Clifford now,” the mayor offered.

  “Thank you.” I picked up Yummy’s carrier ready to make my departure.

  “What about the mansion?” Phillips stammered.

  “What about it?” I asked. “I’ll let you know after the wedding,” I smiled and headed out the door.

  I breathed a sigh of relief as the elevator crawled back down to the first floor. Did the mayor believe I might run for mayor? I never thought about running for a public office before he mentioned it. I love owning my bookstore. Could I do both jobs? If I hired a full-time employee, maybe I could. It’s a nice idea. Mayor Ryan or rather Mayor Ryan-Cavanaugh. Maybe I’ll run just to keep the mayor on his toes and watch the panic in Phillips' eyes. I smiled as I strolled out of the courthouse headed for my car.

  Chapter Five

  It was less than a ten-minute drive from the courthouse to the parking lot behind my bookstore. I took Yummy on a short walk before I unlocked the back door and let Yummy run free off his leash.

  While he scampered around the shelves chasing unseen foes or friends, I checked my messages. Four customers called asking for books. Fortunately, I had all four in stock. I pulled them from the shelves and carried them to the front counter and slid them on the “Hold for Customer” shelf before returning their calls.


  I worked on the following week’s schedule my heart a bit heavy each time I wrote “Miss March” in a spot where I usually wrote “Laci.” She’d work for me this summer if only she hadn’t ignored my messages and only let me know she refused to work for me. I didn’t have a choice but to hire someone else and when the March triplets applied for the job, I hired all three. They promised one of them would always be available for work. It is the perfect answer to my dilemma of not overworking an employee since I know I’ll be out of the store more than usual with wedding plans and now a new mystery. Aunt Irene would fill in, but I think she deserves her retirement, and she and Uncle Lyle should enjoy married life. Hiring April, May, and June was a good alternative.

  Losing Steve in that terrible car accident taught me life is too short. I think that’s part of the reason I want to marry Clark soon. None of us knows what tomorrow holds. I hope Laci understands that soon. My phone rang breaking me free of my thoughts.

  “Hi, Carolyn. I’m happy that Chief Clifford has agreed to let us in the florist’s shop. I can meet you there at five. I’ll call Lizzy. If there’s a problem, I’ll let you know. Thanks, Carolyn.”

  I breathed a sigh of relief as I dialed Lizzy’s number. After she agreed to meet me at the flower shop, I texted Georgie.

  Mayor arranged for us to get my wedding decorations.

  Want to meet us at Fred’s at five?

  She texted back almost immediately:

  You bet. Can’t wait to hear how you did this.

  To be honest, I’m not sure how to explain it. I broke the mayor’s office window, shattered his coffee mug, and dented his car. I know I terrified Phillips at the prospect of my being the mayor, but maybe the mayor believed I was angry enough to run against him. I never thought of myself as an angry person much less an angry bride. I’ll bet he’s more worried about losing the Kelleher mansion than anything else. Having an advantage is nice.

  The bell above the door chimed, and I turned to see Mitzi hurrying in carrying her basket full of homemade candles. Her broad smile brightened my day even more.

  “Hi, Annie. I brought more candles for my display, but I also brought a few more samples for your wedding. I’ve worked out some unique scents I think. Just give me a minute to restock the shelves.”