2 Yule Be the Death of Me

by J. D. Shaw

  “I just came from the hospital. Eddie Robertson died this morning.”

  “What?” Vivienne gasped.

  “I was there for the whole thing and it was awful. Natalie was in the room right up until the end and she had Connor next to her the whole time. Poor little guy was so upset and confused.” Joshua reached up and swept a tear away that had run down his right cheek.

  Vivienne guided him over to one of the bistro tables and sat down directly across from him. She was slightly relieved his news didn’t concern Miss Octavia, but the alternative was almost as bad. “So I take it Natalie isn’t a suspect in the shooting?”

  “He wasn’t shot.” Joshua continued. “He had something else going on and was bleeding out. I know the doctors were pretty stumped.”

  “That’s very strange. The next door neighbor told me she didn’t hear any gun shots, but one of the other neighbors claimed he did.” Vivienne cupped her hands over his. “I’m sure the autopsy will shed some light on what happened to him.”

  He lowered his head. “The whole time Connor was in the room he kept telling Natalie that Santa could keep all his toys if he made his Daddy better.”

  Vivienne’s eyes clouded up with tears. “Bless his little heart.”

  Joshua nodded back. “I’ve never seen anything like it. He was like this little soldier just standing at attention next to the bed. Didn’t make a fuss or whine that he wanted to go play with the toys in the waiting room.”

  “This is terrible.” Vivienne sniffed as she pictured the image in her head. “To lose his father so close to the holidays.”

  “Eddie was conscious right up until the end. He was crying most of the time.” Joshua revealed. “He just kept saying how sorry he was .”

  “What did Natalie say happened?” Vivienne asked.

  “I’ve already said too much.” Joshua straightened up in his chair. “You can’t say anything about this to anyone until it hits the media.”

  Vivienne nodded back. “You have my word.”

  “The whole department wants to find out what happened for Connor’s sake.” Joshua continued. “When he’s old enough, he deserves to know the truth.”

  “Of course.” Vivienne agreed. “I wouldn’t want to jeopardize that.”

  “I’m sorry for acting the way I have lately.” Joshua glanced around the bakery at all the colorful decorations. “This whole thing has just taken the joy right out of the holidays.”

  “Any progress figuring out who penned that Bad Santa note?” Vivienne asked.

  He shook his head. “Not that I know of. But whoever wrote it probably had something to do with Eddie’s death. It’s being analyzed at the crime lab in Rochester.”

  “Let’s hope that’s the end of it then.” Vivienne added. Although the Cayuga Cove sheriff’s department was competent, she knew they lacked the sophisticated equipment that could yield the critical break in a case.

  “Let’s hope so.” Joshua agreed.

  “Is there anything I can do to help?” Vivienne asked.

  Joshua looked around the bakery. “Are we alone?”

  “Stephanie isn’t in until this afternoon.” Vivienne assured him.

  “Is there some kind of spell you could cast to figure out what happened? Something to put us on the right path?”

  Vivienne shook her head. “I’m not even close to those kind of heavy duty spells. Nana Mary told me it will take years of practice before I reach that level.”

  “Damn.” Joshua frowned. “I was hoping we could solve this fast.”

  “I’ll bet she can put me on the right path.”

  Joshua gave her a little smile. “I’m all for any help that solves this case as fast as possible.”

  “There might be a way, if I can get to see Natalie in person.” Vivienne pondered. “If my power kicks in, that is.”

  “You can’t fully control it yet?”

  Vivienne sighed. “Nana Mary says that the more I utilize it, the more control I’ll gain. Unfortunately, I’ve been a bit lax in practicing magic lately.”

  “We still have the problem of you losing consciousness after your power kicks in too.” Joshua felt a little shudder at how close Vivienne came to having her life taken away a few months ago when she was investigating the murder of Mona Clarke. Her power had revealed the awful truth, but she had almost taken it to the grave. “I can’t have you put yourself in danger like that again.”

  Vivienne took a deep breath. “It really sucks being a new witch sometimes. You have all these spells and powers, but you have to wait years to use them.”

  “Well, I guess we learned the danger of someone getting power too early.” Joshua agreed. “So, it makes sense to hold back while you learn the fundamentals.”

  “So, that leaves Nana Mary and her advice.”

  “Won’t Nora find it odd with you two talking about magic and spells?” Joshua asked.

  “She doesn’t listen to a word we say. Whenever she comes over she spends the whole time cleaning and organizing the apartment according to the latest Martha Stewart magazine article while getting the latest tips on television from Doctor Oz.” Vivienne chuckled. “I’ll call Nana Mary beforehand and make sure she really leaves a mess to keep her extra occupied.

  “I love you.” Joshua leaned forward and kissed her fully on the lips.

  * * *

  A little past noon, Stephanie arrived for her afternoon shift. Vivienne had tried to focus on crafting the perfect apple donuts, but she kept overcooking them when her mind wandered off concerning Eddie’s death and Octavia’s vision. When she amassed a rather full baker’s dozen of ruined treats, she had to resort to casting the minor time-reversal spell she had re-named ‘Oopsie Doopsie’ to fix the problem. It had been a few weeks since she used magic, and it felt good to be able to actually practice it again. Plus, she’d be able to say she’d been practicing her magic when Nana Mary asked.

  “These look amazing.” Stephanie commented on the glistening fried donuts cooling on the marble slab table. “What’s your secret?”

  “Magic, naturally.” Vivienne told the truth with a little twinkle in her hazel eyes.

  “I believe you.” Stephanie smiled and tied her apron on. “I was going to knock out those three dozen ginger snaps for the VFW ladies lunch order tomorrow. Was there anything else you wanted me to take care of?”

  “Would you mind finishing off another two dozen donuts?” Vivienne stepped away from the fryer. “I’ve just about had a full shower of hot oil this morning standing here.” She smiled.

  “No problem, but don’t expect them to turn out quite as nice as yours.”

  Vivienne chuckled. “I have complete faith in you.”

  Stephanie walked over to the fryer and glanced at the temperature gauge. “Wow, you really must be working magic.”

  “What do you mean?” Vivienne asked as she loosened the apron strings from around her waist.

  “This oil is at almost four hundred.” Stephanie turned the dial down to the standard three hundred and sixty degree setting. “I can’t believe you didn’t burn them to a crisp.”

  “So that’s why I was having so much trouble.” Vivienne fibbed. “What you don’t see is a garbage bag filled with charred donut cinders out back.”

  Stephanie grinned. “I won’t tell if you don’t.”

  Vivienne sighed. “I guess I should play a lotto ticket given the lucky streak I’ve been on.”

  “Would you get me a winning ticket too?” Stephanie joked. “I’d sure love that jackpot for Christmas shopping.”

  Vivienne winked. “Wouldn’t we all?” She dropped her dirty apron into the hamper along the side wall and gave her appearance a once over in the small mirror mounted on the stockroom door. “I won’t need to do any hot oil treatments on my hair this month.” She tossed her shoulder-length auburn locks with her fingers.

  An hour later, after a quick shower and a change of clothes, she hopped into her Toyota Matrix and drove over to pick up her mother.<
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  As usual, she was standing on the curb with her trusty L.L. Bean canvas tote bag at her side. Vivienne didn’t have to look inside to know the contents. It was filled with her usual weekly visit supplies. Cleaning products from double coupon day at the Monarch Grocery, small plastic storage containers that were color-coordinated and pre-labeled for easy access, and several magazines she had read and was passing on to the Whispering Pines residents. When it came to schedules and consistent efficiency, even the United States military could learn a thing or two from Nora Finch.

  “Hello, Mother.” Vivienne said cheerfully as her mother opened the passenger side door and tucked the bag in the back seat.

  “You’re ten minutes late.” Nora climbed into the front passenger seat and put on her seatbelt. “This blasted cold goes right to your bones.”

  “I’m sorry about that.” Vivienne checked her mirror and pulled out onto the road to head for Nana Mary’s. “I wanted to change clothes after working this morning.”

  “Be careful of icy patches.” Nora warned as she placed her hands on the dashboard. She tapped her fingernails across the plastic as if preparing for the airbag to inflate at any moment.

  Vivienne suppressed a grin and eased off the gas, even though she was doing the posted speed limit of exactly thirty miles an hour. “The roads are dry as a bone, mother.”

  Nora relaxed as their speed dropped to a more leisurely twenty-five and allowed her hands to rest upon her lap. “Well, you just never know with these town services today. Not many people take pride in their work.”

  “I do.” Vivienne added as they turned onto Cayuga Circle and headed for their destination.

  “Well, you’re my daughter so that’s a given.” Nora commented. “I meant with the younger generation.”

  “Ouch.” Vivienne grimaced. “I guess I walked into that one on my own.”

  “I didn’t mean you were old, darling daughter.” Nora was quick to reply.

  “Oh good.” Vivienne was surprised.

  “But you really should make an effort to get married and start a family while you still have a few prime years left.” Nora added with her usual sweet sting.

  Vivienne stepped on the gas pedal a little more, just for good measure as her response to the barb.

  Nora cleared her throat. “My, the snow certainly is bright when the sun is shining like this.”

  “It reminds me of the sand reflecting on the beach in Ogunquit. Those were the best family vacations.”

  “Except for you always ordering a lobster roll and then refusing to eat it.” Nora added. “Good gracious, you pulled that little stunt every vacation until you were almost sixteen.”

  “It took me some time to get used to cold seafood.” Vivienne defended herself from the very old battle. “Besides, Daddy always ate my entrée anyway.”

  Nora nodded. “Which probably didn’t help his cholesterol levels with all the heavy mayonnaise and extra bread.”

  “You’re right, Mother. I’m sure it didn’t help matters.” Vivienne spoke as she admired the well-kept homes that lined both sides of the street. Most were decorated with tasteful holiday wreathes, gold and silver ribbons, and the occasional menorah. White lights, of course, were the standard and each home was modestly illuminated, yet they could not chase, blink, or flash in any sort of pattern. The Residential Association kept strict guidelines for approved outdoor decor along the street and the homeowners followed it to the letter as hefty fines were given out at the slightest sign of defiance. Vivienne had to admit the tasteful displays of holiday cheer were something to be admired, but part of her missed the tacky blow up snowmen and the light up flamingos and pigs that gave a certain unexpected gleefulness to the holiday.

  “I hope Nana isn’t confused today. She can get into moods when I start to organize.” Nora broke the silence between them.

  “I’m sure she’ll be happy to see us.” Vivienne slowed the car down as they passed over a speed bump and turned into the parking lot of the assisted living facility. “She loves the holidays.”

  “Let’s hope so.” Nora replied as they pulled into a spot between two mini vans that had stick figure families plastered to the back windows. “Those are so cute. I can’t wait until you get to put some on your car.”

  Vivienne took a deep breath and smiled. “I can put the woman and the cat on right away.”

  Nora frowned. “I wouldn’t do that, dear. It’ll make everyone think you’re just some crazy cat lady.”

  A few minutes later as they stepped into Nana Mary’s apartment, Vivienne was pleased to see that her grandmother had gone out of way to keep Nora busy while they chatted about magic. There were piles of clutter scattered everywhere except for the living room which was surprisingly quite neat. Her Amish-made wooden rocking chair that faced the picture window anchored a tranquil island of order around a sea of chaos.

  “I’m so glad that you both came to see me today, I decided I wanted to get organized before the holiday craziness hits.” Nana Mary hugged Vivienne and Nora as she gestured to the clutter. “What do you think?”

  Nora did her best to smile. “I think we have a lot of work to do.” She set her canvas bag down by a vintage wooden umbrella holder that was filled to the top with empty water bottles.

  Nana Mary scratched her short white hair, which looked to be styled and curled quite recently at the beauty salon downstairs. “I thought we could divide and conquer, that way the work will go faster.”

  Vivienne smiled. “Sounds like a good plan, Nana. Where do you want us to start?”

  “Why don’t I start by finding a better place to store your recyclables?” Nora offered. “It’s a sin to use this lovely umbrella holder like that.”

  Nana Mary waved her hands. “What fool needs that many umbrellas in the world? I think it’s better off holding empty bottles, at least then it has a useful purpose.”

  Vivienne caught Nora’s eyes widen in shock at the remark. Her mother had given the expensive holder as a Christmas present last year along with a stylish Vera Bradley umbrella. “Didn’t someone give you a beautiful umbrella to display in that?”

  Nana Mary scratched her chin. “Oh, maybe they did. Haven’t seen that umbrella around her lately. Flora Rogers, down the hall likes to borrow things and keep them. She’s even been known to pull name labels right off whatever she’s using. Can you believe that?”

  “I’m sure she’ll return it soon.” Nora was quick to add. “Then we can display it in the holder.”

  Nana Mary winked at Vivienne. “You’re right, Nora. Why don’t you go down and talk to her today and while you’re there see if she has a red KitchenAid coffee grinder in her apartment? Agnes McCarren loaned that out almost six months ago and she’d really like it back.”

  Nora walked over to the small coat closet to hang up her jacket. As she opened the door, a pile of magazines spilled onto the cream carpet. “Good heavens.”

  “I was saving those to put down in the lobby.” Nana Mary smiled. “I’ll leave that job for you too.”

  “Thanks, Mother.” Nora winced and bent down to sort the magazines into piles according to date and subject.

  “Vivienne, you come and help me sort through these boxes from the hall closet. I put them all in the living room to make it easier.” Nana Mary wandered off toward the kitchen. “Would anyone like something to drink?”

  Nora and Vivienne declined as they assumed their work stations in the apartment. Nana Mary poured herself a cup of hot ginger-spiced tea and sat down in the rocker that was surrounded with cardboard boxes.

  Vivienne opened the first box only to discover it was quite empty, save for a few glass ornaments. “This one doesn’t look too bad.” She peered further into the box and found everything wrapped carefully in bubble wrap and tucked into empty Styrofoam egg containers. “Actually, it looks perfectly packed.”

  “They’re all organized and ready to be labeled.” Nana Mary whispered with a twinkle in her blue eyes. “I thought we could f
ocus on the important things instead.”

  Vivienne nodded. “So, where do I begin?”

  “Right at the beginning, of course.” Nana Mary smiled and took a sip of her tea. “Don’t leave anything out.”

  “Okay.” Vivienne spent the next half hour telling Nana Mary everything that had happened with Natalie, Eddie, Connor, and lastly Miss Octavia. She was careful to keep her voice low and look busy as Nora wandered into the living room from time to time to give them tips on how to separate trash from treasure, how to group items to make labeling easier, and an occasional health tip from the Doctor Oz Show that was airing on the small television mounted above the kitchen counter where she was re-arranging the cabinets to make things easier to find.

  “I’ll die of thirst before I ever find a drinking glass again.” Nana Mary joked to Vivienne as Nora disappeared back into the kitchen.

  Vivienne laughed. “At least she only spends an afternoon organizing your place. I get two days at the very least now that Joshua is spending most of his time there.”

  Nana Mary chuckled and rocked back and forth in her chair. “Things are going well with you both?”

  Vivienne nodded. “I’d like to think so.”

  “That doesn’t sound too terribly affirmative.” Nana Mary watched a red cardinal perch upon the bird feeder outside her window and peck at the seeds stored inside. “It’s not easy trying to live with someone.”

  “We’re figuring all that out. We still have our own places, but we’ve been testing out having him stay more at my place.” Vivienne pulled out a simple glass ball of silver and held it in her hands. It reminded her of a miniature version of the crystal ball Miss Octavia used in her store. “I’ve been so used to doing things on my own that I sometimes forget to compromise. We’ve had a few arguments here and there.”

  Nana Mary smiled. “You’ll both work it out. I’m sure of it.” She let out a little sigh. “Back when I was your age, it just wasn’t acceptable in polite society for a woman to test the waters. We had to put a ring on the finger and keep them crossed that we didn’t want to kill each other the next morning.”