Kari Lee Townsend - Sunny Meadows 04 - Perish in the Palm

by Kari Lee Townsend

  “I don’t understand.” My mother sounded weak and vulnerable, which broke my heart. “I was going to recommend you. I thought we were friends.”

  “We’re not friends,” Wendy hissed. “I’ve hated you for so long now.”

  “You don’t have to do this.” My father used a rational tone, but I could see the fear in his eyes. “There’s still time to change your mind. We’ll get on our plane and leave town and not say anything about this to anyone. You have my word.”

  “And you have my word, you won’t see another sunrise,” Wendy growled.

  “What did I ever do to you?” my mother asked.

  “You ruined my life.”

  “How? I don’t even know you.”

  “Ah, but you knew my husband.”

  “What are you talking about?” My mother shook her head in confusion. “I don’t know anyone by the name of Statham.”

  “That’s because he has a different name than I do.” Wendy’s face hardened. “My husband’s name is Mike Herwood.”

  I could see my mother’s skin pale even from this far away. Mitch was trying to get a clear shot of Wendy, but she kept moving and trees kept blocking his view.

  “You put him away. Got him locked up for years,” Wendy continued.

  “He robbed a bank,” my mother said carefully. “Legally I had no choice. It had nothing to do with you.”

  “It had everything to do with me!” Wendy shouted. “I had to raise four children by myself. Do you know what that’s like? I had to change my name to my maiden name just to get a job. No one wanted to hire the wife of a bank robber. You took my identity away from me. You took my husband. You took my future. I have worked myself to the bone in order to make ends meet.”

  It suddenly dawned on me. That’s why Morty had jumped on the cake and bit the head off my mother, trying to clue me in that she was in danger from the guy on trial—or rather, his wife, aka Cake Lady. And then later when he’d peeked through the gazebo bars, looking like he was in jail. Once again he’d been trying to tell me something all along, and as usual I had missed the clues.

  “Why kill Peirce Theodore?” my father said, drawing me back to the scene unfolding before me. “He didn’t have anything to do with any of this.”

  “There are always casualties of war,” Wendy said, looking even crazier in that she truly believed she was justified for doing everything she’d done. “I have waited years for the opportunity to kill your wife. When I heard Cake Masters was going to make the cake for the West wedding and that Vivian would be there, I volunteered to bring the cake myself.”

  “You can bet you won’t have a job for sure now,” my mother said while looking down her nose.

  She would never learn, I thought, and mentally begged her with my eyes to just stop talking. It had been her mouth that got her into trouble in the first place.

  “Wendy laughed. Do you think I care? It was never about the job. I planned on killing you while I was here and then skipping town. But another opportunity presented itself. I saw how much you despised Mr. Theodore. After you threatened him, it dawned on me that killing you would be too easy. You need to suffer like my husband has for the past fifteen years. I knew if I framed you for murder, you would go to prison for life. And you, Mr. Meadows, would know exactly how I feel.”

  “That’s just crazy talk. The truth always comes out. You would be caught eventually. Maybe there’s another way. A better way,” my father tried to reason with her once more. “Maybe we can talk to a judge and get your husband out.”

  “Someone has to be punished for the years he’s suffered, and I don’t trust the justice system. I have learned over the years that if you want real justice, you have to take it for yourself. So I cut the tent, killed Peirce, and shoved Vivian over him. I didn’t count on so many other people in this town looking guilty. I had to resort to things like when I poisoned Granny Gert and Fiona’s food, hoping to cast even more blame on Vivian, showing more proof of how desperate she gets when jealous.”

  My mother gasped and then harrumphed.

  “You made it clear you didn’t like being left out, and you always think you can do a better job than others,” Wendy went on. “Crazy Jack Shepard had to go and ruin it all with his obsession for finding the treasure. If it wasn’t for that meddling daughter of yours, everything would have worked out perfectly. But no, she had to go and clear your name. I couldn’t let you get off that easy. What would be the justice in that? So it’s back to plan A: kill Vivian. Killing you, Mr. Meadows, is simply another casualty that can’t be avoided.”

  Wendy raised her gun, aiming it at Vivian and cocking it. Her finger was on the trigger, ready to squeeze, when Mitch jumped into action. He finally got a clear shot and pulled the trigger. Wendy’s arm jerked and she fell backwards, but not before her gun went off. My father screamed, No, and threw himself in front of my mother.

  I ran over to my parents, while Mitch charged Wendy, but not quite fast enough.

  “Hold it, Detective. Take another step and I will gladly make you another casualty,” Wendy said, on her feet again with a bloody arm still firmly clutching her gun. “Now, drop your weapon and join the others.”

  Mitch’s jaw clenched and unclenched, but he dropped his gun and slowly made his way over to us. My father was unconscious but still alive. The bullet went through his side, but his pulse was still strong, giving me hope. My mother sobbed quietly, stroking his head and telling him how much she loved him. I felt so helpless. In trying to help my mother clear her name, I had probably just gotten us all killed.

  “I think I’ve had enough fun for one day,” Wendy said. “Get up, Vivian.”

  My mother froze with fear.

  “Take me instead,” I blurted. “She will suffer more that way.”

  Mitch stared at me, his expression saying, That’s not going to happen, Tink. But I didn’t know what else to do. I had to do something.

  Wendy seemed to think about that for a moment, but then she shook her head. “No, I want you all to know why I did this. Maybe then you will understand when you see what it feels like to lose someone you love.”

  “But your husband is still alive,” my mother said.

  “He might as well be dead,” Wendy responded. “And it’s all your fault. It’s time you met your punishment so justice can finally be served. Now get up and come to me.”

  “Mom, no.” I grabbed her arm, my throat working overtime. I might lose my father. I couldn’t lose her, too.

  She held my hand with a firm grip. “It’s okay, Sunny.” She called me by my chosen name instead of Sylvia, letting me know she had truly accepted me for who I was.

  That only made my cry harder. “Mom, please,” I whispered through my tears.

  “I love you, too, darling. Take care of your father.” My mother peeled my hand from hers and stood. She made her way over to Wendy, standing tall and brave before her. “Is this what you want? I hope you gain some satisfaction from ruining the lives of so many people.”

  “Justice will be served,” Wendy said.

  “You’re right. Justice will be served when you meet your maker,” my mother said, “and you will be damned for all eternity.”

  “Not before you,” Wendy spat and raised her gun, pointing it directly at my mother’s face.

  My mother kept her eyes open and refused to look away from Wendy’s gaze. I was so proud of her, not sure I could have done that. Wendy faltered for just a second. And a second was all that was needed.

  Morty appeared out of nowhere, leaping from a tree like a glowing mass of scary vengeance as he attacked Wendy. She shrieked and dropped the gun, while my mother fell to the ground in an emotional, exhausted heap.

  Mitch sprang into action, grabbing his gun and hers as he stood above her. “Thanks, pal, I’ll take it from here,” he said to Morty, and called the crime in on his cell phone.

  Wendy cowered in fear. “Please, someone help me. Call off that demon,” she begged. “He’s not normal.”r />
  Morty’s eyes were jet black and eerie as he drew back his lips, exposing his razor sharp fangs for one final hiss. Then he walked over to my mother who sat on the ground, shaking, her eyes looking dazed and in shock. He climbed onto her lap. Her eyes widened a fraction, and she was frozen with fear. Then he did the most remarkable thing. He licked her cheek. She sucked in a breath and blinked at him, then fainted dead away.

  Hissing laughter filled the air as Morty disappeared into the woods once more.

  Epilogue

  One week later, things were finally settling down. My father had been released from the hospital and feeling much better. My parents had actually come to my house to say their goodbyes, and my mother didn’t even flinch when Morty entered the room. Their gazes met and something passed between them. A silent thank you, maybe? I wasn’t quite sure, but whatever it was, Morty seemed pleased and he left her alone, much to my shock. My parents even let Mitch and I drive them to the airport where we stayed and watched as their plane took off, taking them back to their lives in New York City.

  Jo and Cole went on their honeymoon to Hawaii where she phoned home that she was having twins. It finally made sense why her tummy was growing so quickly. Cole was more terrified than ever, but he refused to leave her side. Meanwhile, Sean and Zoe were playing house as they watched over Biff and ran Smokey Jo’s while the newlyweds were gone.

  Brice Benedict was out of the hospital and still had to answer for unlawfully investing Peirce Theodore’s money, but at least he was safe. Ronald Winters and his partner Scary Guy had been found and arrested for assault as well as a number of other charges. Jack Shepard was still in jail for robbery, assault, and kidnapping. He was having a psychiatric evaluation. Linda Theodore and Pierre Desjardins sold the inn for a substantial sum and ran away together. While Sally Clark and Frank Lalone decided to stay on with the new owners.

  All was right in my world.

  Mitch and I were back on the sun porch, relaxing in lounge wear, and enjoying our quiet, peaceful existence. It was time. I turned to him and said, “Do you remember when I said I wanted to ask you a question?”

  “Yes.” He nodded while staring intensely into my eyes. “In fact, there’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you, too.”

  “Ladies first?” I asked, not wanting any more time to go by before I told him how I really felt.

  “Sure.” He looked as nervous as I was and relieved to have a moment before he had to pose his question.

  I turned to face him on the porch swing and took his hands in mine, resisting the urge to read his Fate Line. And then I talked as fast as I could, spewing everything I wanted to say before I chickened out. “We’ve known each other for almost a year now. You’ve come to mean so much to me, Mitchell Stone. I love how you make me feel so special and protected and loved. And I couldn’t love you more if I tried. I can’t imagine my life without you. You’re my rock. You’re my everything. Please say you’ll be my husband?”

  His jaw fell open and he just stared at me. I was terrified he was going to say no. I pulled my hands from his, bit my bottom lip, and sat back on the couch. I couldn’t look him in the eye, feeling like a fool.

  He dropped to his knees on the floor in front of me and faced me. Tipping my chin up, he said, “Look at me, Tink.”

  I blinked back tears and did as he asked. “It’s okay if you don’t want to. I mean, I said no to you when you asked me. I never should have done that, by the way, because I have regretted it every day. I just wanted you to be sure you could handle loving me and all that goes along with that. It’s all good, we can still live together. Just forget I ever said anything.” I tried for a smile, but my wobbling lips wouldn’t comply.

  “No,” he said.

  My lips wobbled more furiously now. “I ruined everything, didn’t I?”

  “No, you didn’t. I meant no I don’t just want to simply live with you, baby. I was sure about marrying you when I asked you the first time, and I’m even more sure now.” He pulled a ring from his pocket. “Why do you think I’ve been trying to get the courage up to ask you again? But like always, you manage to beat me to the punch.” He chuckled. “Frankly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I can’t live without you, either. I love you so damn much. All of you, including that crazy cat of yours.”

  “Are you serious?” I blinked furiously, and tears streamed down my cheeks now, but I didn’t care. His words were music to my ears.

  “I’ve never been more serious.” He wiped the tears away with his thumbs, then opened the ring box. “Sunshine Meadows, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

  I grinned wide, pretending to ponder his question, then I said, “Well, Detective Grumpy Pants, I do believe I asked you first.”

  “Technically I did months ago, Tink.” He arched a thick black brow.

  “Tell you what. How about we compromise and answer together,” I said.

  “Deal. On three?” He started to count.

  I shouted, “Yes!” and threw myself at him before he’d hit the number two. Laughing with pure joy, he managed to slip the ring on my finger and then wrap his strong arms around me and kiss me soundly on the lips until he had me saying yes to so much more. I had everything I ever wanted and felt like my life was just beginning.

  Suddenly I tore my lips from his and sucked in a sharp breath. My life wasn’t beginning. It was officially over.

  “What’s wrong?” he asked, concern creasing his forehead. “Another vision?”

  I nodded and swallowed hard on a groan. “And this one’s so much worse than the other one.” My life wasn’t perfect. It was about to get turned completely upside down.

  “Who’s in trouble? Should I get my gun?” He tensed, ready for flight.

  “We are,” I wailed. “We’re in trouble, and yes, please shoot me now.”

  He relaxed a little and eyed me suspiciously. “How exactly are we in trouble?”

  I looked at him with doom. “My parents are retiring.”

  “And how does that affect us?” he asked on a soft chuckle.

  “Because they’re coming to Divinity.”

  That made him grow sober. “Oh, how come? I thought they hated it here.”

  “I’m pretty sure the Amazon Twins must have told them I was going to propose to you.”

  “Or that I was going to propose to you,” he said dryly. “I told them, too.”

  “No wonder they wouldn’t answer my calls. They probably had bets on who would ask first. Just wait until I see them again. I’ll—”

  “Throttle them, I know. And I’ll gladly help you, but can we get back to your parents please?”

  “I clearly saw them in Divinity.”

  “Well maybe that just means they will visit us. Maybe they won’t stay long, and then they’ll travel. It won’t be so bad.”

  “Oh, no. It will be worse than bad. They’re not just coming to visit.” I took a breath and said with dread, “Donald and Vivian Meadows are the proud new owners of Divine Inspiration. They are here to stay. Still want to marry me?”

  The End

  Coming Soon!

  Hazard in the Horoscope (a Sunny Meadows Mystery) - NOVEL - September 2015

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Photo by Kari Lee Townsend

  National Bestselling Author, Agatha, RT Reviewers Choice & Golden Duck Award Nominee. Kari Lee Townsend lives in central New York with her very understanding husband, her three busy boys, and her oh-so-dramatic daughter. A former teacher with a master's in English education, she is a long-time lover of reading and writing. She is best known as the author of the Fortune Teller Mystery series but also writes women's fiction and romance (under the name Kari Lee Harmon), as well as children's fiction about tween superheroes. These days you'll find her at home happily writing her next novel and still trying to find out whodunit.

  ALSO BY AUTHOR

  Books by Kari Lee Harmon

  Romances

  DESTINY WEARS SPURS

  P
ROJECT PRODUCE

  Women’s Fiction

  Comfort Club Series:

  SLEEPING IN THE MIDDLE

  Lake House Treasures Series:

  THE BEGINNING

  AMBER

  MEGHAN

  BROOK

  THE COLLECTION (Amber, Meghan, Brook)

  Shorts Stories

  LOVE LESSONS

  SPURRED BY FATE

  Merry Scrooge-mas Series:

  NAUGHTY OR NICE

  SLEIGH BELLS RING

  JINGLE ALL THE WAY

  Books by Kari Lee Townsend

  Cozy Mysteries

  A Fortune Teller Mystery:

  TEMPEST IN THE TEA LEAVES

  CORPSE IN THE CRYSTAL BALL

  TROUBLE IN THE TAROT

  A Sunny Meadows Mystery:

  PERISH IN THE PALM

  Soft-Boiled Mysteries

  KICKING THE HABIT

  PERIL FOR YOUR THOUGHTS

  Short Story Mysteries

  SHENANIGANS IN THE SHADOWS (a Sunny Meadows Mystery)

  Middle Grade

  Digital Diva Series:

  TALK TO THE HAND (Book 1)

  RISE OF THE PHENOTEENS (Book 2)

  RECIPES

  Gran’s Orange French Lace Cookies

  2 cups blanched sliced almonds (thinly sliced)

  1 cup all purpose-flour

  1/3 cup light brown sugar

  ¼ lb (1 stick) unsalted butter

  1/3 cup light corn syrup

  2 tbsp frozen orange juice concentrate, (let soften)

  1 tspn vanilla extract

  1 tspns orange zest

  ~Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line 2 cookie sheet pans with parchment paper. On a third and unlined cookie sheet, spread the almonds out evenly, toasting for 5-10 minutes. Be sure to turn the almonds once until lightly browned on both sides. Place 1 cup of the toasted almonds into a food processor and chop coarsely (saving the rest for later). Mix the chopped almonds and flour together and then set aside.