Wicked Beginning: An Ivy Morgan Mystery Books 1-3

by Lily Harper Hart

  “I’ll … eat anything,” Kelly replied, her voice low and breathy. “You didn’t have to get all of this food for me.”

  “We got it for everyone,” Michael said, winking from his spot in the armchair at the edge of Ivy’s living room. He’d taken Ivy’s words to heart, sitting almost immediately and keeping his movements small. His normally booming voice was muted, but his words were kind and his eyes retained their infamous twinkle.

  Max was another story. “Ivy is a vegetarian,” he said, handing Kelly a container. “She only eats vegetables and crap. Don’t get me wrong, she’s an excellent cook, but she’s never embraced the joys of eating a good steak.”

  Kelly hesitantly took the container from Max. “You’re not a vegetarian?”

  “We tried to indoctrinate him into the family vegetarian fold,” Luna said. “He broke free when he was in elementary school, although he still pretended until he got into middle school.”

  “And I never looked back,” Max said jovially. “Don’t worry. If you like meat, I’ll make sure to keep you in it while you’re staying with Ivy. I would hate to think of you going without just because Ivy eats carrots instead of jerky.”

  Kelly shifted her green eyes to Ivy worriedly. “I don’t have to eat meat.”

  “Go ahead,” Ivy said. “It’s fine. I’m not one of those vegetarians who tells everyone else what to eat. I only care about what I eat.”

  “She’s lying,” Max whispered. “She tried to convince me that soy bacon was the same as regular bacon last week. Just a hint: It’s not.”

  Kelly pressed her lips together, her eyes wide as she took in Max at his charming best. Ivy couldn’t be sure, but she thought she saw a hint of a crush forming there. If that was the case, and Kelly could so easily accept him in her presence, Ivy was hopeful her initial fears were wrong. Kelly had clearly been abused, but if that abuse stopped short of being sexual, she would be forever thankful.

  “I’ll have you know that soy bacon tastes just like real bacon,” Ivy said.

  “You’ve never had real bacon,” Max shot back. “You can’t make that claim.”

  “You’ve never had real bacon?” Kelly asked, surprised.

  “Mom and Dad are vegetarians,” Ivy explained. “I’ve never had meat.”

  “How come you eat meat if your family doesn’t?” Kelly asked, turning to Max.

  “Because I hung around with carnivores when I was a kid,” Max replied, not missing a beat. “You know how some kids sneak other kids cookies in elementary school because some parents think sugar is evil? Well, my friends snuck me bologna sandwiches. They saved me from a life of broccoli and asparagus burgers.”

  “Huh,” Kelly mused. “I never had anyone sneak me cookies. I didn’t know people did that.”

  Ivy’s heart rolled and when she risked a glance at her mother she saw Luna was feeling the same rush of empathy.

  “You can have as many cookies as you want here,” Luna said. “We never had meat in the house, but we always had Oreos.”

  “Thank you,” Kelly murmured, studying her feet as her cheeks colored. She’d obviously revealed more than she wanted. That’s when it hit Ivy: Her family’s interference was a good thing. They were helping Kelly open up before she had time to think how to respond in a way that would help her remain hidden.

  “Eat,” Ivy instructed, tapping the edge of the girl’s food container. “Eat as much as you want. I’ll have Max go to the grocery store and get you some food that doesn’t taste like broccoli and asparagus hamburgers, which I never made for him, by the way.”

  Kelly smiled thankfully. “Okay.”

  “MAX is good for her,” Ivy said, watching from the front porch as her brother showed Kelly where the resident raccoon was hiding behind the garbage cans along the side of the house.

  “She doesn’t seem scared of him,” Luna mused, reclining on one of Ivy’s front chairs.

  “She’s still leery around Dad, though,” Ivy said. “Did you notice that?”

  “And that’s why I stayed sitting in the chair,” Michael said. “I think … I think whoever hurt her was older.”

  “Like her father?” Ivy asked, tension building her in shoulders.

  “Maybe,” Michael said. “She seems comfortable with your mother and Max, and she’s obviously already attached to you.”

  “I wouldn’t go that far,” Ivy said.

  “I would,” Michael said. “You might not have noticed, but she looked to you a couple of times for reassurance. Don’t worry, Ivy. You gave it without even realizing what you were doing. It’s instinctual with you.”

  “Your father is right,” Luna said. “You were very good with her.”

  “Why do I sense a but coming on?” Ivy asked, her shoulders stiffening.

  “Don’t get your panties in a bunch,” Luna warned.

  “That’s not what I’m doing … and I hate that saying.”

  “Then don’t make me use it,” Luna said, unruffled. “Before you work yourself up, your father and I are not asking you to abandon this girl or stay away from her. If you think that’s what we’re doing, then hop off that crazy train right now.”

  “What are you suggesting?”

  “She’s not a pet,” Luna said.

  “I never said she was.” Ivy was horrified. Was that what they thought of her?

  “Ivy, one of the things I love most about you is your capacity to love,” Michael said, his face somber. “You love with your whole heart and soul. That’s why when you found Nicodemus in the Dumpster, there was no way you could ever let him go.

  “Kelly isn’t an abandoned kitten, though,” he continued. “She’s a teenager who has been through … something. We don’t know what yet, but if those bruises on her arms are any indication, it was something truly terrible.”

  “I know,” Ivy said, furrowing her brow. “Why do you think I insisted that she stay here?”

  “Because you want to help her,” Luna said. “Your greatest gift – other than your insistence on being who you are without any reservations or compromises – is that big heart you have, Ivy.”

  “I don’t understand what you’re saying,” Ivy said.

  “We’re saying that you can’t get too attached to her,” Michael said. “No one is asking you not to care. No one is asking you to throw her out, or turn away from her and let the professionals do their job.”

  “You can’t fix everything, though,” Luna said. “This girl needs help that you might not be able to give her.”

  “What do you want me to do?” Ivy asked, her voice cracking.

  “Be you,” Michael said. “Don’t be afraid to ask for help, though. I’m here. Your mother is here. Max is here.”

  “Jack is here, too,” Luna said.

  “Oh, I’m so sick of hearing about Jack,” Ivy grumbled.

  “You’re sick of hearing about him because you know we’re right,” Luna said. “That’s also one of your … gifts. You’re stubborn.”

  “Like a mule,” Michael added.

  “Well, thank you so much for that,” Ivy deadpanned.

  “Just be careful with your heart, Ivy,” Luna said. “Life is full of obstacles. The ones Kelly is going to be facing over the next few days are going to be significant. You can’t give her all of you because there will be nothing left to sustain yourself.”

  “I’m going to do what I have to do,” Ivy said.

  “I guess we can’t ask more of you than that, can we?” Luna said, gripping Ivy’s hand tightly. “Just keep your eyes open and your mind clear. If you’re not careful, and you’re not paying attention, something very important could slip by you.”

  “We’ll be here to make sure that doesn’t happen,” Michael said. “We’re here to help.”

  Her parents’ words were sobering, and as Ivy watched Max and Kelly cavort with the raccoon she couldn’t help but wonder if they were right.

  Was she in over her head?

  Five

  “Are you sure you w
ant to do this?” Ivy asked outside of the greenhouse door the next morning. “You can stay back at the house if you want. If you’re scared to stay there alone, I can find someone to cover for me and stay there with you.”

  After a good night’s sleep, Kelly looked better. The dark circles under her eyes were present, but fading. She was still too thin, but Ivy pumped her full of eggs and potatoes for breakfast in an effort to combat that. She was also still skittish, and when Ivy suggested she could work in the greenhouse all afternoon – away from prying eyes – she jumped at the chance.

  “I’m sure,” Kelly said, following Ivy into the greenhouse. “I want to do … something.”

  “Okay,” Ivy said. “I’m always looking for someone who is willing to work for food.” She winked at Kelly to let her know it was a joke.

  After Max and her parents left the previous evening, Ivy tried to get Kelly to open up, but the girl was reluctant. Finally, Ivy let her be and tucked her in on the couch before retiring for the night. She was relieved to find Kelly still there in the morning. She didn’t think the girl had anywhere to run, but when terror takes over, she knew there was no telling what a frightened soul would do.

  “How did you get into plants?” Kelly asked, watching as Ivy gathered a handful of tools from the bench and directed her toward a stack of pots across the way.

  “I don’t know,” Ivy said. “When I was a kid, I always knew that I liked the outdoors. I spent a lot of time in the woods with Max. We’d play games and run around. I liked to pick flowers, and I’d always bring them to my mother and she’d make a big deal about the gift. She acted like I brought her a gold necklace or something.

  “My father always loved plants and he had a huge garden behind the cottage when I was younger,” she continued. “We always had fresh everything … tomatoes, green beans, carrots, onions. You name it, we had it.”

  “You don’t have a garden like that now, though,” Kelly pointed out.

  “Once I decided to open the nursery, I realized I didn’t have time to do both so I gave up the garden,” Ivy said. “Dad has one at his house now, although it’s not as big.”

  “It’s kind of cool how you can walk to work,” Kelly said. “Your house is great. It’s hidden by the trees and yet it’s not too far away from town.”

  “It is great,” Ivy agreed.

  “So, what do you want me to do?” Kelly asked, eyeing the pots and dirt nervously. “I should probably tell you I’ve never done anything like this before.”

  “It’s lucky for you that I’m a good teacher then,” Ivy said, patting the ground next to her. “Sit down. I promise it will be easier than you think.”

  JACK strode through the nursery aisles quietly, his dark eyes busy as he searched for Ivy. Despite her promise the day before she’d failed to call him once morning hit. Sure, the nursery was barely open, but he was itching to see if she’d discovered anything.

  “Can I help you?”

  Jack jolted at the sound of Michael’s voice. “I’m looking for an irritating brunette with pink streaks in her hair and an annoying way of driving me insane.”

  Michael smirked. “I’m not sure I know anyone who fits that bill.”

  “Really? I believe she shares half of your genes.”

  “You make me laugh, boy,” Michael said, clapping Jack on the shoulder. “You don’t let Ivy bully you. Sure, she sweet-talks you to get her way, but she doesn’t outright bully you. It’s a nice change of pace.”

  Jack scowled. “She doesn’t sweet-talk me.”

  “She did it yesterday afternoon,” Michael countered. “You were adamant you were taking Kelly away and Ivy was equally adamant you weren’t. Who won?”

  “I … .” Jack broke off, frustrated. “Wait. Kelly? Ivy found out her name?”

  “I think that’s all she found out,” Michael cautioned.

  “Why didn’t she call me?”

  “You’ll have to ask her that,” Michael said. “I know she was planning on it. She probably just wants to get Kelly settled before she calls in the cavalry.”

  “She promised to call,” Jack grumbled, running his hand through his hair.

  “She’s in the greenhouse,” Michael said, biting the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing. There was something about Jack’s hangdog expression that tickled his funny bone.

  “Thanks,” Jack said, starting to move in the direction of the greenhouse.

  “Be careful when you approach,” Michael said. “Kelly was fine with Max last night, but she’s still skittish around men. I know you’re a … cute little kitten … when my daughter is around, but you should still make sure you don’t startle them.”

  “Cute little kitten?” Jack was incredulous.

  “I guess you’re more like a domesticated mountain lion,” Michael clarified. “You’re all growl and claws, but you also like to purr when you see something you like.”

  “Your whole family is just … unbelievable,” Jack said, turning on his heel and moving away from Michael without a backward glance. “Un-freaking-believable!”

  Jack managed to calm himself by the time he reached the greenhouse and since the door was already propped open, he didn’t have to weigh the merits of knocking. He poked his head inside, resting it against the doorframe as he listened to Ivy instruct Kelly on the finer points of potting hydrangeas.

  The two women were sitting cross-legged on the floor and Ivy was patient and even-tempered as she showed Kelly what to do. When the girl made a mistake, Ivy corrected her with soft tones and an absence of recrimination. When the girl did something right, Ivy applauded her and built up her self-esteem. It was a side of Ivy Jack hadn’t seen before. She was usually aggressive and bossy – and oh-so sexy and cute. Today was no exception.

  “Are you going to stand there and spy on us or help?” Ivy asked, not turning around even as she addressed Jack.

  Jack sighed. “How did you know I was here?”

  “I sensed you.”

  “How did you really know I was here?” Jack asked.

  “I just told you.”

  Jack tamped down his irritation and sidled into the room, approaching the two girls slowly so he wouldn’t scare Kelly. “I told you before that I believe you’re magic,” he said. “I’m not sure I believe you’re clairvoyant, though.”

  “That’s your problem,” Ivy said.

  Jack crossed his arms over his chest and waited.

  “I also might have seen your reflection in the window,” Ivy conceded, pointing toward the broad window to her right.

  “That sounds about right,” Jack said, shooting Kelly a small smile when he saw her eyes widen at their interaction. “Don’t worry, Kelly. This is how we always get along. We’re not fighting.”

  “We’re not fighting,” Ivy agreed. “Jack just likes it when I’m mean to him.”

  “That’s not true,” Jack said. “I happen to like nice women. I simply haven’t met one since I arrived in Shadow Lake.”

  Ivy made a face. “I am perfectly nice to you.”

  “Whatever you say, honey,” Jack said. “I don’t suppose I could borrow you for a second, could I? Outside, please.”

  “I suppose,” Ivy said, standing and dusting her pink ankle-length skirt off. “Keep potting, Kelly. I’ll be back in a minute.”

  “Is everything okay?” Kelly asked uncertainly. “I’m not in trouble, am I?”

  “You’re definitely not in trouble,” Jack said. “Ivy is another story.”

  “You’re not going to … hurt her … are you?” Kelly’s face was so anguished it caused Jack’s heart to stutter.

  “I would never hurt her,” Jack said carefully. “I … never.”

  “Kelly, don’t get upset,” Ivy said. “Jack’s telling the truth. He’s a good guy. We just like to … argue. It’s how we get along. He’s a very good man. He would never hurt me or anyone else.”

  “Okay,” Kelly said, her voice small and pitiful.

  “Keep potting,” Ivy ins
tructed. “I promise I won’t be gone long.”

  Once it was just the two of them outside, Jack’s face shifted from worried to angry. “She’s a mess.”

  “She was fine until … .”

  “Until what?” Jack prodded.

  “She didn’t like us arguing,” Ivy said. “She was honestly in a great mood until we started messing around with one another.”

  “Honey, just so you know, that’s not how I mess around,” Jack said.

  Ivy’s cheeks colored. “Are you flirting again?”

  “I haven’t decided yet,” Jack said. “I … you frustrate me to no end.”

  “Right back at you.”

  “Great,” Jack said, lifting his eyebrows. “Why didn’t you call me this morning?”

  “Excuse me?”

  “You promised to call,” Jack reminded her.

  “I’m sorry,” Ivy said, instantly contrite. “I was just getting her settled. She’s not keen on being left alone. As soon as I distracted her with the hydrangeas I had every intention of calling you.”

  “And yet I had to come find you,” Jack said. “See, this is exactly why I’ve declared my life to be ‘woman free.’”

  Ivy stilled. She knew he didn’t mean for the words to be so personal, but that’s exactly how she took them. “Don’t worry. You won’t have to worry about this woman infringing on your perfect little life.”

  Jack pressed his eyes shut, realizing what he’d said when it was too late to take it back. “Ivy … .”

  “Don’t worry about it,” Ivy said, waving off whatever he was going to say. “You’ve been nothing but upfront with me. I don’t want a relationship either.”

  Jack knew she meant that in theory, but both of them were having trouble staying away from each other. They were fighting their mutual attraction and that’s why their conversations often devolved into sniping fits. “I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings.”

  “Do I look like my feelings are hurt?” Ivy’s voice was unnaturally high.

  That’s exactly how she looked and the realization was like a hot poker through Jack’s heart. “Honey, I didn’t mean that how it came out.”