Roses and Daisies and Death Oh My!

by Petersen, Penny Clover

  Angela stood and replied, “Thank you, Marc. Thanksgiving is always a special day for me. I love the season, the food, but most of all the company. To all of us, Happy Thanksgiving!”

  Despite the little mishap, it was quite a dinner. Angela Forrest may have been a bit of a nut job, but she was a first rate cook. Turkey, sausage stuffing, sweet potato casserole, white potato casserole, peas, relishes, fruit, all fixed to perfection. No one mentioned that the turkey smelled and tasted faintly of vodka.

  They had a very nice Pinot Grigio with dinner. A gift from Marc. Tonya brought some lovely Assam tea and Tom Willis made Rose’s day with a box of See’s nutty and chewy candy.

  Rose came in from the kitchen carrying a tray. “We have coffee and tea to go with the pies. And B&B or some cranberry cordial that Daisy and I made for after.”

  Malcolm finally came out of hiding as dessert was served. He sidled up to Rose who gave him a look, but patted his head and fed him a piece of pie. He wagged his tail happily and wiggled around the table begging for more goodies. He must have known he was on probation because there was no humping at all.

  As they sat relaxing and sipping cordial, Daisy was trying to think of a subtle way to bring up the murder when Tonya did it for her.

  “Tom, have they gotten anywhere with finding out who killed that poor man? I’m not usually frightened easily, but this is pretty scary.”

  “The state police are handling the whole investigation and they don’t share much information, but we do get a little. He wasn’t killed where you found him, Rose, and there wasn’t any sign of a struggle. No defensive wounds.”

  Malcolm started barking at something on the street. “What is it, you silly mutt?” asked Rose.

  She went to the window and saw Hazel Monroe in the street light coming out of the backdoor of her shop. “Malcolm, that’s Hazel. She’s probably feeding Roscoe, the cat you saved. Remember? So quiet, please.”

  Rose stood still looking out the window and said, “Do they have any idea where he was killed?”

  “As far as I know, they don’t,” answered Tom.

  “Daisy, remember Malcolm barking up a storm the night before we found the body? He woke me twice.”

  “You’re right. I’d almost forgotten that. I found him at the living room window.”

  “Actually, I heard a dog barking. Didn’t realize it was Malcolm,” said Marc patting his head. “I was working late on inventory.”

  Tom Willis walked to the window. The house was set back on the lot and the bay window overlooked much of the area. “I can see your shop, Marc, and the back of Ms. Monroe’s. As well as the Clover Tavern, the Micro-Brewery and Newhart’s Antiques.”

  Tom turned to Malcolm, “What did you see, little guy? Just a couple of old raccoons invading your space, I’ll bet.”

  Whatever it was, Malcolm wasn’t talking. He sat there wagging his tail and looking expectant. Tonya laughed and said, “I think he wants a walk. Maybe Tom and I can take him. Would that be okay?”

  Half an hour later Tonya and Tom got back from their walk. Rose smiled as she watched them from the window holding hands as they climbed the porch steps. Tonya reminded Rose of a young Lena Horne. Tom had red hair and all-American boyish good looks. They made a cute couple.

  Rose saw Malcolm hanging back refusing to come inside. He was whining and pulling at the leash. He finally broke away and headed down the driveway to the back of the shop where he sat beside the garage and started barking. As Tom and Tonya caught up with him a raccoon made its lazy way out of the bushes and ambled back toward the bike trail.

  “Come on, boy. It’s only a raccoon. You don’t want to hump that guy. He’ll bite your nose off. Let’s go inside.”

  Malcolm turned to go, but stopped and pricked up his ears. Tonya heard something, too. “Listen, Tom. Do you hear that? Like something shuffling in the leaves back there?”

  He listened for a minute. “No, I don’t hear anything.” But as they headed back toward the front door, Tom thought he saw a person on the other side of the street close to the trees. The light was dim, though. It could have been anything.

  “The way we’re jumping at shadows, you’d think it was Halloween. Let’s get warm.”

  “What were you doing out there?” asked Rose. “Let me guess. Malcolm was lonely.”

  “Sort of. He heard a raccoon in the bushes and went to investigate. But Tonya thought she heard somebody walking through leaves and I could have sworn someone was lurking in the trees behind the tavern.”

  “Lurking? Seriously? I think your policeman’s mind is getting the better of you,” said Daisy. “How about something warm to drink?”

  “Thanks. That would be great. Then I’ve got to get going. Early day tomorrow.”

  Marc was the last to leave. Tom had offered to take Tonya home. The dishes had been washed and put away. Rose lit a fire and they sat sipping B&B and enjoying family chitchat.

  “Mother, you’re going to stay over, aren’t you?” asked Rose.

  “Oh yes. It’s been a long day.”

  Around ten o’clock Marc said, “Well, this has been a real pleasure. I can’t remember the last time I had a family Thanksgiving. Thank you for including me. But I’ve got to go. We all need to rest up for the Christmas onslaught.”

  Daisy and Malcolm walked Marc down to his car. Marc thanked her again. Then he bent down and gently kissed her lips. “Don’t forget to lock up. There’s a killer out there and you’re pretty isolated at this end of the street.”

  “Not to worry. We’re fine. Malcolm’s here and we have the alarm. I’m glad you came today. I liked spending Thanksgiving with you.”

  “Me, too. Much as I enjoy your family, I was thinking that it would be great if we had a night to ourselves. You know, a regular date. Dinner and a movie?”

  “I’d like that. Wednesday next week?”

  “Wednesday, it is.” He turned to go, then turned back and took her in his arms and kissed her again. “Good night, Daisy,” he whispered. “Don’t forget to lock up!”

  “I won’t. Drive carefully,” she called to him as he got into his car. She smiled as she watched him drive away.

  She was almost at the door when Malcolm started growling. Then he trotted back to the sidewalk and let a sharp little bark. Daisy picked him up. “What is it, boy?”

  She looked around at the quiet street. Then she thought she saw a shadow move in the trees in back of the Tavern. “Come on Malcolm. Let’s get inside!”

  Chapter Five

  Daisy, Rose and Angela were up early next morning. Black Friday, the best day of a retailer’s year.

  They hit the walking trail by six-thirty. Angela went with them decked out in a peacock blue sweatshirt and pants topped with a red down vest, fuzzy white ear muffs and gloves. She resembled a slightly deranged bunny.

  Malcolm happily humped his way along, dashing after mysterious aromas on the breeze. As they turned up Market Street on their way back home, he darted into the trees behind the tavern, let out a single bark, and sat patiently until someone came to get him.

  “You go, Daisy. I have no desire to find another body or whatever he’s dug up this time.”

  Daisy crossed the street calling to Malcolm. “Come here, you lunatic with a fringe. We have a busy day. I don’t need this foolishness.”

  She reached Malcolm and grabbed his collar. He sat stubbornly and wouldn’t budge.

  Daisy said, “What is it, Malcolm? I’ve got things to do.” Malcolm pawed the ground in front of him.

  Daisy bent down and saw a small pile of cigarette butts. The leaves around them looked like they had been crushed by someone’s shoes. Malcolm let out a short bark and jerked his head toward their apartment. She followed his gaze and realized that she could see directly into her living room through the dining room window.

  She scratched his head thoughtfully and said, “Good boy, Malcolm. Good boy,” as she led him back to the house.

  After Angela left Daisy told R
ose what she had found. “I thought I saw something last night when I was saying good-bye to Marc.”

  Rose said, “I don’t like this. Why would someone be standing in the trees smoking? I wonder if this has anything to do with the murder. Do you think they were looking in our window? Maybe we should call Bill.”

  “I don’t want to call Bill. And why would someone stand in the dark and look into our window? That’s ridiculous. They could have been waiting for someone or walking their dog. That’s probably what attracted Malcolm. He smelled some other dog.”

  “Well, Tom thought he saw someone last night, too. I think we should call him and have him take a look. We still don’t know who broke into the shops. I know everyone assumes it was Ted Williamson, but it might not have been,” said Rose. “And we still don’t know who killed Ted. If you won’t call Bill, I’m calling Tom.”

  Tom Willis got there at eleven and Daisy took five minutes to show him where the cigarette butts were. “I’ll leave you to your detecting. We’re swamped. Tonya won’t be in until two, so I really have to get back.”

  “Oh sure, you go ahead. I’ll be over when I’m through here.”

  An hour later Tom walked in carrying two sandwich boxes. “I knew you were busy, so I brought some lunch. It’s the least I can do after dinner yesterday.”

  “Thank you,” said Rose. “This is so thoughtful.” She carried the sandwiches to the office and said, “We’ll have to eat in turns, I’m afraid.”

  Daisy came to the doorway. “We’re quiet for the moment. So, what did you find?”

  “There were five cigarette butts. All Virginia Slims, but only two with lipstick on them. There might have been two people.”

  “Not necessarily. Lipstick comes off. But why would anyone be standing in the trees in the dark?

  “Do you think whoever it was watching us?”

  “I really don’t know. It could have been a waitress from the Tavern smoking outside. But it was pretty cold to be standing there long enough to smoke five cigarettes. I’m going to talk to my sergeant and see if we can increase the patrols around here. And I’m going to swing by as often as I can.”

  Daisy smiled and said, “I hadn’t thought about the wait staff at the Tavern. That’s probably it. But I’ll feel better knowing someone’s keeping an eye out. Thanks.”

  “Here’s my cell phone number. Look, if you see anyone or even think you do, don’t hesitate to call me. I really don’t mind and I’d rather come out on a false alarm than have someone else get hurt.”

  The door opened and two women walked into the shop followed a moment later by an elderly-looking couple.

  “Looks like you’ve got business. I’ll check in later.”

  Nothing curious happened for the next few days. Early Monday morning Bill Greene stopped by the shop to ask for an update.

  “Nothing to report. We’ve just been really busy,” said Daisy as she restocked the scarves and jewelry at the center counter.

  “I heard you had an alarm call on Thanksgiving. What was that about?”

  “Mother. Need I say more?” answered Daisy, “I told you we’ll let you know if we see anything suspicious. So far Malcolm has scouted out some pretty shady raccoons and a couple of cigarette butts, but that’s about it. I didn’t think you’d be interested, but I’ll be glad to call you if he spots some more.”

  “Bill, we’re really busy right now. Daisy said we’d call and we will if there’s something we think you should know about,” said Rose.

  “That’s the problem, right there. I don’t like you two deciding what I should know about.”

  “Well, that’s too bad,” said Daisy. “Right now, you’re in the way. So please get out of here.”

  Bill hesitated, then said, “Daisy, I think we should find some time to talk. There’s no reason for all this animosity. I think we should try to get past it. I would really like to think we can be friends.”

  Daisy stopped what she was doing and looked at him. Rose put down the broom she was holding and said, “Oh, my goodness.”

  Daisy started to say something, stopped, started again, stopped and took a deep breath. Finally she stepped around the counter, walked to the door and held it open. She looked at Bill and said, “Go. Now. Before I sic Malcolm on you.”

  Bill went.

  Daisy went right back to what she had been doing leaving Rose standing open-mouthed. “Well, I must say you behaved like an adult. I’m proud of you.”

  “I don’t have time for anything else. Besides, what in God’s name could I say to the idiot? He would like to be friends. Why not? Bill, Bambi and I can do our Christmas shopping together. It would be sweet.

  “Maybe we could all celebrate our anniversaries. That would be fun!”

  Daisy’s voice was rising quickly. “Has the man completely lost his mind? Why would I want to be his friend? We weren’t all that friendly when we were married. Hells bells, friends! I’d sooner be friends with an unhinged crocodile. Friends. I’ll give him friends.”

  “I’m glad you’re working on the scarves. Your little soliloquy would be really tough on the crystal,” said Rose. “Let it go. The man’s a jerk. We know that. He just doesn’t like feeling guilty anymore. If you’re going to shred one of those scarves, make sure it’s not silk, please.”

  Daisy stopped and took a breath. “Sorry. You’re right.” She touched her fingertips to her clavicle. “I’m centering myself. I am calm. I am peaceful. Bill Greene is pond scum who cannot upset me. Let’s just finish up so we can open.”

  When Daisy ran over to the Tavern to pick up lunch, she met Hazel coming out. “Everything back to normal? You look lovely, as usual. How is Roscoe? Malcolm saw you on Thanksgiving going into feed him. He keeps quite an eye on the neighborhood.”

  “Roscoe’s fine. His little brush with death doesn’t seem to have had any lasting effect.

  “Malcolm certainly does keep a close eye. He barks at me whenever I see him. But it’s nice that you’re keeping a look out. I think that’s what we all need to do. Anything new about the murder? I’ve seen that really handsome detective driving by quite a bit lately.”

  “Yes, Tom told me he’d ask if patrols could be increased. Would you say Tom Willis is handsome? I’d say he’s more boyishly cute.”

  “Not Tom Willis. The detective you said you were married to, the one who interviewed us.”

  “Bill? You’ve seen Bill Greene here in the neighborhood?”

  “Yes. Four or five times over the last week. I thought it odd that he didn’t really stop to inspect anything. Just drove around a bit and left.”

  “Well, I don’t know what that’s about. I do know that the Bostwick police have stepped up patrols in the area. And we’re all supposed to let them know if we notice anything strange or out of the ordinary. Or, better yet, anyone!”

  “Sure. I can do that. Are you thinking of anything in particular? Has something else happened?” asked Hazel.

  “Not really. Just shadows in the night on Thanksgiving. A little creepy. But I don’t think it was anything. I’m just a little on edge.

  “I’m afraid my break’s over. I’ve got to get Rose her lunch or she might have a meltdown. We’ve been running all day. See you later, Hazel.”

  Monday and Tuesday’s mail sat on the hall table until Tuesday evening. Rose gathered it up as she came in, got herself a cup of cocoa and curled up on the couch to go through the pile. Malcolm snuggled down beside her while she worked. A lot of junk to be recycled, a few Christmas cards, catalogs, and some bills.

  “Here’s one for you, Daisy. Hand delivered. No stamp.”

  “Thanks. Probably a card from one of the neighbors.” Daisy sat down and took the envelope.

  Malcolm sat up and sniffed it. He started growling softly, snatched the letter from her hand, and hid under the couch.

  “Malcolm, come here, you nut. Come out from under,” Daisy said as she tugged at his collar. Slowly he slid out from his hiding place and Daisy got the envelo
pe from between his teeth. Malcolm sat close to her and whined.

  “Malcolm, what’s wrong with you? It’s a Christmas card. Relax.” She opened the envelope and pulled out a sheet of plain white paper folded to resemble a greeting card. “What the hell?”

  She stared at the card a moment. Then she looked at the envelope again. “Rose, look at this.”

  Rose took the card. On the outside was a drawing of a Valentine’s heart with a knife sticking in it and drops of blood falling from the wound. Inside was a short computer printed message – “BACK OFF!”

  “‘What the hell’ is right. Daisy, this is creepy. What’s it mean?”

  Daisy shrugged. “Beats me. I guess I’m supposed to back off from someone. Or something.”

  “Who? Marc? Who else has been here? The police, Bill, Tom Willis? Maybe they mean the murder investigation! Not that we’ve had time to investigate really, have we? Have you been doing some snooping I don’t know about?”

  Daisy shook her head. “You know I haven’t had time for that. I don’t know. That heart makes it feel kind of personal. More like a resentful lover kind of thing, but I don’t have any kind of lover.

  “Speaking of which, did I tell you Hazel’s seen Bill prowling the neighborhood? I spoke to her when I got lunch yesterday and she told me she’s seen him driving around, not stopping or questioning anyone. Just driving past. Why would he do that?”

  “He wouldn’t have sent this, would he?” asked Rose. “Maybe Marc has an old girlfriend who still has a crush on him.”

  “I don’t have a clue! But, I’m not going to let this worry me. It’s going into the trash.”

  Daisy threw it in the basket by the computer.

  Rose walked over and pulled it out. “Maybe we should keep it. Just in case.”

  “In case what?”

  “I don’t know. This is just one more really odd thing to happen. Probably the sort of thing Bill would like us to report to him. So maybe we should just keep it.” She put the letter and envelope into a plastic bag and wrote the date on it.