by Tim Myers
“That’s fine,” I said, wondering why Hilda would want to keep it. She didn’t strike me as all that sentimental, but who really knows what goes on in someone else’s heart?
Lillian showed up ten minutes after Hilda was gone. She was breezing in later and later to work, but I couldn’t say anything, especially since we rarely had customers that early. It would also be indelicate of me to say anything, since Lillian wasn’t exactly being paid, though she was using card stock at a prodigious pace.
“Sorry I’m late; I slept in,” she offered as she walked in. “I trust I didn’t miss anything.”
“Just another message from Maggie,” I said casually.
As Lillian took off her jacket, she said, “Jennifer, while I normally appreciate your sense of humor, that’s a little over the line, even by my standards.”
I walked over to the card corner where we sold Lillian’s creations. “That’s coming from the woman who made this card?”
I pushed one on her, and she studied it a moment before commenting. The card in question had a tombstone with an “RIP” engraved on it. The tombstone was on a spring and would dance at the slightest provocation. That wasn’t the worst part, though. Inside, she’d inscribed, “Wish you were there instead of here.”
“Tell me it’s a sentiment you’ve never entertained. I’d considered another greeting for this one. Would you like to hear it?”
“Do I have a choice?” I asked.
She ignored my comment and said, “Perhaps I should make another one that says, ‘Do us all a favor and make the world a better place.’ What do you think?”
“I think you’re a sick puppy.”
Lillian frowned. “I’m not the one claiming actual dead people are communicating from beyond the grave.”
“I’m not making it up,” I said as I showed her Maggie’s card.
She read it, then said, “Jennifer, I apologize. Maggie is certainly trying to make our quest easier, isn’t she?”
“So you agree that she thinks one of our group killed her?”
Lillian said, “No, I believe she wants us to eliminate her friends first before we start our search in earnest.”
That was an approach I hadn’t even considered. “Either way, we need to interview them at the meeting tonight. But how are we going to do it without making them suspicious?”
Lillian paced around the room. “I don’t have a clue, but there’s got to be some way to approach them.”
While it was bad for business, our lack of customers did give us time to think. Lillian took up the seat at our display worktable facing the window, while I paced through the aisles of the shop. Custom Card Creations was a fine size for selling cards, but it didn’t leave a lot of room to pace. I was straightening cards as I walked, just because I had a tough time seeing any of my creations askew, when my glance caught the title of the section I was working in. I’d created the most sympathetic sympathy cards I could manage. Staring at the heading gave me a sudden idea. “I’ve got it.”
“What is it?” Lillian asked. Had she been dozing off? It didn’t matter, but I could swear she’d been taking a catnap instead of brainstorming with me.
“We make a sympathy book for Maggie’s long lost cousin, sharing her life with him.”
Lillian said, “Everyone knows Maggie didn’t have any family, Jennifer.”
“That’s where we get creative. He was a black sheep, so Maggie never talked about him, but they’d reconciled recently.”
Lillian frowned a moment, then said, “I suppose it could work, but where is this mystery man?”
“Let me think.” I considered the possibilities, then said, “Okay, here’s what we’ll say. Maggie wanted to meet him again at a neutral place, so she rendezvoused with him here at the card shop a few weeks ago. I called to tell him about Maggie and he asked me to gather this information for him, since he couldn’t get back in time for her funeral. Do you think they’ll buy it?”
She grinned. “And why not? After all, she was his last living relative.”
“Lillian, you know we’re making him up, don’t you?”
My aunt favored me with one of her driest looks and said, “I’m not batty yet, child, but we need to give them some excuse why he’s not here.”
“Well, why don’t we say he’s burying his wife in England, and he can’t show up.”
Lillian eyed me carefully before saying, “And you claim I’m the one with the dark side. Jennifer, I’d hate to visit one of your nightmares.”
I brushed that off. “But would it work?”
“Yes, I think it will. Double tragedies would explain his absence and still garner sympathy. By the way, what’s his name?”
“Again, we’re making him up. What would you like his name to be?”
Lillian stroked her nose, then said, “I’ve always been partial to ‘Timothy.’”
“Then ‘Timothy’ it is,” I said. “Now we need to make a booklet for their memories.”
“Oh, let me. It sounds like fun.”
I looked askance at my aunt, then said, “You do remember why we’re doing this, don’t you?”
“Jennifer, if anyone in this world or the next would want us to get some joy out of this, it would be Maggie herself. Wouldn’t you agree?”
I chose a blank memory book for my aunt. “I can’t disagree with that. Just keep it in good taste, will you?”
“I can be tasteful when the situation calls for it,” she said with a sniff.
“I know you can, but will you?”
Lillian said, “Dear girl, I promise you, you’ll be I amazed.”
And I would be if my aunt actually did what she I said she was going to do. I could always throw something together later if Lillian’s efforts weren’t up to my standards. I couldn’t wait until the meeting so I could start digging into Maggie’s murder, but I had no choice. In the meantime, I had a shop to run, and bills to pay.
Lillian was still working on the front of the memory book for the fictitious Timothy when a man in his thirties walked into the shop. He had a furtive look about him, and I wondered if I was going to have trouble with another shoplifter. It amazed me that some people would rather steal than pay for their goods, but if I caught them doing it, my brother was just a phone call away.
“May I help you?” I asked politely, trying to give him the benefit of the doubt.
“I’m just browsing,” he mumbled, another sign that I was about to be hit. I had a technique I’d learned from Sara Lynn about dealing with suspected shoplifters. I’d follow him around the store closer than his own shadow, offering helpful suggestions as we “browsed” together.
“If you could tell me what you’re looking for, I can be of more assistance,” I said.
He glanced over at Lillian, around the otherwise empty shop, then back at me. “Okay, but you have to promise not to laugh.”
That wasn’t exactly the reaction I’d expected. “I’m not in the habit of laughing at my customers. It tends to drive off potential business.”
“I’m serious,” he insisted.
“I promise,” I said, wondering what kind of revelation he was about to share.
“I’m a stay-at-home dad,” he said in a lowered voice, “and I started wondering what to do with all the pictures of my daughter I’d been taking. One of the mothers at the preschool started talking about scrapbooking, and it sounded perfect.”
“I don’t handle scrapbooking supplies, but I can recommend Forever Memories. It’s just down the block.”
He nodded. “I know all about that place. The thing is, I really like doing it, but now I’ve got the bug and I want to do more. Your sister told me I should talk to you about card making. By the way, my name is Daniel.”
“I’m Jennifer,” I said, then added, “I think it’s wonderful you’re interested in cardmaking.” I said, “I have lots of men who come here for supplies. In fact, there’s even one in my card-making club.” I thought about inviting him to our meeting tonight,
but I doubted we’d be making many cards, and besides, I didn’t want any distractions while I grilled my club members.
“So you don’t think it’s odd I enjoy doing this kind of thing?” he asked.
“I think your wife’s lucky to have you,” I said sincerely. “Raising children is one of the most honorable things you can do with your life, in my opinion.”
A partial smile started to show on his face. “I think so too, but sometimes it’s tough being a man doing it in the South.”
“I imagine it’s hard for anybody. Let’s see, you should already have most of the supplies and tools you need. Where should we get started?”
“I’d like to make an anniversary card for my wife,” he said. “Could you help me make something nice?”
“I’d be honored,” I said. “Lillian, could we have that space? You can work in back, and I’ll call you if I need you.”
“Certainly,” Lillian said as she gathered her supplies and moved to the workroom. She’d learned early on that our customers came first. After all, they were the ones who were keeping us afloat.
“Now let’s see,” I said. “What kind of card did you have in mind?”
“I honestly don’t know,” he said. “I was hoping you’d be able to help me.”
I led him to the section of anniversary cards I’d made myself, showing him a few examples as we went.
Finally, he said, “These are all nice, but I was kind of hoping to do one myself.”
“I understand perfectly. I just thought this might give you an idea of what can be done. We’re just looking for inspiration right now.”
He nodded, then chose an off-white card with an embossed border and a bouquet inside. “Something like this would be perfect. Is it hard to make?”
“You’re going to be amazed how easy it is,” I said as I grabbed some card stock and the embosser Lillian and I had been playing with earlier. “Let’s get started.”
I showed him the basic technique of embossing, and in no time at all he was working on a card of his own. The man had a real gift for card making, and I was willing to bet his scrapbooking sheets were beautifully done, too.
“You’re good at this,” I said.
“It’s fun,” he admitted reluctantly.
I had to make this man feel good about his new hobby. “You know, Rosie Grier knits, and he used to play pro football.”
“Yeah, but can he make a greeting card?” Daniel asked with a smile.
“I’m sure he can if he wants to,” I admitted. “I certainly wouldn’t try to stop him.”
Daniel’s card was beautiful, and by the time he was finished and ready to leave, I’d sold him several new tools and a healthy supply of card stock, including some sheets of paper I’d made myself.
“Now call if you have any questions, and come back anytime.”
“I will,” he said.
Lillian was still in back when my sister came in. “I just helped one of your customers,” I said. “Thanks for the referral.”
“I know; I saw Daniel in here, so I decided to wait outside. He’s quite gifted, you know.”
“I don’t doubt it,” I agreed. “So what brings you here during regular business hours?”
“Can’t one sister take another one to lunch without a reason?” Sara Lynn asked.
“Probably not if you’re one of the sisters,” I said, trying and failing to hide my smile.
Sara Lynn tried to look stern, but she couldn’t manage it. “Let’s go eat, unless you’ve got other plans.”
“If you’re buying, I’m all yours,” I said.
“I’m inviting you, so of course I’ll pick up the check,” Sara Lynn said sternly.
“Can Lillian come too? She’s working in back.”
After she glanced around the shop, Sara Lynn asked, “Are you planning to leave your store untended again?”
I knew my sister meant well, but it was my shop, and my decision alone whether we closed it or not. “Honestly, I doubt we’ll miss a single customer.”
Sara Lynn shook her head. “If you don’t mind, I’d like it to be just the two of us.”
“I don’t mind, but who knows how Lillian’s going to react?”
Sara Lynn said, “Don’t worry. I’ll take care of her.” She called out, “Lillian, I need some time with my sister. Would you mind watching the store?”
Our aunt came out smiling. “I’d be delighted. You two have fun.”
I was feeling guilty just abandoning her like that. “Can we bring you back something?”
“No, I’m fine. Just be back by two if you could.”
“Why, do you have a hot date?” I asked.
“Wouldn’t you like to know,” Lillian replied.
Once Sara Lynn and I were outside, she said, “Is she serious? Is that woman ever going to slow down?”
“If she does, I for one will be disappointed in her. She gives me fresh hope every day. So, where are we going?”
Sara Lynn appeared to think about it for a moment, then said, “I haven’t been to Hurley’s in a while. How does that sound?”
“Outstanding. Now I’m glad I skipped breakfast.”
“Jennifer, you really should . . . oh, never mind, you won’t listen to me anyway.”
“That’s one of things I love about you, Sara Lynn. You know how to choose your battles.”
Chapter 7
After we’d placed our orders, Sara Lynn smiled at me. “What is it?” I asked her.
“We’ve been together ten minutes and you haven’t once asked me what we’re doing here.”
“I figured you’d tell me when you were ready,” I said as I ate one of the warm rolls with some honey butter Jack Hurley had brought us personally. Jack owns Hurley’s, and he’s a longtime friend of the family’s. In fact, he dated Sara Lynn at one time, and I wondered if the special treatment was for me or for my big sister. Sara Lynn had been married to Bailey for what must have felt like forever, while Jack seemed like he had more kids than Baskin-Robbins had flavors. Still, there was a secret smile the two of them had shared when he’d brought the rolls, and I felt like I was twelve years old again—in other words, completely invisible.
Sara Lynn reached for another roll, then pulled her hand back. “I’d better not if I’m going to have room for my lunch.”
I grabbed the one she’d ignored. “I’ll find a way to make room. These are too good to just leave.”
As I ate, Sara Lynn asked, “So how’s business?”
“It’s fine. How’s yours?”
“Forever Memories is on stable ground, as always.” She took a deep breath, let half of it out, then said, “I’ve been hearing rumors that you’re not doing as well.”
I dropped the half-eaten roll on my plate. “And who did you hear these rumors from?”
“That’s not important,” Sara Lynn said. “What matters is—”
I rarely interrupt my sister, but I wasn’t about to let that go. “It might not matter to you, but it does to me. Now tell me who’s saying I’m in trouble.”
She looked primly at me as she said, “Jennifer, I’m not going to betray a confidence.”
“Then you shouldn’t have brought it up. Sara Lynn, nobody knows how I’m doing, and that includes Lillian.”
Sara Lynn’s gaze dropped down for just a moment, but it was enough. “Oh my word. You’re saying that our aunt is telling the world I’m failing?” I couldn’t believe it. Lillian was more than just my aunt, more than my only employee. In a very real way, I considered her a partner in my business. The revelation that she believed I was failing hammered me between the eyes.
I stood up and threw my napkin on the table.
“Where are you going?” Sara Lynn asked.
“I’m going to set Lillian straight.”
“She didn’t say anything,” Sara Lynn snapped.
“Don’t lie to me, Sis. You’re lousy at it.”
Sara Lynn snapped, “If you’d give me a moment to explain before you
go off like a firecracker, I’d appreciate it.”
I wouldn’t sit back down, but I didn’t head for the door either. “So talk.”
Sara Lynn looked around us, obviously caring about what other people at the restaurant thought. As for me, they could all kiss the wind if they didn’t like the way I acted. Finally, my sister said, “All right, Lillian didn’t say anything, at least not directly. I happened to ask if she was on any kind of salary yet, and she joked that she was taking her pay in supplies.”
“I can afford to pay her,” I said levelly, and I could, if I stopped eating and cut back on a few other nonessentials like that. “Did it ever occur to you that getting supplies instead of cash was her idea?” While Lillian hadn’t asked for that arrangement, it was working out fine for me.
“My mistake then,” Sara Lynn said in a soft, humble voice that made me repent my latest outburst. I picked up my napkin, put it back in my lap and said, “Listen, I’m sorry. I’m the first one to admit that I’m a little touchy when it comes to my shop. If I thought Aunt Lillian was unhappy with our arrangement for a second, I’d work something out with her. Sara Lynn, I’m not making a fortune, but between special orders and my walk-in trade, I’m doing okay.”
Sara Lynn looked honestly repentant. “I wasn’t trying to pry, Jennifer.” I let that go, which I thought all in all was pretty big of me. She continued. “I just worry about you so.”
“Sis, if I fail spectacularly or if I end up running a dozen stores, this is exactly what I want to be doing with my life, okay? You know I don’t believe in regrets. I’m giving Custom Card Creations all I’ve got, so no matter what happens, in the end I can look back and feel well pleased that I did my best.”
Jack put our plates down and said, “I don’t know whether to applaud or salute. That was some speech, Jennifer. Are you running for office?”
“I’d throw a roll at you, but they’re too good to waste,” I said.
Sara Lynn added, “My little sister was just reasserting her independence.”
“When doesn’t she?” Jack asked. Then he stepped back out of the way in case I changed my mind and threw something at him after all. “Is there anything else?” he asked.