The Harvest Club

by Iona Morrison

  She drove a little way and then pulled over on the shoulder, needing to get hold of herself before she saw Katie. She would want the scoop, and Jessie wasn’t ready to tell anybody about how Gina’s grave and murder had impacted her. At least not right now.

  A car pulled in behind her. In her mirror she watched a neatly dressed man approaching her car. He leaned down to see her better; brown eyes with gold flecks looked inquiringly into hers. “Are you all right? Do you need any help?” He straightened up and continued to look at her curiously.

  “Everything is fine.” She gazed up at him. “I’m new in town—I just arrived from New York and needed to get my bearings.”

  “You must be Jessie, Katie Donovan’s friend. She told me you were on your way and to keep a look out for you. My name is Dylan Mitchel.” He smiled at her. “I’m one of the police officers in town. Welcome to Blue Cove.”

  “Thanks.” She smiled. “I’d better get on my way before Katie sends out the militia.” She laughed and started her car, shifting it into gear.

  “Your turn off is just up the road. Katie has one of the prettiest places you’ll ever lay eyes on. I know I’ll be seeing you around.” She nodded and he headed back to his car.

  ****

  Making the turn onto Blue Iris Lane, which was obviously named for the inn, she slowed down to take it all in. She was going to enjoy the moment in spite of murders and ghosts!

  Irises and lilac bushes lined the roadway filling the air with a fragrant floral scent. At the end of the road was the inn just like its magazine picture, yellow clapboard siding and pristine white trim, accented with shutters and several pairs of French doors leading out onto a beautiful large wraparound porch. No wonder the Blue Iris Inn had been given a five star rating in the Beautiful Inns of America Magazine. It was special, with its charming gardens and spectacular ocean views. Jessie pinched herself, smiling, to make sure she wasn’t dreaming.

  Katie was waiting on the porch. Her coppery hair was ablaze in the sunlight as she posed like a model among the white wicker furniture. The moment Katie saw her, a smile lit up her face she waved excitedly, jumping up and down. Jessie grinned.

  “Jessie, Jessie.” Katie ran down the steps toward her. She opened the car door, grabbed Jessie, and wrapped her in a big hug as she climbed out of the car. “I’m so glad you’re here. Dylan called and told me you were on your way. We’ve so much to catch up on.” Pausing only to take a breath, Katie hugged her again. “Ooh, I like your hair long. Everything about you is long!” She stepped back with a stunned look on her face.

  “What?” Jessie laughed

  “Oh, my gosh, you look great! New York was good for you. You’ll be like manna to the single guys in town.”

  “I’m not sure how to take that, but thanks, I think, and hi back at you.” Jessie chuckled, as Katie’s green eyes twinkled with mischief, just as she remembered.

  “Have you always been this tall?” Katie looked up at Jessie, gesturing for drama. “I don’t remember being this short next to you. I feel like a monkey next to a gazelle.” They both giggled.

  “Oh, how I’ve missed you…and missed laughing. I don’t think I’ve hardly laughed at all the past several years except for when you called.”

  “Seriously…we’ll remedy that as soon as possible.” Katie grabbed Jessie’s purse from the car and closed the door. “Just as soon as we get you settled we’re going to dinner to celebrate your arrival.” She hugged Jessie again.

  “Sounds good…I can’t wait to see my place. Did everything get here okay?”

  “It’s all there waiting for you to put it away.” Katie took her hand and pulled her down the path.

  ****

  The cottage was perfect, away from the main inn, down a path through the beautiful gardens and set on the property in such a way as to have a breathtaking view of the ocean. It was a place she could only imagine in her dreams, but she was standing in it.

  Katie left her to do some immediate unpacking and freshen up. From the cozy living room, she stared out at the distant horizon, the sun now high in the sky, turning the cove a deep blue hue. “Thank you, my dear friend,” she whispered.

  If it hadn’t been for Katie, she would still be in New York City, living in a tiny flat with two other girls from work.

  She had arrived there, a very naïve twenty-one-year-old fresh out of college, and had been hired as an intern by a family friend to write for a cable news company. After several promotions, Jessie’s salary was great, but with each passing year, she felt more unsettled and restless. She wasn’t one of those people who thrived in the city.

  The news industry had become extremely competitive, with everyone after the credit for the next big story. Jessie had started the job wanting to make a difference, but that wasn’t what it was all about. Well, she still wanted that—to make a difference.

  This past year she had made a decision to look for something different. Every weekend she used her one pricey purchase, called fondly her sanity keeper, a fully restored 1964 red Mustang convertible, to explore the coastal Northeast. It had all seemed like a pipe dream until a couple of months ago. Then the call had come from Katie.

  “Jessie, guess what?” It had been a wet, chilly evening after a disappointing day at work. Katie’s voice on the phone was as impatient as ever. “Oh, you’ll never guess. I’ve inherited an inn at Blue Cove from my uncle Robert. I’ll be moving there in a couple of weeks. It’s called the Blue Iris Inn.”

  “Perfect! I can’t wait to see it. Just think, Katie, it’ll be like old times. We haven’t lived this close in years. I’ll actually get to see you once in a while.”

  “I’ve been thinking.” Katie paused. “You’re always telling me you want to get out of the city; you could come and help me out, or find a job. I have a cottage on the property you could rent. I’ll give you a great deal. Give it some thought, okay?”

  “I’ll do it.” She had decided on the spot, a rush of relief washing through her. “It sounds too good to be true. Not only getting out of the city, but to be with my best friend as well. It might be hard to pass up.”

  “I’m hoping so and one more thing to tempt you… it has a spectacular view of the ocean. I’ll let you know when I get there, and in the meantime, you can check it out on the internet. Oh, and, I heard about a job opening at First Community Church. They’re in need of a secretary.”

  She had checked it out, applied for the job, did two phone interviews and was hired. Just like that. When she turned in her two week notice, her boss, Neil Dempsey, had asked her if she would consider doing some freelance news stories, to which she readily agreed and, voilà, here she was.

  Jessie sighed and turned away from the window. In her new kitchen, she unpacked the box sitting on the counter. Distracted, she put things away without her usual planning.

  She couldn’t explain what had happened to her today, but her intuition told her it was more than being tired. There was something for her to find here. In the meantime, Jessie loved it, the town, the inn, and her cottage by the sea. She was home.

  Chapter Two

  Finished…Jessie smiled and stepped back to survey her handiwork. She liked it! The soft blue gray of the walls, gleaming white trim, sun-washed floral chairs, and white couch with floral pillows; the bones had been there, but now it was her room. Her books and family photos were on the built-in bookcases on each side of the fireplace. Grandma Sadie’s painting hung on the wall, her laptop was on the writing desk, and scented candles and knickknacks decorated the end tables. The kitchen had her small appliances on the counter, and she had filled her favorite vase with flowers from the garden and placed it on the table. The room looked and felt like home.

  All of it done with a few minutes to spare. She ran the brush through her hair, changed her shirt, and put on lip gloss. Grabbing her purse, she locked the door. It was girls’ night out.

  She strolled through the gardens back to the inn inhaling the perfume of honeysuckle that filled th
e early evening air. Everywhere she looked the flowers were in full bloom, a rainbow of vivid color and beauty. This was going to be a great place to live!

  She waved at an older man wearing a large brimmed hat, who was working in the vegetable and herb garden that filled the space behind the inn’s kitchen. He waved back. “It looks like we’re in for a beautiful sunset.” She smiled at him.

  “It looks that way. Are you Ms. Donovan’s friend?” He stooped to pick up a basket filled with green onions.

  “I am. I just moved into the cottage today. Would you like me to take that to the kitchen for you? I’m on my way there.”

  “Yes, if you don’t mind.” He handed her the basket.

  “No problem. I’m Jessie by the way.”

  “You can call me Mr. Yamamoto.” He grinned. “Believe me it’s easier than trying to pronounce my first name.”

  Jessie wondered which of Katie’s creations these green onions would find their way into. Katie was an amazing cook, and she’d enjoyed being her guinea pig over the years. There had been a few disasters in the beginning, but Katie’s culinary skills had grown with time. Jessie slipped quietly into the kitchen, placed the basket on the counter, and waited for Katie to finish what she was doing at her desk.

  “I’ll be right with you, Jessie. I’m going to take you on the grand driving tour of Blue Cove. Which should take all of about fifteen minutes, and then we can eat.”

  “Take your time. I can wait.”

  “I’m all done.” She laid down the pen. She picked up her purse and opened the back door. “I can’t believe I’ll be able to see you every day, if I want to.” They walked out to the car together. “How do you like your place?”

  “What’s not to like!” Jessie fastened her seatbelt and looked at Katie. “Okay, Ms. Donovan, it’s time to impress me with your wealth of knowledge about Blue Cove.” Jessie laughed.

  ****

  Katie drove down Main Street. “Here’s where our tour begins.” She smiled lifting her nose up in the air.

  “My, aren’t we uppity.”

  “Shush…” Katie put her finger to her mouth. “I’m leading a tour here.” She proceeded with an English accent. “A major revitalization project was just completed in several areas of town. The idea, of course, is to attract more tourists. Doesn’t it look nice?”

  “Pretty sweet…Main Street looks picture perfect.” She got into the spirit of the conversation. “Does tourism play a big role in the town’s economy?”

  Katie nodded. “The town almost triples in size during the summer months. The season officially kicks off with a concert in the park a week from Friday night. From what I’ve heard, people bring a picnic supper and stay to enjoy the live music. There’s also a concert on July Fourth with fireworks at the end.”

  “That sounds great! I like the idea of community gatherings.” Jessie’s brows furrowed. “This is only a hypothetical question; if I were to buy a business here, how would it survive in the off season?”

  “The local people keep the economy going, of course, but there isn’t much of an off season.” Katie stopped at the stop sign.

  “What do you mean?”

  “The fall bus tours are filled with folks who like to spend time here, and they shop. And as I’ve so aptly pointed out in my grand tour, we have several Christmas shops; we also have an Old Town Christmas.” Katie’s eyes sparkled. “In past years the inn has been full, and they had a sleigh that brought guests to the park for the lighting of the town Christmas tree. It will be my first year to continue the tradition, and I’m really looking forward to it.” Katie’s enthusiasm brought a smile to Jessie’s face.

  “You sound a little like a brochure for Blue Cove.” Jessie looked at Katie and smiled.

  “Don’t I know it! I had to learn all of it, so I could tell my guests. There is something to do almost all year round.”

  “How do you like being an innkeeper?”

  “I love it.” Katie smiled. “The people are fantastic, most of them anyway.” She scrunched her face. “I enjoy being able to live here, and I already have several wedding parties booked for the summer.”

  “It’s a beautiful inn, and the gardens are perfect for an outdoor wedding. Your uncle was kind to leave it to you.”

  Katie’s expression softened. “I know. I couldn’t have written a better script for my life. Plus with the outstanding staff and the landscape genius I have working for me, I can take a night off every now and then.”

  “By the way…” Jessie glanced at Katie. “I love the way you cut your hair. It makes your eyes stand out, and you look happy, really happy.”

  “I am. I finally feel like I found my place in this big old world.”

  Jessie’s stomach grumbled. “Not to change the subject, but where are we going for dinner?”

  “I thought we would go to Angelo’s tonight, if that’s okay with you.” Katie slowed for one of the few stop lights on the main street. “They make a really great pizza.”

  “Angelo’s it is.” Jessie nodded. “I hope someday soon I can figure out what my place is.” She sighed.

  ****

  The minute she stepped through the door she could smell the Italian spices and baking pizza. It smelled delicious. Her stomach grumbled again as she followed the hostess to their table.

  Jessie liked what she saw, red and white tablecloths, white linen napkins, and drippy candles in wine bottles on each table. It was the perfect touch for a place called Angelo’s. They decided on the Blue Cove Special, with sausage, onions, green peppers and extra cheese; salads and drinks finished off their order.

  “Look Jessie, there’s Dylan.” Katie pointed to a table. “I wonder who’s with him. I can only see his back.” She smiled and waved.

  Jessie looked where Katie’s finger was pointing and waved too. “Katie, I’ve got to ask you something.” Her fingers drummed on the table.

  “You sound so serious.” Katie turned around quickly to look at her.

  “Why didn’t you tell me about the murder at the church?” She frowned at Katie.

  “Do you want the truth?” Katie met her stare.

  “Of course I do!”

  “I thought if I told you, you might back out of coming. Besides, I just learned about it a few weeks ago myself.” Katie shrugged. “How’d you hear about it so soon?”

  “I stopped at the church before I came to your place. James Morris showed me around and told me about it.” Jessie shivered. “He was one of the people who saw the murder scene.”

  “You don’t need to worry. It wasn’t random—the police believe she was the intended victim.”

  “I have to admit that at first it really bothered me.” Jessie shifted in her chair.

  “What about now?” Katie prompted.

  “I can see the potential for a great story. Murders don’t happen every day at a church, you know. A young woman’s life was cut short, a mystery has yet to be solved, and I think it might make a good story to send Neil.”

  “Just be careful, Jessie. There’s a murderer out there, and this is a small town.”

  “Meaning…” Jessie lifted her brows.

  “Everyone knows each other’s business. It wouldn’t take much for someone to find out you’re poking around and asking questions,” Katie whispered.

  “What are you two up to?” Dylan’s voice startled them “You girls were so deep in conversation you didn’t even see us coming.” A flicker of amusement lit the other man’s dark blue eyes. “Jessie, this is Matt Parker, a good friend of mine.”

  She met Matt’s smiling eyes. “It’s nice to meet you.”

  “Sure, same here.” He inclined his head. “Dylan told me you’re from New York City.”

  “It’s been home for the past several years.”

  “How long do you think you’ll be able to handle our small town? Won’t you miss the shopping or whatever it is that you girls like to do?”

  “I think I’ll manage just fine.” Her answer was curt, he
r chin edged up a notch. Shop indeed, as if that’s all she did!

  She enjoyed listening to the conversation that followed. It gave her a chance to study the two men. Dylan was handsome and refined, tall with brown eyes and impeccable manners. She could tell Katie was interested in him. Her eyes and face lit up every time he said something to her.

  Matt was such a contrast to Dylan, every bit as tall but a little on the scruffy side. A five o’clock shadow darkened his face. He had dark hair and blue eyes so deep they appeared almost navy. His answers were abrupt, and he spent most of the evening scowling at her. Dylan’s face broke into a smile often. Matt had a lopsided grin. As crazy as it seemed, of the two, she was drawn to Matt—which bugged her. He was good-looking, but a little too tough guy for her taste. Maybe she was in the market for a good fight; she didn’t even know Matt, but she didn’t like him. She frowned and could hear Grandma Sadie scolding her. “Give the poor man a chance.” Maybe what she needed was to sleep and to start all over tomorrow.

  Several times, she caught Matt staring at her with a puzzled expression on his face. She got the distinct feeling he didn’t like her either. Boy, was she glad when the guys left and dinner was finally finished. Rubbing her eyes, she thought bed sounded more inviting all the time.

  “Matt couldn’t take his eyes off you.” Katie nudged her as they walked to the car.

  “If glaring counts, I guess that’s true. I don’t think he liked me much, and I don’t feel overly fond of him either.” She opened the car door.

  “Matt’s a nice guy. I’m sure you were just reading him wrong. He’s also a police officer and probably could answer some of your questions about the murder.” Katie paused. “By the way what do you think of Dylan?”

  “He’s a nice guy, but a better question might be what do you think of Dylan?” Jessie fluttered her eyelashes flirtatiously.