by Lyndsey Cole
“Slow down, Lily.” Ryan held her arm. “Let me do the investigation. I’ll follow you. First, I need to call Detective May to come and have a look around for evidence. You haven’t moved anything?”
“No.”
Ryan called Adam and while he was busy with that call, Lily pulled Iris off to the side. “What’s the story with you and Walter? Seems like there’s more going on than just casual friends?”
Iris looked a little embarrassed. “We’ve been friends since we were kids. He grew up here. He’s a little older than I am but he used to be quite fond of me.” She blushed. “Before I fell in love with your father, of course. Anyway, he went off to college and I guess that’s when he met Harriet. He told me he was very pleased when the Lyman Estate came on the market and he convinced Harriet to buy it. The money is hers.”
“You stayed in touch all those years?”
“Not really. Your father didn’t like Walter. It was only recently that we started getting together for coffee on a regular basis.”
Ryan finished his call. “Lily, ready to go?”
“Ready.”
Kristy opened the door when Lily and Ryan arrived. “What’cha got in that pastry box?” She opened one, almost knocking it out of Lily’s arm, and grabbed a cupcake covered in creamy chocolate frosting with a strawberry on top. “This is just what I need. A nice sugar boost to wake me up.” She eyed Ryan up and down. “Ya got your bodyguard today?” She turned and walked away chuckling to herself.
Ryan helped Lily get the pastry boxes reorganized. “She’s quite the trophy. How does she fit in this drama?”
“I’ll fill you in later,” Lily whispered. “Let’s get this delivered. Maybe they’re in the sunroom. I know where that is. I’ll have to go back out for the rest of the flowers.”
Lily walked toward the sunshine and Gwen jumped up when she heard their footsteps. “You’re finally here and you’re late. I thought you forgot. Did you bring the manuscripts?” She looked at the boxes Lily held which were obviously filled with food and not papers.
“Well. There was a bit of a mishap,” Lily started to explain nervously.
Ryan jumped in, “Is there someplace we can talk?”
Walter called to Gwen. “Who’s here?”
Gwen tried to push them out of view but Walter stood up and saw Lily. “Lily, dear, come in. It’s nice of you to drop by. Who do you have with you?”
Lily brushed past Gwen as Gwen took the pastry boxes and bouquet of flowers and whispered in her ear, “Don’t tell him about the manuscripts.”
Ryan followed Lily. “You don’t have to worry about that Ms. Brooks, that’s why I’m here.” Lily saw Gwen’s face go pale and Ryan’s lip curl in a smile.
Lily walked toward Walter. “It’s nice to see you too, Walter. This is the Police Chief, Ryan Steele. Don’t you remember him?”
“Of course I do. What brings you by today?” Walter gestured for them to sit down.
Lily pointed to the boxes Gwen was holding. “I brought the pastries you wanted and these flowers. I have more flowers in my minivan. I’ll be right back.”
“Pastries?”
Gwen put the boxes down on the table and asked Walter in a syrupy voice, “Don’t you remember? You wanted something sweet and some flowers when we all get together later.”
Walter reached to open the top box. “Go round up the others while I look to see what deliciousness is in these boxes. I wouldn’t mind something sweet right about now.”
Gwen started to pull the boxes away but changed her mind and left.
Walter waited for Gwen to be out of earshot. “She means well but she can be a tiny bit smothering.” He rolled his eyes and reached inside one of the boxes.
“What do you call this kind?” Walter held up a cupcake.
Lily set more flowers down and took a look at the cupcake he was holding. “Take a bite and see what it tastes like. They’re all different kinds. That one looks like a cheesecake cupcake with chocolate drizzle and raspberries on top.”
Walter took a big bite, leaned back and closed his eyes. “This is heavenly. I wish Harriet was here to enjoy one, too.” He finished the cupcake and looked at Ryan. “Are you here on official business?”
“Yes, I am. The manuscripts that you left at Lily’s house have been stolen. Someone broke into her house today while she was at her shop.”
“Oh dear. I hope nothing of yours was stolen, Lily.”
“No. Whoever broke in must have known the manuscripts were there and that’s all that was taken. Who knew you left them with me?”
“Hmmm. Let me think. Everyone knew about them but I don’t remember telling anyone I was going to show them to Iris. We all talked about them recently trying to decide what we should do with them. Apparently, since there are no known heirs, they belong to the owner of this estate.”
Ryan asked, “What was your plan, if you don’t mind me asking?”
“No, I don’t mind. We’re having them appraised.” Gwen returned followed by Kristy, Nicole and Julius. Walter looked toward Gwen and asked, “Didn’t you set up an appointment for the appraisal?”
Gwen nodded. “I’ll have to cancel it now. Unless they turn up before tomorrow afternoon.” She glared daggers at Lily.
Walter opened the pastry boxes. “Help yourself everyone. I had one of these and it was melt in my mouth delicious.”
Nicole and Julius sat on two wicker chairs with their backs to the sliding glass doors and the spectacular view. Nicole had a scowl on her face. “What is this? An impromptu service for Harriet?” Lily was shocked that Nicole referred to her mother by her name instead of as mom.
Julius patted her leg. “Let your mother rest in peace dear. She is taking very good care of you now, don’t forget.”
Nicole frowned. “Don’t sweet talk me. You’re not getting your hands on any of that money for your precious school. Those donors can support it for all I care.” She got up. “Dad, I have someplace I need to be.”
Walter held up the box. “Take a cupcake.”
Nicole brushed it aside. “No thanks.”
Lily took a quick look at Kristy who was sitting back comfortably in a rocking chair. She had a smirk on her face as if she was enjoying this show.
Ryan stood up. “I came here today to let you know that the manuscripts that Walter left at Ms. Bloom’s house last night have been stolen. I will be working with Detective May to track them down. In the meantime, if you have any information about them that you think could be helpful, please let me or Detective May know.”
Everyone sat forward. Gwen said, “Well that’s a disaster. How do we know that Ms. Bloom didn’t take them and say they were stolen?”
Lily jumped out of her seat. “You can’t be serious. Someone broke into my house and you think I faked it?”
Ryan held her arm, standing next to her. “We won’t take any more of your time. Thank you for your hospitality, Walter. I’ll be in touch if we find your manuscripts.”
Walter looked around at his family and friends. “I’m not worried. They really should go to an heir of Noah Lyman’s, but unfortunately, there aren’t any. Once we know the value, I think it would be appropriate to donate them to the new Misty Valley Library that Noah was so passionate about. I believe I have the last say in the matter.” He took out another cupcake and bit into it. Apparently, that conversation was over.
Gwen, Julius and Kristy’s mouths feel open at that statement. A dead silence fell over the room.
Chapter 12
Ryan and Lily walked out of the sunroom feeling the stares burning into their backs. As soon as they got outside, they burst out laughing.
“Did you see those faces when Walter said he was donating the manuscripts to the library? Too bad Nicole already left, she seems to be the most money hungry of them all.” Lily elbowed Ryan.
“Shhhh. At least one of them is probably watching us from a window.” He draped his arm on Lily’s shoulder in a comfortable, friendly gesture.
Lily sighed and looked up at Ryan. “Let’s get in the car and go have some fun for the rest of the day.
His hand tightened, pulling her closer. “That would be great. Only one minor detail, I’m still on duty.”
“That is a problem. And with Daisy not working, I have no help at the shop. It’s a nice thought though.”
Before Ryan let Lily get in her car, he turned her to face him. “Can we at least plan an evening together? Just you and me?” His eyes studied her face, hopeful.
Lily felt her heart skip a beat. “Definitely. Tonight?”
Ryan’s face lit up like the fourth of July. “I’ll pick you up around six?”
Lily nodded. “See you then.” She glanced back at the house and saw the silhouette of someone as the curtain fell back into place. She waved in case they were still watching. Ha, she thought, I’m not going to let them spook me.
Ryan drove off in his cruiser as Lily slid into the driver seat of her minivan. She had a couple of messages to check. Iris let her know that Adam May was searching her house for clues of the break in so she and Daisy had gone to the shop to get out of his way. Daisy was feeling good enough to answer the phone and take orders. That helps, thought Lily. She turned her key and nothing happened.
“Not what I need right now,” she mumbled out loud to herself. “I’ll have to go back inside and ask someone to give me a jump.”
Kristy met her at the door, almost like she had been watching and knew Lily was coming back inside. “Car trouble?”
“How did you guess? Could you give me a jump?”
Kristy shrugged. “I suppose so. Open your hood and I’ll pull up with my car.”
Lily got out her jumper cables and said a silent thank you to her father for always telling her to have a set in her car. She noticed that Kristy was looking at her with narrowed eyes.
“Are you ready or do you want to finish your daydream?”
Lily felt her face flush with heat. “I’m sure this will sound silly but the jumper cables made me think of my father. It’s the little things that make me remember him and those memories always make me smile.”
“No memories for me. I never knew my father.” Her muscles tensed as she attached the cables and told Lily to get in and turn her key. The car roared with life.
“Thanks. Do you know who he is?”
“Who, who is?”
“Your father.”
Kristy turned her face away, then looked at the ground. “Yeah, I know.” She headed back toward the house.
Lily called after her, “Thanks again, Kristy.”
That was awkward. Why do I always stick my foot in my mouth? Talking about my father to someone who doesn’t have a father. Dumb. Lily gave herself a mental slap for being so thoughtless.
Lily rushed back to her shop, hoping there wasn’t too much going on. Fortunately, it was nice and quiet. Daisy was resting in a comfy chair with Sweet Pea curled up, purring in her lap, and Iris was organizing the flowers. “Did Adam find anything at my house?”
Iris turned around. “No. Whoever came in must have been wearing gloves. No prints. Nothing to help figure out who it was. Anything interesting happen at Walter’s house?”
“Sort of. Walter is the only one who doesn’t seem bothered by the manuscript disappearance. And get this, he told the others that when they are found, he will donate them to the new Misty Valley library. He figures the library was Noah Lyman’s dream so the manuscripts should be part of that library.”
Iris was nodding in agreement. “That makes perfect sense. How did the others take that news?”
“Not well at all. And that’s probably an understatement. Everyone’s mouth fell open in complete shock and surprise.” Lily looked toward Daisy. “How are you feeling?”
Daisy sighed. “Alright. Kind of tired still. I’d like to go take a nap.”
“Of course. Mom? Can you bring Daisy back to your house?”
“Sure thing. It’s about time to let the dogs out. Poppy has been pretty good when I leave her inside, but sometimes she finds my shoes and chews on them. Maybe with Rosie there she won’t be bored. She can pester Rosie instead of destroy something.”
“I’ll stop over when I close up here.”
The door jingled as they walked out and Lily had a few minutes of quiet to herself. Enough time to puzzle over Harriet’s murder and realize she hadn’t come any closer to figuring out who killed her.
What was the murder weapon? Gwen seemed to be trying to move right into Walter’s world. Was that what she wanted all along? Nicole obviously wanted money and now that it looked like money was coming her way she didn’t even seem to care about her husband. Maybe the money was her way to escape an unfulfilling marriage? And what about Kristy. She had a chip on her shoulder but Lily couldn’t see how that connected to getting rid of Harriet. Julius? He seemed too wishy-washy and proper. Maybe it was someone else completely who she had overlooked who wanted to stop Harriet before Harriet stopped the new library. Could it have been Walter, like Ryan suggested? Kind, sweet Walter, who no one would suspect? Now there was a thought that gave her chills. Was he such a good actor that everyone automatically overlooked him? He had the most to gain by getting rid of a witchy wife and getting his hands on her money.
The door slammed, bringing Lily back to reality. “Hi Jennifer. Done at the café for the day?”
Jennifer leaned on the counter. “Done at the café, but not done for the day. How’s Daisy doing?”
“She went to my mom’s house to take a nap.” Lily saw disappointment on Jennifer’s face. “Why?”
“She wanted to learn how I make an ice bowl and I need to make one this afternoon. I thought I could steal her away and she could help me.”
“An ice bowl?”
“Yeah. Do you want to help?”
“Okay. It’s slow this afternoon. Can we make it here in my work area?”
Jennifer looked around. “That’ll work. I’ve got my bowls in the car. Be right back.”
Lily cleaned off one of the work benches and Jennifer set her bowls down. “Do you have a freezer?”
“Actually, I do. I have a fridge in my little office with some freezer space.”
“Awesome. So the trick is to have one large bowl that you put an inch or two of water in, then nest the smaller bowl inside and tape the tops together so it doesn’t slosh around.” Lily held the small bowl in place while Jennifer taped them together. “Now, I brought these herbs to sprinkle in the water and I’ll fill up the rest of the space between the bowls with more water. I have some pansies and violets to poke in to decorate the top of the ice. There. Pretty easy. You can use anything—flowers, fruit, or something to match a theme.”
Lily admired Jennifer’s work. “Wow, what a great idea. Do you use these a lot?”
“Not too often. This one is for a special event at the Hilltop Academy. The last one I made was for Harriet Nash’s birthday party. It was a special request.”
“The birthday party? Where was it?” Lily had a funny feeling settling in her stomach.
“It was outside the sunroom on the patio, under the veranda. I don’t think anyone ever saw it with all the commotion when you discovered Harriet’s body.”
“What flowers did you use to decorate it with?”
“Hmmm. Let me think. Oh yeah. Gwen Brooks called me about it. She said Walter wanted pink dahlias if possible. I came here and got some from Daisy. You were out when I came to pick them up.”
Lily clapped her hands and did a little dance. “Thank you Jennifer. This was what I’ve been waiting for. You just pointed me to the murder weapon.”
Jennifer was confused. “Have you lost your mind? How does my ice bowl point you to the murder weapon?”
“I have to call Ryan and tell him about this. He thought I was hallucinating when I said there was glass on the floor around Harriet’s body.” She looked at Jennifer. “What a clever and dangerous murderer.”
“What are you babbling about,
Lily?”
“Don’t you see? The ice bowl was the murder weapon. I saw the pieces of ice and thought it was glass. By the time I told Ryan about it, the ice was melted but the flowers were still floating in the puddle. The pink dahlias. The murderer made a mistake.”
“What was that?”
“Having you put the pink dahlias in the ice bowl. If it was just ice, there wouldn’t have been any evidence of the ice bowl after the ice melted, except a puddle of water.” Lily could barely get Ryan’s number dialed in her excitement. “Come on Ryan, answer your phone,” she said with impatience.
Jennifer carefully carried the bowls and put them in Lily’s freezer.
“Darn. I’ll have to leave a message.”
Chapter 13
The rest of the afternoon went by in a blur. Lily made up some bouquets for the next day, organized the cooler and called in a flower order from Jack’s Greenhouse. She did everything on autopilot since her mind was back to sifting through the people surrounding Harriet. It always seemed to come back to Gwen. Ryan texted her to make sure she didn’t forget about their date later.
I wonder if he got my message about the ice bowl. He didn’t say anything about it.
She filled Sweet Pea’s bowl with food, patted her, locked up the shop and left for the day. She had just enough time to make a quick stop at Iris’s house, fill them in about the ice bowl, see if Daisy had anything she could borrow for her date, pick up Rosie, get home and be ready for six.
Daisy didn’t have anything at Iris’s house so Lily had to add one more stop to search through Daisy’s closet. She knew just what she was looking for, so that would be quick. At times like this, she always remembered how lucky she was to have Daisy for a sister. They complemented each other and Lily knew she could always count on Daisy when the need arose. Of course, it was a two way street and Lily was happy to help Daisy too. As they got older, the bond only got stronger.
Daisy’s house still had a faint gas smell which got Lily thinking about Harriet’s murder again. She had to figure this out before whoever did this to Daisy had another chance to try something again. She could talk it over with Ryan at dinner. Or not. She made a decision to put this all out of her mind and focus one hundred percent on Ryan tonight. They hadn’t spent any quality time together and this date was important to her.