Roses, Wine & Murder: In the City of Steeples

by Rose Young

  Silver’s special skills and complete discretion were rewarded well by Morelli, and with an open-ended expense account; his lust for the good life was satisfied. With each triumph his ego grew and he relished the ease of manipulating unsuspecting targets. Most of all, he prided himself in his obscure trademark of death. He had gained, from the forests and fields, the secret knowledge of poisonous plants. Coupled with his intelligence and multiple methods of annihilation, he could assure a final take down, with a handful of weeds.

  Chapter 51

  After traveling over an hour, the ferry Captain announced they were passing Plum Island Lighthouse. Once it came into Roxanne and Georgi’s view, he jumped from the bench and crooned, “Oooh, couldn’t we hold a lovely party there. I love buildings made of stone. It’s so handsome and strong.”

  Roxanne teased him, “All you think about is dressing up and entertaining. You’re so funny!”

  More of his dramatic flair emerged as he used the rail to steady himself, and his other hand to express, “You know, it’s in my genes! When your family makes wine, you have to come up with ways to enjoy it. That means having people over, eating some great food and having fun. That’s how I enjoy life. The party is in me, it has to come out! It’s the only way I know how to be.” He batted his eyelashes, leaned toward Roxanne and added in a lower tone, “I’m lucky I’m paid to do this.”

  “If you were paid enough,” she offered, “you could buy the island. I heard it’s up for sale.” A sudden jolt went through Georgi as he straightened and considered the option. A little fairy-like glimmer crossed his face.

  “I’m going to look it up.” He pulled out his phone and zeroed in on the details of the building’s history. “It says here, ‘The light from this striking two-story granite home is 55-feet tall. In 1826, Plum Island was originally purchased for $90 and a light was placed atop a 35-foot stone pillar. In 1869 the current lighthouse was built. Refurbishing of this antique beauty is being considered by the town of Southold.”

  Georgi smiled, having enjoyed a momentary dreamscape. He read further, “Oh, the government owns it now,” he said flatly, “and they want a million dollars. Forget it! I would have gladly paid $90.” With a wave of his hand, he dismissed the whole idea.

  Roxanne pointed to the water, “Look at all the fishermen!” Their boats were anchored in the churning waters, adroitly positioned in Plum Gut, between Plum Island and Long Island where it was known for great fishing. Roxanne pulled out her phone and started taking pictures. Georgi smiled at her knowing these were the first of many, now that she was becoming use to the camera option.

  The ferry captain informed over the speaker system, “Gardiner’s Island is to our left in the distance. It is still owned by the Gardiner family but the current population is ospreys, seagulls and swallows.”

  “Oh Georgi,” Roxanne exclaimed, “I have an interesting story you might like. It’s a love story about Gardiner Island.”

  “Do tell,” with a hand gesture he swiveled towards her. She had captured his full attention.

  “I read this in a book on Connecticut history and the famous Griswold family. The Gardiners who settled the island in the 1600s had made a deal with the notorious Captain William Kidd allowing him to stash his treasure on their shores. It was reported he unloaded chests of gold, emeralds, rubies and diamonds. Kidd offered Gardiner’s wife a bolt of gold cloth for their goodwill. But Lord Gardiner secured extra payment by secreting away a diamond in a well bucket and the buccaneers were never the wiser.

  “The diamond stayed in the family coffers. Now fast forward to the early 1800s when a sailing party of young men and women, organized by Sarah Griswold from Old Lyme, was becalmed far out in Long Island Sound.

  “As the day wore on, a sudden gale swooped in from the west and forced the group into a safe cove at Gardiner Island. The rain poured so fiercely they immediately raced toward the house to take refuge. Drenched and shaken the housekeeper took them in to dry their clothes. Soon the handsome, young Lord Gardiner made an appearance.”

  Georgi interrupted, “Stop right there. I’m imaging the handsome young lord and the drenched party.” Georgi’s eyes were raised to the sky, “Okay, I have them pictured, go on.” His hand flitted at her as he beamed with excitement, waiting for love to enter the story.

  Roxanne smiled at his amusement, “This young man’s name was John Gardiner, the 7th Lord of the Manor, and he had dry clothes brought for Sarah Griswold and her group and insisted they stay for supper. Of course, as one thing leads to another, music and dancing followed. The charmed refugees stayed the night at the manor and left in the morning, bidding their new friend farewell. Although Sarah sailed away, John Gardiner’s heart had become smitten with her.

  “Sarah was a spirited beauty and the granddaughter of Governor Matthew Griswold. Soon enough, John Gardiner came courting, and beached upon the shores of the Griswold home in a splendid barge of his own. In family lore, they say he presented her with Captain Kidd’s diamond in hopes she would take him seriously and marry him. It sealed the deal and they were married in 1803. They settled back on Gardiner Island to where the wind had blown her to her destiny. And two great families from Connecticut and New York were united,” Roxanne smiled.

  Georgi sighed, “Oh that was lovely Roxanne, pirates and diamonds and love, oh my! I doubt Captain Kidd ever missed that diamond with all the booty he had. And just think what a perfect gesture to promise your love.”

  Just then, on the opposite side of the ferry, the duo spotted Orient Point Light. They crossed to the starboard side to watch it go by. The black and white sparkplug beacon was perched on a rocky outcrop.

  “Roxanne, look!” Georgi loudly exclaimed and pointed, “A black sea monster is rising out of the water!” Several rounded black humps were emerging on the surface. As they stared in anticipation Roxanne was ready to shoot a picture. The monster took full form when three scuba divers became apparent. She laughed and slid the phone back into her pocket. “I thought we had a winning chance of capturing the Loch Ness of Long Island Sound!” she said playfully, And look, now I see their red diving flags.”

  Georgi’s brow furrowed in thought, “Oh, we could have called her, Sound Ness,” he snickered at himself.

  Nonetheless, all these distractions eased the stress and tension that underlay their real mission. Georgi and Roxanne were anxious to be on land. Finally, announcements crackled over the loud speakers asking the passengers to prepare to disembark. The ferry was carefully hitched to the dock and the pair drove off.

  Chapter 52

  Day 6

  The presidential convoy left the Groton Airport at 11 am sharp. All personnel were stationed and at the ready along the whole route to the Coast Guard Academy. Streets and access roads were closed. And ten lanes of the Gold Star Bridge were closed to the customary heavy summer traffic. The Coast Guard was manning the waterways of the Thames River and drones were flown to survey the entire area.

  The president, in his heavily fortified motorcade, was secure in one of his three blast proof limousines. Escorting him was a gaggle of SUV’s, an ambulance and many other unseen assistors.

  The black fleet came upon Rt. 32 and was about to turn into the Academy when a crowd of people came into full view. Connecticut College’s campus had a throng of protestors that traditionally pitched themselves there to rally and raise all types of grievances for a moment in time, to the current president.

  Once through the Coast Guard Academy gates, a beeline was made to the commencement hall.

  ***

  At 11:30 am, Georgi and Roxanne traveled toward Williamson Wines on the North Fork of Long Island.

  “After we pass through the town of Orient Point and Greenport, we will enter Southold,” Georgi informed.

  With the windows down, Roxanne relaxed and watched the scenery roll by, small beaches with windswept grasses, little cottages, large homes and a mansion or two. Restaurants and marinas dotted the roadway and water’s edge. A sea
hawk swooped in for a fishy prey then alighted atop its huge nest of babies perched on a high post in the salt marshes.

  “I didn’t know it was so beautiful here,” she gushed admiringly, “I guess I imagined the hustle and bustle of New York, but it’s nothing like it, and quite charming. Oh and look over there!” she said surprised, “huge lavender fields, they’re gorgeous!”

  Georgi announced, “That’s Lavender by the Bay, we’re passing through Marion now.” Acres of the lavender’s purple haze mesmerized Roxanne.

  Georgi’s eyes twinkled, “It is lovely, but wait until you see my favorite part, it’s heaven on earth!”

  “It will be hard to beat that,” Roxanne swooned. They passed their first small vineyard with young grapevines, newly trained on cables and connected by posts. Georgi broke into tour-guide mode.

  “That’s Peconic Bay on the left and Long Island Sound on the right. We are riding the sandy bar of the North Fork. A fork of land between these two waterways, and the Atlantic Ocean is behind us. This is what makes Long Island’s landscape unique for growing good grapes.”

  “Tell me more,” pressed Roxanne, “this gardener needs to know the secrets of viticulture.”

  Georgi, now blissfully, enraptured by his favorite subject, happily continued, “The influence of the Atlantic air cools the vineyards during the summer heat. Long Island Sound and the Bay warms them during the winter’s freezing temperatures. Grapes have an issue when it gets too moist. Fungus can develop. So the dry winds that blow across these flat beach lands helps prevent humidity, naturally. In every vineyard, the key is soil. It must be well drained. This soil is sandy and coarse, so it’s perfect. Too many nutrients are not good. The vine needs to strain in order to produce a tasty grape.”

  “Are you still interested?” he interrupted himself.

  “Yes, of course go on,” Roxanne encouraged, “it helps me comprehend not only the process of growing a vineyard and winemaking, but maybe why would someone murder over the business.”

  “Okay, so now when it comes to pruning,” he rattled on, “you can achieve a better grape with a lower yield, so even heavily producing vines are trimmed hard. That allows better airflow through the vineyards and a sweeter grape when matured properly. This also makes the tannins, which are the bitter astringent element in the skin and seeds, better.

  “Tannins affect the taste, color, and mouth-feel of wine. It truly is the land, the air, the vine, and the vintner that collectively make a great wine. Remove one and you have nothing drinkable.

  “This is exactly why Long Island wines and Williamson Wines are great,” he explained. “It was Lester Williamson’s tender hand, insightful instinct, patience and willingness to experiment that made great wine. He took risks, but he listened to the earth, the plants and the weather. He developed an inner wisdom through practice, practice, practice.

  “It was Lester who invited Mitch to the legendary 1988 meeting with vintners from Bordeaux, France. Mitch became so inspired that he told Lester he wanted to invest in him, so he could institute the practices and ideas of these prominent and knowledgeable experts. All Mitch wanted was Long Island to have a great wine. Mitch knew Lester’s past years of trial and error so he invested in his passion and Williamson Wines. In 1995 Lester won America’s finest, with his Reserve Merlot.”

  “Georgi, now I understand Mitch and Lester’s partnership better. Their perseverance is impressive and the humbling labor required to maintaining a vineyard. With so much effort, no wonder they become deeply attached and committed. The horticultural knowledge and the vintner’s experimentation is all on the hopes to create a great wine.” She nudged him, “You’re quite the expert, too. You’re like a fine wine, you finish well!” He smiled broadly.

  “I finish well? I must be rubbing off on you,” he joked, “you’re spouting wine terms now.”

  Unexpectedly, he watched her as she studied him a moment. “What is it?” he beamed.

  “Your hair is so damn perfect!” she quipped. His impeccable pompadour was still in place. He checked it in the rearview mirror, happy with the result. She flipped down her overhead mirror and was flustered by her own wind tousled tresses, “It’s time I start using hairspray,” she announced and quickly pulled a comb out and restyled her blonde bobbed haircut. Once satisfied, she finished and flipped the mirror back.

  “Okay!” he announced as he waved his arm across the windshield, “I present to you the first of many vineyards along the Wine Trail of the North Fork. Welcome to my Nirvana!” Roxanne gawked as one vineyard entrance after another invited them in for a wine tastings. Gardens with multiple annuals trumpeted each destination with a colorful display.

  A variety of alluring architectural wonders went by, some formal and old-world, others ultra-modern with a few whimsical cottage charmers. Long glorious rows of green grapevines were meticulously trimmed stretching along acres and acres that trailed into the distance.

  “Oh my, this is my Nirvana too, Georgi! Look at how they celebrate and work with nature! The gardens, flower displays and look they even have roses at the ends of the vineyard rows!”

  Georgi smiled broadly, “I knew you would be glad you came. And you’re so observant because the roses are an early warning system for the grower. Roses show the presence of plant-sucking aphids or mildew on the leaves. The roses are checked regularly and if they see pests or fungus, than it is time to protect the whole vineyard from an influx of problems to come.”

  “Wow, I didn’t know about the relationship of roses and grapevines. Gee, now you’re teaching me about gardening!” Roxanne smiled to herself and asked, “Why do you think roses have thorns?”

  Georgi pondered the question then asked, “Is it because they don’t want to be picked or eaten?

  “That is one theory, but another one is thorns helped them clamber for the sunlight by hooking on to other plants so they can bloom and reproduce.”

  “That’s like us,” Georgi said matter-of-factly, “We’re trying to put our hooks into some facts and clambering for our own light on the subject of Mitch and this whole mess!” Roxanne shook her head at his weaving of metaphors.

  “Look, Madeline’s is just ahead. You’ll like her.” Georgi exuded with certainty, “She is connected to the earth like you, hands on with nature. She is at the forefront in knowledge with viticulture. She runs their property as certified sustainable, meaning safe to the environment. Her sister Camilla runs her own smaller vineyard and is an expert on biodynamic farming methods. Together they are pretty impressive.”

  “Gee it would be nice to meet Camilla, too.”

  “Oh, we will. Madeline said her sister will be there.” Georgi, tried to quell the dread rising inside him. “I’m feeling really nervous now. How are we going to tell her why we’re here? I don’t want to dredge up sad feelings in her, but it can’t be helped.”

  Roxanne offered her advice, “We have to be gentle and simply explain what we’ve discovered.” Trying to soothe his apprehension she added, “If Madeline can enlighten us about Mitch and Lester’s partnership, it may help us solve this debacle. I really hope she can tell us more about Morelli too. Right now he is our mystery man. And think about how Dan will be so pleased if we find evidence for him.”

  “I guess this will be tough, but worth it,” Georgi smiled sheepishly, “It’s a sure test for my cojones.”

  Roxanne smiled, “This whole experience is a test. We have to take this all the way. We’re in deep, Louise!”

  “Ha! Yes, we are, Thelma! Look at us, we’re on the road, we took a boat to get here, and now we’ll catch a murderer, I hope.” Georgi gripped her hand as they both wished for the best.

  Chapter 53

  Day 6 – Noon

  Roxanne and Georgi arrived at the large framed vineyard entrance and drove under an iron archway. It was artistically monogrammed, WW, with filigrees of grapes and leaves curling and swirling. Fields of old gnarly trunks were topped with bright green grapevines and laid out in row upon
espaliered row. The harmonious flow allowed Roxanne to breath deeper as she took in the scene. “This is amazing,” she whispered, not wanting to disturb her moment of utter calm.

  They parked in front of the elaborate cedar-shake buildings. Extensions of enclosed porches and large patios overlooked the vineyard. A pair of French doors welcomed them to enter while plants of lavender bordered the path with blooming hot pink Knock-Out Rose bushes. Annabelle hydrangeas were preparing to bloom in the distance, while flowering drifts of yellow lantana, bright blue scaevola and pink petunias offered ongoing cheerfulness through the garden beds.

  Roxanne exhaled, “Peacefulness pervades here.”

  The French doors to the porch flung open and there was Madeline in a casual summer skirt, wedge heels and a loose flowing top. Her sandy hair was in a casual up-do. Her arms opened wide to greet Georgi.

  “So lovely to see you, darling.” They kissed cheeks and Georgi stepped back, “Madeline, this is my dear friend, Roxanne.”

  “So nice to meet you, please come in.” Madeline escorted them through the main room with lofty ceilings and a spacious wine bar. They arrived at a table which overlooked the vineyard. A woman entered with a platter of olives, cheeses, crackers, gherkins, crudités and a chive dip. She placed it down and greeted them.

  “This is my sister, Camilla,” Madeline introduced. “She has a wonderful Pear Cider here from her vineyard. Would you like a glass? The alcohol is light, only four percent.”

  “Yes,” Roxanne and Georgi chimed. Camilla poured.

  “I’m so interested, Camilla, in your biodynamic practices.” Roxanne exclaimed, “Can you tell me more about it?”

  “Why, of course,” Camilla’s light brown hair fell past her shoulders and softly swooped to one side. She wore Capri pants, a casual summer top and flat sandals.

  “We plant, fertilize, and do certain work according to the cycles of nature, based on temperature, time of year, and the moon’s position. We make our own natural fertilizers and compost to keep at bay certain pests and fungus. Everything we do is utilizing a method developed by Rudolf Steiner, an Austrian philosopher. Many farmers are using these methods and finding the soil improved, insects greatly reduced and the crops are superior.