Roses, Wine & Murder: In the City of Steeples
Page 27
He raised his glass, “Thanks to you, I learned how to have brass cojones!”
She chuckled, “Well, thanks to you, we solved this together and bonded in ways I don’t care to repeat.” They clinked their glasses and sipped their pear wine and watched the peachy sunset hues brush the buildings. As the golden glow of colors glinted off the windows from across the Thames, a warm summer breeze gently lifted the tablecloths around them.
“Fresh breezes, Roxanne, fresh breezes,” Georgi sang.
All their cares seemed to drift away upon that breeze like a colorful hot air balloon floating aimlessly into the ethers, suspending all concerns. They both exhaled a long happy sigh, lingering in the moment. A peaceful luxury as this was worth savoring, as long as possible.
THE END
Months later…
At 8 am on a Friday morning Georgi was sweeping the front sidewalk of the Vinho Verde Wine Bar. His dance music played from the exterior speakers and the young wine sommelier swung the broom around like a partner. Bending back in a dramatic final move, Georgi’s upwards glance captured something odd on the third-floor balcony of the popular Hygienic Art Gallery.
Turning, so he could achieve a better view of the curiosity, Georgi suddenly lets out a blood-curdling scream and wildly raced up and down Bank Street not knowing what he should do.
The beautiful Marilyn Maroney, wearing a daring pin-up-girl dress, had been pierced dead. Her curvy form was in an awkward back-bend position draped over her recently installed art sculpture. Marilyn had been impaled. Her blood was dripping down her arm creating a dark pool on the sidewalk below. Her lovely face was frozen in the horror of her last moment alive.
***
Keep watch for the next grand adventure of Roxanne and Georgi with the familiar cast and a few new characters. Discover the popular art communities of New London and Mystic, observe the twisted intricacies of a madman’s plot, and an art dilemma of the highest order in the city of steeples.
Acknowledgments
Thank you to New London’s local businesses for inspiring my story: Thames River Greenery’s Fred Argilagos’s advice and allegories of wine, spirits and cigars. Muddy Waters Café, Washington Street Coffee House, Captain Scott’s Lobster Dock, Tony D’s Fine Italian Restaurant, Sarge’s Comics, Harbor Towers, Dev’s Bistro, HIVE Skate Shop, Hygienic Art Gallery, Whaling City Boxing, and last but not least, The New London Beautification Committee for your inspiration by making the city beautiful with flower gardens.
Thank you to local historian, Sally Ryan and her classes at the New London Library. To the staffs at: New London’s Maritime Society’s Customs House, The Olde Town Mill Historical Society, The Groton Monument Museum at Fort Griswold, The Coast Guard Academy’s Museum, and New London’s, The Day Newspaper, for inspiring me with local stories, and fabulous photography of the area.
With great gratitude and humble appreciation to my colleagues, encouraging friends, readers and editing team that assisted me: Editor -Terrie Scott, Henry Koster, Bob Lawton, Paula Anderson, Deonn Bunnell, Lana Westgate, Lisa Gray, Ann & Ron Samul, Ryan Torkelson, my sister, Paula Michaud; cover design Illustrator, Cindy Samul, and for the Italian translation, Paul Maisano.
A special thank you to my dear friend and film-maker, Joanne LaRiccia, a.k.a. Jojo, she gave enthusiastic support continuously and manifested my book trailer video.
Roses Wine and Murder Trailer:
Vimeo Link - https://vimeo.com/238502114
YouTube - https://youtu.be/D8mSVXRAUb4
History books that inspired the story:
Wicked Plants by Amy Stewart
Griswold Point by Wick Griswold
Homegrown Terror, Benedict Arnold and the Burning of New London by Eric Lehman
History of Connecticut Wines by Eric Lehman and Amy Nawarocki
Wine, Food and Winemaking books that inspired the story:
First Steps in Winemaking by C.J.J. Berry
Oldman’s Brave New World of Wine by Mark Oldman
Wine, Food and Friends and The Wine Bible I & II by Karen MacNeil
The Winemaker Cooks by Christine Hanna
Wine Lover’s Cookbook by Sid Goldstein
The Vintner’s Apprentice by Eric Miller
Matching Wine with Food by Le Cordon Bleu
Music list that enhanced the storytelling:
Ch. 21: ‘Take Me To Church’ by Hozier
Ch. 22: ‘Despicito’ by Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee
Ch. 38: ‘Cruisin’ by Smokey Robinson
Ch. 40: ‘Into the Mystic’ by Van Morrison
Ch. 45: ‘Summer In the City’ by Lovin’ Spoonfuls
Ch. 46: ‘Riders On the Storm’ by The Doors
Ch. 47: ‘Mercy’ by Shawn Mendes
Ch. 48: ‘Safe and Sound’ by Capital Cities
About the Author
Photo by Jojo LaRiccia
Rose Young grew up in the wilds of Maine, moved to Boston to attend New England School of Art and Design, and then resided in the Concord area of Massachusetts. Her background in managing her own landscape and garden design firm, eventually, brought her to volunteering for a day at a city garden in New London, Connecticut. This is where the story Roses, Wine & Murder was born. Rose surrounds herself with nature, family and friends in Southeastern Connecticut.
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