Blooms Bones and Stones Box Set

by Olivia Swift

  “Maybe he was not from here,” Carly said. “He was coming to meet her here.”

  “That will take longer, but I’m sure we can find it. Let’s clear up. We can tell Evan and Jazz tonight.”

  Carly was last to step out, and she said goodbye to Emily before she locked the door. Dex called out that he would see her at seven and drove away. The shop next door was locking up as well, and she stopped to speak to the owner. He had a sign writing business, and she asked about a sign to be painted over the door.

  “I have someone coming to measure up and supply the wood,” she said, and the man said he would see what size it was and then work out how much. “Carly’s Jewels,” she said. “That’s the name I’ve decided on.”

  “Sounds good,” Martin said, and they went their separate ways. She drove home and spent most of the next hour throwing clothes out of the closet and onto the bed.

  “Why am I worrying? Jazz has seen me in all sorts of stuff for so many years.” But she went on looking and trying and twirling in front of the mirror. In the end, she went for skinny, ripped jeans with a blue top and a long, red duster coat that had a waterfall front and an embroidered back that gave it an oriental look. Killer heels in red and a red clasp to hold her hair back finished it off. She grabbed her favorite carpet bag which didn’t match, but she had a pair of flats in there in case the heels were just too much. There was a knock at the door. She checked before she opened, even though she knew it would be Dex.

  “You look fabulous,” he said in genuine admiration. “How do women do that transformation thing from work to dressed up?” She thanked him and smiled.

  “The heels might not still be on by the end of the night, but I’m giving them a try.” She laughed. “I went for red in case you tried out the new top from New York.” He gallantly offered his arm and escorted her to the car. They arrived at what had been the back door of Chestnut Hall but was now Evan and Jazz’s front door. The real front door was Dex’s. A delicious smell wafted out as they stepped inside and Evan whistled as he saw Carly. Jazz laughed and offered drinks.

  “Come and have a seat and we’ll watch Evan work,” she said. Carly was bursting to tell Jazz about what they had found because Dex had not said anything until they were both there. She accepted a glass of wine and sat on the edge of her seat. Dex burst out laughing.

  “Go on, Carly. Spill it,” he told her, and the words came out, tumbling over each other, that they had found the name of the man who never arrived at the hotel.

  Evan left the stove to come over and listen.

  “The company made the whole thing visible very quickly and emailed it back.” Dex took out the phone and flicked it open. Evan and Jazz peered at the writing and Jazz looked up.

  “That is so beautiful but if he loved her, why did he never arrive?”

  “We have to find that out,” Carly answered. “I never did like Jed Duval, but he has given us this lead.”

  “And I suppose we owe it to his mom to let her know the whole story in the end,” Dex added. “She was not what we expected.”

  “What next?” Evan asked as he started to serve up food. They moved with one accord to the source of the delicious aroma and Carly said that they would go back to the internet and chase the name of Charley Rose.

  “So that is why the roses fall off the shelf,” Jazz realized with a forkful of food halfway to her mouth. Carly nodded.

  “Seems like that is the reason.”

  “I have to go and organize the transport of my stuff from storage to here. It will only take me a couple of days but can you two help out at the shop?” Dex queried, and although Jazz had to work with Ben at the new garden, Evan offered to stand in. Dex said he would go the next day and come back the day after. Jazz looked at the two of them---Dex and Carly--and she wondered if they knew how it showed that they were meant for each. Evan squeezed her shoulder as he went for a pavlova for dessert. He knew what she was thinking because she had already talked about it before they arrived.

  “So, what is the plan for the wedding?” Carly asked, and Evan took a breath.

  “This garden is special because it brought us together and we will have a tent out there and a ceremony for friends.”

  “It will not be big because none of us has close family, but we have great friends and helpers,” Jazz paused and looked at Carly. “Please say that you will join Kim and be a bridesmaid.” There was a second as Carly took in the request and then a shriek as she jumped up and went to hug her friend.

  “Oh yes, oh yes,” she took a look at Jazz. “Please say that it won’t be a big powder puff dress.” They all laughed, and Jazz reassured her that the outfits would be what they all liked.

  Evan held out a hand to his brother.

  “Best man, brother?” he asked, and Dex clasped the hand and agreed.

  8

  Driving Carly back home, Dex asked if she would be okay for a couple of days.

  “I can do it by phone if I need to,” he added. She reached across and touched his arm.

  “Get it finished and come back to your new ventures.” He stopped at her apartment, and she asked if he would like a coffee.

  “Thought you might not ask,” he grinned and opened the door.

  “Do you think,” she asked when they were inside, “that we could have one last look for Charley Rose?” He had been thinking along similar lines. She opened a tablet and handed it to him.

  “You are better than me at finding stuff.” She started to look using her phone, and for some time there was silence.

  “I’m on the census pages for about that time and trying for districts nearby,” he said, and she looked over to find the same link herself.

  “There are people called Rose in the next town,” Dex said as he found a new trail to follow. He went back to a previous census and looked for the same people. “Yes, there he is---son of Martha and Charley Rose. He was aged twenty and living at home with his parents and sister.” Carly looked over his shoulder and he went on to the next census. The parents and sister were still there but no Charley Junior.

  "He's moved out,” Dex said. “But where did he go? What did he do? How did he meet Emily?”

  “We know where he came from,” Carly said. “You take your trip to sort the storage, and we’ll start again when you come back.” Dex closed down the tablet and stood up. He pulled her towards him and claimed the kiss that had been occupying his mind. There was no point in resisting. Carly didn’t want to; her mouth was kissing him back of its own accord. She twined her hands into his hair and pulled his head closer. The kiss deepened and took them both to that place where time stood still. His arms held her tight, and it felt like that all was right with the world. It came to Carly with a thunderous blow that this was where she was meant to be. This man was the one and only and the realization made her head spin. She came out of the kiss and held onto his shoulders. He held her head against his chest and felt the tremble that was affecting her whole person.

  “Are you okay?” He asked at last, and she nodded and gave a smile.

  “I think I need the two days to pull myself together,” she answered.

  “Well, Boss,” He joked. “When I get back, will you consider a proper date? A trip out somewhere, maybe, or a movie?” She looked at his face and saw an answer to her own feelings etched there plainly to be seen. She stroked the side of his face.

  “I admit that I would like that very much,” she said. His face lit up like a ray of sunshine in the room, and he pecked her cheek.

  “Thanks, Boss,” He said with a grin. “I’ll be back before you know it and you can get the stock up-to- date at the same time.” He headed for the door and then turned back.

  “We might have to take a trip to find out about Charley Rose.” Carly nodded.

  “That would be a novel first date but quite a good idea.”

  She watched him wave and drive away Then she locked up and sat for some time thinking about where this relationship---because she admitted
it was a relationship---would end.

  The following day Carly found the shop very empty without him but resolved to do what he said and checked the stock to see what needed replacing. Then she thought that she would search out a wholesale supply of fairy ornaments. That had been quite an interesting idea, and she was deep in the lists on the screen when Martin from the shop next door came in.

  “Hi Carly,” He started. “I thought I would tell you that the man supplying the wood for the sign came by. I was here because I came back to find something I had forgotten. He was measuring the sign space, and I told him that I would be doing the design.” He paused and Carly frowned.

  “What time was that?” she asked, and he told her it was about eight in the evening.

  “He said he would come back and talk to you sometime today,” he finished. “Hope you don’t mind me sticking my nose in.” She shook her head.

  “Thanks. I’m glad you did. Will you be next door most of the day?” She asked, and he said that he would. It was a reassuring thought. She had no intention of being alone with Jed Duval.

  “My daughter fills in for me when I need to go and deliver completed work.” He was about to go when he added, “If you need an extra pair of hands, she would love to get a few extra hours, and she loves the stuff you make.” Carly smiled.

  “Thanks. I might take her up on that and thanks for checking the woodyard man. You can never be certain these days.” He said he would be back in touch for what she wanted on the sign and left for his own shop. Dex called to say he was en route and ask how was she doing. When she told him about Jed Duval, he said he would turn around and come back.

  “No. I’ll get Evan to come down. You get the removal sorted.”

  “Take care,” he said before he rang off. “And I mean be very careful,” he added to make sure she got the message, but she was already thinking along those lines herself, and after the call ended she called Evan. He said he would be there shortly, and as customers were waiting to be served, Carly put on her business hat and sold some jewelry. The van further down the street was unobtrusive and appeared empty.

  Carly tidied the shop and gave herself a few moments of enjoyment at the sight of this cute place that was all her own. She pulled out the pieces to make some more of the twisted necklaces that seemed so popular and was happy to smell the faint scent of lavender. Evan appeared and produced some homemade snacks and made his first tentative attempts at serving customers. He had Carly sitting at the counter, and she helped him out as he learned the ropes. She was relieved to have him there when the bell tinkled and Jed Duval came inside the shop. He was a big man and seemed to fill the place. She almost felt that she was suffocating to have him in the place but smiled and stood up.

  “Hi Jed,” she started, and he pointed to the door and said he had the wood for the sign outside.

  “Do you want it put up or does the writer want to work on it first?” He asked, and she left him with Evan to go next door and ask Martin what he thought best. His daughter was in the shop as well, and she came back in with Carly.

  “This is Katarina from the sign writer shop next door,” Carly said, and Katarina asked Jed to leave the wood in the other shop.

  “It is easier to do the sign on the ground than to try and finish it on a ladder,” she told him, and Jed Duval said that it was not a problem. He started to walk around the shop and look at the things on the shelves.

  “So, this used to be the hotel where my great-grandfather was born?” he asked Carly, and she nodded but made no attempt to show him around.

  “I guess it has been a lot of things since the hotel had to close down,” Evan remarked, and Duval asked if they had found out any more details. Carly shook her head.

  “Got a lot going on with the shop. Evan and Jazz have their own arrangements but are trying to help me out.”

  “I can give you some time if you are shorthanded,” Jed Duval offered, and Carly felt the girl beside her stiffen at the tone. She jumped in without looking at her newly met neighbor.

  “Actually, I have just signed up Katarina here to be my second pair of hands. Problem solved,” she paused. “But thanks for offering anyway.” She smiled at him although it took quite an effort. “Let me have the bill for the sign.”

  “I’ll give you a hand to take it next door,” Evan said and opened the shop door. The bell tinkled merrily, and Jed had no real option but to go and move the wooden board. Carly breathed out a sigh of relief and sat down on the stool behind the counter.

  “That man is really creepy,” Katarina said and leaned on the counter.

  “Sorry I just used you to get rid of him,” Carly added. Then she brightened. “If you can spare me some time, I’ll be very grateful. Evan is struggling to manage; Jazz is busy with a garden; and they have a wedding to plan.” A smile spread across the girl’s face.

  “I would love to,” she said. “Just tell me when you need me and I’ll be here.”

  “That is fantastic,” Carly said and told Evan as he came back in the door.

  “Ye gods,” he said. “I can see why you didn’t want him hanging around.” They told him that Katarina was the new help in the shop and Evan thought they should put her dad on alert as well.

  “Just in case he rolls up unexpectedly.”

  “At school, he sort-of stalked me. It was treated as a bit of a joke, but it wasn’t funny.” Carly explained. Then Katarina asked if she could look at the stock and work out where everything was kept. “If your dad is okay with that, yes please,” Carly answered, and the new assistant popped back next door to check if she was needed. Evan gave her shoulder a squeeze.

  “I don’t think he’ll come back today and Katarina will be here. Keep me on speed dial, and I’ll get back to the house.” She nodded, and he collected his things as Katarina came back inside.

  “I told Dad, and he had your phone number. This is his,” she handed Carly a piece of paper. Carly took the number and then passed it to Evan.

  “I know this is over the top and he has been helpful,” she hesitated. “But everybody should have everyone else’s phone numbers---just in case.”

  “I agree,” Evan answered. “There is just something there. Cannot put my finger on it but he makes me uneasy.” When the numbers were all cross-checked, Evan left the girls to it and customers came in to browse and buy. Neither of the girls had time to dwell on Jed Duval.

  9

  In a lull in the shop activity, Carly told Katarina about the lavender scent and how they had searched for the history of the hotel.

  “I don’t know how you feel about spirits and readings and things like that,” she said with a smile, and Katarina grinned back.

  “I love it,” she looked thoughtful. “So, our sign shop was part of the hotel as well?” she queried, and Carly nodded.

  “And the shop on the other side.”

  “But that one is being refurbished to open a sandwich shop,” Katarina added.

  “I wondered about that with the workmen in there,” Carly answered and asked if her new assistant would like to see the photos. Katarina was delighted and, like Carly, loved the pictures of the hotel.

  “My dad has a wonderful printer for his work. These pictures would be a piece of cake. I’ll ask him if he minds printing them later.”

  “Then we found Emily Duval,” she showed the picture of the young woman with the baby and the scent of lavender filled the room to the point of being overpowering.

  “I guess she is saying that you are right,” Katarina said and added. “We like the lavender, Emily.” Another paper rose fell off the table and the girl picked it up.

  “We know he was Charley Rose,” Carly said out loud. “We are going to find out what happened to him.” She turned to her friend. “Unfortunately, the baby in the picture is Jed Duval’s great- grandfather, and I really wish we had never gone to see Jed. His mom gave us the photo and the letter, though, so we are a step nearer.” Katarina said that she would look up the history as wel
l, and the door jingled to admit another customer who turned out to be Kim. She had a few flowering roses in pots and wondered if they would look suitable at the door.

  After introductions, Kim wanted to ask Carly about dresses for the wedding day.

  “There is so much happening, my head is starting to spin,” Carly said, “but I would like a lovely dark green or dark blue to contrast with the bride.”

  “And fitting,” Katarina added. “You don’t want to look huge and meringue-like.”

  “Exactly,” Carly agreed. “Dex and Evan will have to work like mad on the house to finish the changes before the big day.” Kim told them that as Dex was best man, Evan had asked Rob Manners to be the second usher. Carly grinned.

  “He will love walking you down the aisle. The man has been smitten since he was about five years old.” Kim laughed.

  “Oh yes. I know all the old jokes will come out. He is one of my best friends but, more to the point, he was Evan’s climbing buddy in the army,” Kim answered.

  “Oh, it is so exciting and to think that if Jazz had not gotten the job to restore the garden, they would never have met,” Carly said and stepped up to serve a lady with two bracelets.

  “I love this pink shade,” she said as she paid and Carly told her that rhodonite was a very calming stone to wear. Katarina said that she would have to learn these snippets about the different stones and started to read the labels in the shop. More customers came and went, and the new assistant took her turn at the counter. She was pleasant and helpful. Carly was well pleased with her new helper and left her to cope while she took a phone call from Dex. Kim waved and left her to the call.

  When she told Dex about Jed Duval and the phone number exchanges with the others, he told her that he didn’t want an argument, but he would drive back through the night.

  “Everything is finalized here,” he paused, “and I want to come back anyway.” There was no answer, and he asked if she was still there. Carly smiled into the phone and told him that it would be wonderful.