by Cindy Bell
“But you told me it was because you had stuffed up the order. I needed the money. You lied to me.”
“It doesn’t matter. It won’t matter to your boss, and it won’t matter to a jury. If my boss heard you saying any of this, then he would have me handle things differently. You need to get out of town before he finds out.”
“I can’t believe this.” Tracy shook her head. “This is like a nightmare.”
“Yeah well, trust me, you’re not going to wake up. So do what I say, understand?”
“Yes.” She sighed. “Yes Zac, I understand.”
He pushed her away from the door and stepped through it. Ally flattened herself against the side of the house. When she heard the front door slam shut she held her breath. If Zac decided to walk around the side of the house she would have nowhere to hide. A few moments later the roar of an engine assured her that he chose to go to his car instead.
Ally lingered for a few more minutes. When she peeked inside the window, she didn’t see anyone inside. She presumed that Tracy had left. She took a deep breath, then stepped around the side of the house. She was about to walk to her car when the door to the duplex opened. Tracy stepped out and bumped into Ally’s shoulder. She gasped and spun around. “What are you doing here?”
“I was just in the area.” Ally’s eyes widened. She was too flustered to come up with another explanation.
“That’s not true. Were you following me?” She glared at her. “What did you hear?”
“Nothing.”
“Don’t lie.”
“Okay, I heard arguing, and I wanted to make sure that you were okay.”
“I’m fine. Can’t you tell?” She shook her head. “You’re nosy. Possibly the nosiest person that I have ever met. I wish you had never found out about me and Nigel. You need to leave me alone.”
“Tracy, I’m just trying to figure out what happened to Nigel. From what I heard I think you would like to know the same thing.”
“If you know what’s best for you, you’ll forget everything you heard.” Tracy glared into her eyes. “You have no idea what you’re getting yourself involved in.”
“Maybe not, but I know that running isn’t the answer.” Ally tried to block Tracy’s way to her car. “Tracy, just think about it. You need to find a way out of this. I have a friend that is a police officer. He can help if you let him.”
Tracy pushed past her. “Forget you ever saw me!” She rushed to her car and was gone a minute later. Ally stared after her debating with herself what to do. She wasn’t sure if she should follow her. Luke’s warnings played through her mind which was accompanied by the feeling that there was something at the shop she was forgetting. She got so caught up in the investigation that she hadn’t been paying much attention to the needs of the shop. She decided she was better off checking on things there first. That would give her some time to piece together what she knew.
Chapter Eleven
As Ally pulled into the parking lot of the shop her phone beeped with a text from her grandmother.
Have you decided to go with Luke to the dance? I can get you both tickets. They are selling fast.
Ally smiled to herself. Her grandmother was not going to let the idea go. Still, the more she thought about it, the more she was certain she would enjoy it. She sent a quick text in return.
Go ahead and get the tickets. Thanks!
A buzz of excitement rushed through her at the thought. It made her nervous to think of going on an actual date with Luke, but she also couldn’t wait to see what would happen. She only hoped that she wouldn’t end up injuring one of his feet. Her grandmother texted back.
Yay!
Ally smiled as she climbed out of the car and headed towards the front of the shop. After a quick glance around to make sure everything was in place she pulled out her keys. She turned the key in the lock and pushed the door open.
Once inside the familiar scents of the shop soothed her nerves. Yes, there was a lot going on, but she was back at the shop in familiar surroundings, and the investigation could wait while she tended to the shop. As she walked away from the door towards the cash register, the bell above it rang. She had forgotten to lock the door behind her. She turned to see Colin step inside. “Ally? I need to talk to you.”
“Colin, what are you doing here?” Ally studied him. She could see the tension in the crease of his brow and the way he curled his hands into fists.
“I wanted to talk to you. I came by earlier, but your grandmother said that you were out. I need to know if you found anything that might help clear my name. My lawyer said it’s only a matter of time before the police arrest me. This is like a nightmare.” He looked into her eyes. “I know you probably don’t want me coming to the shop, but I’m desperate.”
“Colin, I understand why you’re upset. Why don’t you take a seat? I’ll get you coffee and chocolate.” She guided him towards one of the tables and started to walk into the back.
“Ally, thank you, but no, I really don’t have time for this. I keep thinking back to the last time I saw my brother. I know he wanted to tell me something, but I have no idea what it was.” He shook his head and groaned with frustration. “All of this is just so much to take in. I don’t want to end up in jail and never find out what Nigel was trying to tell me.”
“I think I am starting to work out what your brother wanted to tell you.”
“What?” He leaned closer to her.
“I can’t tell you, not yet.” Ally cringed as he narrowed his eyes.
“I thought you were helping me out with this. If you can’t tell me the information that you’ve found, who can you tell?”
“I just don’t want you doing anything rash. I want to be sure I have the right information before I pass anything onto you.”
“That’s not your decision. This is my brother we’re talking about. Whatever it was that he wanted me to know, I want you to tell me.”
“You have to trust me on this, Colin. I am going to get to the bottom of all of this. Just give me a little time to get there.”
“How much more time?” Colin frowned. He sighed and shook his head. “I’m sorry, I know that none of this is your responsibility. I’m grateful that you’re on my side. I’m just frustrated. To lose my brother and be suspected of his murder at the same time is ripping me apart.”
“Of course it is.” Ally rubbed her hand across his shoulder and leaned in closer to him. “I know you didn’t do it, Colin.”
“Do you?” He met her eyes. “Or am I still a suspect in your eyes?”
“Ally?” Luke pushed the door open and stepped inside. “Everything okay?” Ally drew back from Colin and nodded.
“Have you two met?” Ally asked.
“No,” Luke said while Colin shook his head.
“Colin Dean this is my friend Detective Luke Elm,” Ally explained as they shook hands. “Colin just stopped by to see if I had heard anything about his brother’s murder.”
“Oh.” Luke looked at Colin. “I’m from Blue River so I’m not on the case, but from what I hear the Mainbry police are getting closer.”
“Right. Is that closer to the truth or closer to my arrest?” Colin said tensely and stared at Luke.
“The truth, I’m sure.” Ally moved between them. “I am learning more and more as quickly as I can.”
“Okay, if you say so. I don’t like that you’re hiding information from me.” Colin furrowed a brow. “I might be able to help.”
“The most I can tell you is that I think the person involved in killing Nigel might be the same person involved in poisoning your father’s crops.” Ally looked over at Luke. “I have a pretty good hunch that is the case.”
“What about the person?” Colin crossed his arms. “Who do you think that is?”
“I can’t say just yet until I get some final information,” Ally said. “Just be a little more patient.”
“I’m trying to be, but I’m tempted to catch the next flight out of the count
ry.”
“Don’t do that.” Luke moved past Ally towards Colin. “If you run you’ll look guilty.”
“I guess you would know. Are you going to tell your buddies I’m a flight risk now?” He stared at Luke.
“Like I said I have nothing to do with the case. But you should be careful who you say that to,” Luke said.
“Is that a threat?” Colin stepped towards Luke. Luke held up his hands.
“Not at all. I’m just trying to offer you some advice. There’s nothing that makes a suspect look more guilty than running.”
“See, I’m a suspect to him, too.” Colin sighed. “Just keep me up to date, Ally, please.”
“I will.” She walked him to the door of the shop. “We’re going to get this cleared up.” She patted his arm, but he pulled away and gave her a skeptical shake of his head. She closed the door and turned to face Luke. With every ounce of willpower she had she ignored the fact that he looked incredibly handsome as he leaned up against the counter and stared across the room at her. “What was that about?” Ally asked.
“What?”
“The whole speech about looking guilty.”
“I just told him the truth.” Luke straightened up and continued to study her. “If he takes off like that, he’s going to get caught, and the consequences are going to be huge.”
“But you’re acting like he’s guilty when he hasn’t even been arrested.”
“I am not, I just know that if he runs he will look very guilty. I also think that he might be arrested. I think it’s just a matter of time. Unless there’s something you need to tell me.” He crossed the distance between them. “Did you find anything further?”
“Yes actually. I found out that Tracy and Zac stole pesticide from the flower shop. Tracy didn’t seem to know what it would be used for.” Ally pursed her lips. “I’m just not sure who the mastermind behind that is. If it’s Zac or someone else calling the shots.”
“That’s strange. Wouldn’t Bob’s farm have some on hand?” Luke rubbed his eyes. “Why would Zac go to the trouble of stealing it?”
“Maybe, but Bob would notice if some went missing, wouldn’t he.” Ally studied him for a moment. She could see his exhaustion reflected in the droop of his lips and the dark circles under his eyes.
“What do you think they used it for?”
“Remember, Bob’s crops have been mysteriously dying.” She frowned.
“Yes, I do remember that. You think they were poisoning his crops? But that doesn’t make any sense. Zac worked for Bob.” Luke brushed his hand back through his hair and blinked. “Where is the connection?”
“I’m not sure, yet, but I know it involved Nigel.”
“It certainly seems so.”
“When I asked Tyler about Zac all he said was that he was trying to get a job from him.” Ally touched his shoulder. “Are you okay? You look like you need some rest.” Luke shrugged.
“I haven’t gotten much sleep, but I’m fine. If Zac got such a bump up in pay at Bob’s farm after Nigel left, why would Zac want to take a job for less pay at Tyler’s?” Luke narrowed his eyes. “Wait a minute. You talked to Tyler?”
Ally cringed. “Well, just for a minute or two.”
“Ally, I asked you not to.”
“I know, and I wouldn’t have. But Arnold was starving.”
“So, you’re blaming this on Arnold?” He grinned. “That’s a new one.”
“I had to get him some pig feed and Tyler is having a sale.” She tilted her head to the side. “Totally innocent.”
“Sure, except I asked you not to.” He locked eyes with her.
“I was careful.”
“Hm.” Luke shoved his hands into his pockets. “Why does it seem like that’s only because the opportunity for danger didn’t come up?”
“Luke, I just bought some pig food.” Ally shrugged. “Colin’s freedom and reputation hang in the balance here. If he gets arrested for this murder that’s something that he will never forget and neither will this town.”
“Let’s hope it’s solved before that happens.”
“I have an idea.”
“What are you thinking?” Luke asked.
“Someone said Zac has been flashing cash around. I want to find out where the money was coming from. For Zac to get involved in all of this, someone must have been putting him up to it.”
“Maybe.” Luke rubbed his chin.
“What, you think it’s something different?”
“Well, this case stinks of sibling rivalry.”
“But Colin didn’t do it.” Ally narrowed her eyes.
“I agree. I could be wrong, but I don’t think he did kill Nigel. I think we need to consider that he might not be the only sibling though.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean that Zac and Nigel were close, like brothers. It doesn’t matter that they weren’t related. Maybe they had a feud we didn’t know about.” He rubbed his eyes again.
“Oh Luke, you really need some sleep.”
“I’ve been trying, but something’s been keeping me up at night.”
“What?” She met his eyes.
“Wondering if you’re ever going to dance with me.” He rested a hand on her hip and turned her towards him a little. “It’s been driving me crazy.”
“Liar.” She laughed.
“Well, that and the drug sting.”
“Yes, that might have a little more to do with it, don’t you think?”
“Maybe.” His hand lingered on her hip. “But I’d still like to know.”
“I’m thinking about it.” She smiled. She didn’t have the courage to say that she had already asked her grandmother to get the tickets. If she told him she was going that would mean that she was exposing herself to getting hurt and she wouldn’t be able to get out of it if she changed her mind.
“Don’t take too long, I need time to buy a suit.”
“Don’t worry, like I said, I’m still thinking about it and I’ll let you know in plenty of time,” Ally said. “Now you should go home and take a nap, hm?”
He nodded and leaned away as he yawned. “That might be a good idea.” He glanced at his watch. “I should be able to catch a few hours. But try to behave, hm?”
“Oh wow, you really don’t know me very well.” She laughed. He winked at her then headed out of the shop.
Chapter Twelve
After Luke left Ally looked through the recent orders. Something had been nagging at the back of her mind. Just as she suspected there was an order that was due to be delivered. Ally had about fifteen minutes to put together a box of chocolates and get out the door. She tossed in a bag of cookies as a bonus. With a sense of relief she headed for the van. If she hadn’t decided to stop in and check on things she might never have remembered the order.
Just as Ally was about to get into the van, she remembered that she had yet to feed Arnold. She decided that she would take her car instead, it wasn’t too hot out and it was a small delivery. After she delivered the order, she could stop by the cottage and feed Arnold, then return to the shop to make sure everything was shut down correctly.
Ally climbed into the driver’s seat. Before she started the engine she sent a text to her grandmother. She wanted to let her know that she was making the delivery so she would know where she was in case she went to the cottage to walk Arnold, like she often did. She didn’t want her grandmother to worry about a very hungry pig. She drove towards the address on the delivery slip.
Ally parked the car in front of the house and carried the package up to the door. She knocked, then glanced around as she waited for someone to answer. When a woman answered the door Ally smiled at her.
“Delivery from Charlotte’s.” Ally held out the box.
“Oh wonderful. Thank you. What great service.” She handed Ally a few dollars. “For you dear. Thanks again.” Ally smiled as she accepted the tip.
“Thank you. Enjoy!”
As she walked back to the car it
crossed her mind that she was close to the farms. It wouldn’t hurt to take a drive over there and see if Zac was at either farm. After his encounter with Tracy he was likely eager to get the situation with the pesticide resolved. That meant that he might have gone to whoever was paying him so well to poison the crops. She decided to take a spin around both farms just to see what was happening. She didn’t even intend to get out of the car.
As Ally drove towards the farms she sorted through what she knew so far. There was no question in her mind that Zac was involved in the murder. But was he the killer? And who was the person actually calling the shots. It had to be someone that had the power and wealth to tempt Zac into betraying his boss. Or was it Bob all along? She couldn’t think of a good reason that Bob would want to poison his own crops.
Unless, it was his way of trying to draw Nigel back. Her eyes widened at the thought. Yes, that was very possible. Maybe Bob thought that if Nigel saw the farm was in trouble, he would come back home. She shook her head. But that would only work if Bob actually wanted to reconcile with his son. He didn’t exactly seem like a grieving father to her.
She flipped on the radio and sat back for the drive to the farm. As she approached Bob’s farm she noticed that a large portion of the crops were wilted. Whoever had poisoned them had been at it again the night before. She took a deep breath and decided to talk to Bob again. He might have his own suspicions about who was involved in the sabotage. As she rolled up the long driveway she noticed that the door to the barn was open. She slowed down even more. A moment later she caught sight of Zac as he stepped out of the barn. He was only out of the barn for a moment before he ducked back inside.
Ally’s heart pounded. She had witnessed what kind of man Zac really was through the window of the duplex he lived in. He had put his hands on Tracy and threatened her. She was sure he’d be willing to do much worse to her. But she was willing to risk it, she was determined to find out the truth once and for all. That meant that she needed to get Zac alone. The barn was a good opportunity for her to do just that as there was only one way out. She drove the car further up the drive to the parking area. There were a few other cars parked there as well.