Poisoned Primrose

by Dahlia Donovan

  With her cleaning done for the day, Motts moved on to things she enjoyed doing. An order had come in from Etsy for a unique quilling project. She’d promised to make a miniature test to see if the idea was solid.

  Three hours later, a meowing Cactus drew her attention away from concept design of an old ship being taken over by a Kraken. Motts stretched her arms out and unfolded her legs. She’d gotten too wrapped up in her excitement over the project and forgotten to have a tea break.

  Cactus was usually great at reminding her to get up and move around. They shared a biscuit and tea. Motts rewarded him with a walk in the garden, checking on her plot of herbs and refilling the bird feeder.

  Meow.

  “Yes, they are hungry little feathery buggers, aren’t they?” Motts yanked him into her arms when she heard footsteps on the trail leading by her garden down to the coastal walking path. Meow. “Sorry.”

  A few seconds later, Noel Watson strode down the trail. He froze when he spotted her by the bird feeder. Motts didn’t say anything, just watched him pick up the pace and continue on out of view.

  Odd.

  Why had Noel been so shocked to see her standing in her own garden? Made no sense. She couldn’t recall seeing him on the coastal path in the month or so she’d been living in the cottage.

  I’m getting way too suspicious. Not everyone is planning something nefarious. Nefarious. Nefariously nauseating numpties never nag.

  Meow.

  “Yes, let’s go inside.” Motts carried Cactus into the cottage. She locked the door, checking the bolt twice. “I’m perfectly safe. Noel’s been a little standoffish, but I can be as well.”

  Setting Cactus down, Motts grabbed her mobile and went through the screens on the security app. No one. I’m being daft. Stop it. You’ll drive yourself to distraction if you keep on like this. You’re perfectly safe in the cottage.

  She shook off her nerves and decided to make another cup of tea. One led to a second. She began to feel better after warming up.

  Meow.

  “I am being silly, sorry, sweetheart.” Motts grabbed a treat and offered it to Cactus, who immediately pounced. She took a chunk of fruit over for Moss. “Hello, lovely, what’s new in your world?”

  Nothing, apparently.

  She tried to get back to playing with her scrolled paper. Nothing worked. Her mind kept straying to the look Noel had sent her way.

  Motts didn’t want to go out. She also didn’t want to stay inside the cottage. Being alone had come with unexpected side effects, like jumping at every shadow.

  Chapter Nineteen

  After a night of uneasy sleep, Motts woke to a welcome visitor with unwelcome news. Vina had stopped by with her favourite tea, scones, and a new jar of lemon curd. She’d also brought news from River, who’d overheard his dad and Motts’s talking about her parents planning another trip out to Cornwall.

  Because what Motts really needed was another round of parental intrusion. I love Mum and Dad. It’s all going to be okay. Take a few deep breaths. They won’t stay for long. You’ll have your space to yourself again.

  They got comfortable in the living room. Motts had two scones completely drowning in lemon curd. She sipped tea happily and smiled at Cactus, who was pestering Vina for a bite of her bacon sandwich.

  “Mottsy.”

  “What?” Motts covered her mouth to keep scone crumbs from flying out. “Sorry.”

  Vina offered Cactus a tiny chunk of bacon. “Listen, yesterday, I don’t know why I had a sudden burst of jealousy. When we broke up, I worried about you so much. And, I think, I thought I could somehow make up for abandoning you. For wanting more.”

  “We broke up because we both deserved to be happy in a romantic relationship. It was mutual. I love you. You’re one of my best friends.” Motts hadn’t known Vina had held on to any guilt. “I’m not sad about breaking up.”

  Vina shook her head slowly and broke into loud laughter. “Your blunt honesty is both refreshing and surprising.”

  “So, we’re okay, right?”

  “Yep. Still best friends. I’m happy we’ve both found someone who might be perfect for us.” Vina pushed Cactus back when he tried to steal more of her sandwich. “We both deserve to be happy.”

  “And you’re done being weird?”

  “Probably not.” Vina smiled at her. “I am done being weird about you and Detective Inspector Broody.”

  “He’s not broody. He smiles. I saw him,” Motts insisted.

  “What are you going to do about your parents?” Vina changed the subject and deftly deflected Cactus’s reaching paw.

  “Not open the door?”

  “Motts.”

  “It might work.” Motts crumbled up the last of her scone with an irritated huff. “I love Mum and Dad. Why can’t they allow me to settle into my cottage? They’ve already been to see me. We talk and email.”

  “Maybe they want a vacation?”

  She stared towards Vina. “A vacation? To Cornwall? Twice in a month?” Shaking off her annoyance, Motts decided not to dwell on the issue. She couldn’t stop her parents from showing up. They’d likely already left London; she was going to have a long chat with them about surprise visits.

  They knew she hated surprises. They claimed to understand how much changes in her routine disrupted her life. It caused her stress levels and blood pressure to rise to dangerously high levels.

  Finishing up their breakfast, Vina headed off to the café to start work. Motts sat down to make a list. When her mind wanted to spiral into a panic, she found jotting down her thoughts on paper helped massively.

  Most days.

  Today was not a good day. Motts finished her list. She stared at it while staying curled up on the couch with Cactus watching her anxiously.

  She forgot to have lunch. And shower. She didn’t accomplish anything on her to-do list.

  The day went by in a blur of staring out the window at the wind blowing through her garden. Cactus stayed by her side, ever her faithful shadow and protector. He only left to eat some of the food she’d left in his dish.

  Some days, Motts truly hated the way her mind reacted to a sudden change, or even just the idea of it. She didn’t move when someone knocked on her door. The banging became incessant, and her phone began to ring as well.

  “Motts? I’m coming in. Using the key you gave me. Please don’t be dead. Or dead and naked. Or just naked,” River yelled through the door. She heard him putting the key in and opening the door. “Wherefore art thou, cousin of mine?”

  Meow.

  “Hello, naked kitten. Where’s your mum?” River greeted Cactus. He carried him into the living room. “Oh good, you’re not dead or naked.”

  Motts shrugged.

  “Right.” River placed Cactus gently into her lap. He sat on the coffee table in front of her, reaching over to pick up her notepad with the to-do list. “Ah. Did executive dysfunction shoot you with a freeze ray again?”

  “A little.”

  River glanced down at her list that included a few things she wanted from the shops. “How about I help you knock a few of these out? If nothing else, you’ll have less to stress over.” Her cousin didn’t wait for a response. He pulled out his mobile phone and texted the grocery items to Nish. And then he moved into the kitchen to start on the dishes.

  An hour later, Nish showed up with milk, some veg and fruit, and other necessities. He and River busied themselves getting the kitchen clean. Nish had also brought a tea cake for her to serve to her parents.

  Motts managed to pull herself out of her funk eventually. She was so grateful to her cousin and Nish for their help. They’d cleaned the kitchen, gotten her laundry out of the washer and out to dry in the sunshine. River had also gotten the futon set up with sheets and a blanket. “Thank you both so much.”

  River sat on the couch beside her. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “We love you. My dad said he’d chat with yours about this unexpected visiting business. They know better.
Now, we’ve got a hot date. So, you relax and enjoy not having a long to-do list hanging over you like storm clouds.”

  Kissing her on the top of the head, River left with Nish following. They’d managed to knock most of the cleaning chores off her list, including taking out the rubbish. She only had to shower and take care of Moss and Cactus.

  All I have to do is turn on the water. The warmth will feel lovely. The soap smells brilliant.

  I can do this.

  If I shower, I can enjoy the evening before they get here.

  Just turn the water on.

  It took a little convincing. Motts talked herself into getting up. She made herself walk down the hall to the bathroom and twist the handles to get the water to the perfect temperature.

  With the water running, Motts had to shower. She didn’t want to waste it. Cactus sat on the laundry basket in the corner and observed her.

  Her quick shower helped to shake off the funk she’d sunken into. It always amazed her how much standing under warm water could help clear her mind. Did it work every time? No, but she’d take what she could get.

  Motts dried off, then raided her wardrobe for her most comfortable clothing. She settled better in her warm penguin pyjama bottoms and an oversized graphic T-shirt. Vina had bought both for her a few years ago for her birthday.

  The T-shirt had a large origami flower on the front. Motts wandered back to the kitchen with Cactus following. She fixed a fresh bowl for Cactus and diced up an array of fruit and veggies for Moss.

  Her cousin, bless him, had done a fantastic job in her kitchen. Motts made a mental note to find a way to repay the two of them. Her mother would definitely have noticed all of the dirty dishes in the sink.

  Inspecting all the items Nish had brought with him, Motts found a covered dish with some sort of curry. He’d also gotten her some fresh rolls. There was enough for her parents if they arrived in time for supper.

  Her parents didn’t call once, not shocking given they’d intended the trip to be a surprise. Motts could’ve phoned them to see where they were, but she didn’t want to clue them into River’s brilliant eavesdropping skills.

  They arrived late in the evening. Motts had nibbled her way through two rolls and a portion of the curry. Her nerves had manifested into a desire to eat everything in the fridge.

  It was almost eleven when her parents drove up to her cottage. Motts tried to summon a smile for them. Her dad’s chuckle told her that she probably hadn’t been completely successful.

  “Hello, poppet.” Her dad dragged her into a hug, bending down to rest his chin on top of her hand. “I tried talking her out of the trip. She threatened to come by herself.”

  Motts tried not to get annoyed. Her mum had always supported her through all of the ups and downs of school and afterwards starting her origami business. She’d just hoped for a little space to settle. “Are you staying long?”

  “Only a few days.” He laughed again at her relieved sigh. “No need to panic. We’re not going to force our presence on you for weeks on end.”

  “Dad.”

  “Despite appearances, we are proud of you for going off on your own.” He stepped away to allow her mum to embrace her tightly. “We heard you had a date.”

  I take back all the kind things I said about River.

  “I had to hear about you and the detective inspector from your auntie Lily. She gloated,” her mum complained.

  I doubt it.

  Motts held her tongue and led her parents into the house. “Are you hungry? Nish brought over a curry earlier. There’s plenty left for you both. It’s not too spicy either.”

  “We’re not fussy, darling.” Her mum wandered into the kitchen.

  Motts rolled her eyes as her mum inspected everything carefully. She forgave River for spilling the details of her date to Auntie Lily. His cleaning had prevented any comments about the state of her life. “Of course. So, curry?”

  “Let’s have a little sit down first, poppet.” Her dad made himself comfortable on the sofa. Cactus immediately hopped up beside him. “So, tell us about this detective. Did he treat you well?”

  It took every last ounce of strength for Motts to deal with the questions about Teo. Her parents moved from her one date to all the drama with Rose and Innis. She didn’t know which was worse.

  Both were equally awkward to chat about with her parents. Motts finally distracted them with curry. And even so, her mum still managed to draw the conversation around to Teo.

  “And when are you seeing him again?”

  Motts wanted to scream “never,” if only to make the subject go away. “I don’t know. He lives in Plymouth. His job is stressful and takes up large amounts of his time. I’ll see him whenever he gets the chance to come and visit.”

  And hopefully, it will never be when you’re here to humiliate me.

  “What—”

  “Is there anything for pudding?” her dad interjected. He winked at Motts when her mum immediately turned on him about his lack of manners. “I know, dear, but you love me despite all of my many faults.”

  “I have chocolate.” Motts moved from the table into the kitchen. She lifted the container of treasure from her trip to the Kernow factory. “Don’t think I have any other options for pudding.”

  “Why in the world do you have thirty bars of chocolate?” Her mum stared incredulously at the vast selection.

  “Research.” Motts shrugged. “How else will I know which flavour is my favourite? A thorough investigation is required. Besides, I’m not eating them all at the same time.”

  “I blame you.” Her mum poked her dad in the side and shook her head with a heavy sigh. “Of all our traits, you had to get your father’s sweet tooth.”

  Her dad ignored the lecture, leaning forward to sift through the various flavours available. “Why don’t we split one of the Bakewell Tart bars?”

  They finished up dinner. Her parents eventually headed off to bed. She’d given them the larger bed and stayed on the futon herself.

  Cactus leapt onto the bed, curling up on top of a pillow and watching Motts pace the room. She was too wound up to go to sleep. Her parents had thrown out her plans for the entire week.

  Motts grabbed her laptop and moved onto the futon with Cactus. She dragged the blanket up to cover her. “What do you think the odds of them leaving before something else happens are?”

  Meow.

  “I agree.” She dropped her head against the pillow. “It’s going to be a disaster.”

  Chapter Twenty

  Innis had been released by the police. They’d had to, with no direct evidence aside from his own wife’s assumptions. At least, that was the gossip Motts heard from Marnie early the next morning.

  She’d fled the house before her parents woke up, leaving a note on the counter with her excuse of going to pick up breakfast for everyone. Her first stop had been to Griffin Brews, where she ran into Marnie chatting with Vina and Nish at the front counter. They immediately shared the news.

  After delaying as long as possible, Motts grabbed a selection of pastries. She wandered outside the café, secured the box onto the basket, and got onto her bike. Her progress forward was halted when a vehicle swerved to park in front of her.

  Bugger.

  Innis stormed out of his van towards her. “You.”

  “Me?” Motts froze on her bicycle. She didn’t know where to look, so she stared at his chin. It had a small scar hidden underneath the stubble. “I’m going home now.”

  “You need to quit interfering.” He stepped closer to her.

  Motts wrinkled her nose; he smelled like fish guts. “Your wife brought you to the attention of the police by throwing stones through my window.”

  “Innis. Shouldn’t you be at your shop by now?” Nish strode out of the café. He came to a stop in front of Motts, making a barrier between her and the angry man. “And maybe you should quit trying to scare people.”

  “Fine.” Innis’s nostrils flared as he breathe
d heavily. After a moment, he stomped back to his van and drove away.

  “You okay?” Nish wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “I’ll chat with him later once he’s cooled off.”

  “Not sure what good it’ll do. I need to get home before my parents wake up.” Motts’s hands shook as she gripped the handlebars. She cycled unsteadily at first before getting herself under control. “Bye, Nish.”

  He yelled at her to be safe. Motts kept cycling. She cycled all the way to the base of the hill leading up to her cottage. As she came around the corner, Noel Watson skidded to a halt in front of her.

  “Mr Watson.” Motts managed to not say, “I presume.” She kept thinking about Sherlock Holmes. “Were you up at the cottage?”

  “What are you doing here?”

  She blinked at him in confusion. “In Cornwall? On this street? In the universe? How existential are we talking?”

  “You’re in the way.” He shoved by her, running down the street like she’d come down with a sudden case of fatal contagious viral infection. “Rude bint.”

  “Me?” Motts stared after him.

  What had Noel been doing at the top of the hill? She hadn’t seen him there before aside from when he’d been on the coastal path behind her cottage. Should I mention this to Teo? I don’t want to bother him.

  Motts trudged up the hill to the cottage, secured her bicycle next to the scooter, and made her way inside. She quietly muttered, “Hello.”

  Anyone?

  Nope.

  Well, thank goodness for small mercies.

  Home alone except for my lovelies.

  Sneaking through the cottage, Motts greeted Moss and offered her some breakfast. She left the extra coffees and pastries in the kitchen. Cactus followed her down the hall to the spare room.

  “Success,” Motts whispered. She curled back up under the blanket with her coffee, and Cactus nibbled at the edge of her pastry. “Bad kitty.”

  Meow.

  “No, you can’t have my breakfast.” She put her headphones on to watch a YouTube video.