by Lynn Ambers
I did not do all the work myself, of course. My ex and I started the dinners, and I never stopped after he left. It was important that our spirits stayed high.
That Sunday’s farm-table dinner was gonna be vastly different without David and his music. I could have canceled the dinner, but I wanted Sophie to come so we could support her and hopefully try to take her mind of the situation.
I was going to make it a great day, because we were going to make it so. Even though David would be missed, we were going to try to enjoy ourselves.
I got about six pounds of gulf shrimp and Mitch was bringing a friend who was a scuba dive instructor from Big Tree Key, a few keys south of Marina Key who was bringing a few lobsters for us to share. It was a potluck. Everyone would bring a dish to share. We all brought wine or beer or whatever libation people wanted.
The night was forecasted to be a little cooler than usual with a great breeze. I lived for the weather in Florida from late October to November. February was the best weather month, but that night was gonna be stellar weather-wise 77 degrees with a breeze.
I had a grassy open space near the house that I had laid with stone awhile back for an outdoor patio. Over time we have put outdoor furniture like a wooden bench with carvings and small decorative outdoor tables to sit at.
A long-weathered Dade pine wood table with comfy wooden chairs on one side and a long bench on the other served as a great outdoor dining table. The whole spot was under a set of native Florida Gumbo Limbo trees and palm trees. I had another table out where we could set all the food.
We had quite a feast that day. We had veggies salads, fruit pies, cookies, vegetable breads, honey butter, seafood salad, grilled fish, grilled shrimp, and lobster.
I loved being rustic, but modern conveniences were essential where it mattered. I had speakers mounted outside so there was music for our evening when we wanted. We were a folk music kind of crowd.
David’s live guitar was our favorite though. Mathew sometimes played the drums; other people would join sometimes with other instruments. I put on a music stream from the internet, a folk music station tonight so everybody could just relax and enjoy.
“Hi, how can I help?” Mathew said coming up from the driveway.
“Hi, there is some finished platters in the kitchen if you want to bring them out,” I said.
“Yes, sure. You look nice,” he said. I looked down at my strapless sundress.
“Thanks, so do you,” he smiled smoothing out his light green cotton t-shirt with an environmental logo on it.
“Thanks, are you gonna tell me where you were this past week? I tried calling you a couple of times. I thought you were mad at me,” he said.
I paused for a second. I thought hmmm, was I breaking the law by going to Puerto Rico investigating information I got from breaking into a home. Well, he did not have to know the whole story.
“Yes, I have some interesting news to share. It might be useful to you,” I said.
“Uh oh, not sure I like the sound of that” I just gave him a smile. Mathew walked away into the house. Some of the people had already arrived and were relaxing about. I could hear car doors shutting.
I told people to start coming by 4:00. The rule was 5:00 was the time to start eating. We were very casual, but we liked everybody to get a fair chance at all the good food before it disappeared.
Mathew walked out of the house balancing all the remaining platters I had made.
“Okay, ready to grill,” I said.
“Yeah, that won’t take too long to start, I’ll pour the charcoal in and get it nice and hot,” Mathew said.
“Okay, I’ll set up the veggies to be grilled so you can do your magic with them,” I said. “This is going to be delicious.”
“And how about where you were? Mathew said eyeing me.
“A yeah, I ‘ll show where the charcoal is? We walked over to the garage.
“So, I flew down to Puerto Rico?”
“Whaaat?” Mathew said.
“Yeah, I met with a man named Caleb,” I said.
“And who is Caleb?”
“He is a business owner from Valerie’s hometown in Puerto Rico. She used to fly down to give him money she owed for the bakery?” I said.
“Huh, that doesn’t make much sense,” he said.
“Yeah, I am not sure I got the whole truth about their relationship, but maybe you might look into him.”
“How did you get this information?”
“A little birdie told me?”
“A birdie?”
“Yeah?”
“Does this birdie have a name?”
“Let’s focus on what’s important. Getting David out of jail. He did not commit this murder. I know he was set up. I just don’t know how,” I said.
“I mean Felicity we have fingerprints and evidence in the crime scene. We have your employee disappear when the murder occurred,” Mathew said putting his arms out to the side.
“I think you should look into this guy Caleb. He might be involved somehow. I just don’t know how,” I said.
“Okay, I will see what I can do, but only if you don’t put yourself in danger.”
“Thanks Matt. Here is the charcoal. Let’s get back to the party,” I said trying to avoid further scrutiny.
Chapter Thirty-Two
More people showed up. I walked around and said hi to everyone. Sophie arrived. I walked over and gave her a big hug.
“Hi Love, how are you doing?” I said.
“I am holding up, Sophie said. “I just want to have a nice time. I brought some fresh salad and some fresh lemon squares.”
“They look delicious. Here let me put them on the table for you,” I said. I walked over to the buffet table and place the food down.
“Okay everyone food is served,” I said. “Take a plate and enjoy this delicious meal. Thank you for bringing all these dishes. Let’s eat.”
“Woo hoo,” everybody hooted and hollered. People were chatting and got in line to help themselves.
We all sat down to the table.
“Felicity this is my friend Julie,” Mitch said. Julie was sitting right next to me.
“Hi Julie, Mitch tells me you are a diver,” I said.
“Yeah, my dad owns Clover Diving, we take tourists out and such,” Julie said.
“Oh, Dan Clover is your dad? I said
“Yeah!” she said.
“He is so nice, he taught me how to dive. I just can’t believe you and I haven’t met,” I said.
“I was away at school for at least eight years. I also lived with my mom in Virginia,” she said.
“Oh, wow,” I said. We are glad you’re here to enjoy this grand feast.”
“I am sorry about your farm manager,” Julie said. “I heard about the murder. Has there been any progress on finding the murderer?”
“We are pretty sure we have the murderer,” Mathew piped in.
“Mathew here, is the Sheriff in town,” I said. He smiled. “So, I won’t contradict much,” I continued. “I am quite sure he did not do it, and I intend to prove it.”
“I can’t comment further on this investigation,” Mathew said.
“If it helps, I did see Valerie and Dalefort Jr. going at it on his father’s boat onetime. They did not see me. I was diving with my dad and the current had drifted me around this island over there in the bay.”
“You mean fighting?” I said.
“Ohh no, I mean just the opposite, the two were naked and friendly, very friendly,” Julie said. “I had to look away.”
“They didn’t see me,” she continued, “because I just popped up from under the water to see where I was. I saw the boat bottom. They were for lack of a better description devouring each other. I knew it was him because I have had a crush on Blake Dalefort since I was twelve. I know him and his boat very well. I got to know him, but he rejected me.
I was a little hurt too when I saw them together. I certainly do not think I could match the passion t
hey were showing each other. I went back in the water to find my way back to the other side of the island. I could not tell you much more”
“Hmm,” I said, “I knew they were friendly to each other and flirted but I did not know they were a thing. Blake seemed to go for the spring break college girls,” I said.
“Interesting, I wonder if that has anything to do with her murder,” I looked at Mathew. He was busy enjoying his food pretending not to listen. He looked at me for a second and shook his head.
“Not now,” he said.
“Let’s forget about all that now and just enjoy. Cheers,” I said.
“Cheers.” Everyone echoed.
“What’s everyone wearing for Marina Fest? Sophie asked. That set chatter everywhere for what costumes people were going to wear.
Chapter Thirty-Three
The week was full of harvesting and preparing for Saturday’s market. I went into the green house to harvest the lettuce. I needed some time to myself to think.
The loose lettuce allows me to get more than one crop out of each head of lettuce. I take the leaves off a group of the lettuce and it grows back in the same season. I sell both loose lettuce and heads of lettuce. Many people have gotten use to buying loose lettuce leaves. I have enough beds in the greenhouse to sell both heads and loose organic lettuce.
While I was harvesting, I was trying to figure out how I could talk to Blake without spooking him. If he had something to do with Valerie’s murder, then he could be dangerous.
My cell phone rang.
“Hi,” I said.
“Hi,” Mathew said, “Can you do me a big favor and feed Brindle, tomorrow and the next day.”
“Yes, of course my animals love her.”
“You don’t mind?” Mathew said.
“No of course not, you know I love her and so does the clan. Are you going somewhere for business?” I said.
“I can’t really say, but the DEA needs me and a couple of my guys and gals to help with something down near White Bird Key.”
“Nice the DEA, that’s sounds exciting. Is it a drug bust?” I said.
“Not quite sure right now. They don’t really tell us much and I can’t of course tell you,” he said.
“No, I totally understand,” I said.
“I’ll run her by this afternoon, “he said.
“Perfect, we will be here.” I said.
“Great, thanks Felicity. I really appreciate it.”
“Of course, anytime.”
“Bye,” he said.
“Bye,” I said. I continued to gather loose leaves of lettuce and put them into containers. I loved the smell of the greenhouse. I loved the color of the dirt. The light in the greenhouse was perfect from the white covering. I was very curious as to what Mathew was doing with the DEA. I couldn’t get too curious because I probably wouldn’t be able to hear about. Mathew was very tight lipped. I needed to work on him with that. I did not want him to break the law but just fill me in on juicy allowable details.
Chapter Thirty-Four
“Can you take the day off?” I said to Angela over the phone.
“Well, it is Sunday and there is a lot of business,” Angela said.
“Great, the girls can handle it and you can bring your cellphone,” I said, “Be ready with a bathing suit and a cover up. I don’t want you to get too tan. Bring whatever else you need for a day in the sun. I will bring lunch, snacks, wine, and whiskey!
“I don’t know,” Angela said.
“Please, I need your help,” I said, “I will tell you about it on the way.”
“Okay,” she said.
“Oh, you are my best friend. We will have fun; I will pick you up in an hour,” I said.
“Yeah, okay, this better be good,” she said.
I hang up and feed the animals. Check the to do list and make sure I completed everything for the morning. I got in my car and headed for Angela’s house.
Chapter Thirty-Five
“Hi Ang, all set” I said.
“I guess, you are scaring me a little?” Angela said. We hugged each other. “
“Where are we going?” she said.
“I am renting us a small power boat to go to the party at Sand Pass,” I said.
“What? Party?” she said.
“I thought we deserved a little R and R after all our hard work,” I said.
“Uh huh, what is the real reason we are going?”
“No, I am serious,” I said. I can feel Angela staring at me from the passenger seat. “Okay, I really feel that Blake knows something about Valeria’s murder. Who knows, he could be the killer.”
“What, Blake?” she said. “I mean I know he is a rich douche bag and all, but he does not seem like the killing type.”
“Yeah, I know, that is why we are going to have a little conversation with him.”
“We are, are we, okay but why the elaborate scheme.”
“I did not want to seem too obvious, and this is a lot more fun.” I smiled at her and stepped on the gas.
We drive through town and ended up at the far end of the Marina at Jack’s boat rental. I noticed that Blake’s boat was gone. This was a good sign. He takes a crew of people out to the party at the Sand Pass after the early morning fishing trip on Saturdays.
I go and sign the paperwork for the boat and do all the administrative work. Angela gathers our stuff together. I brought us food, drinks, and other boating essentials.
The attendant and I walk around the boat and through the boat making sure the dings and bangs that are on the boat are from the past renters and not me.
Angela starts bringing some items to the dock next to the boat. I shake the guys hand and say thank you.
“You ladies have a nice day out there and be safe,” he said.
“Thank you,” we said.
We get settled and I started the boat engine with the turn of a key and Angela took the rope off the pier and jumped on the boat.
I maneuvered the boat with a low wake out of the Marina. The day was gorgeous. The water was turquoise and clear. The sky was as blue as only Florida can produce. The clouds were white as white dessert topping.
The boat had a small cover to protect us from the sun. We could relax on the cushions in the front and in the back. I had a nice comfortable seat where the helm was. Angela was getting everything situated.
I brought the boat to the open waters and brought her speed up. We zoomed along in the waterway that allowed the speed. Sand Pass was not far from Marina Key. I had it in my sights just after leaving the low wake zone around the marina.
We used to come out to the Sand Pass as kids. We were getting closer to Sand Pass and we could already see a small cluster of boats starting to line up. People were in the water with beers int their hands and smiles on their face.
I was glad there were too many people. This way hopefully no one would think it suspicious that I was talking with Blake. I spotted his boat and noticed a free spot near his boat to park our boat. This was great. I didn’t want to make him think I was stalking him.
I slowed the boat and made my way around the back of Blakes boat and parked an acceptable distance from his and the one next to me.
Angela and I waved to the neighbors as we got our boat situated. It was easier to drop an anchor a little further out so there was no chance of boats bumping into one another.
“Hey Ladies,” our boat neighbors yelled out. Our neighbors happened to be a couple of guys. They looked like they were maybe in their thirties. Angela and I looked at each other. We might enjoy this depending. We were a little more introverted, but I had to get this information.
“Just play along Angela,” I said.
“You owe me big time,” she said.
Chapter Thirty-S ix
“Take this,” I said and motioned Angela to take the helm. “Just hold it,” I said and jumped out of the boat to make sure I was not going to drop anchor into any wildlife. It was shallow where we would hang out but then there
were deeper parts where we would park the boats.
The water was very so clear. You could see all the white sand ribs made by the current. I always went the extra mile to make sure not to hurt sea life. I also did not want to run aground like Mathew, and I had done a few weeks back.
I put my snorkel goggles on and looked in the area where I was going to pull the anchor. All was clear and I motioned to Angela to let the anchor down and then pulled the anchor to a safe deeper area.
I jumped back onto the boat. I opened the cooler and grabbed two pinot grigio small bottles. I gave one to Angela.
“Okay, so let’s just enjoy and let it all happen naturally,” I said. I hopped into the water off the back of the boat. We opened our wines and started drinking.
The spot was absolutely stunning with sparkling turquoise water in every direction. The water that day was one of the beautiful clear days.
I glanced in front of our boat to see what kind of activity was on Blake’s boat. I could hear people splashing about and the music going. I looked around to see where Blake was. I spotted him chatting with one of the lady passengers.
“Okay Angela, I see him now let’s go over and say hi,” I said.
“Why do I have to come. I feel like chilling over here,” she said.
“Please, I need your support,” I said.
“I rarely get to be out here on the water.”
“Okay fine, I’ll just go over. He might not talk if we look like we are ganging up on him.”
I stroll through the clear water. I try to make it casual like I was just looking to mingle. Acting casual has never been my forte.
“Is that you farm girl?” I hear Blake’s voice coming from a top the boat. My head shifts up. I was not expecting him to be up there. I just saw him in the back of the boat a few minutes ago.
“Ah, yeah, who’s that?” I said being casual.