by Rickie Blair
“No,” I said firmly. “It’s not time for a walk.”
At the word walk, the terrier exploded off the chair and was at the door in an instant, where he bounced up and down like a spring.
I slapped a hand on my forehead. “What was I thinking?”
“Never mind—I’ll take him out,” Jeff said, rising to his feet. “Anyway, don’t you have to get dressed?”
I glanced at the clock on the fireplace mantel. “You’re right. I have to get going.” I walked to the door to watch Jeff fasten Boomer’s leash. “We’re okay, right?”
Jeff seemed surprised. “Of course.” He swept me up in a hug. “Sweetheart,” he whispered, “I only want to keep you safe.”
“I know. I’m sorry if I alarmed you.”
He tightened his grip, and I laid my head on his shoulder. “I’ll say one thing, though,” Jeff continued. “I’ll be happy when landscaping season is here. Hopefully then, you won’t have time to get into any more trouble.” Grinning, he tucked a finger under my chin to bring my face up for a lingering kiss.
Through the front window, I watched Jeff and Boomer walk down Lilac Lane. Once they turned the corner, I looked down at General Chang, who was twining around my ankles.
“I think there’s a tin of salmon in the cupboard. Shall we check?”
“Mrack.” The General trotted briskly off to the kitchen, pausing at the entrance to make sure I was following him. “Mrack?”
The Leafy Hollow cemetery was almost empty of mourners. Even the usual dog walkers were nowhere in evidence. The spring grass was soft and spongy underfoot, so I stayed on the paved walk that curved between the rows of gravestones and up a hill. Green buds showed on the chestnut trees that lined the path, the air was crisp and clean, and all traces of snow had melted under a dazzling spring sun.
At the top of the hill, I glanced down. A gray-haired figure was laying a bouquet on a grave under a trio of flowering serviceberry trees. Their fluffy white blooms heralded the promise of spring and new beginnings.
Aunt Adeline looked up as I approached. “Jeff not with you?”
I shook my head. “He wanted to come, but I thought today should be about the Hawkes girls.”
Adeline nodded silently in agreement. Her eyes were moist.
Bending, I laid my own flowers on the ground. Before straightening, I read the words I’d long since memorized.
claire hawkes
beloved mother and sister
—————
whisper my name in your heart
and i will be there
“I miss you, Mom,” I murmured, patting the stone before stepping back to join my aunt.
We stood silently—not touching, but grateful for each other’s presence—and listened to the twitter of birds in the branches above us.
“Ten years today,” I said. “It hardly seems possible.” I sighed. “I’m sorry if I was late.”
My aunt waved a hand. “You weren’t. I came early because I had something to say to Claire. An apology.”
I stared at the grave, not trusting myself to look at my aunt’s face. Whatever her regret might be, I knew Claire would forgive her. Claire would have forgiven anything of her adored older sister. “What could you possibly have to apologize for, after all this time?”
Adeline let out a long sigh. “I think you know.”
“No, I don’t—”
“Your father,” she said abruptly. “I misjudged him. And in a way, that means I misjudged Claire as well.” She rubbed a hand over her mouth while gazing at the gravestone.
I’d never seen her this distraught.
She lowered her hand. “I could have been more… helpful.”
“No one could have been more helpful. You looked after both of us.”
“When I was here,” she choked out. “But I was away far too much.”
I wrapped an arm around her shoulder. “Well, that’s a conundrum,” I said, trying to keep my tone light. “Because my mother always held you up as a shining example of what a woman could achieve in this life. Are you saying she was wrong?”
A smile curved my aunt’s mouth, and she raised her arm to place a hand over mine. Silently, we clung together, looking down at the grave.
A movement behind us caught my eye. I swiveled my head.
Frank stood a few feet away. He was holding a bouquet of gardenias, Mom’s favorite flower. Catching my eye, he cleared his throat. “I’ll come back later,” he said, then turned to go.
At the sound of his voice, Adeline whirled around.
Their eyes locked for a moment.
Then she stepped back, leaving a gap between herself and me. She gestured to show he was welcome to approach.
Hesitantly, Frank stepped between us to crouch at the foot of the grave. His words were mostly lost on the wind, but I was close enough to hear his whispered, “I’m sorry, Claire… I’m so sorry.” He placed the flowers on the ground, but he did not lift his bent head. His shoulders were shaking.
I averted my eyes, wanting to give him privacy.
Finally, he got to his feet. He rubbed a hand over his face before turning around. “Thanks,” he said gruffly. “I’m leaving soon, and I wanted to say goodbye.”
I stared. “Leaving? Why?” The words burst out before I had a chance to wonder where they’d come from. “I don’t... want you to… go.” My mouth dropped open. Even I was surprised by this sudden rush of sentiment.
“Ettie?” Frank raised the back of his hand to his mouth, staring at me.
In an instant, I covered the ground between us and wrapped my arms around his neck. “I’m glad you’re back,” I blurted. “Please don’t go.”
Then, I added, “Dad.”
I smiled through my tears. It felt good to say the word. And somewhere, I was positive, the other Hawkes girl was smiling, too.
He hugged me so tightly I could barely breathe. Somehow, I didn’t mind.
“Hey,” Adeline broke in. “Gideon is making us lunch. Let’s go eat.” Her voice had regained its usual composure, but her eyes were moist.
As we walked to the entrance, she added, “You know, Frank—the fellow who owns that garage by the highway is looking for an experienced mechanic. I could put in a good word.”
He reared back with an expression of surprise. “You wouldn’t mind?”
“Not at all. I think it’s an excellent idea.” She glanced over her shoulder. “Also, I think it’s time to add the word wife to Claire’s gravestone.”
Briskly, Adeline took my arm, then my father’s, and the three of us walked out under the cemetery’s curved metal arch, heads high.
* * *
THE END
* * *
To receive advance notice of upcoming books and special offers, please join my mailing list at www.rickieblair.com.
* * *
Reviews are very important for the success of a book. If you enjoyed The Grave Truth, please consider leaving an online review.
Also by Rickie Blair
THE LEAFY HOLLOW MYSTERIES
The Grave Truth is the sixth book in this cozy mystery series. If you like lovably quirky characters, deceptively idyllic Canadian villages, and twists you won’t see coming, then you’ll love The Leafy Hollow Mysteries.
From Garden To Grave, Book 1
Verity Hawkes is a shut-in. After two years bunkered in her apartment, the only thing that gets her out is the disappearance of her beloved but eccentric aunt. As she takes over her aunt’s landscaping shop, she’ll need to go from hoarder to horticulturist in a hurry…
Her new home of Leafy Hollow is quaint, except for her most obnoxious client. When a series of freak accidents kills the customer, all signs point to Verity as the killer.
The hunt for answers is on, and Verity must question a tipsy carpenter, a bacon-peddling vegan baker, and her dreamy landscaping competitor to keep her new life afloat. Failure to find the truth could put her back in a confined space for much more than two years…
Digging Up Trouble, Book 2
Verity Hawkes misses her recluse lifestyle, but she’s finally starting to settle in as Leafy Hollow’s resident landscaper. At least until a village-wide cupcake battle helps turn one new visitor from a skeptic to a corpse in record time. When her friend’s crush shockingly confesses to the crime, Verity is once again asked to investigate…
Potential clues come in as fast as the suspects: a documentary film director, a wacky artist, and a feral-cat enthusiast, to name a few. It turns out everyone in town has skeletons in their closet… even her new friends. If Verity doesn’t find out the truth soon, then the next local legend buried in the ground… could be her.
A Branch Too Far, Book 3
Verity Hawkes’ new life in Leafy Hollow almost feels whole. All the self-taught horticulturalist lacks are her Aunt Adeline and a stable relationship. Just when the second missing piece seems like it might be falling into place, Verity’s sleepy town welcomes back an all-too-familiar killer…
Suspicions run rampant when a body is found at the base of Pine Hill Peak, and the mother of Verity’s best friend is the number one suspect. To keep the wrong woman out of prison, Verity must rub shoulders with an arsonist, a hunky lawman, and a pair of dueling pastry chefs. When a scandal from the past threatens her investigation, Verity must act fast before the peak of her life becomes a valley…
Muddy Waters, Book 4
Verity Hawkes can hardly remember her reclusive past. She’s actually starting to enjoy her role as the small town’s resident gardener and unofficial super sleuth. Her blossoming relationship with a dreamy local detective certainly doesn’t hurt matters. But Verity can’t help but question her place in town when a group of kidnappers steal away a beloved citizen and single her out to handle the ransom…
After the deal goes south, it’s clear to the Leafy Hollow gardener that larger forces are at play. Between dealing with a rogue agent, a meddling ex-boyfriend, and an underground Botox clinic, she knows that nothing is as it seems. To dig up the conspiracy, Verity may just have to get her hands dirty…
Snowed Under, Book 5
With Leafy Hollow in a deep winter freeze, landscaper Verity Hawkes is all out of funds. Setting up a private investigator business seems like the best way to indulge her fantasy and make a few bucks. But she never expected her first case would turn the whole town against her.
As she investigates a shady, million-dollar crossword competition, even her detective boyfriend sides with her neighbors in thinking it’s legit. But when the contest seems to connect with scruffy dog walkers and a missing investment advisor, Verity hopes she can solve the clues before the whole town descends into a scammy word-smithing frenzy. Between vegan food scandals and a village hoarder biting the dust, the landscaper-turned-PI has her hands full.
With time running out, can Verity discover the phantom killer before the culprit makes it two down?
The Grave Truth, Book 6
Verity Hawkes' new life as Leafy Hollow's resident landscaper and part-time sleuth is just about perfect. She has a new love interest, a new home–even a new dog. The last thing she needs is a reminder of her troubled past.
So when her estranged father shows up with a plea for help, her first instinct is to throw the cad out. Until he reveals startling new details about her beloved mother, who's been dead for years.
To tackle a twenty-year-old puzzle, Verity must face down a surly detective, a bungling electronic aide, and a lethal paper shredder. But when the trail leads to murder, she soon becomes the prime suspect.
To clear her name, Verity must solve the most baffling mystery she's ever faced–one from her own past.
Click here to see all retail links for The Leafy Hollow Mysteries.
Book 7
Sign up for my newsletter at rickieblair.com to receive advance notice of Book 7 in the series.
THE RUBY DANGER SERIES
If you like fast-paced action, believable heroines, and breathtaking twists, then you’ll love this series of gripping financial thrillers. (Note: The Ruby Danger books include mild language and some adult situations, although they’re less violent than most thrillers.)
Dangerous Allies, Book 1
No one invites the mob on their second honeymoon… Ruby Delaney is at the bottom of a spiral. After the death of her sister, the young actress turned to booze to numb the pain. Desperate to reconnect with her husband and get her life back on track, Ruby embarks on a luxurious second honeymoon cruise. Everything is going well, until she makes a surprising discovery in their cabin: $20 million in bonds!
When she’s set up for a crime she didn’t commit, Ruby’s only chance is a series of impossible escapes to clear her name. With the help of a few surprise allies, and a bit of luck, Ruby might just have a shot… if she can live long enough to solve the mystery.
Dangerous Benefits, Book 2
When fraudbusters Ruby Delaney and Hari Bhatt track a murder victim’s stolen money to Paris, they uncover a surprising link to one of Wall Street’s biggest names. The partners race to determine the truth, unaware they’re being watched by someone who will go to desperate lengths to hide a lethal secret.
Dangerous Comforts, Book 3
After the tragic consequences of their last case, fraud investigators Ruby Delaney and Hari Bhatt have lost the desire to expose cheats and con artists—or to risk their own hearts.
But when a body is found in the home of a missing casino employee, the estranged partners must join forces to find the victim’s terrified killer. Hari and Ruby embark on a desperate race through the underground tunnels of Las Vegas, pursued by a deadly adversary who’s hunting the same man.
Click here to see all retail links for the Ruby Danger series.
About the Author
When not hunched over her computer talking to people who exist only in her head, Rickie spends her time taming an unruly half-acre garden and an irrepressible Jack Chi. She also shares her southern Ontario home with two rescue cats and an overactive Netflix account.
Contact Rickie at rickieblair.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AuthorRickieBlair/
