Death In The Garden

by Caroline Clemmons

  Jeannie saw us come in. “How are you, Heather?” She looked at Kurt, speculation about our relationship in her appraisal.

  I introduced them. “Kurt’s new in town and he’s helping me shop. We’re looking for an old-fashioned pocket watch.”

  “Over here.” She led us to a glass case that included a dozen watches along with the wrist type plus vintage jewelry. “Any particular type?”

  I spotted it immediately and excitement thrummed through me. I fought to keep my voice normal. “The gold one with the mountain scene etched on the case.”

  She brought it out and handed it to me. “That’s a beauty. Bill bought it last week. He almost kept it for himself.”

  “I’ll take it.” I saw the $295.00 price tag. “Wow, I had no idea it’d be so much.”

  “That’s good gold, and the condition is extremely good.”

  Kurt said, “Just a minute while we confer.” He tugged me a few steps away and whispered, “You don’t have to buy it. I can confiscate it as evidence.”

  I whispered back, “Not the way to win friends or do business in a small town. Remember, I’m a businesswoman here and depend on good will.” I went to the counter and wrote the check, even though the amount made me gulp. Paying for a watch that was going to its rightful owner made little sense, but I’d been serious when I’d explained to Kurt about good will in a small town. When I passed payment to Jeannie, I said, “I’d like to ask Bill about where he found it.”

  “He’s in the back room cleaning things we bought from an estate sale in Van Alstyne.” She called her husband.

  He came out wiping his hands on a rag. “What’s up?”

  I cradled the watch in my hand. “Would you tell me about this?”

  He narrowed his eyes. “Why?” While Jeannie’s disposition was sunny, Bill was a grouch.

  “I just bought it. I’d like to know more about it.”

  He told me the maker and the approximate age, all of which I already knew.

  I said, “I was hoping for more specific information.”

  Bill frowned. “That’s all I know.”

  Kurt pulled out his badge. “We need to know more than that, Mr. Sparks. This watch belongs to Walter Sims and is evidence in a murder investigation. I could have confiscated it as evidence, but Ms Cameron insisted on paying you for it. Now, from whom did you buy this?”

  Bill swelled up in a huff. “You saying I buy stolen merchandise?”

  I figured Bill’s belligerence flared because he’d known the person who had sold him the watch shouldn’t have had it. Kurt was an experienced cop and probably sensed the same thing. At least, I could see his patience wearing thin. I put a hand on his arm to remind him this was Gamble Grove, not the big city.

  Must have worked, because he took a deep breath before he answered. “No, sir, I said nothing of the kind. We’re saying that whoever sold this to you knew the watch belonged to Mr. Sims. I don’t think anyone stole it from him, but that maybe someone picked up the watch when Mr. Sims dropped it.”

  “That old lush that killed the rich guy? How do you know it’s his?”

  “Walter didn’t kill anyone.” I stepped forward, making him face me. “And I’ve seen this watch several times a day for as long as I can remember. It plays ‘Greensleeves.’” I opened it and punched the button as Walter had shown me. “Greensleeves” tinkled in soft, tones.

  “Humph. Doesn’t prove anything.”

  I sought to soothe his prickles by pleading, “Look, Bill, we’re not accusing you of a crime. But we need your help. I know you and Jeannie are honest business owners.”

  Jeannie put her hands on her hips. “Bill Sparks, you tell them what they want to know right now. You’re making it look as if we have something to hide.” She stepped toward him and stabbed her finger at his chest. “You don’t, do you?”

  Bill glowered then looked at the floor. “Aw, hell. Got the thing from this kid. Said the watch had been his grandfather’s. Gave me a story about how his father was dead and his mom needed money. Said the grandfather had done his family dirty and they didn’t want the reminder.”

  Kurt asked, “Which kid?”

  “Don’t know his name. Mexican, about fifteen or so.”

  I opened my mouth but Kurt beat me to the question, “Would you recognize him?”

  Bill shrugged. “Yeah. Guess I would.”

  Kurt stuck out his hand. “Thanks, Mr. Sparks. I’ll round up the kids I believe are involved and be in touch with you.”

  Hesitantly, Bill shook Kurt’s hand. “Should have known a kid that age was lying to me.”

  His wife punched his arm. “You sure should have. And you should have gotten his name and checked out his story.”

  We left them arguing, but I didn’t care. I almost danced out of the store and into Kurt’s car. “This proves he had the watch after Rockwell’s death. Walter will be so happy. How soon can you find Hector and those other two and get identification? Is it too late for Walter to get out today?”

  Kurt leaned his head against the seat’s headrest and pinched the bridge of his nose. “It’s not that easy. The case has already gone to the Grand Jury.” He sat up and faced me. “Heather, Walter was indicted.”

  Chapter Nineteen

  “Walter indicted?” I was crushed. “That shouldn’t matter now—“

  “It’s complicated. Once the Grand Jury has bound a case over for trial, I can’t release Walter because of new evidence. His case has to go through the processes. I’ll have to have a confession from the kids, take it to the DA, yada yada or wait for the trial.”

  “But a trial could take months.” My elation turned to fear. “Walter’s health is deteriorating rapidly. He’ll never last until a trial. Kurt, you have to do something, anything.”

  “Let me pick up the kids we saw at the cemetery and get them ID’d by Sparks. If he says one of them sold him the watch, then I’ll get statements from them. Pulling them in may scare them into confessing without bothering Sparks.”

  I slumped in the seat. “I feel like crying, all this and Walter stuck in jail. At least you believe we found the right watch.” I looked at him. “You do, don’t you?”

  He squeezed my hand. “Of course, but nothing’s easy.” He started the car. “It’s almost six. How about dinner?”

  “Dinner?” I gasped and stared at my watch and saw it was 5:50. “Ohmygosh, my grandparents. You’d better come with me instead, and we have to hurry. Grandpa warned me not to be late for dinner, and that’s at six sharp.”

  He grinned. “Sounds great, but won’t they mind me showing up at the last minute?”

  “No, I’ll call them now.” I pulled my cell phone from my purse. The little wise ass demon who’s always lurking near me took over and I laughed. “Think how happy your showing up will make Gigi.”

  ***

  At dinner, I showed Walter’s pocket watch to my great-grandmother, my grandparents, and Ruby.

  “Good work, Heather. You too, Kurt.” Grandpa took the timepiece from me and slipped it into his pocket. “I’ll show this to Walter when I visit him tomorrow. He’ll be plenty relieved.”

  I told them how Kurt and I had made the find. Kurt made an occasional comment, but mostly he seemed to enjoy sharing Ruby’s great cooking with my family. I ended with my visit to Sharee Ormond.

  Gigi chortled, “Don’t that ring your bell? Sharee’s smart. Don’t know why she sticks with the life she has here.”

  I admitted, “I wondered that myself.”

  “Because of loyalty to her mother, I imagine.” Grandma laid her fork on her plate. “Millie won’t leave those two loutish boys, and they won’t leave Gamble Grove. I suspect Sharee won’t leave her mom on her own with those two.”

  Grandpa said, “Reckon Sharee could have worked for Rockwell, but don’t suppose she could stand the thought of him, knowing he probably killed her father.”

  Kurt looked at Grandpa. “Mr. Gillentine, you’re acquainted with everyone involved. Do you
believe Rockwell murdered Frank Ormond?”

  “Sounds entirely too possible. Vance was short on conscience and long on daring.”

  I said, “Sharee said everyone thinks her mom’s crazy to believe he did. I imagine she gave up trying to convince anyone.”

  Grandma nodded. “But not hoping. I believe I’ll stop by and see Millie tomorrow.” She turned to Gigi. “Would you like to go?”

  “Some other time. I’m playing bridge tomorrow.”

  Grandpa glared at his mother. “Mama, you played bridge yesterday. How much of that stuff can you stand?”

  Gigi pointed her fork at Grandpa. “Don’t knock the game, Dick. Doctors say bridge keeps the mind sharp.”

  He harrumphed. “Don’t know about the brain, but I’d believe it keeps the tongue sharp.”

  Ruby said, “Now listen here, Dick Gillentine, don’t you disrespect your momma. You got to admit there ain’t many her age as sharp as she is.”

  “Damned right.” Gigi concentrated on her meal.

  My great-grandmother ate slower than anyone I’d ever known. She was still on the main course when the rest of us had finished and waited for dessert.

  She waved a fork. “Go on and eat your cheesecake. No one’s hurrying me through this steak and potatoes.”

  None of us needed further urging. Ruby served slices of her praline cheesecake topped with swirls of chocolate brandy sauce and sat down.

  I took a bite and savored the creamy texture on my tongue. The tangy brandy residue sharpened the chocolate, a perfect match for the caramel flavored cheesecake. As far as I was concerned, the combination was heavenly. I closed my eyes, letting the normal household bickering fall away. A million calories, and worth every one. “You never miss with this, Ruby.”

  She glowed with pleasure and patted my hand. “I know that cheesecake’s one of your favorites, so I wait to make it ‘til you’ll be here to eat.”

  “Best dinner I’ve ever had, Mrs. Crawford.” Kurt took another bite.

  “Them green beans you ate was like we was canning the first time you came here.”

  “Never had better either.” He addressed Grandpa. “I’d like to pick your brains about the investigation, but right now all I can think about is how great this is.” He forked another bite of the cake.

  Grandpa nodded. “Ruby’s cooking takes your attention off anything else. But you come on back anytime. I’m usually here or in the garage.”

  After dinner, Kurt stood and gathered silverware. “You ladies cooked. How about if Heather and I clean up?”

  “Thanks a lot.” I elbowed him and began stacking dishes.

  Ruby hesitated.

  I pointed at the door. “He means it, Ruby. Go watch TV and put your feet up.”

  She didn’t look convinced, but she edged toward the door. “Well, if you’re sure, there’s a movie I want to see on the Hallmark channel.”

  I made shooing motions with my hands. “We’ll do everything your way, I promise.”

  “Come along, Ruby.” Grandma guided her from the room. “Let’s not give them a chance to change their minds.”

  Gigi finally finished her steak. “I’m saving this dessert for later and getting out of here before you draft me. Besides, I want to see that movie.” She carried her cheesecake and fork with her as she left.

  Once we were in the kitchen, I said, “You didn’t need to do this, you know.”

  He said, “You have a nice family, and they’ve been very welcoming. I wanted to repay their hospitality.”

  “Hey, I was the one who invited you and you’re repaying me with KP duty.”

  He stopped and his gorgeous blue eyes showed alarm. “Sorry, didn’t realize you’d mind.”

  I laughed. “I don’t, just wanted to make you sweat.”

  “You do that all right.”

  I knew he wasn’t talking about dishes. “Oh yeah? Like how?”

  “You know damn well. As if you don’t put an extra little swish in your walk when you know I’m looking.”

  Caught. “I can’t imagine what you mean, detective.”

  “Or those sassy things you say to me like mispronouncing my name and suggesting I take a charm course.”

  I gave him my sweetest smile. “Merely trying to distract you from arresting Walter.”

  “You distracted me all right.”

  Good to hear. “Not enough, because you still found Walter.”

  “It’s my job. Even when I’m working, I can’t forget the way you smile at me or how your green eyes twinkle when you’re trying to con me into something.”

  “Me? Con you?” I tried to look shocked. “You make me sound like a flirt.”

  “Hmm, maybe not intentionally.” He grinned. “Maybe it’s innate.”

  That’s an explanation I’d accept. That the mischievous demon that often took over my psyche and my mouth was something I’d been born with. Sure took the pressure off me, nevermind that I was consciously trying to attract this fascinating man.

  Kurt dried his hands and folded the towel neatly on the counter.

  I punched Start on the dishwasher and set it humming. “Ruby and Grandma are both obsessive about cleanliness.” I glanced around. “This kitchen ought to pass even their inspection.”

  “I hate a mess as well. Guess it’s the military training.”

  “Do you want to go watch TV with my family?”

  He took my hand. “How about another walk in the garden? That swing’s nice.”

  I switched off the light as we left. The night light Grandma kept burning for Gigi glowed behind us.

  A soft breeze carried the scent of roses, honeysuckle, and jasmine. Dusk had fallen, but enough light remained to display the garden’s beauty. Each generation had added to the garden as well as the house. Grandpa’s careful alterations and care assured a perfect haven for those who loved plants and beauty.

  I released a contented sigh. “I love this place.”

  He led me down the walk to the roses. “Easy to see why. I know a lot of work goes into maintaining the gardens and the house, but I’ll bet you never tire of them.”

  “Right. Even when I’m upset about the lack of privacy, I can’t imagine ever leaving.” Nearby, the musical trickle of water from the small rock waterfall always soothed me. A frog’s croak sounded from the lily pond followed by a small splash.

  “Guess college was hard on you?”

  I touched a coral hybrid tea rose. The thick petals were smooth and satiny to my fingertips. “I hated being away, but it was good for me to be on my own among people who neither knew nor cared who I was.”

  “No shock?”

  I laughed. “Some, but I adjusted. There were so many students that campus was like a town. At first I came home pretty often.”

  “It’s not that far, so no reason not to.” He tugged me toward the swing.

  When I was seated, he joined me. He pushed with his feet and set the swing gently swaying. “You still seeing Devlin Douglas?”

  He sounded casual, but I wasn’t fooled.

  “I-I’m supposed to go to the Rockwell’s for dinner on Friday, after the reading of Vance Rockwell’s will that afternoon.”

  He looked at me. “Yeah? Humph, that should be interesting.”

  “I thought I might learn something about who gained most from his death.” I gasped, and elbowed his ribs. “You already know what it says, don’t you?”

  He placed his hand on mine. “Can’t tell.”

  “I’ll find out soon enough on my own. Did you know that Rockwell was selling his company?”

  He nodded.

  “Darn, you already know everything.”

  “Investigating is my job, remember? Unfortunately, I haven’t figured out who killed the guy.” He slid his arm around me. “Do we have to talk about the Rockwells?”

  “No, you brought them up.” I let a few glides of the swing go by before I said, “You know a lot about me. I wish you’d tell me something about yourself.”

  �
��Like what?”

  “Did you always want to be a cop?”

  “As long as I can remember. My parents tried to talk me out of it. Dad encouraged me to go into the Marines, so I did.”

  “Did you like it?”

  “Parts. The team work, the camaraderie.” He chuckled. “Marching with forty pounds of gear left a lot to be desired.” He paused and exhaled what I took to be contentment. “I saw you running the other morning.”

  “You did? Why didn’t you stop me and talk to me?” His fingers stroked my arm, making it hard for me to concentrate on our conversation.

  “Figured it was your private time.”

  “Mine and Rascal’s, but you’re welcome to come if you wish.”

  “Might take you up on that some morning. Now, you know what I keep thinking?”

  I was hoping it was along the lines of my own thoughts, but asked, “What?”

  “That everyone in your family is watching a movie on TV. Any luck, that gives me plenty of time for this.” He leaned forward and kissed me.

  I kissed him back. A lot.

  One thing led to another. He slid his hand under my shirt and cupped my breast. Finally, he broke from our heated kisses.

  “Since your family is busy watching that movie, can we go to your apartment?”

  Before I could answer, the screen door slammed. Grandpa walked to the garage under my living space.

  “Sorry.” I sighed and laid my head against Kurt’s shoulder.

  “Heather, you’re killing me. Being with you is like dating a group.” He exhaled and braced his elbows on his thighs. “Give me a minute.”

  I folded my hands in my lap, wondering if Kurt would stalk away. I love my family, love the garden center, love small town life. But I yearned to be alone with this man and see where it took us. “I told you I have no privacy.”

  “I know, and I’m not blaming you. You have a great family. They have no idea how their presence affects your life."

  “For the most part, they’re being here helps me in good ways. Only like now, when I want to be alone with you, that they limit me.”

  He stood and pulled me toward him. “Maybe that’s best for now. Soon, I plan to get you all to myself, even if we have to go out of town.” He planted a kiss on my forehead. “Now, I’d better go before I ravish you in the petunias.”