A Fatal Fabergé
Page 20
Kurt said, “There’s more exciting news to tell you. Natasha is having her lawyers prepare the legal documents that will give complete control of the estate to Maxim.”
Molly was stunned. “Really? That’s great news. Are you both up for such a big commitment?”
Kurt laughed. “Oh, yeah. We’re going to close our shop in Lexington and move it here. We already talked to the landlord for Rarus Books about renting the space, and we’ll be taking over the lease in January. We’re also going to open a gift shop at the museum, expand the hours of operation to stay open year-round, and open up the manor house for tours and special events.”
Molly clapped her hands. “That’s terrific news! The manor house will be the perfect setting for weddings and corporate events. I predict you’re both going to be very, very busy. And successful. I’m so delighted you’re moving here. You’ll be a wonderful addition to our local antiques community. Are you going to live in the cottage?”
“No,” Maxim said. “Aunt Natasha wants to live there. She’s tired of living in the manor house. She wants something cozier, and one level, as she ages in place. She’s already talking to James Galloway about renovations to gut the entire first floor to open it up and to add a master bedroom suite so she won’t have to go up the stairs.”
“That’s a very good idea,” Molly said. “Who’s taking care of Loki?”
“Loki will be moving in with Aunt Natasha.”
“Peggy told me she didn’t like living in the manor house, that it was too big for her.”
Kurt said, “I’m sorry, Maxim, I know you aren’t interested in hearing anything your mother had to say to Natasha, but she told me something interesting about the cat. She said Galina told her Loki wouldn’t stay with her in the apartment at the manor house, that she kept running away from her and was scratching and biting. We both think Loki knew she did something evil, and that’s why she was acting out. She didn’t want anything to do with her.”
“Cats are very perceptive,” Molly said.
Maxim said, “Well, I’m certainly not going to argue with the cat. Her claws are too sharp.” His cell phone chimed. “It’s Aunt Natasha texting. She talked to her favorite butcher and he only has a few turkeys left. With everything that’s been going on, Thanksgiving hasn’t been a big priority. We have to go buy one before he runs out.”
“No, you don’t,” Molly said. “Matt and I would love for the three of you to join us for dinner. Lombardi will be here, too, and our niece, Starling, and my mother and stepfather, and our little boy, Tyler. Please, say you’ll come.”
Kurt looked at Maxim. “It’s your call.”
“You’re very kind,” Maxim said. “But Thanksgiving’s in two days. Are you sure it isn’t too much trouble?”
“It’s no trouble at all,” she said. “I always buy a huge turkey, and everyone is pitching in to make the side dishes. Trust me, there will be plenty of food.”
“Well, then, count us in,” Maxim said. “I’m sure Aunt Natasha will be overjoyed when we tell her. She doesn’t know how to boil an egg, never mind make a Thanksgiving dinner, and she’s been voicing her concerns about letting Kurt and I loose in the kitchen. Without Peggy there to cook for her, she’s feeling lost.”
“Yeah, not to mention hungry,” Kurt said. “What can we bring?”
“I think we’re covered on all the side dishes,” Molly said, “but if you want to bring a pie, we could probably use another pumpkin. They always disappear fast.”
Kurt grimaced, and Maxim laughed. “Kurt’s not a fan of pumpkin pie. You don’t have to worry about him overindulging.”
“I really hate it,” Kurt said. “It’s not even a fruit, it’s a vegetable. The only good thing about the pie is the whipped cream. And this time of year? It’s impossible to get away from it. Pumpkin is everywhere—pumpkin coffee, pumpkin muffins and bread, even bagels and cookies. And you can’t tell people you don’t like it, especially the pie. They think you’re crazy. I really don’t understand why everyone loves it so much.”
“I don’t know where you got the idea that everyone loves it,” Molly said, although she couldn’t actually think of a single person she knew, besides Kurt, who didn’t like pumpkin pie. “But don’t worry, no one will make you eat it. Bring something else you’d like for dessert.”
Kurt smiled. “My mother has a recipe for strawberry shortcake that’s to die for.” His hand flew to his mouth. “Oh, my God, Maxim, I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have used those words.”
Maxim patted him on the shoulder. “It’s okay. I can handle it.”
“Strawberry shortcake sounds wonderful,” Molly said. “And we’ll say no more about your dislike of pumpkin pie, Kurt. No one else needs to know. Your secret is safe with me.”
Chapter 31
Molly opened the front door for Kurt and Maxim. Kurt gave her another hug before he went out the door, but Maxim stopped and turned to her. “You might find this hard to believe, after everything that’s happened, but I’m feeling very thankful this year for so many things.”
“I know you’ve been on a dark road these last couple of months, but there are a lot of exciting things coming your way. Don’t let what your mother did spoil it for you, or Kurt. You both have so much to look forward to.”
“I know. It’s been a roller-coaster ride, but we’re getting through it together. I honestly don’t know what I would have done without Kurt. He’s a rock, and he’s been there for me every minute of the day.”
“I’m glad to hear it. It’s wonderful to have someone in your life who believes in you and supports you.”
Maxim hugged her. “You’re the best, Molly. See you on Thursday.”
Molly went out the door with him and stood on the porch. Kurt was waiting for Maxim by the SUV. He held out his hands and laughed. “Can you believe it? It’s snowing! Welcome to Vermont, right, Molly?”
“Right,” Molly said as she waved goodbye.
She watched them drive away in a swirl of snow flurries floating lazily on the air. She thought about Galina, how she’d faked her death in the ocean, murdered her husband, and betrayed her son and her sister. She was a liar, and she was cruel. Worse than her husband. And Maxim was like neither of them. He was kind, and thoughtful. She truly believed Maxim, Natasha, and Kurt would get through this, but the echoes left behind by Galina’s actions wouldn’t be easy for any of her victims to overcome. Like waves, they had crashed into Hattie, and as a result, she was dead. Peggy’s freedom would be taken away, and Felix was left feeling betrayed and depressed. Even Loki, the cat, had been displaced. No one had come out of this unscathed.
Molly sighed. Maxim had a good attitude. It was important to think about the good things in your life and not dwell too much on the things you couldn’t change.
As she was about to go into the house she saw her mother pushing Tyler’s stroller down the sidewalk. She walked down the path to the driveway to meet them.
“We had a lovely walk,” Clara said. “Tyler enjoyed seeing the squirrels in the park. They’re out in force today. Probably squirreling away the last of their provisions before the snow really starts to fly.” She held her hand out to catch the snow flurries. “Looks like we got back just in time. Did you finish your article for Swanson?”
“Yes, I sent it out to him.” Molly unbuckled Tyler and lifted him out of his stroller. She felt tears spring to her eyes and tried to blink them away. “You just missed Maxim and his husband, Kurt. They stopped by with an update from Lombardi, which I’ll tell you all about over lunch. I invited them, and Natasha, for Thanksgiving dinner.”
“Oh, that will be very nice. I can’t wait to meet them.” Clara looked at Molly. “Are those tears in your eyes?”
“Yes, but it’s nothing, Ma.”
“It doesn’t look like nothing. What’s wrong, dear?”
Molly held Tyler a little closer and kissed the top of his head. “I don’t understand how Galina’s parents could disown her. I wonder if it was th
eir actions that turned her into such a bitter, hardened woman.” Clara wrapped her arms around her and Tyler. With their heads together, Molly breathed in the familiar scent of her mother’s gardenia perfume. It was a comforting scent that always made her think of home. “Sorry. I guess I’m feeling emotional after seeing Maxim and Kurt, and with the holiday almost here,” Molly said. “But I want you to know, Ma, I’m so thankful for you. I love everyone in my life, with all my heart, but I don’t know what I’d do if something happened to you. I think I’d die.”
Clara took a step back and wiped away Molly’s tears. “You wouldn’t die,” she said. “You would go on living, and you would continue to make me proud, like you do every day.”
Molly sniffed. “I make you proud?”
“Goodness, yes.” A sheen of tears suddenly glazed Clara’s eyes. She took a tissue out of her pocket. “Now look what you’ve done,” she said, dabbing her eyes. “My mascara will run.”
Molly started to laugh, but Tyler yanked on her hair. “Ouch!”
Clara tickled his tummy and he giggled. “I think he’s hungry. Let’s get inside. The snow is starting to come down, and it’s getting thicker.”
She was right. The snow was sticking to the grass. Molly walked to the door with Tyler in her arms while her mother pushed the stroller up the path. When they reached the front door, Molly held it open for her, and she pushed it inside.
“If you’ll take Tyler, I’ll put the stroller away,” Molly said.
Clara took Tyler from her, and Molly closed the front door. She watched her mother carry Tyler to the kitchen, smiling at him, talking quietly. Something she said made him giggle. His eyes were riveted on her face, and he reached out a chubby hand and gently touched her cheek.
Molly felt her heart melt.
Tyler will always know he’s loved, she thought. We’ll make sure of it.
Books by Ellery Adams
Antiques & Collectibles Mysteries
A Killer Collection
A Fatal Appraisal
A Deadly Dealer
A Treacherous Trader (with Parker Riggs)
A Devious Lot (with Parker Riggs)
A Killer Keepsake (with Parker Riggs)
A Bidder End (with Parker Riggs)
A Fatal Fabergé (with Parker Riggs)
The Secret, Book & Scone Society
The Secret, Book & Scone Society
The Whispered Word
The Book of Candlelight
The Book Retreat Mysteries
Murder in the Mystery Suite
Murder in the Paperback Parlor
Murder in the Secret Garden
Murder in the Locked Library
Murder in the Reading Room
Murder in the Storybook Cottage
The Charmed Pie Shoppe Mysteries
Pies and Prejudice
Peach Pies and Alibis
Pecan Pies and Homicides
Lemon Pies and Little White Lies
Breach of Crust
The Books by the Bay Mysteries
A Killer Plot
A Deadly Cliché
The Last Word
Written in Stone
Poisoned Prose
Lethal Letters
Writing All Wrongs
Killer Characters
The Supper Club Mysteries
Carbs & Cadavers
Fit to Die
Chili con Corpses
Stiffs and Swine
The Battered Body
Black Beans & Vice
Pasta Mortem
Hope Street Church Mysteries
The Path of the Crooked
The Way of the Wicked
The Graves of the Guilty
The Root of All Evil
Fate of the Fallen
Books by Parker Riggs
Finding Jessica
A Treacherous Trader (with Ellery Adams)
A Devious Lot (with Ellery Adams)
A Killer Keepsake (with Ellery Adams)
A Bidder End (with Ellery Adams)
A Fatal Fabergé (with Ellery Adams)
About the Authors
Ellery Adams
USA Today and New York Times bestselling author Ellery Adams lives in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, with her husband, two children, and three cats. She’s written multiple series including the Supper Club Mysteries, the Book Retreat Mysteries, the Secret, Book, and Scone Society Mysteries, and more.
Parker Riggs
Parker Riggs’s love of writing began as a teenager growing up in New Jersey, where she penned short stories and poetry. Her dream to be a published author got set aside for a career in Washington, D.C., where, for two decades, she supported politicians and lawyers. Yet the dream never died. Pursuing her passion for mysteries, Parker is the author of A Treacherous Trader, A Devious Lot, A Killer Keepsake, and A Bidder End (all with Ellery Adams), along with a stand-alone mystery, Finding Jessica. She is now permanently settled in New Hampshire with her husband.