by Неизвестный
“The money has to come from somewhere. If I sell off stock, the government will want taxes, and the FBI might become inquisitive. I can’t afford that, now can I?”
“You’re right, of course,” Devin agreed. “I’ll take care of it today.” He closed the lid and ran a thumb over the numbers to lock it.
Ida scratched the combination onto a piece of paper and handed it to him. “You’ll need this.”
A sad expression entered his eyes as he stared at her, but he merely nodded.
The faerie in her palm, Luna offered it back to Ida. “Here, take this back. I can’t accept such a gift when you need to raise funds any possible way you can. I have money in a safe deposit box at the bank if you need it. It’s only a few thousand dollars, but any money is helpful, is it not?”
A smile covered Ida’s lips as she shook her head in answer.
“You are a dear, but I won’t take your money or the faerie either. It’s yours to keep. Hold onto your money in the event you should need it. I have more jewelry and riches than I could ever want, and this way I won’t be indebted to you or the government.”
The couple rose and headed toward the door. As they reached the foyer, Rudy stood in wait with the door open.
“Good day,” Rudy said.
They both glanced at him and murmured the same as they left.
Chapter 25
Delivery trucks backed toward the porch. Luna awaited her cupcake supplies to be unloaded.
Devin left for Portland earlier in the morning, his intentions clear. Luna signed for the final delivery before starting her paperwork.
Paying bills, always a Monday chore, had gotten behind when her problems increased. Now Luna had twice the work. Hours fled before she finally closed the checkbook and stuffed it into the desk drawer, locking it.
A light mist of rain moistened the area. Luna sat on the porch, her mind working through all the occurrences of the past few weeks. An untouched salad sat on the side table while she stared out over the yard toward the meadow.
Wrapping a bright yellow raincoat around her shoulders, Luna slipped into a pair of galoshes and headed toward the meadow. She hadn’t walked the fields since the last mowing. The clearing loomed at the brick path’s end. She waded through wet grass, the bottom of her slacks drenched with moisture. When she reached the center of the large area, she turned in a circle, taking in the open acreage.
Luna’s mind cleared, her lungs filled with sweet fresh air, and a sense of peace wrapped around her like a cloak. Birds twittered, the shower stopped and bright sunlight peeked from behind the clouds.
A blue sprite flew along beside her while Luna meandered toward the shop. She watched the tiny creature with a warm smile.
“Hello,” Luna said in a soft tone.
“The meadow calms you, does it not
“Indeed it does. It is a peaceful place.”
“Clear, life becomes, unimportant problems soon will be.” On those words, she darted away.
Luna gazed after her until she disappeared from sight. Wondering what the faerie meant, she shook her head and continued walking, her mind at ease for the first time in a while.
The mail truck left a bundle of mail in the box at the end of the parking lot as Luna rounded the shop. Having retrieved it, she shuffled through the pile.
On the porch, she opened the interesting mail and tossed a hefty pile of advertisements into the trash. A plain, handmade envelope caught her eye. Holding it by its edges, Luna opened it carefully. Disjointed words, cut from magazines, were glued to the single sheet of paper inside.
She read in silence and then read the message aloud. Unable to believe her eyes, anger raged through her. Luna strode to the phone and dialed Annie’s phone number. When the woman answered the call, Luna asked if they could meet.
“Come right over. I’ll make some iced tea,” Annie said, her tone curious.
“I’ll be right there.” Luna tossed the rest of the mail onto the galley counter, collected her keys and locked the door as she left.
Traffic was heavy as she drove toward Annie’s house. The woman lived in a cottage near the edge of town, away from the hustle and bustle. Gingerbread trim and a white picket fence in need of paint loomed before her as Luna turned into the short driveway. A mix of brown-eyed Susans and daisies surrounded the sweet structure.
Luna hadn’t been to the place but once before, and she adored the quaint house and its location. Her glance strayed up the stone walk to the door where Annie waited.
“Is everything all right, Luna?” she asked, hands on her hips.
“I’ve got something to show you, and only you. Let’s go inside.” Luna glanced around and hustled past the tall angular woman.
Curiosity filtered across Annie’s face as they settled into the petite parlor. For the life of her, Luna had difficulty with the fact that this giant woman lived in such a small home. Though, it did suit her somehow.
“What the heck has you all riled up? Don’t tell me there’s another dead body to deal with. I can’t handle that thought,” Annie stated in a matter-of-fact tone.
Withdrawing the letter from her purse, Luna held it open by the corners and placed it on the table between them.
“Don’t touch it, there may be prints the sheriff can find or something of that sort.” Luna watched Annie read the words.
“You don’t believe this drivel, do you?” Annie asked in disgust. “Ida couldn’t have killed anyone. She was there at your party, right? She hasn’t got it in her to kill a fly, never mind a human. And who would have helped her? William Kinney? Please, spare me.”
“Of course I don’t believe it. That’s not what has me in a twist. It’s the paper and letters pasted to it that makes me wonder who could have done this,” Luna stated, her tone exasperated.
“Uh, oh, well, that’s different.” Annie stared at the letter with new interest. Misspelled words caused her to gaze at Luna.
With a dramatic sniff, Annie said, “There’s only one person we both know who can’t spell and would be this stupid.”
“You mean Dilly Perkins.”
“Indeed, I do. I think she’s afraid of something, and she’s trying to cast suspicion onto someone else.”
“Read it aloud,” Luna said.
“You are wrong in your idea. Be sure that you are. Look closer to home.” Annie snorted and sat back.
Luna gasped. “It isn’t misspelled, it’s written like a text message. I saw one on Ida’s phone when I was at her house the other day.”
“By gosh, you’re right. My niece was just here last night showing me her new fangled phone. I couldn’t read the messages, but she knew exactly what they said.” Annie mulled the note over. “Huh, imagine that.”
“It couldn’t be Dilly. She’s not that smart,” Luna said.
With a smirk, Annie said, “Right, she doesn’t even know what a cellphone is, never mind a text message.”
Annie gazed at Luna. “So, who do you think did it, then?”
“I’m not sure, that’s why I’ve come here. I figured you might be able to shed some light on the matter through a different perspective than mine.”
A bewildered look on her face, her head shook back and forth.
“Sorry Luna, I haven’t a clue on this one. If the words were just misspelled, then yeah, I’d say it was Dilly. But, surely she has no reason to attempt something like this?”
“I don’t know. Keep an eye on her at the shop and we’ll keep this between ourselves. I don’t want to bother Devin. He’s worried enough.”
“Oh?” Annie asked. “You two are still getting hitched, right?”
“We are. Something else has him concerned. I really can’t talk about it.”
“Sure, that’s fine. I won’t pry. I’ll keep my eyes peeled for any suspicious activity by Dilly, though.”
Preparing to leave, Luna walked toward the door with Annie at her side. Luna smiled as she left, saying she’d see the woman at work in the morning.
Anni
e stood in the open doorway waving as Luna backed from the driveway and drove home.
Chapter 26
Cupcakes sat side by side in the glass cases. Water boiled and the day’s first customers approached Faerie Cake Junction. Luna watched them stare with delight around the tea room and gift shop. She greeted the crowd with a wide smile as they wandered about before lining up in front of the cupcakes.
Awed sounds filtered back to her as she closed the door on the last entry into the building. Her heart soared as she realized her business wouldn’t take a nosedive after all the negative publicity spread by way of gossip hounds.
She stood behind the glass cases as Dilly scurried about with trays. Annie served the beautifully decorated and tasty morsels. Business remained brisk until three in the afternoon when it tapered off. Luna realized there’d be a brief respite before the final round of customers arrived, prior to closing.
Devin entered the room, his gaze on the filled tables. He strode through the gift shop and peered out the window over the porch.
Luna noted the tables filled with chattering customers clustered in every nook and cranny. Trays teetered, precariously laden with used plates, cups and teapots. Devin left the confines of the shop, hoisted the heavy trays and carried them indoors, replacing them with clean empty ones.
From within the galley kitchen opening, Luna smiled. Thomas would never have offered assistance. Instead, he’d have belittled her for her ineptitude in keeping up with the crowd. She saw Devin offer a clean tray to Dilly, who promptly hurried out the door with it.
When he rounded the corner of the galley and winked at Luna, she rushed join him as he headed upstairs.
His whisper reached her when she topped the loft landing.
“I managed to get quite a nice sum for Ida. It isn’t enough, but she has set the drop for tomorrow night at ten o’clock.”
“She must be a wreck,” Luna murmured.
Devin nodded, pulling her into the loft. He reached toward the counter behind him and retrieved the dog-eared sheet of paper. Luna caught a glimpse of glued on letters.
“Would you like to explain this to me?” Devin demanded, his face a mixture of curiosity and anger.
“Sorry,” she said. “I didn’t want to worry you.”
His face tense, Devin asked, “When did it arrive?”
“While you were in Portland.”
“Great. You weren’t going to tell me, were you?” His anger overrode his usual good mood.
Her tone defensive, Luna threw her hands into the air. “Don’t get all huffy. Like I said before, I didn’t want to worry you. It’s not as if I took the note seriously for a moment.”
“Any ideas on who sent it?” he asked with a raised brow.
“Dilly comes to mind. Annie and I are keeping an eye on her.”
His eyes widened as he glared at her. “Annie knows about this, and you didn’t feel compelled to tell me?”
“Oh, uh,” Luna muttered, “I took it to show her and get her opinion.”
“Why would Dilly do this?”
“We think she knows something she shouldn’t, and she’s in fear the knowledge might lead to someone she wants to protect.”
“And that would be?” Devin demanded in a strangled tone.
“Haven’t a clue, faerie lord. I haven’t a clue.”
“Don’t do this again, Luna. Do you hear me?”
“Okay, okay.” Rolling her eyes, Luna walked out the door.
He caught her by the arm and dragged her back, slamming her against his body. “I’ve lost one woman and won’t let it happen again.” His kiss drowned out her thoughts as he held her tight.
Annie’s voice echoed up the stairwell. “Can you two give us a hand?”
They broke apart, and Devin let Luna go. Descending the stairs they joined the loud bustle of the crowd. Devin and Annie delivered orders while Luna took over the gift shop register. Dilly worked in the galley alone. Her furtive glances caught the attention of the others as the crowd thinned.
When the last customer drove away, Luna slumped into the nearest chair. Her helpers sighed and took stock of debris left on the tables. Crumbs littered the floors. Outside the nearest window, a tray waited to be rescued before the cups and saucers tumbled off the edge of it.
Luna glanced around as she smiled over the pervading silence.
“That was quite a rush of people, wouldn’t you say?” she asked.
All but Dilly answered. Her eyes darted here and there without landing for long on any one thing. She avoided looking directly at Luna.
“You’ll need more help if this keeps up, Luna,” Devin remarked. “I have a new job next week at the inn on the other side of town, and I won’t be able to help you out.”
“It’s been crazy these past few weeks,” Luna said. “I’m not sure if it’s from the publicity, or just from everyone raving about the cupcakes, gifts and service we offer.”
“Devin’s right, Luna, I can’t help but think we need a younger helper to come on board,” Annie said. “Dilly and I are slower than young folks are.”
“I’ll look into it, but for now we’ll manage the best we can. This won’t last forever, and winter comes early in these parts.”
“My niece is looking for a job,” Dilly piped up.
A sense of dread ran through Luna at the thought of contending with yet another gossip like Dilly. She’d lose her mind for sure if that were the case.
Annie rolled her eyes and said, “For that matter, my niece is also in the market for a job. Her husband just got laid off, and they’re barely making ends meet.”
Wishing she were anywhere but at the table, Luna nodded in understanding and rose from her seat. She caught Devin’s eye and asked if he’d help her clear the porch.
Tucking the chair under the table, he walked toward the door. Luna asked the women to straighten up and restock the shelves in the galley.
Outside, a breeze swept across the parking area, ruffling Luna’s shoulder length hair. Lifting her face, she let the soft wind soothe her skin. Filled with a sudden sense of freedom, it didn’t take long to clear the tables and set the chair cushions to rights.
Raised voices drifted through the open windows as Annie and Dilly worked. When Dilly’s became shrill, Luna stopped what she was doing, glanced in Devin’s direction, and dipped her head toward the window.
He stepped close, and they listened as the women argued.
“You don’t know what you’re talkin’ about, Annie Brimmer. I would never do anything to jeopardize my job,” Dilly sniped.
“That’s not what I’m saying. Luna Devere deserves to be happy for once in her life, and I won’t stand for any foolishness from anyone.”
“I’m not scared of you,” the woman ranted. “You got no right to accuse me of anything.”
“I’m not accusing you. I just made a simple statement, is all,” Annie retorted.
“Just watch out for your own self, and I’ll do the same.” Dilly stomped off into the galley. Cupboard doors slammed as she stocked the shelves.
Wagging her head in dismay, Annie swept the floor, mumbling all the while. Luna couldn’t make out what she said, but it was no secret both women were vexed.
Devin blew a soft whistle as he, and Luna stepped back. “Wow, they nearly came to blows.
Do you think it’s about the letter?” Devin asked.
“Probably, but Dilly has had the jitters all day, so anything could have set her off. She can be strange at times.”
“What’s got her so jumpy?” Devin asked as he juggled the laden tray from the stand and tried to load it onto his shoulder much like Luna did. When it wobbled, he set it back down and lifted it by the handles while Luna laughed at his efforts.
“Can’t quite manage to shoulder the trays yet, huh?” Luna chuckled and grabbed it from him. With a swift movement, the tray rested on her shoulder, and she headed for the door.
“Hey, answer my question,” Devin called in a soft voice.
>
“I haven’t any idea, faerie lord, but when I do, you’ll be first in line to know about it.”
The workday ended. The two women kept to themselves. Each helper avoided the other by handling jobs in opposite rooms. Luna watched them, her curiosity mounting, but she couldn’t let on she’d eavesdropped on their hot-tempered exchange of words.
As Luna closed up for the evening, Annie waved goodbye and hurried out the door with Dilly not far behind. Luna stepped to the window to watch. Neither woman spoke to the other, but went their separate ways. Surprised that Annie had fled without a word to her, Luna wondered over the reasoning behind it.
The doors locked, Riddles climbed into the single open window. His plump body draped over the edge of the sill. He gazed outside and tapped the screen when a butterfly flittered past. A cat moan issued from his throat and he jumped down, scurrying to the back door.
A glass of ice tea in her hand, Luna joined Devin on the porch. She watched Riddles bound through the flowerbeds. In an attempt to catch whatever he could, the portly beast left a trail of mashed foliage in his wake.
“Well, that was quite a day,” Luna said with a hefty sigh.
“Did your employees explain the argument?” Devin asked her, stroking her arm with his fingertips.
His touch brought goose bumps to Luna’s skin, causing her to lose concentration and struggle to answer. With a deep breath, she said, “Not a single word. As a matter of fact, they couldn’t leave soon enough. They nearly tripped over each other getting out the door. Whatever Annie said spurred Dilly to take a stand and that, my friend, is extremely unusual. Dilly Perkins is a gossip, but she doesn’t like to argue.”
“Come on,” Devin said. “I’ll take you to Cornie’s for a fish fry and a beer. What do you say to that?”
In agreement, Luna hurried inside to gather her bag and place the ice tea glass in the sink. She stepped to the porch door. Devin stood at the rail, his hand outstretched. A blue faerie sat in his palm, and Luna hesitated to intrude on the moment.
“Have you been well, faerie?” he asked.
“Well I am,” the faerie chimed, her wide gaze upon him.
