Christmas Tree Catastrophe (Lily Bloom Cozy Mystery Series Book 6)

by Lyndsey Cole

  “There’s an outside stairway with a key hidden under the railing halfway up.”

  Tamara sat back. “Be careful. I’m counting on you Lily. Everyone else seems to think I’m guilty.”

  “I’ll do my best. Thanks for the info.” Lily and Nina stood up and walked to the door, waiting for the guard to let them out.

  Lily kept her fingers crossed that Ryan was busy and she didn’t bump into him. She didn’t want to chance that he would put two and two together and figure out that Lily might be getting information from Tamara about Candy’s book.

  The coast was clear and they high fived each other when they made it to Nina’s car unseen. “Now what?” Nina asked.

  “Drop me off at Malcolm’s house. I don’t think Crystal found what she was after yesterday. You get Candy’s book and meet me back at Malcolm’s house.”

  “What if Crystal goes back to search again?”

  “I’ll hide or go out the back door,” Lily said with more confidence than she felt.

  Malcolm’s street was deserted as Lily got out of Nina’s car. She wasn’t even sure she would be able to get into his house but she followed her footprints from the day before and tried the back door. The doorknob turned and she quietly entered into his kitchen. She remembered that his bedroom was also in the back so she headed to that room first.

  Crystal had searched in all the obvious hiding places so Lily decided to look at what might be in plain sight. She turned slowly in a circle, her eyes resting on a bookshelf. Scanning the titles, she decided that Malcolm was addicted to thrillers as most of the titles were in that genre. One nondescript book spine caught her attention. She pulled out a simple dark green, almost black, journal type book. Smiling to herself, she realized that she found something that might help.

  She skimmed through the pages, while sitting on the floor with her back leaning against the wall. It was filled with Malcolm’s daily routines, starting with the weather, a little about his mother and what he needed to do at work. Boring, until she got to the end. Taped on the inside back cover was a lottery ticket. Lily peeled it off, not sure what the significance was, and stuck it in her coat pocket.

  That was when the front door opened and the sound of two voices arguing traveled down the hallway.

  Chapter 17

  Lily slipped the book back on the shelf and hid in the closet, hoping whoever just entered the house wouldn’t search through the rooms too thoroughly.

  The voices got louder as the footsteps approached Malcolm’s bedroom. Lily’s heart pounded so hard she feared the noise would give away her hiding spot as she curled her body as small as possible, crouching lower and lower, pulling clothes all around to cover herself.

  “You’d better find that ticket, I’m running out of patience with your games.” Eddie’s voice, Lily thought.

  “How do you know Malcolm took your lottery ticket? And if he did, it’s possible he already cashed it in.” Lily recognized Crystal’s voice responding to Eddie.

  Lily fingered the lottery ticket in her pocket. This must be what those two are searching for.

  Eddie’s voice broke the silence. “If he cashed it in, how come you’ve been spending so much time over here searching for it? Do you think I’m stupid?”

  “What are you talking about? Have you been following me?”

  Eddie laughed. “Someone’s footprints are in the snow. Who else could it be?”

  “I bet that pain in the neck Lily Bloom did some snooping around. She always sticks her nose where it doesn’t belong. I threw that brick through her shop window hoping to scare her off.”

  “Listen to me, Crystal, find that lottery ticket before she does or you’ll be out on the street with nothing but the clothes on your back.”

  The sound of books being moved around interrupted the arguing. The clothes surrounding Lily stifled the air, forcing her to concentrate on each shallow breath to keep from panicking.

  “I found something.” Crystal said. “Malcolm is clever, using a book as a hiding spot.”

  Book pages rustled. “Someone beat us here. Look at this, a corner of the ticket is still stuck inside the back cover, but the rest got ripped off.” A loud crash make Lily jump in her cramped spot. “Hey, let me go, you big goon.”

  “How can I be sure you didn’t rip it out of here, Crystal? Are you trying to trick me?” Eddie’s voice had an eerie calm to it, sending a shiver up Lily’s spine even as sweat dripped down her side. “Give me the book and let’s get out of here before someone shows up.”

  Receding footsteps faded until the front door slammed closed. Sucking in a big breath of air, Lily filled her lungs before releasing a slow stream as her muscles relaxed. I need to get out of here right now.

  Slowly and silently, she cracked open the closet door and peeked out, letting the oxygen rush into her lungs. Only beautiful silence met her ears as she eased out of the closet. The mess in the room caught her attention. All the books were strewn around but the lottery ticket still hid safe and sound in her pocket.

  “Are you okay?” a quiet voice asked from the doorway.

  Lily spun around. “Geez, Nina. Why do you always sneak up on me like that?”

  “When I got back here from Candy’s house, Eddie and Crystal were sneaking in the front door, so I waited down the street for them to leave. Did they find you?”

  “Obviously, not. I hid in the closet.” Lily pulled the lottery ticket out of her pocket, smiling at Nina. “Look what I found before they came in.”

  “A lottery ticket? Yeah, so what?”

  “Eddie and Crystal were arguing about it. This ticket must be valuable. It’s what they were searching for. Apparently, Malcolm stole it from Eddie.”

  “So he killed Malcolm to get it back?”

  “Eddie’s alibi is solid, but Crystal was at the library around the time Malcolm died. Did you find Candy’s little black book?”

  “I left it in the car.”

  Lily pulled Nina out the back door and they ran to her car. Lily practically dove into the passenger seat. She slammed and locked the door for good measure. “Where’s the book?”

  Nina reached under the seat, pulling out a small black leather book. “Here.”

  Holding the smooth leather, Lily rubbed her hand on the cool surface before she flipped it open to the back of the book.

  “You’re starting at the end?” Nina asked with a crease between her eyes.

  “Not the end, but near the end.” Lily’s finger moved down through a list of dates and names. “This is interesting. Guess who visited Candy on a regular basis.”

  “Malcolm?”

  “Nope.” Lily shook her head. “Eddie.”

  “So Eddie was visiting Candy and Crystal might have been having an affair with Malcolm and Malcolm stole the lottery ticket from Eddie. Who killed Malcolm?” Nina asked.

  “I don’t know, but Tamara isn’t a murderer.” Lily turned more pages in Candy’s book before looking up. “Drop me off at my house. I want to examine this book before I decide how to use the information.”

  Nina started to drive. “After I drop you off, I’ll visit Tamara and tell her I found the book and check if Candy gave her any other information.”

  “Okay,” Lily said distractedly. “I think I might make another visit to the Rosewood to talk to Sara Moss and Bella Parker again.”

  Back home, Lily stashed the book and the lottery ticket on the inside of a planter. Just in case someone got the crazy idea that she had something of interest in her house. Grabbing her keys and tote, she locked up and headed to the Rosewood, not sure what she might find, but thinking she missed something from the day before.

  By the time she pulled into the parking lot, the last bit of sun peeked above the horizon. Lily entered the Rosewood as Ruth Ann turned away and whispered into the phone. Several brochures were displayed at the main desk, so Lily occupied her time looking through them while trying to eavesdrop on Ruth Ann’s conversation. From what Lily could hear, she was talk
ing to someone she knew well but wasn’t happy with what she was hearing. Finally, Ruth Ann finished her conversation and turned around, startled to see Lily waiting. Putting her ‘what can I do for you’ smile on her face, Ruth Ann greeted Lily.

  “Hello again. I brought flowers for Sara Moss yesterday and would like to visit with her again today.”

  “I’ll call the person on duty to find out where she is. Wait here, I’ll be right back.”

  Ruth Ann walked into a small office, closing the door behind her. Through the window, Lily could see Ruth Ann on the phone, waving her hand around and glancing over her shoulder at Lily.

  Ruth Ann returned, with a scowl on her face. “I’m so sorry, but she’s napping at the moment. Would you like to leave a message?”

  “No, it’s not important. How lucky for Sara that the Rosewood managed to find an opening for her.”

  “Yes, well, I did that as a special favor for my brother. He knew Sara would be confused and lonely and he thought it was the least he could do for his partner’s mother.”

  “Oh? Eddie is your brother?”

  “Yes, it works out well, with our mother here too. I think you met her yesterday? Bella? You said she acted a bit confused when you talked to her?”

  “Of course. Now, that you mention it, I do think you told me that your brother told you I would be bringing flowers. Could I just take a peek at the sign-in book?”

  “That’s confidential, just for our records. Some of the people that live here don’t want that information made accessible to everyone.” As she talked to Lily, Ruth Ann slid the book off the counter, pushing it under a pile of papers. “I’m sure you understand.”

  “Of course I do, but maybe you could double check something for me?” Ruth Ann was obviously hiding something which made Lily more curious than ever. “When did you tell me your brother visited Bella last Friday?”

  “I’m sorry, but I can’t give that information out.” Ruth Ann glanced around the room, rubbing her neck. “I need to get back to work now.” She started to turn away.

  “Wait.” Lily reached over the counter and touched her arm. “Who are you protecting? Yesterday, you weren’t so evasive when I asked you some questions.” Lily tilted her head, waiting for a reply.

  Ruth Ann puckered her mouth, looking off to the side. “Eddie asked me to write his name and time in. He didn’t want his wife to find out he has a girlfriend and was with her. You aren’t friends with Crystal are you?”

  “No. And of course I would never disclose something you tell me in confidence.” Lily smiled at Ruth Ann. “So, Eddie, wasn’t here on Friday at all?”

  “No. I doctor the sign-in book for him when he visits his girlfriend so he can tell Crystal he was here, and if she checks, well, you know, he’s got an alibi. I hate lying and I told him I won’t do it anymore. I don’t want to get in trouble and lose my job.”

  Lily patted her hand. “Good for you to stick up for yourself. It can be hard sometimes, but you’re doing the right thing.”

  “You think so?” Ruth Ann smiled as if Lily’s understanding was exactly what she needed.

  “Of course, and thank you, Ruth Ann. I’ll swing by another time to talk to Sara. You’ve been more help than you can imagine.”

  A tingle of excitement surged through her body as she left the Rosewood. The puzzle was falling into place. Once she got to her car, she needed to call Ryan and fill him in on this latest development.

  But one big problem stood in her way. Eddie Parker leaned against Lily’s minivan with an evil grin distorting his face. “I think you found something that belongs to me.”

  Chapter 18

  The parking lot was big, dark and empty. Any way out meant Lily had to get into her car. No use yelling for help, no one would hear her. She put on her best innocent face and tried to bluff her way past Eddie. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

  Eddie dragged his eyes from her face to her boots, making her cringe. A spine-chilling prickle coursed through her body. “I would feel sorry for that handsome cop of yours if he couldn’t get married tomorrow because his beautiful fiancé went missing.” He had that same eerie calm voice she remembered from when she was hiding in Malcolm’s closet.

  Lily pushed past Eddie to open her car door. “Well, that’s not going to happen.”

  A firm grip held Lily’s arm before she reached the door. “Not so fast, Ms. Bloom. We need to talk about why you’ve been visiting the Rosewood today. You seem to be showing an awful lot of interest in Sara Moss recently. I don’t recall asking you to deliver more flowers to her.”

  “It’s not any of your business why I came, Mr. Parker. Now, get out of my way.”

  “I don’t think so. Not until you tell me what you did with the lottery ticket. I think we’ll both take a little ride together.” He sneered and shoved the hard muzzle of a gun into her side. “I’m not in a good mood, sweetheart.”

  Lily’s brain worked in overdrive trying to figure out how to get out of this mess. Breathe and stay calm, she told herself, at least on the outside. “Where are we going?”

  “You tell me. Where did you hide that lottery ticket?

  “I gave it to my friend.”

  Eddie laughed. “You expect me to believe that? You’re a smart girl, quit playing games with me.”

  “That lottery ticket is safe where you’ll never find it. What are you going to do? Bash my head in like you did to your partner, Malcolm?”

  Lily saw Eddie’s cheek tighten as he clenched his teeth. “Nice try but your friend is in jail for that one. I was visiting my mother at the Rosewood. But you knew that already, didn’t you?”

  “Has anyone told you who Tamara’s cellmate is?”

  “I couldn’t care less about that gossipy pain in the neck.”

  “Well, her cellmate, Candy, seems to know a bit about your whereabouts.” Lily watched as Eddie’s face twisted with anger.

  “And isn’t it interesting that her apartment is right next to the library? I suppose it would be mighty convenient for someone visiting Candy to keep an eye on what was happening at the library on Friday night.”

  Eddie dismissed that comment with a wave of his hand. “You can’t prove anything. Who’s going to believe someone like Candy?”

  “Maybe.” She shrugged. “But on the other hand, her little black book might open a few eyes. Oh yeah, and did you forget that Friday night is Bingo night here at the Rosewood and you don’t visit your mother then?”

  Eddie’s mouth fell open. “Shut up and drive to your house. You’d better hope you can come up with that ticket and Candy’s book or you’ll be missing your wedding tomorrow.”

  Lots of cars clogged the road allowing Lily to slow to a crawl and formulate a plan. She turned down a side road. “This will bypass all the commuters.”

  Eddie smiled. “I like you’re thinking. You’re finally seeing things my way.” But his smile turned to a sneer two seconds later. “Don’t even think of pulling into the police station parking lot. Drive by nice and slow so you don’t attract any attention.”

  Well, I better try plan B, she thought. At least, plan B once I figure out what it is.

  “Turn left here.” Eddie leaned forward. “I have a better idea.” Lily turned and Eddie pointed to Malcolm’s driveway. “Pull all the way up and shut your car off.” He held his left hand, palm up, toward Lily. “Give me your keys.”

  Lily tossed the keys past his hand and they landed on the mat at his feet. “You sure do have a lot of nerve,” Eddie said as he reached with his right hand, feeling around until the sound of the jingling keys broke the silence. “Get out and walk to the front door. I’ll be right behind so don’t even think of bolting.”

  Once inside, he pushed her toward the back of the house, opening a door and forcing her inside. “No one will think to look for you here, especially when your car will be safely parked at your house where it belongs.” The door slammed closed and the click of a lock behind her let her know she n
eeded to find another way out.

  Total darkness surrounded Lily. She moved her hands out to the side, finding walls on both sides. Tentatively, she slid one foot forward until it was suspended in empty space. Bracing herself with her hands on the two walls, she moved her foot forward until it dropped down finding something solid. Slow and steady, Lily worked her way down the stairs, but misjudged in the darkness, and fell forward crashing into the corner of something heavy and hard.

  She heard a crack which was followed by shooting pain. Automatically her good right hand reached around to cradle her left arm which dangled uselessly.

  The bare light bulb above her turned on, blinding her, and a voice called down the stairs. “Lily? Are you in the basement?”

  “Is that you Nina?” Lily’s eyes were shut against the sudden light. “I’m at the bottom of the stairs. I think my arm is broken.”

  Nina rushed down the stairs, taking in the scene before helping to support Lily to a sitting position.

  “How did you know I was here?” Lily asked, leaning her good side against Nina.

  “When your minivan drove slowly by the police station, I expected you to turn in. As you passed by, I saw Eddie sitting in the passenger seat and got suspicious, so I followed.”

  Lily’s head fell back against the bench she had crashed into. “We need to get out of here before Eddie comes back.”

  “Where did he go?” Nina glanced over her shoulder to the top of the stairs, afraid Eddie might be waiting up there.

  “He took my car to my house to find the lottery ticket and Candy’s book.”

  “You didn’t leave it there did you?”

  “Yeah, I did, but I don’t think he’ll find it and when he doesn’t, he’ll be back.”

  Nina stood up and supported Lily with one arm around her waist and the other under her good armpit, slowly helping her to get to her feet. “You go up first and I’ll be behind you in case you need any help.”

  Holding her arm, Lily took one step at a time. Her balance was off and she didn’t want to make a misstep. Knowing Nina was behind her helped.