by Lyndsey Cole
“Good morning Lily.” She looked to her left, following the sound of a deep voice greeting her. “What a nice surprise. What can I do for you?”
“Just looking around. You have exquisite antiques. Where does it all come from?”
Kirk smiled. “I get a lot of items from estate sales. Sometimes, someone calls me with a few pieces to sell.” He walked over to a table with an urn on it. “Like this, for example. A young lady came in recently with a few pieces she wanted to sell quickly.”
Lily’s jaw dropped. “That urn belongs to my mother. Who sold it to you?”
Kirk was insulted. “I can’t reveal my sources. I’m sure you’re mistaken. It could look like an urn your mother has but I can assure you, it isn’t hers.”
Lily opened the top. “What is this inside?”
Kirk’s face visibly blanched. “I … I don’t know.”
“I’ll tell you what it is. It’s my father’s ashes. What else did that young woman bring in? Who was it? Maggie Nash?” Lily said with disgust. “I think Ryan Steele will be very interested in this.” Lily pulled her phone from her pocket.
Kirk held her arm. “Please don’t call the police. I’ll give this to you. Take it. I don’t want any bad publicity.”
“Are you crazy? I can’t do that. Lots of people in town have had antiques stolen recently and you’re profiting from that. I can’t believe it.” Lily picked up the urn and stomped out to her minivan. She drove straight to the police station after she called Iris to tell her she had the urn.
Lily ran into the station looking for Ryan. She almost crashed into him as he was about to walk out. “Slow down, Lily. Where’s the fire?”
“No fire, but look at this.” She held up the urn.
“You found it? Where?”
“At Uncommon Antiques. Kirk didn’t want me to tell you but I bet he has more of the stolen items.”
Ryan took the urn and carefully placed it on his desk. “Did he steal it?”
“He told me that a young lady sold a few things to him. I bet it’s Maggie Nash.”
“Sit down and take a deep breath before you hyperventilate. Tell me why you think it’s Maggie.” Ryan placed the urn on his desk and steered Lily to a chair.
She put her head in her hands until her breathing was back to normal and she could explain her theory. “Don’t you remember? She had that stolen painting from the museum she was trying to hide in my shop. Tamara told me she has a drug problem. I bet she stole the antiques and then sold them to Kirk for drug money.”
Ryan put his hat on. “I’m going over to Uncommon Antiques to have a look around. Why don’t you take that back to your mother’s house where it belongs? By the way, are the ashes still inside?”
Lily took the lid off. “See? Still here. Shouldn’t that have been a clue to Kirk?
“Lily?”
She looked at Ryan, waiting for him to continue.
“I told the lab about the monkshood and they’re checking for aconitine, the poison in the monkshood plant. You need to be careful with all this poking around you always do. And tell your friends too. There is a killer out there. Maybe two.”
Lily leaned against the desk and watched Ryan leave. She picked up the urn, gave it a hug and silently said hello to her father, then called Iris. “Mom? Meet me at the shop.”
Daisy and Iris were peeking out the back door anxiously waiting for Lily. They both had huge smiles when she walked in with the urn.
Iris reached out first. “Let me hold it. I’ve missed having Dad keep me company.” She looked at the two girls. “Don’t look at me like I’m crazy. I know it’s not really him but it’s the thought of him that I like having around.”
Lily hugged her mom. “I don’t think you’re crazy. I was talking to Dad on the drive over. It is a comfort to have him back.”
Daisy nodded in agreement. “I think we’re all together on this and I don’t care if anyone thinks we’re crazy.”
The front door jangled. Iris sat in the chair in the workshop holding the urn and looking like she was lost in her memories. Lily whispered to Daisy. “Let her be. Mom and Dad were such a perfect team. I hope I find that someday.”
“Me too,” Daisy said with a sad look on her face.
The front door slammed closed. “Hello? Hello? Anyone here?”
Lily headed toward the front of the shop. “Hi Jennifer. Is something wrong?”
Jennifer was holding the hand of a young girl who was clutching a well-loved teddy bear. “I hate to bother you, Lily.” She looked down at the girl. “I have a huge favor to ask.”
Lily glanced from Jennifer to the girl, trying to figure out what was happening. Jennifer looked distraught and the girl was trying to hide behind Jennifer’s legs.
“Okay.”
“My ex-husband dropped Katie off first thing this morning. I can’t get hold of Ryan and I have to go to court.” Jennifer picked Katie up. “Could you watch her for the morning? I don’t know anyone else in town to ask.”
Lily’s mouth fell open. What will I do with a little girl? She doesn’t look much more than five years old. She panicked.
Iris came out holding Sweet Pea.
Katie’s eyes got huge and she whispered to her mom, “Can I pat the kitty?”
Iris walked over to Katie who was squirming to get down. Jennifer smiled as Iris put Sweet Pea in Katie’s arms. She cuddled the cat whispered in its ear. Iris looked at Jennifer. “I think she’ll be fine here. We’ll be in the design room if you need us,” she said over her shoulder to Lily as she guided Katie to the back. “Come on Katie. I think Sweet Pea is waiting for her breakfast.”
Katie looked up in awe at Iris. “Can I feed her?”
“Of course. We were waiting for you to come just for that reason.” Iris winked at the others.
“Really?”
“Really, honey. Say goodbye to your mom. She’ll be back in a jiffy.”
Katie happily followed Iris. “Bye Mom.”
Lily was stunned. “What just happened?”
Jennifer laughed. “Iris knows girls. Look at what a great job she did with you and Daisy.”
“Well—”
Jennifer cut off whatever story Lily thought she should share. “I’ll let Ryan know that Katie is here and if he has time to come and get her. I’m not sure when I’ll be back but hopefully it won’t be too late. How can I ever thank you?”
“It will be fine. Iris needs something to do to keep her out of my hair. If Katie gets bored with Sweet Pea, we can always get Rosie. She loves kids.”
Jennifer’s eyes were about to spill over. “Here’s my number. Just in case. Thanks again.”
Lily shooed Jennifer out of the shop, then peeked in the back room and watched Katie hovering over Sweet Pea while she ate. Iris quietly sat nearby, probably still daydreaming about times gone by. Daisy was busy making arrangements.
The doorbell jangled, bringing Lily back to the present. “Can I help you?”
“I hope so. I’m Evelyn Nash.”
“Evelyn. I’m Lily Bloom. I don’t think we met before but I met your sister. What a wonderful woman she was, and so generous in supporting programs in Misty Valley.”
“Thank you, Lily. I’m going to miss her terribly.” She fidgeted, picking up flowers and absentmindedly smelling them. “You have a charming shop. It feels so calming standing here amongst all the flowers.” She took a deep breath. “And the smell. What is that? I can’t place it.”
“Probably the lilac you’re standing next to. Lots of people don’t think to use it as a cut flower so they don’t recognize the sweet smell when it’s inside.” Lily put her hand on Evelyn’s arm. “I loved the portrait of your sister and the arrangement that Elizabeth did with the monkshood. It was striking.”
Evelyn looked confused. “Elizabeth’s arrangement? With the monkshood? No, that was Ruth Walsh.”
“Oh, Kirk told me Elizabeth made it. In any case, it was unusual and effective.”
“About Rut
h—”
“Yes?”
Evelyn furtively looked around and lowered her voice to barely a whisper. “I think she might have poisoned my sister.”
Lily looked horrified. “I heard it was natural causes.” She crossed her fingers for lying about this but wanted to hear what else Evelyn wanted to tell.
Evelyn was surprised to hear this. “You did?”
“Yes. Tamara told me. I hope that doesn’t get her in trouble.”
“No. I told everyone at the meeting it was natural causes so Ruth wouldn’t think anyone suspected her.”
Lily took a gamble with the next question, trying to sound casual. “What will happen with the museum now?”
“My sister left it all to me. At least that’s what she told me. I’ll find out the exact details later today when the lawyer goes over the will with me.”
“Do you have anyone in mind to be the new director?”
Evelyn laughed. “Are you after the job too? It seems that everyone wants to be director. Between you and me, I’ll probably hire my son, Jared. But don’t tell Kirk Stevens. He can have a temper when he doesn’t get his way.”
Lily studied the immaculate look that Evelyn presented. A light blue linen skirt, white silk blouse and comfortable sandals. She was tall. Taller than Lily, and held her body regally, like a statue. It made it hard for Lily to read her body language.
“When did you know it was poison?”
“I suspected it from the very beginning but I don’t have any proof.”
“I’m sure the police will sort it all out and let you know when they have any information.”
“I suppose you’re right.” Evelyn shook her head as if to get rid of those morbid thoughts. “I almost forgot. The reason I’m here is to order some flowers for a memorial gathering Kirk Stevens and I are planning for his wife, Elizabeth, and my sister, Marion.” Evelyn paused and looked carefully at Lily. “We decided to do it together. At the museum.”
Lily picked up her notebook. “Okay. What did you have in mind?”
Evelyn looked around the shop. “I’m thinking a big colorful bouquet for the entryway. Blues, pinks, white and greens. And another big bouquet filled with garden flowers—lilies, snapdragons, sweet William, and dahlias—for the main gallery. I have two beautiful antique vases for the arrangements.”
Lily made some notes. “When is the memorial?”
“Tomorrow night.” She paused, thinking. “I’d like you to come. Keep an eye on Ruth. See if she says anything or acts oddly. Oh, and bring your mother and sister if they want to come.”
Lily tried not to look surprised about the invitation. “I’d be happy to come.” This is perfect, she thought. We won’t need to have Tamara wired this time. We can all watch and listen.
Chapter 9
Iris and Katie were walking back to Lily’s house for some lunch and to visit with Rosie. The two were deep in conversation when Ryan’s police car pulled up next to them.
“Uncle Ryan, Uncle Ryan! I got to feed Sweet Pea this morning,” Katie announced with pride.
Ryan smiled. “Aren’t you lucky? Where are you two lovely ladies going?”
“Katie and I are going for some lunch until Jennifer gets back. Care to join us?”
“I’d love to. I have about a half hour. Bring Rosie and I’ll have lunch ready for you.”
Katie skipped along the sidewalk without a care in the world. She stopped and gave Iris a very serious look. “Do you think I could get a kitty?”
Iris laughed. “You’ll have to ask your mom. But if she says yes, I know just the place to go. Here we are. Do you want me to take you into Uncle Ryan’s house before or after I let Rosie out?”
“After, after. I want to meet Rosie.” Katie jumped up and down with excitement. A cat and a dog in the same day. She acted like she’d won the lottery.
Iris opened the door to an extremely excited Rosie. She had never met a person she didn’t like. Except, of course, if that person was trying to hurt Lily. And the smaller the better. Rosie licked Katie and wiggled all over. Rosie ran around the back yard in circles with Katie trying to keep up. Iris watched and laughed. She saw Ryan standing on his back deck watching too.
Iris joined Ryan next door. “I just want to warn you, Katie will want a cat or dog after today’s adventures.”
Ryan smiled. “I was thinking that might just be exactly what she needs. I never told you and Lily why Jennifer is staying with me. I was waiting for her to share that story. The short version is that she had to get away from an abusive situation. Her ex was so jealous and paranoid, she couldn’t stay with him any longer. She’s in court today to try to get sole custody.”
Iris nodded and waited for Ryan to continue if he wanted to.
“She will be living with me for a while. Until she can get back on her feet.” He watched Katie and Rosie play a dog version of tag. “I’m glad she’s happy with you today. Jennifer will need a lot of help.”
Katie was screaming with delight as Rosie brought sticks for her to throw. Iris nodded. “Raising kids is not a one person job. She’s a joy. I’ll be happy to help in any way I can. My girls aren’t producing any grandkids, so I’ll have to adopt someone else’s,” she said with a twinkle in her eye.
Ryan called to Katie, “Don’t wear out Rosie. Come on up and get some lunch before I have to go back to work.” He turned to Iris. “I had an interesting visit with Kirk at Uncommon Antiques. I warned Lily already and I want to repeat the warning to you: there’s at least one, maybe two killers out there. Don’t do anything foolish.”
“Who, me? I’m just a little old lady. Whatever could I do to get into trouble?” she said with sarcastic sincerity. “Did you find more stolen antiques in his shop?”
Ryan reached down and picked up Katie, swinging her around and around while she squealed with pleasure. “I sure did. He’s got a lot of explaining to do.”
Katie screeched. “Don’t stop. Don’t stop.”
Laughing, Ryan set Katie down. “I have to eat and get back to work. What are you doing after lunch?”
Katie ran to the table and started eating a sandwich like she hadn’t eaten in days. In between bites, she managed to tell Ryan the plan. “Iris is taking me to meet her friend Marigold.” Another bite. “Marigold can’t see anything with her eyes. Iris told me Marigold sees with her fingers and ears.” She looked at Ryan in total seriousness. “I want her to teach me how to do that too.”
Ryan patted her on the head. “I’m sure you’ll have a good time with Marigold and Iris. See you later.”
Iris finished her sandwich and cleaned up the dishes. “Let’s throw the stick a few more times for Rosie, then go visit Marigold.”
***
Beautiful Blooms was hectic all morning; people in and out for orders of small bouquets to huge arrangements. Lily barely noticed Maggie lurking around in the background until everything quieted down. Maggie made her way closer to Lily after the door closed on the last customer.
“I need to talk to you.” Maggie was hunched over looking at the floor.
“Come on in the back.” Maggie followed Lily like a whipped puppy. Lily motioned for her to sit in the chair. Sweet Pea jumped on her lap and curled up. Lily asked, “What’s going on?”
Maggie stroked Sweet Pea. Her shoulders relaxed and she sighed. “Did you tell the police that I sold stolen antiques to that creep Kirk Stevens?”
Lily was caught completely off guard. “Not in those words. Why?”
“The police have been asking my mom a lot of questions about me and she read me the riot act.” She looked at Lily with alligator tears in her eyes. “I didn’t steal that painting and I didn’t steal any antiques.”
Lily sat down next to Maggie, trying to seem less threatening and wondering if the alligator tears were real or an act. “Kirk told me that a young lady sold him the antiques. I thought it might be you.”
“Everyone always thinks it’s me just because I did drugs.” She gave Lily a long har
d look. “I’m off drugs. I’ve been clean for a while.”
Lily waited patiently sensing there was something else Maggie wanted to get off her shoulders.
“Everyone thinks Jared, my brother, is perfect. Mom always compares me to him. She assumes he never does anything wrong. Ya know what I think?” Maggie looked up again.
Lily answered, “Jared’s the one who stole the antiques?”
Maggie shrugged. “That’s what I think. Kirk wouldn’t rat on him and get Mom upset. That weasel is trying to stay on Mom’s good side. Jared probably stole the painting too. He didn’t care about Aunt Marion. He’s happy she’s out of the way so he can work his way into running the museum.”
The front door jingled. Daisy went to see who came in.
Lily wanted more information from Maggie. “What do you think your mother will do?”
“I don’t know. I think she’s torn between Jared and Kirk. My guess? Jared will win out. He’s always been Mom’s favorite.”
Ryan walked into the design room. Maggie stiffened up again and her face took on a blank look. Lily left her with Sweet Pea and motioned for Ryan to follow her outside.
Ryan eyed Lily. “What’s with her? Trying to steal something from your store?”
Lily put her finger to her lips. “Shhhhh. She just told me she thinks Jared is the one who stole the painting and the antiques. Did you find out anything from Kirk Stevens?”
“Lots of stolen antiques. Of course, he said he had no idea those antiques were stolen. That guy is slick and he’s hiding something.” He changed the subject. “I had a nice lunch with Katie and your mom. Katie seems to be completely comfortable with Iris. Thanks for helping Jennifer out.”
“It wasn’t me. It was all Mom. She stepped right in with Sweet Pea and that’s all it took to distract Katie.”
“Oh yeah, Sweet Pea. Katie asked me if she can get a kitten.” Ryan laughed. “I think it’s a good idea. What do you think?”
Lily smiled. “You’re asking me? I’d have every cat and dog that needs a home if I had the room. Definitely a good idea.”
Maggie interrupted Lily and Ryan’s conversation when she walked out the back door. “There’s going to be a memorial gathering, as my Mom calls it, for Marion and Elizabeth. Tomorrow at the museum. You should come. I think there will be some fireworks. And not the fourth of July type.” She left without looking back.
