Proposals and Poison

by Rachelle J. Christensen

  “Oh, what’s that?”

  “I didn’t want to be the bearer of bad news.” Gladys huffed. “But I’ve been worried sick ever since I talked to that grouchy woman.”

  “I think you’re getting ahead of yourself,” I said. “What’s the matter?”

  “The matter is that a young lady by the name of Vickie doesn’t like you in the least, and I’m worried she might try to sabotage your booth.”

  “Vickie with short blonde hair and a big frown who works at the animal clinic?”

  “That’s the one.” Gladys nodded. “I was simply making small talk, telling her all about how you helped me with my weddin’, and she turned sour.”

  I held in the cringe at getting credit for Gladys’s wedding, though I guessed there were worse things. “I know Vickie doesn’t like me. I’ve talked with her a few times. She works for Tim Esplin.”

  Gladys gasped. “The veterinary murderer?”

  “Well, I don’t think he’s a murderer, but yes, he’s been accused.”

  “Oh dear. He looks innocent, but he had the poison that killed Lily.” Gladys clenched her fist. “And he had motive.”

  I tilted my head. “What motive?”

  Gladys ducked her head and mumbled, “Hank told me to keep my mouth shut and not spread any more rumors. I’d best follow his advice.” She turned to go.

  “But wait.” I grabbed onto Gladys before she could leave. “Why did you think I was in danger?”

  Her eyes widened, and she stepped closer to me. “Some people you can just tell, and that Vickie is no good.” Gladys glanced behind her and whispered, “She said that one way or another you were going to learn your lesson about snooping into other people’s lives.”

  I shivered. I couldn’t stop the cold dread winding through my body. One part of my brain reminded me that Gladys was a busybody and enjoyed stirring up a little mischief with words, but the other part of me remembered the way Vickie had looked at me and demanded that I keep away from Tim.

  “I’ll see you later.” Gladys hurried off.

  My parents returned after that and I gave Lorea a look that said to keep quiet about Gladys. It wasn’t until later that I realized I didn’t get a chance to ask Gladys where she had seen Vickie. The thought heightened my senses, and I suddenly felt like someone was watching me. I looked up at the throng of people walking the grassy meadows between the booths, and nearly laughed at myself. There were hundreds of people looking at me as they passed our booth.

  But then I saw Phil Andrus leaning against a pickup with his poodle on a leash. He was staring right at me.

  I shivered and ducked behind Lorea, pretending to straighten a few items.

  “Adri, grab me some more of those card packets out of the little box,” my mom said. She turned to me and whispered, “I can’t believe that we’ve already sold seventy-five items. It isn’t even lunch yet!”

  I grinned. It was good to see my mom in her element. I tried to focus on the booth and working with my parents and Lorea, but talking to Gladys had brought up all of the incidents and questions I had about Lily’s murder. Luke wanted me to stay far away from the investigation, and I was trying. But it seemed like everywhere I went, another murder suspect was waiting around the corner.

  KILLER FRY SAUCE

  4 Tbsp Mayonnaise

  1 Tbsp Mustard

  3 Tbsp Ketchup

  ¼ tsp Garlic powder

  ¼ tsp Onion powder

  ½ tsp Season All or favorite BBQ Seasoning

  Whip together and serve in dipping bowls. Makes about 4 servings.

  Courtesy of www.mashedpotatoesandcrafts.com

  My stomach grumbled while I rang up another purchase, and I glanced at my watch. It was already twelve thirty. Luke would probably arrive soon, and there were six people inside our booth at the moment. During the next five minutes, I hurried to help a young woman fill out an information card to get a bid for her upcoming wedding, while answering questions from Lorea about ordering in some kind of silk that another woman requested, and I even sold two more card sets.

  I looked up and saw Luke walking toward me with a smile on his face. Swiping my brow, I straightened and moved past a customer to greet him.

  “Hey, beautiful.” He said, grabbing my hand and pulling me close. “Are you surviving?”

  “Barely. I’m starving, and it’s been so busy.”

  “What about all those snacks you packed?”

  “Maybe if it dies down a little, we’ll have a chance to eat some of them.” I turned back toward the booth. “I’m going to lunch with Luke; call me if things get too crazy.”

  My parents called out a quick greeting to Luke, but there were three more customers lining up, so there wasn’t time for chitchat. Luke laced his fingers through mine, and we ambled down the aisle of booths. The sun glared down on me now that I was out from under the shade of our tent.

  “Hang on, it’s way too hot out here. I need a drink.” I stopped and guzzled a water bottle I’d nabbed before leaving.

  “It looks like a success out here, but how are things in your booth going?” Luke asked.

  “Way busier than I would have predicted, but that’s a good thing.”

  “What are you in the mood for?”

  I wanted to say “lots more kissing,” but I knew he was talking about food and I was really hungry. “I could go for a cheeseburger and onion rings right about now.”

  We walked past the live band playing a bluegrass type of music. We paused for a moment to appreciate the banjo and fiddle players accompanied by a guy with what looked like a ten-gallon hat pounding on the piano. The music was loud enough that we could hear it all the way across the meadow.

  “I want to try one of those triple-decker burgers.” He pointed out a food wagon that had a line of about fifteen people in front of it. “I noticed it on the way in. It might be a few minutes’ wait, but do you want to try one?”

  My stomach was gnawing itself from the inside out, and my mouth watered as the aroma of the juicy burgers filled my nose. “I hope the wait isn’t long, because that smells fantastic.”

  Luke squeezed my hand and we moved into line. We talked while we waited, and thankfully, ten minutes later, we sat down in the shade behind a booth to eat our lunch.

  “So, I saw Phil Andrus today. Someone told me that Rose was thinking of suing him for misappropriation of funds. Have you heard anything about that?”

  “No. I’m not sure that’s right. The only way she could sue him was if she was part owner.” Luke wiped his hands on a napkin. “I guess she could be.”

  “Hmm, maybe.” I took another bite of the hamburger, with cheese dripping off the sides. “This is so good.”

  Luke swirled a piece of onion ring in the fry sauce. “I agree. This fry sauce is out of this world.”

  “It reminds me of my mom’s recipe.” I dipped my onion ring in the creamy fry sauce and took a bite, savoring the tang and spice mixed together.

  “There’s a recipe for fry sauce?”

  “There’s a recipe for everything.” I took another bite of onion ring and closed my eyes.

  “So what time do you think you’ll be done tonight?” Luke asked. “Can we still get together?”

  I smiled. “Do you want to go out for ice cream with my parents? My dad is treating all of us. He said after melting all day in the sun and being suffocated by crafts and wedding junk, he deserves it.”

  Luke laughed. “Your dad sounds like my type of guy.”

  “Yeah, my mom and dad both want a chance to get to know you.” Luke had met my parents and talked with them over a year ago, but it was under different circumstances. It’d be nice for him to have a conversation with them outside of the hospital where I was getting stitched up. I pushed that memory out of my mind and focused on the present.

  “Do you want to text me when you’re about ready and I can meet you wherever?”

  “Sure. I think it’ll be about seven. We’ll clean up some things, but mo
st of the display will stay overnight.”

  “I probably better let you get back to work,” Luke said.

  I glanced down at my empty wrappers. I’d devoured my hamburger, but I was still thirsty. “I want to refill my pink lemonade. How about you?”

  “Sure, that’d be good. I’ll take care of all the trash while you do that.” Luke stood and began gathering up the wrappers and napkins.

  I had to wait in line for a couple minutes to refill my drink, but a sip of the ice-cold sugary lemonade tasted great in the heat. The grass was uneven in some places, so I walked carefully with the two drinks, trying not to let them slosh over the sides.

  I was about fifteen feet from Luke when I saw a familiar bleached blonde heading straight for him. I gritted my teeth as Zara sidled up next to Luke, grabbing onto his arm and batting her lashes. I wasn’t jealous. The way Luke jumped back was kind of funny, but it was also evidence that he didn’t want anything to do with Zara. I didn’t understand who she thought she was, or why she was intent on Luke when she was supposed to be engaged. As I got closer, I noticed the ring was off her finger again.

  “You want to play hard to get, huh?” she cooed. “I like to play games.”

  “I have a girlfriend. And I’m also a lawyer, so it’s not a big deal for me to file a court order against you.” Luke’s tone invited no argument. “You’ll stay away from me and Adri from now on. Is that clear?”

  “Gosh, you’re no fun.” Zara pouted. She turned, and when she saw me, her eyes narrowed and she stomped off.

  Luke wiped his hand across his brow as I gave him his drink. “That woman is insane.”

  “I’m sorry. Maybe we should file a complaint. There’s something wrong with her,” I said.

  “Don’t worry. If I see her again, I’ll definitely follow through on my threat.” Luke took a sip of his drink, wiped his hands on a napkin, and stared at something in the distance.

  “What is it?” I moved to look in the same direction.

  “I don’t know. I thought I saw Javier a minute ago,” Luke said. “Just hoping that Rose is nowhere in the vicinity.”

  “I bet you’ll be glad when Rose leaves town.”

  Luke swiveled his gaze to me. “What do you mean? She can’t leave town. That was part of the custody arrangement.”

  I swallowed, knowing I was treading on dangerous ground, but I’d already confessed to talking to Rose. “When I saw her, she said she was quitting her job and leaving town. So you’re saying she has to stay here?”

  “Well, not exactly. But she can’t move more than one hundred and fifty miles away, or custody will immediately revert to Javier. I can’t imagine that she’d try to move somewhere else, but maybe if it was within range.”

  “Hmm.” I thought about what surrounded the Sun Valley area. Some people would joke that only deserts surrounded the valley, and in one direction they would be right, but there weren’t any major cities close by.

  “What are you thinking about?” Luke asked.

  “I’m just wondering why there are so many conflicting stories going around. Rose says she’s moving. You say she’s not. Someone else says she’s going to sue Phil. Could Javier be causing trouble to try to force her to leave?”

  Luke shrugged. “I don’t think he’d stoop that low, but there are a ton of rumors circulating. Probably best not to pay attention to most of them.”

  I took his hand and we walked back toward our booth. We’d already been gone for forty-five minutes, and although I would’ve liked to stay with Luke all day and analyze the mysteries in our town, I needed to get back to work so Lorea could have a break. “Thanks for coming by. Lunch was delicious.”

  “I don’t know if I’d put it up there with your cooking, but I’m glad I could share it with you,” Luke said.

  “Thanks.” I leaned forward and gave him a quick peck on the lips.

  He grabbed hold of me and kissed me again. “See you tonight,” he whispered.

  I waved and walked quickly back to my booth, resisting the urge to skip.

  My parents took a lunch break, followed by Lorea, so the next time I had a free second to check my watch, it was already four o’clock. When Lorea returned, we both spent a few minutes restocking and arranging the display.

  “I thought today was supposed to be a slow day,” Lorea said. “It’s going to be nuts tomorrow.”

  “I know. I’ve already gone through half of my stack of information cards,” I said. “And a lot of these gals are really nice. If I book even half of the weddings, I’m going to have to hire another assistant because you’re going to be up to your eyeballs in pins and needles.”

  Lorea smiled, and nudged my mom. “Maybe Laurel will have to come up and help me, because I have six new wedding gown requests.

  My mouth dropped open. “You’re kidding. What kind of deadline?”

  “The farthest one is eight months away, but I might have a buyer for the dress I’ve been working on.” Lorea rolled up her measuring tape and tapped the table. “It’s really happening.”

  “I’m so happy for both of you girls,” my mom said. “What an accomplishment, to be able to start your own business and be successful at it.”

  “Spoken from the source,” my dad said. “Look at you, Laurel. You’ve been whining for the last week over if anybody would want to buy your stuff, and it looks like a third of it is gone already.”

  “Thanks, honey.” Mom kissed Dad on the cheek and gave him a hug. “You’re a sport to come with me. Even if you only hope I make money so you can spend it on that cowboy hat I saw you checking out.”

  My dad smiled. He wasn’t wearing his usual straw cowboy hat in the booth because of close quarters, but it was pretty much a part of him—that, and the shiny, gem-studded belt buckles he liked to wear.

  Someone cleared her throat. “Excuse me, are you Adri?”

  I turned toward the young woman who had spoken. “Yes, that’s me. How can I help you?”

  Her pink lips turned up in a smile. “Well, I’m hoping to have a reason to talk to you.”

  I glanced at her left hand. No diamond sat on her finger, but she must be in a serious relationship. “A wedding might be in your future?” I asked.

  She blushed, and lowered her voice. “I think so. I wanted to talk to you because I’m sure you’re getting booked up. I don’t want a year-long engagement.”

  I immediately liked her open and honest face. She was beautiful. Her chestnut-brown hair was braided and fell halfway down her back, and when she smiled her dark eyes sparkled. She looked a bit young, maybe only early twenties, but her flawless skin probably hid her true age. “Let me have you fill out an information card. I brought them with me today and I’ll follow up with everyone in the next week to see if we’re a match or not.”

  “My name’s Maggie Williams.” She extended her hand, and I shook it.

  “It’s nice to meet you, Maggie. This is my assistant, Lorea Zubiondo, and my parents, Carl and Laurel Pyper.”

  “Hello,” my parents said in unison.

  “Adri is the best wedding planner in the state,” my mom said.

  “Mom, don’t get her hopes up,” I said.

  “Oh, I know,” Maggie said. “I’ve seen her work, and I love it.” She picked up a pen and a card and put a star at the top. “If there’s any way to fit me into your schedule, I hope you will.”

  “When do you think the big day will be?” I asked.

  “I’m not sure, but maybe November or December. And depending on a few things, Jackson and I would like to do a destination wedding. I’d like to talk to you about some of your packages.”

  I tried to keep my face from showing any emotion. A destination wedding was a huge undertaking and difficult to do with a full client list. “That might work. I look forward to talking with you more.”

  After Maggie filled out her card and left, I circled the star she’d made. There was something sincere and sweet about her, and I hoped we’d be able to work together. />
  “She’s a keeper,” my mom said. “Hope the boy she’s dating puts a ring on her finger soon.”

  I smiled and filed the card with the others in my bag. I let my mind wander for a moment to some of the destination wedding locations I’d researched. Tahiti would be fabulous in December. Costa Rica might also be a great choice. If she didn’t want to leave the States, a visit across the country to the southern coast could provide a warm and tranquil setting.

  I was envisioning sunny beaches in December when I looked up. There stood Vickie, about fifteen yards from my booth.

  HOMEMADE LAUNDRY DETERGENT

  Makes 300-500 Loads

  1 (4lb 12 oz) box Borax

  1 (3lb 7 0z) box Super Washing Soda

  1 ( 3lb) container OXY clean (you can adjust this amount to your preference. I use a little less.)

  2 bars soap grated—one Fels Naptha, one other favorite soap

  1 (2lb) boxes Baking Soda

  1 bottle Downy Unstopable Scent Booster

  Dump all the boxes into a large bucket to mix together. Mix outside to avoid inhaling soap powder.

  Use a fine cheese grater to grate your soap. Use a large wooden spoon to stir all of the ingredients together, making sure that your soap flakes are blended well.

  2 Tbsp each load for Super Capacity top-load washer

  1 Tbsp each load for Super Capacity front-load high efficiency washer

  Video Tutorial available at www.mashedpotatoesandcrafts.com

  I blinked and squinted to be certain it was her. I wasn’t sure if it was coincidental or not, but Vickie stood in front of Gladys’s booth. Gladys was talking nonstop as usual, and Vickie stood still and straight. How much of what Gladys gleaned from other people was inadvertent because she got them talking, and how much was skilled extraction via gossip?

  I continued to stare until my eyes watered, but Vickie didn’t do anything. It didn’t even look like she was speaking to Gladys. Maybe Gladys had read more into Vickie’s curt and abrupt manner. From this distance she looked harmless, but I would keep my distance just in case.

  Another customer came to our tent, and I helped her purchase a lovely centerpiece patterned after the one my mom had made for Natalie and Brock’s wedding last year. A chunk of wood with greenery attached to it surrounded a handmade candle. The candle had different layers of colors, and the woman was excited about how it would look on her mantel.