Death Under the Mistletoe

by Ashantay Peters

  Fudge. Sure they did.

  I called my assistant back, told her I needed to bow out tomorrow and to hire as many extra servers as she needed. I’d still complete the prep, but my favorite client and her guests would be more comfortable thinking my assistant had taken over the job. I’d worked with that client since starting my business—although she’d stand by me, she didn’t deserve a sabotaged party.

  What a sucky day, and there were still two plus hours left before it ended. Not that tomorrow would be an improvement. Looked as if my bad luck had just begun.

  ****

  I stayed up late preparing food, pulling together serving utensils, organizing supplies, and writing detailed instructions for the catering job. When my cell phone rang, I shot up from the couch where I’d sunk down to rest a few minutes. Four hours or so ago.

  “Lily, Tom Jenkins here.”

  I hadn’t finished gathering my breath to greet him when he continued. “You don’t have time to lose. Leave right now and come straight to my Granville Falls office.”

  “Huh?”

  “The police are planning to call you back for questioning this morning. We need to talk.”

  My brain couldn’t keep up. “I told them everything I knew yesterday.”

  “They don’t think so. Get over here.”

  I slammed my phone shut and ran for my bedroom. No way I’d leave without a quick shower and clean clothes. Seven minutes later I backed from my garage, a hairbrush and make-up bag on the seat next to me. My route boasted enough stoplights to untangle my curly hair and apply lipstick before I reached downtown.

  The Jenkins and Fotherington Law Office dominated a corner one short block from the county courthouse. The receptionist looked like a voluptuous version of a runway model. Namely, a healthy thin. Glad I’d taken time to clean up, I asked for Jenkins. I’d barely gotten settled in a waiting room chair when the receptionist showed me to the conference room.

  The attorney sat at the head of the table, another beautiful woman at his side. This one had more curves. Maybe he paid her more or perhaps she liked food.

  A heavy pewter tray held a porcelain coffee set, and the aroma of well-brewed coffee hung over the room. Jenkins beckoned me forward, and had I not been wearing flats, my heels would have mired into the plush rug. I just knew I left cleat tracks behind me, including the shoe manufacturer’s name.

  “Have a seat,” he said with a polite smile, his attorney mask in place.

  Before I’d swallowed the first sip of his—rather his secretary’s—excellent java, he began throwing questions at me. I did fine until he asked why Alexa and I ended our friendship.

  His teeth gleamed but he’d never be found on a toothpaste ad. “Word around town is you did everything together. Had for years. So why the split?”

  Nooo. I so didn’t want to answer him.

  “Tell me now or the District Attorney during a murder trial.”

  I gulped. “We’re still friends. Kinda. We, uh, grew apart.”

  He consulted his notes. “Right after the lottery win netted Alexa twenty-five million. Is that right?” He didn’t pause long. “So if you two did everything, including buy weekly lottery tickets together, why had Alexa claimed as the sole winner?”

  My throat closed but he’d already assumed the answer.

  “And coincidentally, the man you dated left you and took up with Alexa.”

  “We uh, Rod and I, uh, we grew apart.”

  He shook his head. “And then you agree to stand up at her wedding to your ex-boyfriend, Rod.” He checked his notes again. “Even baked a wedding cake.”

  I closed my eyes to the familiar. These same scenarios had kept me awake.

  The attorney’s strident voice recalled my attention. “You understand you had motive, right? You also had means. The opportunity is all that’s open, and you have no alibi.”

  “Yes.”

  “Now are you gonna get real or let yourself be convicted?”

  My head snapped up. I searched his flinty gaze. “Get real.”

  “About time.”

  The rest of our meeting defined agony—for me—but I could stand and walk at the end. Discussing plea bargains? No option. I couldn’t depend on anyone, especially Jenkins, who’d get paid regardless of the outcome. I had to prove my innocence.

  The sooner the better.

  Chapter Four

  Sunshine warmed my face, an unexpected bonus when I tottered from the attorney’s office. Temperatures in the low fifties aren’t unusual here in a North Carolina December, but still felt good.

  I squinted, unsure I could believe my eyes. “Gray? What are you doing in this neighborhood? On your way downtown to testify against me?” Sure my voice snarled. I planned a snark upgrade next time around.

  Had the sun been less bright, I could’ve sworn his blue eyes held hurt. Nah.

  He reached toward my hand then dropped his arm. “I have business in the area. Saw your car and thought I’d wait to ask how you’re doing.”

  I placed three fingers against my chin and pretended to think. “I’m the top suspect in a murder investigation, my defense attorney thinks I should prepare for a plea bargain, and I’m losing catering jobs.” I paused and forced a cheery tone. “All in all I’m having a great day. How about you?”

  His posture straightened like a skydiver’s when the parachute snaps open. “Plea bargain? That’s crazy. You didn’t kill Roderick. Murder just isn’t in you.”

  I decided not to mention my recent vision of Gray hanging alongside Rod at the Gardens. Self-incrimination and all that. “Uh, thanks?”

  “Look, you need to get tough with Jenkins. Tell him to go all out. He’s making enough money on this case and he’s got resources. Don’t let him short change you.

  “How did you know I saw Tom Jenkins?” I pointed to the building behind me. “There are lots of attorney offices there.” A quick doubt niggled through me, quickly shaken off.

  My eyes narrowed. “And you never said exactly what you’re doing here. What do you know about my business? Did Alexa tell you she hired Jenkins on my behalf?”

  “Yeah, that’s right. Alexa.”

  I rode my high, acing my first witness questioning. With work and lucky breaks I bet I could prove my innocence, no problem.

  “Prove your innocence? Are you nuts? Or do you really want jail time?”

  Damnation. I thought aloud.

  “Yeah, and you just thought out loud again. Sheesh. Some things never change.”

  He shook his head. “You need a custodian.”

  My shoulders hunched and I checked out the ground. I’d been told all through school to think first and speak second, but I’d never learned that lesson. And now I had my first love, I mean lover, on my case. What a lucky girl.

  I threw back my shoulders. “I don’t need a keeper, you jerk. But if I don’t find out who really killed Rod, I may as well start practicing large serving recipes for the prison kitchen.”

  “That’s the Lily I know and uh, remember.”

  He rubbed his ear, a gesture I recognized. Gray planned something and didn’t know how to explain.

  “Lily, I’d like to help you.”

  “Why? Seems to me you helped yourself and walked away years ago.”

  He winced. “I didn’t, that is, I thought . . . never mind. Just let me do this, okay? I can be your backup. You shouldn’t go after a killer alone.”

  He was right. Every fictional detective had a muse or partner, and Gray looked strong. That chest and those arms would be enough to keep the bad guys away. I’d better take him up on the offer, though the choice bit my butt.

  Gray laughed. “I’m sure your butt can handle one more bite.”

  Fudge, I’d done messed up again. I screwed up my face and gave him the evil eye. He laughed harder.

  “Your evil eye needs some work.”

  I waited until his hilarity ran its course, holding back from smacking him.

  He coughed once, twice, an
d then smoothed back his sun streaked blond hair. “So, boss, what’s your first move?”

  I didn’t know, but I wouldn’t let him realize I had no clue. Inspiration hit. “Let’s go back to the Orchid Conservatory. Maybe someone saw a shadowy stranger, or equipment got moved, or something like that.”

  “I heard the mayor encouraged the cops to process the crime scene at warp speed. Granville Falls needs the income from their Conservatory and the mayor wants votes next year.” He rested his arm lightly on my shoulders and steered me toward a luxury-mobile parked at the curb.

  I put on the brakes. “Look, I don’t trust you. I don’t know why you’re really here, and I’m not going to tell you everything that crosses my mind. Got that?”

  Gray stuck both hands in his pockets. “Loud and clear.” His curved lips belied his direct blue gaze.

  “Okay, just wanted to make sure.” A huff escaped my lips. “And I’m only letting you drive because your car is handy.”

  “Got it.”

  ****

  Shivers hit my spine in a rolling wave when we drove in the rapidly filling Orchid Conservatory parking lot. I eased from the car, my arms automatically crossing over my chest as I gazed at the main building. Did I really think I could investigate? I must be crazy.

  “So, boss, want to see if the events administrator is in her office?”

  “Planner. Events planner,” I corrected automatically. “Missy Wheeler.”

  My doubts evaporated. Talking to events planners? Piece of cake. Which reminded me. I needed to find out if the wedding cake had been tossed out or taken by the police as evidence. If they were done with my unneeded confection, I could drop the dessert off at a nursing home or assisted living center before it dried out. Not that I wanted to see the cake again, but I hated wasting good pastry.

  Morbid crime scene looky-loo types, complete with cameras, stood in a long line. We snuck around them and walked to Missy’s office.

  The events planner didn’t look overjoyed to see me, but her smile brightened when Gray entered. Her greeting to him purred. Me, I’d gotten little more than a hiss. Not that her glomming onto Gray bothered me, or anything.

  “Missy, I’d hoped to speak with you about last...” My voice stuttered to a stop along with my thoughts.

  The event planner stiffened, placing her palms on her desk.

  Gray leaned toward Missy. “I know the last thing you want to remember is what happened at the Fox-Vandiver wedding, but we’re hoping you could help.”

  She not only tilted forward, she manufactured a cleavage shot that would impress most men. Probably some women too. “I’d do anything to help you.”

  Hmm. No doubt. I decided to stand back and let nature—and Gray—take over.

  He propped his butt on the corner of her desk. Missy no doubt viewed his flashing white teeth as friendly. Knowing Gray, the smile resembled a shark’s grin to me. But I wouldn’t be his victim. This time.

  “Did you happen to see the groom enter the building yesterday?”

  She placed one finger at a point barely above her cleavage and rubbed a small circle there. Maybe she massaged a memory pressure point.

  “No, I’m afraid I didn’t see Rod. I entered by the side door and came to my office. I had my hands full with Stephanie’s delayed arrival. There were last minute issues to handle.”

  Gray perked up, but not that anyone besides me would notice. “Rod? You knew him?”

  “Well, sure. He and Alexa saw me about renting the building. They said they wanted a private ceremony—no regular customers walking in on them.”

  She hadn’t answered the question, but Gray moved on before I could insert a follow-up question about how well she knew Rod.

  He placed his palm on the desk, bringing his face closer to hers. “You mean they rented the entire building for the whole day? That must have cost a bundle.”

  “Not really. We’re closed during the week in winter, opening Friday through Sunday. But the fee from this event sure helped my budget.”

  “So no one from the outside could have come in that day?”

  “No way. This building stayed locked until I got here about three.”

  “I’m sure they can’t operate without you.”

  I turned and covered my mouth to hide my gag when she giggled. If Missy hadn’t practically asked for every charming lie, I’d almost feel sorry for her. Gray could captivate the pants off a virgin. I knew that for a fact.

  Gray scratched his head. “I don’t get it, though. What about the room setup? The decorations? Didn’t the facilities guys have work that day?”

  Missy shook her head, her hair rippling like a shampoo ad. “They completed most of the work the day before.” She crinkled her forehead. “Except for the replacement wreaths. Those didn’t get delivered until yesterday morning.”

  “The workmen put up new wreaths yesterday? Did you see them go up?”

  “No, I told you, I came in the side door. Besides, they hold keys for every lock on the grounds.”

  I saw his glance fall to her chest then move back to her lips. As I mentioned, pants off a virgin.

  “You know, I’m curious. I’ve never figured out how those oversized wreaths get hung every year. Can you tell me?”

  She giggled. Again. “Sure, we have a small lift truck.” She snapped her fingers. “Those wreaths go up like nothing.”

  “Really?”

  She frowned. “You know, I think I saw the lift parked in the hall on Thursday morning. I meant to have the equipment moved.” She made a note on her pad. Her pen dropped to the desk. “Unless you think the killer used the machine.”

  “The police probably took complete photographs and fingerprints.”

  I interrupted. “Missy, did you know Rod before he came in with Alexa?”

  Her nose scrunched. Figures I’d annoy her. I should have passed Gray a note with the question, instead.

  “Sure, I’d seen him around town in the last year or so. I think he dated one of my girlfriend’s sisters. Or maybe my girlfriend.” She shrugged. “Can’t remember.”

  She turned her attention back to Gray and played with her hair. Her finger strayed closer to her cleavage.

  He captured one of her shining locks and curled the hair around his finger. “You are one observant lady. What other talents do you have?”

  I knew that rolling my eyes made me look juvenile so I checked out the office ceiling instead, biting my cheek to keep from snorting. Still, Gray had already obtained way more information that I’d have gotten.

  After a few interminable minutes of murmurs and giggling, I cleared my throat. “Um, Missy, do you know what happened to the wedding cake? Did the police take or leave it?”

  “They took it.”

  Of course. I couldn’t even give the cake away.

  Missy whispered to Gray and handed him her business card. He tucked the card into his shirt pocket, patted the flap and winked at her. Truly, I felt an overwhelming need to gag.

  We headed for the door.

  “Hey, Lily, I really liked the red, white and blue theme on your cake. Most people would have gone with the seasonal colors, so your cake stood out.”

  Missy’s comment stopped me cold. Turning slowly I repeated, “Blue?”

  “Yeah. Almost snitched a blueberry from the pile in the middle, but figured with my luck, I’d get caught. They looked good, though.”

  My breath hit my lungs with a lump. I ran for the door, pulling my cell from my handbag as I moved.

  Gray caught up to me in four strides. He didn’t even breathe heavy, the rat. “What’s wrong?”

  “There’s something off with the wedding cake. I’ve got to call Dirk.”

  Gray’s long legs helped him beat me to the car, where he stood with the passenger door open and waiting for me. He moved around the car, slid in and had the engine started before I connected with Dirk Johnson.

  “Dirk, the cake. There’s something wrong with the wedding cake.”

&nbs
p; “Yes, I planned to call you.” His voice took on a disappointed tone. “Are you confessing? I hope you didn’t do something stupid, but if you come clean, I’ll try to get a reduced sentence.”

  “What? No! I’m calling to tell you that I didn’t put blueberries on the cake. I used raspberries for red to echo the season, but no blue. Nada.”

  “First, Lily, how did you know the cake topping held blueberries if you didn’t put them there?”

  “Missy at the Conservatory. She told me. Something is wrong, Dirk. I didn’t use blueberries. Have the lab check for poison or drugs or, oh, I don’t know. I’m just sure someone tampered with the cake.”

  “Lily, we figured that. Come in right now.” I heard him inhale. “And what the hell are you doing at the Conservatory?”

  I cast a look toward Gray, who didn’t hide his interest in my conversation. Pushing the receiver closer to my ear, I hoped he heard only my side of the discussion. “Okay, see you later.”

  “Now, Lily. Lily?”

  Dirk’s frustrated growl echoed as I clicked the cell shut. Stuffing my phone into my purse, I put on a cheery tone. “Where to next?”

  Chapter Five

  “I’m taking you home.”

  The belt kept me from jumping out of my seat, but barely. “What do you mean? I thought you were helping me?” As in, I’m the boss.

  Sunglasses covered his eyes, but I could feel his glare. “You almost blew the interview with Missy, and then you charged out without telling her thanks. If that’s the way you treat witnesses, you’ll definitely end up in jail.”

  “I’m worried about the cake thing.”

  “Yeah, why don’t you tell me about the cake thing.”

  “Oh, don’t play stupid. You heard what I told Dirk. Someone messed with the cake I baked for the happy couple.”

  “Play stupid? With you? You make me stupid.” His jaws clamped together.

  I waited for his diatribe, but he stayed silent. What did he mean, “I made him stupid”? That sounded like I had some control over his actions. Nah.

  “So where are we going next?”

  “I told you, you’re going home.” He cast a glance to me. “Or to the police station, which is where Dirk probably wants you right now.” He tapped his finger on the steering wheel. “Yeah, that’s where I’ll drop you off. The cops.”