by Pyper James
Note from the Publisher: This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead or references to locations, persons, events or locations is purely coincidental. The characters, circumstances, and events are imaginative and not intended to reflect real events.
Hyacinth and Homicide
Book Three in the Black Orchid Mysteries
Copyright 2018 Pyper James
Pyper James Presents
All Rights Reserved and Proprietary.
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Acknowledgment
I am so grateful for how the reading and authoring community have accepted me and made me feel a part of such a special cohort of people. When I began this quest of telling the stories that were in my mind, I never imagined that others would readily read and enjoy them. Thank you for that. My dreams are becoming a reality and that’s not possible without each of you. I would also like to thank my great All Things Pyper James team. Without you, my thoughts would be unedited words on a page without a matching illustration to bring it all to life. Thank you to my newsletter subscribers, beta and alpha readers and everyone that is a part of this literary journey. Thank you to my family and friends who chastise me for spending too much time alone in a room with my computer writing. I sincerely appreciate all of you.
Dedication
This book is dedicated to those of you who have given me a chance even though you didn’t know me.
Chapter One
It was a lazy Sunday morning. Vivica smiled as she curled up in bed, pulling the covers higher around her ears and making the physical adjustment to accommodate Max who slept next to her. Vivica couldn’t remember the last time she was able to lounge in, past 9:00 in the morning and not feel rushed or pressured to be doing something. Sure, there was plenty that needed to be done, but for the next few moments, Vivica distanced herself from responsibility and enjoyed a lazy morning.
Sundays were the days that guests at the Mulberry Bed and Breakfast typically checked out. Sure, there were a few who extended their stay because being at Auntie Mildred’s place was sometimes better than being at home. And then there were those guests who made Mulberry Grove their home for weeks at a time. those were the kinds of patrons that became like family members. Although Auntie Mildred loved all her guests, the long-timers were some of her favorites. Boris, the persnickety cat who was her all-time companion, didn’t care how long guests stayed. He wasn’t fond of anyone.
Since Vivica’s time at Mulberry, she’d grown to know the few long-timers that were there, Mrs. Sophie Singleton, Mr. Caldwell Jones, and Mr. Braxton Gingham. Mrs. Sophie was a hoot. She lived in a world she created unapologetically with her brightly colored ensembles, matching sunglasses even when the sky was gray, and boisterous hair that changed colors almost as frequently as her clothes did. Vivica hadn’t decided whether Mrs. Sophie wore wigs or dyed her own hair, but the surprise of what color her hair would be next was always fun. Mr. Caldwell was almost the exact opposite of Sophie. He was prone to quiet afternoons in the study; parallel to Boris but not interacting, as he read all the classics for the umpteenth time. Aunt Mildred didn’t allow smoking in the inn, but that didn’t stop Mr. Caldwell from hanging a pipe from his lips that he held and replaced as he turned the pages of his latest literary conquest.
And Mr. Braxton Gingham. Vivica hadn’t quite decided about him. There were moments when Braxton was warm and engaging and other times when he was brooding and mysterious. Braxton liked to walk through the vineyard. He always seemed so unencumbered by things of the world when he was there. And he didn’t mind Max tagging along. Other times, Braxton would stay in his room, seemingly for days on end; only leaving out long enough to get food and retreat. During those times, the ‘do not disturb’ sign hung on his door. No one bothered him.
“Get up, Viv,” she moaned out loud. There was so much that needed to be done in preparation for the upcoming week. She resisted still, until her stomach growled so loud it disturbed Max’s slumber. For a moment, Vivica tried to quiet her stomach and snuggle further down under the covers. But when her stomach groaned loudly again, Vivica caved in. easing the covers from her legs, Vivica slowly rolled to a seated position. Max wasn’t quite as interested in vacating the bed. He adjusted himself under the covers and hunkered down despite Vivica’s movement. With a low growl combined with a wide yawn, Max settled his head down and closed his eyes.
Yawning was contagious, even if initiated by a four-legged. Stretching her arms over her head, Vivica yawned widely, offering a vocal prelude to accompany it. Her toes nuzzled into the rag rug that sat alongside her bed, centering Vivica to the ground instead of the horizontal position she’d been in. Standing to her feet; by no means swiftly, Vivica put one foot in front of the other until she reached the bathroom. Closing the door behind her and flipping on the light, Vivica found her reflection in the oval-shaped mirror over the desk.
“Ugh you look a mess girl,” Vivica groaned. Walking to the shower, Vivica turned on the water and stripped down to step in. The water was refreshing, faster than she wanted to totally wake up. Nonetheless, Vivica stepped back under the overhead waterfall and allowed the water to cascade over her, washing away last night’s dreams and whatever sleepiness remained. With her eyes closed, she reached for the shampoo that sat on the abbreviated shower shelf, flipped the top, squeezed a glob into her upturned hand, and replaced the bottle. Rubbing her hands together, lather built up enough to immerse her hands into her reddish mane.
By the time Vivica exited the shower, she was humming bars from the Beatles and dancing in the towel she had wrapped around her. Finding clothes to put on, Vivica got dressed and headed downstairs where she hoped Auntie Mildred was still in the kitchen. The strong yet pleasingly aromatic smell of coffee met Vivica at the top of the stairs and lured her through her descent to the first floor. Turning the corner once she reached the bottom, Vivica passed the lobby and headed down the hallway toward the kitchen where the smell of breakfast greeted her warmly.
“I thought you might never get up,” Auntie Mildred said as she turned to see her niece entering the kitchen.
Vivica crossed the room and gave her aunt a peck on the cheek before acknowledging the food that lay before her.
“You must have known I was starving,” Vivica crooned, reaching onto the countertop and snabbing a slice of crisp bacon.
“Get a plate,” Mildred corrected, swiping at Vivica’s hand as she reached for a second piece. Her aunt couldn’t stand for people to stand and eat, so Vivica did as Mildred suggested and grabbed a plate from the cupboard.
“You almost missed it,” Mildred replied. “If it hadn’t of been for Mr. Braxton lingering in the kitchen, this would have all been cleaned up and the leftovers put away.
“Thank you, Mr. Braxton,” Vivica mumbled as she grabbed a couple of iced cinnamon rolls, some scrambled eggs, and a few freshly washed strawberries and grapes. Mildred smiled as her niece hum and chewed, rocking back and forth on her stool, totally pleased.
“So, what’s on your agenda for today, auntie?”
“Unlike some people, I’ve been up since the sun rose, getting the inn together for next week’s guests. I have a few more guests leaving early
afternoon, and then I have dinner to pull together for the long timers. I plan on testing the new batch of wine that we put together a few weeks ago, and then, if there is still time left, I intend to sit down and rest for a little while.”
“That sounds exhausting,” Vivica scoffed. “It’s Sunday. Even the Lord rested on Sunday.”
“True, but the Lord didn’t have a busy inn to run.”
Vivica laughed at her aunt’s sacrilege. “Have you given any more thought to marketing your wine selections outside of the inn?”
“You are such the little businesswoman now, aren’t you,” Auntie Mildred replied, taking a wet rag and wiping down the counter.
“I’m just saying, auntie, everyone loves your wines. They always ask if you have bottles to take home, right? What if they could get your wares when they aren’t actually here?”
“But that’s the point of them coming, not only to experience the inn but get things here they can’t get anywhere else.”
“That makes sense,” Vivica agreed. “Maybe not full expansion interests you, but upping production to be able to offer your customers delivery during the year, when they are not here, might not be a bad thing.”
Mildred agreed to mull it over. She understood why Vivica had been urging her to consider some level of expansion. Mildred may not always be able to run the inn herself and having an additional source of income could help to take care of her in retirement. That was the difference in running your own business and working for someone else; no retirement plan and no 401k unless you set it up that way. Those were things Mildred had to consider. She wasn’t getting any younger and the possibility of a white knight riding in on a white steed, sweeping her up and making life easy seemed more and more improbable every year. But Mildred refused to give up hope on the whole prince thing.
“And what do you have on your agenda,” Mildred asked.
“There’s so much I need to do,” Vivica moaned as she plopped a grape into her mouth. “The kiosk needs to be ready to open for business tomorrow. I have a couple of bike riders to interview this week and I need to check on my bestie. She’s been on bedrest for the past two weeks and she’s driving everyone in her house absolutely bonkers.”
“Winnie does too much,” Mildred sighed. “Running after the boys, taking care of her husband and sleuthing with you all while eight months pregnant? No wonder the doctor made her rest, or she wouldn’t have on her own.”
“Yeah, I think her doctor knew he had to threaten her. She’s so hardheaded,” Vivica agreed. “But, I love her just the same, so I need to go see about her.”
“Let me check the freezer,” Mildred mused. “I have some one-pot wonders that I froze not too long ago. I’ll pull a few of those out so you can take them to Winnie’s house. I’m sure the boys are sick of eating sandwiches.”
Chapter Two
Gathering up the food items Mildred prepared for the Baxter family, Vivica made her way outside and packed the Karmann Ghia. She thought about rousting Maximus from his slumber but decided against it.
“Let the old boy sleep in,” Vivica mused as she walked around to the driver’s side and climbed in. Turning on the ignition, Vivica didn’t bother to turn on the radio. She still had the Beach Boys stuck in her head and sung loudly as she put the Volkswagen in drive and moseyed down the winding drive. The weather in Dahlonega was beautiful and the landscape was pretty enough for a postcard. Seeing long stretches of nature was so different than Vivica’s time in the city where the grass was replaced by concrete and small trees sprouted from boxes, tall buildings replaced mountains and rows and rows of people replaced rows of vegetables growing from the tilled ground.
By the time Vivica arrived at the Baxter home, she felt fantastic. Before she could park the car in the driveway, Vivica heard the voices of her surrogate nephews. They came blasted from the back of the house playing tag or some other game that required running and yelling.
“Aunt Vivian!” the boy's voices rang out in a chorus as they directed their running feet in her direction. Within seconds she had six arms clawing at her waist and three sweaty faces upturned smiling in hers.
“Hey my boys,” Vivian sang. “You are just in time to help me with a few things.” Releasing the hold, they had on her, Jacob, Jr., Justin, and Josiah followed Vivica to the passenger side door and waited for further instruction. Vivica opened the door, and handed out packages, instructing each boy to carry it carefully into the house.
“And no running,” she called after. She had to laugh as Jacob Jr tried to speed walk passed Justin who was first in line.
“Slow it down, fellas,” their dad cautioned, meeting them at the front door. Big Jacob saw Vivica coming and stepped out to relieve her of the remaining packages she carried. Adjusting them in his arms, Jacob managed a one arm hug to Vivica as he stepped aside to allow her to walk in front.
“Always such a gentleman,” Vivica said over her shoulder.”
“Make sure to remind your friend of that,” Jacob said, bringing up the rear. “She’s been extra cranky.”
Vivica laughed as she entered the house.
“She’s in the bedroom,” Jacob instructed.
Traipsing down the hallway and turning the corner, Vivica made her way to the master bedroom. The door was slightly ajar and Vivica rapped on it before pushing it open.
“Didn’t I say, I don’t want to be disturbed,” Winnie barked; only stopping when she saw it was not one of her boys or her husband but her friend.
“Not even by me,” Vivica asked.
“Aw,” Winnie smiled, seeing her friend cross the room. “You came to save me!”
Vivica moved toward the bed and Winnie did her best to sit up and make room. She patted a spot next to her and Vivica kicked off her shoes and climbed in.
“I would ask how you’re doing but from that greeting, I can already tell.”
Winnie didn’t say anything just reached for one of Vivica’s hands and placed it on Winnie’s swollen belly.
Vivica looked at Winnie, not feeling anything unusual.
“Just wait for it,” Winnie warned.
Vivica did as her friend suggested. Within seconds, Vivica’s eyes widened as her hand was physically lifted and moved as the baby stretched and tumbled inside.
“Wooo,” Vivica exclaimed. “That is so crazy,” she gasped.
“Yea, a thrill a minute,” Winifred scoffed. “It’s like every time the baby feels pressure of any kind, his or her body is drawn to it and he/she feels the need to push against it. So, you can imagine what it's like trying to lay on my side or rub my belly. The kid’s doing somersaults in there.”
“You don’t have much longer, do you,” Vivica asked, sympathizing as much as she could with what she could only imagine happening.
“I was ready to have this baby yesterday,” Winnie continued. “I want my body back. Kind of tired of the alien invasion.”
Vivica laughed heartily and Winnie joined in with her.
“See this is what happens when there are a few years between your children. You see that baby after its born and forget how miserable you were during your pregnancy; the sleepless nights, the pains and discomfort. All your brain lets you remember is that beautiful bundle of joy you’re holding in your hands. Can you do me a favor and remind me of this if I ever talk about having another baby again?”
“Uhm, is Big Jake in agreement with that?”
“I said remind me,” Winifred corrected. “If I remember, then I can fight back when he’s trying to cozy up to me, sweet talking me. You know if he had it his way, we’d have twice as many children as we have now.”
“He’s so good with them though,” Vivica reminded.
“He is, and I won’t take that from him. But I am tired, girl. Enough is enough,” Winifred chuckled. Vivica’s eyes were drawn to Winifred’s protruding belly again as the baby moved, creating an arc of activity down the center of Winnie’s belly.
“Come on little one,” Winnie coaxed. “Give
your mom a break.”
Winnie tried to get comfortable in the bed Vivica saw her struggling with the pillows she was using to prop her up. Vivica lent a helping hand.
“This is kind of like the hardest time,” Winifred went on. “I’m nesting.”
“Nesting?”
“Yea it this whole I need to get my life in order thing pregnant women go through right before the baby comes. You want to get the quote-unquote nest together; cleaning painting, purchasing, whatever it takes to have everything in order before the baby arrives. My house is always so clean when I go through this. The boys and my husband hate it because I make them work just as hard as I do, but the energy is amazing. You feel invincible like you can keep going and going and going. And how am I spending my nesting time? barking orders from the bed, knowing they aren’t going to do everything I tell them or at the level I want it done.”
In the middle of Winnie’s sigh, her eyes widened, and a low guttural growl escaped her lips.
“What’s the matter?” Vivica asked instantly concerned. When Winifred didn’t immediately respond, Vivica watched Winnie as her eyes got even larger and the guttural sounds coming from her mouth grew.
“Should I get Jake? Winnie! Do I need to call 911?”
Winnie held up a cautionary hand and Vivica stopped fretting momentarily. Winifred’s breathing became jagged and then she inhaled deeply and blew out just as deep. Vivica’s eyes were still like saucers and she perched on the edge of the bed ready to move in whatever way was necessary.
“Are you okay, Winnie, tell me something ‘cause I am freaking out!”
“I’m… fine,” Winnie blew out. “The baby pushed down so far into my pelvis it snatched my breath away and hurt the dickens out of my back.”
“Are you in labor?”
“Nah, I don’t think so,” Winifred replied, leaning back on the pillows. “More than likely Braxton Hicks.”
