Toxic

by Debra Jupe

  “I don’t understand how she can’t keep up with her records. All you do is key the chemical, date, and objectives into the computer, and do it on a daily basis. Simple.”

  “She says she’s swamped.” Krystal rolled her eyes. “Her and Vivian’s nail polish and perfume discussions takes up a lot of her time, I guess. I spent the rest of the morning muddling through her mess of unorganized paperwork, while trying to calm Mike. He’s still livid over Quinn’s un-organization skills and the Ethan incident, among other things. Plus I’m having to keep up with my own duties.” She exhaled with a smile. “Are you sure you don’t want to come back? I’ll give you a raise. Hell, I’ll even throw in my entire salary.”

  Gracie laughed and shook her head, though the thought of seeing Ethan every day was appealing and a little frightening.

  The waitress returned with their drinks and took their orders. Krystal sifted the paper away from her straw and speared it inside her glass before she took a sip. “Quinn’s biggest problem is she doesn’t like to spray chemicals.”

  “That’s one of her main responsibilities. Does she enjoy anything outside the office?”

  “Yeah, she loves to police everyone else. She goes into the nursery and bosses everybody, which created a huge conflict now that Mike hired Ethan. Her directing crews was never in her job description, but she still thinks he took over her duties.” Krystal’s mouth flat lined. “Then there’s the other thing.”

  Gracie’s gaze lifted. “What other thing?”

  “You noticed, right?” Krystal raised her eyebrows. “Ethan is extremely attractive.”

  “I only met him today.” Gracie cleared her throat and spoke in a non-committal tone. “Yeah, I suppose very attractive describes him.”

  “So you understand. I’m a newlywed, and I do double takes when he walks by.”

  “He does seem to possess the physical package, but the little time I spent with him, he comes off as arrogant. And he’s not familiar with the plant material. He even admitted it.”

  Krystal’s brow knitted. “Did something happen with Ethan you’d like to share?”

  “Aside from him trying to kick me out of the nursery, no.”

  Gracie wasn’t ready to admit her encounter with Ethan McCarthy rattled her to the point to where she either simmered because, oh wow, or she seethed from his overconfident attitude. Plus, he may’ve dismissed her for good when they’d parted ways this morning.

  Krystal chuckled. “He’s only doing what he was told, but I’ll make sure he’s aware you’re an exception. He should anyway, since you saved his life.”

  “Doubtful. I practically had to drag a thank you out of him, and he still ordered me to leave.” She snatched her glass for a long drink of water. Even though the guy infuriated her, talking about him left her mouth parched. “I ran into him as he was leaving for the doctor. Have you heard how he is?”

  Gracie cast her gaze downward to avoid the knowing glint in her friend’s eyes.

  “He doesn’t go through me, although I expect some news when I get back to work. He reports directly to Mike, so he’ll contact him for an update.”

  “No wonder he’s so full of himself.”

  Krystal looked thoughtful. “I suppose he does possess an alpha quality. Either way, his appearance has gotten a lot of attention from the women. This is a big part of our problem. Besides being angry by his presence, Quinn’s developed a crush on him. An unrequited crush.”

  “Talk about inner conflict. So her feelings are hurt twice.”

  “They shouldn’t be, but yeah, she’s offended. And because she’s upset, she’s angry. Her rage makes her do stupid stuff or she neglects her responsibilities. I’m unsure how to manage her. My degree is in horticulture; I’m not schooled on supervising a grown woman crushing on the resident hunk.”

  “Don’t know what to say, my friend. A pro of owning a business.” Gracie grinned. “Mike needs to hire unattractive employees.”

  Krystal chuckled. “Thankfully, he won’t be there that long.”

  “Who won’t be there long?”

  “Ethan. He works in a consultant capacity, which is why he’s not too familiar with plant material. His job is to get the nursery running smoother by implementing better operating procedures, and train the supervisors to use them. Then he’ll move on to another company.”

  “Oh.” Disappointment flooded over Gracie. He’d only be there for a short time. She’d best start to let go of any ideas of him before she started acting like Quinn. “Even if he’s not permanent, I’m shocked Mike allows Quinn to behave so unprofessionally. That’s so unlike him.”

  “Mike’s had other issues to deal with.” Krystal hesitated. “Although we’ll be meeting to discuss her once Ethan returns from his doctor’s appointment.”

  “Doesn’t sound good.”

  “No, her jobs going to be on the line after this little stint, I’m sure. But I can’t do anything about that. Quinn’s going to have to save herself.” She glanced at Gracie. “Speaking of distractions, I need to ask you about something on another topic. This pertains to our conversation this morning.”

  Gracie frowned.

  “Please keep this quiet. If Mike found out I’m telling you, he’d fire my ass on the spot, too.”

  “Now I am intrigued. You’d never risk your job for anything.”

  “Count this as a first.” Krystal paused again and leaned across the table and spoke in a quiet tone. “Plants are being stolen from the nursery.”

  “Plants are what?”

  Krystal did a lowering motion, her voice soft. “Not so loud.” She cleared her throat. “They’re disappearing. Not many and not all the time but it seems as if they’re evaporating. Someone must be taking them. That’s the only thing I can figure.”

  “How?”

  Krystal shrugged. “The place looks like a prison. The game fence surrounding the site should keep people out. Plus we’re located in such a remote area. Evidently neither is an issue.”

  “I thought we put in an alarm system years before I left.”

  “The office has one, but the greenhouses don’t, although they need to be installed. They use to leave the gates unlocked, but that’s changed now.”

  “Then how are the thieves getting in and out?”

  “Not sure. Either they’ve somehow made a duplicate key, or there’s a hidden exit.”

  Gracie bit her bottom lip. “Do you think the thefts have something to do with what happened today?”

  “No idea. But it would almost make sense.”

  “What kinds of plants are they stealing?”

  “Everything.” She pointed a finger and motioned in a circle. “Different varieties, sizes, and never out of the same house.”

  “So how can I help you?”

  “I wondered if you’ve seen or heard anything unusual. Is someone selling plants cheap, perhaps in some sort of black market scheme?”

  “Like underground plant thieves?” Gracie swallowed a laugh. “Rogue landscapers?”

  Krystal scowled.

  “Sorry.”

  “This sounds crazy, but I can’t think of why anyone would want them other than for profit. Although I’m not sure the amount a person could get for stolen plant material. Mike’s driving me nuts. His mood swings go from euphoric to explosive.”

  “How long has this been going on?”

  “He’s been suspicious for about a year, although he thinks thieves may’ve been active longer. Apparently the losses started out small, where no one would notice. Now it’s obvious. They’re gone.” She snapped her fingers. “Just like that.”

  “Bold thieves. Perhaps an enemy of Mike’s or a bitter competitor could be the culprit?”

  “Possibly. He hasn’t come out and said it, but I think he suspects the thefts might be internal.”

  They stopped the conversation as the waitress returned with their meal.

  Gracie adjusted her plate, then unfolded her napkin and placed her it in her lap. “Di
d he report the thefts to the police?”

  “No. You know how much everyone in town likes to gossip, and he’s so protective of the nursery’s image. The plant farm was his late wife’s baby. He won’t tolerate any bad talk. He did mention something about bringing in a private detective, but that thought was fleeting, one he won’t go through with.”

  “Hiring an investigator isn’t a bad idea.” Gracie shook pepper onto her food then pierced a bite with her fork. She gazed at Krystal, uncertain this wasn’t a huge joke.

  “He and his son are policing the place at night.”

  “His incompetent, spoiled rotten son or the sensible, decent one?”

  Krystal made a face. “Mickey.”

  “That’s asking for trouble.”

  “I agree. They got into a sticky situation the other evening, or at least Mike did.”

  “Is this what you were referring to earlier?”

  Krystal nodded. “Mike decided to hang around after their inspection and do some work.”

  “Not unusual.”

  “It’s normal and everyone knows. He went inside his office, about to sit down—Gracie, there was a copperhead curled in his chair, ready to pounce. He almost sat on it.”

  Gracie slapped a hand over her opened mouth. “A snake in his chair?”

  “Not a big one, smaller, easier to miss, but still could do some major damage. Somehow the word got out and employees are aware. Mike’s done his best to play it down and claimed it got in through an air duct.”

  “People bought that? Seriously, how did a snake manage to get inside and into Mike’s chair?”

  Krystal lifted a shoulder. “We’ve found a lot of creepy crawlers sneaking into the office over the years, but we’ve never had a snake slither inside.”

  “The implication is someone put it there?”

  “That’s what I’m thinking.” She gave an exaggerated eye roll. “Leave it to Quinn to think it was cool.”

  “You’re joking.”

  “One of her crazy ex’s was a snake handler. She’s learned the craft, and she still enjoys interacting with the slimy varmints.”

  Quinn thought snakes were okay; add another reason to dislike her to the list.

  “Gracie, please don’t say anything to anybody. Mike will kill me. Keep quiet about the missing material, too. The employees were told the plants are diseased and are thrown away.”

  “I won’t. But with everything, you’d think Mike would welcome outside help.”

  “He’s carrying a lot of secrets lately. Can’t put my finger on anything, but more stuff is going on than he’s telling.” Krystal dipped an onion ring into catsup. “What’s your plan for Friday evening?”

  Gracie blinked, startled from the sudden subject change. “I’m going to a lawn care seminar on Friday, although no plans for later. Why?”

  “I thought you might enjoy a night out.” Krystal grinned. “We can go on a Mr. Right or for a Mr. Right now search.”

  “You’re talking about a sympathy evening?” Gracie’s eyes widened. “Oh no, you’re not thinking of fixing me up? I hate that.”

  Krystal shook her head. “Mike booked a room. He’s throwing a party for workers, spouses or significant others, and a few select customers at the new restaurant Saskia, located on the riverfront. Suppose to be an upscale place. Free food and drinks. They may set up an area for dancing. Should be a lot of fun. Consider this your invite.”

  Gracie gnawed her bottom lip. Her first instinct was to turn Krystal down flat. Then she rethought the offer. A party. The inclusion of employees meant Ethan might attend, maybe she could—why did she care if that overrated, walking pin-up would be there. Okay, so he tickled her secret places with a meager glance, and his body was god-worthy, but his condescending arrogance ruined the illusion of perfection. Besides, someone that hot probably had a girlfriend, or even a wife.

  And he was a short-timer. Would never work.

  “Gracie?” Krystal interrupted her thoughts. “You drifted off?”

  “Oh, yeah, I’m sorry. I was deciding if I could make it. The seminar ends at about five-thirty, and I’ll socialize after to do some networking. I probably won’t leave until around six-thirty. It might be too late to go to a party.”

  “Six-thirty is too late to go to a party? Honey, you really do need a night out.”

  Gracie tried to come up with a pliable excuse to decline. She didn’t want to go to a get together, especially if there was a possibility the overhyped but hot, temporary foreman with attitude was attending with another woman. “Most of your co-workers are married or will at least be with a date. I’d be a third wheel.”

  “There’s nothing wrong with you hanging out with Charlie and me. We’ve never considered you any kind of wheel, third or otherwise. Friday night with the weekend ahead.” Her voice grew excited. “Your son is gone, working in Alaska all summer, so you don’t have to behave. Margaritas will be flowing. When’s the last time you got good and drunk?”

  Gracie giggled. “I’m beginning to wonder about you. First you think I need sex, and now I should get bombed. too?”

  “Either one wouldn’t hurt. Both would be better.”

  “I’ll consider going, minus the sex and booze. If I decide to come, I will need to get home early.”

  Krystal looked annoyed.

  “No, for real. My neighborhood had some break-ins. I prefer not to leave the house unattended too long, especially at night.”

  “Your subdivision has gated security.”

  “And several houses have been robbed. The thieves are after jewelry and small, pricy items. I don’t have any jewels worth stealing, but still.”

  “Stewart gave you a ton of expensive bling throughout your marriage.”

  “Yeah, he was especially heavy on the pricy gift-giving during the cheating years. I didn’t want to keep anything from him after we split, so I sold everything to a gold and silver dealer.” She smiled. “Used the cash to buy two zero-turn mowers for the business.”

  “Good for you.”

  After they’d finished eating, they paid their bill then rose to leave. Outside, they walked to their vehicles.

  “Keep your eyes and ears open and keep me informed of anything out of the ordinary concerning plants,” Krystal reminded as she headed toward her car. She opened her vehicle door. “I’ll see you Friday.”

  “Krystal, I didn’t say I was going.”

  “Oh, you are.”

  Gracie’s mouth flattened as she reached for the truck handle. “If you say so.”

  “You’ll be there.” She smiled. “And so will he.”

  “Who?”

  Krystal laughed. “Whoever.”

  Chapter 5

  “We’ll have your results soon, Mr. McCarthy.” The nurse flashed Ethan a flirty smile as she shut the door behind her, leaving him in the room alone.

  “Not interested, Nurse Nirvana,” he mumbled, sliding off the icy x-ray table. While she was attractive enough, he had too many things on his mind to consider the obvious “he and she” waltz she tried to lure him into during his examination. He snatched his clothes from the chair, eager to dress, and be on his way.

  This trip had been a total bust. Other than a scratchy throat, and a slight catch in his chest when he inhaled too deep, he was fine. More troubled someone tried to kill him, he’d rather direct his efforts and pursue that person than spin his wheels listening to a diagnoses he’d known.

  Within minutes he’d ripped off the hospital gown, dressed, and was out the doctor’s office, and back into the scorching sunshine, ready to return to work. His cell rang the moment he stepped outside the building. He glanced at the caller ID and groaned before he punched the on button. “McCarthy.”

  Mike’s booming voice reverberated from the other end. “Ethan, what’s the good word?”

  “Esophagus is burned. Doc expects it’ll be okay in a few days. He gave me antibiotics and some throat spray for relief. My lungs sound clear, but he did a chest x-ray to
make sure no serious damage occurred. He’ll let me know the results later today.”

  “Good. Good.” A silence lapsed for several seconds. “Exactly how did you explain the injuries?”

  “I told him the story we agreed upon.”

  “Did Doc accept it?”

  “He didn’t question me.” Though Ethan was unsure the doctor bought his account he was “accidently” trapped in a greenhouse full of pesticides. He certainly would’ve raised his brows an inch or two if someone tried to sell him that load of crap. He’d arrived at his truck, pressing the keypad to unlock. “You get everyone on board on your end?”

  “Krystal’s at lunch. I’ll speak with her when she returns.”

  “You’re sure you can convince her?”

  The line went quiet for quite a few seconds. “Krystal is a straight arrow, but she always does what is best for the nursery, even if she doesn’t agree. Quinn won’t be an issue, because as usual, she’s oblivious to what’s going on. You’ll talk to Doliver? Make sure he gives the rest of the crew the appropriate update?”

  “As soon as I get back.” Ethan inserted his key and turned his truck over. Then he flipped the air conditioner switch to high to cool down the oven-like conditions inside his vehicle. “What about Gracie Desoto? She witnessed everything and then some. Can we trust her?”

  Mike sighed loud from the other end. “She’s on the nursery’s’ side, but she’ll be a little more difficult to sway. Krystal invited her to the get together, Friday. I’ll talk to her then. Maybe you could drop by her office, soften her up before then? Before the sheriff calls her?”

  “I don’t know…”

  The last thing Ethan wanted was another encounter with the strong minded, Ms. Desoto. Something about the woman made him forget he was a professional. Her stubbornness was maddening, yet she had an unexplainable quality that drew him. A disturbing quality. He’d planned on steering clear of her at Mike’s party, and he’d definitely avoid any more nursery encounters. Now, if he could just get her out of his head.

  “She and I didn’t exactly get off on the right foot. I’m not sure she’ll be receptive to even a gentle push from me.”