Played by the Book (A Novel Idea Mystery 4)

by Lucy Arlington

  After finishing the call with the editor, I glanced at my watch. I’d accomplished quite a bit this afternoon and wondered if I couldn’t take time to make it over to Dunston to show Peggy the photos. I hated to take more time from work, but I knew Grant would want all his stepmother’s possessions back before the estate sale.

  I reached over and absently stroked Eliot’s fur, thinking through my schedule. I could head over to Dunston right after work, but I’d need to borrow someone’s car. I’d ask Mama, but then I’d have to tell her where I was going. I didn’t want to bring up the subject of the group home again and add any more upset to her day. After last night, she needed to rest and put thoughts of aging and death out of her mind for a while. I, on the other hand, wanted more than anything to forge forward and put the mystery of the murdered young woman behind me and Sean as well.

  I tapped my fingers on the desk. Eliot took it as playtime and tackled my hand. I scooped him up, cradling him against my chest. I scratched his sweet spot, the knotty fur right behind his ears, thinking that I knew just the person to ask for a ride. It was near quitting time anyway. I moved my hand under the cat’s belly and held him at arm’s length, peering into his face. “Come on, boy, let’s go ask Flora if she’d like to accompany me today, shall we?” I said to the cat, his whiskers twitching in response.

  As soon as I opened my door, Eliot abandoned me, wriggling until I let him drop to the floor. He immediately ran for the reception area, probably for his food bowl. I shrugged and turned toward Flora’s office, but I’d just raised my hand to knock when Bentley came charging down the hall with Damian on her heels. “Everyone come to my office immediately,” she bellowed. “The segment is about to show!”

  Doors opened and the agents poured into the hallway, all abuzz with excitement. Once we were settled inside Bentley’s office, Jude patted me on the shoulder. “Can’t wait to see your film debut, kiddo.” We’d all gathered at one end of her office, facing a flat-screen television mounted in the corner. She picked the remote off her desk and flipped on the television. A few channels later and we were tuned in and ready to watch.

  “I just previewed the segment this afternoon,” Damian stated. “I think you’ll be happy with the results, Lila.”

  “And the publicity it’ll bring,” added Bentley. “Jude and Zach, what are our most recent sales reports?”

  “Tickets are practically flying out the door,” Zach said, popping his knuckles. “Sales really picked up today after the news report about Alice Peabody yesterday evening. Seems the president of the garden club being accused of murder has boosted our sales.”

  Bentley nodded all-knowingly. “Like I always say, there’s no such thing as bad publicity.”

  “That’s right,” Jude agreed. “I have no doubt that after this program airs, we’ll completely sell out.”

  Flora’s eyes darted about. “A sold-out crowd, you say? Perhaps I should have ordered more pies.”

  Franklin slapped his knee and let out a hearty laugh. “Not enough pie? Well, that’s a great problem to have. Just last week, I had my doubts that we’d ever be able to pull this whole thing together in such a short time. And look what we’ve done. It just goes to show, this group can do just about anything we set our minds to. I want you all to know I appreciate everything you’ve done to help organize this event. I just couldn’t have done all this without you.” His eyes landed on me. “Especially you, Lila. Thank you.”

  “I agree,” Damian chimed in. “I made the right decision when I signed on with this agency. You guys are the best.”

  A chorus of cheers sounded around the room.

  “Shhhh!” Bentley interjected. “It’s starting.”

  We all turned our focus to the television screen, where the local news anchor appeared, sitting behind a desk and speaking to the camera.

  “We’re bringing you a special segment tonight from Damian York’s popular television program. This segment, which can be viewed in its entirety later this week on Damian’s nationally syndicated show, was filmed right here in Inspiration Valley, where local literary agent Lila Wilkins is getting a yard makeover. Sheila?”

  The picture flipped to a young female reporter holding a mic as she stood in front of my house. I recognized her from my interview the other day.

  “This is Sheila Bradford and I’m standing in front of the home of Lila Wilkins, from our local literary agency, Novel Idea.”

  From across the room, Bentley murmured her approval at the mention of her agency.

  “Novel Idea is launching the literary career of local celebrity Damian York with a signing and dinner this weekend. The theme will be rustic dining design, featuring farm-fresh cuisine from How Green Was My Valley, and the opportunity to meet Damian himself. To kick off the festivities, Damian has offered his design talents to Ms. Wilkins, whose yard had been recently destroyed by an unfortunate turn of events.”

  I sunk down in the chair as my yard appeared on screen. They might as well have been shooting a scene on the moon, that’s how barren and desolate it appeared. Then, just like that, there I was, on television!

  Another round of cheers rang out. “You look absolutely beautiful,” Flora said.

  “You do look good,” Franklin agreed.

  “She always does,” Jude piped up with a wink to me.

  “And, lucky for us, the reporter didn’t mention anything about the dead woman found in your yard,” Zach threw out. Leave it to Zach to bring that up at a time like this.

  All the attention made my cheeks burn hot as I sank even lower into my chair. Seeing myself on television was a humbling experience. First thing next week, I was going to make an appointment with my hairdresser. I noticed my chestnut locks were looking a little faded. And why had I chosen to wear short sleeves? Did my arms really look that big or was it just the camera angle? What I liked to think of as my curvy, Rubenesque figure looked a bit, well, plump on camera. But cameras did that … didn’t they always say that? In those few seconds I decided that maybe one less caramel latte a week might be a good idea.

  Thank goodness, I was only on the screen for a minute, otherwise who knew what other decisions I might end up making! The rest of the segment focused on the project and featured Damian, who appeared quite relaxed on camera. I admired the way he spoke with ease and seemed to make it all look so simple. The final shot showed the finished project, which I was very happy with, and added one more plug for the upcoming event.

  As everyone applauded, Bentley flipped off the television and faced us with a beaming smile. “That seals it! This weekend’s event will undoubtedly be sold out. I predict a successful book launch and record sales. To the James Joyce Pub—drinks on me!”

  Everyone jumped up from their seats and started for the door. I grabbed Flora and pulled her aside. “How are you doing, Flora? I haven’t had a chance to talk to you since your interview with Sean.”

  “And I have to thank you for that.” She scooped me into a quick embrace. “It’s like a burden has been lifted from my shoulders. Oh, the wonders a good confession can do for the soul!” she added dramatically. “Can you imagine that after all these years, I’ve finally decided to go to counseling? Had my first session yesterday afternoon and I swear, it was absolutely enlightening.” She laid a hand on her chest. “This conflict that I’ve kept bottled up all these years. Why, it’s just been eating away at me.”

  “I’m so happy to hear that. I only want what’s best for you. All your friends do.”

  “I know that now. I’m just so sorry for the way I’ve been behaving.”

  I shook my head. “Please don’t apologize. It’s understandable.” I hesitated, unsure if what I was about to ask was appropriate under the circumstances. “I wanted to let you know I’d been planning to head over to Dunston this evening to visit Peggy Cobb.”

  Flora eyes popped. “And?”

  “And, well, after we finish our celebration it’ll probably be too late, but I’m wondering if you’d like to go
with me first thing in the morning. I want to take the photos I found at Fannie’s and see if she can identify any of the children. The police already tried with no success. You see, Peggy’s mind isn’t always clear, but I thought I’d give it a shot. Maybe if someone other than the police approached her …” I shrugged. “It’s probably a long shot since many of them would have been placed in other foster homes. But it might be the only way to identify the remains of the young woman in my yard.” Flora hesitated, biting her lower lip. I continued, “Just think about it. I don’t want to upset you in any way and it was only an idea, you know, in case you felt you might find it therapeutic.”

  “Aren’t you two coming?” Damian was standing in the doorway, his eyes gleaming intensely. “You can’t miss the celebration, Lila. You were the star of the show tonight.”

  I tipped my head back and laughed. “Hardly. It’s just a good thing I’ve got a job, because I’m definitely not cut out for television.”

  Damian stepped between us and looped his arm through mine. “Ah, now. I thought you were terrific. But I’m glad you’re not planning on pursuing a career in television. Because you’re a damn good agent. Now let’s go celebrate.”

  We laughed and walked arm in arm down the hall, stopping short in the reception area when Vicky ran over to us. “Lila!” she hissed. “Detective Griffiths is here.”

  I immediately dropped Damian’s arm. “Sean?”

  He was seated in one of the waiting-room chairs, arms folded across his chest and blue eyes sparking with anger, clearly in view of the hallway. “Lila?”

  The atmosphere went from jovial to icy cold. Grabbing Eliot and a diaper bag that she’d started using to transport Eliot’s toys and food, Vicky bid us a quick good night. As soon as she exited, I turned to Damian and Flora. “You guys go on ahead. Make my excuses to Bentley, please. I’ll lock up the place.”

  Flora nodded and grabbed my arm with a quick whisper. “I’ll go see Peggy with you first thing in the morning. How about I come by your place at nine. I’ll tell Bentley we’ll be in late tomorrow.”

  I squeezed her hand and managed a small smile. “Thank you, Flora.”

  After everyone had gone, I moved about the office, turning off the lights and checking in the break room to make sure the coffeepot was turned off. Sean remained in the waiting room, silently watching me as I completed the end-of-the-day tasks. When I was done, he stood and walked to me. “I just stopped by to follow up about the, ah … incident last night.”

  “Incident? Sounds like you’re even more convinced now that Mama was imagining things.”

  He shrugged. “We checked the hospital in Dunston and they haven’t treated anyone with a buckshot wound. And, with that much glass being blasted out, anyone nearby would have been cut. There should have been some blood at the scene.” He placed his hands on my shoulders. “Is everything okay?”

  I didn’t quite know if he was really referring to my mother, my window, or us. Truth was, at the moment I didn’t much care about my shotgun-blasted window or anything else, for that matter. All that mattered to me was telling this man just how crazy I was for him. I drew in my breath and looked directly into his eyes. “I know what you’ve been thinking, but I have no feelings for Damian York, whatsoever. It’s you that I love.”

  His blue eyes glistened. “And I love you.”

  I moved to him, wrapping my arms around his waist and holding tight. “I’m so sorry, Sean. I led you to believe that I had feelings for Damian because I was angry that you never have time for me. You see, I overheard you that night at my house, asking Trey for my hand in marriage and I’ve been waiting for your proposal. When it never came, I got impatient.”

  He pulled back and tipped my chin upward. “What? You overheard that?”

  I nodded. “I’m sorry, but I did. And, ever since then, I’ve been waiting for you to ask me and when you didn’t …”

  “Oh, Lila. I’m so sorry. I had no idea.”

  My head bobbed up and down, tears sliding down my cheeks. “It’s all I’ve thought about. But you never asked, so I assumed it just wasn’t as important to you. I was hurt. That’s why I let you think those things about Damian. I was hoping to make you jealous. It was wrong of me.”

  “Lila, our future together is the most important thing in my life. Come on, let’s head over to your place. We’ve got a lot to talk about.”

  *

  THE NEXT MORNING I rose from bed, padded across the room, and spread my curtains wide. A hazy heat was hugging low on the horizon, causing moisture droplets to form along the edge of my windowpane. I knew without taking a single step outside that the heat would be unbearable. But I didn’t care. Not the heat, my messy schedule, blown-out window, or even the still-unanswered questions about the body in my yard could dampen my mood this morning. Sean and I had spent most of the evening snuggled on my porch swing talking things through, and all was right with the world again.

  The first scent of coffee brewing wafted into my room and drew me from the window and out to the kitchen, where I found my mother and Trey sitting together at the table. On the floor, next to the table, was Mama’s old brown traveling bag. “Going somewhere, Mama?”

  “Home. I’ve been thinkin’ ’bout what you said about Mrs. Peabody being in jail and all. My feelin’s aside, seems the police have their killer. The only danger left around here is me, so I best be headin’ on home.”

  I threw my arms around her shoulders and placed my cheek alongside hers. “Oh, Mama. Please stay. I love having you here.”

  “I know, sug. But you two have your own lives and there’s no sense in me hangin’ around and gettin’ in the way.”

  Trey got up, put his plate in the sink, and grabbed a banana off the counter. “But we’re still on for tonight, though. Right, Nana?”

  She shot him a thumbs-up. “You bet. Lookin’ forward to it.”

  I waved good-bye to Trey and turned back to Mama. “So, did I miss something?”

  Her smile lingered after he left. Trey and my mother had a special bond. Sometimes I envied it, mostly I was just grateful they had so much in common. After my divorce, my mother stepped in and filled the void Bill had left. She’s always had a way with Trey. While I was more of the authoritarian, laying down the rules and making sure they were enforced, she provided the occasional lapse in protocol, the impulsiveness that I lacked, and a wonderful sense of adventure that encouraged Trey to explore and take on new challenges. Together, Mama and I made an awesome parenting team.

  “Trey is goin’ to start comin’ to my place a couple nights a week for cookin’ lessons. He wants to know all the family recipes.”

  My jaw dropped. “He does?”

  My mother’s head bobbed up and down. “Bet you didn’t know that he wants to be a cook, did you? Seems he’s been savin’ all his extra money to open a restaurant one day. He’s got all sort of dreams. Good ones, too.” The lines around her eyes deepened as her smile spread wide. “Yup, that boy of ours is goin’ places. Just you watch and see.”

  My mouth was still hanging open. I was absolutely shocked. I had no idea Trey was considering a career in the culinary arts. How had I missed that?

  A knock on the door interrupted me before I could ask any more questions. I rushed to let Flora in. “You’re right on time. Do you want a bite to eat before we go? Some toast or tea?”

  “No, but thank you. Brian fixed me a three-cheese omelet before I left this morning. I’m so glad I married a man who likes to cook. Oh, hello, Althea,” she called out, peering over my shoulder. I was smiling and trying to make small talk, but my mind was stuck on Trey and his new career choice. I couldn’t believe he hadn’t discussed this change of heart with me. Did he want to leave college at UNC Wilmington and study at a culinary school? Where would that be and, pray tell, how much would it cost? Not to mention the restaurant business is one of the most difficult to make a living at.

  “Lila?” Flora interrupted my thoughts. I noticed Mama had her bag in
hand and was already heading out the back door. “I was asking your mother about your front window. I think something I said must have upset her.”

  I waved it off. “Don’t mind Mama. She’s been in a mood lately.” I glanced toward the window, wishing the glass people could have fit me into their schedule earlier. As it was, they couldn’t come out until Friday, which meant I’d have to tolerate the eyesore for another day.

  “So, what happened to the window? Neighborhood kids?”

  I nodded. “You could say that,” I answered, letting her think what she wanted. I didn’t want to embarrass Mama by telling the real story. I grabbed the box of photos from next to the recliner and joined her by the door. “Ready to go?”

  Despite a quick detour through Dunston’s donut shop drive-through for an extra cup of coffee, Flora and I made it to the group home before ten o’clock. Either the extra caffeine had given Flora the jitters, or she was exceptionally nervous, because by the time we walked up the flowered path and reached the front door of Dunston Manor, she was shaking like a leaf. Guessing it was the latter, I pulled her aside and gently asked, “Are you sure you’re up to this? I can go in alone.”

  “Don’t be silly,” she admonished, removing her handkerchief and dabbing at her forehead. “This will be good for me. I need to face down my past and come to terms with my fears. Besides, Peggy Cobb was always the sweetest woman; it was that no-good drunken husband of hers that was so mean to me. Why, I think she was half afraid of him herself.”

  “It could be. Perhaps she wasn’t as brave as you.”

  “What do you mean? I wasn’t brave. I ran away.”

  “That’s exactly what I mean. You thought enough of yourself to get out of that situation. If Peggy was, in fact, abused by her husband, she never had the courage to leave him. That’s really sad.”

  She paused, her eyes searching the ground. “I never thought of it that way. Leaving, and facing things on my own, did take courage.”