by Molly Dox
Getting out of the shower, Poppy dried herself off. She wrapped a towel around her hair and slipped on her robe. Padding down the hallway, she called out to her father. “Dad, okay, I’ll call her. Today is the last day.”
Martin smiled. Only when they called the temp agency, Lacy wasn’t available. They’d be sending another girl instead. Bea Zizzler wasn’t quite what Martin was hoping for. She was a full-figured, fifty-six year old, gray haired woman with enough personality to fill the room. They mixed like oil and water, but there was no sending her back at this point. Poppy was already out the door.
By the time Poppy got back from the hospital and helped Reggie get settled in, Martin was in love. The twinkle in his eye was something she hadn’t seen before. “I’m going to be over with Reggie for a little bit, but I’m back. If you need anything-”
Martin cut in. “We have it handled, don’t we Bea.”
“Sure thing, honey, don’t you go rushing back. We’ll be just fine,” the woman added.
“Of course, you’ll need to be back tonight around dinnertime. We have a date,” Martin added.
“A date? How nice,” Poppy said, surprised her father had moved so fast. She couldn’t help smiling. She was much happier with her father being interested in the fifty-something Bea, rather than the twenty-something Lacy. Her mind raced back to the Portersmith family. She understood the animosity more than she realized.
What if her father had asked Lacy out? And what if Lacy said yes? Would Poppy have assumed that they’d gotten along, or would she automatically think of Lacy as some sort of gold digger? What does a twenty year old have in common with a sixty-year old? What if she was an old soul? What if they hit it off and they truly found some unique connection? What does age have to do with it? And yet, she couldn’t push aside the truth of her feelings. Gloria Portersmith probably provoked those same emotions from Gary’s grown children who were both older than their new step-mother.
Poppy went back to sit with Reggie. He’d already fallen asleep. Thankfully, for now his meds kept him as comfortable as they could.
Chapter 6
Poppy sat on the small sofa and flipped through a magazine. She heard Reggie stir as the covers rustled. She moved closer and spoke quietly. “How are you doing? Do you need anything?”
“Some company would be nice. Though I can’t promise I’ll be awake long. I feel another nap coming on,” he said.
“Sleep is good, it helps the healing process,” she assured. Poppy sat on the edge of the bed. “I’m so glad you’re okay.”
“I meant what I said,” he reminded. “At the hospital, what I asked you.”
Blush filled her cheeks. She leaned in and stroked Reggie’s shoulder. “Let’s make sure you feel better before we worry about that.”
“I want to marry you. I know it wasn’t a romantic proposal, but I still meant it. We’ll go pick out a ring when I’m feeling better, okay?” He pushed the topic.
She nodded. “Okay, but you need to rest for now.” She got up and walked back to the sofa.
Reggie dozed off, getting an hour or two of sleep before waking again. Poppy sat with him, making sure he didn’t need anything. The entire marriage conversation felt odd. She loved taking care of him, and they were good together, but she’d been alone for so long. Things worked. She was afraid to change something that wasn’t broken. She’d need to think about it more before making a final decision.
Once Reggie fell back to sleep, she went to the office. She’d go back in a bit, but promised she’d watch the phone and front desk while her father went out.
Poppy’s dad was grinning from ear to ear. “I’m going to ask her to marry me.”
“What?” She wasn’t expecting that last bit.
“Sorry, I couldn’t resist. Who knew the gray, big-hipped broad would turn out to be such a hoot. We laughed all day,” he said. “She’s pretty awesome.”
“Well, I’m glad you guys hit it off, but please…I don’t think my heart could handle you proposing that quickly. I’m still reeling from Reggie’s proposal.” She sat down, trying to absorb it as she said the words aloud.
“What are you afraid of?” Martin stood next to his daughter and rested his hand on her shoulder.
“Change… What if it messes things up?” She looked at her father, embarrassed of the truth.
“The only constant in life is change,” he said. “Listen, nobody says you have to change things, but if you don’t take chances you may miss out on some incredible stuff. Reggie’s a good man, Poppy. You love him. I see that. What are you waiting for?”
“I don’t know.” She sighed. “I do love him. It’s just all the fine details. Do we move, live here, live there? I don’t know what to do. It’s not just getting married.”
“Take one day at a time. You’re already worried about the future and it’s not here yet,” he winked. “I need to finish getting ready.”
“You’re right,” she said. “Thanks, Dad. I do hope you have a great night.”
“Thanks,” he answered, before heading down the hallway.
Both Panda and Poppy had never married. Panda had gotten close once, but things fell apart. They were both grown, set in their ways, and neither had settled down or had children. Taking over her father’s business, Poppy just accepted her family as it was. Would adding another person change their dynamic? And why was she hesitant? It’s not that she didn’t love Reggie, she did. Maybe she was afraid of giving up her space, her personal space at the end of the day. She always thought she’d be thrilled if he asked her, it’s just that his proposal came faster than she expected. Would it have made any difference if it was a year from now?
Chapter 7
“You won’t believe who came across my examining table today,” Panda said.
Poppy groaned. “Who is it now? What’s going on? Things were so quiet in this town for such a long time, and lately it seems like the entire place is going bonkers.”
Panda shifted his phone to his shoulder. “The wife of Gary Portersmith; it looks like somebody doesn’t like that family very much. It wasn’t natural, and she didn’t do it. Two dead bodies this close together, both husband and wife; I wonder who they ticked off, or who they owed money to?”
“I just saw her. In fact, there was a missing person’s out on her. I caught it on the local news. I spoke to her right before it happened, Panda. I have no idea what’s going on. Also, Dad has fallen in love with a temp we hired. I thought you should know. It happened in a matter of hours,” she finished, a hint of sarcasm in her voice on the last part. “He thinks he’s going to marry the girl. Her name is Bea Zizzler. They even went on a date last night.”
“Dad on a date? Wow,” he said and then whistled.
“Let me ask you something,” Poppy started. “How would you feel if Dad fell in love and married a twenty year old?”
“A twenty year old? Way to go, Dad!” Panda laughed. “How old is this lady?”
“She’s in her fifties. It was just a random question. What is it with men thinking it’s a score if an older guy has a younger wife? You don’t think it’s odd, their ages that far apart?” She shook her head in frustration.
“If she’s hot, I don’t care if she can hold a conversation or not,” he said, laughing.
“Are you really that shallow?” Poppy was appalled.
Panda sighed. “Okay, so guys joke about stuff like that, but it’s sort of how other men look at you when you’ve got a young, hot girl on your arm. It’s like bragging rights. Look what I can still land. I know you don’t get it, but it’s a guy thing. And truth be told, I’d rather have a good conversation these days.”
“I think Gary’s kids were upset that his new wife was younger than they were. I think I understand that. Dad made a comment about this other temp we had the other day. She was really young and it made me think. What if she became our step-mom? Would you think that it was love, or would you imagine she was a gold digger?” She posed the question to her broth
er.
Panda thought about it for a moment. “I guess I can see what you’re saying, but sometimes you get what you want, more than what you need. You ache for what you want. What you need, you never realize until it’s too late. I’d probably go for the young girl without thinking about it. Once I slowed down and thought about the future, I’d probably go for the one that I wanted as a companion. When the sex dies down, I don’t want to be stuck with some mindless chick.”
“What about Gary? What do you think he wanted? His wife was so young…and what about Gloria? What was she getting out of the deal?” She already had an answer in mind.
“I don’t know, Poppy. It does make you think.” They finished their conversation and said good-bye.
Poppy went to check on Reggie. He was feeling better, but would still need another day or two of rest. She brought him something to eat, and then settled beside him. They needed to talk.
Chapter 8
Poppy thought back to Gary’s partner. He had the same brand of bag that she’d seen in the trunk of the car. Was it a coincidence, or was it a matching set? She didn’t know who he was or where to find him. That wasn’t going to help matters. She was pretty sure she could track down Gary’s kids. At least she hoped she could. Now that Gloria had turned up dead, the house would probably go up for sale, unless one of his kids moved into it.
She was lost in thought, trying to recall if the daughters had kept their maiden name or taken a new married name. That would make things harder. Snapping her fingers, she realized their names were probably mentioned in the obituary column. She flipped through the stacked newspapers her father had finished reading and looked for the recent obituary columns.
Opening the final paper, she found Gary’s announcement. One of his daughters was now married with a new last name – Cassidy Lawry, while the other was still listed as Claire Portersmith. They both must have lived pretty local, because they were with Gloria when she stopped by, unless they’d flown in and were just visiting. That would make things tricky.
Poppy pulled out the phone book and blew a layer of dust off of it. Going through the alphabet, she stopped at the L’s first. She found 6 Lawry’s in the county. Thankfully, there were only two Portersmith’s, and one was Gary. She guessed the other was Claire. It was listed as C. Portersmith. She’d go there in person and see what she could learn.
Was she really going to do this? Getting involved caused problems in the past, though she’d actually helped solve previous mysteries. If she could find an answer, maybe she’d be able to solve Gary’s murder. Poor Gary; nobody should end up that way. Helping was the least she could do.
Before Poppy started nosing in, she’d need to call in a favor. Gary’s ‘Last Will and Testament’ would probably be public access once it was filed with the court. Poppy knew just the person to do some digging. Poppy sighed; this was going to be tricky. She’d need to go pay Jess a visit and see if she’d be willing to pull a few strings.
There was one tiny detail that gave her pause, a speed bump if you will. Jess was once engaged to her brother, broke his heart, and then married somebody else not long after. If Panda found out that she was turning to her for help, he’d be angry.
She would surely be the quickest way to find out what she needed. Poppy scrolled through her phone contacts and looked at the name she never deleted. She sent a simple text, testing the waters. “Would it be okay if I called you? It has nothing to do with Panda. I need help with a file.”
In only a few minutes, she got her response. “Sure, call my work line.” She added a number.
Poppy took a deep breath and dialed the phone number. “How have you been? I’m sorry to bother you, but I need a little help with a file, and you’re the first one that came to mind.”
“I’m good,” she answered, then hesitated. “How is Panda doing?”
“Good, good, you know, working all the time and living life.” She tried to sound cheerful.
“Oh good, I’m glad to hear that.” She sounded sincere. “What file were you looking for?”
“A friend of mine passed away recently. It was quite horrible, too grisly to go into details,” she added.
“I’m so sorry,” she answered.
“Yeah, thanks. I’m looking for information on his will. His wife was also found murdered recently.”
“Wow, I think I know who you’re talking about. It’s been all over the news,” Jess said.
“Yeah, anyway, I’m trying to see if I can figure out who might have taken them both out. Maybe his will holds answers,” she said. “The name is Gary Portersmith.”
“I can look, give me a few moments. Do you mind holding?” Jess asked.
“No, not at all,” she said. Poppy hoped she’d be able to find what she needed.
A few minutes later Jess was back. “I’ll have a copy printed out and put it in an envelope. Stop by the office, and I’ll leave it with the girl out front.”
“Thanks so much.” Poppy was relieved.
“I hope this helps. It sounds horrible.” Jess grimaced.
“Yeah, it was so tragic,” she said. Saying good-bye, Poppy hung up.
It didn’t take long for Poppy to drive over to the office and get the envelope. She sat in her car and opened it. Reading the will, it became clear who benefitted. Most everything went to Gloria, but if something should happen to her, it went to Gary’s children in an even split. The question was – could Gary’s kids kill their father over greed? Or was there something else going on? Right now, all fingers pointed to Cassidy and Claire. Proving it was another thing.
He chose to take care of his wife financially. She’d only been in his life a few years. Had his kids betrayed him in some way, or did he feel they should make their own money? Was it a deal he made with his wife when he married her? Either way, with both Gary and Gloria dead, everything fell to his kids.
Chapter 9
Reggie could finally get up out of bed without having to hold a pillow to his body. The pillow was a lifesaver when he had to move previously. He’d be tender a while longer, but was doing well. Reggie took the rest of the week off, and would return to work in a few days’ time. For the time being, there was something he needed to take care of.
Poppy knocked on Reggie’s door and then entered.
“Where have you been?” He greeted Poppy with a smile and pulled her into his arms. “I’ve missed you.”
“I had to run an errand. Do you need anything? I have to go over to the office. Do you want to join me? Are you up for that yet?”
“I’ll come with you. I’m moving slowly, but at least I’m moving again.” Reggie took Poppy’s hand and looked in her eyes. “I was hoping we could go ring shopping tomorrow.”
“About that…” she started. “You don’t have to do this. I know you were going through something stressful. It seems silly; we’ve only just started dating. We should wait.”
“It seems silly?” Reggie was taken back. He thought she felt the same things he did. “Do you not want to marry me? Is it too soon? Poppy, I meant what I said. You’re the one that I want in my life. I have no doubts about that, not a single one.”
She looked down. “I’m scared. What if we’re moving too fast? What if you change your mind?”
“Is this about me or you?” He was direct.
Poppy shrugged. “I’m nervous. I love you, and I do want to be with you, but how do we sort out our lives? Where do we live, when do we marry, and what do we do? What about our finances, our names…there are so many details to think about.”
“I just want to marry you. The rest we can sort out later. We’ll work through it. Honey, I want to lie beside you every night and hold you. I want to take care of you, and be the one you turn to.” He took her into his arms. “Don’t be afraid. Life will be more vibrant when we join hands.”
Tears welled up in the corner of her eyes. She nodded. “I only want you. If you’re sure about this, then yes, I’ll marry you.”
Reggie smi
led and kissed the top of her head. “I’m going to need a few moments to head to the office. I’m in slow motion. You don’t have to wait.”
She slipped out of his arms and took his hand. “We’ll go over together.”
Chapter 10
Poppy was still trying to figure out how to get the proof she needed. She didn’t know what details the police had yet, but they had to at least be investigating Gary’s grown daughters, right?
What if she… Wow, that was crossing the line. Poppy forced herself to stop. What if they were innocent? Surely, the police had the same information that she did. She needed to let the investigators handle it. Unless… She could try one small thing. If it didn’t solve anything, she’d wash her hands of the case and let it go. She had to at least try. It was hard to forget what she saw and smelled when the trunk popped open. And knowing what happened to him, it was dreadful. Both he and his wife saw tragic ends.
Poppy put her foot down. It would be her final effort to learn more. If she didn’t find out anything new, so be it. A plan was slowly forming. It would be tricky. She’d need to send letters, and with her name on them it could incriminate her at a later date. Think, think, think.
She made a few phone calls and arranged for a rented conference room for the next few days. Thankfully, there were shared business spaces in Orlando that offered a business front building. She’d wait at the door and bring them straight up to the conference room. She’d need to bring somebody to be a witness. Panda, Reggie, her father, she was at a loss. Oh, what about that temp girl she hired the other day? She rang Bea Zizzler’s number, asking if she was available for a few days. She skipped going through the temp agency, and pulled her number from her father’s phone.
