Paradise Can Be Murder

by Susan Bernhardt

  “You can always use another pair on the cruise,” Deirdre said. “There are two formal nights.”

  “Well...” I thought about Janey’s remarks about taking so many shoes. “They’d really look great for any occasion.” Well, I knew that was a lie. The occasion would have to be quite a dress affair, but could I help that they fit as perfect as Cinderella’s slippers? I’d sneak them into my suitcase. What Janey didn’t know...

  Elizabeth decided on two pairs of sandals and a pair of dress shoes she definitely didn’t need. Then she led us to the dress department to find that essential purchase, or rather purchases, dresses most likely two sizes too small. Deirdre bought two scarves in “the right color elements”.

  Two hours later, Deirdre drove us to Sweet Marissa’s Patisserie after Elizabeth decided we should conclude our successful shopping trip there. Plus mentioning the fact that we’d be going “cold turkey” and wouldn’t be indulging in Marissa’s luscious pastries for over a week, we decided it would be a great idea. Had I known we would end up going to Marissa’s, I would have insisted on walking this morning. I knew what I would be ordering.

  Deirdre had her turn signal on to take a parking spot in front of Marissa’s. She was waiting for a woman with two small kids, one of whom was in a stroller, to cross the street. I looked over at the patisserie, a charming old brick building in the middle of the block. Since moving to Sudbury Falls, I referred to the patisserie as my home away from home. Two women were standing in front of Marissa’s beautiful window display, looking at her assortment of scrumptious pastries and cakes.

  While Deirdre continued to wait for the mother to get to the other side, an old pickup truck went around Deirdre’s car, pulled over to the curb, and then backed into her parking spot.

  Deirdre pounded her fist on the rim of the steering wheel. “How dare they! That was my spot! They could see that I was waiting for it.”

  “Beep your horn at them,” Elizabeth said.

  “No sense looking for a fight,” Deirdre responded.

  Three guys in grungy clothes got out of the truck. One glanced at Deirdre’s car, smiling. They hustled across the street to a hardware store, where there were a number of empty parking spots.

  In the rear view mirror, I could see a vein visibly throb in Deirdre’s forehead. She took a deep breath. “I’m trying to fight off negative energy, but someday they’ll do this to someone who isn’t as nice.”

  “That’s right, Deirdre. Let it go,” I said.

  “Look at the logo on their truck. That’s one of Pete Rudd’s trucks,” Elizabeth said. “I’ve never seen those creeps before.”

  “Must be new in town,” I said. “Deirdre, there’s another spot further down the street.”

  “Hurry, take that one,” Elizabeth added. “I’m starving.”

  Deirdre parked and said she’d meet us inside. She wanted to see how her new salesclerks were getting on at her shop. She had hired two college students to help out during her first anniversary celebration and while she would be gone on the cruise. Deirdre hoped they’d work out so she could keep them for the summer as well.

  As soon as we entered the patisserie, the familiar comfort and warmth of the place rushed over me, not to mention the aroma. Marissa, who was refilling the trays, looked up and smiled at us. “Where’s Deirdre?”

  I laughed, glancing at the glass case full of luscious looking pastries. “Don’t worry. She’s coming.”

  Marissa was still used to seeing the three of us together at her patisserie. We usually came in when Deirdre could take a break from Planetary Herbals.

  “Sit wherever you’d like. I’ll be right with you in a few minutes.”

  We passed two dining rooms until we reached the furthest. Each room had several white-linen covered tables and a stone fireplace with a leather sofa and chairs gathered in front of it. A crystal chandelier hung from the center of the rooms’ tin-paneled ceilings. Elizabeth and I sat on the sofa in front of the fireplace and waited for Deirdre.

  Deirdre came in and sat on the chair next to us.

  “How’s everything going at Planetary Herbals?” I asked.

  “No worries with those two girls. I won’t have to think about the shop while we’re away. They’re excellent.”

  Marissa came into the room to take our orders. “You must all be excited about your cruise. Deirdre, I had so much fun at your spring equinox open house on Sunday.”

  “Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed the celebration.”

  “The table displays were great,” I said. “Janey enjoyed choosing a plant and a ceramic pot to put it in. That was special. She has the aloe vera plant in their kitchen window.”

  “That must have cost you a mint,” Marissa said, “giving all of those plants and pots away.”

  Deirdre smiled.

  “The hors d’oeuvres were delicious.” Elizabeth put her fingers up to her mouth and made a kissing sound. “Delizioso!”

  “The entire day and evening were magical,” Deirdre said, still smiling, “celebrating the light of spring.”

  “And of course the anniversary of Planetary Herbals,” Marissa added.

  “It’s hard to believe your shop has been open for a year,” I said. “And what a success it has been.”

  Deirdre’s eyes sparkled. “A dream come true.”

  Marissa smiled. “Well, ladies, what can I get you?”

  I ordered my favorite dessert, a scrumptious piece of to die for Chocolate Raspberry Truffle Torte. Elizabeth, of course, ordered the Chocolate Passion Pleaser, layers of chocolate cake filled with vanilla buttercream and milk chocolate passion fruit ganache. And Deirdre, the Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie, roasted pecans in pure maple syrup with browned butter, bourbon, and semi-sweet chocolate.

  We were destined to be in chocolate heaven for the next hour.

  * * * *

  When I returned home, carrying bags in both hands, Phil looked up from the newspaper. “I see it was a successful trip.” He turned back to the newspaper and said, “I can’t believe the vandalism and bigotry going on in this sleepy, little town.”

  I put my packages down on the coffee table. I wouldn’t exactly call Sudbury Falls a sleepy, little town after what I’ve experienced. “What vandalism? And bigotry?”

  He looked down at the newspaper again. “Vandals spray-painted the windows at Gupta’s New Delhi with the words, ‘We don’t want your kind here. We don’t need your kurry. This is America.’” Phil shook his head.

  “Oh my gosh! That’s terrible. I hadn’t heard. Neelam didn’t say anything to me about it yesterday when she called about what to bring for the party.”

  “It happened last night. I’m surprised it’s already in the paper. Whoever did this is ignorant and they don’t even know how to spell curry correctly.”

  “Neelam and Dinesh are American citizens. I didn’t think there were people like this in Sudbury Falls.”

  “Racists? Don’t be so naive. There are racists everywhere.”

  I took off my coat and hung it up. Coming back into the room, I said, “I need to call Neelam.”

  “She and Dinesh will be at the bon voyage party tomorrow. You can talk to her then. I’m sure she’s upset.”

  “If they even come now.” I reached for the phone and started dialing Neelam’s number. “And that’s exactly why I’m calling her because she will be upset. I don’t want to upset her anymore than she is, but I am not waiting until then. I want to extend my support.”

  No one answered. I didn’t want to leave a message. I’d try again later. “I wonder what Chief Kirk is doing about this?”

  Chief Kirk and I had a history, a relationship that started when we first arrived in Sudbury Falls with the ginseng conspiracy and the Christmas tea murder and later, when a member of our book club was murdered. Whenever I’d solve the crimes, he’d take the credit. Sudbury Falls was definitely not a sleepy, little town. Not by a long shot.

  Phil put the paper down on his lap and glared at me. �
��You should absolutely stay out of this.”

  I crossed my arms, my jaw tightening. I absolutely wouldn’t stay out of this. “Don’t worry, Phil, and don’t look at me like that. I probably won’t have the time to look into the threats, even if I wanted to, what with our trip coming up.” I should try and talk to Kirk before we leave. “Even if Neelam and Dinesh are two of our best friends.”

  “I’m sorry, Kay. I know Dinesh and Neelam are good friends of ours, but I think this is something for the police to handle.”

  I’d definitely try calling Neelam again later. “We’ve still got packing to do for the trip and more planning. And speaking of packing, we should get started on what you plan to take. And no guitars!”

  He laughed. “Oh, Kay.”

  Chapter Three

  Thursday, March 24

  WHILE SITTING AT the kitchen table watching me prepare for this evening, Janey asked, “Can I come to the bon voyage party tonight? I’d really like to.”

  I finished rolling up the last piece of the spanakopita and placed it on the cookie sheet. Deirdre, Elizabeth, and I had decided on each making two or three types of hors d’oeuvres for the party tonight to keep it simple for everyone. I still needed to make the wontons and stuffed mushrooms.

  “Janey, it’s just going to be four couples. I don’t know how much fun it would be for you if you came.”

  “Five couples,” Phil said, coming into the kitchen from the living room where he had been playing his guitar. “I don’t think it would hurt if Janey came this evening.”

  Janey’s eyes lit up. She got off the chair in a flash.

  I smiled. “Sure you can come, but you may be bored. You might want to bring a book. Will your dad be around? He’s invited as well.”

  “Yes!” Janey jumped up in the air. “Dad’s working tonight. This is going to be so much fun.”

  Phil raised his eyebrows at Janey. I was surprised she was so excited also.

  Turning to Phil, I said, “That’s right, I forgot. You’re trying out another drummer. Is Dinesh going to make it? I didn’t get a hold of Neelam again this morning.”

  “I’ll find out at practice. I’ll know if he shows up.”

  “Maybe Neelam’s not answering the phone,” Janey said. “It might be too difficult for her to talk about what happened yet.”

  I shook my head. “Could be. Racism is a terrible thing.”

  “It’s sort of like bullying,” Janey said, wrinkling her nose.

  “Exactly,” I said. “This racist is bullying innocent people.”

  “Our friends,” Janey added.

  Phil put on his coat. “Well, I’m off to practice with the boys.”

  “I’m off too,” Janey said, standing in the doorway of the kitchen.

  I put the spanakopita into the freezer and started to take everything out of the refrigerator that I needed for the stuffed mushrooms. “Do you really need to practice the day before we leave on our trip? I would think you could play the songs in your sleep.”

  “We have to for the party tonight. The new drummer...he needs to be well rehearsed.”

  I looked up from the refrigerator. “I suppose. What about getting started on your packing?” Phil picked up his guitar case that was leaning against the kitchen wall. “Pack whatever you want me to wear.”

  “That’s not going to happen with everything I still need to do here.” I looked at my watch, then took a cutting board out from a lower cupboard.

  “I’ll be back in an hour or so. No later than five-thirty. I promise.”

  “Everyone will be here at six o’clock.”

  He rocked back on his heels. “Sounds like I had better get moving then.”

  Phil headed towards the door that went out to the garage with Janey following him.

  I thought I heard Phil say, “Behave tonight,” as she caught up with him.

  I went over to the garage door that Janey had left open.

  “Don’t worry, Phil,” she said.

  My eyebrows drew together, then I closed the door.

  * * * *

  I took the spanakopita and wontons out of the oven. After putting everything on serving trays, Janey and I carried the hors d’oeuvres to the lower level. Phil and the band had just finished setting up their instruments and were starting their sound check. They were a bit crowded in.

  The new drummer had arrived alone. His wife had a previous engagement and couldn’t make it. If this drummer lasted as long as the others, we’d probably never get to meet her. Phil was forever trying to find a drummer with staying power. He told me repeatedly that a creative drummer was the foundation of a great band.

  Deirdre brought a colorful plate of vegetables and dip, a variety of fruit on sticks, and three bottles of champagne. Elizabeth and John arrived carrying a tray of grilled scallops wrapped in prosciutto and garlic herb roasted shrimp. Janey’s contribution was a lovely crystal bowl of mixed nuts. Deirdre rearranged the trays and dishes on the table to create balance. Everything looked beautiful and was strategically placed.

  While sampling the hors d’oeuvres, Deirdre, Elizabeth, and I sat on the sofa talking about the threats spray-painted on Neelam’s store windows. They had also read the paper and expressed their disgust. Janey listened in.

  Putting her fork on her plate, Elizabeth started laughing. “We don’t need your curry. It’s almost funny. Who says something like that?” She got up and went back over to the hors d’oeuvres table.

  Janey shook her head. “Someone who is uneducated, that’s who. And it isn’t funny.”

  The doorbell rang. I hurried upstairs and opened the door to find Neelam and Dinesh. Neelam’s eyes were red as if she had just been crying.

  I welcomed them with a smile. “I’m so glad you both come could.”

  Standing back out of the way, I held the door open for them to enter. I gave Neelam a big hug despite the large cake box she was holding from Sweet Marissa’s Patisserie, and Dinesh a peck on his cheek.

  “I’m sorry about everything that has happened.”

  Tears brimmed in Neelam’s eyes. Dinesh’s eyes appeared more angry. He looked down at his saxophone case.

  “Dinesh, Phil and the band are downstairs doing a sound check.”

  “Thanks.” He quickly swept past us. I kept my arm around Neelam’s shoulder.

  Neelam and Dinesh were our first friends that we made when we moved to Sudbury Falls. I had frequented Gupta’s New Delhi often, and was thrilled to find an ethnic store when we moved to town. Gupta’s had the best produce and unbelievable variety of spices. Neelam had been warm and engaging from the beginning. She was the type of person I was immediately drawn to and we became close friends. When Phil found out Dinesh was a musician, we started getting together as couples. Dinesh soon joined the band Phil was forming.

  I held the cake box while Neelam took off her coat. After I hung up her coat in the closet, we went into the kitchen. I peeked into the box to find a beautiful cake with the words Bon Voyage spelled out on it. I could hear the band still doing their sound check in the lower level, and Dinesh’s tenor saxophone playing a few notes.

  “It’s beautiful. Thank you for bringing the cake. What kind is it?”

  “Chocolate orange truffle.”

  “Sounds delicious.”

  “I figured you’d love it.” She wiped her eyes with a tissue she took from her pants pocket. “I’m sorry I didn’t bake a cake myself. I just wasn’t up to it.”

  Removing the work of art from the box, I said, “Neelam, we were all so sorry to hear about the threats and your storefront windows being spray-painted. Whoever did this is obviously half-baked.”

  She gave a questioning look.

  I put the cake on a crystal footed cake dish. “They are stupid, ignorant.”

  “I don’t know what to think. I thought we were part of Sudbury Falls. We’ve been here over twenty years. Nothing like this has ever happened to us before.”

  I thought back to when we had arrived in Sud
bury Falls. The “old guard” families who had lived here for many generations regarded us as incomers. Some of our neighbors who had lived here for about the same amount of time as Neelam and Dinesh were also considered to be incomers. Still, I had become friends with some of the old guard.

  “Whoever this is doesn’t know you at all. Everyone in town loves you and Dinesh, and loves your store.”

  Deirdre, Elizabeth, and Janey came up the stairs. They must have heard us talking for Elizabeth said, looking at the scrumptious cake, “You’re part of Sudbury Falls, Neelam, as much as we are. Kay’s right, everyone loves you.”

  “I feel this is coming from an outsider, someone who doesn’t even know you,” Deirdre said.

  Janey gave Neelam a hug. “Of course, they don’t know Neelam or they wouldn’t have done this.”

  Neelam smiled at Janey.

  “And you’re family to us. Don’t ever forget that,” I said.

  Neelam took a note out of her purse and handed it to me. I looked at it, then read out loud, “Get OUT of MY Country!!!” The note was printed and the handwriting, sloppy.

  “How did you get this? Was it mailed to you?”

  “It was taped to the door of our store.”

  Elizabeth took it out of my hands and shook her head. “This is your country.” She handed the note back to me.

  Deirdre nodded. “Exactly what I sensed...an outsider.”

  Neelam shook her head. “Even if we weren’t American citizens, that’s no reason for such hatred.”

  “The note wasn’t mentioned in the newspaper,” Janey said.

  “Did you show this to Chief Kirk? What did he say about the threats?” I asked.

  Neelam nodded slowly at the mention of Chief Kirk. “Yes, we did. Kirk is increasing the patrols in our neighborhood and past the store.”

  “That should help deter whomever it is,” Deirdre said.

  “We showed Kirk all of the notes from the past two weeks, other than this one.”

  I crossed my arms. “There were more notes? Were they also left at the store?”

  “And you never see who’s delivering these notes?” Janey asked.