Cordial Killing

by Vikki Walton

  “Oh, hey, Anne,” Taylor spoke up. “I was just telling Hope here that I guess it looks like me and Liz have some explaining to do.” She stretched out her legs and crossed her feet at the ankles. Her scuffed cowboy boots were long broken in. She leaned forward and grasped her calf.

  “Let’s see. Where to start? You see we were all close friends in college. As you can probably tell, I’m from Texas, or maybe ya’ll can’t.” She winked. “Anyway, all the rest of the gals were from up north. We were best buds—them all sharing the same name and me using my last name.”

  The confusion on Anne’s and Hope’s face must have registered because Taylor went on speaking.

  “You know, ‘Elizabeth.’ They all share the same name. In our first class, a professor asked Elizabeth to answer, and all three chimed in. To say it was more confusing than a rafter’s body floating on the Frio is an understatement.”

  She laughed heartily at the confusion on their faces. “Ahhh. You probably never been rafting.” They both shook their heads to the negative.

  “Well, let’s just say that your hiney is sitting in what amounts to icebox cold water and your top is in a hot, humid oven that’s cooking you.” She slapped her hand on her leg. “Loads of fun.”

  “Um, thanks for that. Now back to the school and names,” Anne coaxed.

  “Sure ’nuff. As ya’ll know, I’m Christie Taylor. When we were in school, we were often kidded about it, and they’d call our group Elizabeth Taylor. Nowadays, half the kids never even heard of Elizabeth Taylor. Anyhoo, I was the only one that didn’t have to come up with a nickname as teachers often use your last name anyway. But they all chose a name to be called by in class. Beth already had hers from home, so you have Beth, Lil, and Liz.” Taylor uncrossed her ankles as a knock sounded on the door.

  It was Liz. After settling into a chair, she spoke to Taylor. “I think we may have put our foot in it. I never, ever thought Lil would come.” She turned to Anne and Hope. “I’m not sure what Taylor’s told you, but there’d been a falling out back in college. I figured that it was time to make amends and let bygones be bygones. I mean, we’re talking over twenty years. I really missed Taylor and asked her to come for a visit.”

  “Of course,” Taylor took up the dialogue, “We couldn’t have a proper reunion without Lil. I meant to break it to her a bit better than it went down.” She faced Liz, and her tone grew angry. “And what’s with having him come? You never said he was coming.”

  “I’m sorry about that. I talked to Beth about getting away for a weekend—a girls’ getaway—and she said she wanted Eddie—I mean, Edward, to come too.” She lowered her voice, “To keep him out of trouble.” Then she laughed, “You know, men. She didn’t want to leave him home, in case he’d gotten a new . . . toy.” She shrugged.

  New toy? What was Liz implying?

  “Well, ain’t this a fine kettle of fish we got here. What should we do?” Taylor popped up from her chair and paced the room.

  Anne and Hope realized they’d been relegated to simple bystanders. They exchanged looks. If one or more guests left and wanted refunds, they wouldn’t break even for the weekend on all the food and other items they had purchased for the class. Some things could be reused, but others would just be a loss. Anne sighed. Ideas, plans, and reality seldom intertwine.

  Liz responded, “How about this? I’ll go talk to Lil and then speak to Beth. Maybe we can help them see this is a good idea. What do you think, Tay? I want to make sure you stay involved with what happens.”

  “Suits me. But shouldn’t I be the one to talk to Lil?” She crossed her arms.

  “No. I think it will be better if I do the talking. If you trust me, then I’m sure I have a solution that will work.” Liz stood. “Don’t worry ladies. I’ve got this under control and I’m determined that this weekend is going to solve everything.”

  “But what about him?” Taylor’s distaste for Dr. Nelson evident in her tone.

  “Don’t worry. I can handle him. He only came because this gives him an out for going on an upcoming golf trip to Atlanta. He won’t be attending the workshops so the only times he’ll be around will be at breakfast, if at that. Plus, it’s only a few days and I know this will be resolved. That won’t be too bad, will it?”

  Only a few days. Anne would have to hold on to those words for what looked to be some difficult days ahead.

  Chapter Four

  Four-thirty.

  That was the time when they would give an overview of the weekend. Kandi had arranged little plates of hors d’oeuvres on the sideboard along with various drinks. She had changed into a cute red-and-white polka-dot dress and let her cherry-red hair spill over her shoulders. She accessorized with two butterfly clips that held her hair back off her freckled face.

  “You look so pretty, honey.” Anne hugged Kandi.

  “Thanks, Mom.”

  Was there ever a sweeter sound? If so, Anne didn’t know what it would be. Last year when she had asked Kandi to allow her to adopt her, it had been an earnest gesture. Even though Kandi was a woman in her twenties, both wanted desperately to belong to a family. So, Kandi changed her last name from Jenkins to Freemont. Anne had set up a trust so that all her belongings and intellectual property rights for her books would go to Kandi. Not that Kandi needed it. She was coming into millions left to her mother who had deserted Kandi and her younger twin brothers as children. It also didn’t hurt to have a different last name now that Kandi’s ex-husband had become a long-term resident of Cañon City.

  Hope came down the hallway carrying a tray of glasses filled with sparkling water and lime slices or mint. Taylor stepped into the room, her commanding presence reminded Anne of a no-nonsense, take-charge individual. Lil’s footsteps were quiet as a cat’s as she followed Taylor into the room. She had changed from her earlier outfit and now wore a white cashmere sweater over white pants. She wore small silver studs in her tiny ears, now visible due to the simple chignon revealing her milky white neck.

  Striking. That’s the word that came unbidden to Anne’s mind. While Taylor plopped into one of the big overstuffed chairs, Lil gracefully lowered herself into the mahogany Queen Anne chair in the corner, next to the desk facing toward the door.

  “Would you care for a drink?” Hope offered to Taylor first and then took the tray over to Lil. Taylor took a few gulps as Lil sipped hers slowly.

  “This is mighty refreshing.” Taylor held up her glass with mint.

  “Yes, it’s essential to drink lots of water in Colorado due to the altitude. If you don’t stay hydrated, you can get headaches from dehydration and become ill. So that’s the first thing we offer.”

  “It’s very nice.” Lil’s soft voice answered back.

  Anne was about to get up and go see where the other three guests were when they heard the side door open. Stewart walked in.

  “Oh, sorry. Didn’t mean to intrude.” He took off his cap and smoothed down his hair, missing one spot that Anne struggled not to reach up and put in place.

  “Stewart, all well?” Hope went over and gave him a friendly hug.

  “Stewart. Good to see you,” Anne interjected.

  He nodded back at her. “Good to see you too.”

  Hope turned and faced the women. “Ladies, this is Stewart. He is our handyman. We’ve had a shutter banging so we asked him over to get things all nailed down for us.”

  Taylor rose quickly from her chair and shook his hand. “Hey Stewart, I’m Taylor, and this is my good friend, Lil.”

  As Stewart’s mouth gaped at the woman, Lil remained seated in her chair and merely nodded. Anne figured Lil was used to the affect she had on men. She almost wanted to bean Stewart over the head on behalf of Kandi, with that look he had on his face. Even though Lil was at least twice his age, her beauty seemed to affect all ages.

  Sensing a presence behind them, they turned to see that Dr. Nelson, Beth, and Liz had arrived. They stood at the edge of the door. The atmosphere became charged with an undercurre
nt of so many emotions—anger, passion, even fear—that it felt as real as if another person had entered the room.

  Hope and Anne stood still, not knowing what the best way would be to break the spell. Stewart stepped forward and introduced himself to the trio. After those exchanges had finished, Steward excused himself and left.

  Taylor spoke next. “Well look at what the cat drug in. Old Doc himself. I’d have thought some husband would have shot you by now.”

  Anne stiffened. Yikes. She turned to Hope, whose own face mirrored her own surprise.

  “Ah, still the same old—” His gaze had found Lil. He swallowed. Hard.

  Beth reached over and put her arm possessively around his. There was no mistaking her gesture. He pushed her off. Evidently, he didn’t appreciate the motion.

  Lil had dropped her gaze and focused on the mint in her drink.

  Liz broke the silence. “Well, the gang’s all here. It’s like old times—Elizabeth and Taylor.”

  “Where can I get a drink?” Dr. Nelson turned to Anne. Hope picked up a couple of glasses and walked over to the group.

  “Here you are.” She handed one to him and one to Beth.

  He took a sip. “Don’t you have anything stronger?” He hoisted the glass in the air.

  “Ed, you know alcohol isn’t good for you,” Beth replied.

  “Mind your own business. I’m not a kid.” He snarled at her.

  “Your funeral. Sooner would be my preference.” Beth muttered under her breath as Liz led her to over to a loveseat and sat down beside her. Dr. Nelson remained standing and Anne noticed him steal a glance over at Lil every once in a while.

  “Still the same old sweet guy I see,” Taylor retorted, heading to Anne for a refill.

  “Taylor, cut the—”

  “Ladies! And Sir,” Hope inclined her head toward him. They needed to stop this conversation before it got even worse.

  “Thank you for coming to our inaugural opening of the Brandywine Inn. We hope you thoroughly enjoy your stay here and that you learn a few things about making tinctures, tisanes, and tonics at home. Marie will be joining us tomorrow and the day will focus on the elderberry plant and its many medicinal and edible uses. I will be sharing about herbalism in the morning, and then we will go on to make some of the products in the afternoon.”

  “Not me,” Edward Nelson interjected, “I’m a real doctor and don’t believe in all this hooey.”

  “Well,” Hope struggled to keep her composure, “I’m a real doctor too. I have my MD from Johns Hopkins. However, I also believe that the body can best be served, and optimal health achieved, through preventative medicine. Thus, I chose to continue my education, so I double majored in herbal sciences and nutrition at Bastyr.

  “Looks like she told you,” Taylor quipped, taking another long drink to hide her chuckling.

  Anne went over and touched Hope on the arm. They had decided on using this as a signal where the other one would take over if they found themselves getting frustrated with a guest.

  “Okay, ladies, I know that you’re in for a treat on the next few days. Tonight, you’re free to roam around the town, and we’d be happy to provide you with some ideas for dinner places if you’d like some recommendations. There is also a list in your guest welcome book in your rooms. We don’t have a liquor license, and we decided not to get one to answer your question on that, Mr. Nelson.”

  “Doctor.”

  “Geez, Edward.” Liz shook her head.

  “My apologies. Of course, Doctor Nelson.” Anne nodded her head. She turned back to the others. “We do ask that you drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. There is water up in your rooms and just in case you run out, we have an area down in the dining area where you can get water, coffee, tea, and various things like soft drinks or juices during the day or night.

  “We have two options for you in the morning depending on early or later risers. For those who would like to take a walk in the morning, we’ll be going on the trail behind the house and walk over to the lake. My friend Eliza, who is out of town, has offered to let us use her deck area. It’s a beautiful place to see the lake with the sun hitting the mountains in the distance. Sometimes if you’re lucky you can catch sight of a moose in the distance or other animals coming down to the lake to drink.”

  “What time is that?” Beth interjected.

  “If we could start out just before six, we’ll get the best view,” Hope responded.

  “Six in the morning?” Beth replied, “I’ll pass.”

  “Why? It’s not like you’re getting any beauty sleep,” Edward replied.

  “Edward! Enough,” Liz retorted and put her arm around Beth, giving her a side hug.

  Lil spoke in a quiet, yet commanding, tone, “I’d like to go. It sounds lovely.”

  “Me too! I’ve always wanted to see a moose out in the wild.” Taylor raised her glass.

  “Why not? I’m in.” Edward glanced over at Beth.

  Liz twisted in her seat. “I’ll stay with you Beth, if you want to sleep in and hang around here.”

  “No!” It had come out more forcefully than Beth had probably expected, and Liz scooted back. “I’m going too.”

  “Okay, that sounds great.” Hope smiled at the group. “We’ll meet at ten minutes before six in the morning. Please wear comfy walking shoes and layers. Of course, bring your jacket. If you have gloves and a hat, bring those too. The weather this time of year is still cold in the morning, but you’ll warm up as you walk. Also, the trail is pretty flat, but there may be some snowy spots in the shady areas, so be prepared for that.”

  Kandi popped her head in the door and waved. “Hi, you all. I’m going to be preparing your breakfast while you’re gone, so come back with a hearty appetite. Tomorrow we’re going to have a frittata for the savory side and a stuffed French toast with elderberry syrup for the sweet side. Do you all prefer bacon, sausage, or both?”

  “Sounds yummy. I’d like a bit of all of it,” replied Taylor.

  “Second that,” Liz and Beth responded in unison.

  Dr. Nelson moved toward Kandi, his voice taking on a sickly-sweet quality, “I’d rather just have some fried eggs. Think you can help me out with that, pretty girl?”

  “Certainly, sir.” Kandi grimaced and stepped back as he moved to touch her arm.

  Anne popped over by Kandi’s side. “I think that’s everyone. You can go now, sweetie.”

  “You forgot someone,” Beth spoke up. “Lil,”—it was the first time she’d acknowledged the other woman’s presence—“what do you want?”

  The group all turned toward Lil.

  The petite woman didn’t respond to Beth’s question but addressed Kandi. “Kandi, thank you for everything. I’m not looking for anything special. I’m perfectly content with whatever you prepare.”

  Anne looked back and forth between the pair wondering if this part of the conversation had been about breakfast choices or something more. All she knew was that she couldn’t wait to talk with Hope and Kandi about it.

  Chapter Five

  “I was going to save this until after the weekend was over, but I think we might need it now.” Hope uncorked a bottle of prosecco and started pouring into champagne flutes.

  “Geez, the nerve of that guy.” Anne took a sip of the bubbly drink. “I don’t know why he and Beth are married.”

  “He, like, creeps me out,” Kandi responded. “But I like Taylor. She doesn’t take any guff from him, and I literally thought his head was going to explode when she chewed him out in front of everyone.”

  “You literally thought his head was going to explode?” Anne quipped, shaking her head.

  “Huh?” Kandi plopped back on the couch cushions. “Oh wait, are you being facetious again?”

  “You know I love you, you goof.” Anne plopped down next to Kandi.

  “Love you, like, too.” Kandi giggled and bumped her shoulder against Anne’s.

  Hope chose the overstuffed chair where Taylor had sat
earlier. She shucked off her Bob’s flats with the cat pattern on them and tucked her legs up in the chair. “While I would normally gag over your sugary love fest, I have to say it’s refreshing after the last few hours. I probably haven’t had a better moment today. Except maybe when both cars drove away.”

  “So, what do you all, like, think the real story is about them all? If they all hate each other, why spend the weekend together?” Kandi took off her shoes and tucked her feet up like Hope.

  Anne scooted back and stuck her feet up on a nearby ottoman. “I think that someone—either Taylor or Liz—is trying to heal old wounds. What they are is anyone’s guess, but my money’s on Lil trying to steal Edward from Beth.”

  “Don’t you mean Doctor?” Hope made air quotes with her fingers.

  “I’m proud of you for not bopping him over the head right then and there. What a pompous jerk. I don’t know what happened, but don’t you find it weird that they all have the same name?”

  “What do you mean?” Kandi cocked her head.

  “They all have the same name—Elizabeth. Except of course, for Taylor. At school, they were often referred to as Elizabeth Taylor, you know, like the actress.”

  “Hmm. Never heard of her. What movie has she been in lately?” Kandi looked at Anne.

  “Argh.” Anne grabbed a couch pillow and hit Kandi with it. “This is exactly what I mean about you young whippersnappers.”

  “What’s a whippersnapper?”

  “Truthfully, I have no idea, but you’re one of them.”

  Kandi looked confused.

  Hope got up and held the bottle up questioningly. “More?”

  “That’s it for me. We’re going to need to be on our toes with these folks.”

  BAM!

  Kandi screamed and jumped off the couch. “What was that?”

  “Oh no. You don’t think they’re back and heard us talking about them? That would be awful.” Anne grimaced.