Lyndsey Cole - Lily Bloom 02 - Queen of Poison (6 page)

Ryan’s house smelled delicious when
Lily walked in with a big salad. Iris arrived with Marigold and fresh bread and Daisy brought brownies. Katie jumped up and down, excited to see her new friends. She hugged Rosie and ran with her to the backyard.

Jennifer
was smiling and humming as she got dinner ready. Jennifer looked up at Lily. “Katie told me that she had a good time today. You all have been wonderful to her.”

Lily watched Rosie and Katie playing. “How did it go in court today?”

Jennifer took the eggplant parmesan out of the oven, placing it on the island to let it cool. “It went well. It looks like the judge is going to grant me sole custody. My ex has been completely unreliable with his responsibilities with Katie. I know he loves her and he can still visit but she needs a routine she can depend on and he wasn’t being responsible about that.”

Screaming broke up their conversation. Lily ran outside to see Katie on the ground holding her arm. Jennifer ran straight to Katie and picked her up. “What’s wrong sweetie?”

“My arm. My arm.”

Everyone else was on the deck
in seconds. Iris took charge. “Get in my car. I’ll take her to the emergency room.”

Jennifer climbed into the back of Iris’ VW holding the screaming child. Lily told Rosie to get in the back too and
Lily got in the passenger seat. Rosie put her head on Katie’s lap and the screaming subsided to deep sobs. Daisy and Marigold followed Iris to the hospital.

Jennifer stroked Katie’s head. “You’ll be okay. What happened?”

Sob. Sob. Hiccup. “I fell off the big rock.”

Iris pulled into the emergency
drop off area. “Here we are. Take Katie in and I’ll park.”

Jennifer carried Katie inside while Iris pulled her car into the parking lot. Lily saw Ruth
Walsh walking through the parking lot. “Stop here. Let me out. I want to talk to Ruth.”

Lily jumped out of the car
and called, “Ruth. Ruth.”

Ruth turned toward Lily but
kept on walking.

Lily ran to catch up.
“Can I talk to you for a minute?”

Ruth had her hand on her car door. “What do you want?”

“I was hoping we could talk about the museum. You must know more than anyone else.”

“Know what?”
she asked with disgust.

“Well, how it’s run. Who Marion was leaving it all too?”

Ruth opened her door. “What is it to you?”

“Listen Ruth. I don’t know why you dislike me so much. I’m just trying to figure out
what happened to Marion and Elizabeth. And the way you have been acting, lots of people think you had something to do with it.”

This got Ruth’s attention. She turned with her mouth open and her eyes wide. “Me? Are you serious?”

Lily nodded her head.

“That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard. I’ve dedicated my life to that museum and to Marion Barry. She was like a mother to me. I would never harm a hair on her head.” Tears were streaming down her cheeks.

Lily patted her shoulder. “I’m sorry. How about we find someplace quiet to talk a little more?”

Ruth
blew her nose and wiped the tears from her face. “Okay.”

Lily led Ruth to a small outside garden with benches. “How
is this?”

Ruth sat on a bench next to a small gurgling pool. Goldfish swam around and a couple of frogs sat on rocks at the edge of the water.
She looked at Lily. “I don’t know why I was so mean to you after Marion died. I think I was in shock and a little jealous that you were there for her and I wasn’t.”

Lily sat down next to Ruth. “Did you know that Marion was murdered? It wasn’t natural causes like Evelyn told everyone at the meeting.”

Ruth turned white as a sheet. “Murder? Why would anyone murder that dear old lady?”

“That’s what I’m trying to figure out. Someone made me look guilty and someone has been trying to make you look guilty.
And now someone tried to run you off the road? Can you think of any reason for all this?”

Ruth scraped the toe of her shoe in the dirt under the bench. “Her will.”
Lily waited and Ruth continued. “Marion was going to make an announcement at the opening. Elizabeth and I were the only ones who knew ahead of time.” Ruth looked at Lily. “I was her personal secretary for the last twenty years and she always confided in me.”

“What was the announcement?”

Ruth looked at the goldfish swimming in the pond. “She had decided to change her will and donate the Misty Valley Museum to the town of Misty Valley with a trust fund for the overhead expenses. She thought it would be nice to announce it at the opening with so many of the town people in attendance.”

“Who was getting the museum before the change?”

Ruth sounded disgusted. “Evelyn of course. She was never interested in the museum like Marion was. The museum was like a child to Marion. She put all her love and energy into it.” Ruth looked over at Lily. “I understood that, but Evelyn just saw it as a way to get rich. Her and her greedy kids.”

“Was the will already changed before the opening?”

“I don’t know if she had signed it. I think she wanted to discuss it with Evelyn first. I tried to tell her that was a bad idea but she had her mind made up. She could be very stubborn at times.”

Silence hung between them for a few minutes. Lily walked around the garden. “Ruth? Why did you throw away that flower arrangement and gloves after the board of director
s meeting?”

Ruth angrily stood up. “Were you spying on me?”

“No. I was waiting for my mother to get take out when you came out.”

“You took that bag out of the trash?”

Lily hung her head guiltily. “Yes. You were acting suspicious.”

“I don’t know why I even agreed to talk to you.” Ruth hustled off to her car.

Lily watched her drive off, then went into the hospital to see how Katie was doing. She found Iris, Daisy and Marigold in the waiting area. “Any news about Katie?”

Ryan walked over to the ladies.
“The doctor thinks she broke her arm. They have to do x-rays. I can stay here if you want to go back home.”

Lily
pulled Ryan aside. “I had an interesting chat with Ruth. There’s something odd about her. Did you find out anything?”

“We can talk about it later.”

Iris got up. “Tell Katie she’s a brave girl and Sweet Pea will be waiting for her tomorrow morning.”

Ryan smiled. “Thanks Iris. I’m sure that will make her happy.”

Lily helped Marigold get up and they went to the parking lot to drive home. Marigold had been quiet through the whole ordeal but piped up now. “That little girl is just like a climbing clematis.”

“What do you mean?”

“She winds her way into our hearts.”

Lily and Daisy nodded. Iris smiled. “You just hit the nail on the head with that description.
Now, let’s dig into that eggplant parmesan. No use letting it go to waste.” Iris slammed her door and got her VW moving with Daisy having trouble keeping up.

The back door of Ryan’s house was open. Lily looked at the others. “Did we leave in such a hurry, we forgot to close the door?”

Iris barged inside. “Thank goodness no one stole the eggplant parmesan. Let’s take all the food to your house, kick back and Lily can fill us in about Ruth.”

Iris got it all organized. “Dig in. I’ll get a plate for Marigold.”

Lily fed Rosie before she got herself some food. “I didn’t realize how hungry I am. This looks delicious. Ryan will be eating well if Jennifer sticks around.”

A pounding on the back door startled everyone and got Rosie barking
ferociously. Lily put her plate on the coffee table and peered out the back door to see an unknown face scowling at her. She held Rosie’s collar to keep her from charging at the man standing there.

Just opening the door a crack, she asked, “Can I help you?”

Without any greeting, he spit out, “Where’s my daughter? What did that no good ex-wife of mine do with her? She’s not taking her away without a fight.” He tried to push the door open but Rosie snarled and lunged at him. “Tell her I’ll be back.”

Lily slammed and locked the door. Iris grabbed her purse. “I’m going back to the hospital to warn Ryan and Jennifer. She can stay at my house. He won’t know to look for her there.” She turned to Lily. “Can Marigold stay here?”

“Of course. Do you want Daisy to go with you?”

“I’ll be fine.” She patted her purse. “I’ve got protection with me.”

Rosie darted through the door and waited by Iris’ car. Lily told Iris, “Rosie wants to go with you. She can keep Katie company.”

Lily smiled but also felt fear. She knew Iris never backed down from a challenge and it got her into some difficult situations at times.

Lily watched as Iris drove away. She didn’t notice a car following a few minutes later.

Lily opened one eye to see fog as thick as pea soup out the window.
She pulled the soft comforter over her head and thought it would be nice to sleep until ten. Unfortunately, that wasn’t going to happen. She threw the comforter off. Something hot like a shower and something else hotter like a cup of hazelnut coffee would get her blood moving. As she pulled on her low rise jeans she realized all those sweets were creating a bit of a muffin top.
Note to self, cut out the carbs—well, start tomorrow,
she thought as she spied the last blueberry muffin calling to her from the counter. With muffin, coffee and tote in hand, she checked that Marigold was all set and she headed out for the shop.

Lily
kicked her door closed and heard a voice. “Hi neighbor.”

Her juggling act failed as coffee splashed on
to her formerly clean, yellow t-shirt. “Ryan. We never got a chance to talk last night. What was the deal with Ruth?” she asked as she looked down at the stain.

“Do you need some help?”

“Only if you have a clean t-shirt in your pocket,” she said as she tried to mop up the stain only to make it worse. “Wait here, I have to change.”

“Do you need help with that?” he teased.

Lily was right back looking fresh as a daisy and they walked down the driveway together. “Ruth claims someone tried to run her off the road. She got a few scrapes when her car hit the guardrail but she didn’t get the plate number. She said it might be a Honda. Do you know how many Hondas are out there?”

“She told me something interesting.”

Ryan waited patiently. “Oh?”

“She said Marion Barry was going to change her will and give the museum to the town of Misty Valley with a trust fund for overhead expenses.”

“Really? That might upset someone.”

“Exactly what I was thinking
. Probably Evelyn. By the way, how’s Katie?”

Ryan opened the
minivan door for Lily. “She’s fine. She has a cast, but it was a clean break so it should heal quickly. What happened with Jennifer’s ex?”

“What a creep. He pounded on my door looking for Katie. Was Jennifer worried?”

“Very. He is unpredictable. It was nice of Iris to let them stay with her.”

Lily slid into the seat of her minivan.
“Another busy day. See you tonight at the museum?”

“I’ll be there.”

Lily was happy to hear that. She was hoping to spend more than five minutes with Ryan. There was something about him that made her feel different. A good kind of different. Lily backed out and drove to the shop.

Evelyn was already outside Beautiful Blooms waiting for Lily.

“Good morning, Evelyn. What can I do for you?” Lily unlocked the front door and held it open for Evelyn to walk in.

“Nothing good about this morning. I can’t believe it.”

“Believe what?”

Evelyn was beside herself. “My sister. She changed her will. She left the museum to the town. I think Ruth
Walsh was behind this. I need your help.”

Lily moved flowers from the cooler to the front of the shop. “I don’t know how I can help.”

“Watch her like a hawk tonight at the memorial. See if she tries to sneak into the office.”

Lily stopped and looked at Evelyn.
“How can you be sure she will even come?”

“She’ll be there.
I told her there was something for her in the will and I would give it to her tonight.”

“Maybe you should have the police come.”

Evelyn shook her head. “I don’t want to be that obvious.

Lily finished the bouquet she had been working on. “How is this for the entryway? Colorful enough?”

“Yes. Beautiful. What is that green flower?”

“Bells of Ireland. Green is popular now.
When will you be at the museum for the delivery?”

“I’ll be there all day. Come anytime.”

A siren broke into the peacefulness of the shop. Daisy ran in looking terrified.  “Have you heard?”

Lily got worried. “Heard what?”

“Jennifer’s ex-husband tried to break into Mom’s house. Rosie knocked him down and guarded him while Mom called 911.”

Evelyn looked horrified. “Who is
Jennifer?”

Lily was barely able to reply. “Ryan Steele’s
sister. Her ex-husband came to my house yesterday looking for her and her daughter, Katie. We thought they would be safe at Iris’ house.”

Daisy was pacing arou
nd. “Come on. We need to go to Mom’s house.”

Lily stared out the car
window. “I can’t believe this.” She looked back at Daisy. “Good thing Mom took Rosie.”

Daisy pulled into Iris’ driveway. There were police cars everywhere. The normally quiet street was anything but at the moment.

Jennifer was sitting on the couch with her arms wrapped around Katie. Rosie was curled up next to them. Lily patted Rosie and put her hand on Jennifer’s shoulder.

Jennifer didn’t move. “I don’t know how he found us here. I should have known.”

“There’s no way to know something like this. He was determined to find Katie.”

Jennifer finally looked at Lily. “Rosie protected her. How did she know?”

Lily shrugged. “Rosie just knows these things. She makes me feel safe.”

Iris
walked in from the kitchen and clapped her hands. “Who’s ready for some pancakes? The first batch is ready. I have real maple syrup too. Made right here in Misty Valley at the Misty River Farm.”

Katie jumped up. “I’m hungry. I want some.” Rosie stayed by her side.

Iris ushered her into the kitchen. “Great. Climb into the chair. You get the first ones. Do you think Rosie wants one too?”

Katie looked at Rosie staring intently
her. “Yes. She just told me she
does
want a pancake.”

Lily tactfu
lly asked Jennifer about her ex while they were out of Katie’s earshot. “What will happen now?”

Jennifer shook her head. “Ryan said he’ll be in jail for a while. I won’t have to worry about custody.
” She looked up at Lily. “I still can’t believe this.”

“
Shake it off and get some pancakes with Katie. I’m heading back to my shop.”

The arrangement for the museum was still on the work bench. Lily put it in the cooler and got out more flowers
—lilies, delphinium, snapdragons and greens—for the next bouquet.

Tamara burst into the shop
with her normal whirlwind of energy. The door slammed behind her.

“Is Iris alright?” she hollered to Lily.

Lily walked to the front. “Yeah. Rosie saved the day again. It was weird. Last night when Iris left my house, Rosie insisted on going too. That dog has a sense when danger is around.”

Tamara plopped into the chair. Lily tried not to wince wondering if the chair would hold Tamara’s bulk or shatter, dropping her to the floor. The chair survived. “What happened?” Tamara always wanted to know all the gossip.

Lily filled her in on the details of Jennifer, Katie and the ex-husband.

Tamara
grimaced and declared emphatically, “You don’t have to tell me about ex-husbands. Don’t I know all about
that
.”

Lily chuckled. “I guess you are a bit of an expert. By the way, are you going to the museum
memorial tonight?”

“Of course. Evelyn said she needs me there to help her keep track of all the guests.” Tamara lowered her voice. “She’s distraught over what she found out in the will. I’m not supposed to tell anyone.
But—”

“
But?“

“Okay. As long as you don’t repeat any of this.” Tamara looked around the empty shop
, expecting to see someone hiding in the corner. “Evelyn’s sister changed the will and is leaving the museum to the town.”

“Interesting. You’re the third person I’ve heard this from.”

Tamara’s face got red and she stuttered, “You … you already know this?”

“Ruth and Evelyn told me. It doesn’t seem to be that big of a secret.”

“And, it was stated that Elizabeth could stay on as the director for as long as she wanted the position.”

Lily perked up. “That’s interesting. I hadn’t heard that part yet. So who will be the new director?”

Tamara shook her head. “I wish I knew. But it definitely won’t be Ruth.”

Lily paused. “Did you actually
see
the will?”

“Well, no. Why?”

“Just wondering.”

The front door jingled and both women looked up. Lily smiled at the sight of Ryan walking in. She felt her heart beat a little faster.

Tamara pushed herself upright with a grunt. “Well, I think I’ll go see how Iris is holding up. See you tonight Lily.”

Ryan moved aside so Tamara could get out the door withou
t knocking into anything. “Lily, I don’t know how to thank you.” He strode toward her and embraced her in a big bear hug. “I could never forgive myself if something happened to Jennifer or Katie,” he whispered into her hair while holding her tightly.

Lily could only think how good it felt to have Ryan’s strong arms around her. She melted into him, wishing this moment would never end.
He smelled good, like leather and maleness. She was barely breathing. She stepped back a little so she could look into his dark eyes. “I’d like to take credit, but I didn’t do anything.”

“You sent Rosie home with Iris. How did you know?”

“Rosie knew. I just let her follow her instincts. She sensed danger and wanted to go with Iris.”

He pulled her close again. “I’m going to make Rosie a deputy if she keeps saving people like this.”

Lily snorted. “Will she get to wear a uniform?”

They both started to laugh. “Maybe a vest so we have someplace to pin her badge.”

“Well, you can’t have her. I need her around to keep me safe.”

Ryan looked at her carefully. “That’s a good idea. I want you to be safe
, too.” He leaned in so quickly, Lily wasn’t even prepared for his lips on hers. But it didn’t take more than a second to recover and enjoy the feeling.

The door jingled. Lily jumped and moved away from Ryan.

Daisy was standing behind them with a devious grin on her face. “Is this Beautiful Blooms Flower Shop or did I walk into the wrong shop?”

Lily’s face was burning.

Ryan was smiling and looking happy. “Oh, I thought this was the Beautiful Bloom Women Shop.” He looked at Lily. “I found the one I want.”

Daisy laughed out loud. “Lily, p
ull yourself together. You just got the compliment of your life. Are you speechless?”

Ryan
gave her another quick hug. “It’s okay. Speechless says it all.” Another smile. “I have to get back to work.”

Lily was frozen in place watching Ryan disappear out the door.

“Earth to Lily. He’ll be back. Don’t worry.”

Lily’s face broke into a big goofy
smile. “I wasn’t expecting that.”

Daisy looked in the cooler. “Do you have the museum order ready to go?”

“Ummm, almost.”

Daisy shook her head. “Looks like you haven’t even started on the second one.
Better get your head back into flower world.”

Lily looked at the flowers she had
on the bench and it was like a bell went off. “Oh, I’ll finish this and we can take them to the museum. Evelyn said she would be there all day.”

Daisy made up a few cash and carry bouquets and put them in the display cooler. They usually
flew out of the shop. People always popped in and loved to look at what was in the cooler. The hottest sellers lately were pink alstroemeria with yellow gerbera daisies and a sprig or two of greens.  Calla lilies were also popular. All they needed was a little green like hosta leaves to accentuate the pure white.

Lily examined her arrangement. It had a nice airy look to it, like a garden with tall white lilies,
dainty blue bella donna delphinium, bold yellow and pink snapdragons and various ornamental grasses. “I’m ready to go. Let’s get these into the van and find Evelyn. She said she has her own vases for the flowers.”

It was quiet at the museum and Lily pulled her
minivan right up front. She opened the side door and got one bouquet and Kirk’s arrangement. “Daisy, can you grab the other bouquet?”

Daisy was standing by the fence looking
into the museum garden. “Lily, look over there.” Daisy pointed to a clump of dark green leaves.

Lily’s eyes popped. “Monkshood.
And it looks like some have been dug up.”