Authors: Janis Harrison
Bindweed (23 page)
Out in the corridor, a man yelled, “Sheriff, someone has climbed out the top of the silo. Deputy Meyer says you need to comeâ”
A high-pitched scream ripped the air, followed by the words, “No. Phillip.
No!”
No!”
I recognized Yvonne's voice. Tears filled my throat and worked their way up to blur my vision. Closing my eyes, I waited. I envisioned the wind tugging at Phillip's clothing, the stench of the rotting fruit wafting up through the open air vents. Would he venture a quick look down?
My heart pounded. I opened my eyes when Abigail took my arm. In a ragged whisper, she said, “Surely Phillip won't jump.”
But I knew he would. His research had been an obsession that had taken a disastrous turn. He'd lost sight of what was truly important, putting his work before everything and everyone. Even his present choice of how to bring this investigation to a close hadn't caused him to lose sight of his goal. He'd placed his trust in my hands to see that his research was directed to someone who would make the most of his discovery.
Outside, the voices rose in volume, and then suddenly subsided. Yvonne made another heartfelt appeal. “Please, Phillip,” she sobbed. “You're all I have.”
In the breathless silence that followed, the sound of impact was minute.
For some of us, the reverberations would last a lifetime.
On this October night, a week before Halloween, Hawthorn Street was filled with costumed customers. A store owner, one who wasn't of Agnes's “select few,” had come up with the idea that we needed to outdo the Westgate Mall shops. Every year on Halloween, these shops hold marathon sales with free goodies for the children. It was a huge draw for the outer-loop shopping district, but it took attention away from our street.At the first planning session of the Hawthorn Street store owners, it had been unanimously agreed upon that while we'd been River City's focus during the murder investigation, it was time to replace those tabloid impressions. Coming under scrutiny for a festive occasion seemed the best way to put the ghosts of Toby, Leona, and Phillip to rest.
I hadn't been against the plan, but I hadn't been gung ho, either. Once Sid had declared the investigation closed, I'd done as Phillip had asked. I'd contacted the CEO of Bio-Rite. The Canadian company hadn't wasted any time sending a crew of scientists to River City. Sid said that once they were done, nothing had been left in the silo but the framework.
Yvonne had been paid an undisclosed amount for her brother's research. She'd put her antiques store and the surrounding land in the hands of a realtor. In a matter of days,
she'd jetted off to California where she'd checked into a health spa. Before she left town, she'd given Sugar Cube to Abigail. Since Abigail lived in an apartment, I'd had an area fenced off on my property. A small barn was being built so Sugar Cube would have a warm home this winter.
she'd jetted off to California where she'd checked into a health spa. Before she left town, she'd given Sugar Cube to Abigail. Since Abigail lived in an apartment, I'd had an area fenced off on my property. A small barn was being built so Sugar Cube would have a warm home this winter.
I leaned against my workstation table and surveyed the crowded flower shop. I'd let Lois and Lew do the planning. When asked, I'd offered suggestions, but this was their show, and they reveled in the merriment.
Lois was dressed as a harem girl. The puffy lime green pants were gathered at the waist and the ankles. A hot pink camisole topped her outfit, along with an assortment of purple and orange scarves. When she walked, she jangled. Every piece of gold jewelry she owned was either hanging from her neck or her arms.
Lew had amazed everyone with his costume. Always the epitome of the well-dressed man, he'd arrived at the shop as a hobo, complete with magic tricks. He was a hit with the kids, especially when he pulled a quarter from behind their ears. I didn't have a clue how many coins he'd given away, but he seemed unconcerned, laughing and teasing everyone, young and old.
At home I'd mentioned that Lew and Lois wanted to serve simple refreshments. To my surprise, DeeDee had volunteered for the job. She'd baked a ton of cookies, decorating each with a Halloween theme. She'd concocted a fizzy apple punch that was fantastic. For me, the highlight of the evening was the way she reacted to the people who entered my shop. Posing as a gypsy, she smiled readily and ventured into conversation with strangers.
My father and Abigail had offered to keep watch over the crowd so none of my merchandise was trampled in the melee.
They'd opted for costumes that brought smiles to the faces of my evening customers. My father was dressed as a sheep with snowy white fleece and a big pink bow tied around his neck. Abigail was Bo Peep. She wore an elaborate blue-flounced dress, a broad-brimmed straw hat, and carried a crooknecked staff. Twice I'd seen her use the oversize hook to grab my father's arm and pull him to her side, where they'd shared a laugh with those who'd witnessed the corralling of her “wayward” sheep.
They'd opted for costumes that brought smiles to the faces of my evening customers. My father was dressed as a sheep with snowy white fleece and a big pink bow tied around his neck. Abigail was Bo Peep. She wore an elaborate blue-flounced dress, a broad-brimmed straw hat, and carried a crooknecked staff. Twice I'd seen her use the oversize hook to grab my father's arm and pull him to her side, where they'd shared a laugh with those who'd witnessed the corralling of her “wayward” sheep.
“You're being a wallflower,” said Lois, coming to stand near me. “Why don't you spread some of your
sunny
charm over by the door.”
sunny
charm over by the door.”
The emphasis on the word
sunny
referred to my costume. I was a sunflower, dressed from foot to neck in a green jumpsuit. My arms were encased in material that had been sewn to resemble huge leaves. A giant sunflower blossom surrounded my head, with my face exposed as the center. When I'd seen the outfit in the rental store, I'd snatched it up, feeling it was apropos for a florist. What I hadn't counted on was the awkwardness. The yellow petals were stiffened with wire and stuck out from my head a good twelve inches. If I didn't keep my neck muscles taut, I lost my balance, wilting like a flower left too long without water.
sunny
referred to my costume. I was a sunflower, dressed from foot to neck in a green jumpsuit. My arms were encased in material that had been sewn to resemble huge leaves. A giant sunflower blossom surrounded my head, with my face exposed as the center. When I'd seen the outfit in the rental store, I'd snatched it up, feeling it was apropos for a florist. What I hadn't counted on was the awkwardness. The yellow petals were stiffened with wire and stuck out from my head a good twelve inches. If I didn't keep my neck muscles taut, I lost my balance, wilting like a flower left too long without water.
Turning my head carefully, I smiled at her. “I'd better stay back here, out of trouble. I'd hate to assault a customer by falling on him.”
“But you're okay?” persisted Lois, eyeing me sharply. “You're not wallowing in sorrow, are you?”
“I'm wallow-free, just watching everyone have a good time. I don't know about the other shop owners, but I'd say this evening has been a success.”
Lois grimaced. “Not so much for the old cash register. We've
had a few sales but nothing spectacular. Everyone wants the freebie stuff.”
had a few sales but nothing spectacular. Everyone wants the freebie stuff.”
“We didn't do this for immediate sales. Our main objective was to give Hawthorn Street a new image.”
Lois looked around. “By the way, where's Bailey?”
“He said he'd be late. He's winding up another chapter in his book.”
“What's he coming as?” Lois's wink was lascivious. “He's such a handsome hunk. I hope he's displaying plenty of skin.”
I made a face. “Just because you look like a floozy doesn't mean you have to act like one. As for Bailey, I wouldn't pin any high hopes on him arriving in costumeâbrief or otherwise. He isn't the type to don aâ” I stopped because Lois wasn't listening to me. She was looking over my shoulder, with eyes wide and mouth open.
“Wow!” she breathed. “Forget showing skin. He's incredible.”
I moved too quickly and almost toppled over. Once I'd recovered my balance, I thought I'd end up on the floor anyway when I saw who had caught Lois's attention. Bailey was making his way toward me. He was dressed in a black tuxedo. The jacket lapels were satin, as were the wide stripes down the outside of each pants leg. His shirt was white, the vest a shimmering silver. He wore dark glasses, which he slowly slid up over his forehead to rest on top of his head.
“My sweet flower,” he said, taking my hand in his. Staring deep into my eyes, he whispered, “I'm sure there's a better place and time for this, but I can't think where or when. The people who are important in your life are here.”
Suddenly he went down on one knee. I tilted my head to follow his action and nearly fell on top of him. Lois grabbed my arm and held me upright. “Steady, girl,” she whispered in my ear.
Bailey looked up at me and smiled. His coppery eyes were full of warmth and love. “I had a fancy speech all prepared about life's journey, and how I don't want to go through it alone. I thought about all the reasons I could give you for us be coming a couple, but I don't want to
persuade
you to marry me.”
persuade
you to marry me.”
“Marry?” I squeaked.
Bailey nodded. He pulled something from his pocket that glittered in the light. Holding it between his thumb and two fingers, he held up a ring so I couldn't mistake his intentions When I didn't comment, he slid the ring on my finger.
Holding my gaze with his own, he said, “I want to pay a larger part in your life, Bretta Solomon. I want to be your husband, your confidant, and your lover. I'm asking you to be my wife. Bretta, will you marry me?”
I wanted to close my eyes and savor the moment, but instead I found myself gazing at the faces around me. DeeDee's expression was watchful. I could tell she was afraid to hope that I'd say yes. Lew's smile was gentle, almost benevolent. He wanted whatever was best for me. My father nodded encouragement. couldn't read Abigail's expression, but then I barely knew this woman who was my half-sister. But time could remedy that.
Finally there was Lois. She was squeezing my arm until it felt as if she was cutting off the circulation.
Slowly I smiled and nodded. “Yes,” I said, “I'll marry you Bailey Monroe.”
Lois let out a whoop of joy and loosened her hold on my arm. I would have pitched forward, but Bailey was there. He gathered me close, folding me into his loving embrace.
In my ear he whispered, “For richer or poorer, in sickness or in health, and even during one of your sleuthing missions, I'll be here.”
I closed my eyes and sighed How could I ask for more?
Reap a Wicked Harvest
A Deadly Bouquet
Lilies That Fester
Murder Sets Seed
Roots of Murder
A Deadly Bouquet
Lilies That Fester
Murder Sets Seed
Roots of Murder
BINDWEED. Copyright © 2005 by Janis Harrison. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews. For information, address St. Martin's Press, 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10010.
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eISBN 9781429926782
First eBook Edition : May 2011
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EAN 978-0-312-34813-7
First Edition: December 2005
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