A Poisonous Plot (Lily Larkin Mysteries #3)

Chapter 4

Chapter Four

The Pengelly Garden Centre was located to the north of the airport. As well as selling plants, garden furniture and a selection of gifts and cards, it also boasted a cafe and a farm shop with a selection of fruits, vegetables and herbs. When Lily had met the owner, Gordon Pengelly, on one of her previous visits, he’d told her the business had started as his own private vegetable garden which had got out of hand.

The produce was great quality and Lily had been utilising it for her ice cream experiments. She’d continue to do so when the shop opened, and intended to have a seasonal menu, alongside the staples of vanilla and chocolate.

As part of her push to get ready for opening the shop, she was meeting with Gordon to get a list of the fruits and herbs he could supply her with over the next few months. She’d finalise the menu based on that.

It still felt a little daunting. She knew Flynn was right that she should stop panicking about it and open the shop, but the thought of it made her insides twist. That was probably mostly imposter syndrome. She felt in no way qualified to open an ice cream shop, even though the feedback on her flavours couldn’t be better.

“I think that’s everything I can offer,” Gordon told her, leaning back in his chair, across from Lily. His office at the back of the garden centre was spacious and, judging by the number of people who’d come and gone while they chatted, he seemed to have an open-door policy.

Lily glanced down at her notes. “I’ll go through all this and decide on the menu. Then I can let you know what I’ll need.” She smiled uncertainly, reminding herself that she was on a steep learning curve and everything would get easier. “I guess I won’t know the exact quantities I’ll need to start with, but you said you can be flexible.”

“Of course.” He smiled and interlaced his fingers across his round belly. “Not a problem.”

A female voice interrupted them. “It’s great that you’re going with seasonal produce for your flavours.”

Lily’s gaze snapped up to Gordon’s daughter, Sally. She’d been in and out of the office a few times and wasn’t shy about offering her opinions on Lily’s business venture. Not that Lily minded, especially as she seemed to have a head for business.

“It will keep things interesting for the locals too,” Sally went on, idly curling her long blonde hair around her finger as she spoke. “Never knowing what will be on the menu. You’ll get people coming in purely out of curiosity.”

Lily shifted in the uncomfortable wooden chair. “I was going to stick to the same menu for a few months. I’ll change the menu with the seasons.”

“Oh.” Sally frowned and leaned against the desk. “I assumed you’d change the menu from one week to the next, depending on what ingredients are available, or even from day to day during the busy season.”

“I’d have to keep printing the menu, so it wouldn’t be great from an environmental perspective.”

“I assumed you’d just have a blackboard,” Sally said blithely. “But of course if you have printed menus it wouldn’t make sense.”

Lily’s stomach tightened. Why hadn’t she thought of having a blackboard? That made way more sense. Apparently, she’d been too caught up in perfecting the ice cream to really consider the basic setup of the shop.

“It’s a good idea,” she said, nodding.

“It would also work better for us. Then you could take more of the stock we need to get rid of. For example, berries which are only available for a limited period.”

Lily continued to nod. “That’s a good idea. I’m also happy to be flexible about what I take from you.”

“Great.” Sally moved past the desk and patted her dad on the shoulder. “It sounds as though it will be a really positive working relationship.”

He squeezed her hand. “Sally has good business instincts,” he told Lily.

“You must be very happy to have her around.”

“I am,” he said with a pointed look at his daughter. “I’m sure the place would go to pot without her.”

Sally rolled her eyes. “You managed fine while I was away at sixth form, and then university.” She cast her gaze to Lily. “He’s not happy with me because I’m moving back to the mainland at the end of the summer.”

“More studying?” Lily asked.

“No. I just graduated. It’s finally time to start my career. If I can find a job, anyway.”

“I don’t know why you can’t find something on the islands,” Gordon grumbled.

“Because there are very limited career options here,” Sally told him. “As you well know. How many more times are we going to have this conversation?” She smiled at him affectionately.

“What area do you want to work in?” Lily asked.

“I studied accounting, which I know sounds very boring, but I’ve always loved numbers. My plan is to set up an accounting firm one day, but I’ll work for someone else for a while to gain experience.”

Lily smiled politely and slipped her notepad into her bag.

“How’s the green smoothie going down?” Sally asked, tipping her chin toward the drink in front of Lily.

“It’s good.” Reaching for it, she stifled a grimace at the thought of drinking any more. She should have trusted her instincts and gone for a coffee, but when Gordon had recommended the green smoothie the healthy option had felt like a good idea.

“It’s surprisingly filling,” she said, forcing another mouthful down. There was no way she could manage any more of the thick gloop that tasted of grass.

“Think of the health benefits,” Sally said. “It’s the only way I can get them down.”

“It tastes fine,” she lied, not wanting to offend her new business partner.

Sally gave her an indulgent look. “I can put it in a takeaway cup if you want?”

“That would be perfect,” Lily said, a rush of gratitude making her want to claim Sally as her new best friend.

“Have you set a date for the opening of the ice cream shop?” Gordon asked, standing when Lily did.

“Two weeks.” She assumed Flynn and Ted wouldn’t let her wriggle out of it so she may as well bite the bullet. “On the Saturday.”

“That’s exciting,” Sally said as she reached for the smoothie. “I’ll definitely come along on opening day. I’m desperate to try these flavour combinations you’ve been talking about. They sound divine.”

“Just call ahead to confirm your first order,” Gordon said. “Then I can have everything ready for you.”

“Thank you.”

Gordon offered his hand. “I’m looking forward to working with you.”

“You too,” Lily said. Hopefully, at some point it would sink in that this was her life now, and the idea of running an ice cream shop would feel normal. “I’ll be in touch again soon.”

“I’ll look forward to it,” Gordon said and stayed behind in his office.

The little cafe area at the back of the garden centre was manned by Arthur, a tall, smiley man who Lily had been introduced to when she arrived. He was one of those people whose age was hard to judge. At a guess, she’d say he was probably in his thirties, but his tweed jacket and green wellies gave him the air of someone older, as did his grey corduroy trousers, which were cinched at the waistband by a brown belt.

He stood aside when Sally moved behind him to get a takeaway cup. “Can I get you anything else?” he asked Lily.

“No, I’m fine, thank you.”

His smile remained wide as his eyes lingered on Lily. “I’m an expert on houseplants if you ever need advice or a recommendation.”

“Thank you,” Lily said politely.

“Not just houseplants.” Sally handed the smoothie over in a takeaway cup. “Arthur is an expert in all kinds of plants. Some might say he’s a little obsessed.” She flashed him a teasing grin that was full of affection.

“I have other hobbies too,” he said proudly. “I like art.”

“But not as much as plants,” Sally said with a smile.

“I’m a qualified botanist,” he said, eyes locked on Lily.

“That’s great.”

“Do you know a lot about plants?” he asked.

“I’m afraid not, but I’m learning a lot about which herbs I can use in ice cream flavours.”

“You’re opening the ice cream shop on the promenade,” he said with a nod. “That’s exciting.”

“It is,” she agreed and took a step away.

“If you want, I can show you around here and teach you about the plants.”

“I think Lily needs to get back to making plans for the ice cream shop,” Sally said, giving Arthur a pat on his back.

“I do actually,” Lily said, grateful to Sally once again. “I’m sure I’ll see you both again soon.”

She made a quick getaway, walking briskly through the indoor section of the garden centre. Outside, she almost crashed into a guy pushing a wheelbarrow with a huge plant in it – some kind of exotic-looking palm tree. She’d also met him when she arrived. He was a freelance landscape gardener who also did some work around the garden centre.

“Sorry,” she said, stopping just in front of him.

“No worries. Lily, was it?”

“Yes.” She tried to recall his name but came up blank. “Sorry. I have a memory like a sieve sometimes…”

“Denzel.” Laughter lines crinkled around his eyes when he smiled. He was probably in his fifties and had the solid build of a man who made his living from manual labour. “Have you got all of your ice cream flavours sorted?”

“I think so.”

“Glad to hear it. I’ve always had a thing for banana ice cream.” He winked at her and set off again. “Just in case you’re taking requests.”

“I’ll bear it in mind.” She watched him continue on his way, before ambling along and letting her gaze roam over the rows of plants.

When rays of sunshine escaped from behind a fluffy white cloud, she lifted her face to bask in the tingling warmth on her cheeks. Spring would turn to summer soon. A great time to open an ice cream shop, she told herself firmly.

Maybe she should have taken Arthur up on his offer of a tour, because her knowledge of plants really was quite pathetic. There was something soothing about wandering through them, and instead of heading straight for the exit, she meandered and checked out the selection of garden ornaments and then wandered slowly along a row bursting with brightly coloured perennials.

Stopping, her eyes followed a pair of white butterflies and she only looked up again when she caught sight of someone waving in her peripheral vision.

“Hi!” Lily said as Glynis tramped towards her in a pair of hiking boots, looking far younger and fitter than most people her age.

“Beautiful day, isn’t it? I walked all the way here.”

“You’re amazingly active,” Lily said.

“I need to be. It’s sitting around and doing nothing that makes people frail. I’m avoiding frailty at all costs.”

“You’re doing a good job of it.” Lily followed Glynis’s gaze as she glanced behind her.

“I’m here with a friend,” Glynis said. “You should meet her. I keep telling her all about your ice cream.” She lifted her hand and waved manically. “Maria,” she called.

The woman looked up from the plants she was peering at.

“Come here!” Glynis crooned. “I want you to meet someone. This is Lily, who I keep telling you about…”

The woman’s smile fell away, and she glanced towards the building as though she might bolt.

“She’s very shy,” Glynis explained, taking Lily’s arm and steering her towards her friend. “Lovely though, once you get to know her.”

“Hi,” the woman said, holding out a limp hand to Lily. “I’m Maria.”

“Maria’s my carer,” Glynis put in.

“You have a carer?” Lily blurted out, then grimaced when she realised how shocked she sounded. “Sorry. I’m just surprised you need a carer.”

“I’m more like a lodger,” Maria said.

“Nonsense. She’s a big help around the house. And it gives me peace of mind to have someone around. There’s a great comfort in knowing I’ll be found promptly if I die in my sleep. I hate the thought of rotting away until the neighbours notice the smell.”

“Don’t be so grim,” Maria admonished.

Glynis only shrugged. “Twenty years from now, you’ll be having the same concerns.”

“If I make it that long,” the woman said. “You’ll probably outlive me.” Her eyes strayed to Lily, then quickly away again. “I should go in and see if I can find what I need for the window boxes.”

“You could also ask if they’re looking for any staff,” Glynis said. “I think you’d enjoy working in the cafe a few mornings a week.”

“Don’t nag,” Maria said gently before wandering away.

Glynis waited until she was out of hearing before speaking again. “I’ve told her she needs something to get her out of the house. I think a part-time job would be perfect for her, but she doesn’t seem keen on the idea.”

“Have you known her long?” Lily asked.

“We’ve been friends for a long time, but she just moved in with me a few months ago.” Her eyes went to her retreating friend. “She was living in Bristol. Retired not too long ago, and she’s been living alone since she got divorced. I’ve been nagging her to visit me for years. When she finally agreed, I persuaded her to come for an extended stay. I thought the change would be good for her, but I worry that she doesn’t socialise much.”

“A job sounds like a good idea,” Lily remarked. “And working in a garden centre sounds nice. The cafe’s cute.” She lifted the drink in her hand. “I don’t recommend the green smoothie, though.”

“Don’t say that!” Glynis beamed. “It’s my drink of choice.” She patted her stomach. “It may not be the tastiest treat, but it keeps me regular.”

“That might be a bit too much information,” Lily said, making Glynis laugh loudly. “It’s definitely not to my taste,” she went on. “If you don’t mind the fact that I’ve had two sips, you’re welcome to it. Otherwise, it’ll go in the bin when I get home.”

“Don’t mind if I do,” Glynis said, taking it from her. “That’ll save me a few quid.” She sucked at the straw and grimaced. “It’s worse than usual. Very bitter today. It’ll keep me full of energy, that’s the main thing. By the way, how was your evening in the pub with your sexy policeman?”

Lily heaved in an exasperated breath as she shook her head. “I had a nice evening with Flynn.”

“You won’t even admit he’s lovely to look at?”

“He’s my friend. That’s all.”

“Not denying it either.” Glynis patted Lily’s cheek like an affectionate grandmother. “I’ll see you tomorrow for my morning ice cream fix if there’s some going.”

“There will always be ice cream waiting for you,” Lily said, then laughed when Glynis took another sip of the smoothie and grimaced dramatically.