Chapter 23
CHAPTER 23
B eau spotted me as he came around the corner and was about to call out to me and I shook my head. He held his tongue and hurried over to me.
“What’s up?” he whispered and followed alongside me toward the open French doors.
“That guy with Professor Anderson,” I said with a nod toward the man as the two disappeared out the French doors. “I recognize his voice. He was the one in the hospital stairwell talking with Stone.”
“So, we’re following them?” Beau asked with the excitement of a child eager to open an unexpected gift.
“We need to get close enough to hear what they are saying but keep from being spotted.”
“Maybe we should separate,” Beau suggested. “This way if one of us is spotted the other can continue to follow them.”
“Good idea,” I said and quickly devised a plan and then we split.
The backyard was massive with paths that led to various gardens that appeared to extend back to the woods that bordered Waters’ property. Cats lazed among the plants, and one was spread out on a weathered skateboard. I took a path parallel to the one Professor Anderson and the man walked down and figured Beau did the same on the opposite side.
I ducked behind a large, blooming rhododendron bush, it’s purple flowers almost matching my jacket when the pair stopped not far from it.
“You better deliver Anderson, or this isn’t going to work out the way you want it to,” the man warned.
“I’m trying, but the death of that man rattled me.”
“Now that you see the unexpected can happen at any time, I’d advise you to move your ass. Get me that information.”
“It’s not that easy,” Anderson protested.
“No one said it would be, but we have a deal. So, get it done or else.” His threat was followed by the sound of fading footsteps on the crushed stone path.
My dress got snagged on the large rhododendron as I made my way around it and one heel sunk into the mulch.
“Good heavens, Pepper, what are you doing there?” Anderson said and hurried to help free me.
I threw the truth right at him. “I was listening to your conversation with that man. What kind of trouble are you in, Professor?”
He unsnagged my dress and shook his head. “Leave it alone, Pepper. This mystery is far too dangerous for you to get involved with and if you mention this to your dad, I will say you misunderstood the conversation. For your own good, Pepper, let it be.”
He hurried away, leaving me standing alone. I looked to see if Beau lurked about, but he wasn’t anywhere to be seen. I thought maybe he followed the man and decided to see if I could catch up with him. Coming upon several pathways the man could have taken, I decided it was foolish to try and find him. He could be anywhere, and he was.
He was standing behind me.
“You’re too nosy for your own good,” he said and stepped toward me.
With the ultimatum he had given Anderson, I didn’t wait to see what he intended for me. I took off down one of the garden paths, kicking off my heels as I went so that I could pick up speed. I needed to get to where there were people since I had no idea what that man had in mind for me.
Dodging around a towering rose arbor, I spotted a side pathway that led toward the house. Just as I turned onto it, I heard a screech, and my bare feet landed squarely on something with wheels—something that immediately took off beneath me.
The skateboard.
With a yelp, I flailed my arms, trying to regain balance, but the skateboard had other ideas. I shot forward, rocketing down the smooth stone pathway like a misguided missile.
“Out of the way!” I shrieked as I zipped past a stunned elderly couple enjoying a breather from the preview. The husband blinked, the wife clutched his arm, and I barely missed flattening a spitting water fish statue before my ride took an unexpected detour—straight through the open kitchen sliding glass doors.
A blur of motion, I sailed inside, barely processing the wide-eyed stares of Ian, Amy, and Beau, and the horrified expression on Ms. Dickens’ face as they stood near an assortment of desserts. The table was covered in cakes, pies, and an artfully arranged pyramid of cream puffs that now stood directly in my trajectory.
I hit the table with all the grace of a flying squirrel in a wind tunnel. Plates clattered, whipped cream exploded, and I landed sprawled atop a chocolate mousse cake, its rich filling squelching beneath me like an overripe melon. The pyramid of cream puffs? It went airborne, raining down upon me like sugary hail.
Silence.
Beau, ever the charmer, let out a slow, appreciative whistle. “Wow, Pepper, that was some entrance.”
Amy glared at him, then turned a wide-eyed expression on me, her mouth opening but nothing coming out.
Winifred Dickens looked ready to scream at me, but her words came out in a soft croak, “You ruined the desserts.”
Ian was the only one to react. He took his suit jacket off, rolled up his sleeves and his pant legs, then waded through globs of chocolate, smashed pies, and lurking cream puffs to reach out and help me up. “Are you all right, Pep?”
Groaning, I wiped a chunk of blueberry pie off my cheek and glared at the skateboard, which sat innocently nearby.
“I don’t know how I got on that thing,” I muttered.
Ian offered me his hand, his blue eyes sparkling. “Come on, let’s get you cleaned up before someone tries to serve you for dessert.”
“Whatever am I going to do about dessert?” Winifred Dickens asked, shaking her head as she stared at the mess in disbelief. “I’ll be fired for sure over this.”
Amy stepped forward, leave it to an accountant to set things straight. “We’ll get this cleaned up ASAP and while we may not be able to replace the cream puffs, I know a place where we can get some fabulous pies and cakes for you. I believe some tarts as well.”
“And her?” Dickens pointed at me as if I were her arch-enemy. “She cannot be seen like that.”
“I will stay here away from the guests,” I said to ease her concern, “and I will pay for the replaced desserts.”
Winifred Dickens’ chin went up. “Of course you will. Now get busy cleaning this mess up and get those desserts here ASAP.” She marched out of the kitchen mumbling.
Amy had Beau looking for garbage bags before she got on the phone with Zelda at the Star Diner. She procured an assortment of desserts that sounded far tastier than the ones I had landed in.
Ian didn’t let me go until he was sure I was steady on my feet. “Beau told Amy and me that you and he followed Professor Anderson and the guy you believed was the one who spoke with Stone in the stairwell of the hospital.”
“I didn’t get far,” Beau explained. “Amy spotted me and was about to call out and I hurried away from the two men so I wouldn’t get caught.”
“That’s why I couldn’t find you,” I said, as Ian picked a couple of cream puffs out of my hair.
“How did you wind up on the skateboard?” Ian asked.
“Running away from the man from the hospital,” I said, grateful to Amy when she handed me a few wet paper towels.
“He chased after you?” Ian asked, anger sparking in his blue eyes and he took the paper towels from me and began to gently wipe the mess from my face.
“He told me I was too nosy for my own good and stepped toward me. I didn’t wait to find out his intentions. I ran and not long after I found myself flying down the pathway at a remarkable speed and with no way of stopping.”
Beau chuckled. “Dessert to the rescue.”
Ian couldn’t hide his smile.
“At least I found out that Professor Anderson needs to deliver to this unknown guy or else.”
“Did either of them say what Anderson was to deliver?” Ian asked.
I nodded. “Information.”
Winifred Dickens returned ending the conversation.
“The desserts are on the way,” Amy said.
“We can’t serve the desserts here,” Winifred complained.
“I have an idea,” Amy said.
Beau and I stuck to cleaning the mess in the kitchen while Ian helped Amy set up three folding tables outside, the gorgeous near-summer day perfect for the end of the preview event. Amy worked her magic and created a far more inviting dessert display then was probably planned, Ian snapping pics with his phone to send me.
Amy had found linens to cover the tables and had cut some of the flowers from the garden and placed them artfully among the desserts which were plentiful and placed at varying heights.
The serving staff who arrived to set up a coffee, tea, and a champagne bar and to tend the dessert tables also admired her talent, the manager offering Amy a job which she graciously declined.
People began to drift outside, the preview ending, and hearing the talk and laughter, I wished I could have joined them. Ian brought me a glass of champagne and sat with me.
“You should go out there,” I said.
He shook his head. “I’m not going to leave you alone.”
“You might hear something that could help us or look and see if Professor Anderson is anywhere to be seen.”
“I haven’t spotted him so far.”
“Go,” I insisted, “even if it’s just for a little while.”
“I cannae leave you here all alone.”
“I’ll stay with Pepper.”
We both looked to see Kate from Yesterday’s Treasures stepping through the open doors.
“Amy told me you were here and what happened. I came to help,” Kate said. “Ian, Beau is waiting for you to join him to help find Pepper’s shoes. I believe I can get her cleaned up enough to look presentable and join the crowd.”
“That would be great, Kate.” Ian kissed my cheek. “I’ll find your shoes.”
“And you will place them on my feet, and I will turn into a beautiful princess,” I said jokingly.
“You already are my beautiful princess,” Ian said and planted more than a delightful kiss on my lips.
“Gorgeous and romantic, what a combination,” Kate said with a chuckle.
“My brother isn’t?” I asked, though I knew the answer.
“Josh tries but you know who can be romantic?”
“Burke Strathmore,” I said.
Kate laughed. “If only he meant it.”
“I’m glad you realize that. The girls in high school fell for his sickeningly, dripping sweet words which landed him a date with nearly everyone in high school.”
“Except you.”
“He isn’t my type, shallow and self-centered. It’s a shame since beneath that mask he wears is a good guy lurking,” I said. “Though I still think my brother is the better choice for you.”
“Yeah, that’s the problem. I really like your brother, but I worry that he’s not ready for a permanent relationship and that’s what I’m looking for: marriage, husband, kids, the whole kit and caboodle.”
“Don’t give up on him yet,” I advised. “I always suspected that when Josh fell, he would fall hard and once he did, he wouldn’t chance losing the woman. He’s falling for you, I can see it. It won’t be long now.”
“That gives me hope. Now let’s get you presentable,” Kate said and got to work.
Kate’s fashion style was different than Amy’s and I wasn’t sure if I was comfortable with it, but I had little choice if I wanted to join my friends.
Ian’s shock that turned to a wide smile as he hurried into the kitchen with my high heels dangling from his fingers put me at ease.
“You look fabulous, Pep,” Ian said, handing me my shoes.
“I told you he would approve,” Kate said and stepped outside leaving Ian and me alone.
I hurried my heels on and stood a moment, catching my reflection in the sliding glass doors. The top of my dress had survived the destruction thanks to my jacket which got ruined, but the bottom half was a complete disaster. Kate had draped the colorful shawl she wore around my waist making it appear as if it were part of my dress. My hair which was still spotty with cream from the cream puffs, Kate had gathered up into some kind of messy yet attractive hairdo on top of my head. Then from her large purse she produced a small container.
“Every woman should carry a small jar of sparkles with her.” Kate had said.
She sprinkled the gold sparkles where the cream was the most visible and they stuck to it, camouflaging the cream. She removed my small gold earrings and replaced them with her gold hoop earrings. Then like a magician she pulled a solid purple scarf from her purse and draped it artfully over one shoulder to tuck the ends in at my waist, front and back. And presto, my fairy godmother had transformed me, not into a princess, but a…
“I feel like a gypsy, and it is a freeing feeling,” I said with a chuckle.
“You are one gorgeous gypsy,” Ian said and took my hand. “Come and enjoy some champagne and dessert,” —he chuckled— “the way it was meant to be eaten.”
The next hour was surprisingly pleasant. People enjoyed the desserts and roamed throughout the garden. Ms. Dickens was busy fielding questions about the available items that would be auctioned tomorrow, and I noticed Amy and Beau speaking with an older gentleman who shook his head as Amy presented him with papers. I imagined she was showing him the receipts of the items Waters bought for the historical society and letting him know the society owned them and intended to collect them. He did not look happy.
I was not at all interested in the desserts, but I did enjoy the champagne.
Fran Radley and her dad Ken were there hunting for some décor items for their barbershop that Fran took over and refurbished when her dad semi-retired a couple of years ago. We spoke for a few minutes, glad we weren’t after the same items.
I was shocked to spot Kelly, looking as if she would deliver the baby any minute. I hurried over to her. “I didn’t know you were here.”
“Oh my, Pepper, you look wonderful, so colorful. It really suits you,” Kelly said, her smile genuine.
“It’s all thanks to Kate. She helped me out of a sticky situation,” I said, and Kelly turned a puzzled look on me. “I’ll explain another time. When did you get here and where’s my brother?”
Kelly laughed. “You know Danny too well to expect him to be with me. I managed to get away on my own, though I got here later than I wanted to and didn’t have as much time as I would have liked to peruse the previewed items. But Kate told me she’d look out for anything I might be interested in since she’s familiar with my style of décor for the garden center and my house. Are you going to be here tomorrow for the auction?”
“I wouldn’t miss it. There are some items I hope to get.”
“Me too,” Kate chimed in.
“Me three,” Amy said, and we were all soon lost in sharing what items we wanted.
When Amy and I got time alone, Ian and Beau not lacking for female companionship. I asked her about the older gentleman.
“You’re right. He’s the one Winifred told me I had to speak with to see about getting the items that belong to the Willow Lake Historical Society. At first, Mr. Abrams insisted a more thorough investigation would have to be made before any items were given to the historical society. Once I produced the receipts showing that Waters had purchased them for the historical society and had received a discount, he began to change his mind.”
“What did you do that sweetened the deal for him?” I asked.
Amy smiled. “I explained that a book about the Willow Mansion was in the works and the story of how we found the pieces and how with the help of Mr. Abrams we were able to acquire them without a problem certainly would prove beneficial for him.”
“And if he didn’t help, the opposite certainly wouldn’t prove beneficial for him.”
Amy grinned. “Exactly, which is why we’ll be picking the pieces up in a couple of days. And there are quite a few of them.”
“You earned the presidency of the Willow Lake Historical Society,” I said and shook my head when she went to protest. “You are perfect for the position. You earned it. You deserve it. You know what you’re doing when it comes to it, and I don’t.”
Amy smiled. “I appreciate that, Pepper, I really do, and I would love to have a seat on the board where I would be far more useful to you. Beau and I have so many ideas for the historical society, and I would rather be implementing those ideas than being president.”
“Amy’s right,” Beau said and took Amy in his arms giving her a hug. “She’s a whiz at overseeing committees and getting the work done. Whereas you’ll slip into your Aunt Effie’s leadership shoes seamlessly.”
“It would be what Aunt Effie would have wanted,” Amy said.
“As long as we’re in this together,” I said, thinking my aunt seemed to get her way even in death.
With that settled, I looked around for Ian and saw that the crowd had dwindled to only a few lingering people, Kelly and Kate having left after talking with Amy and me. I spotted him talking to Winifred Dickens who looked upset.
“There is a good chance she is going to lose her job,” Beau said.
“Because of the dessert disaster?” I asked, feeling guilty.
“No. Mr. Abrams hadn’t heard about that. It’s due to the pieces the auction is losing to the historical society. He claims it is her fault, and she claims it’s his fault. Someone needs to be blamed and it’s my guess the lesser important employee will take the fall,” Beau said.
“Winifred Dickens,” I said as if the guillotine had just fallen on her head.