Dahlias and Death by London Lovett

Author:London Lovett [Lovett, London]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Wild Fox Press

Chapter 18

Glowing red sparks frittered across the black sky. The display ended with a sonic boom style sound that echoed off the coastline. Pickford Lighthouse, one of my favorite parts of the town, looked stately and serious with the glittering patriotic backdrop.

I leaned closer to my dad. "I wonder if our humble little lighthouse feels like Lady Liberty on these nights."

Dad chortled. "I'll bet it does. You know, I'm sorry that you had to sit with us tonight instead of that nice detective."

I leaned over and kissed his cheek. "I'm not. I wouldn't change a thing about tonight, Dad."

Another round of fireworks shot into the sky, lighting the beach up like daylight. Mom covered her ears to block out the sound. In between bursts of color, she managed to get in snippets of conversation.

Mom looked over at me. "How come Elsie and Lester didn't come out to watch the display?"

"Elsie told me the noise was too much. She prefers to watch it from her house," I said.

"Lester is on call for the fire department.” Dad was happy to impart that detail.

Mom leaned forward to look at Dad. "I forgot Les was a retired fireman. Well, that's nice of him. Are you still going fishing tomorrow morning?" she asked.

"Sure am. As long as he doesn't get called to any big fires tonight." It was obvious that Dad was excited about his fishing trip with Les. They were well suited to each other. I had no doubt they'd get along like cereal and milk. Mom and Elsie's planned baking event, on the other hand, had me less confident.

"Are you baking with Elsie tomorrow?" I asked.

"Yes, in the evening. After she's done with her work day." Mom shook her head. "That woman has the energy of a hummingbird."

I picked up my bottle of iced tea. "Yep, I'm thirty years younger and she can run circles around me. Literally. I've tried to run with her occasionally, but I always end up feeling like an out of shape slug next to her."

Mom clicked her tongue. "Nonsense. You look wonderful. Dad and I were just saying that." She leaned forward again. "Isn't that right, Stan?" Dad was already focused on the next light display, which seemed to be building to the finale. Mom huffed at his inattention and sat back. "We were both saying how wonderful and happy you looked. Except last night, after the picnic." She put up her hands. "But you don't have to tell me a thing. Just know that we are proud of what you've done here, and any man would be lucky to have you."

"Not sure how the two things are connected but thanks, Mom." I had to talk very loudly to be heard over the thunderous booms above. A quick succession of big explosions in gold, silver, blue and red covered the sky like glitter tossed on a black floor. Even the stars above looked impressed. I leaned closer to Mom and raised my voice over the clamor. "I am happy in Port Danby.

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