Hemlock for the Holidays by Paula Darnell

Author:Paula Darnell
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Campbell and Rogers Press
Published: 2021-07-14T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 23

My stomach churned as I realized that I'd missed a chance to make a sale that could have kept my finances in the black for a couple of months. I admitted that I'd gotten my hopes up when Melinda had expressed interest in my paintings at the Roadrunner.

As Belle had suggested, I'd simply have to contact the mayor again, There was no point in dwelling on lost opportunity, but I wasn't in the best of moods when I went to bed, nor when I woke up the following morning, knowing I had missed an opportunity and not looking forward to attending a funeral in the afternoon.

Reflecting on the sad occasion, I felt glum, but my pets weren't about to let me get away with a down mood for long. They were as peppy as ever, anticipating the day ahead and, of course, a yummy breakfast.

After I fed them, I braced myself with some strong tea as I dawdled a bit over a muffin, but, finally, Laddie's eager anticipation of a morning walk kick-started me into action, so I dressed and took him for a leisurely stroll around the neighborhood.

I hadn't attended a funeral in years, not since my great-aunt had died. People didn't always wear black to funerals anymore, but I decided a dark color would be most appropriate, so, when Laddie and I got home, I pulled my navy suit out of the back of my closet and selected matching navy tights and shoes to wear with it. I left the ensemble out so that everything would be within easy reach when I was ready to go.

A few hours later, after I'd showered and dressed, I looked in the mirror and saw how severe I looked in my suit. I added a silver brooch and one of my abstract silk scarves in blue and green hues, and I was satisfied that the additions had softened my appearance.

Normally, I would have taken Laddie to Belle's for the afternoon, but, since she would be attending a Library Auxiliary meeting, Laddie would have to stay home with only Mona Lisa for company. My calico kitty was hiding under the sofa when I left, but Laddie accompanied me to the kitchen door, looking quite down as I prepared to depart.

“Be a good boy, Laddie, and take a nap,” I said on my way out the door. With nothing else to occupy him, I felt sure he'd be sleeping before long.

When I arrived at the funeral home for Eric's memorial service, I was a bit surprised to see how many cars were in the parking lot. Inside, an usher was directing people, and I realized that Eric's wasn't the only service being held. A small sign by the door confirmed that I was in the right room, which was almost full. Perhaps Eric had been better known than I'd assumed, or maybe the fact that his hemlock-induced death was so unusual had drawn a crowd.

I hoped Susan had arrived before me, but, on first glance, I didn't see her.

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