High Style and Homicide by Kathleen Bridge

Author:Kathleen Bridge [Bridge, Kathleen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Mysteries & Thrillers
Publisher: Beyond the Page
Published: 2024-08-29T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 18

The heavy door slammed shut behind me, echoing in the huge space. Jessie startled from the sound. I followed her and Emilio to the center of the hangar, trying to catch my breath as I twirled around. What I saw was beyond anything I’d ever envisioned—a theme park for cozy home addicts. Seating areas, potted plants and live trees surrounded us. On each of the two longer walls there were four white mini cottages. “Oh-h-h, it’s magnificent,” I said, mentally salivating at the sight before me.

While Jessie and Emilio looked on with huge smiles, I ticked off the names of the shops one by one. “Dahlia Lane Cooks, Dahlia Lane Paper and Books, Dahlia Lane Woodworks.” I wiped away a tear at the one. “Dahlia Lane Gardeners Market, Dahlia Lane Aromatique, Dahlia Lane Pet, Dahlia Lane Clothing Supply, Dahlia Lane Antiques & Vintage Marketplace.”

On the south side of the hangar was a huge white fresh-flower stand with Dahlia Lane Blooms stenciled in black.

On the north side of the hangar was a cottage storefront spanning half the width of the hangar. The sign simply said Dahlia Lane Home. Next to it was Dahlia Lane Homestyle Eatery. I’d read it was Dahlia Lane’s first attempt at opening a sit-down restaurant. If it was successful, Jessie planned to open others. Which I was sure it would be.

Ugh. Did Patrick’s mother really have to write about the Dahlia Lane Shoppes at the Hangar experience? Or had she made it up? If it was true, I hoped what she said about being a fan of Jessie’s was true also. She certainly didn’t seem too enamored with me.

Wiping away negative thoughts about Aurora, I glanced up at a glass ceiling the size of a football field. Suspended from aluminum rafters were gigantic prism lanterns. Suddenly, the glass ceiling above the rafters began to slide open, exposing a gloomy sky.

“Oh, Jessie, this whole space is unbelievable!” I said, feeling like I was eight and it was Christmas morning. “So much work and planning must have gone into it.”

“I couldn’t have done it without Travis,” Jessie said. “My only caveat was that all the products come from local vendors. Even the food for the restaurant. Travis also hired only locals to work in the shops. It was his idea for the retractable skylight. Chris and his crew built the storefronts from my sketches. I can’t believe how wonderfully it all came together.”

“Don’t leave yourself out, Jessie,” Emilio said. “I know this whole vision was your idea. You told me when you bought the property you vowed not to tear down the hangar because of its World War Two significance for the community. You sure made good on your promise.”

I noticed Jessie wasn’t paying attention to Emilio’s praise.

She swayed slightly. “Sorry, Emilio. I’m feeling a little woozy.” Then she added a laugh. “I’m sure skipping breakfast didn’t help. I just need to sit for a minute.”

Emilio grabbed her elbow and guided her to a wood bench. She grabbed the arm of the bench and slowly lowered herself down.

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