Tulips and Trouble (Port Danby Cozy Mystery Book 5) by London Lovett

Author:London Lovett [Lovett, London]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Wild Fox Press
Published: 2018-03-18T06:00:00+00:00

Chapter 17

A murder had put a damper on the day. Several of the flea market vendors had packed up and cleared out, leaving the occasional empty table between the sellers determined to squeeze every last dollar out of the remaining shoppers. Lola was more than happy to shut down for the day. I helped her pile the last unsold items into her car, and we headed back to the antique shop.

"I can't believe that quiet little artist was murdered," Lola said as she turned the car onto Harbor Lane. "Can't imagine she'd have many enemies." Just as she finished the statement, Lester's pub tables came into view. The Coffee Hutch wasn't open, but Ryder was perched on a stool. Denise was sitting across from him, huddled in a white sweater and holding a tissue.

Lola made a puffy sound. "Boy, someone went straight for the sympathy card."

"Lola," I said with some degree of scold, "we can assume Denise and Letty knew each other pretty well if they were in art class together. I'm sure Ryder is just lending a supportive ear."

Properly chastised and possibly feeling a little guilty about her previous statement, Lola fell unusually silent. I caught Ryder's gaze a few times as he watched us pull up to the antique store in Lola's car. She sat still, staring straight ahead, her black cap pulled down tightly around her red curls.

"I've got the afternoon free," I said quietly. "I could help you carry the stuff back into the store."

Lola shook her head. "No, thanks. I'm tired. I think I'll just leave the things in the car until tomorrow."

"If you're sure." My car was parked on the other side of the street. I opened the passenger door and stuck out a foot. "You know he likes you a lot, Lola. If you'd just put down your guard for a second, you'd see it."

She nodded without looking at me. "Speaking of letting down your guard, how was your day with Detective Briggs?"

"Touché, my friend. And well deserved. See you tomorrow." I climbed out of the car and walked across the street.

Ryder waved me over to the table. I was rather anxious to talk to Denise anyhow. I was hoping to get a little more insight into the various relationships between the members of the art class.

I reached the table. Denise provided me with a sad, teary eyed frown, but that vanished quickly with her first question. "I saw you at the lighthouse when they brought Letty's body out of the water. How could you stand to watch?" She dotted her eyes with the tissue but tears didn't really go with her enthusiasm to find out how I'd stomached the murder scene.

Ryder saw that I was slightly stunned by her question and kindly responded for me. "Lacey went to medical school, and she assists in some of the murder investigations."

Denise's dark brown eyes were round as saucers. "You do? A flower shop owner? I don't understand."

Ryder was about to jump in again, but I decided to shut down the inquiry into my life.

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