Freaks and Felons by Constance Barker

Author:Constance Barker [Barker, Constance]
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3
Publisher: Constance Barker
Published: 2020-05-08T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 17

It was a beautiful sunny day out, but the worry about the murders and the constant stream of townspeople into her shop were stressing Celestial out so much she felt like she couldn't enjoy it. Her cup of tea had gone cold for the second time that morning and she needed a break from the shop. She decided to pick some herbs from her garden behind the shop. She could hide from her customers back there and still get some work done. The smells and beauty of the garden would be a welcome relief. She gathered a basket and her shears and stepped outside.

Rosemary, mint, mugwort, vervain. Celestial went through a mental checklist of the herbs she used often in her potions and would need to restock. She walked over to her plentiful mint patch and knelt beside it, picking a leaf and crushing it to inhale the refreshing scent. Chocolate mint was her favorite, but she grew many varieties. She took out her shears and started to cut some and add to her basket. Before long she was lost in her work. Her rosemary plants looked a little dry. She was frowning over them when she heard the footsteps of someone coming around the side of the shop.

"Beautiful day out, Celestial," said Frances Kane, smiling as she rounded the corner. She was dressed in jeans and a green top that brought out her hazel eyes. She looked taller and thinner without her usual nurse's scrubs on and her hair was down and combed instead of in her customary messy bun.

Celestial couldn't keep a look of disappointment from crossing her face at the interruption. She needed some time alone.

"Yes, it's nice to see the sun," Celestial replied after a moment's pause. She turned back to her task, hoping Frances would get the hint and leave.

"You look so stressed. Is anything wrong?" Frances said, with a tone of concern.

"No, I'm fine. Just trying to get some work done," Celestial said lightly.

Frances moved a little closer, peering into the basket at the herbs she had gathered. "Those herbs aren't that potent. I could give you a shot of something that would really make you feel relaxed. So relaxed you'll feel like you died and went to heaven!" Frances said, with a grin.

Celestial wasn't sure if she was joking or not. Frances had a smirk on her face but she was clearly waiting for a response.

"No thanks." Celestial said, smiling back. "This sunshine and maybe a cup of chamomile tea is all I need to relax. I prefer natural remedies."

Frances' smile faded. For a moment, Celestial thought she looked angry, but then she shrugged and turned to walk away.

"Suit yourself," Frances said as she left, "but if you change your mind, you know where to find me."

Celestial stood up, brushing the dirt off of her pants. Something about the interaction with Frances had left her feeling a little unsettled. The nurse had been turning up everywhere lately. She turned to go back into the shop, only to meet Janice and Greg coming out the door.

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