Lyndsey Cole - Lily Bloom 01 - Begonia Means Beware (9 page)

Sam approached Lily as she was leaving the country club. “Can I talk to you?”

“Sure. Talk away.”

Sam nervously looked around. “Alone?”

Lily walked away from the others and waited for Sam to spit out whatever it was that he thought was so important.

“Did Geoffrey and Tyrone get arrested?”

Lily considered his question. “What is it to you?”

“If they’re in jail, I have some information for you. But I’m not talking otherwise.”

Lily was interested. “They’re in jail.” She considered his comment. “Maybe you should be talking to the new police chief.”

“Not yet. I want to tell you first.”

“Why?”

Sam looked around. “I’m hoping you can put in a good word for me with that cop friend of yours.
I made some bad choices but I want out of this mess.”

“Okay.”

“You asked me who I got my orders from. It was Mike Keller, but he got his orders from Tyrone Biotchi. Tyrone has everyone scared.”

“Where does Geoffrey fit in?”

“Tyrone was selling some of the medical marijuana illegally. I guess Geoffrey was helping with that. Tyrone was desperate for the casino project to go through.”

“Did he kill Clifton?”

“That’s everything I know. If I hear anything else, I’ll tell you.”

Lily put her hand on Sam’s arm. “Thanks.”

Lily desperately needed to take another look in Geoffrey’s storage building. She told Iris to take Daisy home. Tamara was dealing with Melinda and Marigold. Jack was finishing up at the country club. She decided she had time for a quick look.

Lily drove to the
greenhouse. It looked deserted. She parked out of sight. Cautiously, she opened the door of the storage building and went in. Her phone gave enough light so she could make out what was inside. Most of the space was filled with flowers ready for delivery and potted begonias. One corner had a pallet stacked with boxes. Inside, she discovered bags of medical marijuana. A noise startled her and she quickly closed her phone and darted behind the buckets of flowers.

A bit of light streamed into the
storage building as two people entered, but the door slammed and it was dark again. Tyrone barked, “Turn on your flashlight. Let’s be quick about this.”

Lily
crunched herself as small as possible, hoping the buckets hid her completely. She heard Geoffrey’s voice. “How did you get us out so fast?”

“I called my lawyer before we even got to the police station. I pay him plenty to take care of me. Now we just have to get this pallet
of pot out of here before someone discovers it.”

“What are we going to do about that annoying Lily Bloom? She doesn’t quit asking questions.
Clifton must have told her something. How did she find his mother in the nursing home? He told me but I didn’t know anyone else knew about her. Sam sure screwed up his job.”

“We’ll plant some evidence in her yard and go with the original plan. Make it look like she’s the murderer. Once Mike is cleared, he’ll help us get her put away. You didn’t leave anything in her house did you?”

“Naw. I cleaned up.”

Lily felt sweat dripping down her back.
This was a dumb idea unless I can get out alive.
She made herself as small as possible and waited nervously, barely breathing, her heart pounding in her chest sounded like a jack hammer. It felt like hours but Tyrone and Geoffrey worked quickly, moving the drugs to Tyrone’s car. They were gone in minutes.

Lily let herself breath again
, waiting to be sure they didn’t come back in. Her phone vibrated in her pocket, almost making her shriek. The message was from Iris.
Where are you? Tyrone and Geoffrey out on bail. Be careful
. Lily sent a message back.
Come to the storage building at Geoffrey’s greenhouse. Tell Ryan too.
She waited where she was hidden, hoping they would come quickly.

The door opened and a strong beam of light searched the
storage building. “Lily? Are you in here?”

She
straightened and stepped out from behind the buckets. “Over here.”

Ryan and Iris watched her walk out of her hiding spot. “What were you doing here? You’re trespassing.”

“Let’s get out of here and I’ll tell you. Meet me at my house.” Lily ran to her van, relieved to be out of that storage building.

As she climbed into her van, s
he felt cold metal shoved in her side. “It’s about time. Did you think we didn’t see your van? Let’s go to Daisy’s house.”

Lily took a deep breath. She carefully hit Iris’
s speed dial number and speaker phone, hoping Iris would be able to hear the conversation with Geoffrey. “What do you plan to do with us, Geoffrey? Do you think you can get yourself out of this mess?”

“I’ll figure out a plan when we get there. And don’t try to do anything cute. I’d hate to have to murder you too.”

“Too?”

“Clifton thought he was so smart. Pretending to go along with the casino deal
, but double crossing us at the last minute. I outsmarted him. Getting that sweet loan deal.”

“What about his grandmother? How did you find her?”

“Clifton told me about her. He thought we were friends since he was going to be my brother-in-law. He was desperate for a family. Dumb sap.”

Lily was desperate to keep Geoffrey talking.
“Why did you visit Marigold?”

“How do you know
about that?”

“She remembered you
.”

“I wanted to find out what she knew. Turns out, Clifton didn’t tell her
anything.”

“You won’t get away with this
, Geoffrey. You left evidence in my house.”

He shoved the gun in
harder. “You’re bluffing.”

“Are you sure?
Begonia flowers? There’s pallets full of them in your storage building.” She paused to let that sink in. “Here’s Daisy’s house. Hope you figured out your plan.”

“Keep driving. People will look for you here. Drive back to the
storage building.”

Lily was starting to panic. She had no way of knowing if Iris was listening to this conversation. She had to keep Geoffrey talking so he didn’t have time to think of doing anything drastic. “Where did Daisy fit into this? She really liked you.”

“Daisy was my in to find out what you knew, but she wasn’t any help. I do feel bad about her. We had some chemistry. Maybe I’ll bring her with me.”

Lily drove slower and slower. “What? Where are you going?”

“I guess I can tell you. You won’t be able to stop me now. I’m meeting my dad at the airport. We’re heading to South America.”

“What if Daisy doesn’t want to go with you?”

“Lily. I always get what I want.” She turned and looked at the evil grin on his face.

Who is this person? It’s not the Geoffrey I’ve ever seen before.

Lily pulled into the greenhouse parking lot. Deserted. Her heart sank.

“Pull in next to the
storage building door. I want to make this quick. Time is running out. Climb out and don’t forget, I’m right behind you.”

Lily opened her door
. Jumped down, twisted her ankle and fell. Geoffrey was standing over her when sixty pounds of white, snarling, muscle leaped through the air and knocked him off his feet. His gun flew out of his hand. Rosie grabbed his arm, clamping tighter and snarling when he tried to pull free. Iris ran over and aimed her gun at Geoffrey’s head. “Game’s over, dear. We’ll just sit here until the police chief arrives. It won’t be long.”

Lily
got up and brushed herself off. “Did you hear the whole conversation?”

“Most of it. That was very clever calling me up and leaving your phone on. Ryan went to Daisy’s house but then Geoffrey changed plans. I decided to come straight her
e after I called Ryan.”

“Why did you bring Rosie?”

“She wouldn’t let me leave without her. When I got to your house, she was trying to tell me something but I just didn’t get it. I certainly misjudged what a protective dog she is.” Iris looked at Rosie and smiled. “My apologies, Rosie.”

The welcome sound of the
police siren reached their ears as Ryan pulled in. He surveyed the scene and shook his head. “I was going to ask if you’re alright but I should know better by now.”

Lily called Rosie over. Rosie jumped up, licking Lily’s face and sniffing her all over to make sure she was all in one piece. Lily gave Rosie a big hug. “You’re the best.
What would I do without you?”

Iris
answered, “Your welcome.”

Lily laughed. “Thanks M
om. Not sure what I’d do without you either.” She turned toward Ryan. “Did you hear that Geoffrey was planning to meet Tyrone at the airport? Don’t let him get away.”

Ryan slammed the door with Geoffrey securely handcuffed inside. “I’ve got the
TSA on that. They should have him in custody.” Ryan patted Rosie. “Lily gave us quite a fright when she didn’t show up at her house, didn’t she Rosie?” She replied with a woof. He smiled at Lily. “Brilliant idea to turn on speaker phone. And this dog of yours? She knew something was wrong and you needed her help.”

Iris walked to her car. “Daisy is waiting for us to fill her in on the details. I’ll follow you this time, to make sure you get to the right place.”

Lily laughed. “I like that plan. Come on Rosie.” She waved to Ryan. “See you later?”

He rolled down his window. “If it’s not too late.”

***

Letting
out a long sigh as she relaxed, Lily told Daisy, “I never thought it would feel so good to sink into your chair.”

“Come on, what happened?”

Lily stretched and asked Daisy, “Before we get started, do you have anything to drink? I would love a glass of wine.”

“Help yourself. There’s wine in the kitchen. Bring the bottle and three glasses. There’s crackers and cheese too if you’re hungry.”

Iris stood up. “I’ll get it. I think Lily needs to relax more than I do.” She returned and poured wine for everyone. “Here Rosie, you get a big bowl of water and an extra-large dog bone.”

Lily looked at Daisy. “Rosie is the real hero. But that’s the end of the story. I’ll start way before she saved my life.”

Lily took a sip of her wine and filled Daisy in on the last few hours of events. Daisy sat spellbound through the whole story. Her face drained of color when she heard about Lily being held hostage.

Daisy sighed. “That was a short romance. I did like him but good riddance to bad rubbish. I’m so over him.”

A knock on the door made them all snap to attention. Rosie woofed. Another knock. Iris went to see who it was. “Lily. There’s a reporter here to take Rosie’s picture. Your cop friend gave her all the credit and sent her here. Shall I let her in?”

“What do you think Rosie?”

Rosie woofed again and wagged her tail.

“Rosie says to let her in.”

A petite twenty-something woman walked in with her camera and notepad. “My name is Nina Baldwin. I’ve heard such glowing reports about Rosie, I’d love to do an article on her.”

Rosie was enjoying all the attention.

“I’ve got most of the story from the police. I just need a couple of photos. One with Rosie alone and one with Rosie and Lily. Everyone loves a story about a hero. Especially the four legged kind.”

Lily slept much better knowing the murderer was safely locked up. Rosie stuck to her side like glue. She wasn’t going to let Lily out of her sight.

Ryan knocked on Lily’s door mid-morning the next day, bringing a bag of muffins, hot coffee and the Sunday paper. “I see Nina Baldwin found you and Rosie yesterday. I thought you might like to read the article.”

“Come on in. I’m glad I traded my gun in for this dog. She’s incredible.
Are you going to Tamara’s house for the memorial for Clifton?”

“Yup. I thought you might like a muffin and coffee before going. W
e could go together if you want,” Ryan suggested hopefully.

“Okay. I’m planning to bring Rosie. I wonder what Tamara will say about that. She’s not fond of animals.”

Ryan laughed. “It’s about time she loosens up.”

There were only a few cars parked at Tamara’s large white colonial
when they arrived. Lily put Rosie’s leash on. “Let’s see how Tamara is holding up.”

Lily was surprised to see Iris’s scooter parked in front of the garage. “I thought my mom was bringing Marigold.
I don’t think she would bring her on the back of a scooter.”

Ryan grinned. “I haven’t known Iris for long, but it sounds
like exactly what she would do.”

The front door was open so they walked in.
The elegant living room was filled with antiques and oriental rugs. Tamara had a side board covered with delicious looking pastries and finger sandwiches. Lily saw Marigold sitting gracefully in the middle of all the activity. Melinda and Jack were deep in conversation next to Marigold. Iris and Tamara were talking and laughing by the punch bowl.

Lily looked at Ryan. “Looks like we’re that last ones here. I’m going to go say hello to Tamara.”
Lily and Rosie made their way through the room. “What are you two drinking in that punch?”

Tamara turned with a big grin on her face when she heard Lily’s voice. “Your mother brought the most delicious drink and some interesting brownies. I’ve never felt so good in my life. And guess what else?”

Lily eyed Iris. “I can’t imagine what else, Tamara.”

“Iris sold me her scooter.”

“How, um, interesting. Do you know how to ride it?”

“Not yet. Iris is going to teach me. She gave Marigold a ride over on it. You should have seen them.”

Iris handed Lily a glass of punch. “Don’t drink it too fast. Marigold loved the ride. She said she never felt the wind in her hair like that before. I promised her a ride on the Harley tomorrow.”

“The Harley?”
Lily was upset about that idea.

“Since Tamara wants my scooter
, I think I’ll dust off the Harley. Don’t look so worried. I’ll be careful.”

Lily whispered to Iris
and pulled her off to the side. “What’s in the brownies you brought? Tamara is acting like she’s stoned.”

Iris winked. “She’s finally loosening up a bit. It’s good for her. Having her world fall apart is the best thing that could have happened. She’s ready to try anything now.”

“I thought she would be a mess with Geoffrey in jail for murdering Clifton.”

“Apparently,
Tamara and Geoffrey didn’t get along well. She just asked Jack to run the greenhouses. Can you believe it?”

Lily glanced around
, wondering where Rosie had disappeared to. She couldn’t help but smile when she saw Rosie curled up next to Marigold. Marigold’s hand was stroking the soft fur of Rosie’s head resting in her lap. Lily nudged Iris. “Take a look at those two on the couch.”

Lily watched as Tamara headed toward the couch. “Uh oh. Now there will be trouble I bet.”

Tamara sat next to Rosie and rubbed her ears. Lily’s jaw dropped. “I’ve seen everything now. Tamara petting a dog? On her couch? Whatever you put in those brownies has turned her into a normal person.”

Lily and Iris laughed so hard punch came out Iris’s nose. Tamara looked over with concern. “Iris? Are you alright?” Iris just laughed louder.