The Maestro (Cold Hollow Mysteries Book 3) (8 page)

As they leaned up against the vehicle, waiting for the father-and-daughter duo, Adam elbowed her. “Can you make cannoli?” She shook her head, and he went on to explain what they were and how they were made. He then requested the use of the kitchen at the bakery early the next morning. She obliged, because Delilah would be busy with her fitting at the seamstress, and Myrna had to go to Tilly’s service with Sarah. That left Tom and Maurice to their own devices, because Liam would be in school.

Adam took the purchases from Maurice and Delilah and placed them in the back of the vehicle. They left, and Tom met them at Carla’s Fine Cuisine for lunch, where they planned the remainder of the day. Robert didn’t mind the unexpected customers, although it wasn’t his normal working hours, and personally served them. Delilah received her glass of red fluid after her meal and displayed the usual effects of eye rolling, smiling, and blushing.

Robert came over to the table to check on them and received accolades from Maurice. “You, sir, are a culinary genius.”

Robert thanked him and leaned down to Myrna. “You’re picking Sarah up at my place in the morning, correct?” Myrna nodded, and he thanked her and went back to the kitchen.

CHAPTER 9

Adam kept watch over Delilah and Liam as the little boy dragged her everywhere around the nursery. They spent most of their time with the statuaries, in particular the gnomes. There was a lengthy discussion about which gnomes would represent Maurice and him. Apparently, they had already agreed on which one would represent Delilah.

Maurice, Tom, and Myrna exited the greenhouses, where someone named Becky was working on the flower arrangements for the wedding. As Adam watched Delilah, he wondered if he should bring Frannie a little floral bouquet when they saw her at the farm the following day. He approached Delilah and Liam. “Do you kids think I should get a little something for Frannie? I bet she’d like something here.”

Liam looked up, face full of hope. “You’re going to Fran’s farm tomorrow? Can I come?”

Adam shrugged. “I don’t know. That depends on your parents and if they’ll let you miss school.”

Liam’s eyes were pleading; the kid was weakening his resolve. “But this is a special time in my life. My family is growing, and I want to spend as much time with all of you as I can.”

Adam chuckled. “I’ll talk to your grandfather. I’ll bet he can convince them to let you miss a day.” Adam pointed at the boy. “But you have to make up any work you miss.”

Liam smiled and agreed. He squeezed Delilah in a tight hug. She looked over his shoulder at Adam and said, “Get Fran a small potted rose plant. That way she can keep it inside in the winter months. I’ll help you pick it out.”

They stood and carried their three gnomes while searching for the perfect potted rose plant. There was a giant dog loping around them in circles and wagging its tail. Liam pointed at it. “That’s Hercules. He’s a good dog.”

Adam raised his eyebrows. “His name sure suits him.” He bent down, called the dog to him, and watched as it galloped over and allowed all of them to pet him.

Maurice joined them and stated, “What a fine specimen! I haven’t laid eyes on a Great Dane in ages.” He bent, stroked the dog, and commented, “This would be a fine breed to have at the mansion, don’t you think, Adam?”

Adam contemplated the question and stood tall with his hands on his hips. “You know what? I get offended when people say, ‘Get a dog if you want security.’ What makes a dog better than me for security, boss? Can you explain that to me? It pisses me off.”

Maurice reached out and patted Adam’s upper arm. “There, there, Adam. Dogs are not superior for security purposes. However, I do think that they smell things and hear things well above a human’s capability. They are merely a supreme warning system, Adam, that’s all.”

Adam’s head was bobbing a little, and his arms relaxed as he replied, “Oh, well, okay then. Let’s get one for the mansion.”

Delilah rolled her eyes at her father and watched him as he tried to restrain laughter at the fact that poor Adam felt threatened by a dog.

Liam went to Maurice and tugged on his jacket. Maurice hunched down and examined the gnome that Liam had picked out to represent him. Maurice commented, “This is a fine gnome. He is quite distinguished with his old-fashioned smoking pipe.” He leaned in to examine it closely and continued, “I find his attire is suitable as well. You’ve done a fine job, Liam.” He handed it back while wearing a smile.

Liam squished up his face and whispered, “I have a favor to ask you, Grandpa.” Maurice leaned in close and heard Liam state, “I want to miss school tomorrow so I can spend more time with you. I want to go to Fran’s farm with all of you.”

Maurice pretended to consider this request, forcing Liam to squirm. He glanced back at Myrna and Tom to find them busy with the florist and turned back to Liam. “I will see to the matter. However, you must promise to complete any assignments you miss.”

Liam lunged and hugged Maurice unexpectedly. Delilah laughed aloud at Maurice’s expression as he awkwardly wrapped his arms around Liam and patted the boy’s back.

Becky and Myrna returned to join the family, and Becky was introduced to Adam and Delilah. Becky asked them, “Do you want to see some of the arrangements for the wedding?” She pointed to the first greenhouse. Delilah needed no coaxing, and the moment she entered the greenhouse, she shrieked in excitement and shouted, “Father! It’s like a fairy tale in here!”

Maurice glanced at Tom and Myrna. “Apparently she approves, and that’s always a good thing.” They watched Adam blow a breath out of his puffed cheeks and nod.

Tom chuckled, “Father, she can’t be that bad, can she?”

Maurice and Adam turned to each other and laughed to the sky.

***

The following morning, Myrna left home dressed in black. She made her way to Robert’s house to pick up Sarah for Tilly’s funeral service. Sarah was quiet during the ride, and Myrna understood why. Sarah was dealing with the recent loss of her mother, and now this happened. Before entering the funeral parlor, Myrna turned to her and said, “I understand how you feel, Sarah. However, what would Tilly want you to do for her right now?”

Sarah sat still and said, “She’d want me to continue baking with you. She loved my cakes and cookies. She said I could be someone someday.”

Myrna smiled. “Honey, you already
are
someone. You are someone who is special to Robert and your sister Becky.”

She looked at Myrna with hopeful eyes. “And you too?”

Myrna chuckled. “And me, Tom, and little Liam. Actually, I think the town would be up in arms if you ever stopped working at the bakery. They would protest, and I would go broke.”

Sarah giggled. “You’re exaggerating.”

Myrna poked her upper arm. “Keep Tilly in your heart as you continue to bake the sweetest delights to hit Cold Hollow.”

Sarah nodded, and they exited the vehicle and entered the funeral parlor for Tilly’s service. Upon entering the visitation room, they knelt before the casket, said a prayer, gave condolences to the family, and took a seat for the service. Myrna noticed Fran O’Connor sitting two rows ahead of them. She had no idea Fran even knew Tilly, but it was nice of her to attend. The chief sat across the aisle from them. Tilly’s family was still in shock, and it showed on the mother’s face; she sat stone still, eyes glassy, and tears rolled down her cheeks in a continuous stream. The story had been that Tilly had fallen into a pit and was dragged out by a pack of wolves and pulled deep into the woods. She had a broken leg, and the wolves had finished her off. Myrna didn’t believe it. She knew who was to blame and said a silent prayer that Reginald Denning was enjoying his last few days on this earth, because he wouldn’t be enjoying much after that—not if Myrna had her way.

Sarah leaned close to Myrna and whispered, “I hope Tilly’s mother goes and sees the doctor I have for therapy.”

Myrna turned and said softly into Sarah’s ear, “I’ll recommend it to both her father and mother. I think you’re right. Doctor Tom will see to it.”

The service was short and sweet, and the two of them made their way back out to the parking lot in silence. Myrna dropped Sarah off at the bakery for work and, as predicted, Donnie was at the front of the store, waiting for her. Robert had let Sarah take the day out of school. Myrna sighed as she pulled away; the school system would be down a few children that day.

She returned home to change and found Delilah was already back from her fitting and thrilled with her maid of honor’s dress. She was fond of the colors the small bridal party would be wearing: forest green and deep cranberry. Liam was ramped up to go to the farm but currently in a deep discussion with Maurice. Tom was in the kitchen making coffee, and she joined him for a quick cup.

He turned and kissed her hello and handed her a warm mug. As she sipped it, he asked, “How was the service?”

Myrna shook her head. “Sad, so sad.”

He wrapped an arm around her and pulled her in close. “Well, let’s turn a sad day into a happy one. We’re all dressing casual today, and I suggest you do the same.” He looked at her black dress and licked his lips. “Although, I do love the way that dress clings to you.”

She giggled and slapped his chest in jest. “I can’t wait to marry you.”

He pulled away from her and teased, “Hey, I’m not an easy catch, Myrna Bradbury. You’ll have to wait until our wedding night to get fresh with me.”

Myrna laughed aloud as he pretended to run away from her. She walked to him, pinched his arm, and went upstairs to change into proper attire for their outing at the farm. They were picking Adam up at the bakery.

***

They entered the bakery to find it in chaos. There were people in line and at the tables, shouting for more cannoli. Myrna ran to the kitchen, hung her coat up, and donned an apron. Adam was wiping sweat from his forehead as he frantically filled the crispy tubes with the sweetened ricotta and nuts, drizzled a tray of them with chocolate, and sprinkled them with powdered sugar. He shoved the tray at Donnie, who rushed out to the order counter and began boxing and delivering orders to the tables.

Adam turned to Myrna with his hands in the air. “I swear, Myrna, I just wanted a few opinions from the customers.”

She laughed and replied, “Apparently, they love them. Now, show me how to make them, and I’ll help you get rid of the customers so we can leave.” He instructed her, and Sarah popped in now and then to listen so she could make them too. Within one hour, the customers had gone, and Adam had boxed some up to take to the farm for Fran.

Myrna helped Daryl clean up the kitchen and made sure they had enough stock for the lunch crowd. She also made sure Donnie had things under control before leaving.

They piled into their respective vehicles and arrived at Fran O’Connor’s farm to see her waiting to greet them.

Myrna stared at Maurice and couldn’t believe that he had actually donned a pair of jeans, a T-shirt, a nice cardigan, and sneakers. The outfit made him appear ten years younger, but she imagined he rarely got out of his business attire. It didn’t matter; the man would look good in a potato sack. Adam was dressed similarly, as was Delilah.

At Tom’s insistence, Myrna had dressed in a flannel shirt, her jeans, and boots. He wore the same, as did Liam.

They greeted Fran and thanked her for inviting them for the afternoon, and she shushed them. “I’ve needed a change of company for a long time. I mean, you can only talk to livestock for so long. They’re rotten conversationalists.”

The horses meandered up to Delilah, and she began taking pictures of them and then rubbed them down. Adam joined her, and soon Liam asked, “Can we ride them some day?”

Fran laughed and hunched down to Liam. “Why wait? What do you say about riding one today?”

Myrna opened her mouth to object, because the horses were so large, but she closed it when Fran continued on: “To start with, you’ll ride with me so you can get the feel of it. Is that okay, young man?”

Adam cleared his throat and held out a box from the bakery to Fran. “I made cannoli for you this morning. I hope you like them. It’s a gift for allowing us to spend some time on your farm.”

Fran stood, blushed, turned to Myrna, and winked. She then replied, “Well, let’s see. I think I’ll try them a little later and let you know if you passed the test.”

“What test?”

“The cannoli test. My husband, God rest his soul, was Italian. I’ll let you know, but give me a minute to put them away in the kitchen before we begin our day.” Adam followed her, arguing all the way into the farmhouse about how he was Italian and how the bakery had been flooded this morning with customers demanding more of his cannoli.

“I’m sure the women just love your cannoli, Adam.” She tittered.

He stopped, pointed at her, and chuckled, “You…”

They laughed all the way inside the home. Delilah moaned, turned to Tom, and said, “I’ve had to put up with this since we arrived here, and we’ve only been here, what…three days?”

Maurice approached her with a smile on his face. “Come now, Delilah, let’s go and saddle the horses for Frances. We can give Adam a few moments of private time.” They headed for the barn, the horses following behind the group, hoping for a handout of a carrot or apple.

As they entered the barn, they found Reginald mucking stalls. Maurice smiled and greeted him. “Good morning, sir. How fortuitous. It seems we meet again!”

Reginald dropped his pitchfork, wiped his hands on his jeans, and approached Maurice. He held out his hand and introduced himself. “I’m Reginald Denning. Pleased to meet you. I’m sorry if I didn’t catch your name yesterday.”

Maurice waved the comment away. “It was understandable, after what happened to you. My name is Maurice Gillette. If you could help us find the horse blankets and saddles, we’ll let you get back to business.”

Reginald stood and stared at Delilah. He smiled that charming smile and said, “I never even asked your name, and you were kind enough to allow me to sit with you the other day.”

Delilah stepped forward and extended her hand as she displayed a stunning smile while batting her eyelashes. “I’m Delilah.”

He delicately shook her hand, stood tall, and looked at Myrna, Tom, and Liam. “Good to see you again, Mayor.”

Myrna almost sneered but corrected herself and nodded at him. She didn’t reply. Liam went to Maurice and tugged on his shirt. “Are you going to let me ride on top with you, Grandpa?”