Page 25

Chapter Twenty-Five

At four o’clock, Alan dropped Clare off at Liz’s house before pulling into our driveway. She wanted some time for herself, then planned to come to our family night. Since I thought I should lend a hand in my garden shop until we closed, Alan told me he’d let Sophie out while he did some yard work.

Lydia, watering the perennials and hanging baskets, gave me a hearty welcome. “Kareen’s inside with a customer. How was your day?”

“Good, though I’m not sure if I accomplished anything. We still can’t find Liz Sterling.” I hadn’t divulged details about our investigation, but she knew our neighbor was missing.

“It’s strange that no one has seen her. Kareen told me that she and Gerome hadn’t met anyone on their side of the street, so she wouldn’t know her if she bumped into her.”

“Same here, though I saw her picture and think she’s been in Butterflies and Blooms . Anyway, did you have a busy day? ”

“Not too bad, but enough that I needed Kareen’s help. Did you place the wholesale order yet?”

“I did, but it won’t arrive until Monday.”

She nodded while turning the nozzle to the off position. “I sold the last rake today, so we should start another list.”

“I made a lucky guess,” I boasted. “Three dozen should be in Monday’s delivery.”

“You’re so smart.” She chuckled while she dragged the hose to its place at the side of the house.

I waited for her at the pergola. “Don’t forget, you have the weekend off.”

She scrunched her nose. “Our plans fell through, so I can come in if you need me.”

“You haven’t had a day off since before I went to Japan.”

“I know, but this is my happy place.”

“Well, let’s play it by ear,” I said as we walked inside. I had no idea if we’d unearth any leads for our investigative case, but I wanted the freedom to work with Alan if anything should pop up. At the same time, I had the responsibility for my business, and needed to stay on top of things at the shop. Balancing both wasn’t easy.

Kareen finished processing a transaction before greeting me. “Look what the cat dragged in,” she teased. “Any luck today?”

“Not yet,” I replied cryptically.

She had a line of customers, so I helped with bagging or gift wrapping purchases while Lydia took care of those needing items from the greenhouse. By five o’clock, we were able to lock the door and tidy the shop.

I didn’t want to delay the beginning of their weekend, even if they seemed in no hurry to leave. We chatted briefly about the upcoming Harvest Gala, which neither had yet experienced, and Lydia offered a few suggestions for merchandise she thought we may want to stock for the occasion.

“They’re great ideas,” I acknowledged, “and the garden club girls had some, too.” Kareen nodded her agreement. “Since Alan and I are involved with an investigation, the two of you should be our team leaders.”

Neither of them had a problem with taking charge, and just the thought of their assistance removed much of the stress I felt in advance of the town’s fundraising event. As we prepared to leave, I told them I’d handle Butterflies and Blooms for the weekend, and would only call on them in an emergency.

They didn’t look as if they believed me, yet I seriously intended to spend the weekend in my garden shop.

^^^

At home, I grabbed a cold bottle of water from the fridge, then put paper plates and napkins on the kitchen island. Alan had placed the three boxes of pizzas in the warm oven before he went outside, and I knew none would go to waste. We even liked it cold the next day.

I never knew what time to expect everyone for family night, and it didn’t really matter. Jessica or Ryan had to pick up Sean from his after-school program, depending on which of them could leave work a little early. On the other hand, Judy closed Trinkets and Treasures at five, though Tom had band practice until five-thirty. I suspected they’d arrive together.

At the beginning of the summer, Tom Franklin arrived in Aspen Notch to begin his new job as high school band director. He hoped to get settled in town before starting the academic year, but our mayor, Lou Greene, wanted him to organize a rock band to perform for the 4th of July.

Luckily, Tom met Judy who had once planned events for her deceased husband’s professional rock band. I considered Judy fortunate as well, because she found someone who shared her interests. I had to admit, we all considered them a perfect match.

Alan came in to wash up at the kitchen sink. “Sean’s in the yard playing with Sophie, and Jessica’s changing her clothes. Any word from Judy?”

“No, but I’m sure she’ll be here. What about Ryan?”

“He’s on location for a late-breaking story, but he’ll be here eventually. I hope he doesn’t mind interviewing Clare.”

I retrieved a cold bottle of water for him while he dried his hands. Loosening the cap, I asked, “Do you think that’ll help?”

He nodded pensively. “We might gain some leads.”

“We usually don’t talk about an investigation, so why is this one different?”

“We’re searching for a person of interest, and we need to find her before the trail goes cold.”

That made sense, plus no one committed a crime—as far as we knew. Alan figured that a news story about a missing person in town might go viral, which could bring favorable results, and we needed a helpful tip from someone who may have seen Liz during the week.

As a worst-case scenario, the police, or a concerned citizen, would find her lifeless body. I didn’t want to think about that.

Clare tapped on the storm door before pulling it open and walking in. “Am I too early? ”

“Not at all,” I assured her. “Sean’s outside playing with Sophie, and the others will arrive soon.”

She handed me Liz’s day planner. “My sister had a few things on her schedule for this week, so you and Alan should take a look.”

“We will, thanks.” I put it on the entry table, and noticed Tom pull into our driveway with Judy in the passenger seat.

As they exited the vehicle, I explained their relationship to us, then introduced them when they walked in. Soon after, Jessica entered through the back door, followed by Sophie and Sean, and everyone began talking at the same time.

The chaos could have overwhelmed Clare, but she took it in stride by sitting on the sofa and rubbing Sophie’s ears. Judy and Tom also took their seats in the living room before engaging her in conversation.

Alan handled the kitchen scene, letting Sean help set up the pizzas and beverages, while I added food and water to Sophie’s bowls. Jessica leaned over to murmur, “Has Clare’s sister come home yet?”

I kept my voice low. “No, not yet. We’re hoping Ryan will interview Clare tonight, then write an article for the Gazette about Liz having gone missing.”

She glanced at her watch. “He should be here soon, and I’m sure he’ll be happy to help. It’s just so strange, don’t you think?”

“I do, yet we have no leads. It’s been almost a week since anyone has seen Liz, although Mark found her car abandoned in lovers’ lane.”

Jessica’s eyes widened. “That’s creepy. Remember when I was tied and left in the coal mine next to human bones? ”

I nodded. “Yes, and they belonged to Ruth Jeffers’ fiancé. I’ll never forget my panic when you went missing.”

“Could something similar have happened to Liz?” she whispered. “I mean, maybe she took a walk and somehow entered a mine entrance.”

“What would be the odds of that? Besides, all of the adits are sealed now, so I don’t think so.”

She shrugged. “Well, as an alternative theory, Liz may not have wanted Clare to visit, so she’s hiding.”

I knew that possibility existed, but I didn’t believe it. With all we’d learned about Liz Sterling, she’d certainly have had the courage to tell her sister not to bother visiting. Something else was at play, but what could it be?