Page 7

Chapter Seven

I had enough time to walk through Butterflies and Blooms before Lydia would arrive, so I started at the greenhouse, located behind the garden shop. It looked as if I’d soon have to place an order for plants needed for the Harvest Gala, although we had enough stock to see us through the next few weeks.

The fall perennials lining the walkway back to the retail shop still had blooms, though only a few hanging plants remained on the pergola. It would soon be time to offer them at a reduced price or store them for the winter months.

Entering through the side door of the old log cabin that had become Butterflies and Blooms , I strolled along the aisles to see that Lydia had added a supply of machine-embroidered aprons, a number of fall wreaths, and herb dish gardens. Without a doubt, they would all sell well.

Comforting vibes surrounded me, and I attributed those to the colorful array of plants, their fragrant aromas, and the unique garden items we stocked, all of which Lydia had inspired. As far as gardening was concerned, her knowledge and skills far exceeded mine—and she understood the business side, as well.

Lydia radiated a tranquil spirit that may have emanated from her Native American roots. As a full blood Lenni Lenape, tall and sinewy, she proudly quoted words of wisdom to me that her parents and grandparents taught her. Every time, I’d learned something of value.

After donning my apron, I checked the register to see how much cash I needed to take from the safe we’d recently purchased for under the steps to the loft. Bolted to the floor, it provided a prudent option to secure our income while in Japan until I could do a bank deposit upon our return. I totally trusted Lydia with the combination.

I had just added smaller bills to the register when I noticed Lydia’s approach from the front window. She always parked in the church lot across the street so as not to take one of the few spots we had for off-street parking, which I greatly appreciated.

I busied myself with preparing for business when she opened the side door and flipped on the lights. She didn’t look surprised to see me. “Welcome home, boss. How was your trip?”

I smiled enthusiastically. “Absolutely fabulous! I still have to organize my photos, but I’ll show you some of them later. How’d everything go here?”

“No problems at all,” she said, returning my smile. “I even found time to have a game booth meeting with Ryan and Jessica since I’m in charge of our part of the Harvest Gala. You’ll be glad to know that we’ll have everything under control.”

“I can’t begin to tell you how grateful I am! Last year’s festival stressed me so much that I never wanted to see another one. Thanks for taking it on.”

“You’re welcome. I’ve also convinced my husband, Don, to help us, along with Kareen and Gerome Barclay.”

“What about Evelyn Sandler?” I thought of her as my best friend in Aspen Notch, and she typically assisted me in the garden shop during the festival. She was also on the steering committee and oversaw all of the game booths, making her quite busy in the weeks leading up to the Harvest Gala.

“I spoke with Evelyn the other day and she plans to help ring up sales as she’s done in the past.” She paused before adding, “I can also volunteer my time if you’d like.”

“Our involvement to organize the fundraiser ahead of time is on a volunteer basis, which our mayor truly appreciates,” I said, “but I intend to pay you and Kareen for working in the shop that weekend. You won’t believe how busy it gets, especially with the game booths on our parking lot.”

She grinned. “I can hardly wait!”

I could only shake my head. Lydia had no idea how chaotic it would become in the next few weeks.

^^^

Our first customer came in search of yellow mums for her patio, so Lydia offered to show her what we had in the greenhouse. That gave me time to take a look at the list of things to order that she’d left at my workstation.

After Lydia processed the transaction and helped carry the flats to the woman’s car, she returned to ask, “Who’s the lady with Alan? They’re crossing Church Street with suitcases.”

I glanced out the side window. “That’s Clare Dolan. She was on our flight from Chicago, and her sister supposedly lives across the street.”

“That’s an interesting coincidence,” Lydia stated. “Should I assume that you and Alan know her sister?”

“No, we don’t, which makes me wonder.”

Lydia stood at the side door watching the action. “How so?”

“She says she’s a nun who works as a missionary in Africa.”

“Wow! That’s very interesting.”

“I suppose so,” I agreed, “but it just seemed weird that the three of us were traveling from Chicago to Aspen Notch.”

“That’s definitely unusual since our small town is relatively unknown.” Lydia continued to watch the action across the street. “They’re knocking on Kareen’s front door now.”

“Probably to ask if the Barclays know Liz Sterling. That’s Clare’s sister, who’s not home although her car’s in the garage.”

“Did Clare’s sister not expect her?” Lydia turned to face me with a questioning gaze.

“Supposedly, she did.”

I stood to join Lydia at the side door and we watched as Alan and Clare went from door-to-door speaking for just a few minutes with whomever answered the doorbell. At house number 147, Alan left the suitcase he carried on the porch, then returned home.

Before any other customers arrived, I told Lydia how Clare had stayed overnight with Alan and me, as well as our search of her sister’s house with Mark Matthews’ assistance. “I hate to think she’s hoodwinked us, but her story just doesn’t add up.”

Lydia nodded slowly. “Do you think she concocted the tale to gain your trust, then steal from you or the lady across the street?”

“I don’t know what to think. I tend to be gullible, so maybe I’ve learned to be more cautious before I trust someone I’ve never met.”

She smiled enigmatically. “Perhaps, though something may have triggered your disbelief. Does she avoid eye contact or act suspiciously?”

“No, but she doesn’t look like a nun. On top of that, Alan and I heard her leave the house this morning but found her sitting in the kitchen when we eventually showered and dressed. She must have left our door unlocked so she could come back in.”

Lydia chuckled. “That’s not a crime and she obviously felt your generous welcome. You should be honored.”

I returned to my workstation saying, “I don’t usually need such an attitude adjustment, so thanks for your advice. I brought you something from Japan, but I forgot to bring it with me. Do you mind if I go home to get it? I’ll be right back.”

“You shouldn’t have, and I don’t mind. In fact, I think you should take the day off for recuperation after such a long flight.”

“You’re a dear, and I’ll take time for lunch and a little rest. Plan on me being back by three. Okay?”

“That sounds perfect,” she agreed.