Christmas Tree Catastrophe (Lily Bloom Cozy Mystery Series Book 6) (6 page)

The sky outside on Sunday morning appeared as bleak as Lily felt. Rolling over, Lily opened her eyes to find Rosie next to the bed staring at her with her head cocked at an angle. “Everything’s okay Rosie. I’ll figure this out. It’s certainly not how I would choose to spend these few days before my wedding, but sometimes helping a friend is more important than anything else.” Rosie wagged her tail. “You always understand. And luckily for me, you always figure out how to help the ones you love.” Lily had to smile at her ever optimistic doggy friend. “Thanks for cheering me up. Come on, let’s find out what’s going on downstairs.” Lily followed the aroma of freshly brewing coffee and found Iris and Walter hunkered down in the kitchen.

Iris smiled when Lily walked in. “We’ve been busy making a plan to get Tamara out of jail. It should be a cinch.”

Lily raised an eyebrow as she picked up her favorite coffee mug, the one with a picture of Rosie as a puppy, and poured herself some coffee. “I’m not sure I even want to hear this plan, but go ahead since I’m sure you’ll tell me whether I want to hear it or not.” She pulled out a chair and got comfortable across from Walter.

“Well,” Iris began, “all you need to do is distract Ryan, which should be simple for you, then steal his keys so Walter and I can unlock her jail cell and whisk her away.”

“Superb plan. Except for one teeny tiny glitch. Where are you going to whisk her away to before the three of you are apprehended and all of you are tossed into jail and, on top of that, they’ll throw the keys away for good measure.” Lily sucked in a breath and smiled at the scowl on her mother’s face. “Oh, you were serious. No, I won’t seduce Ryan so you can bust Tamara out. I think he would throw me in jail too for aiding and abetting the criminal and jail isn’t exactly the setting I had in mind for my wedding day.”

Iris chewed on the tip of her pen. “Okay, we’ll go to plan B.”

“Do I dare ask what plan B is? And if that doesn’t work, is there a plan C?”

“Plan B will work. You are plan B.” Iris smiled. “You will figure this out. Just like you always do, Lily. Ask some questions, find some clues, throw it all together and BAM, there’s the murderer.” Iris slammed her hand down on the table for emphasis, making both Lily and Walter jump. “Oh, and try not to get yourself killed while you’re doing all of the above.”

“You make it sound so straight forward and easy. I’ve been going over everything in my head ever since I saw the shadow under the tree on Friday night. I remember Tamara walking out with Malcolm, the murder weapon is her brick, but, come on, we all agree she’s not a killer. What would her motive be?”

Iris put the dirty cups in the sink and got eggs out of the fridge. “You don’t have to convince us. Tamara has been my friend forever, and under all the pompous exterior, is a decent person.” Iris started to crack eggs into a bowl. “Everyone want eggs and hash browns for breakfast?”

Rosie stood up and walked toward the front door wagging her tail. “Eggs sound good. Is there enough for me?” Ryan stood in the doorway with dark circles around his eyes.

Lily thought she would be mad at him but when she saw his tired and sad face, her heart melted. She couldn’t help herself but get up and give him a hug.

The hash browns sizzled and Iris whisked the eggs into her big glass bowl. “Ryan, grab some coffee and make yourself comfortable. There’s plenty and we’ll let you eat before we give you a hard time about Tamara.”

Ryan grinned at Iris. “I guess you’re being fair.” He and Lily walked back to the table with their arms wrapped around each other. “But don’t forget, we are the ones listening to all her talking, so it’s not easy at the station at the moment. I had to get out of there before I went completely crazy listening to her yak yak yaking.”

Plates were filled with steaming scrambled eggs, salsa, hash browns and toast. The silverware clinked on the plates until everyone had their fill. Ryan pushed his chair back, sighed, and told Iris her breakfast was the best food he’d had in the last twenty four hours.

“Probably the only food you managed to find the time to eat, but thanks anyway. Now, what in tarnation made you arrest that poor woman?” She stood with her hands on her hips giving Ryan her evil eyeball stare.

Sitting forward, he stared right back at Iris. “You know I can’t tell you the details about this case.” He finished his coffee and placed his cup on the table. “Delicious coffee, by the way. Now, if you want to help your friend, ask her about her past relationship with Malcolm. I found out some interesting information that I’m guessing she hasn’t shared with anyone.” He pushed his chair back and stood up. “If you’ll excuse me, my bed is calling.” He kissed Lily and told her he couldn’t wait to be with her at the opening later.

“Well, I never,” Iris stammered. “He ate my food and didn’t even give us any information. Lily, I hope you aren’t making a big mistake by marrying that cop.”

Lily couldn’t help but chuckle at her mother’s attempt to blackmail Ryan. “But he did give us a bit of information. Let’s get these dishes cleaned up and give Tamara a visit. She’s probably out of her mind by now and she’ll be ready to tell us whatever Ryan was hinting about.”

***

Lily and Iris were led into a small room where Tamara was waiting for them. A policeman closed and locked the door, on guard outside the door until they were ready to leave.

Tamara leaned as far across the table as she could. “You won’t believe who my cellmate is,” she whispered.

Iris’s eyes widened. “A mass murderer?”

“No, don’t be ridiculous.” Tamara settled back in her chair. “This is Misty Valley. No mass murderer would be in this jail.”

“Well, you’re here and they think you’re a murderer.”

Tamara waved the comment off like it was nothing. “That’s different. No, I’m sharing the cell with a prostitute. Can you believe it? Here? In Misty Valley? And, she’s smart, kind and thoughtful. She just made some bad choices and got down on her luck and got desperate and—”

“Slow down,” Lily said, interrupting Tamara. “Before you tell us those details, we need to talk about you. I’m not sure how long we’ll be allowed to stay in here, so you need to help us if we’re going to figure out a way to help you.”

Tamara took a deep breath. “Okay. There isn’t much I can tell you though. I didn’t kill Malcolm and I don’t have a clue who did.”

Lily wasn’t going to beat around the bush. “What’s your history with Malcolm Moss, Tamara? Is there something that could make it appear like you had a motive to kill him?”

Tamara’s face turned a light shade of pink. Scrunching up her mouth, her eyes went everywhere else in the room except to face Lily. “History? Is that necessary? All the painful stuff that I blocked out years ago? I’d much rather tell you how I plan to help my cellmate once we’re out of here—therapy, an apartment—”

Lily stood up. “Stop changing the subject or I’m leaving. I want to help you but I can’t if you don’t level with us. What is it that Ryan thinks is your motive to kill Malcolm?”

A tear leaked from the corner of Tamara’s eye and she wiped her nose with the sleeve of her shirt. “A few years ago, Malcolm and I went to an event together. I drove. On the way home, I had an accident. Malcolm contacted some of his friends and took care of the problem.”

Lily sat down and reached across the table, putting her hand on top of Tamara’s. “What was the problem?”

“I am only aware of what he told me since I had a concussion and lost my memory for the whole night.” She looked up at Lily and Iris. “He told me I hit someone and he made me get in the passenger seat and he drove away.”

Iris covered her mouth with her hand. “I remember that accident. It was a hit and run and the police never solved the case.”

Tamara nodded. “That’s right. He’s been blackmailing me ever since. Nothing extravagant, but I helped him with a down payment for his car and stuff like that.”

Lily slammed her hands on the table, leaping up from her chair so quickly it tipped over backwards, crashing on the floor. “That’s ridiculous. If you have no memory of the night, maybe he made the whole thing up. And, if he drove away, he’s responsible too. How could you let him hold it over you for all this time, Tamara?”

She hung her head. “I was scared and had no reason not to believe him. Now it’s too late and it certainly makes me appear to be the one most likely to have a motive for wanting him dead.”

“It’s a good thing he’s dead or I’d kill him myself,” Iris said as she pounded her fist into her open palm for emphasis.

Lily and Iris drove back to Iris’s home trying to form a plan.

“This can’t be good for Tamara but I don’t believe for one second that she killed Malcolm Moss,” Lily said, expressing both of their frustrations. “We’ll need to keep our eyes and ears sharp at the opening tonight. With Tamara in jail, whoever the real killer is will relax a little and make a mistake.”

“That’s assuming the killer comes to the opening and Malcolm’s murder wasn’t some random killing,” Iris added.

“Well, yeah, there is that possibility, but I don’t think it was random. The weather was so bad Friday night, who would have been out to just randomly bump into Malcolm in the library parking lot? I think the murderer was someone already at the library or someone who knew he would be there.”

“So, who was helping decorate?”

“Me, but I know I didn’t kill him. Nick left a little after Tamara and Malcolm. Penny and Crystal left about the same time but through another door. I guess it’s possible one of them walked around and waited until Malcolm was alone and whacked him with Tamara’s brick, pulled him under the tree and got back to their car before I went out. But what’s there motive?”

Lily parked in front of Iris’s house, surprised to see Ryan’s car. “I don’t think he got caught up on his sleep,” she said to Iris.

Ryan was inside chatting with Daisy who was cooking up a storm. The conversation stopped mid-sentence as Lily and Iris entered the kitchen. Ryan was lounging at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee and some kind of muffin in front of him. He questioned Lily before taking a bite. “Did Tamara fill you in on her past?”

Lily nodded and pulled a chair out next to Ryan. “She did, but the whole thing sounds fishy to me. Malcolm could have told her anything if she had no memory of the night. And how convenient that he’s not around now? I’ve been wondering . . .” Lily paused and took a bite of Ryan’s muffin. “Do you think he was blackmailing someone else too? It seems to be his method of controlling people. And what about his partner, Eddie Parker? Where was he Friday night? His personality switches between Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde every time I’m around him.” She wiped some crumbs from her face. “Delicious muffins Daisy. Apple cranberry?”

Daisy smiled. “Yup. I also added some dates for sweetness which lets me cut down on the sugar.”

“Get your own muffin.” Ryan slapped Lily’s hand away from his muffin and popped the rest in his mouth before Lily had a chance to steal any more from him. “Eddie Parker was visiting his mother at the Rosewood Assisted Living facility. Tamara walked out with Malcolm, had access to the murder weapon, her prints are all over the murder weapon and she has a pretty strong motive to murder him. Means, motive and opportunity. I’d say your friend better find herself a very good lawyer.”

“Doesn’t it seem odd for Tamara to use a brick with her name on it, then plant the brick in her own car? And who else’s fingerprints are on the brick. I know I held it, probably everyone at the library Friday night held it.”

“Lily, sometimes people aren’t what they seem. I like how you are so loyal to your friend but the evidence is all pointing at her.” Ryan stood up. “I’ve got to get back to work. Thanks for the coffee and muffin, Daisy.”

Lily grabbed his arm. “What about the brick through my shop window? Did you make any progress on that yet? Or the break-in at Malcolm’s house? Are they connected?”

“There’s a good chance the break-ins are connected and we’re getting closer to figuring out who the culprit is, but there isn’t anything concrete yet to connect the break-ins to the murder.”

“Are you serious? And Crystal Parker had a whole pile of bricks in her car? It’s winter, not exactly the time of year to be building a walkway.”

“I know you want this solved yesterday and to get Tamara out of jail, but the process doesn’t work at the speed of light. We are moving forward methodically, and with a little luck I won’t be forced to throw you in jail for your own safety.” He smiled and gave her a quick kiss on the top of her head. “Even if I do, you still won’t be able to get out of marrying me on Wednesday night. A jail cell ceremony—something unique to make our wedding memorable,” he teased.

Lily waited until she heard the front door close. “I think his judgment is clouded because of our wedding. Let’s get back to figuring this out or Tamara will be spending more time in jail than she’s planning on.” She waited for Iris and Daisy to offer suggestions.

Daisy turned back to her baking, pulling another tray of muffins out of the oven. “Ryan does make a valid point. Without any evidence to point to someone else, the only conclusion does seem to point to Tamara having a temporary moment of insanity.”

Iris shook her head. “No. I don’t believe insanity for one second. There isn’t a violent bone in Tamara’s body. She tries too hard to get everyone to like her. I suppose that’s why she never questioned Malcolm’s story about the car accident. Let’s get ready for the opening and see what can of worms we can stir up tonight.”

***

At three o’clock, Lily looked out of the sunroom windows toward the library and was happy that the blue spruce’s Christmas lights were already twinkling. “Hurry up, I told Jennifer I’d meet her at three,” she yelled to her mother and sister.

“Hold your horses. Jennifer’s a big girl, she’ll figure out what to do if we’re a little bit late.” Iris twirled around. “What do you think?”

Lily hid a smile with the back of her hand. “You’re outfit is, well, festive.”

“Of course, I’m festive, it’s a Christmas party, right?”

“Actually, it’s the library opening and the Christmas season, so if you stand next to the Christmas tree, I think someone will think you’re a present.” Lily looked at the bright red wool skirt and red and green plaid sweater combination, which clashed with Iris’s purple hair. “Where did you even get your colorful outfit?”

Iris glanced down at herself. “This has been in my closet for years, waiting for the right occasion to pull it out again. Should I change? You aren’t dressed in the Christmas spirit.”

“Sure I am. Dark green skirt, white cashmere sweater and a hint of red in this ruby and silver necklace that Ryan gave me.”

Daisy entered the sunroom looking elegant in her plum velvet dress and raised her eyebrows when she took in the effect of Iris’s outfit. “Are you going dressed like that Mom?” Daisy started to giggle and Lily joined in, unable to control herself any longer.

Iris joined in the laughter. “I know, I’ll save this for Lily’s wedding.” She laughed even louder when she saw their horrified expressions. “Just kidding. I’ll go change. I certainly don’t want to embarrass you girls.”

Returning, she had on a black skirt, red blouse and a white string of pearls. “Better?”

Walter followed her into the sunroom with his camera. He motioned with his hands for them to move together. “Stand in front of the Christmas tree. I want a photo of all of you together in your holiday finest.” He clicked several times and checked to be sure he had a good shot with everyone’s eyes open and nice smiles. “Perfect. I’ll meet you three beautiful blooms at the library later.”

The front entrance of the library was designed to be a replica of one of Noah Lyman’s books. As they walked up to the doorway, lights twinkled around the edges, and it felt like they were walking right into one of his mysteries. Apparently, the timer for the lights was working properly and everything sparkled with the many tiny white Christmas lights decorating every available space. Lily had seen all the decorations on Friday night but Iris and Daisy were seeing everything for the first time.

Daisy put her plate of Christmas cookies on the table that Jennifer had set up. “This is gorgeous in here. Lights, flowers, greens and presents under the tree. Did you do all this Lily?”

“No, lots of people helped. Let me get that for you Jennifer.” Lily pulled one folding table open and set it next to the one Jennifer already had in place. She fluffed the white tablecloth and let the cloth settle in place on the table. “Do you need help carrying anything else in?”

Jennifer set a big punch bowl in the center of one table. “There are a few more containers in my car if you’re looking for something to do. I hope I brought enough. How many people are you expecting?”

“The whole town will probably show up with all the drama connected to the library. You know how gossip takes on a life of its own.”

Lily and Iris started lugging the rest of Jennifer’s food inside as she arranged her appetizers on plates and Daisy set out the desserts on another table. She popped a mini black bottom cheesecake bar into her mouth when she thought no one was looking.

“I saw you sneak a bar, Daisy.” Jennifer wagged her finger, pretending to scold.

With her mouth full, Daisy mumbled, “This is so good. I want to try one of everything.”

Three musicians came in carrying their instruments, chairs and music stands. “Where do you want us to setup? We’re a little early so we can get warmed up and be playing when the guests start arriving,” a tall blond asked.

Lily pointed to the corner. “Over next to the Christmas tree should be the best spot.

Everything screamed out a festive atmosphere as the music softly played in the background. The four women helped themselves to glasses of eggnog, surveyed the room and sighed with relief that everything was in place just in time.

The library door opened and Crystal and Penny pushed through yelling at each other.

Lily rolled her eyes. Of course it was too much to expect for tonight to go without any problems, she thought. How convenient for the two of them. With Malcolm dead and Tamara in jail, they better expect to be involved in a power struggle for who should fill the void in the library hierarchy. Crystal Parker or Penny Jackson? Lily was going to keep a sharp eye on them throughout the night.