Posies and Poison (Sweetfern Harbor Mystery Book 1) Read online

  “I came back in a couple of times. I met with Jenny at Blossoms and stayed a half hour or so after a quick trip to the post office. Then I went to Hope’s bakery. We spoke a few minutes. Mostly about the lawsuit, but that wasn’t unusual.”

  “We found a cup at the Pendleton home that Lady Pendleton drank her coffee from that day,” said Mac.

  Molly looked up quickly. “That would have been Logan—he was in the shop when Lady Pendleton and William came in.”

  Molly clenched her fingers and then opened her hands wide as if stretching them. Brenda watched her clasp them again and again in the few seconds before anyone spoke.

  “Someone in this town poisoned Lady Pendleton,” said the detective.

  “Maybe she poisoned herself,” suggested Molly, not quite meeting anyone’s eyes. “Everyone knows how miserable a person she was. I can just see her ending her own life.”

  Mac leaned forward. “I’ll keep that in mind, Molly. But in the meantime, don’t leave town. I’ll have more questions for you.” Molly’s face paled. She stood and walked slowly from the office.

  When the door closed, Mac said, “I believe it was Molly. Maybe Logan served the coffee, but she could have been the one who prepared it. Or maybe she laced the coffee beans that Lady Pendleton picked up that afternoon. Interestingly enough, we haven’t found those coffee beans anywhere, so we can’t test them. And Molly showed extreme nervousness, as if she has something to hide.” He leaned back in his chair. “I’m going to prepare a warrant for her arrest.”

  Brenda stared at him. “If she drank laced coffee, why didn’t William ingest the poison as well? Besides, what evidence do you have to arrest Molly?”

  “I don’t have enough—not yet. I’m simply going to prepare a warrant. Once the cup gets back from the lab I believe I’ll have the evidence against her and will then serve the warrant.”

  “You seem pretty confident, Mac. I think there are more suspects to question again to be sure.”

  “I’ll consider that, Brenda, but I feel sure Molly is the one involved.”

  On her way home, Brenda thought about the handsome man who was beginning to steal her heart and the confusion of this sudden development in the case. She pulled over to the curb, trying to think. The detective was intent on arresting someone who may have the means and motive for murder, but it wasn’t a slam dunk by any means. Could he be trying to divert everyone’s attention from his daughter, Jenny?

  She had not asked Mac on what grounds his supervisor had cleared Jenny from suspicion. His daughter was good friends with the bakery owner as well as the owner of the coffee shop. Could she have worked with her friends to poison Lady Pendleton, or tried to frame one of her friends for the murder?

  Brenda thought through her suspicions of Jenny, but in the end, none of them were truly viable. She knew it wouldn’t have been the norm to serve refreshments in the florist’s shop and so far, no one had mentioned Jenny sneaking around with antifreeze.

  The biggest puzzle was why Mac was so sure Molly Lindsey was the one who poisoned Lady Pendleton when Logan had served the coffee drinks that day. But she didn’t have time to answer that question, because it was time to visit Pete Graham. Brenda glanced at her watch. She knew he went into work very early in the morning and was home shortly after noon. She dialed his number.

  “I’m running a few errands but will be finished in about twenty minutes,” he said. “I can come over to the bed and breakfast if you’d like.”

  “I’m on my way back there now. Come around to the rose garden and we can talk there.”

  Brenda asked the kitchen for a pitcher of lemonade and a small plate of cookies. She headed to the garden with the tray to wait for Pete Graham. Perhaps it would be different to talk with him away from the usual crowds who waited for the latest gossip around town.

  She looked up when she heard his voice and invited Pete to sit down with her at the small wrought iron table under the arbor of climbing roses in shades of crimson and pale pink. She poured lemonade into a glass and handed it to him.

  He took a long drink, savoring its coolness in the heat of the summer day. “This lemonade is the best in town. Someday I’d like to have your chef tell me what her secret ingredient is,” he said.

  “She may not want to tell you, in case you tell everyone,” said Brenda in a joking tone. She grew serious. “As you know, I’ve been helping Mac with the investigation. I want to ask you some questions about the letters you carried between William and Phyllis.”

  “Sure,” he said. He sipped the cold drink and waited.

  “When did the exchanges begin?”

  “I’ve been doing that for William and Phyllis for over two years. I was careful and until that final day, Lady Pendleton had no idea our game was going on.”

  “It seems that is the one secret you kept quite well, if it went on for over two years.”

  “I thought William needed a little fun in his life. I can’t imagine what it must have been like to be married to someone like Lady Pendleton. Besides, he offered me a reward.” When Brenda asked about the reward, he told her that several times a year William paid him a modest sum of money for keeping their secret. “He said he couldn’t afford much, but he said that when his wife died, he would inherit most of her wealth. He promised I wouldn’t have long to wait. At that point, I could expect more of a reward than I could imagine.” Pete’s grin covered his face. “He told me just the other day how much he appreciated my discretion on his behalf. In less than a month I will get my real reward.” He chuckled. “I surprised myself how well I kept that secret, but money talks, as they say.”

  Brenda immediately wondered why William Pendleton had not revealed this part of the arrangement to Detective Rivers, and resolved to figure out how it fit into the puzzle. Moreover, Pete seemed unaware of how odd it sounded that William had seemed so sure Lady Pendleton would die first, and soon.

  But in the meantime, as they kept talking, she realized Pete had nothing more to add other than the usual town gossip. After another glass of lemonade, they said goodbye and he walked back toward town. Brenda sat under the sweet-scented rose arbor, watching the ocean and thinking back to the cocktail party after the boat race, back before life in Sweetfern Harbor had become so complicated.

  Chapter Seven

  Getaways

  The next morning, Brenda drove to the Pendleton mansion, wanting to solve an important question she had been left with after her talk with Pete. Had William Pendleton been hinting to Pete Graham that he knew his wife would die soon?

  The grand house was quiet and she relished the chance to observe its luxurious surroundings. She could only imagine what was on the inside of the place. When she knocked, however, she was informed that William was not at home, and so she took her time climbing back into her car, taking in the elaborately landscaped gardens and elegant views.

  William Pendleton was a wealthy man indeed if Lady Pendleton had left this all to him. Not to mention he now owned most of Sweetfern Harbor as well.

  On her way home, Brenda did a double take when she noticed Carrie’s cousin Kelly from New York chatting with Logan Tucker on the sidewalk. It struck her as odd that he should be out socializing a block away from the coffee shop when she knew that Molly was not at Morning Sun at the moment. Molly had been delivering pastries to the Sheffield Bed and Breakfast and stopping in for one of her chats with her mother and Carrie. She had to have still been at the bed and breakfast since Brenda hadn’t been gone long.

  Kelly Martin threw her head back and laughed at something Logan said. He gave her his trademark roguish grin and turned back in the direction of the coffee shop. Brenda slowed down and gave Kelly time to walk a half block ahead before she pulled over and offered her a ride back to Sheffield Bed and Breakfast. Brenda opted to refrain from mentioning seeing the two together.

  “How long are you planning to stay in Sweetfern Harbor?” Brenda asked as they drove.

  “I’m trying to convince Carrie to
come back with me to New York. We could share an apartment and she could break out of her rut. If I can’t get her to commit to it soon, it probably won’t happen. I have to leave in a day or so.”

  “She seems very happy here,” said Brenda.

  “She likes her job, and you too, Brenda, but she once had big dreams. When her parents died suddenly several years ago she lost all ambition. She always dreamed of becoming a pharmacist. Her parents had saved money for her education and her father encouraged her to follow her dreams. He was a pharmacist and I guess he saw her potential.”

  “I had no idea,” said Brenda. “I agree she should try and reach her goals. Is she interested in going back with you?”

  “I think so. She just needs a push,” said Kelly.

  Brenda pulled into her parking space behind the bed and breakfast. Kelly thanked her for the ride and for her hospitality during her stay. Brenda sat in her car thinking about everything she learned from Kelly Martin. When she entered the back door, she heard raised voices coming from down the hallway. The chef glanced up as Brenda hurried to find out what the disturbance was all about.

  In the sitting room, she found Phyllis facing Mac Rivers. Phyllis had never looked so distressed.

  “I can’t believe you think my own daughter is a murderer, Mac Rivers,” said Phyllis. “You’re saying that just to excuse your own daughter. Jenny was the one who was in the biggest fight against Lady Pendleton.”

  Brenda stepped forward bravely, determined to speak the truth no matter what it cost her. “You know she’s right, Mac. Jenny was the one complaining most about her. She even voiced threats to several people that she would take care of Lady Pendleton.” She only hoped that Mac understood that she had not revealed any of his suspicions to Phyllis. Perhaps he had come by to give her the news in person, out of respect.

  Mac’s face hardened. “I am not taking anyone’s side. If the evidence points to Morning Sun, then I will move forward even if I have to arrest your daughter, Phyllis.” He turned and stalked out of the room. They listened in silence until the door slammed behind him.

  Carrie stepped toward Phyllis and put her arm around her shaking shoulders. “I’m sorry, Brenda,” Phyllis said, trying to wipe away her tears, “but the detective is completely wrong about Molly. Logan loves working for her and has never spoken an ill word against her. She just doesn’t have it in her to commit murder.”

  Brenda nodded in mute sympathy. She didn’t know what to think and her heart hurt to think of her loyalties being torn between her staff and the man who was starting to steal her heart. “Did Molly leave or is she still here?” Brenda asked.

  Carrie told her she had left just before Mac came in to give Phyllis the news. Phyllis broke into tears again and Brenda encouraged Carrie to take her into the back office and give her some hot tea. “I’ll check back soon. In the meantime, Phyllis, please don’t worry. I think Mac is wrong about his suspicions of Molly. It will all get straightened out soon.”

  The next morning, Brenda walked to Morning Sun Coffee. She wanted a private talk with Molly to reassure her. Brenda was certain Mac was willfully ignoring anyone else who had motive and means to do the act. When she went inside, she saw Logan behind the counter. She waited until several customers made their orders. She hung back until they had picked up their coffees and left the shop. He then asked her for her order.

  “I’m looking for Molly. Is she here?”

  “She’s not here right now.”

  In a low voice, Brenda said, “Logan, do you think you can be straight with me? How do you feel about working for Molly?”

  He assured her that Molly was a great boss. “Even when I come in late, she never complains unless the town has a big gala going on or something.”

  “Are you and Carrie close?”

  Logan’s grin spread across his face. “We’re in love. I know it sounds corny but we have dated since freshman year in high school. I stood by her when her parents died. Carrie had a terrible time of it for a while.”

  Brenda encouraged him to give her details. He told her that Carrie stayed in her parents’ home at first, since it was where she had grown up. The house’s mortgage was owned by Lady Pendleton, not surprisingly. Apparently, when Carrie had a hard time continuing mortgage payments, the whole town chipped in to help her out.

  “She even used the college education money her parents had saved for her. Eventually, it all became too much for her and of course, Lady Pendleton stepped right in. She headed for the bank and foreclosed on the property. Carrie was forced from her own home, if you can believe it. First her parents, then no hopes of college and no home, too.”

  For confirmation of Kelly’s story, Brenda asked Logan what field of study Carrie had planned to pursue.

  “She wanted to be a pharmacist like her dad. She is the smartest person I know and she aced every subject she studied. Lady Pendleton took it all away from her.” His voice took on a dark, bitter tone Brenda had heard before. For perhaps the first time, his trademark grin had vanished.

  “Do you think Carrie was ready for that kind of science work? What was her favorite subject in high school?”

  It was then Logan laughed. “She was more than ready to be a pharmacist because she just loved chemistry. I think she liked outsmarting the guys that made fun of her during lab times. She showed me a couple of things about chemistry I never knew before. I wouldn’t have passed without her help.”

  “I don’t doubt Carrie is a smart girl. Thanks for filling me in on her past. I’m so sorry she lost her parents, and her home. Do me a favor, tell Molly to give me a call when she gets a minute.” She left Morning Sun, Logan tending the counter on his own and still looking sad about his girlfriend’s tragic past.

  When Brenda returned to the bed and breakfast, she went into the sitting room, where afternoon tea was being served. It was one of her favorite treats and something that brought guests back many times. Several guests sipped hot tea from dainty teacups by the front windows, talking in small clusters, and Phyllis set a tray of mini sandwiches on the table. Brenda waited until she left the room and then followed her down the hallway. She called to her housekeeper who turned and smiled. Brenda was glad to see her puffy red eyes had recovered.

  “I just want you to know that I really think Mac is barking up the wrong tree, Phyllis. We’ll get this all straightened out soon. Molly is not someone who could kill.” When her housekeeper shuddered in distress, Brenda reached for her arm and squeezed it. “I promise you the real killer will be found out and it won’t be your daughter.”

  Once back in her apartment, Brenda thought about the missing list of her suspects. She had written down comments next to names that were her early thoughts. She breathed a sigh of relief to remember she hadn’t written any important reasons for suspecting any of them. She had mainly noted personalities and where they each worked. She sat down in her easy chair to think things out. She quickly dismissed Molly Lindsey, Jenny Rivers, and Hope Williams.

  Carrie Martin loomed ahead of everyone since Brenda now knew her background. Despite her thwarted college plans, perhaps Carrie knew more about dangerous chemicals than people suspected. She would have known about the coffee that Lady Pendleton liked since Molly mentioned that among her friends. Maybe she was in the coffee shop with her boyfriend Logan when he served Lady Pendleton her hot cup of coffee that day. Were they both in it together? It had to be airtight: opportunity, motive, and means. She dialed Mac Rivers.

  “I have some new information, Mac,” said Brenda. “If you have time, I’d like to come by.”

  When she walked into his office, Mac was relieved to realize Brenda Sheffield didn’t hold ill will toward him. After he had departed the bed and breakfast in a cold fury, he had been chagrined to think how he might have jeopardized their relationship somehow.

  Brenda exchanged a smile with the detective and sat down. “I apologize for the way I confronted you at the bed and breakfast. I know you are just doing your job.”

/>   “I want to apologize in return. I guess when it comes to one’s daughter, a father is her greatest defender. I know Jenny had nothing to do with the death of Lady Pendleton but I also know how it looked to you and Phyllis.”

  “I’m glad we’re back on track. I need to tell you what I’ve learned about Carrie Martin.”

  Brenda was not ready to tell him of her interview with Pete Graham. She wanted to talk to William first about the matter of the inheritance. She told him of her conversations with Kelly Martin and Logan Tucker, which led her to Carrie Martin.

  “I am positive Carrie did not break into my desk but she could have suspected my notes had something to do with the murder. She could have told Logan or even Kelly where to get my notes in case there was anything against any of them.” Brenda continued as Mac listened, deep in thought. “Maybe Carrie was in the shop with Logan when he served coffee to Lady Pendleton. He told me that Carrie was a whiz in chemistry class and she helped him pass the course.”

  Mac leaned forward. “You have some good points here.” His forehead furrowed and he looked directly at Brenda. “But there’s something else. Lab reports came back a few minutes ago. The antifreeze was in the coffee she got from Morning Sun. There were traces of it found in the coffee cup in Lady Pendleton’s wastebasket. Now I’m interested in a chat with Carrie. She could have been with Logan that day, though he didn’t mention her. Is she working this afternoon?”

  “She should be in her office. She usually answers reservation emails about this time.”

  Brenda followed Mac’s police car back to the bed and breakfast. When they entered, no one was in the foyer or the office. Brenda peeked into the sitting room. One guest was curled up in the love seat reading a book. She didn’t look up when Brenda glanced in.

  “Wait here, Mac, and I’ll go down to the kitchen and ask if anyone has seen Carrie.”

  The chef was chopping vegetables. She smiled at Brenda which told her that she approved of the way her boss had stood up for Molly. She told Brenda she had not seen Carrie since lunch. Brenda then went down the narrow hallway and knocked on the door to Phyllis’s.