Digging Up Daisy, page 15
Either way, she got the message—crystal clear. And it wasn’t a good one.
Chapter 21
An emergency meeting was called between those in the know about the Cinderella shoe. Those present were Kinsley, Becca, Tilly, and Rachel. They held their gathering in Kinsley’s secret spot, concealed within the rocks facing the Atlantic. Hidden from onlookers and their conversation dulled by the lapping waves, it felt like the safest place on earth. Darkness was upon them, too; only the beams of their respective cell phones lit the private discussion.
Kinsley reached into the pocket of her hooded sweatshirt and plucked out the evidence and then held the Barbie doll shoe in her palm for all to see.
“Whoever planted this outside Toby’s Taffy knows about the murder—and is clearly sending me a warning. And the only person I know who would want to destroy my work is Denny Davenport,” Kinsley said firmly. “He’s been quite vocal about it.”
“But what connection does he have to the crime? Did he even know Daisy? Was he even interviewed?” Becca asked.
They all looked to Rachel for confirmation.
“No, he wasn’t questioned,” Rachel confirmed. “This is the first I’m hearing his name mentioned with regard to the murder. But clearly, if he’s the one responsible for burying the Barbie shoe, he has some involvement.”
“There has to be a connection. The toy was definitely planted specifically for me.” Kinsley tucked the Barbie shoe back into her pocket for safekeeping, then thought twice about it. “You can’t extract DNA off that, can you?”
“The mere size of it won’t allow for a fingerprint, and the fact it was buried in your flowers leads me to believe it’s highly unlikely. To get a sample someone would have to transfer biological material and it would’ve been disrupted by the dirt,” Rachel answered.
“Besides, the person who planted it was probably smart enough to wear gloves, I’d imagine,” Kinsley added. “Wouldn’t they?”
Nodding heads settled that question among them.
“What about my niece’s safety?” Tilly asked, her voice riddled with concern. “Sending out a warning like that. This person is obviously disturbed.”
“I’m fine.” Kinsley reached out and patted her aunt on the arm to console her. “No need to worry about me, I can take care of myself,” she confirmed, but Tilly didn’t look overly convinced.
With an encouraging nod Rachel looked to Tilly. “Kins, if you ever feel unsafe, you call me right away. Put my number on speed dial.”
“Already done,” Kinsley said firmly.
“Does anyone else know about Daisy’s shoe except the four of us? If so, spill it now, so we can get to the bottom of it. There’s obviously a leak somewhere,” Tilly said, now growing visibly frustrated.
“I didn’t say a thing.” Becca zipped her lips with her fingers, confirming the fact she wasn’t the leak.
“Nor did I,” Tilly said.
“I’m sure no one saw me; I mean, I buried it right away. And Rachel, when you took it that day for evidence, it’s not like anyone was around us watching. I hate to say it, but could it be that someone in law enforcement is the leak?” Kinsley asked, hesitantly. “Do you know if Denny is friends with anyone at the police station?”
“I understand that you want to cover all our bases, so I won’t take offense that you asked. Rest assured that only a few in the department know, and those who do are involved in the testing of the shoe for DNA. As far as Denny being friends with an employee, that I’m unsure of, but I’ll look into it. Since I’ve been there, I haven’t heard a peep about dirty policing, so I think the mere idea is highly unlikely,” Rachel said, closing her eyes as if searching for something that would make sense. When she opened her eyes again, she added, “We need more leads.” She blew out a breath of frustration. “This case is becoming the bane of my existence.”
“Any results on the real shoe? If you’re saying the Barbie shoe can’t provide any DNA because of being buried in the dirt, can Daisy’s? Or is that a shot in the dark, too?” Becca asked.
“Great question,” Kinsley said. “Rachel?”
“Nothing conclusive, yet. Yes, it’s true that Daisy’s shoe being buried is a bit of a glitch. But DNA is not outside the realm of possibility. We found a single hair inside the toe of the shoe. And it’s not Daisy’s. They’re extracting the hair follicle to see if there’s a match in the system. And there were bite marks to the shoe, evidence that an animal had it in its mouth at one time,” Rachel confirmed.
“The bite marks from Baxter?” Kinsley asked.
“Possibly. We’re testing that sample as well, thanks to Kinsley.”
Kinsley smiled weakly at the compliment. She was happy to know her gut call had provided at least some help in the investigation.
“Anyhow,” Rachel continued, “we’re still waiting on the blood DNA from the lab. These things take time. Besides, our department hasn’t had to handle anything like this in many, many years. We’re overworked, understaffed . . . ah . . . never mind.” Her lips came together in a firm line.
Kinsley secretly wondered if Rachel was wishing Kyle was working at the police department, too. Her old partner in crime. She wasn’t the only one missing her brother, especially now. Kyle was always so protective of the women in his life. And seemingly now, more than ever, she needed protection, according to her aunt.
Tilly turned her head in the direction of the cliff walk and then back toward the group. “I hate to break this up, but I really need to get back to the inn. It’s time for me to serve up the nightcap-tea-and-cookie hour. My guests really love that part of their visit. It would be a shame if I didn’t meet their expectations.”
“Yeah, I have work to finish up tonight, too,” Becca chimed in with a yawn.
“Would you mind walking Aunt Tilly back?” Kinsley turned to Becca, sure of the response she would receive. “I don’t think any of us should be alone right now. But I have a few things I’d like to talk to Rachel about privately before we head back.”
“Sure,” Becca said, maneuvering off the rock to a standing position and raising her hands over her head in a long stretch. Tilly rose to join her.
Tilly directed a pleading look to Rachel. “And you. Please make sure Kinsley makes it safely to her door, too. Promise me?”
“You have my word,” Rachel said, lifting her fingers in Scout’s honor. “Don’t worry, I’m packing protection, too.” She leaned to her side and patted her gun to drive the point home.
Becca shone the flashlight on her phone in the direction of the cliff walk and looped Tilly by the arm. “Come on, Miss Tilly, let’s get you back to your guests.”
“Weapon or no weapon, don’t be long out here in the dark, you hear?” Tilly said over her shoulder before the two disappeared into the darkness.
Rachel turned to Kinsley once the lapping waves were the only sound left between them. “What is it that you wanted to talk about that you weren’t comfortable saying in front of them?”
Kinsley toyed with the right words before speaking her mind. The last thing she wanted was to get anyone into trouble, especially if she was wrong. But the nagging just wouldn’t end.
Rachel wagged a finger between them. “Go ahead, you have my complete confidence this will be kept only between us. Spill it, Kins.”
“Edna is my aunt’s closest friend. I don’t want to implicate her grandson any further if it’s nothing, but I can’t help but feel he’s hiding something about Daisy.” Kinsley went on to share everything she knew, including the argument she’d overheard between Stacey and Luke. And his SUV, which had erupted into flames (Was he hiding critical evidence, moving a body?), as well as the telescope interestingly pointed in the direction of the crime scene. He also might have been the last person to see the victim alive. When she had spilled everything on her mind and reiterated to Rachel information the detective probably already knew, she ended with a pointed question.
“Did Stacey tell you that she knew Daisy?”
“What do you mean, knew her? That she’d met Daisy prior to the reunion, you mean?”
“Yeah. Did she mention that?”
“No, but several at the reunion corroborated Stacey’s story that her dress was covered in wine and that she had returned to the reunion rather quickly after changing. Based on the timeline, there’s no way she could’ve committed the murder. Daisy’s body was found early the next morning, after the night of the reunion, when they were all back at the inn. It just doesn’t fit.”
“Right. But if she had an accomplice, say . . . like . . . Luke?”
“Luke wasn’t at the reunion. He was waiting for Daisy, and they were to ride together to perform, yet she never showed.”
“That’s what he claims.” Kinsley gnawed at her cheek and then went for it. “Edna is his only alibi, right?”
“Yes, that’s true. Why? Do you think there’s reason not to believe her? Why would Edna lie?”
“To protect her grandson. To protect her namesake. He’s the last heir, you know . . . He’s one day going to inherit all of this.” Kinsley gestured a sweeping hand behind her. “Even if he was guilty, Edna would refuse to believe it. Wouldn’t you? Could you believe a crime as shocking as this being committed by someone you knew? Never mind a close relative of yours?”
“I suppose not,” Rachel answered.
Kinsley looked out toward the dark sky. The full moon peeked from behind a cloud and lit the water. The Atlantic blinked back, as if in a cinematic moment. The world, it seemed, was in perfect, sparkly calm.
Only, inside Kinsley’s gut a big storm was brewing. Because someone she knew might be involved somehow. And that didn’t sit well.
Chapter 22
Kinsley thrust her shovel into the dirt with such vigor, she wondered if the trowel could handle the pressure. She, too, was feeling the pressure. Someone—she was 99 percent sure it was Denny—was sabotaging her business. And the more she replanted, the more frustrated at the situation she became. The financial loss alone was enough of a pinch to SeaScapes, but ruining her good name on top of it was enough to send her over the edge in the aggravation department. She was fuming about this when Alderman Chris Chesterfield rounded the corner and nearly bumped into her.
“Kinsley! Lovely to see you,” Chris said genuinely. His full head of gray hair shone in the midday sun like a mass of silvery seaweed atop a clump of kelp. He tucked his meaty hands into his pockets, leaned in closer, and said out of the side of his mouth, “Looks like you’re having a hard time keeping up. We’ve all noticed some of your planters didn’t make it this year.” He cringed. “Of all times, eh?”
Kinsley dropped the trowel and turned to face him.
“The Walk Inns event, I’m sure, has you busier than ever,” he continued. “You know, we talked about this at the last town council meeting, and some of us thought it might be a good idea to form a committee to handle the downtown florals moving forward. In fact, it’s high on the agenda for our next meeting. Instead of leaving the heavy work for you to carry on your shoulders alone. We understand it’s a lot for you to take on. Or maybe you could partner with another company? I hear Mr. Davenport is willing to step in and help.”
Kinsley wiped her brow and bit her tongue to defend herself. “I’m really sorry this happened, but I assure you, my shoulders are strong and capable. And all of this will be fixed in no time.” She smiled as wide as she could muster. “Don’t you worry about it, Chris; I’ve got it all under control. I promise,” she added confidently.
“Just keep that idea brewing in the back of your mind, okay? It’s something to consider. You don’t need to handle this all on your own. Adam’s a good kid, but maybe not as reliable as you’d hoped?”
“Adam’s doing just fine, and I assure you, this isn’t his fault. There will be no need to form a committee. Didn’t you notice? It’s all back to the way it’s supposed to look and dare I say it’s even better.” She squared her shoulders and gestured for him to follow her lead in looking down Main Street to confirm. “Beautiful, isn’t it?”
Chris clucked his tongue. “I’ll admit, Kinsley, you do a wonderful job. A wonderful job indeed,” Chris said, rocking back and forth on the balls of his feet and nodding vigorously.
“Thank you. So if you don’t mind canceling the emergency meeting that is planned for next week, I would really appreciate that. I promise you, and everyone involved with the town council, I’ve got this,” Kinsley said. And she meant it. She turned from him then and thrust the trowel back into the planter as a way of hopefully squelching this conversation. Chris took the subtle cue.
“Yes, I’ll cancel it and let everyone know you’ve got this handled. You have yourself a very nice day,” he said as he moved to disappear into the confines of the bank.
“You, too,” she called out after him. But wondered if he’d even heard as the door closed softly behind him.
Kinsley started to feel herself fume once again. Heck if she was going to see her life’s work turned over to a committee and handed over to the town. Denny had to be behind this. She pounded her fist into her thigh.
No, she wouldn’t have it. It was her job to keep Harborside in living color, and she wasn’t going to let this little snafu stop her.
However, Kinsley realized, she had to keep the sabotage to herself. If she shared her thoughts that someone was purposely killing her plants, they’d think she was out of her mind. So she swallowed her pride and continued to replant. She had just finished up Main Street when Adam, with the watering can dangling from one hand, came to join her.
“I think that about does it,” the teen said proudly. “I can’t believe we got it all done. I really didn’t think we’d finish it today. I thought we’d have to come back later.”
“Thank you so much, Adam. There’s no way I would’ve been able to accomplish this alone, and I have you to thank for that. Be sure and stop in at Toby’s on the way home. I bought you a box of cupcakes. Jenna has it behind the counter for you to pick up. I wanted to buy you taffy, but I thought your mom would have my hide if it caused trouble with your braces. She doesn’t need that additional orthodontist expense.”
“Seriously?” Adam grinned. “You didn’t have to do that; you already pay me to work for you.”
“Yeah, but neither of us was expecting this extra load. I really appreciate you, kiddo. Just make sure you share them with your sister.” Kinsley removed her glove and gave the teen a light squeeze to his shoulder. “Now, go get your treats and get outta here.” She grinned. “Enough work for today.”
Adam turned on his heel and galloped in the direction of Toby’s. “Yes, ma’am!” he said without a backward glance.
Kinsley looked to the various security cameras that dotted Main Street. The person responsible for destroying her flowers was cunning. The prominent places in town with cameras pointed at them had flowers that were still alive and flourishing. Including the ones in front of the mayor’s office. So there was no way of trying to catch the perpetrator in the act via CCTV.
But noting the security cameras triggered something in her mind. She needed to catch Denny in the act—that would surely help. Then maybe the police could charge him with something and he’d be forced to answer pointed questions about the murder investigation, too. He was obviously the one messing with her flowers, and who else would think to put a threat like the Barbie shoe in the flowerpot in front of Toby’s Taffy? She could only conclude that Denny had to somehow be involved with both things. If Denny was the one to bury Daisy’s shoe on her aunt’s property, was he indeed the murderer, covering his tracks while simultaneously trying to ruin her career? Why? What motive would he have to do all that? Kinsley needed to put these pieces of the puzzle together once and for all. She called Becca so they could meet for drinks, as an idea was forming in her mind.
* * *
• • •
The two gathered on the outer deck of the Blue Lobstah, in their new favorite location, outside of earshot. It seemed Pete was avoiding them, as Kinsley caught him looking over on occasion, but making a point not to visit their table. Very unusual. Kinsley suspected it was because they were seated outside, and Pete knew what that meant. They were looking for privacy to discuss Daisy.
Becca noticed it, too, because she said, “Pete’s hiding from us today. I guess he doesn’t want to talk about the murder investigation, huh?” She took a sip of her iced tea from a straw and then sat back in the chair.
“I was just thinking the same thing. I know a way we can get him over here. Let’s order something to eat. I’m starving anyway, aren’t you? A plate of fish and chips to share sounds about perfect.”
Becca waved her hand to get Pete’s attention, but he seemed to purposely turn on his heel and ignore her. “Either he’s really busy or he doesn’t want any part of this conversation.”
“I suspect the latter,” Kinsley said. “Anyhow, you up for a little spy work tonight?”
“Spying on Denny?”
“Yup. It’s time we start following Denny around for a bit to see what he’s up to. In a perfect world, we’ll catch him in the act of destroying my flowers and record it on our cell phones. Then we’ll take the proof to Rachel, and then she can scoop him up on a misdemeanor charge. Maybe she can get more out of him and find a connection to Daisy during the interrogation. A swab of DNA wouldn’t hurt, either.”
“Won’t he recognize you?”
“Yeah, I was wondering that, too. Which is why we’ll do it together. I’ll hide somewhere in the background. What do you say?”
“You don’t think he’ll remember me from standing with you at the bar?”
Kinsley scratched her head. “You’re right. Who am I kidding? You’re a knockout, of course he’ll recognize you.” Kinsley leaned her elbows on the table and put her head in her hands to think it through.
Chapter 21
An emergency meeting was called between those in the know about the Cinderella shoe. Those present were Kinsley, Becca, Tilly, and Rachel. They held their gathering in Kinsley’s secret spot, concealed within the rocks facing the Atlantic. Hidden from onlookers and their conversation dulled by the lapping waves, it felt like the safest place on earth. Darkness was upon them, too; only the beams of their respective cell phones lit the private discussion.
Kinsley reached into the pocket of her hooded sweatshirt and plucked out the evidence and then held the Barbie doll shoe in her palm for all to see.
“Whoever planted this outside Toby’s Taffy knows about the murder—and is clearly sending me a warning. And the only person I know who would want to destroy my work is Denny Davenport,” Kinsley said firmly. “He’s been quite vocal about it.”
“But what connection does he have to the crime? Did he even know Daisy? Was he even interviewed?” Becca asked.
They all looked to Rachel for confirmation.
“No, he wasn’t questioned,” Rachel confirmed. “This is the first I’m hearing his name mentioned with regard to the murder. But clearly, if he’s the one responsible for burying the Barbie shoe, he has some involvement.”
“There has to be a connection. The toy was definitely planted specifically for me.” Kinsley tucked the Barbie shoe back into her pocket for safekeeping, then thought twice about it. “You can’t extract DNA off that, can you?”
“The mere size of it won’t allow for a fingerprint, and the fact it was buried in your flowers leads me to believe it’s highly unlikely. To get a sample someone would have to transfer biological material and it would’ve been disrupted by the dirt,” Rachel answered.
“Besides, the person who planted it was probably smart enough to wear gloves, I’d imagine,” Kinsley added. “Wouldn’t they?”
Nodding heads settled that question among them.
“What about my niece’s safety?” Tilly asked, her voice riddled with concern. “Sending out a warning like that. This person is obviously disturbed.”
“I’m fine.” Kinsley reached out and patted her aunt on the arm to console her. “No need to worry about me, I can take care of myself,” she confirmed, but Tilly didn’t look overly convinced.
With an encouraging nod Rachel looked to Tilly. “Kins, if you ever feel unsafe, you call me right away. Put my number on speed dial.”
“Already done,” Kinsley said firmly.
“Does anyone else know about Daisy’s shoe except the four of us? If so, spill it now, so we can get to the bottom of it. There’s obviously a leak somewhere,” Tilly said, now growing visibly frustrated.
“I didn’t say a thing.” Becca zipped her lips with her fingers, confirming the fact she wasn’t the leak.
“Nor did I,” Tilly said.
“I’m sure no one saw me; I mean, I buried it right away. And Rachel, when you took it that day for evidence, it’s not like anyone was around us watching. I hate to say it, but could it be that someone in law enforcement is the leak?” Kinsley asked, hesitantly. “Do you know if Denny is friends with anyone at the police station?”
“I understand that you want to cover all our bases, so I won’t take offense that you asked. Rest assured that only a few in the department know, and those who do are involved in the testing of the shoe for DNA. As far as Denny being friends with an employee, that I’m unsure of, but I’ll look into it. Since I’ve been there, I haven’t heard a peep about dirty policing, so I think the mere idea is highly unlikely,” Rachel said, closing her eyes as if searching for something that would make sense. When she opened her eyes again, she added, “We need more leads.” She blew out a breath of frustration. “This case is becoming the bane of my existence.”
“Any results on the real shoe? If you’re saying the Barbie shoe can’t provide any DNA because of being buried in the dirt, can Daisy’s? Or is that a shot in the dark, too?” Becca asked.
“Great question,” Kinsley said. “Rachel?”
“Nothing conclusive, yet. Yes, it’s true that Daisy’s shoe being buried is a bit of a glitch. But DNA is not outside the realm of possibility. We found a single hair inside the toe of the shoe. And it’s not Daisy’s. They’re extracting the hair follicle to see if there’s a match in the system. And there were bite marks to the shoe, evidence that an animal had it in its mouth at one time,” Rachel confirmed.
“The bite marks from Baxter?” Kinsley asked.
“Possibly. We’re testing that sample as well, thanks to Kinsley.”
Kinsley smiled weakly at the compliment. She was happy to know her gut call had provided at least some help in the investigation.
“Anyhow,” Rachel continued, “we’re still waiting on the blood DNA from the lab. These things take time. Besides, our department hasn’t had to handle anything like this in many, many years. We’re overworked, understaffed . . . ah . . . never mind.” Her lips came together in a firm line.
Kinsley secretly wondered if Rachel was wishing Kyle was working at the police department, too. Her old partner in crime. She wasn’t the only one missing her brother, especially now. Kyle was always so protective of the women in his life. And seemingly now, more than ever, she needed protection, according to her aunt.
Tilly turned her head in the direction of the cliff walk and then back toward the group. “I hate to break this up, but I really need to get back to the inn. It’s time for me to serve up the nightcap-tea-and-cookie hour. My guests really love that part of their visit. It would be a shame if I didn’t meet their expectations.”
“Yeah, I have work to finish up tonight, too,” Becca chimed in with a yawn.
“Would you mind walking Aunt Tilly back?” Kinsley turned to Becca, sure of the response she would receive. “I don’t think any of us should be alone right now. But I have a few things I’d like to talk to Rachel about privately before we head back.”
“Sure,” Becca said, maneuvering off the rock to a standing position and raising her hands over her head in a long stretch. Tilly rose to join her.
Tilly directed a pleading look to Rachel. “And you. Please make sure Kinsley makes it safely to her door, too. Promise me?”
“You have my word,” Rachel said, lifting her fingers in Scout’s honor. “Don’t worry, I’m packing protection, too.” She leaned to her side and patted her gun to drive the point home.
Becca shone the flashlight on her phone in the direction of the cliff walk and looped Tilly by the arm. “Come on, Miss Tilly, let’s get you back to your guests.”
“Weapon or no weapon, don’t be long out here in the dark, you hear?” Tilly said over her shoulder before the two disappeared into the darkness.
Rachel turned to Kinsley once the lapping waves were the only sound left between them. “What is it that you wanted to talk about that you weren’t comfortable saying in front of them?”
Kinsley toyed with the right words before speaking her mind. The last thing she wanted was to get anyone into trouble, especially if she was wrong. But the nagging just wouldn’t end.
Rachel wagged a finger between them. “Go ahead, you have my complete confidence this will be kept only between us. Spill it, Kins.”
“Edna is my aunt’s closest friend. I don’t want to implicate her grandson any further if it’s nothing, but I can’t help but feel he’s hiding something about Daisy.” Kinsley went on to share everything she knew, including the argument she’d overheard between Stacey and Luke. And his SUV, which had erupted into flames (Was he hiding critical evidence, moving a body?), as well as the telescope interestingly pointed in the direction of the crime scene. He also might have been the last person to see the victim alive. When she had spilled everything on her mind and reiterated to Rachel information the detective probably already knew, she ended with a pointed question.
“Did Stacey tell you that she knew Daisy?”
“What do you mean, knew her? That she’d met Daisy prior to the reunion, you mean?”
“Yeah. Did she mention that?”
“No, but several at the reunion corroborated Stacey’s story that her dress was covered in wine and that she had returned to the reunion rather quickly after changing. Based on the timeline, there’s no way she could’ve committed the murder. Daisy’s body was found early the next morning, after the night of the reunion, when they were all back at the inn. It just doesn’t fit.”
“Right. But if she had an accomplice, say . . . like . . . Luke?”
“Luke wasn’t at the reunion. He was waiting for Daisy, and they were to ride together to perform, yet she never showed.”
“That’s what he claims.” Kinsley gnawed at her cheek and then went for it. “Edna is his only alibi, right?”
“Yes, that’s true. Why? Do you think there’s reason not to believe her? Why would Edna lie?”
“To protect her grandson. To protect her namesake. He’s the last heir, you know . . . He’s one day going to inherit all of this.” Kinsley gestured a sweeping hand behind her. “Even if he was guilty, Edna would refuse to believe it. Wouldn’t you? Could you believe a crime as shocking as this being committed by someone you knew? Never mind a close relative of yours?”
“I suppose not,” Rachel answered.
Kinsley looked out toward the dark sky. The full moon peeked from behind a cloud and lit the water. The Atlantic blinked back, as if in a cinematic moment. The world, it seemed, was in perfect, sparkly calm.
Only, inside Kinsley’s gut a big storm was brewing. Because someone she knew might be involved somehow. And that didn’t sit well.
Chapter 22
Kinsley thrust her shovel into the dirt with such vigor, she wondered if the trowel could handle the pressure. She, too, was feeling the pressure. Someone—she was 99 percent sure it was Denny—was sabotaging her business. And the more she replanted, the more frustrated at the situation she became. The financial loss alone was enough of a pinch to SeaScapes, but ruining her good name on top of it was enough to send her over the edge in the aggravation department. She was fuming about this when Alderman Chris Chesterfield rounded the corner and nearly bumped into her.
“Kinsley! Lovely to see you,” Chris said genuinely. His full head of gray hair shone in the midday sun like a mass of silvery seaweed atop a clump of kelp. He tucked his meaty hands into his pockets, leaned in closer, and said out of the side of his mouth, “Looks like you’re having a hard time keeping up. We’ve all noticed some of your planters didn’t make it this year.” He cringed. “Of all times, eh?”
Kinsley dropped the trowel and turned to face him.
“The Walk Inns event, I’m sure, has you busier than ever,” he continued. “You know, we talked about this at the last town council meeting, and some of us thought it might be a good idea to form a committee to handle the downtown florals moving forward. In fact, it’s high on the agenda for our next meeting. Instead of leaving the heavy work for you to carry on your shoulders alone. We understand it’s a lot for you to take on. Or maybe you could partner with another company? I hear Mr. Davenport is willing to step in and help.”
Kinsley wiped her brow and bit her tongue to defend herself. “I’m really sorry this happened, but I assure you, my shoulders are strong and capable. And all of this will be fixed in no time.” She smiled as wide as she could muster. “Don’t you worry about it, Chris; I’ve got it all under control. I promise,” she added confidently.
“Just keep that idea brewing in the back of your mind, okay? It’s something to consider. You don’t need to handle this all on your own. Adam’s a good kid, but maybe not as reliable as you’d hoped?”
“Adam’s doing just fine, and I assure you, this isn’t his fault. There will be no need to form a committee. Didn’t you notice? It’s all back to the way it’s supposed to look and dare I say it’s even better.” She squared her shoulders and gestured for him to follow her lead in looking down Main Street to confirm. “Beautiful, isn’t it?”
Chris clucked his tongue. “I’ll admit, Kinsley, you do a wonderful job. A wonderful job indeed,” Chris said, rocking back and forth on the balls of his feet and nodding vigorously.
“Thank you. So if you don’t mind canceling the emergency meeting that is planned for next week, I would really appreciate that. I promise you, and everyone involved with the town council, I’ve got this,” Kinsley said. And she meant it. She turned from him then and thrust the trowel back into the planter as a way of hopefully squelching this conversation. Chris took the subtle cue.
“Yes, I’ll cancel it and let everyone know you’ve got this handled. You have yourself a very nice day,” he said as he moved to disappear into the confines of the bank.
“You, too,” she called out after him. But wondered if he’d even heard as the door closed softly behind him.
Kinsley started to feel herself fume once again. Heck if she was going to see her life’s work turned over to a committee and handed over to the town. Denny had to be behind this. She pounded her fist into her thigh.
No, she wouldn’t have it. It was her job to keep Harborside in living color, and she wasn’t going to let this little snafu stop her.
However, Kinsley realized, she had to keep the sabotage to herself. If she shared her thoughts that someone was purposely killing her plants, they’d think she was out of her mind. So she swallowed her pride and continued to replant. She had just finished up Main Street when Adam, with the watering can dangling from one hand, came to join her.
“I think that about does it,” the teen said proudly. “I can’t believe we got it all done. I really didn’t think we’d finish it today. I thought we’d have to come back later.”
“Thank you so much, Adam. There’s no way I would’ve been able to accomplish this alone, and I have you to thank for that. Be sure and stop in at Toby’s on the way home. I bought you a box of cupcakes. Jenna has it behind the counter for you to pick up. I wanted to buy you taffy, but I thought your mom would have my hide if it caused trouble with your braces. She doesn’t need that additional orthodontist expense.”
“Seriously?” Adam grinned. “You didn’t have to do that; you already pay me to work for you.”
“Yeah, but neither of us was expecting this extra load. I really appreciate you, kiddo. Just make sure you share them with your sister.” Kinsley removed her glove and gave the teen a light squeeze to his shoulder. “Now, go get your treats and get outta here.” She grinned. “Enough work for today.”
Adam turned on his heel and galloped in the direction of Toby’s. “Yes, ma’am!” he said without a backward glance.
Kinsley looked to the various security cameras that dotted Main Street. The person responsible for destroying her flowers was cunning. The prominent places in town with cameras pointed at them had flowers that were still alive and flourishing. Including the ones in front of the mayor’s office. So there was no way of trying to catch the perpetrator in the act via CCTV.
But noting the security cameras triggered something in her mind. She needed to catch Denny in the act—that would surely help. Then maybe the police could charge him with something and he’d be forced to answer pointed questions about the murder investigation, too. He was obviously the one messing with her flowers, and who else would think to put a threat like the Barbie shoe in the flowerpot in front of Toby’s Taffy? She could only conclude that Denny had to somehow be involved with both things. If Denny was the one to bury Daisy’s shoe on her aunt’s property, was he indeed the murderer, covering his tracks while simultaneously trying to ruin her career? Why? What motive would he have to do all that? Kinsley needed to put these pieces of the puzzle together once and for all. She called Becca so they could meet for drinks, as an idea was forming in her mind.
* * *
• • •
The two gathered on the outer deck of the Blue Lobstah, in their new favorite location, outside of earshot. It seemed Pete was avoiding them, as Kinsley caught him looking over on occasion, but making a point not to visit their table. Very unusual. Kinsley suspected it was because they were seated outside, and Pete knew what that meant. They were looking for privacy to discuss Daisy.
Becca noticed it, too, because she said, “Pete’s hiding from us today. I guess he doesn’t want to talk about the murder investigation, huh?” She took a sip of her iced tea from a straw and then sat back in the chair.
“I was just thinking the same thing. I know a way we can get him over here. Let’s order something to eat. I’m starving anyway, aren’t you? A plate of fish and chips to share sounds about perfect.”
Becca waved her hand to get Pete’s attention, but he seemed to purposely turn on his heel and ignore her. “Either he’s really busy or he doesn’t want any part of this conversation.”
“I suspect the latter,” Kinsley said. “Anyhow, you up for a little spy work tonight?”
“Spying on Denny?”
“Yup. It’s time we start following Denny around for a bit to see what he’s up to. In a perfect world, we’ll catch him in the act of destroying my flowers and record it on our cell phones. Then we’ll take the proof to Rachel, and then she can scoop him up on a misdemeanor charge. Maybe she can get more out of him and find a connection to Daisy during the interrogation. A swab of DNA wouldn’t hurt, either.”
“Won’t he recognize you?”
“Yeah, I was wondering that, too. Which is why we’ll do it together. I’ll hide somewhere in the background. What do you say?”
“You don’t think he’ll remember me from standing with you at the bar?”
Kinsley scratched her head. “You’re right. Who am I kidding? You’re a knockout, of course he’ll recognize you.” Kinsley leaned her elbows on the table and put her head in her hands to think it through.
