Christmas Tree Catastrophe (Lily Bloom Cozy Mystery Series Book 6) (3 page)

Lily’s head whipped around and zeroed in on Nina. “What are you talking about? Do you know any details?”

Smiling, Nina said, “Well, you know I’ve been interested in Noah Lyman’s background as an author and, of course, when he died, everyone got interested in him and his mystery books. Any tidbit that crosses my path about what might be connected to him goes into my ever expanding Noah Lyman file.”

Lily’s faced scrunched up in confusion. “How is Noah Lyman related to Malcolm Moss’s murder and a break-in at his house? Noah’s been dead for quite a while. Do you think his ghost came back to get some kind of revenge?” Lily asked sarcastically.

“I’m not sure it
is
connected, but Malcolm Moss did some legal work for Noah Lyman before Noah died and they didn’t part on very good terms. Now, Malcolm is found dead outside Noah’s pride and joy library. And I heard over the scanner that Malcolm’s mother called in a break-in yesterday.” Nina shrugged. “I was hoping your hot cop fiancé shared some juicy details with you,” she said with her head tilted and her eyebrows arched.

“I wish I could help you out with something, but you know more than I do at this point. All I’m aware of is that Malcolm Moss was found dead under the big blue spruce tree in front of the library entrance and . . .” Lily looked at Tamara, “and Tamara walked out with him last night.”

“Why are you looking at me, Lily?” Tamara asked as all the color drained from her face.

“No reason, but let’s hope they find some clues somewhere under all the snow.” Lily added, “And we better make a plan how we’ll get the message out about the library opening being delayed until tomorrow.”

Nina offered to put a notice in the paper.

Tamara had some color back in her cheeks. “I’ll put notices at the beauty parlor, the Misty Valley Market, and the Sunflower Café.”

Lily said, “I’ll ask Ryan to put a notice on the town website. Probably everyone already is aware of what’s happened by now anyway. Don’t you think this will spread like wildfire?”

Tamara nodded. “I suppose you’re right. People love to gossip.” She quickly stood up tall and straight. “I’m going to make sure the gossip isn’t about me. Who wants to help?”

Lily smiled. “I like your attitude. Of course we’ll help, right Nina?”

“Sure. With your track record, Lily, this should be fun.”

Tamara pulled her down jacket on. “First things first. Let’s get the notices about the opening posted and then I think the police chief will be waiting for us at the police station.”

“I’ll come with you, Tamara, if that’s okay.” Lily put her cup in the sink. “Thanks for the coffee and muffins, Mom. How about if I leave Rosie here?”

“Of course. I’ll want to be filled in about any new information when you get back.”

Nina and Nick bundled up and headed to the door, leaving before Lily and Tamara had their boots on. Tamara grabbed Lily’s arm. “I’m glad you’re going with me. I’m so nervous about what happened. What is Ryan going to ask us? Do you think he thinks I’m guilty? How can I even go to the opening now?”

Lily put her hand over Tamara’s mouth. “Tell Ryan the truth. Nothing more and nothing less. You certainly don’t want to get caught in any lies.”

“I know, I know, but . . .”

“What, Tamara?”

“It wasn’t exactly a secret about Malcolm and me not getting along. We had a lot of arguments in many public places. What if there aren’t any clues? Or suspects? I’m worried, Lily. There’s no doubt in my mind that I didn’t do it but it almost feels like I did.” Tamara’s eyes bugged out. “Several times, I wished he was dead.”

“Stop your crazy talk. You’re innocent so act innocent. Don’t give anyone reason to think otherwise.”

Tamara’s face sagged. “I hope you’re right.”

“Listen. People will see what you show them. So show them someone upset about Malcolm’s death but someone strong and focused and ready to make the opening everything Noah Lyman wanted.”

Tamara smiled, and with that smile she stood up straighter. “I’m ready. Let’s go.”

Lily drove with Tamara to the center of Misty Valley. The main road was well plowed but there was still enough snow to silence the sound of the tires. Everyone was out shoveling sidewalks or leaning on their shovel chatting with neighbors. The snow storm had transformed the town into a winter wonderland and the bright blue sky made it hard to imagine the wind had been howling and blowing the snow sideways only a few hours earlier.

Tamara stopped in front of the beauty parlor, took a deep breath, squared her shoulders, and opened the door. Lily pulled her sunglasses off the top of her head and slid them over her eyes as she walked down the street to the Sunflower Café. The usual Saturday morning crowd had filled the booths but when Jennifer saw Lily walk in, she set her tray down and walked over to give her a hug. “Ready for the wedding? I can’t wait to have you as my sister. I can’t imagine what took that brother of mine so long to get down on his knee and finally ask you to marry him.”

The thought of Ryan made Lily all warm and tingly. “I’m ready as long as this investigation doesn’t get in the way.”

Jennifer took Lily’s arm and sat with her at the only empty booth at the back of the café. “What investigation?”

“You haven’t heard yet?”

“I guess not. It’s been so busy in here with this breakfast rush and baking for the opening, I haven’t had time for any chatting.”

Lily unzipped her parka and shrugged it off her arms. She leaned toward Jennifer, talking in barely a whisper, “Malcolm Moss was murdered sometime last night during the storm.”

“You’re kidding.” Jennifer leaned close to Lily. “Anything else?”

“It happened in the parking lot of the library, and Tamara was the last person to be seen with him.”

“Oh no. Is she a suspect?”

Lily nodded. “I think so. Everyone that was helping at the library last night getting it ready for the opening will be asked to go to the police station and give a statement.”

There was a sudden hush in the café as Tamara walked in. As she hurried to sit down at the booth with Lily and Jennifer, one voice broke the silence. “Hey Tamara. What did you use to kill Malcolm? Did you bash his head in with the heavy purse you always carry around?”

Several people snickered behind Tamara’s back.

Lily pulled Tamara into the seat next to her, squeezing her hand and whispering, “Ignore that loud mouth bully. Who is it?”

Tamara nodded and whispered back, “Malcolm’s law partner, Eddie Parker. They’re two peas in a pod. I’m not sure which one I dislike more.”

“Is he sitting with anyone?”

Tamara checked out of the corner of her eyes without turning her head. “His wife, Crystal, the new assistant librarian.”

Lily sat up straight and in a strong voice said, “So, Jennifer, can I put up a sign announcing the library opening postponement until Sunday at four?”

Jennifer chuckled and quietly replied, “I guess everyone here is aware of it now.” In a normal voice she added, “Of course. I’ll tape it on the cash register and remind people also. I’m sure there will be a huge turnout.”

“Thanks for your help and support. I hope this slight delay doesn’t affect what you’ll be making for the opening.” Lily pushed Tamara out of the booth and they both got up as Lily pulled her parka back on.

“Not at all. I’ll get everything ready and keep it here in my refrigerators. When is the set up time?”

“Three o’clock should be fine. Come on Tamara.” Lily linked her arm in Tamara’s and whispered in her ear, “One more stop to make, keep your head high.”

Lily watched Eddie and Crystal as she walked toward the door, nodding when they made eye contact but Tamara hurried to the door as quickly as possible, keeping her head lowered. The buzz in the café got louder even before the door closed behind Lily.

Climbing back into Tamara’s car, Lily asked, “What is between you, Malcolm and Eddie?”

“Old history. I don’t want to talk about it.” She pulled out onto Main Street with her tires spinning in the snow. “The Misty Valley Market next?”

“Yes. I’ll run in if you want to stay in the car.”

“Okay,” a subdued Tamara replied.

Lily opened the door to the market and a burst of hot air blasted over her face. Her friend Billy Owen, the owner of the market, was standing at the cash register waiting on a line of customers. “Hi, what can I do for you today?” he asked as he closed the cash register drawer.

“I need to put up a notice about the library opening being delayed until tomorrow at four.”

“Oh, does it have something to do with Mr. Moss’s murder?”

Lily nodded. Again, she felt the chill in the air as all eyes turned toward her, hoping for more information or gossip.

One voice from the back of the line asked, “Did that Biotchi woman get arrested yet?”

Lily searched for the face that went with the voice and focused on her old boyfriend, Sam. He had a wicked grin on his face. “Now, why would you say that, Sam? Do you know something? Maybe you should be sharing your information with the police chief?”

Sam’s face went bright red. “Ah, no, just something I heard from someone,” he mumbled.

“Kind of what I thought. Now, it’s time for all this malicious gossip to end and wait for the facts from the police investigation. Or if any of you actually have helpful information about Mr. Moss’s murder, get on over to the police station and share it there instead of spreading these nasty rumors.” She glared at each and every set of eyes staring at her and everyone turned away quickly. “Okay then.” She handed Billy her notice and thanked him for helping to spread the word about rescheduling the library opening.

As Lily pushed the door open, she sensed someone right behind her. Once she was through the door, she turned to find Melinda Biotchi following her. “Melinda. I haven’t seen you in, well, forever. Your mother didn’t tell me you were back from your trip.”

“Yes. I had an incredible time. But I can’t believe the first thing out of everyone’s mouth when I get back to Misty Valley is how my mother killed Malcolm Moss. What’s going on?”

Lily headed toward Tamara’s car. “Care to join us?”

They both slid into Tamara’s warm, idling car. “Hi Mom. You should have seen how Lily told all those folks in the market to put up or shut up.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, Sam and his rod and gun club buddies were spreading gossip about you, and Lily let them all know their comments were way out of line with a look and a scathing comment.”

Tamara’s pale face made her look like she was about to toss her cookies. “Good, but I found something while I was waiting. This was stuffed under the front seat of my car.”

Lily and Melinda stared at Tamara as she held up a brick by one corner. They could clearly read her name engraved on the top. One edge was covered with something dark red.

“Is that blood?” Melinda asked her mom with eyes as big as saucers.

Tamara’s mouth was pinched into a tight line. “I think so. There are bits of hair stuck in the red stuff, too.” She glanced anxiously at Lily and Melinda. “I have no idea how the brick got in my car or how this blood got on it. Malcolm put it in the trunk of his car before I left the library parking lot last night. He only agreed to take it to humor me, even though I could tell he didn’t like my idea. You believe me, don’t you? Should I hide it?”

Lily unwrapped the scarf from around her neck. “Put it here Tamara. No, you aren’t going to hide anything. That would make you seem guilty. Our next stop is the police station to give our statements and you’re going to tell Ryan exactly what happened. Exactly. Understand?”

Tamara’s head fell onto the steering wheel. “I can’t believe this is happening to me. I wouldn’t hurt a flea. Everyone knows that. I know I talk too much and I even gossip on occasion, but that doesn’t make me a bad person, does it? Is this some kind of sick payback for something I did?” She searched Lily and Melinda with panic in her eyes.

Melinda reached over the back seat. “Don’t worry Mom. Lily will help you. She always figures out who the murderer is, right Lily?”

Lily’s hand covered her mouth as she coughed to cover a choking noise in the back of her throat. “I’ll certainly help all I can, but, well, let’s just wait and see what else the police uncovered in all that snow.”

Melinda opened the door. “Want me to get some take out and bring it over to your house tonight for dinner?”

“I guess so, I don’t think I can bear to be alone. You came home at just the right moment.” Tamara blew a kiss to Melinda and yelled to her as she walked to her car, “Chinese would be tasty.”

“We better get over to the police station. Ryan said to be there at eleven and it’s already a little after,” Lily said after checking her watch. “He can’t be too mad if we’re a little late since he only requested that we come. Are you ready?”

“I suppose I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.” Tamara sighed as she turned the key in the ignition. Her pink caddy roared to life, she put the shifter in gear, and slowly drove across town. Her face looked glummer and glummer the closer they got.

The parking lot at the police station buzzed with activity. Tamara maneuvered her tank into one of the last spots at the far end of the lot, with her left fender sticking into the snow bank. “Should we bring the brick in now?”

Lily placed the wrapped up brick on the floor near her feet. “Leave it here. You can tell Ryan about what you found and he can take it out. No point in handling it any more than you need to, although at this point, I suppose, your prints are everywhere.” Lily smiled at Tamara, trying to cheer her up. “This is the worst part. Once you tell Ryan your story, the weight will fall off your shoulders.”

“Do you really believe that crap you’re telling me? I can see the writing on the wall, unless, by some miracle, someone came in and confessed. All the evidence is pointing right at me.”

“But,” Lily said emphatically, “you’re innocent, so what can go wrong?”

“Harrumph” was all Tamara replied.

They splashed through the melting snow and entered the police station. Too many bodies milled around inside, making Lily think being outside with some fresh air would be a better option. A teenager covered in tattoos walked to the counter so Lily motioned to Tamara to grab the empty metal chair he had vacated and she stood off to the side, leaning on the wall. Watching. What did she think she would discover? She had no clue, but watching everyone gave her something to do and something to think about. People watching always led to something.

Nina sidled up next to Lily with her pad and pen ready. “So. Care to tell me what you know while I’m waiting for Nick to come back out?”

“To be honest, not much,” Lily said with her eye on Penny Jackson, the librarian. Lily remembered that Penny and Crystal parked on the other side of the library. There was a chance they noticed someone or another car driving in or out during the storm.

Nina shook Lily’s arm. “Did you hear me?”

“Sorry, I guess my thoughts were someplace else.”

“I said, didn’t you find the body?”

“Not technically. I showed Ryan where I thought I might have seen something but Ryan and Adam found the body.”

“Did you see him?”

Lily turned to Nina. “You want all the gory details?”

“Of course, I’m a reporter and details are what makes the story more interesting. If all I can write is
Mr. Moss was found dead in the snow
, people will gloss over that. But if I say
Mr. Moss had his head bashed in and the snow all around was frozen crimson red with the murder weapon only a few feet away
, readers will take notice.”

Lily’s eyes widened. “Well, I don’t know those details. You’ll need to wait until the police are ready to release what they want to share.” She turned her attention back to Penny who sat and nervously chewed on her fingernails while her foot jiggled. “Did you say his head was bashed in and the murder weapon was found a few feet away?” Lily asked Nina.

Nina grinned. “See, that got your attention. I just made that stuff up as an example of what I would like to be able to put in my article. How about the cause of death?”

Lily hesitated. “It’s not my place to make a guess and start a rumor. And besides, too many theories are already circulating around town. How do people come up with this stuff anyway?”

“If they aren’t told the facts, they fill in the blanks with their imagination. People like a good, juicy story.” Nina followed where Lily’s attention was focused. “Why are you watching Penny Jackson and why is she even here?”

Lily moved away from the wall. “I need some fresh air. Want to go outside with me for a minute?”

Nina reached down and picked up her backpack that nestled between her feet and tucked her pad inside. “Okay.”

Lily bent close to Tamara’s ear to say she’d be right back before walking out into the bright sunshine, squinting, until she rustled around in her tote and found her sunglasses.

Nina pulled Lily off to the side where no one could overhear their conversation. “Your brain is working on something. What’s up your sleeve?” She waited for Lily to answer.

“Penny seemed to be kind of fidgety and I’m wondering why. She brought a plate of Christmas cookies to the library while we were all working but I didn’t pay much attention to what she did. Nick said she and Crystal left at about the same time he did, but Penny and Crystal parked on the far side of the library and the rest of us were in the main parking lot.”

“You think she murdered Malcolm?”

“I’m not sure, she’s still on my mental list. She certainly didn’t pretend to be friends with Malcolm since he was the only one to vote against her to be the head librarian. Malcolm wanted Crystal Parker to be hired for that position and he kept trying to get rid of Penny.”

Nina pulled out her notebook. “Slow down, let me catch up with you on this. Who is Crystal Parker?”

“Crystal is Eddie Parker’s wife and Eddie was Malcolm’s law partner.”

Nina jotted in her notebook. “So, Penny has a pretty strong motive to get Malcolm out of the way and she was at the library. Why did Malcolm try so hard to hire Crystal over Penny?”

Lily’s phone chirped with a text message from Ryan.
Where r u?
“We’ll have to continue this later, Ryan wants me back inside.” Lily slid her phone back into her pocket and headed to the door. Ryan stood inside with arms crossed, waiting. Her heart skipped a beat seeing him even though his face was an unreadable mask. He motioned with his head for her to follow him. Lily took a quick glance at Tamara, crowded between a giggling teenage girl on her phone and a sullen older man who hadn’t shaved for at least a week. Tamara looked like she wanted to jump up and follow Lily but she stayed put. Ryan’s long strides took him down the hall to his office forcing Lily to jog to catch up with him.

She plopped into the chair opposite his desk. “What’s going on here today? This place feels like Grand Central Station.”

“Isn’t there a saying about when it rains it pours? Or, more appropriately, when it snows, it blizzards? Well, between the murder, a rash of break-ins and several fender benders, I think at least half the town of Misty Valley ended up under my feet today.” He bent his head and pinched the bridge of his nose, letting out a deep sigh at the same time.

“Are you okay?”

“I’ve been better. Let’s get your statement out of the way before l get Tamara in here.” He smiled. “She looks like she swallowed a canary and it’s still fluttering around inside trying to escape.”

“Try not to be too hard on her, she’s absolutely beside herself with worry, thinking that all the evidence is pointing to her.”

“Oh? Like what?”

“Well, Malcolm did tell her he would only go forward with her brick fundraising idea over his dead body. And now, just before we got here, she found something that could be the murder weapon in her car.”

Ryan almost leapt from his chair. “What? Where is it?”

“I wrapped the brick in my scarf and put it on the floor of her car. The front passenger floor.”

Ryan strode out the door before Lily had a chance to blink. She jumped up and followed him outside.

“Where’s her car?” He swiveled his head searching the parking lot.

Lily pointed to the far end of the lot to Tamara’s pink caddy. “The last car, half stuck in the snow bank.”

Ryan got to the car and yanked the door open. He bent over and ran his hands under the seat, then turned back to ask Lily, “Where did you say you left it?”

She leaned around him, looking in front of the seat with only a puddle of melted snow covering the floor mat. “The brick was right there on the floor,” she told Ryan in utter disbelief.