Free Of Merlot & Murder (A Tangled Vines Mystery) by Joni Folger Page B

language. “That … that can’t be,” he finally said. “I … I just talked to her this afternoon. She said they were doing brisk sales out at the festival and she probably wouldn’t come back to the room until after dinner. There must be some mistake.”
    Abigail shook her head and looked him in the eye. “Garrett, there is no mistake. I found her myself. Again, I’m so sorry.”
    The man paled then and looked like he might drop at any second. Abigail guided him to the chair that was still sitting off to the side where she’d moved it. “Sit here a moment and get your breath. I know this is dreadful news and a lot to take in. Toby gave Maddy your cell number and she tried to call you several times but got no answer. I think she left a couple messages.”
    Garrett looked up at her with a vacant look, and his eyes filled with tears. “I … uh … I was in a meeting and turned my phone off for the duration. I guess I forgot to turn it back on.”
    “It’s okay. That’s not important right now.”
    “What happened, Abigail? What happened to my Divia? And what were you doing in our hotel room?”
    Jackson stepped over and knelt down next to Garrett’s chair. “Mr. Larson, I’m Deputy Jackson Landry. I’m sorry for your loss, sir. Miss Abby called me when she found your wife. We don’t have a lot of information to go on yet and are still trying to piece together just what happened. You said you were in Austin at a meeting. I’m going to need the particulars, as well as anyone that can confirm your presence there.”
    “I’m sorry. I don’t understand,” Garrett said, his face showing genuine confusion. “Why would you need to confirm information about my meeting? And where is Toby? None of this makes any sense to me.”
    “Jackson, do you think this could wait until morning?” Abigail asked with a pointed look. “He’s had a tremendous shock and needs time to absorb what’s happened.”
    After a moment, Jackson nodded. “Of course. Your stepson is in his room, Mr. Larson, but he was very upset. Doctor Nagle gave him a sedative. We’ve secured another room for you, and Miss Abby took the liberty of moving some of your things there. Maybe she could show you the way.”
    “Yes. That’s a good idea, Jackson. Thank you,” Abigail said.
    “Gram, do you want us to wait for you?” Elise asked. She didn’t want to leave her grandmother here alone. Garrett Larson looked devastated, and although he said he was at a meeting in Austin, until Jackson confirmed that, Elise wasn’t willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. At least not where her grandmother was concerned.
    “No, baby girl. You and Ross go on home.”
    “But Gram—” Ross began before she cut him off.
    “Ross Alexander, I’ll be right along as soon as I get Garrett into his new room. I’ll call you when I get home. Now go.” She turned to Mr. Larson and helped him to stand. “Come on, Garrett. I’ve got your room key right here. Let’s get you settled.”
    Abigail took Mr. Larson by the arm and guided him down the breezeway toward his new room, passing Madison as she came out of Toby’s room.
    “Mr. Larson finally got back?” Madison asked when she reached them. “I’m glad he got here before everyone left. That would have made a terrible situation even worse.”
    Slipping an arm around Jackson, Elise took comfort from him when he enfolded her into his embrace. “Oh Jax, this is all so sad. I mean, Divia may not have been the most well-liked person in town, but why would someone intentionally poison her?”
    “I know. And not to sound callous, but it’s a really crappy way to end my one day off.” He gave her a quick squeeze. “Unfortunately, I’m going to be awhile longer, so I’m going to have Ross drop you, okay?”
    She nodded. “That’s fine, as long as you promise to stay until Gram heads home as well. I don’t want her out here on her own.”
    “Will do.” He leaned in and kissed her. “I’ll talk to