Free Lyndsey Cole - Lily Bloom 02 - Queen of Poison by Lyndsey Cole Page A

moment.
    Jennifer was sitting on the couch with her arms wrapped around Katie. Rosie was curled up next to them. Lily patted Rosie and put her hand on Jennifer’s shoulder.
    Jennifer didn’t move. “I don’t know how he found us here. I should have known.”
    “There’s no way to know something like this. He was determined to find Katie.”
    Jennifer finally looked at Lily. “Rosie protected her. How did she know?”
    Lily shrugged. “Rosie just knows these things. She makes me feel safe.”
    Iris walked in from the kitchen and clapped her hands. “Who’s ready for some pancakes? The first batch is ready. I have real maple syrup too. Made right here in Misty Valley at the Misty River Farm.”
    Katie jumped up. “I’m hungry. I want some.” Rosie stayed by her side.
    Iris ushered her into the kitchen. “Great. Climb into the chair. You get the first ones. Do you think Rosie wants one too?”
    Katie looked at Rosie staring intently her. “Yes. She just told me she does want a pancake.”
    Lily tactfu lly asked Jennifer about her ex while they were out of Katie’s earshot. “What will happen now?”
    Jennifer shook her head. “Ryan said he’ll be in jail for a while. I won’t have to worry about custody. ” She looked up at Lily. “I still can’t believe this.”
    “ Shake it off and get some pancakes with Katie. I’m heading back to my shop.”
    The arrangement for the museum was still on the work bench. Lily put it in the cooler and got out more flowers —lilies, delphinium, snapdragons and greens—for the next bouquet.
    Tamara burst into the shop with her normal whirlwind of energy. The door slammed behind her.
    “Is Iris alright?” she hollered to Lily.
    Lily walked to the front. “Yeah. Rosie saved the day again. It was weird. Last night when Iris left my house, Rosie insisted on going too. That dog has a sense when danger is around.”
    Tamara plopped into the chair. Lily tried not to wince wondering if the chair would hold Tamara’s bulk or shatter, dropping her to the floor. The chair survived. “What happened?” Tamara always wanted to know all the gossip.
    Lily filled her in on the details of Jennifer, Katie and the ex-husband.
    Tamara grimaced and declared emphatically, “You don’t have to tell me about ex-husbands. Don’t I know all about that .”
    Lily chuckled. “I guess you are a bit of an expert. By the way, are you going to the museum memorial tonight?”
    “Of course. Evelyn said she needs me there to help her keep track of all the guests.” Tamara lowered her voice. “She’s distraught over what she found out in the will. I’m not supposed to tell anyone. But—”
    “ But?“
    “Okay. As long as you don’t repeat any of this.” Tamara looked around the empty shop , expecting to see someone hiding in the corner. “Evelyn’s sister changed the will and is leaving the museum to the town.”
    “Interesting. You’re the third person I’ve heard this from.”
    Tamara’s face got red and she stuttered, “You … you already know this?”
    “Ruth and Evelyn told me. It doesn’t seem to be that big of a secret.”
    “And, it was stated that Elizabeth could stay on as the director for as long as she wanted the position.”
    Lily perked up. “That’s interesting. I hadn’t heard that part yet. So who will be the new director?”
    Tamara shook her head. “I wish I knew. But it definitely won’t be Ruth.”
    Lily paused. “Did you actually see the will?”
    “Well, no. Why?”
    “Just wondering.”
    The front door jingled and both women looked up. Lily smiled at the sight of Ryan walking in. She felt her heart beat a little faster.
    Tamara pushed herself upright with a grunt. “Well, I think I’ll go see how Iris is holding up. See you tonight Lily.”
    Ryan moved aside so Tamara could get out the door withou t knocking into anything. “Lily, I don’t know how to thank you.” He strode toward her and embraced her in a big bear hug. “I could never