Lorna Barrett - Chapter & Hearse

“Speaking of letters,” Ginny said, and pulled a much-folded envelope from the pocket of her slacks. “Tricia, I thought we agreed you wouldn’t be paying off my mortgage,” she said, sounding hurt.

Tricia frowned. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“I got a notice in the mail saying my mortgage had been paid in full.”

Tricia held out her hands in mock surrender. “Believe me, I’d like to take credit, but—”

“I’m afraid that was me, Ginny,” Mr. Everett said, his voice tinged with embarrassment.

“But why?” Ginny asked, her eyes wide.

“I have no children. I have no one to leave all that lottery money to. You and Ms. Miles, Miss Marple, and Grace are all I have. I wanted to repay you in some way for all the kindnesses you’ve shown me over the past year or so.”

“Oh, Mr. Everett,” Ginny said, her voice cracking, her eyes swimming with tears. She stepped up to him, wrapping her arms around him in a gentle hug. “I don’t know what to say. ‘Thank you’ seems so inadequate.”

He patted her back paternally. “I’ve also arranged to have the roof fixed and all new appliances delivered. Of course, I’ll leave it up to you to decide what you want in your kitchen and laundry room.”

Ginny pulled back. “Mr. Everett, that is way too kind of you. I can’t accept—”

“Yes, you can,” he said softly.

“But I—”

Tricia placed a hand on Ginny’s arm, knowing how important it would be for her to accept Mr. Everett’s generous gift. “Yes, you can.”

“I haven’t forgotten you or Miss Marple,” Mr. Everett said, addressing Tricia.

Tricia shook her head. “We don’t need anything, Mr. Everett, but it’s so kind of you to think of us.”

“I bought a case of Miss Marple’s favorite kitty snacks. They’re in the trunk of my car. I was hoping I could borrow the shop’s dolly to bring them in.”

Tricia laughed. “Of course you can.” Then she addressed her cat. “Say ‘thank you,’ Miss Marple.”

Miss Marple said, “ Yow!”

Grace and Ginny laughed, but Mr. Everett turned a somber face to Tricia. “As for you, Ms. Miles, I owe you the most.”

“Me? I don’t understand.”

“During the first six months you were in business, you never chased me out of your store, even though I sat in your readers’ nook for hours and read your books, drank your coffee, and brought you no income. Then, you gave me work, when everyone else had written me off as just an old man. You brought value back to my life, and you saved my darling Grace from a terrible existence, when everyone thought she suffered from dementia. I can never, ever repay you for all your kindnesses.”

Tricia swallowed the lump that had formed in her throat. She didn’t know what to say, so she simply said, “Thank you.”

“I’m sorry, but I could think of nothing to get you,” the old man apologized.

“Mr. Everett, your friendship is worth more than millions to me.” She stepped forward and kissed his cheek.

Mr. Everett and Grace beamed.

“What will you do with the rest of the money?” Ginny asked.

“Grace would like us to make a sizable donation to the Stoneham Food Shelf, which we will do. Grace has taken it upon herself to investigate each request we receive, and if it has merit, we will grant it. Of course, our priority will be the people of southern New Hampshire, but I believe there will be plenty of money to go to other worthy causes, as well.”

“It’s a wonderful thing you’re doing, Mr. Everett,” Tricia said. “I commend you.”

A Milford Florist Shop truck pulled up outside of Haven’t Got a Clue, capturing their attention. The driver got out, opened the back of his van, and pulled out a box, checking a clipboard before he shut the door and advanced toward the shop. “Delivery,” he called, “for Ms. Tricia Miles.”

“That’s me,” Tricia said, delighted, and took the box.

“Ooh, open it,” Ginny said eagerly.

“Give me a chance,” Tricia placated, and slid the pink ribbon from the box, removed the lid, and peeled back the green tissue. Nestled inside were six perfect calla lilies.

“Read the card,” Ginny urged. “Who are they from?”

Tricia removed the envelope, withdrew a card, and frowned. Happy birthday, darling . It was signed “Russ.”

“Russ?” Ginny repeated, appalled. “But—”

At that moment, the shop door opened once again, and a smiling Angelica glided in. “Happy birthday, darling sister,” she called.

Tricia dropped the card into the box as Angelica advanced, embraced her, and planted a big wet kiss on Tricia’s cheek.

“Ange, what are you doing here?” Tricia asked, pulling back.

“You didn’t really think I’d leave you alone on your birthday, did you?”

“But your itinerary said—”

“I lied!” Angelica said, and everyone laughed.

The deliveryman was back with another white box. “Will you sign for this one, too?”

Feeling a little overwhelmed, Tricia took his pen and added her signature to another sheet. The deliveryman went back outside as Tricia slid the peach-colored ribbon from the box and placed them both on the counter. Again she peeled back the florist’s tissue. This time, there were a dozen perfect calla lilies inside. “What does the card say?” Grace asked.

“To darling Tricia. From your big sister.” She turned to Angelica. “Oh, Ange, thank you, they’re beautiful.”

Angelica noticed the already-open box on the coffee station’s counter, and frowned. “Apparently I’m not the only one who remembered your favorite flower.”

“No,” Ginny said, her voice flat. “I’d better see if I can scout up a vase—or two.” She headed for the back of the store just as the door opened once more. This time it was Bob Kelly, who held a white envelope in his hand.

“Hello, Tricia. Happy birthday.” He handed her the card.

“Thank you, Bob.”

Angelica bristled. “Hello, Bob. What brings you here?”

“Tricia’s birthday, of course. You did tell me you’d planned on surprising her today.”

“Did I? Why did you pay attention to that and nothing else I’ve said for the past month or so?”

“I had a lot on my mind,” he admitted.

“How about your other body parts?” Angelica asked coldly.

Bob’s cheeks flushed a dark red. Mr. Everett and Grace looked nearly as embarrassed.

Bob cleared his throat. “I know I’ve abused your trust, Angelica. I’ll do anything I can to regain it.”

Angelica looked away. “How’s that vase coming, Ginny?” she called.

“Angelica, please don’t treat me with such indifference,” Bob pleaded.

“Oh, you mean I shouldn’t emulate your behavior of the last two months? Remind me why.”

Bob lowered his voice. “Angelica, you know how much you mean to me.”

“Oh? And what did Darcy mean to you?”

Bob glowered. “Nothing. Nothing at all.”

“That’s not what Darcy told Captain Baker.”

“You’d believe her over me?” Bob asked, sounding hurt.

“Let me think about it for all of two seconds.” She looked at the ceiling and nodded her head twice. “Yes!”

Bob chewed at his bottom lip, looking uncomfortable. Much as she didn’t like him, Tricia actually felt a little sorry for him. Okay, on a scale of one to ten, she gave him a one point five worth of pity. Then she recalled he’d saved her life two days before and upped it to two.

The little bell over the door captured their attention as the floral deliveryman once again entered, this time carrying a long white box with a royal blue ribbon. Again he handed the box to Tricia and offered her the clipboard.