Анна Керн - Deadly Diamond

Later on, Bernice was back from lunch in a happier mood than the day called for, and in a singsong voice announced, “I know who’s opening shop in the old lamp store, and you’ll never guess.”

“Well, if I’ll never guess, you’d better tell me,” teased Alyx.

“You’re no fun,” said Bernice and proceeded to tell her.

“Did you ever watch that travel show where the host traveled to out-of the-way places rather than the more common tourist places in the world?”

“Yes, the show was on TV a couple of years ago on the PBS station, right?” guessed Maggie. “I was sorry to see it go off the air.”

Bernice nodded, “The host of that show is the owner of Far Away Places, the new shop where the old lamp store used to be.”

“Really?” mused Maggie. “I wonder why he picked this city to open such a store. You’d think after all his travels, he’d want a more sophisticated place than Beachside.”

“His father lives here,” explained Bernice. “I had lunch with my parents, and it so happens that they live in the same condominium building as his father. They wanted to see his new store, so we stopped in for a few minutes.”

“Did you meet him?” asked Alyx, excited.

“Yes. The handsome and charming Jonathan Steele––and he has excellent taste. He has some very unusual items in the store. You should stop in, Alyx. I’m sure you’ll find the perfect item for that housewarming gift you mentioned you needed.”

“Good idea,” replied Maggie. “Thanks, Bernice. I’ll do that, and it’ll give me the opportunity to solicit his support to save the Blue Heron Yacht Clubhouse. I think it might interest a world traveler, someone who must have an appreciation for history.”

“What’s the latest on that, anyway?” asked Maggie.

“Can you imagine the oldest clubhouse on the east coast to operate continuously at its original location since it was built in 1897, and efforts to save it have gone nowhere? The only interested developer suggested relocating it via barge, and as he had trouble renting one, he dropped the idea. The contractor of the new building has made another suggestion. He wants to take apart the building, pack up the planks, and reassemble them in replica form next to some other historic buildings he’s rescued. Everyone was hoping to see it moved––but this is the next best thing.”

“When do you make the final decision?” asked Alyx.

“At next month’s meeting when we find out how much it’s going to cost,” said Maggie. “Of course, the more money we have pledged prior to the meeting, the easier it will be to get yes votes.”

Alyx interrupted their discussion to go looking for Bernice who had wandered off, and waited for Bernice to finish up with a customer, then asked her, “Do you feel comfortable being left alone for an hour or so?”

“No problem,” Bernice quickly agreed.

“I’ve decided now is as good a time as any to check out that new store you told me about. If anyone’s looking for me, have them call me on my cell, and if they don’t have my number, tell them to call me here, later.”

“Will do, Alyx, and if you’re not back, I’ll just assume that you and the handsome Jon Steele have run off somewhere exciting.” She grinned, savoring the romantic notion.

“Oh, so now it’s Jon, is it? Honestly, Bernice, you’re worse than Maggie.”

Bernice smiled broadly. “Thank you; I consider that a compliment,” she said as she sashayed over to assist the two women who’d just walked in the door.

“The cat is mighty dignified until the dog comes by.”

–– Southern folk saying

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE: An Exotic and Mysterious Shop

The building that housed Far Away Places was itself as exotic and mysterious as the name implied. It was also located on Ocean Street, about a mile or so from the center of downtown Beachside. Two high-rise condominiums were going up around the corner; evidence of redevelopment in that section of town.

The windowless building shrouded by tropical vegetation, piqued curiosity as to what might be inside. Alyx pushed on the ornately-carved mahogany door and stepped inside a wide-open space. As usual, I was right behind her.

A rumpled-looking man, obviously at home in his surroundings, approached her, smiling.

“Do you always bring your cat with you when you go shopping?”

“This is Murfy,” said Alyx, introducing me, “and yes, he does go with me pretty much wherever I go. I hope that’s not a problem.”

“I’m Jonathan Steele, the owner of this fine establishment and it’s no problem at all. If you have any questions about a particular item, I’ll be glad to tell you all I know about it.”

She introduced herself and added, “My son is buying his first home, and I’m looking for a special housewarming gift. I don’t know exactly what; I’ll know it when I see it.”

“That’s exactly how I selected the items in the store. Take your time; I’m sure you’ll find the perfect thing.”

He returned to the couple he’d been speaking with earlier, and Alyx continued her quick tour of the array of goods from all over the world. A red Oriental rug caught her attention on the first round, and she doubled back to take a closer look. A few minutes later, Jonathan Steele appeared at her side, ready to assist.

“This rug is exactly what I had in mind.”

“You’ve made a good choice. That’s a one-of-a-kind made by hand by two women I had the pleasure of meeting and talking to them about their craft.”

“I think I saw your show with that segment before it went off the air.”

His eyes lit up. “So you watched my show?”

“Yes, whenever I could. I was sorry to see it go.”

“I was too at first, until I realized it all turned out for the best. I collected some of these things you see here throughout the years I did the show.” He gestured around the room. “and I’ll be doing more traveling to buy other items to replenish the stock.”

“You really do have unique items. Your store is what our design business needs. I’m sure Maggie, my business partner, and I will be visiting you often.”

She paid for her purchase, and he instructed her to drive around back and he would load it in her vehicle. “I’m afraid this is still a one-man show and will be until the business gets going,” he said.

Carpet loaded, Alyx slid behind the wheel and rolled down her window. “It was nice meeting you and best wishes on your new adventure. In case you don’t already know, owning a business is an adventure. By the way, if you haven’t already, I hope you’ll join the Downtown Merchants Association. We meet once a month and next month, the topic of discussion is the Blue Heron Yacht Clubhouse. Are you familiar with what’s going on with it?”

“Yes, I am. I’ve been following the story in the newspaper, and I’m curious to know what will be decided. Can I get back to you on the date?”

“Sure, stop in our store anytime. Antiques & Designs is right across from the marina.”

“I will, and thank you for visiting my store, Ms. Hille.”

Maggie was all smiles when Alyx returned. She said, “I see you didn’t get whisked off to a faraway place.”

“You and Bernice are incorrigible.”

“Yeah, yeah, I know; we’re too romantic.”

“And maybe I’m not enough;” said Alyx with a sly smile, “however, this one could change my mind.”

I relished the look that passed between Maggie and Bernice; a look that said they weren’t sure if Alyx was kidding or not. She was of course, wasn’t she?

Bernice asked if Alyx had found something for Ethan.

“I found the perfect rug for his entry hall. You want to see it?”