tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18074879247683487682024-03-13T23:37:23.034-05:00Nancy Jill Thames, Author ~ Queen of Afternoon TeaEnter the world of Jillian Bradley and her Yorkie companion Teddy, where afternoon tea is served and murderers are brought to justice.Nancy Jill Thameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18089542041601366071noreply@blogger.comBlogger430125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807487924768348768.post-37453772947850390682020-05-19T06:30:00.000-05:002020-05-19T06:30:00.136-05:00Tea Party Tuesday-Old Country Roses<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Hello, everyone. This week on Tea Party Tuesday, I wanted to share about Old Country Roses China. According to Macy's this pattern is the most popular pattern in the world! It's no wonder. The lovely pink, red and yellow roses are suited to any season. Rimmed with gold, this china is truly stunning! The first cup and saucer in my collection was handed down from my Aunt Louise who knew I loved to collect them. </span></span></b></span></div>
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<b style="text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Soon, after being inspired by a photo on Pinterest, I searched online until I found this cup and saucer in the Avon shape. I simply couldn't live without it!</span></b></div>
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<b style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.2in;">And then, I had to purchase the tea set because </span><span style="text-indent: 0.2in;">I needed an extra creamer fo</span><span style="text-indent: 0.2in;">r a party I was hosting. The set was less expensive than the creamer alone. </span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: 700;">I don't know what makes your heart go pitty-pat, but for me it's beautiful dishes. The Jillian Bradley Mystery Series has afternoon tea in every book. Some say I use too many descriptions of food and clothes but writers write about who they are and what they do. If you love beauty like me along with a good mystery free of anything unpleasant except perhaps a murder here and there, you may want to check them out.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: 700;">Thank you for joining me this week. I pray you stay safe and sound in the days ahead.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">All Jillian Bradley wants is to spend a quiet weekend by the ocean and enjoy her afternoon tea. But a startling discovery draws Jillian and her garden club friends into solving a mystery that threatens her life and changes her future. </span></b><b style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">"Murder in Half Moon Bay," Book 1 in the Jillian Bradley Mystery Series, introduces Jillian's little companion Teddy, a Yorkie who falls prey to danger but rises to become a sleuth dog in the next book.</span></b></span></span></div>
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<b style="text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">See you in my books!</span></span></b></div>
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Nancy Jill Thameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18089542041601366071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807487924768348768.post-60771761325699916472020-05-11T13:40:00.001-05:002020-05-11T13:40:21.598-05:00Bursting Forth from Covid19!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>Like a butterfly emerging from a cocoon-that’s what's happening on my journey as an author. This quarantine has only served to help me understand what’s important and what’s not.</b><br />
<b>What’s <i>not</i> important is stagnation. I choose to not be mired in apathy toward my writing, after all, it is the expression of who I am and the means to share whatever positive thoughts I have with others.</b><br />
<b>What<i> is</i> important is moving forward with means to facilitate that goal.</b><br />
<b>This week marks the beginning of new posts, reflecting on everyday beauty life can offer. Its what you’ll find in the books I’ve written. It’s what you’ll see in the photos I share.</b><br />
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<b>Here’s to a beautiful life we can all achieve.</b><br />
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<b> See you in my books!</b><br />
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<b> ~Nancy Jill</b><br />
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Nancy Jill Thameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18089542041601366071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807487924768348768.post-36459615596266481652020-03-18T18:20:00.000-05:002020-03-18T18:20:46.530-05:00COVID-19 What is Going to Happen Next?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPvHvNxRn19SLFxQ_Jl9q5q6Z9MRa3A-7pMlqhfdNDMBQ2DCvN-P5NuDsxUNLzGwl4UGWIGhEsOtaGoOyUKFQt3nz5kvmf3q0SdLgMT2ClQ5L44B8DBfZJlATWFib-HRnJcMKof0-pRmmV/s1600/5A2F59D3-ECB9-4909-A8AF-B9D6507EF34A.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPvHvNxRn19SLFxQ_Jl9q5q6Z9MRa3A-7pMlqhfdNDMBQ2DCvN-P5NuDsxUNLzGwl4UGWIGhEsOtaGoOyUKFQt3nz5kvmf3q0SdLgMT2ClQ5L44B8DBfZJlATWFib-HRnJcMKof0-pRmmV/s320/5A2F59D3-ECB9-4909-A8AF-B9D6507EF34A.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">When I lay down at night, my mind whirls with thoughts of the day:</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">How long will our food last?</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">If my husband gets sick, will I?</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Will hospitals overflow with virus victims?</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Will we have enough medicine to get through this virus if we catch it?</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">What about those losing jobs?</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">In essence, what is going to happen now?</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">No one knows.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">But I can begin to see good things emerging:</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">The environment in Italy is clearing of pollutants due to less traffic. Wild life is returning.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">Children, home from school, are with their parents.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Parents are spending less time on their cell phones and tending to their family’s needs.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Many businesses are finding ways to give back to the community.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Less time is being spent commuting.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Many are cooking again because they have to and some are enjoying it!</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Families are drawing closer together.</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Older parents are receiving attention.</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Neighbors are stepping up to help the elderly and those at risk.</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">You can probably think of more. </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">I also believe our country will become more self-sufficient, which is a good thing.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">We as a nation have endured hardships in the past. We have also revived and learned valuable lessons along the way. </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Yes, the worst may be yet to come. Let us hold onto our faith, our values, and most importantly, each other. For then we focus on what we can do each day instead of wondering what is going to happen tomorrow.</span></b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">~Nancy Jill</span></b><br />
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Nancy Jill Thameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18089542041601366071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807487924768348768.post-57324542931155125592020-01-22T12:16:00.000-06:002020-01-22T12:16:41.166-06:00Heartbreaking Justice<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b style="font-size: 12.8px; text-indent: 19.2px;"><span class="s1"><span style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sfuitext" , serif; font-size: 16pt;"> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004CLYG9Y/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i2" style="color: #aa0033; text-decoration-line: none;">Amazon</a></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="font-size: 12.8px; text-indent: 19.2px;"><span class="s1"><span style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sfuitext" , serif; font-size: 16pt;"> <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-ghost-orchid-murder-book-2-nancy-jill-thames/1119850681?ean=2940046437751" style="color: #aa0033; text-decoration-line: none;">BN</a></span></span></b><b style="font-size: 12.8px; text-indent: 19.2px;"><span class="s1"><span style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sfuitext" , serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></span></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: ".sfuitext", serif; font-size: 21.3333px; text-indent: 19.2px;"> <a href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-ghost-orchid-murder-book-2-1" style="color: #aa0033; font-size: 21.3333px; text-decoration-line: none; text-indent: 19.2px;">Kobo</a></b></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sfuitext" , serif; font-size: 16pt;"><b> <a href="https://bit.ly/2YSBoQ7" style="color: #aa0033; text-decoration-line: none;">Smashwords</a></b></span></span><br />
<span class="s1"><span style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sfuitext" , serif; font-size: 16pt;"><b style="color: black; font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 19.2px;"> <a href="http://ow.ly/1098Ys" style="color: #aa0033; font-size: 16pt; text-decoration-line: none; text-indent: 19.2px;">Apple</a></b></span></span></div>
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<b style="font-size: 12.8px; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"> <a href="http://authl.it/cv" style="color: #aa0033; text-decoration-line: none;">Amazon Intern</a></span></b><b style="font-size: 12.8px; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://authl.it/cv" style="color: #aa0033;">ational Links</a></span></b></div>
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<b style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Looking back at the second book I wrote, "The Ghost Orchid Murder," it's always in my mind how Jillian has pity on the victim's mother. Jillian Bradley is not a professional detective, she's a tenacious friend seeking justice for all parties involved. The story takes place in Scottsdale, Arizona but extends to Ocala, Florida, home of the victim, and where all the trouble began. Here is the synopsis...</span></b></div>
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<b style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">It's been eight years since gardening columnist Jillian Bradley helped solve a string of murders in Half Moon Bay. But when a colleague in Scottsdale, Arizona finds a young technical assistant dead on the floor of his private office, Jillian doesn't hesitate to answer his plea for help in the investigation. After all, a $2 million research grant depends on it.</span></b></div>
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<b style="text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Together with Detective Jack Noble and Jillian's clue sniffing dog, Teddy, the three set out to track the killer who <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_mark" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="4d2bb1f6-5d4e-4981-9800-c1d1cda6617c" id="f9aa5413-f972-46b0-8ec0-ce6ec66171ba">left</span> a porcelain orchid over the wound as the only clue. Even though it means <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_mark" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="4a02c83c-3d6f-4210-aab7-856238d71175" id="cae4c678-041b-499d-b3b4-9b0f959e7402">personal</span> sacrifice for Jillian, she is determined to uncover the truth. A <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_mark" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="734d4a32-2d17-40d3-bb82-896c9b6053ba" id="7c199f6c-62cb-4ef7-a9e2-830c06ea409f">faith</span>-based novel.</span></b><b style="font-size: 12.8px; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"> </span></b></div>
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<b style="font-size: 12.8px; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"> See you in my books!</span></b></div>
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<b style="font-size: 12.8px; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">~Nancy Jill</span></b></div>
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Nancy Jill Thameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18089542041601366071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807487924768348768.post-2592962783887019132019-12-12T13:14:00.001-06:002019-12-12T13:16:33.389-06:0012 Days of Christmas Countdown <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ9gH6_-T-MjCwTw8Xx958OJ9Ojv5xHTuGv0r08jrkj6pDdnMHURbms7V_Ym5N34gMELDL_KHY6XLofbcxWMZ0R5CB0nRKFfV0aZFoudIoy2ONHIuV3Q63ShCTx5Bv76CbzCrO0XCOi2qp/s1600/24E5A72C-AAEF-4E0F-B07F-CF3C4100D78E.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ9gH6_-T-MjCwTw8Xx958OJ9Ojv5xHTuGv0r08jrkj6pDdnMHURbms7V_Ym5N34gMELDL_KHY6XLofbcxWMZ0R5CB0nRKFfV0aZFoudIoy2ONHIuV3Q63ShCTx5Bv76CbzCrO0XCOi2qp/s320/24E5A72C-AAEF-4E0F-B07F-CF3C4100D78E.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">With 12 days left until Christmas Day I’m ready! It looks festive in our home. The house has been decorated since the first weekend in November. (We celebrated Thanksgiving at our son’s.) I made a master list of all the goodies and menus I wanted to make complete with an ingredient list then my sweet husband went to the store for me. I placed all the goods in empty Christmas storage bins and set them in the bottom of my pantry ready to go. It saved time and stress like you wouldn’t believe!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> All I had to do was figure out when to make what so everything would stay fresh over the holidays, yet available for our eating pleasure. The freezer came in handy. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> The best part of planning was I had goodies on hand for hostess gifts, party contributions, and gifts for the neighbors.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> We give cash gifts to our family and service people which seem to be most appreciated and is a huge time and energy saver. Our gifts to each other are personally chosen by ourselves so there are no disappointments. We give to our church as an added blessing to us because God has blessed us so much! </span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"> One insight I want to share. I love beautiful dishes but especially Christmas ones. I was spending so much time surfing for vintage Christmas teapots that it took a morning devotion on coveting to give me a wake up call. I already have seven teapots and one is silver. I don’t need a Christmas one. So here’s what I did. When I’m tempted to surf for dishes I get a book and read! It keeps me content which is a virtue and keeps my husband from worrying that I’ve gone off the deep end.</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Merry Christmas to you all. May we continue to remember the birth of our Lord and Savior as we celebrate the season.</span></b><br />
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Nancy Jill Thameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18089542041601366071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807487924768348768.post-32354322134496528882019-12-01T21:28:00.000-06:002019-12-02T13:04:37.536-06:00Great Gift Ideas for Cozy Mystery Lovers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span id="goog_1452672530"></span><span id="goog_1452672531"></span>Hello, dear readers! </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">I hope this holiday season finds you and your family healthy and happy. Christmas is just around the corner and gift lists seem to be on many people’s mind. Last year my son gave me a mystery anthology and I’ve enjoyed the stories so much. To me,</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">books bring a different world to readers and provide great entertainment for hours. I count a new book as a definite treat! A whole series is even better!</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPql9RtB51DfVFpv6-LbE_bd_AwzJF-eBITE0SeLoMMCqGOt4ajkF_cWF8jSNZlhgdXMPZKkqzCHKjuysd5UrXGuTlFFYC6rt0n1rO_7ac7fSjlNmDDS5l0SSgjPHV4rtYc-b2HhdbHcsG/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPql9RtB51DfVFpv6-LbE_bd_AwzJF-eBITE0SeLoMMCqGOt4ajkF_cWF8jSNZlhgdXMPZKkqzCHKjuysd5UrXGuTlFFYC6rt0n1rO_7ac7fSjlNmDDS5l0SSgjPHV4rtYc-b2HhdbHcsG/s320/photo.JPG" width="280" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">If you'd like to give a friend or a loved one a gift that keeps on giving, the Jillian Bradley mysteries might be a good choice. Rated G with no profanity or offensive scenes, they are the perfect gift choice for readers on your list. Books range in price from $7.99 to $11.99 for paperbacks and FREE to $3.99 for eBooks. Not bad when you consider one can purchase the entire series for under $99.00 + tx and s/h. (Amazon Prime members enjoy free s/h!)</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Besides the 11 book series, there are also six short stories about Jillian and Teddy included in"The Jillian Bradley Short Story Collection." </span></b><br />
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<b>Here is a complete list of books and buy links: </b></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>AMAZON</b></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/co/author/nancy-jill-thames/id586694069?l=en&mt=11">APPLE</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/nancy%20jill%20thames/_/N-0"><span style="font-size: large;">BARNES AND NOBLE</span></a></b></span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: 0.2in;"><span class="value-preview show" style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/byseries/6297">SMASHWORDS</a></b></span></span></div>
<span style="text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span class="value-preview show" style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/Search?Query=nancy+jill+thames">KOBO</a></b></span></span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Whatever gifts we give and receive, may we be reminded of the greatest gift of all - Jesus, God's only begotten Son. </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Happy Holidays!</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg1EzibpTmB3_fh2FxqPskZAwgv3f91AkdrwYME5PQ66r8vQqzYnJ5RKj-NQu3cj-lpG3xPpUxpSBrEBfcFya1DBFDfGw5iN5IlPG-Vd795yWSptQcZ0gxbHZHKJ58gtyN2QmcbUkqq8OY/s1600/3519BEEC-2764-4655-ACA2-9FF83CDA93E4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="444" data-original-width="377" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg1EzibpTmB3_fh2FxqPskZAwgv3f91AkdrwYME5PQ66r8vQqzYnJ5RKj-NQu3cj-lpG3xPpUxpSBrEBfcFya1DBFDfGw5iN5IlPG-Vd795yWSptQcZ0gxbHZHKJ58gtyN2QmcbUkqq8OY/s320/3519BEEC-2764-4655-ACA2-9FF83CDA93E4.jpeg" width="271" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">~Nancy Jill</span></b></div>
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<div class="aYm0te c-wa-Da note" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">God has blessed me beyond even <i>my</i> wildest imagination, always guiding my life, giving me a loving husband, four wonderful children, and a number of precious grandchildren. </span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">I hope you enjoy the Jillian Bradley mysteries - they are works of love.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">To stay in touch please visit these sites.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://twitter.com/mystriterdva">Twitter</a> - @mystriterdva</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://nancy-jill.blogspot.com/">Blog - Author Nancy Jill Thames, Queen of Afternoon Tea</a></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/mystriterdva/">Pinterest</a> - mystriterdva</span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://cozymysterymagazine.blogspot.com/">Blog - Cozy Mystery Magazine</a></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4097911.Nancy_Jill_Thames">Goodreads</a> - Nancy Jill Thames</span></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nancy-Jill-Thames/124340760960323">Facebook</a></span></span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;">jillthames@gmail.com</span></span></b></div>
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Nancy Jill Thameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18089542041601366071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807487924768348768.post-5254162518917518032019-11-14T15:00:00.000-06:002019-11-14T15:00:59.816-06:00Be Happy!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b> See you in my books!</b></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZBPRwBDTv8tiFPeeG-O0Bv_hasIxgrl8e0Gy16J2RUa6yCCHBYcnv7WVjVsLPis1ZHsiVFn0m1MhCe-U1l9XNShsB-U0TUJadjWfnO6Mb24YrfM6clWmtI9dfWDbBCdDnOcneYs5r77X4/s1600/7D129A0A-3648-43D9-876B-6AEF0FB92FC6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="444" data-original-width="377" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZBPRwBDTv8tiFPeeG-O0Bv_hasIxgrl8e0Gy16J2RUa6yCCHBYcnv7WVjVsLPis1ZHsiVFn0m1MhCe-U1l9XNShsB-U0TUJadjWfnO6Mb24YrfM6clWmtI9dfWDbBCdDnOcneYs5r77X4/s320/7D129A0A-3648-43D9-876B-6AEF0FB92FC6.jpeg" width="271" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">~Nancy Jill Thames</span></b></td></tr>
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Nancy Jill Thameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18089542041601366071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807487924768348768.post-55119557791800404532019-11-09T14:10:00.000-06:002019-11-09T14:12:12.902-06:00Bucket Lists as we Age<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_B37niVeZgw6f99Ac3WQxqlRLq5oZYkRfisMrIim2xfHRISpuWlvYd37VJSS_gSR1xODYabzQ4qXS7Wa8Vz0yy7YCXB4ZOomLirmQUxsaGXyvzJCJDEXp44LdV34_jlL4QbbmuN1pLZL2/s1600/E6C75BED-CF2D-41D2-A63C-C9776D42BB22.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="817" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_B37niVeZgw6f99Ac3WQxqlRLq5oZYkRfisMrIim2xfHRISpuWlvYd37VJSS_gSR1xODYabzQ4qXS7Wa8Vz0yy7YCXB4ZOomLirmQUxsaGXyvzJCJDEXp44LdV34_jlL4QbbmuN1pLZL2/s320/E6C75BED-CF2D-41D2-A63C-C9776D42BB22.jpeg" width="217" /></span></b></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">So, how many of you have a bucket list? I used to until that list grew to be overwhelming. I archived it on Pinterest just to avoid looking at it. As the photo suggests, we need things to look forward to whether it involves travel or learning a new skill. Great! Nothing wrong with that until...yes, we begin to slow down and eventually run out of gas!</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"> Since no one knows their last day on earth I decided to only plan a day or at the most one season at a time. And then enjoy the journey.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"> This season I feel healthy and happy therefore I will only undertake new cooking skills that I find both creative and enjoyable. I will bake five new kinds of cookies, try my hand at a few candy recipes (but no candy thermometers, please-they’ve been disastrous in the past), and a few new appetizer and salad recipes that look good to me. My husband doesn’t have to eat them, either!</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"> I’m reading a few new authors while enjoying my old favorites, too. If you like beautiful settings for armchair travel and an amateur sleuth who’s into gardening and afternoon tea, you may enjoy the books I’ve written. Please check them out if you’re interested on my <a href="https://nancy-jill.blogspot.com/p/book-descriptions.html?m=1">Books</a> page. </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"> Thanks for joining me today. Please let me know how your bucket lists are going.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"> Until next time, Happy Holidays!</span></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_VltyoqNnSGIRQ5afRHy87Rt_eoF-VejbK1qD6Ss4utNbQ_1_ZIkcS8Ia4uvWxY5vFDDm1MvVz4K-5GYdkNNBnSzbO8SRvb6Kq-GJsdEH-7LeTOJbOchoVviMUtDJRxL8Rb1ArB6Tk6TJ/s1600/96005E93-E538-4131-A10F-BF6418936625.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="444" data-original-width="377" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_VltyoqNnSGIRQ5afRHy87Rt_eoF-VejbK1qD6Ss4utNbQ_1_ZIkcS8Ia4uvWxY5vFDDm1MvVz4K-5GYdkNNBnSzbO8SRvb6Kq-GJsdEH-7LeTOJbOchoVviMUtDJRxL8Rb1ArB6Tk6TJ/s320/96005E93-E538-4131-A10F-BF6418936625.jpeg" width="271" /></span></b></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">~Nancy Jill</span></b></td></tr>
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Nancy Jill Thameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18089542041601366071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807487924768348768.post-85854704540110419872019-10-23T10:18:00.000-05:002019-10-24T11:11:35.252-05:00What's it all about, Alfie? <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Who else uses lines from movies in everyday conversation besides my husband and me? "Alfie" is song sung by Dionne Warwick from a 1966 British romantic comedy-drama film directed by Lewis Gilbert and starring Michael Caine. I can't remember the movie but the song remains a catch phrase whenever I pose a "What's it all about?"</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Unfamiliar books pose the same question. With so many new books on the market today sometimes it's overwhelming to choose! So,</b></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b> here's an early review I thought apropos to use on the back covers of all my books, which are a series but stand-alones as well.</b></span><b style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"> </b><br />
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<b style="color: #111111;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">"From the first book, I was hooked. Who can imagine a female protagonist-our age-<span style="background-color: white;">Baby</span>-Boomers-who gets into so much trouble? At every turn, Jillian is engrossed in a mystery. Her little friend, Teddy, (whether one likes dogs or not) is another character in this fantastic series. I can't put them down once I begin. I read quickly...then read them again--on my Kindle, of course."</span></b><br />
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<span class="a-size-base review-text review-text-content" data-hook="review-body" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 19px !important;">The books' byline includes a secret ingredient. Can you see what it is? (Clue-it's in italics.)</span></b></span><br />
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<span class="a-size-base review-text review-text-content" data-hook="review-body" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 19px;"><b>"Enter the world of Jillian Bradley and her Yorkie companion Teddy, where <i>afternoon tea is served</i> and murderers are brought to justice."</b></span></span><br />
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<span class="a-size-base review-text review-text-content" data-hook="review-body" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 19px;"><b style="color: black;">If these have appeal, begin with "Murder in Half Moon Bay" and follow Jillian Bradley and Teddy's adventures. </b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.2in;"> Try Book 1 in the series as a Free</span><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.2in;"><b> eBook!</b></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://ow.ly/maNO30gjD7a" style="color: #aa0033; text-decoration-line: none;"><b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Amazon</span></b></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span class="s1"><span style="color: #454545;"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/murder-in-half-moon-bay-book-1-nancy-jill-thames/1115380572;jsessionid=11EE77C110039BA91008233D10DA4F4C.prodny_store01-atgap03?ean=2940044538481" style="color: #aa0033; text-decoration-line: none;">BN</a></span></span><span style="color: #e4af0a;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://bit.ly/2ZLwUbh" style="color: #aa0033; text-decoration-line: none; text-indent: 0.2in;"><b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Smashwords</span></b></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;">All Jillian Bradley wants is to spend a quiet weekend by the ocean and enjoy her afternoon tea. But a startling discovery draws Jillian and her garden club friends into solving a mystery that threatens her life and changes her future. </b><b style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;">"Murder in Half Moon Bay" Book 1 in the Jillian Bradley Mystery Series, introduces Jillian's little companion Teddy, a Yorkie who falls prey to danger but rises to become a sleuth dog in the next book.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>There you have it! Pure fiction, pure fun. Enjoy!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>See you in my books!</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0M3r3DDwolhT5Un6Oy-HkrAI_PWhyphenhyphenXkfQEO0fMXuBTjzDHv88XH6wwmqTknfhe0de3qBxUWLNW8JzVOfftPHbFppSY05BwTAzFjucIoAAapAi0ztavGMCZKAHTL1HraE24-PlJAlyJ6rO/s1600/BE239728-C91B-4484-9B55-5DA92D583FBF.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><img border="0" data-original-height="444" data-original-width="377" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0M3r3DDwolhT5Un6Oy-HkrAI_PWhyphenhyphenXkfQEO0fMXuBTjzDHv88XH6wwmqTknfhe0de3qBxUWLNW8JzVOfftPHbFppSY05BwTAzFjucIoAAapAi0ztavGMCZKAHTL1HraE24-PlJAlyJ6rO/s320/BE239728-C91B-4484-9B55-5DA92D583FBF.jpeg" width="271" /></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Nancy Jill Thames</b></span></div>
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Nancy Jill Thameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18089542041601366071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807487924768348768.post-79904352317954596072019-09-30T14:50:00.000-05:002019-12-01T20:46:15.847-06:00Finding a Happy Ending in the Midst of Adversity-"Museums Can be Murder" Book 11<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Museums-Can-Be-Murder-Jillian-ebook/dp/B075885R5R">AMAZON</a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/MUSEUMS+CAN+BE+MURDER+ALL+FORMATS/_/N-8q8?_requestid=3770128">BN</a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="https://books.apple.com/do/book/museums-can-be-murder-book-11/id1278630364">APPLE</a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="https://www.kobo.com/au/en/ebook/museums-can-be-murder-book-11">KOBO</a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/745630">SMASHWORDS</a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="http://authl.it/b7z">AMAZON INTERNATIONAL LINKS</a></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">The Christmas holidays get a morbid start when Jillian Bradley's niece Kaitlin Romero discovers the body of her boss at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">An envelope containing rare Charles Dickens illustrations is missing, and Detective Mickey Wells must reluctantly rely on Jillian's help to solve the crime.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; text-align: justify;">The case goes international when the vendor of the illustrations is murdered and linked to possible fraud. As always, Jillian's Yorkie companion Teddy helps solve the case by discovering an important clue. Afternoon tea included</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; text-align: justify;">!</span></div>
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<b>Another holiday season was upon me, and after hearing from my brother in New Jersey, I sensed this one would prove to be a challenge. Daniel’s letter arrived in his annual Christmas card with the afternoon mail. I was busy decorating my cozy cottage with bright red poinsettias and a putting a few cranberry spiced candles around the living room. My tree looked glorious laden with gold ribbon bows, Yorkie ornaments, and drapes of shiny garland beads, all illuminated by tiny white lights.</b></div>
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<b>I needed a nice cup of tea.</b></div>
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<b>Teddy, my little Yorkie companion, adopted several years ago from my niece, perked up his ears watching as I walked to the kitchen.</b></div>
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<b>He cocked his head.</b></div>
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<b>“Yes, I’ll give you a treat,” I said.</b></div>
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<b>It was uncanny the way this dog could communicate. He wagged his tail and followed me.</b></div>
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<b>While the water boiled in the electric tea kettle, I took out a favorite China cup and saucer from the cupboard. The faded pink flowers and gold trim reminded me of the friend who’d given it to me after she moved away from Clover Hills to Portland. Like so many of my friends and acquaintances, we kept up on Facebook. Still, it didn’t replace the one on one chats we so enjoyed.</b></div>
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<b>Teddy made a growling sound, a reminder to snap out of my reverie and attend to his snack. </b><b style="font-size: 18.26px;">After giving Teddy his treat, I poured boiling water over a Lemon Zinger teabag I had placed in the cup, added sugar, gave it a quick stir, and carried the steaming brew back into my tiny living room.</b></div>
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<b>Once I was comfortable in my recliner, I took a sip and reread Daniel’s letter.</b><br />
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<i style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><b>Dear Sis,</b></i></div>
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<i style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><b>Merry Christmas! Hope all is well and you’re keeping as busy as you’d like to be. How’s the book coming? Didn’t you say your publisher is in New York? Things are a little slow holiday wise around here since Paige is still recovering from surgery. It’s driving her crazy not to be able to decorate and bake cookies like she usually does this time of year. With Kaitlin and the grandkids living with us, and her husband in the VA hospital, it adds even more stress during the holidays.</b></i></div>
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<b><br style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;" /></b></div>
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<i style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><b>I do not want to ask this, but I need your help, especially during this busy season. My workload hasn’t let up, and Kaitlyn has her hands full with kids out of school, and working part time in the city. I’ll understand if you’ve already made plans, since I know Christmas is not that far away. Just let me know as soon as possible. I suppose I could always hire someone to come in.</b></i></div>
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<i style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><b>Love you,</b></i></div>
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<i style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><b>Daniel</b></i></div>
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<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>I called him immediately and told him I’d come.</b><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
<h3 style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 20.46px;">CHAPTER ONE</span></h3>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>The look on Kaitlin’s face told me something was wrong. Hopefully, considering it was the holidays, it wasn’t her husband, Kenny. A few Christmases ago, his Black Hawk helicopter crashed, leaving him seriously wounded. I didn’t know he was back in the hospital until Daniel’s letter.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>I pulled my bright blue knit scarf closer in the freezing weather, tapped down my beret to keep my ears warm, and got into the car. “Thanks for picking us up.” After buckling the seat belt and settling Teddy on my lap, I gave my niece a kiss on the cheek. “How is everything? All ready for Christmas?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Kaitlin smiled weakly.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“I’m so glad you’re here, Aunt Jillian. You have no idea.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>I couldn’t help but shiver, and not the kind that came from the snow here in New York City.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Teddy whimpered.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>I gently patted him. “We’ll be out of the car soon, love, and you can play with your buddy, Napoleon.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>A low growl built to a single, “Woof!”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Kaitlin exited the airport and pulled into traffic. “It’s okay, Teddy. Napoleon is not a puppy anymore. You won’t have to worry about him chewing your ears. At least I hope so.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>We both laughed, but the look on Kaitlin’s face remained worried.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Tell me what’s wrong.” I waited. “Is it Kenny?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“I hope not. He has Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome and is in the hospital for therapy.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>I nodded. “I’m so sorry.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“It’s hard living with Mom and Dad and not having my own place. Can’t complain about the support, though.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Since Kaitlin is an only child, and my brother, Daniel, running a highly successful online business, my sister-in-law was only too happy to help look after her daughter and grandchildren.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Before we go home, I have a stop to make.” She sighed, obviously burdened.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Kaitlin, what’s this all about? Something bad has happened, hasn’t it?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>She nodded. “There’s been a murder at work late this afternoon. The woman I was working for, Amanda Corbin, was bludgeoned.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“I’m so sorry. Are you okay to drive?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“I think so. After all, I am your niece. I’m sort of used to it.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>We exchanged a knowing look. She was present during two previous cases I’d been involved in.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“The detective in charge gave me permission to pick you up,” she said, “but I have to get back immediately. She wants to take my statement.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Good. You can tell me all about it on the way.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>I don’t know how Teddy does it, but he must have sensed the possibility of another adventure because he wagged his tail furiously. I kissed the top of his little brown head.</b></div>
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<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b style="font-size: 18.26px;">I couldn’t help but stare. Dazzling arrays of lights, incredibly artistic window displays, and glittering decorations adorned shops and buildings along Fifth Avenue.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Christmas decorations in Manhattan are the most beautiful and spectacular I’d ever seen, including those in the Bay Area where I live.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“I know.” Kaitlin smiled. “Manhattan does it right.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Illuminated by flood lights, we arrived at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, home of one of the largest collections of art in the world, standing at the northeast corner of Central Park. The museum appeared to be open, but police cars surrounded the employee’s entrance.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Good thing underground parking is still open. It will save a walk.” Kaitlin parked close to an elevator, locked the car, and led the way to the second floor, showing her workplace badge to security.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>I couldn’t help being awed by the enormity of this museum. Overlooking the main foyer, I stood in awe of the Christmas tree, two stories tall decorated with angel ornaments. Surrounding the base was the most beautiful and detailed Nativity I’d ever encountered. Every decoration, both on the tree itself and surrounding its base, was exquisite with Victorian detail.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Kaitlin tugged at my sleeve. “Come on. We’ll take a closer look at the tree later.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Yellow crime tape surrounded a locked entrance to the Department of British Drawings, Prints and Illustrated Books in the middle of the second floor. Kaitlin pressed the buzzer, and the receptionist let us inside the labyrinth of offices.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Polished library tables surrounded by wooden secretary bookcases filled the main room.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Camera flashes drew my attention to one office labeled Amanda Corbin, Senior Collections Manager.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Kaitlin and I were led to an officer wearing gloves, directing a forensics team. We waited until she found a moment to give us her attention.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Follow me, please,” she said, before leading the way to the murder scene.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>I studied the team photographing a body lying face down in a small dark pool. From what I observed, the victim had been tall and attractive with her hair worn up. She wore expensive clothes, a burgundy velvet blazer over a blue silk blouse, and gray wool slacks. Blood covered her strand of pearls.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“I’m Lead Detective, Precinct Evidence Collection Team, Mickey Wells.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>I judged Detective Wells to be in her late twenties or early thirties. She was plain, wore no makeup, slender and petite with short, mouse brown hair worn in a bob just below her ears. She wore a tailored navy blazer, blue cotton shirt buttoned to the top, jeans, and fleece-lined boots, practical for the snowy weather.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>I thought the woman could have been attractive if she wore makeup and did something with her hair. Perhaps there was a reason she didn’t want to attract attention. Married to her job? Possibilities ran through my mind.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>We shook hands.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“I’m Jillian Bradley, Kaitlin’s aunt.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Detective Wells cast a disparaging glance at Teddy which he returned with a growl.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“The feeling is mutual. Now Ms. Bradley, if you’ll take a seat I’ll get your niece’s statement.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>As I studied the surroundings, listening to Kaitlin’s every word, I noticed a department map on the wall showing several possible exits.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>There was a back stair, an escalator entrance, a door off upper level offices to the main hallway, not to mention exits through galleries.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Easy for the killer to escape. They were also marked with crime tape.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“When I returned from the lecture to pick up some drawings I needed,” Kaitlin said, “I found Ms. Corbin lying on the floor.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Detective Wells made copious notes. “What time was this?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Six o’clock. I remember checking to see when I needed to leave for the airport.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Did you touch anything?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“No.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Did you see anything that might look like a murder weapon?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“No.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“What did you do when you found the body?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“I ran for security.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“You didn’t call 911?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“I thought Frank would be faster.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Frank?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Frank Yates. He’s our floor security guard.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“You should have called 911. It may have saved time.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Kaitlin looked my way. When her eyes met mine, I winked.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“I apologize,” Kaitlin said. “I didn’t think; I reacted.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Detective Wells squinted her eyes. “Don’t be sarcastic, young lady.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Of course not. Is there anything else?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>After jotting down a few final notes, the detective shook her head. “Not for now, Ms. Romero. Give me your address and number in case I want to talk to you again.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>I stood with Kaitlin to leave.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Oh, there is one thing.” Kaitlin half smiled. “You may find it helpful to stay in touch with my aunt.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“I seriously doubt it.” Detective Wells gathered her things.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Kaitlin did not give up. “She’s connected with Scotland Yard, the FBI and the Canadian police, to name a few trusted resources.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>The forensic team halted their activity and stared at me.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Mickey Wells turned around and faced us. “Do you have a card, Ms. Bradley?” she asked.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>I handed Teddy to Kaitlin and fished in my purse for my silver card holder. “Here’s one.” I smiled.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Detective Wells snatched it from my hand. “Thank you. You’re both free to go, but Kaitlin, I’d advise you to stay close.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>At that, we were dismissed.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>On the way back to my brother’s house, I gave Teddy a few snacks to tide him over. “I’ll give you a nice dinner later, sweet dog.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>At the mention of food, Teddy wagged his tail and panted for another treat. After he’d finished, he settled in my lap and closed his eyes for a brief nap.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Tell me more about your boss,” I said. “The more I know, the better picture I’ll get.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Sure. It may interest you to know I didn’t tell that detective everything.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Obstructing justice? Not you, Kaitlin.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Not exactly. She rubbed me the wrong way. Besides, I simply answered her questions, that’s all.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“What didn’t you tell Detective Wells?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Kaitlin raised her brow. “Oh, the gossip around the office, mainly. From what I’ve heard, Amanda didn’t get along with her husband. There were widespread rumors about her and her boss, George Zander, from what his assistant, who does a fantastic job covering his tracks, shared.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Hmm. The husband is always suspected first. If the rumors were true, he’d have motive.” I stroked Teddy, sound asleep.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“There was one thing I did notice, even though I was shocked to see Amanda lying on the floor.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>My interest rose. “This is what you chose not to share, I take it.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Yes, ma’am.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“I’m all ears.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Just then, Kaitlin turned into the driveway of her parent’s mansion decorated to the hilt for Christmas. Fully outlined in white lights with wreaths and red bows at each window, the house reminded me what it must be like to be wealthy.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Kaitlin patted my arm. “I can almost read your mind. The house does look stunning.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Exactly. I’m sorry, go on.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“When I took documents to be approved this afternoon, I couldn’t help noticing an open folder on Amanda’s desk. I looked at the contents while Amanda signed off on my work.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“And what did the folder contain?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“I could be mistaken, but they appeared to be drawings of Dickens’ characters. We’re opening an exhibition on his works in a few days. It was Amanda’s project.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Then what happened?” I asked.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Harold Phelps came in. He’s the department curator. A real character. When he saw I was there, he and Amanda went into his office and left me standing there.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“You got a closer look, I take it.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“An excellent look. I took photos of the two prints on my phone while the two were engrossed in conversation.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>I beamed.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“And if Amanda saw you taking the photograph?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“I would have explained that’s my job. But she never asked. The lecture was beginning, and I was to usher. All part of my apprenticeship.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Teddy woke up when the car stopped.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“This will be interesting to see how Teddy fares in the snow.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Don’t worry. Dad cleared off a space in the back yard for Napoleon. Shall we go inside?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“You won’t have to ask me twice.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Before we do, Aunt Jillian, there is one thing.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Kaitlin looked serious again.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“What’s that?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“When I discovered the body, the folder was gone.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>A bell went off in my head. “I see. The murderer must have taken it.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“That’s what I think. I’ll show you the photos after you settle in.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Good idea. I am tired from such a long day, and I still need to feed Teddy. Let’s take this up again in the morning when I can think more clearly.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Ready to be attacked by the kids? I told them you’d bring presents.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>I laughed. “Of course. The gifts are in the blue suitcase. Have the children put them under the tree. That should hold them until I unpack.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Sounds like a plan.” Kaitlin rang the doorbell and stepped inside. “We’re home, everyone!”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>The moment Teddy spotted Napoleon, he jumped out of my arms and ran straight for him. Tails wagging, both Yorkie and Pug sniffed each other, Teddy growled to let Napoleon know he was the alpha male, and then the two chased around the house.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Hello, Sister.” Daniel greeted me with a hug. “Thanks for coming. It feels more like Christmas now that you’re here. I’ll have the kids get your bags and take them to the guestroom.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Thanks, Daniel.” He was right. If I stayed at home, too many memories of lost loves would have crept in and dampened the holidays. Anyway, I was happy to help, and was due for an appointment with my publisher in the city, so things worked out well.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Looking a little tired, Paige, wearing a warm red and black print caftan, came in from the great hall.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Jillian, welcome. Hope your trip was uneventful.” She kissed my cheek, then turned to her daughter. “A little late, aren’t you, Kaitlin? We expected you an hour ago.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“I’ll tell you all about it after the kids are in bed. Children, I need your attention.” Their eyes focused in anticipation on their mom. “After you bring in Aunt Jillian’s luggage, you may take the blue suitcase into the living room and put the gifts she brought under the tree.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Shouts of approval and delight broke out as my great niece and great nephews took the keys from their grandpa and unloaded my bags.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Paige made an announcement. “After Aunt Jillian’s settled, we’ll have hot chocolate and cookies in the living room.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>I don’t know how he does it, but Teddy was instantly at my feet at the mention of food.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Okay, boy. I’ll make your supper right now and then I’ll unpack. How’s that?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Woof, woof!” he barked, as Napoleon cocked his head.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>I prepared his dinner of ground turkey, frozen peas and carrots, and teeny bits of whole grain bread that Kaitlin bought for him ahead of time.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Teddy ate heartily and lapped water from Napoleon’s dish. So far so good regarding the male territorial instincts.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>I helped Paige by carrying in a festive tray loaded with Christmas mugs of hot chocolate, followed by Sydney, Kaitlin’s eldest, with a plate of finger sandwiches and homemade cookies. There were yummy chocolate chip with macadamia nuts, sugar cookies that the kids had decorated with red and green frosting and colorful sprinkles, and my favorite, sand tarts, formed into crescents.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Sitting by the crackling fire, gazing at the tree and the pups stretched out on the carpet, I finally relaxed until the hour grew late.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“I need to let Teddy outside before bed.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Napoleon, too.” Kaitlin rose and bid her dog, with his long tongue hanging out, to follow. “Come on, we’ll put their sweaters on them, then I’ll show you their spot. Kids, to bed.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>The three kissed their grandparents goodnight and scooted upstairs.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Better bundle up, Aunt Jillian,” Silas said.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>As the dogs sniffed the bare spot surrounded by snow, Kaitlin and I chatted.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“What’s the plan for tomorrow?” I asked. “You mentioned a tour.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Kaitlin kept an eye on Napoleon. “Should be fine. Things will probably be settled down by then. We can go early before it gets too crowded.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“I’d like that.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Even with sweaters on, it appeared Teddy and Napoleon were more than anxious to come back inside. I tended to agree. Napoleon’s heavy breathing from the cold made him sound like an old man.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Once upstairs, I put Teddy on his towel at the foot of my bed and kissed him goodnight.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Exhaustion hit as I ran a hot bath and got ready for bed. Sinking up to my neck beneath the bubbles, I closed my eyes to relax. They popped open again as the image of Amanda Corbin lying dead entered my head.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>No murder weapon found. What became of it? More interesting still, what in that office could’ve been used?</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>After a spritz of perfume, I slipped beneath the fluffy covers and forced myself not to think about a thing until tomorrow.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>I couldn’t help but shiver, and not the kind that came from the snow here in New York City.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Teddy whimpered.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>I gently patted him. “We’ll be out of the car soon, love, and you can play with your buddy, Napoleon.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>A low growl built to a single, “Woof!”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Kaitlin exited the airport and pulled into traffic. “It’s okay, Teddy. Napoleon is not a puppy anymore. You won’t have to worry about him chewing your ears. At least I hope so.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>We both laughed, but the look on Kaitlin’s face remained worried.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Tell me what’s wrong.” I waited. “Is it Kenny?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“I hope not. He has Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome and is in the hospital for therapy.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>I nodded. “I’m so sorry.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“It’s hard living with Mom and Dad and not having my own place. Can’t complain about the support, though.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Since Kaitlin is an only child, and my brother, Daniel, running a highly successful online business, my sister-in-law was only too happy to help look after her daughter and grandchildren.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Before we go home, I have a stop to make.” She sighed, obviously burdened.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Kaitlin, what’s this all about? Something bad has happened, hasn’t it?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>She nodded. “There’s been a murder at work late this afternoon. The woman I was working for, Amanda Corbin, was bludgeoned.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“I’m so sorry. Are you okay to drive?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“I think so. After all, I am your niece. I’m sort of used to it.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>We exchanged a knowing look. She was present during two previous cases I’d been involved in.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“The detective in charge gave me permission to pick you up,” she said, “but I have to get back immediately. She wants to take my statement.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Good. You can tell me all about it on the way.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>I don’t know how Teddy does it, but he must have sensed the possibility of another adventure because he wagged his tail furiously. I kissed the top of his little brown head.</b></div>
<div style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: center;">
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisZbe3MxAurz2MAk1XaY7PauHiv_zGASAu2ICxW-Gpx9FuIsOdjD7Xf8qz8Z3vO5bBs0xiXgW_jrAbz5yOqhrtY4sgCAxpVx3aV7yfXpvCU7vD-oH5T4cc5y28n5pRhkQF9nSRSt9JJ3mY/s1600/teacup.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="49" data-original-width="34" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisZbe3MxAurz2MAk1XaY7PauHiv_zGASAu2ICxW-Gpx9FuIsOdjD7Xf8qz8Z3vO5bBs0xiXgW_jrAbz5yOqhrtY4sgCAxpVx3aV7yfXpvCU7vD-oH5T4cc5y28n5pRhkQF9nSRSt9JJ3mY/s1600/teacup.png" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYjEh2Ot7hggakQ-E0sUgQifF28W6flCqFM0P-hLk6ygfM87JZgKEjzyQvpsyHOd9-97x40Si7B0ZqvDy6w3QYTcRCGt2TlihmIVSHz0FvlOI7QdRUT0Ou8ttyc7n-_nB9-JOqfMPwHlq/s1600/5811F3BC-7622-43A3-941D-61A9708A721F.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><b><img border="0" data-original-height="1349" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYjEh2Ot7hggakQ-E0sUgQifF28W6flCqFM0P-hLk6ygfM87JZgKEjzyQvpsyHOd9-97x40Si7B0ZqvDy6w3QYTcRCGt2TlihmIVSHz0FvlOI7QdRUT0Ou8ttyc7n-_nB9-JOqfMPwHlq/s200/5811F3BC-7622-43A3-941D-61A9708A721F.jpeg" width="160" /></b></a><b>I couldn’t help but stare. Dazzling arrays of lights, incredibly artistic window displays, and glittering decorations adorned shops and buildings along Fifth Avenue.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Christmas decorations in Manhattan are the most beautiful and spectacular I’d ever seen, including those in the Bay Area where I live.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“I know.” Kaitlin smiled. “Manhattan does it right.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Illuminated by flood lights, we arrived at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, home of one of the largest collections of art in the world, standing at the northeast corner of Central Park. The museum appeared to be open, but police cars surrounded the employee’s entrance.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Good thing underground parking is still open. It will save a walk.” Kaitlin parked close to an elevator, locked the car, and led the way to the second floor, showing her workplace badge to security.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>I couldn’t help being awed by the enormity of this museum. Overlooking the main foyer, I stood in awe of the Christmas tree, two stories tall decorated with angel ornaments. Surrounding the base was the most beautiful and detailed Nativity <span style="font-size: 18.26px;">I’d ever encountered. Every decoration, both on the tree itself and surrounding its base, was exquisite with Victorian detail.</span></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Kaitlin tugged at my sleeve. “Come on. We’ll take a closer look at the tree later.”</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8rBDH7dzB87Q1OsuZDLqV5RoFizmNJOv_w5B5pE4lYKpXqHA-ii591ithXPUKb_FMeFJqXxQzykBWtv28oMuKRIKCKAcxSWBTjyNWRtn7gcFbQDIZhp7havAIzf78D8canU7T6xmwt4Ob/s1600/8BF868B8-C1FF-40D3-8AB7-659EB1F013AF.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" data-original-height="1013" data-original-width="800" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8rBDH7dzB87Q1OsuZDLqV5RoFizmNJOv_w5B5pE4lYKpXqHA-ii591ithXPUKb_FMeFJqXxQzykBWtv28oMuKRIKCKAcxSWBTjyNWRtn7gcFbQDIZhp7havAIzf78D8canU7T6xmwt4Ob/s200/8BF868B8-C1FF-40D3-8AB7-659EB1F013AF.jpeg" width="157" /></b></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Yellow crime tape surrounded a locked entrance to the Department of British Drawings, Prints and Illustrated Books in the middle of the second floor. Kaitlin pressed the buzzer, and the receptionist let us inside the labyrinth of offices.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
<b>Polished library tables surrounded by wooden secretary bookcases filled the main room. </b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
<span style="font-size: 18.26px;"><b>Camera flashes drew my attention to one office labeled Amanda Corbin, Senior Collections Manager.</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Kaitlin and I were led to an officer wearing gloves, directing a forensics team. We waited until she found a moment to give us her attention.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Follow me, please,” she said, before leading the way to the murder scene.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>I studied the team photographing a body lying face down in a small dark pool. From what I observed, the victim had been tall and attractive with her hair worn up. She wore expensive clothes, a burgundy velvet blazer over a blue silk blouse, and gray wool slacks. Blood covered her strand of pearls.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“I’m Lead Detective, Precinct Evidence Collection Team, Mickey Wells.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>I judged Detective Wells to be in her late twenties or early thirties. She was plain, wore no makeup, slender and petite with short, mouse brown hair worn in a bob just below her <span style="font-size: 18.26px;">ears. She wore a tailored navy blazer, blue cotton shirt buttoned to the top, jeans, and fleece-lined boots, practical for the snowy weather.</span></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>I thought the woman could have been attractive if she wore makeup and did something with her hair. Perhaps there was a reason she didn’t want to attract attention. Married to her job? Possibilities ran through my mind.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>We shook hands.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“I’m Jillian Bradley, Kaitlin’s aunt.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Detective Wells cast a disparaging glance at Teddy which he returned with a growl.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“The feeling is mutual. Now Ms. Bradley, if you’ll take a seat I’ll get your niece’s statement.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>As I studied the surroundings, listening to Kaitlin’s every word, I noticed a department map on the wall showing several possible exits.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>There was a back stair, an escalator entrance, a door off upper level offices to the main hallway, not to mention exits through galleries.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Easy for the killer to escape. They were also marked with crime tape.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“When I returned from the lecture to pick up some drawings I needed,” Kaitlin said, “I found Ms. Corbin lying on the floor.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Detective Wells made copious notes. “What time was this?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Six o’clock. I remember checking to see when I needed to leave for the airport.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Did you touch anything?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“No.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Did you see anything that might look like a murder weapon?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“No.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“What did you do when you found the body?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“I ran for security.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“You didn’t call 911?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“I thought Frank would be faster.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Frank?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Frank Yates. He’s our floor security guard.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“You should have called 911. It may have saved time.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Kaitlin looked my way. When her eyes met mine, I winked.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“I apologize,” Kaitlin said. “I didn’t think; I reacted.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Detective Wells squinted her eyes. “Don’t be sarcastic, young lady.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Of course not. Is there anything else?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>After jotting down a few final notes, the detective shook her head. “Not for now, Ms. Romero. Give me your address and number in case I want to talk to you again.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>I stood with Kaitlin to leave.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Oh, there is one thing.” Kaitlin half smiled. “You may find it helpful to stay in touch with my aunt.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“I seriously doubt it.” Detective Wells gathered her things.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Kaitlin did not give up. “She’s connected with Scotland Yard, the FBI and the Canadian police, to name a few trusted resources.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>The forensic team halted their activity and stared at me.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Mickey Wells turned around and faced us. “Do you have a card, Ms. Bradley?” she asked.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>I handed Teddy to Kaitlin and fished in my purse for my silver card holder. “Here’s one.” I smiled.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Detective Wells snatched it from my hand. “Thank you. You’re both free to go, but Kaitlin, I’d advise you to stay close.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>At that, we were dismissed.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>On the way back to my brother’s house, I gave Teddy a few snacks to tide him over. “I’ll give you a nice dinner later, sweet dog.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>At the mention of food, Teddy wagged his tail and panted for another treat. After he’d finished, he settled in my lap and closed his eyes for a brief nap.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Tell me more about your boss,” I said. “The more I know, the better picture I’ll get.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Sure. It may interest you to know I didn’t tell that detective everything.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Obstructing justice? Not you, Kaitlin.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Not exactly. She rubbed me the wrong way. Besides, I simply answered her questions, that’s all.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“What didn’t you tell Detective Wells?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Kaitlin raised her brow. “Oh, the gossip around the office, mainly. From what I’ve heard, Amanda didn’t get along with her husband. There were widespread rumors about her and her boss, George Zander, from what his assistant, who does a fantastic job covering his tracks, shared.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Hmm. The husband is always suspected first. If the rumors were true, he’d have motive.” I stroked Teddy, sound asleep.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“There was one thing I did notice, even though I was shocked to see Amanda lying on the floor.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>My interest rose. “This is what you chose not to share, I take it.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Yes, ma’am.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“I’m all ears.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Just then, Kaitlin turned into the driveway of her parent’s mansion decorated to the hilt for Christmas. Fully outlined in white lights with wreaths and red bows at each window, the house reminded me what it must be like to be wealthy.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Kaitlin patted my arm. “I can almost read your mind. The house does look stunning.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Exactly. I’m sorry, go on.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“When I took documents to be approved this afternoon, I couldn’t help noticing an open folder on Amanda’s desk. I looked at the contents while Amanda signed off on my work.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“And what did the folder contain?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“I could be mistaken, but they appeared to be drawings of Dickens’ characters. We’re opening an exhibition on his works in a few days. It was Amanda’s project.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Then what happened?” I asked.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Harold Phelps came in. He’s the department curator. A real character. When he saw I was there, he and Amanda went into his office and left me standing there.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“You got a closer look, I take it.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“An excellent look. I took photos of the two prints on my phone while the two were engrossed in conversation.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>I beamed.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“And if Amanda saw you taking the photograph?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“I would have explained that’s my job. But she never asked. The lecture was beginning, and I was to usher. All part of my apprenticeship.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Teddy woke up when the car stopped.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“This will be interesting to see how Teddy fares in the snow.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Don’t worry. Dad cleared off a space in the back yard for Napoleon. Shall we go inside?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“You won’t have to ask me twice.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Before we do, Aunt Jillian, there is one thing.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Kaitlin looked serious again.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“What’s that?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“When I discovered the body, the folder was gone.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>A bell went off in my head. “I see. The murderer must have taken it.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“That’s what I think. I’ll show you the photos after you settle in.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Good idea. I am tired from such a long day, and I still need to feed Teddy. Let’s take this up again in the morning when I can think more clearly.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Ready to be attacked by the kids? I told them you’d bring presents.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>I laughed. “Of course. The gifts are in the blue suitcase. Have the children put them under the tree. That should hold them until I unpack.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Sounds like a plan.” Kaitlin rang the doorbell and stepped inside. “We’re home, everyone!”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>The moment Teddy spotted Napoleon, he jumped out of my arms and ran straight for him. Tails wagging, both Yorkie and Pug sniffed each other, Teddy growled to let Napoleon know he was the alpha male, and then the two chased around the house.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Hello, Sister.” Daniel greeted me with a hug. “Thanks for coming. It feels more like Christmas now that you’re here. I’ll have the kids get your bags and take them to the guestroom.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Thanks, Daniel.” He was right. If I stayed at home, too many memories of lost loves would have crept in and dampened the holidays. Anyway, I was happy to help, and was due for an appointment with my publisher in the city, so things worked out well.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Looking a little tired, Paige, wearing a warm red and black print caftan, came in from the great hall.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Jillian, welcome. Hope your trip was uneventful.” She kissed my cheek, then turned to her daughter. “A little late, aren’t you, Kaitlin? We expected you an hour ago.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“I’ll tell you all about it after the kids are in bed. Children, I need your attention.” Their eyes focused in anticipation on their mom. “After you bring in Aunt Jillian’s luggage, you may take the blue suitcase into the living room and put the gifts she brought under the tree.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Shouts of approval and delight broke out as my great niece and great nephews took the keys from their grandpa and unloaded my bags.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Paige made an announcement. “After Aunt Jillian’s settled, we’ll have hot chocolate and cookies in the living room.”</b></div>
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</div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>I don’t know how he does it, but Teddy was instantly at my feet at the mention of food.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Okay, boy. I’ll make your supper right now and then I’ll unpack. How’s that?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Woof, woof!” he barked, as Napoleon cocked his head.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>I prepared his dinner of ground turkey, frozen peas and carrots, and teeny bits of whole grain bread that Kaitlin bought for him ahead of time.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Teddy ate heartily and lapped water from Napoleon’s dish. So far so good regarding the male territorial instincts.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>I helped Paige by carrying in a festive tray loaded with Christmas mugs of hot chocolate, followed by Sydney, Kaitlin’s eldest, with a plate of finger sandwiches and homemade cookies. There were yummy chocolate chip with macadamia nuts, sugar cookies that the kids had decorated with red and green frosting and colorful sprinkles, and my favorite, sand tarts, formed into crescents.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Sitting by the crackling fire, gazing at the tree and the pups stretched out on the carpet, I finally relaxed until the hour grew late.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“I need to let Teddy outside before bed.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Napoleon, too.” Kaitlin rose and bid her dog, with his long tongue hanging out, to follow. “Come on, we’ll put their sweaters on them, then I’ll show you their spot. Kids, to bed.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>The three kissed their grandparents goodnight and scooted upstairs.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Better bundle up, Aunt Jillian,” Silas said.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>As the dogs sniffed the bare spot surrounded by snow, Kaitlin and I chatted.</b></div>
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</div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“What’s the plan for tomorrow?” I asked. “You mentioned a tour.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Kaitlin kept an eye on Napoleon. “Should be fine. Things will probably be settled down by then. We can go early before it gets too crowded.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“I’d like that.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Even with sweaters on, it appeared Teddy and Napoleon were more than anxious to come back inside. I tended to agree. Napoleon’s heavy breathing from the cold made him sound like an old man.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Once upstairs, I put Teddy on his towel at the foot of my bed and kissed him goodnight.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Exhaustion hit as I ran a hot bath and got ready for bed. Sinking up to my neck beneath the bubbles, I closed my eyes to relax. They popped open again as the image of Amanda Corbin lying dead entered my head.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>No murder weapon found. What became of it? More interesting still, what in that office could’ve been used?</b></div>
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<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>After a spritz of perfume, I slipped beneath the fluffy covers and forced myself not to think about a thing until tomorrow.</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Read more!</b></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Museums-Can-Be-Murder-Jillian-ebook/dp/B075885R5R">AMAZON</a></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/MUSEUMS+CAN+BE+MURDER+ALL+FORMATS/_/N-8q8?_requestid=3770128">BN</a></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="https://books.apple.com/do/book/museums-can-be-murder-book-11/id1278630364">APPLE</a></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="https://www.kobo.com/au/en/ebook/museums-can-be-murder-book-11">KOBO</a></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/745630">SMASHWORDS</a></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="http://authl.it/b7z">AMAZON INTERNATIONAL LINKS</a></span></b><br />
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">See you in my books!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">~Nancy Jill</span></b></div>
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Nancy Jill Thameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18089542041601366071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807487924768348768.post-10701891011142148362019-09-23T10:13:00.000-05:002019-09-23T10:13:36.079-05:00Not Your Normal Afternoon Tea at the Empress Hotel! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 11.592px; text-align: left; text-indent: 19.2px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Murder-Empress-Hotel-Jillian-Bradley-ebook/dp/B010OTOS3G" style="color: #aa0033; text-decoration-line: none;">AMAZON</a></span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 11.592px; text-align: left; text-indent: 19.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 11.592px; text-align: left; text-indent: 19.2px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/murder-at-the-empress-hotel-book-10-nancy-jill-thames/1122228898?ean=2940152006650" style="color: #aa0033; text-decoration-line: none;">BN</a></span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 11.592px; text-align: left; text-indent: 19.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 11.592px; text-align: left; text-indent: 19.2px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <a href="https://books.apple.com/us/book/murder-at-the-empress-hotel-book-10/id1015446740" style="color: #aa0033; text-decoration-line: none;">APPLE</a></span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 11.592px; text-align: left; text-indent: 19.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 11.592px; text-align: left; text-indent: 19.2px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <a href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/murder-at-the-empress-hotel-book-10-1" style="color: #aa0033; text-decoration-line: none;">KOBO</a></span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 11.592px; text-align: left; text-indent: 19.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 11.592px; text-align: left; text-indent: 19.2px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/555130" style="color: #aa0033; text-decoration-line: none; text-indent: 0.2in;">SMASHWORDS</a></span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 11.592px; text-align: left; text-indent: 19.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 11.592px; text-align: left; text-indent: 19.2px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <a href="http://authl.it/3da" style="color: #aa0033;">AMAZON INTERNATIONAL LINKS</a></span></span></b><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 11.592px; text-align: left; text-indent: 19.2px;"><br /></b></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Set in the beautiful city of Victoria on Vancouver Island, a bitter conflict over fishing rights and the love of one woman turns deadly with the murder of a young attorney, drawing Jillian and Teddy into yet another intriguing adventure.</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<h2 style="font-family: Times; font-size: 27.4px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; letter-spacing: 1.33px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 27.4px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; letter-spacing: 1.33px;"><span style="font-size: 27.4px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; letter-spacing: 1.33px;">PROLOGUE</span></span></h2>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
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<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>It was time to get away. Perhaps melancholy had set in due to not much excitement in my life beyond answering questions for my garden column.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>The only bright spot in my life was the little family living in the large Victorian I’d once occupied.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>After the tragic loss of my second husband, a change in my life was needed to help forget the past.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>I had reasoned Walter and Cecilia needed more room now that my godson D.J. had been born.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>The perfect solution had been to give them the house, renovate the old worker’s cottage for myself, and live on the back of my property.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>The young couple had been my friends ever since that first homicide case in Half Moon Bay years ago. Since I had no children, they had become my family.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>I considered my yard again. Granted, flowers and shrubs were interesting, I suppose, but living in the Bay Area the weather rarely varied and could even be described as boring.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Unlike other parts of the country with heavy snow and freezing temperatures, in Clover Hills, there were always gardening tasks.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>That’s okay for the younger generation, but as a senior working on a computer several hours a day, my back rebelled.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>I was actually ready to hire a gardener for the first time in my life!</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b style="font-size: 18.26px;">This caused a guilt trip to begin to sprout until I yanked it out of my emotional garden and settled for practicality.</b></div>
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<b>With my new yard team in place coming every other week to mow and trim, I could finally relax and travel.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>First on my bucket list was The Butchart Gardens near Victoria on Vancouver Island. </b></div>
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<b>This magic spot had been calling to me ever since I watched a fascinating documentary on their creation from an old quarry. Besides, I read they served lovely lunches and afternoon tea, my particular favorites.</b><br />
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Hmm. I also had readers in British Columbia, as I recalled, so it might be worth a visit to help connect and boost readership.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>It would also be a perfect way to justify the cost of the trip. What’s not to like?</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>A call one afternoon with an invitation from dear friends in Arizona that I’d helped in another homicide case cinched my plans.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Before long, I was packed and ready to go with my beloved companion, Teddy, a four and a half pound Yorkshire terrier with a nose for adventure.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<h2 style="font-family: Times; font-size: 27.4px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; letter-spacing: 1.33px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 27.4px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; letter-spacing: 1.33px;"><span style="font-size: 27.4px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; letter-spacing: 1.33px;">CHAPTER ONE</span></span></h2>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>My little Yorkie shivered as I held him close. Teddy had never been on the open water before. A few gentle strokes calmed him as our Black Ball ferry continued from Port Angeles to our destination, beautiful Vancouver Island.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>This brave dog could survive the uncertainty. He’d been in far more stressful situations, notably the time we were separated in London a few years ago.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>The memory made me shudder. A few wrinkles were added to my face that day. It didn’t matter. As long as I maintained my ideal weight on my small frame, and friends continued to comment on not looking my age, I was content.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>When Teddy looked at me with those concerned brown eyes, I kissed him on top of his head. He was so adorable I simply could not resist.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>He whimpered as we passed both peninsulas surrounding either side of the harbor.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Don’t worry, my love,” I said. “We’re almost to the harbor. You’ll enjoy all kinds of new things to smell, I promise.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>When he heard the word “smell” Teddy’s shivers subsided. He perked up his soft pointy ears and panted.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“No one can ever convince me this intelligent little creature doesn’t understand English,” I said to my friends who stood against the railing.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Dr. Arthur Wingate, an old botanist colleague, vegan to the core, and his tan, trim wife Diana each gave Teddy a pat.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>A recent concierge for a five star Phoenix hotel, Diana had taken a position as a hotel reviewer for one of the news sites which carried my “Ask Jillian” column.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“How are you enjoying retirement, Diana?” I asked.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“It’s been great. This trip worked out as a perfect thank you gift for your help in getting me this new job.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Arthur put his arms around his wife and gave her a hug. “She wrangled an excellent package for the three of us at the Empress including a senior discount for their famed afternoon tea.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“We knew you’d enjoy it.” Diana said. “It’s a legendary experience.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“So I’ve heard. So are the Butchart Gardens. I can’t wait to see them.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Look.” Arthur pointed to the view of distant mountains.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Sunlight broke through the clouds and glinted on the water as we entered Victoria’s Outer Harbor.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Hydroplanes took off as others gracefully landed, reminding me of white birds skimming the water for fish. Tugboats and other sailing vessels loaded with what appeared to be tourists navigated the picturesque port.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>A warm breeze brushed by and ruffled my long blonde hair. After I inhaled the pleasant air, I exhaled and turned to my friends. “It feels as if we’ve been transported.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“To the Mediterranean?” Arthur must have read my thoughts. “The weather here is temperate year round.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“No wonder the island’s a favorite for retirees. I read all about the demographics before we came.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Arthur breathed in the sea air. “I read the same thing, except love birds like it, too. I’ve heard Victoria’s is a town of the newly-wed and the nearly dead.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Diana glared at him.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“That’s awful, darling,” she chided. “Anyway, Victoria’s supposed to be rather quaint, too.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Quaint as in shopping, you mean?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>He rolled his eyes, and it made me chuckle.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“You do love to shop, don’t you, Diana,” I said remembering some of the beautiful outfits I’d seen her wear.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>She grinned and quickly nodded, which made me chuckle out loud.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“I must say I got the better part of the bargain, Diana. A few years ago I invited you to visit the Bay Area, and I wound up as your guest to Victoria.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Diana hugged me. “Jillian, we can never repay you enough. If it wasn’t for your help, Arthur might be in prison for murder. And, you did help me to get this dream job.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“It was my pleasure. Now listen, you two, I love exploring on my own. Don’t feel you have to baby-sit me while we’re here. If you do, I may not join you the next time.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>We had a good laugh.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>The ferry glided into port, passing motor boats and sailing vessels on either side.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKlIybQqXICREdVrtR-lczgfnoSuK7jrvDruXaacN0yqt_lZ4PdlOW1NrpzOZD1h-uSbHeuBsUiF1acb6vgY8qpyb50WPyBB5rGnz_CpxzbnnaV0gZJmQRX8HYcOBDo3j7KzWI3uEp3VHH/s1600/E1B64002-7E7B-4636-895F-EDE6763ACBE3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" data-original-height="404" data-original-width="600" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKlIybQqXICREdVrtR-lczgfnoSuK7jrvDruXaacN0yqt_lZ4PdlOW1NrpzOZD1h-uSbHeuBsUiF1acb6vgY8qpyb50WPyBB5rGnz_CpxzbnnaV0gZJmQRX8HYcOBDo3j7KzWI3uEp3VHH/s200/E1B64002-7E7B-4636-895F-EDE6763ACBE3.jpeg" width="200" /></b></a><b>“We’re now in Victoria’s Inner Harbor.” Arthur nodded to the grand array of architecture, including the Parliament Buildings and the Empress Hotel.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Impressive.” I studied the different vessels moored along the docks, captivated by the big stationary ones. A few had slips next to them where smaller boats were anchored.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“I never thought there would be houseboats. Maybe I didn’t look close enough in the photos on TripAdvisor®.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>The small cottage I lived in came to mind. The truth was, at times, it becomes confining.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<i style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><b>What would life be like to live on a boat where you can sail away whenever the desire hit?</b></i></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Diana tapped my shoulder. “You have a faraway look. Is anything wrong?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>A loaded question.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“No. A daydream about life on one of those houseboats is all. Sometimes wanderlust creeps in.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>She nodded. “We heard about Vincent.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>How could I fool my friends? Vincent was the man I’d recently been in love with. We’d met through Arthur during a collaboration in Scottsdale five years ago.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Have you heard how he is?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Arthur stroked Teddy. “Word has it he needs caregivers now. Jillian, don’t feel guilty because you didn’t rush to his side. It’s not what he wanted.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“I’ve accepted his wish.” I shook myself and hugged Teddy for comfort. “We’ve pulled to shore.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“We’re here.” Diana led the way to their car parked below deck. I admired her quick step and the smart way she always dressed.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Teddy perked up his ears as if he knew his little paws would soon be on dry land, then gave me an expectant look.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Yes, let’s get you into your tote for safety until we can set you down for a walk.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>I shouldn’t have said that word. Whenever I mentioned it, Teddy burst with excitement and wanted to run around in circles.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Arthur chuckled in his deep, rich voice I loved to hear. “Don’t worry, Teddy. There’ll be plenty of opportunities for w.a.l.k.s. when we get to the hotel.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Diana and I had to laugh when Arthur spelled out the word.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij4TM1nBVfvib3vuUGy3VRQVrKXP8gNUEOFJ4yeu22SKw9sggyq-zp_1da2xMBWMlpZrxcMxjyqSR0M_ebGrUXjk2YRUbixA8xk0rMJB3M-7crfRgDmBRxYqguEMNTx6ME9iSZUPUOFoFx/s1600/teacup.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" data-original-height="49" data-original-width="34" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij4TM1nBVfvib3vuUGy3VRQVrKXP8gNUEOFJ4yeu22SKw9sggyq-zp_1da2xMBWMlpZrxcMxjyqSR0M_ebGrUXjk2YRUbixA8xk0rMJB3M-7crfRgDmBRxYqguEMNTx6ME9iSZUPUOFoFx/s1600/teacup.png" /></b></a></div>
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<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Upon arrival at our destination, a handsome and cheerful valet greeted us. “Welcome to the Fairmont Empress.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>The hotel was a massive Chateau built of stone and brick with steeply pitched copper roofs, domed polygon turrets, and ornate gables with dormer windows.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>The valet gave Teddy a pat, piled our luggage onto a cart, and stepped aside as we approached the front desk.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Dramatic was the only way to describe the public rooms on the ground floor, with linking staircases to the palm court, ballroom, dining room, and library.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>In the lobby, a stunning oriental carpet covered most of the black marble floor. And the harbor view was breathtaking.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Wood paneled walls, elegant window treatments, and fabulous art created wonderful ambiance for our stay.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>A young couple waited in line behind us. The man, who could have been foreign judging by his slightly bronze skin and aquiline nose, wore a dark suit and chatted in quiet whispers while the young woman held onto his every word. Honeymooners, perhaps.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>The clerk spoke to Arthur. “One of our staff will help your party to the Gold Check In desk. It appears you’ve been upgraded. Mrs. Bradley is a celebrity.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Arthur and Diana exchanged glances, and smiled.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Another of the hotel staff came over and introduced himself, shaking my hand effusively.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“I’m Harold Simms, the hotel manager. We hope you’ll enjoy your stay, Mrs. Bradley. Maybe you’ll get some inspiration for your garden column. ‘Ask Jillian’ is quite popular here in our Weekender.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Thank you. You are most kind. I’ll pass that on to my publisher. One thing I <i style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">will</i> write about are the gorgeous hanging baskets I see everywhere. Absolutely beautiful.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Teddy barked a tiny, “Woof.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Oh, I’m sorry,” the manager said to him. “We welcome you, too. What is his name?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Teddy.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Well, welcome, Teddy.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>The attention caused Teddy to pant, which I have come to learn means he’s happy or thirsty.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>I nodded toward the winding wrought iron staircase leading to the next floor.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“The hotel is lovely. I look forward to your afternoon tea.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Thank you.” Mr. Simms motioned to a courtyard peering in from an entry close by.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Don’t miss our stained glass dome.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“I’ve seen photos. Palm Court, right?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“You’ve done your homework, Ms. Bradley.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Oh, please, do call me Jillian.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>He found a brochure and pointed to the tea times. “You must excuse me, Jillian, I’m being paged.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>He nodded to another staff member to take over.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>At that moment someone behind me tapped my shoulder.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>I turned around and faced the young couple I’d noticed. The woman with dark hair pulled back in a neat pony tail wore a business outfit that hid her curvaceous figure.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Excuse me,” she said, “but are you the Jillian Bradley who writes the column?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“I am. Are you a fellow gardener?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Kelly Morrison.” She smiled and offered her hand in a firm business fashion. Then she turned to her young man. “This is David Blackwolf, the lawyer I work with.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>His smile dripped charm.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“A pleasure, ma’am.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Without offering his hand he turned to her. “Check in for us. I think we’re on the Gold floor, too. I need to meet with Leo.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Sure. See you later.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>We watched the young lawyer walk across the lobby until he was confronted by a man with a slight limp. The two men appeared to be of aboriginal descent with dark hair and bronzed skin. They could have been brothers.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>After the man with the limp pointed an angry finger in David Blackwolf’s chest, the two men separated and disappeared down a hall.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>The young woman seemed chagrined by the man’s behavior. “Don’t mind them. They’ve been at each other for years. Badger Knight is a lawyer for First Nations.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“And David Blackwolf represents the opposite side?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Kelly nodded. “How observant.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Arthur and Diana followed the bellman with our luggage right as a text popped up on my phone:</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<i style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><b>Don’t worry. Finish your conversation. We’ll check in for you and let you know our room numbers.</b></i></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>I waved an acknowledgement.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Is your fiancé aboriginal?” I asked. “His last name is Blackwolf.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>The young woman blushed. She raised her hand to cover her mouth as if embarrassed. On her wrist jingled a pretty charm bracelet.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“So I guessed wrong,” I said.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>”No. David <i style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">is</i> a First Nations member, half-blood, actually, but he’s only a good friend. We work together.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“I see. Sometimes good friends turn into more. But don’t mind me. I’m a notorious matchmaker.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>She smiled and another blush rose in her cheeks.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>I pointed to her wrist. “Your bracelet is so unusual. The turquoise beads add a different touch.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Thank you. David bought it for me one time when we were out together. He can be extremely kind. Or charismatic. He <i style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">is</i> a lawyer.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Which would explain his demeanor. The lawyers I’ve known have all been the same way, in addition to being smart and clever. They seem to get what they want.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Your dog is adorable!” She let him smell her hand, and scratched behind his ears. “My parents have a Yorkie. They love him to death. If I didn’t work all day and live in a small apartment, I’d get one myself.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Are you a lawyer, too?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“I’m the administrative assistant to Leo Hunter. He’s the department director for Fisheries and Oceans in Canada. David represents us.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“And do you have a meeting here at the Empress?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Yes. The conference rooms are connected through the conservatory.” She checked her phone.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“I’d better check in and get back to work. David will wonder what’s become of me.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“It’s nice to meet a fan,” I replied.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Woof,” Teddy barked.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“I’d better take him outside before I go to my room. Maybe we’ll see each other later.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“I can’t wait to tell Mom and Dad I met you.” She took a card from her purse and handed it to me. “Let me know what room you’re in so I can invite you to lunch while you’re here.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“How nice.” Kelly reminded me a little of my former personal assistant Cecilia back in Clover Hills. I took the card and tucked it inside with Teddy.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>After Diana texted the room numbers, I sent a quick reply asking her to have the bellman settle my luggage.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>I turned to my small companion.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Let’s go find a pet area.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Teddy wagged his tail at the idea.</b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">~Nancy Jill</span></b></td></tr>
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Nancy Jill Thameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18089542041601366071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807487924768348768.post-44457701868096356792019-09-17T11:46:00.003-05:002019-09-17T11:46:29.811-05:00Jillian’s Garden Club’s Fall Color Tour Interrupted by Murder Book 9 “Murder at Mirror Lake”<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b style="text-indent: 19.2px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="text-indent: 19.2px;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When Jillian and her garden club friends decide to take a fall color tour in New England, they have no idea the resort they choose as home base will soon be a setting for murder. And more than one. Who killed the hotel's head chef in his own kitchen and why? His curisine was excellent, but his personality left a bad taste. Together with Jillian's Yorkie companion, Teddy, and the help of her garden club, Jillian works with Police Chief Mark Taylor in uncovering the killer.</span></span></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 20.46px;">CHAPTER ONE</span></b></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>It was Ann Fieldman’s turn to host the Garden Club this month. Ann was my best friend and a woman I much admired. Not only was she a beautiful, sophisticated brunette, towering above my 5' 3'' frame, Ann was a world traveler with a master’s degree in French.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>In a way, I dreaded our time together for fear she and my other garden club friends would ask about my recent trip to Costa Rica to visit the botanist I should have married.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>It wasn’t that the trip turned out badly – the visit was quite enjoyable, except for the uncomfortable way we parted.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>I heaved a long sigh and cast a loving glance at Teddy, the little brown fur ball with blond highlights sitting at my feet. He cocked his head and yipped at the set of keys jingling in my hand.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>“Yes, sweet doggie. You’re coming with me to Ann’s. I know you’re excited. I’ll let you outside in the yard for a minute. After you’ve finished, I’ll get your leash and we’ll be ready to go.”</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>Teddy wagged his tail and panted at the mention of the word “go.” It was one of his favorite words along with “walk,” “fetch,” and “dinner.”</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>After buckling him safely in his special car seat, we headed to Ann’s house through the golden, rolling hills of the Bay Area. Though the hills were referred to as “golden” because of the 1849 Gold Rush, I always thought of them as golden due to the dead grass.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>When we arrived, I noticed other garden club members’ cars parked </b></span><b style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 18.26px; text-indent: 19.2px;">in front. It appeared Nicole King and Dominique Summers were early.</b></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b><i style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Or was I late?</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>“Come on, Teddy. Let me get you out of your seat and get your leash on.” I attached his red-rhinestone leash, which looked a little worn, to his collar, picked him up gently and made our way to the front door, and knocked.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>“We must buy you a new leash. I can’t have you looking neglected in front of my friends.” How nice, I thought, to be able to shop for one online.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>Within seconds, Ann answered the door wearing a turquoise sleeveless blouse and a pair of dressy white slacks. As always, she looked stunning.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>Turquoise was her favorite color. Second only to purple, most of her clothes were turquoise. Even the walls in her family room were painted in her favorite color.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>“Jillian!” She gave me a hug and peck on the cheek.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>“Good to see you, Ann. I Hope you don’t mind Teddy coming with me.”</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>“Not at all. Teddy is always welcome. Come in.” She gently scratched his ear. “Hi, little cutie.”</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>With Teddy’s leash and my purse added to the others on the entry bench, he rushed into the other room to greet the other ladies. I glanced around at Ann’s lovely home and admired the magnificent view of her backyard filled with summer blooming shrubs and towering redwood trees, which bordered along the rear fence.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>We’d been friends for so many years. I still remember when Ann first planted them. Yes, a walk around the grounds was definitely in order before I had to face the others.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>Nicole smiled as I entered the family room. “Jillian, it’s good to see you again.” She was the savvy financial advisor of our group. We looked as different as night and day – she with <span style="font-size: 18.26px;">her beautiful, long black tresses and me with my shoulder length blonde hair.</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>“How was your trip?” she asked.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>A typical question I would ask someone. Why did I hedge?</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>“I had a good time. Thanks for asking. How’s your family?” Would she notice my avoiding the subject?</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>Diminutive Dominique, ever the shy one, hugged me gently. “It’s been a long time since I’ve seen you,” she said as she searched me with her large brown eyes. “You’ve been to Costa Rica, I hear.”</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>It was no use. My friends would not rest until I told them about going to see my old flame, Vincent Fontaine. Perhaps I’d throw them a bone for distraction.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>“Before Jillian tells us <i style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">all</i> about her trip, let’s have a walk in the garden,” Ann said. “Afterward, we’ll have tea.”</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>Good. A reprieve. Time to think of unimportant but placating details to keep my friends from knowing the truth about what had happened. Why was I so worried? Even I didn’t know what Vincent meant by what he said.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>The garden was exquisite with deep blue morning glories climbing along the fence, rich magenta bougainvillea trellised on the deck wall, and a contemporary fountain bubbling in the middle of the courtyard in the side yard.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>Ann was an accomplished gardener as well as a host extraordinaire.</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj73d9sMrqNKFahDKswkPoTzKaorAAiNeOC9Q6VcpEObdPS15HG0nLKm5X4j01udsFtgehrcm6L72oMXkEdJuamMzsQV0uM1A0c5ui6DnZh-3h6q6SP8sodjz5M-rFmca4yzjQD-P9xpNjL/s1600/808D5938-B4C5-4760-86E4-056E317B3C67.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj73d9sMrqNKFahDKswkPoTzKaorAAiNeOC9Q6VcpEObdPS15HG0nLKm5X4j01udsFtgehrcm6L72oMXkEdJuamMzsQV0uM1A0c5ui6DnZh-3h6q6SP8sodjz5M-rFmca4yzjQD-P9xpNjL/s200/808D5938-B4C5-4760-86E4-056E317B3C67.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b><span style="font-size: 18.26px;">The table was beautifully set for tea with ivory linens, a bouquet of lilacs, and “Old Country Roses” china Ann inherited from her mother. It was sad her mom died at such an early age from bone cancer. They were close. Since I was eight years older than Ann was, she often regarded me as a mother figure, which I didn’t mind at all.</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>After we took our places at her lovely table, Ann offered milk for our tea, poured out, and stirred in sugar for those like me who insisted on sweetness.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>“I’m serving your favorite mix of Darjeeling and Earl Grey in honor of your return trip, Jillian.”</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>“How nice. Thank you. I’m convinced it tastes like the tea we had in London.”</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>I swallowed hard, remembering the good times. And the bad.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>Teddy patiently waited at my feet for any morsels I might choose to share. He was an intelligent little thing, especially when it came to making his desires understood. His nose twitched as he sniffed the air for possibilities.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>The tea fare was delicious. Ann chose to serve quiche Florentine, a pear and gorgonzola salad with champagne vinaigrette, and fresh fruit compotes rimmed with green sugar. It was a lovely touch.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>“We can’t wait any longer, Jillian. Tell us about Costa Rica,” Ann said.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>The others chuckled.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>I took a long sip of tea and offered Teddy a bite of quiche.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>He almost bit my hand off. Maybe I didn’t feed him enough breakfast this morning,</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>“I’m sorry, Ann. You were saying?”</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>The women stared at me, astonished!</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>I cleared my throat. “Costa Rica was beautiful. I stayed with Vincent’s friends who were gracious, and we had an enjoyable time together. He showed me all over the country including the <span style="font-size: 18.26px;">botanical research facility where he works at the university. You know how much he’s into orchids.”</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>My friends looked serious. They must have known something had happened between Vincent and me.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>“So, what happened?” Nicole asked.</b></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>I took a deep breath. “I’m not really sure. On the way to the airport as I left, Vincent admitted he wasn’t going to marry me.”</b></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>Gasps all around the table.</b></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>Dominique scrunched her face. “<i style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Wasn’t</i> going to marry you or <i style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">couldn’t</i> marry you, Jillian?”</b></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b><span style="font-size: 18.26px;">“He may have said couldn’t, but all I heard was the ‘wasn’t’ part.”</span> </b></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>I broke down, laid my napkin on the table, and scooped Teddy up into my arms. “I’m sorry. Excuse me for a moment, please.”</b></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>My friends sat stunned, but only for a few moments until they followed me into the living room.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>I sat on the curved white sofa trying not to cry. “I’m sorry to have ruined your tea, Ann. It wasn’t fair after all the trouble you went through.”</b></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>She put her arm around my shoulder, and gently stroked Teddy. “I’m sure Vincent had a good reason for saying he can’t marry you.”</b></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>“If what you say is true, why didn’t he tell me what it was? It’s as if he doesn’t trust my love for him enough to support him through something awful. I’m sorry. I didn’t want to tell you at first, but now I’m glad to get it out.”</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>Nicole hugged me. “We love you, Jillian.”</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>“We’re your friends and we care about you,” Dominique said.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>She had a point.</b></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>I caught Nicole whispering to Ann in a conspiratorial manner. What were they up to?</b></span></div>
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</div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>I remembered when I had met each one. Ann, a full time mom, playing with her son as I sat in the neighborhood park resting from taking Teddy on a walk. Striking up friendships with Nicole and Dominique working together on a committee for a neighborhood event.</b></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>Our group clicked once we found out how much each of us enjoyed gardening. Soon after, we formed our Garden Club – an excuse to meet once a month for lunch and take in each others’ gardening endeavors.</b></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>Teddy licked my hand as if trying to console me.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>I smiled at him, and looked at my dear friends. “Thank you, ladies. Your friendship over the years is precious. I’m sure I’ll get over this disappointment, but after all I have been through, it hurts.”</b></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>“We can understand,” Nicole said. “You’ve suffered from the loss of two husbands.”</b></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>“Thanks, Nicole. Losing one in Vietnam was bad enough, but losing Prentice at our reception was horrible. Oh dear, listen to me discussing unpleasant subjects at tea. I should be ashamed!”</b></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>“It’s okay, Jillian,” Ann said. “Speaking of which, if we’re finished, I think it’s time for the surprise.”</b></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>Aha! It was close to my birthday, there might be a birthday cake. Any nice surprise in my life at this point would be welcome.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>We gathered once again around the table and continued with our tea. The conversation turned to their children finding careers, working on graduate degrees, and hopes that finding mates in the near future would bring the promise of grandchildren.</b></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>“Refills?” Ann asked. She poured more steaming tea into my cup.</b></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>“How’s the godson, D.J., doing these days?” Dominique sipped her tea. “He’s almost two isn’t he?”</b></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>I swallowed a bite of quiche before I replied. “We celebrated his second birthday last December at my house...or rather, at Walter and Cecilia’s.”</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>“Oh, right.” Nicole used her napkin to wipe the corner of her mouth. “How do you like living in your new cottage? It was <span style="font-size: 18.26px;">the old worker’s house you renovated on the back of your property, wasn’t it?”</span></b></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>“Actually, I like the coziness of the smaller space. It’s much easier to keep. But the best part of the move is I’m frequently a dinner guest in my old kitchen with Walter and Cecilia. She loves to cook, and with me entertaining D.J. while she whips up a meal is a win-win situation for both of us. Cooking for one grew tiresome after so many years.”</b></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>“I’m sure we’ll all eventually reach that point.” Nicole was being kind as usual.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>As we finished eating, Dominique began clearing away dishes. “I can’t wait for Jillian to hear about the surprise.”</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>Nicole smiled. “Ann, may I help you with dessert?”</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>“Sure, I could use an extra set of hands.”</b></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>All three of my friends sang me <i style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Happy Birthday</i> as Nicole carried in the fresh strawberry cake lit with a single candle.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>I was touched. “Oh, thank you!”</b></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>Teddy yipped as if he expected me to give him a morsel, which made my friends chuckle.</b></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>“Make a wish, Jillian,” Ann said.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>I closed my eyes, made a special wish to find the truth about Vincent, and blew out the candle.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>“Ann, this cake is delicious.” I took another forkful of yellow butter cake frosted with whipped cream and strawberries. It tasted especially good with the tea.</b></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>“I’ll clean up later,” Ann said. “Let’s all go into the living room for the surprise.”</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>My curiosity was peaked! I took a seat on the sofa and held Teddy in my lap.</b></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b><span style="font-size: 18.26px;">“What have you ladies been up to?” I asked. No visible birthday presents anywhere. </span> </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>Ann began. “The last time we met, you were in Costa Rica. We talked about many things but one thing in particular stayed with us.”</b></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>“We think we should take a girl’s getaway at least once before we’re too far over the hill,” Nicole said.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>Dominique sat back and crossed her legs.</b></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>“You’ve mentioned on more than one occasion how much you’d love to see New England in the fall, Jillian,” Ann said.</b></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>“I’ve always dreamed of going to upstate New York. I’ve heard raves from people who’ve been there.”</b></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>“So if you’d like to join Nicole and me....”</b></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>“Unfortunately I’m on a buying trip to Zambia when they plan to go.” Dominique was a buyer for African art from her home country.</b></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>“We’ve planned a trip for the three of us!” Ann said.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>Words wouldn’t come. After a moment, I said, “What a perfectly awesome idea!”</b></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>“Oh, good!” Ann said.</b></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>“I knew you’d like the idea.” Nicole hugged me.</b></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>“This is quite a birthday gift!” I was kidding, of course. “I don’t mind paying my own way.”</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>Nicole and Ann smiled at each other.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>“It’s only part of the surprise.” Dominique uncrossed and crossed her legs again. “Why don’t you tell her the best part, Ann?”</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>Ann finished a bite of cake. “When I checked for tours and accommodations, there weren’t many venues who took dogs. Not even thinking about it, I found a photo of this charming colonial inn and called. The place sounded perfect until I mentioned Teddy.”</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>Nicole chimed in.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>“Before Ann ended the call, the woman handling the reservations suddenly recognized who we were from our first murder incident in Half Moon Bay years ago.”</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>“Who was she?” I asked.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>“Do you remember Ingrid Sorenson?” Ann asked.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>I racked my brain.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>“The woman who headed the master gardener program at LaBelles Nursery in Canyon Grove?” I leaned forward.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>Teddy jumped off my lap, positioned himself at my feet, ears cocked, and waited for a morsel of cake.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>I slipped him a tiny bite of strawberries and whipped cream, which he accepted gratefully with a wag of his tail.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>“The same one,” Ann said. “When I mentioned your name and explained about Teddy, she graciously offered to let you stay in her cottage on the property. I told her we’d do our best to convince you.”</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>“Of course, Ann and I will stay at the inn. We reserved a suite overlooking Mirror Lake.”</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>“Mirror Lake?” I sat up. “That’s where we’re going? Isn’t it near Lake Placid where the winter Olympics was held?”</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>Dominique quickly checked Google for the information. “The one in 1932 and in 1980.”</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>“So you’re in, Jillian?” Ann nodded.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>“I would love to see Ingrid again. What’s she doing in Lake Placid?”</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>Nicole accepted another refill from Ann, and spoke.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>“After her husband passed away, her daughter, Claire, I think her name is, insisted she move closer to her. Claire is a host for a restaurant at the Mirror Lake Inn and helped her mother find a desk clerk job when there was an opening. Ingrid’s worked there three years now, she said.”</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>“How does she like living in upstate New York?” I asked.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>Ann shrugged. “She said she loves the Adirondacks and <i style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">most</i> of the people she works with.”</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b><i style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Most</i> was not lost on me.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>Dominique furrowed her brow. “Didn’t Claire get married around here somewhere? Was it at the Canyon Grove Country Club?”</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>“I remember attending her wedding,” I said. “It was at Elliston Vineyards in Canyon Grove. A beautiful wedding, as I recall.”</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>“How did Claire wind up in Lake Placid? A bit far from home, don’t you think?” Nicole stood. “I need to leave soon for an appointment with a client.”</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>Nicole was always busy with clients since she knew how to make profitable investments.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>Ann stood, too, and gathered empty plates. “Ingrid mentioned something about Claire’s husband, Sam. He’s finishing his degree online and working part time at one of the inn’s restaurants. Evidently, Sam is from the area. His father owns a local produce farm close by. Organic, I think she said.”</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>“Organic seems to be the trend now.” Dominique slipped the strap of her purse over her shoulder to leave.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>“I visited Lake Placid once,” she said. “Our son trained for the Iron Man one summer. The area is much different from the Bay Area. More beautiful, I think. I remember the town being quaint with a touch of Sweden.”</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>“It must have been the Olympic influence. Don’t they call sites like Lake Placid ‘Olympic villages?’”</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>Ann’s comment triggered images in my mind of snow covered mountain chalets.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>“Wait a minute.” She took out her cell phone. “I have a picture of <a href="https://www.mirrorlakeinn.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwiILsBRCGARIsAHKQWLN_8P0dlf_Cwg-hIxpMHhunrP9mXQQzhUCz40wkGLSDHt3mCeHRR5UaAiFfEALw_wcB">Mirror Lake Inn</a>.”</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj1ksigsEmIw-y2VyoPHdNNiqf3fZr6uot3K8NpYVTqIJBjzEN_XSuAjFp8j_Vl6kCK2EIlc46YUi6EMupYdVe9zZu3RRuhOJhqv1IFqYBmwVhyT4aGhGaoJ94ikezth9CeydxfZs-0w07/s1600/C5BFE8A8-E662-4689-A103-B2C4DE687B17.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="347" data-original-width="585" height="118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj1ksigsEmIw-y2VyoPHdNNiqf3fZr6uot3K8NpYVTqIJBjzEN_XSuAjFp8j_Vl6kCK2EIlc46YUi6EMupYdVe9zZu3RRuhOJhqv1IFqYBmwVhyT4aGhGaoJ94ikezth9CeydxfZs-0w07/s200/C5BFE8A8-E662-4689-A103-B2C4DE687B17.jpeg" width="200" /></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b></b></span></div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>The hotel reminded me of the inn in the movie <i style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">White Christmas</i> with Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye. “How lovely. The structure looks old, typical of the region from what people have said about the area. I wonder if it’s owned by a chain.”</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>Nicole hugged us. “I really need to run. And by the way, the inn is family owned. It was built in 1924. I read the history on their website.”</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>“Interesting.” I wondered if Ingrid’s comment referred to one of the family.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>Teddy started for the front door.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>“Woof!” He barked.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>I shook my head. “I think he’s trying to tell me it’s time to get home. Traffic will be heavy at this time of day. Ann, thank you for the tea party and birthday cake. You ladies have brightened my spirits. I’m grateful.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>I secured Teddy’s leash. “By the way, when is the trip?”</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>“We leave mid-September.” Ann handed me my purse. “I was told it’s the peak season for leaf peepers.”</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>“Leaf peepers?” I asked.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>She smiled. “That’s what they call us.”</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>“I can’t wait!”</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>For some reason the term ‘peepers’ made me think of the song, “Jeepers, Creepers,” and the recollection of a horror movie by the name of “Lake Placid” entered my mind.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b>I shuddered.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Read more!</span></b></span></div>
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Nancy Jill Thameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18089542041601366071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807487924768348768.post-41505882605362796932019-09-10T08:05:00.000-05:002019-09-10T08:05:50.368-05:00Jillian Must Solve the Hardest Mystery of All <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">As Jillian Bradley prepares to embark on her honeymoon, a terrible tragedy strikes. Now she must help exonerate Richard Zhou of murder. But when Jillian's health fails, a dear friend back home is called upon to help and joins Jillian to solve the case. Even with Teddy at her side, will Jillian have the strength to find the real killer? "The Long Trip Home" is an ordeal no one should ever have to face.</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 20.46px;">CHAPTER ONE</span></h3>
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<b>Before I share the story of how a sixty-six year old widowed gardening columnist went from a storybook wedding in London to being widowed again, I have to say I don’t know how I would have coped without good friends and my Yorkie companion, Teddy. I owe them everything for getting me safely home to Clover Hills.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Our wedding was the second for both of us. Prentice lost his wife due to an illness ten years ago, and my husband died a hero in the Vietnam War. After years of being alone, Prentice and I dated until a rival prompted a proposal last New Year’s Eve.</b></div>
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<b>Due to business, Prentice suggested a destination wedding in London, which sounded lovely even though it precluded most of my friends.</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPC34WVlJpm2x4JFoBMm5G62gGA7qXVYhpOM8Y50s45YJDlqwZTw2Bgfz0xpxcXiw6P_jJc4lzA2bGIie7-40NR1PkatUI73GMtFA3qAprXdcgzsKWXVwoVoNbsJWzRww95ZmjfRbPbAme/s1600/0EF85076-E5DA-422F-8B37-BCC6871FE985.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><b><img border="0" data-original-height="460" data-original-width="307" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPC34WVlJpm2x4JFoBMm5G62gGA7qXVYhpOM8Y50s45YJDlqwZTw2Bgfz0xpxcXiw6P_jJc4lzA2bGIie7-40NR1PkatUI73GMtFA3qAprXdcgzsKWXVwoVoNbsJWzRww95ZmjfRbPbAme/s200/0EF85076-E5DA-422F-8B37-BCC6871FE985.jpeg" width="133" /></b></a><b>Two of my gardening club friends however, Ann Fieldman and Nicole King, did come with me and served as attendants. An old friend of mine, Detective Mac McKenzie, who happened to be in London helping with a case, offered to supervise Teddy who served as ring bearer.</b></div>
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<b>Since Teddy accompanies me everywhere, it seemed fitting to include him in the wedding. At a little over four pounds, he wasn’t much trouble as a travel companion.</b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.26px;"><b>Unfortunately, two of my dearest friends, Walter and Cecilia Montoya, were unable to attend. Walter was a busy detective working on a case, and Cecilia had her hands full with a toddler, D.J., my godson.</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Still, the wedding moved happily along as Prentice and I greeted guests sitting at tables, and Teddy kept trying to sniff cake.</b><br />
<b style="font-size: 18.26px;">Mac kept him in tow, however.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>As the string ensemble played, Prentice and I took our seats at the head table and dinner was served.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Mac brought Teddy to me and apologized for having to leave due to an unavoidably early flight back to San Diego. He kissed me on the cheek and wished us well.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>It was to be the last happy moment of my wedding.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Eric West raised the first toast to Prentice.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Champagne flutes clinked. Cheers filled the room.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>After a brief sip, Prentice, my husband of less than an hour, choked and struggled to breathe.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>The music stopped. Guests pushed back their chairs, discordant conversations followed — words of disbelief, calls for help, and looks of confusion.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Prentice coughed uncontrollably, his face contorted in pain. As we stood, he tripped and tried to grab my arms for support. He fell, and momentarily, everything went blank.</b><br />
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<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>When I awoke, I found myself in an unfamiliar place, a bedroom-sitting room of sorts furnished with antiques. Wallpaper in a tasteful apricot print covered the walls. A fire burned in a small fireplace flanked by two overstuffed chairs, one occupied by someone oddly familiar.</b></div>
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<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Moving my head caused pain. I lay back too weak to persevere. <span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 18.26px;">I wore a pink satin bed jacket with lace insets on the lapels and sleeves, tied in front with a large bow. I had no idea where it came from.</span></b><br />
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>The figure stood and smiled.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>I found it difficult to speak. “Daisy?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>She nodded and came to the side of my bed.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“I’m here.” She sat near me and took my hand.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>The warmth was reassuring.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Teddy raised his head from the foot of my bed and yawned. He was lying on a blue towel monogrammed with a <i style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">T</i> that I had also never seen.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>At least my Yorkie companion was familiar.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>He left the towel and pranced up to me, wagging his tail.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>I gathered him in my arms and wanted to kiss his head but found no strength.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>He settled next to me as I focused on Daisy’s face.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>She handed me a glass of water but didn’t let go of it.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Drink this.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>I drank as if it was my first water in a long time.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>I had so many questions.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Teddy hasn’t left your side since you’ve been here,” she said. “I think he’s glad you’re finally awake.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Teddy woofed.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Where am I? What’s wrong with me? How did you get here?” I felt weak and powerless. My mind struggled to believe the dream was not real.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“You’re not to worry about anything, doctor’s orders. Relax and I’ll tell you the details once you’ve had a nice cup of tea.” She rang the small brass bell lying on a doily on my bedside table. “Mildred will bring it right away.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Mildred? Daisy, where’s Prentice?” The knot in my stomach refused to leave. </b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b><span style="font-size: 18.26px;">Daisy gently squeezed my hand. </span><span style="font-size: 18.26px;">“I’m afraid there’s only one way to say it, Jillian. Prentice is dead. I’m so sorry.”</span></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“No! How can that be? We just said our vows.” The memory of Prentice choking and our falling returned.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>It wasn’t a dream.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>I felt numb, as if I was in someone else’s body. This couldn’t be happening!</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<i style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><b>Lord, why me? I don’t understand.</b></i></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Tears flowed as the weight of sadness engulfed me and dragged my spirit into an ocean of despair. My heart, which had been so full of happiness, was now empty.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Daisy put her strong arms around me and hugged me close.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“I know, I know. You’re in shock. You must rest before you can pull yourself together. Ann told Walter you collapsed and hit hard on the floor after Prentice fell. The doctor said you have a concussion from the large bump on your head.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“No wonder it hurts. I can actually feel it.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“You’re lucky not to be in a hospital.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Daisy, did Prentice have a heart attack or was it a stroke?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>She lowered her head, then looked at me. Her eyes filled with sadness.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Neither I’m afraid. Jillian, the police suspect he was poisoned.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Poisoned?” My mind refused to accept the fact. “By whom? Daisy, that’s bizarre! Maybe it was food poisoning or....”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“I’m so sorry. The fact is — someone murdered him.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia5MbhnG1hzDOu2qIedy6kzpBS1lE94_2zKc7xgTX9NhHlLPr4SwZH1CjKavY5Et-2v0B1PdlUCVO-CsdOW4zNsNWzGx6xndr5i04ro0fy5YixKfwiZRanZdKBoN-P-nUME-VtuxZ6ePzf/s1600/48C667F6-6AB0-4E19-9343-3DBE901488AE.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="370" data-original-width="300" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia5MbhnG1hzDOu2qIedy6kzpBS1lE94_2zKc7xgTX9NhHlLPr4SwZH1CjKavY5Et-2v0B1PdlUCVO-CsdOW4zNsNWzGx6xndr5i04ro0fy5YixKfwiZRanZdKBoN-P-nUME-VtuxZ6ePzf/s200/48C667F6-6AB0-4E19-9343-3DBE901488AE.jpeg" width="161" /></a><b>A knock on my door signaled the arrival of a sweet-faced middle-aged woman who entered with a tea tray laden with a basket of scones. </b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Hello, luvs.” She set the tray on a small table near the fireplace, straightened her back and turned to me. “I’m Mildred Clark, owner of this bed and breakfast. My brother, Parker, has told us all about you. Now drink this nice hot tea and eat a scone or two and you’ll feel better.” </b><b style="font-size: 18.26px; text-align: left;"><b style="font-size: 18.26px;">Daisy smiled at her. “Thanks, Mildred.”</b></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>I had a vague recollection from somewhere of a butler named Parker.</b></div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Mildred wiped her hands on her apron. “I need to be running along.” She nodded to the small brass bell on the tray. “Ring the bell when you’re finished. Lovely to meet you, Mrs. Duvall.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b><i style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Mrs. Duvall.</i> <i style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">I felt a stabbing pain in my heart.</i></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Daisy fell silent a moment while she poured the tea, stirred in sugar, and handed it to me.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“The currant scones are delicious. Mildred makes the raspberry jam herself. I’ll fix one for you,” she said.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>I wasn’t hungry. I tried to resist but couldn’t. “Just a half of one, please, Daisy.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Daisy slathered the sweet golden biscuit with clotted cream and jam and made me eat it anyway. The mother hen watched over me as she had Cecilia when Cecilia’s father went missing in Half Moon Bay.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“How did you get away?” I asked. “What about your plant care business?” I sipped the steaming Earl Grey and took a small bite of scone. The sweet biscuit melted in my mouth.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“A friend of mine owed me a favor. I serviced her plant customers while she recuperated from knee surgery. Savings for a rainy day came in handy for the plane fare. Besides, I’ve cut back clients since Douglas and I married, so her handling the calls is no problem.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Married? You never told me!”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“That’s because we eloped. Neither of us wanted a big wedding, so we went to Reno and returned home Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Chastain. We didn’t even tell Walter and Cecilia.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>I remembered Cecilia was Douglas Chastain’s daughter. “I’m happy for you. That officially makes you D.J.’s grandmother.” Had it only been two weeks since I’d seen my godson?</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqW3GzAjhJqfJWAhGs8Vk5h1VVBAksrlPJsdOce217Ny_fyG-3GoPQPLtqnFNPjsuiE_hZInfKeu4iGg-gnjfEKT70AYT4FLNcqKWXP3JWsUFTC_D76yvPgVl9OhPwZat5tCW65CU0_0Mu/s1600/3994D0C0-BD48-41C2-ADA4-2B328F4023A0.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><b style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></b></a><b>The next thing I knew, I passed out again. I woke what seemed to be a few minutes later.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqW3GzAjhJqfJWAhGs8Vk5h1VVBAksrlPJsdOce217Ny_fyG-3GoPQPLtqnFNPjsuiE_hZInfKeu4iGg-gnjfEKT70AYT4FLNcqKWXP3JWsUFTC_D76yvPgVl9OhPwZat5tCW65CU0_0Mu/s1600/3994D0C0-BD48-41C2-ADA4-2B328F4023A0.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqW3GzAjhJqfJWAhGs8Vk5h1VVBAksrlPJsdOce217Ny_fyG-3GoPQPLtqnFNPjsuiE_hZInfKeu4iGg-gnjfEKT70AYT4FLNcqKWXP3JWsUFTC_D76yvPgVl9OhPwZat5tCW65CU0_0Mu/s200/3994D0C0-BD48-41C2-ADA4-2B328F4023A0.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
<b>The tea revived me, but the happiness I felt for Daisy turned to anger. Someone had robbed me of Prentice, my dearest friend.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Start from the beginning, Daisy. I must know everything.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>She handed me a pill and a glass of water. “Here, take this sedative. Doctor’s orders.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>I took the bitter pill and swallowed it. “Thanks.” Then I gave her my full attention.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Walter was the one who called me. He said the last thing you did before passing out was tell your friend Ann to call him.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“I don’t remember. But what a blessing she and Nicole came with me for my wedding. Did they go back to California?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Yes.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Tears formed again as I realized how far away from home I was. Outside, a distant clap of thunder sounded as Daisy returned to sit by the warm fire.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Chief Inspector Halsey took their statements and said they were free to go.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>A shred of hope in me stirred. I remembered working with the Chief Inspector on a case. Was it recently? <span style="font-size: 18.26px;">“He’s handling the case? That’s good. Halsey’s as good as they come. Oh, Daisy, I feel so tired. How did I wind up here? And where did the bed jacket and Teddy’s towel come from?”</span></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“You are full of questions, lady.” She rose and refilled my cup.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“The bed jacket and towel are wedding gifts from me. I was going to give them to you when you got home but brought them instead. I didn’t want them to get lost shipping them overseas.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“They’re lovely. It was so thoughtful of you.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“As for how you got here, your butler at the hotel, Parker, heard what happened and insisted he bring you to his sister and brother-in-law’s bed and breakfast. Parker told me Archie is a former policeman and might be of help.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“That’s interesting. I think I remember Parker drove me around London. He is wonderful.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Yes, he is. He took care of cancelling the honeymoon arrangements with the concierge.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>I grew sad again.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Daisy sighed. “If you’re feeling tired, lie back and relax. You don’t need to think about anything except getting well. You’re going to need your strength, Jillian.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>She tucked the soft covers around me.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“I’ll take Teddy for a walk and come back with your dinner. I’m rooming across the hall with Mrs. Fisher and her service dog, Robin Hood. We’ll talk later.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>I didn’t need convincing. Questions raced through my mind, but I heeded Daisy’s advice and let go of the thoughts.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>If someone killed Prentice, I would need all the strength I had to find the truth. </b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhzXAYlzlYDgxBfNBcWJ2FvMbBe5uHHlnEveOULoDpFjG4CAGwIJtlvnOCa99Et-Cz9DiCVAgaoCUW_zEkXG9rNjYK4oO2afJ-tFJG9wQ2q4hmpGhDd2a7J29htBHL-xIhDpYhyphenhyphenF5K2jdJ/s1600/teacup.png" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: times; font-size: 18.26px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="49" data-original-width="34" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhzXAYlzlYDgxBfNBcWJ2FvMbBe5uHHlnEveOULoDpFjG4CAGwIJtlvnOCa99Et-Cz9DiCVAgaoCUW_zEkXG9rNjYK4oO2afJ-tFJG9wQ2q4hmpGhDd2a7J29htBHL-xIhDpYhyphenhyphenF5K2jdJ/s1600/teacup.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b> </b></div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b style="font-size: 18.26px;">After I awoke, my appetite returned. I sat up as Daisy held the door for Mildred to carry in a tray.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Archie made Bubble and Squeak ‘specially for you, Ms. Jillian,” Mildred said. “Daisy suggested I call you that so’s I don’t remind you of your poor hubby. We’re truly sorry for your loss, Archie and me.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Thank you.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Let me lay this napkin ‘cross your lap and you eat up. I made pudding for tonight’s supper. I hope you like apple pie.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“That’s kind of you, Mildred. Bubble and Squeak looks like mashed potatoes and....” I looked at her for an explanation.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“That’s right.” She nodded. ”Mashed potatoes and veggies fried together from yesterday’s dinner. Archie added a bit of roast beef left over as well. I’ve fed Teddy for you. What a luv! Enjoy.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>She turned to Daisy. “You can bring the tray to the kitchen when she’s finished. I’ll be washing up. Have a good evening.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Mildred toddled off.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>The dinner was delicious and exactly what I needed at the moment.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<i style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><b>Thank you, Lord for provision during this time. You’ve provided a miracle sending Daisy to help. Please give me strength.</b></i></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>I pushed the tray away and Daisy collected it.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>She put Teddy on my bed. He moved toward me and settled by my side. My Yorkie companion must have sensed something was wrong and comforted me.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>I stroked his fur.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Thanks for sticking by me, sweet dog. At least I still have you.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>The image of Prentice’s body lying cold in a morgue flashed in my mind. I thrust it aside.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<i style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><b>No.</b></i></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>I’d always want to think of him standing beside me exchanging vows of loving each other until....</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Daisy returned, sat beside the fire, and let out a sigh.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Mildred’s a saint. She says I only need to take care of you and she’ll take care of Teddy. I insisted on walking him, though. I need the exercise.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“How did you manage to get here so quickly?” I asked. “Didn’t you need a passport?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>She smiled.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Ah. I actually got one when Douglas and I eloped. We went to Vancouver for our honeymoon.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<i style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><b>There it was again. The honeymoon Prentice and I will never take.</b></i></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>I returned my attention to Daisy and tried to focus on being grateful for her coming.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“How lucky for me. You’re a great comfort, Daisy. Congratulations on getting married. I’m happy for you both.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>She looked pleased.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“I want to know everything that’s going on in the investigation, even the smallest detail. You know how I am.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Memories of the times I helped solve homicides flooded my brain.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Only too well, Jillian. From what Walter shared about the ruby necklace incident, I’m sure the Chief Inspector will keep you posted.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Anything to do with the task of bringing Prentice’s murderer to justice is overwhelming, but I realize it’s because I’m not in my right mind.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“That’s understandable. Take comfort you have me to be your eyes and ears.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>She took a purple notebook from the coffee table. “Here, I brought this for notes.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Thank you.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“There’s a pen in the drawer of your nightstand. Do you feel like writing?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>I considered.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“The night is early. I think we should record everything that happened so I don’t forget. Although, I want to forget.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Now, now.” Daisy patted my arm. “Don’t think about that. What do you remember? You talk and I’ll write.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Okay. Here goes.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>1. I remember music playing — a classical string quartet.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>2. A server placed the salad course in front of Prentice and accidentally knocked over his champagne flute.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>3. The server returned with a new glass and disappeared.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>4. Eric West, the best man, stood and raised his toast to Prentice.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>5. There was applause and everyone sipped champagne.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>6. Prentice started to choke, grabbed his throat, then we both stood.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>7. He tripped and grabbed my arms.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>8. Ann sat next to me so all I could think of was to tell her to call Walter.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>9. I blacked out and came to in this room.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“And that’s all you remember?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Except I remember hearing Teddy barking. Mac was holding him for me.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“And Mac is your detective friend from Pacific Beach who helped solve your nephew’s case.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Actually, I believe I was the one who helped <i style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">him</i>, but no matter. He was wonderful to come help me here in London when I got involved with the ruby case.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Daisy looked over what she’d written.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“I think this is enough for one night.” She fetched my robe and slippers. “Let’s get you ready for bed. I’ll draw a bath.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>My head still hurt, but I wasn’t tired. The one question that kept nagging away was why would anyone want Prentice dead? Did he have enemies?</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<i style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><b>There was certainly none I knew of.</b></i></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>If we could find out <i style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">why</i>, maybe we could find out <i style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">who</i>.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Daisy helped me into the bathroom and left me until I’d soaked in a warm bubble bath long enough for my fingers to wrinkle.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Afterward, bundled up in my robe, I joined her next to the fire. My head still hurt but not as badly.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“It feels good to sit after being in bed all day. Tell me, Daisy, for the sake of argument, did you ever want to see someone dead?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>She raised her brow and seemed surprised by the question.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“There was my ex-husband.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“I’ll have to hear the story sometime.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>I was relaxed now. The bath had worked its magic.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“You say you’re rooming with someone with a service dog? What does your roommate suffer from?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Mrs. Fisher has crippling arthritis from Lyme’s disease.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“I didn’t realize it was a problem outside of the United States. How unfortunate for her.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcP__c_mNOXFSRF34WJI_cd1c-9gmAbf4Sc-c6dSnDu1gKV-ONu3mX2p9RNTMT31Ef2qQUvjO66H3NbFfTB-ltEpjhpvG0G4ykuywlqpMZO2AZmffuBDtJUEYZscNat-0YUFP2PTn_v6n6/s1600/4CFD71F4-A18F-484A-8CEB-A82437288245.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="347" data-original-width="347" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcP__c_mNOXFSRF34WJI_cd1c-9gmAbf4Sc-c6dSnDu1gKV-ONu3mX2p9RNTMT31Ef2qQUvjO66H3NbFfTB-ltEpjhpvG0G4ykuywlqpMZO2AZmffuBDtJUEYZscNat-0YUFP2PTn_v6n6/s200/4CFD71F4-A18F-484A-8CEB-A82437288245.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcP__c_mNOXFSRF34WJI_cd1c-9gmAbf4Sc-c6dSnDu1gKV-ONu3mX2p9RNTMT31Ef2qQUvjO66H3NbFfTB-ltEpjhpvG0G4ykuywlqpMZO2AZmffuBDtJUEYZscNat-0YUFP2PTn_v6n6/s1600/4CFD71F4-A18F-484A-8CEB-A82437288245.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><b style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></b></a><b>“She’s cheerful, though. Quite positive. Robin Hood is a Papillion, one of those dogs with the huge ears that stick out. He does look like a butterfly.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Do he and Teddy get along?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Yes, actually they do. Both seem intelligent and happy to be around another dog. We’ll see how it goes. It’s only been two days, after all.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<i style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><b>Two days? I must have hit my head hard to be out that long.</b></i></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Daisy helped me to bed and handed me another sedative.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“You’d better keep taking these until the doctor says otherwise. He’s sending a nurse to check on you. I don’t know when she’ll come. It’s time to take Teddy for his evening walk and settle in for the night.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Thanks, Daisy.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>A sound from outside jarred me. “Do I hear thunder?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Daisy peered out the bank of windows.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“I forgot it’s supposed to rain so I’d better hurry. I’ll say goodnight in case you’re asleep by the time we get back.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Teddy jumped off the bed when Daisy mentioned the word walk and headed for the coat rack where his red leash dangled.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>She secured the leash to his collar and the two headed for the door.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“We won’t be gone long.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>After Daisy left, I lay back and pulled the covers up over my head. It was difficult to remember the last time I’d taken him for a walk.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Tears streamed down my cheeks as the reality of Prentice’s being gone sunk in. I wondered what our honeymoon would have been like. Thanks to a murderer, I would never know.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Waves of sadness and self-pity gave way to anger, then to determination to find his killer.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b><br /></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Long-Trip-Home-Jillian-Bradley-ebook/dp/B00KO6Z4W4/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1565456524&sr=8-1"><b><span style="font-size: large;">AMAZON</span></b></a></div>
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<a href="https://books.apple.com/mt/book/the-long-trip-home-book-8/id885258682"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>APPLE</b></span></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">See you in my books!</span></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">~Nancy Jill </span></b></td></tr>
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Nancy Jill Thameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18089542041601366071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807487924768348768.post-10055009192622455662019-09-02T01:00:00.000-05:002019-09-02T09:50:32.835-05:00A Stabbing...A Jewel Theft...As if Jillian’s Wedding isn’t Enough to Think About<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>The Ruby of Siam </b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><b>Book 7</b></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><b>When Jillian and Teddy travel to London with her wedding attendants, they find themselves embroiled in a jewel heist with a man left stabbed to death. Can they solve the crimes in the midst of Jillian’s wedding plans? </b></span><b style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">An old acquaintance from San Diego offers his help, but will it be enough to solve the mystery? Perhaps the jewel has a curse.</b></span></div>
<h2 style="font-family: times; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></h2>
<div style="font-family: times; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>PROLOGUE</b></span></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Lucas Sansurin crouched in a thick cluster of trees along a dark stretch of road on the outskirts of London and waited. He used the back of his hand to wipe beads of sweat from his brow. The anxiety of pulling off the heist increased moment by moment. The treasure he had so long pursued was within his grasp...only a few more moments before the courier would arrive. He was ready.</b></div>
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<b>To mark the arranged meeting place, he’d dragged a fallen tree branch to block the car’s path. Yes, with one simple diversion, The Ruby of Siam would be his – the legendary stone believed to bring success and invulnerability to its possessor. Soon, he, Lucas Sansurin, an utter failure in the eyes of the world for his entire thirty-two miserable years, would be that single powerful owner.</b></div>
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<b>The sound of a vehicle approaching caused him to stiffen. When the headlights grew brighter, Lucas inhaled and slowly released his breath.</b></div>
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<b>As the car neared, Lucas took out a small flashlight and checked his wristwatch to confirm the time. The thief stepped from where he’d hidden and waved his arms, a signal for the black Renault to slow and pull over.</b></div>
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<b>He would concoct a story of being stranded if the leather-jacketed figure inside was not his friend. The tires squealed to an abrupt stop where Lucas now stood on the side of the road. He approached cautiously as the driver rolled down the passenger window.</b></div>
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<b>Even in the darkness, Lucas recognized the longtime friend of his family. Without a word, Lucas reached inside the car and removed the brown paper bag from the front seat. His eyes <span style="font-size: 18.26px;">never left the face of his collaborator who simply nodded. This friend, the thief realized, had risked the possibility of losing his job to help him.</span></b></div>
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<b>The accomplice rolled up the window and drove away as Lucas stepped back and watched the car disappear.</b></div>
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<b>Now the Ruby of Siam belonged to him. The bag felt weighty. He smiled to himself, and was relieved the plan had succeeded. Then he placed the small sack inside his jacket and dashed to his bicycle hidden in the thicket, eager for home and safety.</b></div>
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<b>Before setting off, Lucas took the bag from his jacket, opened it and took the necklace out. He stroked every facet, marveling at his prize. Relishing the taste of his coup, he thought of how his luck would change, how he’d finally bring a better life to his beloved wife and children.</b></div>
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<b>He pulled the amulet over his head and tucked the treasure beneath his linen shirt. The ruby radiated warmth – a sure sign of the stone’s power. Now honor and respect would return to him. He wadded the sack into a tight ball, stuck it in an outside pocket, and peddled with haste back to his village.</b></div>
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<b>Dawn crept from the horizon as he approached the tiny hovel where his loved ones awaited. He flinched at the sound of a vehicle coming from behind. Had someone followed him?</b></div>
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<b>His heart caught in his chest at the thought of losing his prize. In a mad breathless dash, he reached the alleyway and hid in the shadows. Back against the wall, he waited for the menace to pass.</b></div>
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<b>In the dim light, he realized it was not the accomplice. Fear washed over him. Someone appeared to be searching for him.</b></div>
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<b>With a final glance at his house, Lucas turned his bike and rode north another hour to the most populated place he could think of to seek the shelter of anonymity and divert danger away from his dear ones – Heathrow Airport, London’s busiest hub for travelers.</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 20.46px;">CHAPTER ONE</span></h3>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Prentice knelt on one knee and held my hands – the proposal was about to begin.</b></div>
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<b>To sit in his lovely parlor underneath a 15<sup style="font-size: 15.13px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">th</sup> century painting put me in a dreamlike state. My heart raced, but I managed to keep composed. Teddy, my Yorkie companion, lay asleep beside me, worn out from the New Year’s Eve party that had now ended.</b></div>
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<b>“Jillian, darling, I realize I promised you a special proposal.” He kissed my hand. “But with my competitor leaving so abruptly I thought I’d better get your answer tonight. Will you marry me? I’ll give you the world if you’ll say yes.”</b></div>
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<b>For a moment, a twinge of pain stabbed my heart. It left as quickly as it came after I realized that Prentice was the one with whom I wished to be. A previous suitor, Vincent Fontaine, was on his way to South America – I’d probably never see him again.</b></div>
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<b>“Yes, I’ll marry you.” I gave him a long tender kiss. Such happiness washed over me that I wanted to shout the news to everyone I knew. I was going to be Mrs. Prentice Duvall, wife of a noted art dealer. <i style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Wife</i> again – no longer a widow. Life would be different.</b></div>
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<b>The “Ask Jillian” column held the copyright for ongoing syndication – no more articles to write. Deadlines over. Problem solved. Things always worked out when I gave troubles to God. Now I must trust Him with a second marriage.</b></div>
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<b>Prentice joined me on the sofa and put his arms around me.</b></div>
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<b>It caused Teddy to stir, but he fell back asleep.</b></div>
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<b>Holding me tight, my fiancé spoke. <span style="font-size: 18.26px;">“I’ll be honest with you, darling. There are going to be times your patience and understanding will be required in our new life together.”</span></b></div>
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<b>I wondered what he was trying to tell me.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Beginning with?” I pulled away for a moment and faced him.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Our wedding. I hope you will understand.”</b></div>
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<b>Was I marrying a spy? A secret government agent? These were the only people I knew with commitments that overshadowed personal issues.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>I crossed my arms. “Try me.”</b></div>
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<b>Teddy stretched, obviously asleep.</b></div>
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<b>Prentice stood and paced. “Work is keeping me so busy that we can’t possibly get married for a few months. The London Frieze Art Fair is an event in October that I’ve been committed to for over a year. I thought we’d have a destination wedding. </b></div>
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<b>We’ll buy your rings at Tiffany’s, just like Audrey Hepburn. How does that sound? Rest assured, before you say anything, all the details are my responsibility, I promise. It will only take one call to put the plans in motion.”</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjekTbzNN79jMJccymIiDRxJv-EP7VDHMGucMdLHLEm4cGLlE7YdRFtVCTf8p902cX_VBLewW3qS3lmPP-fF4BZI1RP0bIaElCsHGXPt2-_uO3TWXfnZ4V3K0Syr0wLYGQ66AQTSfT_cAxp/s1600/Original+Artwork+designed+by+shop+owner+%25E2%2580%25A2+AVAILABLE+IN+THE+FOLLOWING+SIZES+%25E2%2580%25A212_+X+18_+POSTER+%25E2%2580%25A218_+X+24_+POSTER+%25E2%2580%25A2+PRINTED+ON+PREMIUM%252C+DURABLE+POSTER+PAPER+%25E2%2580%25A2+CUSTOM+SIZES+AVAILABLE+%2528ADDITIONAL+CHARGES+MAY+APPLY%2529+_wat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="855" data-original-width="570" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjekTbzNN79jMJccymIiDRxJv-EP7VDHMGucMdLHLEm4cGLlE7YdRFtVCTf8p902cX_VBLewW3qS3lmPP-fF4BZI1RP0bIaElCsHGXPt2-_uO3TWXfnZ4V3K0Syr0wLYGQ66AQTSfT_cAxp/s320/Original+Artwork+designed+by+shop+owner+%25E2%2580%25A2+AVAILABLE+IN+THE+FOLLOWING+SIZES+%25E2%2580%25A212_+X+18_+POSTER+%25E2%2580%25A218_+X+24_+POSTER+%25E2%2580%25A2+PRINTED+ON+PREMIUM%252C+DURABLE+POSTER+PAPER+%25E2%2580%25A2+CUSTOM+SIZES+AVAILABLE+%2528ADDITIONAL+CHARGES+MAY+APPLY%2529+_wat.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<b>There was no hesitation.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“London? In that case, I have a question.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Just one, darling?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Well, two actually.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>He stroked Teddy.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Had Prentice read my mind?</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“First, what about Teddy? Second, who will be in the wedding party? This doesn’t sound like it’s going to be easy.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>Prentice sat next to me again, took my hand and kissed it.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Teddy is welcome to join us. I’ll make all the arrangements if you wish. For attendants, why don’t you invite a few garden club ladies to come along? Plenty of <i style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">my</i> friends attending the Frieze will stand up for me, I’m certain. In fact, I’m thinking of a couple who owe me favors.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“What about your sons?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b>“Too busy with their work and family commitments. I know from experience. We’ll plan something when we return home.”</b></div>
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<b>A shiver ran down my back – perhaps it was due to the excitement, and yet it didn’t feel right. Maybe it was just as well I had ten long months to deal with this major life transition. The editors would also appreciate having enough time to segue into a new contributor for their papers.</b></div>
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<div style="font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<div style="font-size: 18.26px;">
<b>With spring gardening tasks completed, planting bulbs and pruning dead branches from the shrubs, I attended the Lovejoy <span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 18.26px;">Family Reunion in Pacific Beach at the end of June. Such a wonderful time to be with loved ones. Then, a few whirlwind months passed shopping for new clothes, getting a passport, and attending wedding parties given by friends.</span></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>I arranged for Walter and Cecilia Montoya, parents of my precious godson, D.J., to house-sit while I was away. Since the young couple lived in a cramped condo, they were only too happy to do so.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>With everything ready, I boarded a plane with two garden club friends, Ann Fieldman and Nicole Summers, as attendants and headed for London.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Teddy rode in cargo.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Due to his busy schedule, Prentice had flown ahead. It was a disappointment not to accompany him, but I had decided to maintain an attitude of patience and understanding. To help compensate, he’d arranged for someone to meet our party at the airport and drive us to the hotel.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Indeed, standing in the crowded baggage claim area near the exit was our driver holding an iPad with “Bradley Party” typed on the screen. Teddy sat at his feet, held by his red rhinestone leash. When Teddy spotted me, he stood up and yipped. Heads turned to stare, but I soon reached him and gathered him in my arms.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>The driver stepped forward. “Mrs. Bradley? If you will allow me to collect your luggage and then follow me, madam.”</b></div>
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<b>With bags heaped upon two carts, and Teddy safely ensconced in the cheetah tote I’d carried on the plane, our party headed for the car.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Before reaching the exit, out of nowhere, a man ran through the crowd, crashed into us, and knocked me over. When he fell on top of me, Teddy yipped wildly as I struggled to get up. I held tight to Teddy’s leash. Something sticky appeared in my hand. People shrieked.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b style="font-size: 18.26px;">After a closer view of the man’s torso, I realized someone had stabbed him. Buried in his belly the handle of a knife protruded. I now understood his blood caused the stickiness.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Grabbing me before I tried to stand, he held me close. “Take care of my family.” His voice was only a whisper.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>All I could do was nod.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>The man’s grasp loosened as he collapsed and died.</b></div>
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<b>Teddy whined in pity.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>A weight of sadness crept over me, not only for his death, but also for this poor man to die leaving a family. How on earth did he expect me to help them? I felt nauseous from the sight of the blood.</b></div>
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<b>Within moments, airport security dispersed the crowd. Paramedics arrived and examined the victim, checking his neck for a pulse. Somehow, I knew they wouldn’t find one.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>With Ann on one side and Nicole on the other helping me up, I caught a glimpse of someone standing in the back of a group of onlookers. Did I have double vision? I’d seen this person before, I was certain.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Oh, my knee stung! Must have skinned it from the fall. My head hurt – I couldn’t think clearly anymore. A concussion?</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>The uneasiness grew. Was it imagination or was he staring at me? In a single blink, he disappeared into the crowd. Unable to cope with all that had happened, I fainted.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>When I woke up, Prentice bent over me as I lay in bed. Had I been dreaming? The room seemed as if <i style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">it</i> were the dream.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Oh, my head.” I groaned.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Prentice patted me.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>I looked around the bed. “Where’s Teddy?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Easy now, sweetheart. He’s next to you.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>I turned slowly to where he pointed.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Teddy pricked up his silky little ears and cocked his head as if to say, “Are you all right, Mistress?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Prentice offered me a glass of water from the nightstand.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Here, drink this. You’ve had a bad fall. Don’t worry, though. You’re going to be fine. The doctors examined you and everything’s okay except for a few bruises and some soreness. <span style="font-size: 18.26px;">According to them, you’ll be up and around by tomorrow. No rush. I want you to rest until you’re back to normal. Care to tell me what happened?”</span></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>I searched my brain trying to remember. <span style="font-size: 18.26px;">“Right before we were leaving the terminal someone charged into me. All I could think about was to hold onto Teddy’s leash. The next thing I knew, the man had fallen on top of me.</span></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“We hit the ground hard – I might have been knocked out, not sure. Teddy kept yipping, poor little dear, and no wonder he did. I had blood all over me. It came from the man’s wounds.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Prentice patted my arm. “That’s enough for now. Lie back and rest. Ann and Nicole reported just what you told me. I’m sure the man was running away from someone. He may have been a criminal. Who knows?</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“I’m calling a friend of mine who works for the police here to talk to you when you’re a little stronger. Might put your mind to rest. For now, let’s not think about this unpleasantness anymore.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>I closed my eyes.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Prentice tucked me in and kissed me on the forehead.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>I fell asleep, exhausted.</b><b style="font-size: 18.26px;"> </b></div>
<div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px;">
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDHLnH8xn3YgospatWBOGY1ZSwm6SLXupNHhmuSXzHlgTS1togmJbIGkzLPM7rNX10hD9U-XcEzpQZ9-cC_IsMrxEYrOnrNJE5hCEyPHR-NhlHxYVKgmzKCUPW-G4hXtZ2TmwNDFOvfLMO/s1600/teacup.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" data-original-height="49" data-original-width="34" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDHLnH8xn3YgospatWBOGY1ZSwm6SLXupNHhmuSXzHlgTS1togmJbIGkzLPM7rNX10hD9U-XcEzpQZ9-cC_IsMrxEYrOnrNJE5hCEyPHR-NhlHxYVKgmzKCUPW-G4hXtZ2TmwNDFOvfLMO/s1600/teacup.png" /></b></a></div>
<b style="font-family: times; font-size: 18.26px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">The doctor must have given me a strong sedative because I slept soundly until the following afternoon. When I finally awakened, I didn’t remember anything except that Prentice had visited me the day before. What we talked about I wasn’t sure. I thought we were in London.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Slowly, I swung my legs over the side of the mattress. By holding on to the edge of the bed for support, I steadied myself until I could stand, walk to the window, and glance out.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTokoIGSZuUusSf43Q7TZV_eAxJD83yLhDYAdKdmtj2duRZjoqA1Wn9W8gXvgagCv0ir73SDug4S2RaKMcZ26ASFPaj96N5JxeR5ffHaqje913IOZAjy7uGMjL4Zt1GgbgAvrH0w5mTqlQ/s1600/changing+of+the+guard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="439" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTokoIGSZuUusSf43Q7TZV_eAxJD83yLhDYAdKdmtj2duRZjoqA1Wn9W8gXvgagCv0ir73SDug4S2RaKMcZ26ASFPaj96N5JxeR5ffHaqje913IOZAjy7uGMjL4Zt1GgbgAvrH0w5mTqlQ/s200/changing+of+the+guard.jpg" width="136" /></a><b>A band was playing for a formal ceremony some five stories below. I was watching the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace!</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>As I lowered into a chair, I continued to stare, mesmerized. Someone knocked on the door. I had no strength, so I called for them to enter.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>In walked one of my oldest and dearest friends, Ann Fieldman.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Jillian, you’re out of bed.” She rushed to my side. “You shouldn’t be up. The doctor said you may have a concussion.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Oh, don’t worry. I’m okay. A little muddled, perhaps, but I’m not staying in bed the entire time we’re in London.” I looked around for my other friend who’d come along, Nicole King.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Where’s Nicole?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Out with Teddy for a walk. She wanted a closer look at the changing of the guard. Jillian, this hotel is incredible. We have a butler, did Prentice tell you?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>My head started to swim again. “Ah, no. At least I don’t remember if he did or not. Ann, what happened to the man at the airport?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“You mean the one who plowed into you yesterday? Dead, I’m afraid. Someone stabbed him. The police want to get your statement, but not until you’re well enough to talk.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Ann, I’m hungry.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Not another word. Watch this.” She went to the phone and pressed a button. “Yes, please send up a cheeseburger and a Coke. Oh, and a slice of key lime pie and a pot of tea. Thank you.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>I had to smile even though to do so hurt. “Ann, you’re marvelous.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>The door opened and in walked Nicole carrying Teddy in her arms.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“You’re awake.” She placed Teddy in my lap. “He was a good boy and went potty. How’s your head?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“I’ll live. What bad luck to be in an accident just as we got here. Where are we staying anyway? I don’t remember much.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Ann handed me the information folder. “We’re at The Lanesborough in Knightsbridge, one of the most fashionable hotels in London. It’s right across from Buckingham Palace, as you’ll notice. Jillian, the hotel even provided a <i style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">butler</i>.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“A what?” I tried to process the information. My head still hurt.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Yes, he was the one who met us at the airport. We’re to call him Barnes, just like in ‘Downton Abbey.’ You remember, on Masterpiece Theater?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Someone rapped on the door and called out. “Your luncheon, madam.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Nicole walked toward the summons. “I’ll get it.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>In walked our driver from the airport followed by a young man pushing a covered cart.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Barnes bowed slightly. “Shall I serve now?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>After I nodded yes, Barnes motioned for the server to set lunch out on the small table beside the window.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>A grandfather clock chimed once. <i style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">One o’clock.</i></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Barnes placed a linen napkin on my lap and removed the plastic wrap from the water glass. “Luncheon is served. That was a most extraordinary thing to happen, madam. I hope you are recovering quickly.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Thank you, Barnes. Has Mr. Duvall left a message?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>The butler paused.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“No, madam. Do you require anything else?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“That’s all for now. Please inform me of any messages.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>How I wished Prentice had come to visit.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Nicole waved and started to walk to her room. “I’ll check on Teddy a little later. You should try to eat.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Thanks, Nicole.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Ann followed suit. “I’ll be in the bedroom if you need me. I’ll leave you to your lunch.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>I nodded in appreciation. Such a blessing to have dear friends with me.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>After I’d eaten a few bites, I peeked in to see what Nicole and Ann were doing in their rooms. Both were napping soundly from jet lag.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>I heard Teddy growling and scratching on his tote in the corner, tipping the contents over on the floor.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP60l8UP6wqX-11U_M5cmtmETEwBdfZsw-u2lYUBNDaqalSZcOcj1SbHcQ6dCF8438r4Hy_UFFLZu6R7Q04UcwlrxtNgKx4BXOiOKcWegMZ6YRuFsZDpVTOyfPvqFLlTkqk_-ppTwnu8ym/s1600/ruby+of+siam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="118" data-original-width="140" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP60l8UP6wqX-11U_M5cmtmETEwBdfZsw-u2lYUBNDaqalSZcOcj1SbHcQ6dCF8438r4Hy_UFFLZu6R7Q04UcwlrxtNgKx4BXOiOKcWegMZ6YRuFsZDpVTOyfPvqFLlTkqk_-ppTwnu8ym/s200/ruby+of+siam.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<b>Out spilled an exquisite ruby necklace.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Teddy! Where did this come from?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>He made all sorts of sounds and whines as if trying to tell me.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>My friends slept on.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“This looks valuable. A gift from Prentice? Doesn’t seem to be his style, though.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>To get attention again, Teddy yawned with a groan.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>From what I’d read, dogs did this when stressed.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Oh, Teddy – I bet this is the reason why the poor man died. Well, until I learn more, and at the risk of withholding evidence, my instinct says no one else must know. But where to hide it?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Teddy ruffed.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Right. We can’t keep our find here. Wait. I have an idea. Stay!” I pointed, giving him a stern look to make him understand the seriousness of the command.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>I dressed quickly and put the amulet in a small jewelry case I’d brought with me.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>After I’d hidden it in a safe place, I returned to the room and lay down with Teddy beside me.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Oh, I had been clever, but I wondered where this untimely treasure might lead.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Read more!</span></b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: large; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ruby-Siam-Jillian-Bradley-Mystery-ebook/dp/B00EUG97B8/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=">AMAZON</a></b></span><span style="color: blue; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; font-weight: bold; text-indent: 19.2px;"><br /> <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/THE+RUBY+OF+SIAM+NANCY+JILL+THAMES?_requestid=3407025">BN</a><br /> <a href="https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-ruby-of-siam-book-7/id701204820">APPLE</a><br /> <a href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-ruby-of-siam-book-7-1">KOBO</a><br /> <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/352052">SMASHWORDS</a><br /> <a href="http://authl.it/1ck">Amazon International Links</a> </span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">See you in my books!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">~Nancy Jill</span></b></div>
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Nancy Jill Thameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18089542041601366071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807487924768348768.post-40651495285073815352019-08-26T13:31:00.000-05:002019-08-26T13:31:14.832-05:00What to do With a Family Crisis, a Homicide, and an Old Flame Coming to Town. Not a Normal Christmas for Jillian Bradley!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 19pt;">Family and friends have gathered at Jillian's house in Clover Hills to celebrate Christmas, but Jillian's plans for a lovely Christmas Eve are rudely interrupted by a power failure. And a homicide. Not only does Aunt Jillian find herself with a house full of company to entertain in the dark, but she also receives a call from Detective Walter Montoya, who finds himself in the dark, trying to solve the bizarre murder of a worker found dead in a maintenance shed at a power station. With Teddy at her side, Jillian is determined to solve the mystery. A classic whodunit!</b><div style="font-size: 19px;">
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 20.46px;">CHAPTER ONE</span></h3>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Warmed by the fire, Teddy had fallen asleep on the sofa. Although the heat was lulling me to sleep as well, I needed to put the final touches on my weekly gardening column. Glancing at my Yorkie that slept so soundly made me smile. Pausing to stretch a moment, I was drawn to the Christmas music playing on the radio and hummed along. <i>Silver Bells</i> happened to be a favorite of mine.</span></b></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Last article of the year.</span></b></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">How much longer did I want to be doing this? The internet held such a wealth of information on gardening nowadays. Perhaps people didn’t need to read garden columns in papers anymore. Still, I did have loyal fans who enjoyed holding the hard copy in their hands. Maybe I could keep writing another year. My thoughts were interrupted.</span></b></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Oh, good. Time for the noon news.</span></b></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">I turned up the volume.</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVcvAwuTXmqu-bss3Rgt2TWr46sIuVI5FZnZ4HvIHiZhYrPqkF0jztKeKt3D9lTSZ2jjuWEsSSpoulJmPP6W59uzZvb6CuufIMHXpaDRgXOc4CSOBG72XRe1zE0cm7jbUIMFf0mXS82qcC/s1600/blackhawk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1600" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVcvAwuTXmqu-bss3Rgt2TWr46sIuVI5FZnZ4HvIHiZhYrPqkF0jztKeKt3D9lTSZ2jjuWEsSSpoulJmPP6W59uzZvb6CuufIMHXpaDRgXOc4CSOBG72XRe1zE0cm7jbUIMFf0mXS82qcC/s200/blackhawk.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><b><span style="font-size: large;">“This is AP radio news,” said the announcer, “WASHINGTON: A U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter crashed on a nighttime mission in southwestern Afghanistan yesterday morning. Initial reports from the scene indicated as many as three soldiers may have been killed, with another soldier seriously wounded….”</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><b>“Oh, dear! Not another helicopter.” I winced.</b></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">“In a brief statement, the American military command in Kabul confirmed the reports of three casualties. Unspecified weather difficulties may have played a role in the crash, but enemy action has not been ruled out. The name of the wounded soldier was released as Corporal Kenneth Romero of Hackensack, New Jersey. He was listed in grave condition and being flown to Ramstein Air Base in Germany to undergo evaluation.”</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Not my nephew-in-law!</i> My heart skipped a beat thinking how Kaitlin must feel hearing the news about her husband.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">“I need to call my brother immediately, Teddy. Where’s my iPhone?”</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">He whimpered and stared at me, now alert, sensing something bad had happened. Jumping off the sofa, Teddy raced into my office and yipped at a small table next to the wing back chair.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">“You’re such a good dog!”</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">After I clicked the number, Teddy crawled into my lap to comfort me as I waited for Daniel to answer.</span></b></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Will they still come for the holidays?</span></b></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">They were due to arrive tomorrow afternoon, the day before Christmas Eve.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">“Daniel? It’s Jillian. I just got the news. Is he okay? Have they told you anything?”</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">He paused before answering.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">I could tell Kenny’s condition was serious.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">His voice sounded strained. “All they said was he’s alive and at the medical facility at Ramstein. We won’t know anything more until they do a complete evaluation.”</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">“What about his injuries?”</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">“Too soon to tell. But he’s alive and conscious. It’s a miracle he survived. Hey, don’t worry. We’re still flying in tomorrow. Kaitlin is holding up pretty well, considering what a shock this is. She’s being strong for the kids.”</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">“I’m glad you’re still coming. We’ll ride this out together. I’ll be praying for his recovery day and night.”</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">“Thanks, sis. I’ll call if we hear anything. Otherwise, we’ll see you tomorrow afternoon. I’m having a shuttle bring us to your house. With six of us, you can’t imagine how much luggage we have!”</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">“I can’t wait. And Teddy’s going to love all the attention.”</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">“Oh, by the way, we have an extra guest coming with us. I hope it’s okay.”</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">“Extra guest? Are you teasing me?”</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">“Just a little. Kaitlin’s dog sitter had to cancel at the last minute, and with the holidays, everyone is booked. You don’t mind him coming, do you?”</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">“The pug? No, of course not. The more the merrier! Teddy will be <i>thrilled</i> to have a playmate.”</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHwyrAOZkIjitPgIpPGn_DwLXXhbF9pL2mXtYc7CKk7m0ET6MUxbausxEzUzIr-onx44QtmMd3aYomBdv-YoLEx8IUfbB1m9poTszj75tVPFTOLgKpAqvHMDVZyqRhTLA-d5zA42_TS9og/s1600/pug-u9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHwyrAOZkIjitPgIpPGn_DwLXXhbF9pL2mXtYc7CKk7m0ET6MUxbausxEzUzIr-onx44QtmMd3aYomBdv-YoLEx8IUfbB1m9poTszj75tVPFTOLgKpAqvHMDVZyqRhTLA-d5zA42_TS9og/s200/pug-u9.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">I looked at Teddy to catch his reaction.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">He understood we were talking about him.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">He woofed as if to say, “Depends on the playmate.”</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">I had to chuckle. “Teddy’s not so sure, but I think they’ll be fine. I can’t wait for you all to get here. And Daniel, let’s believe Kenny’s going to be okay.”</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">“I appreciate your positive attitude. I love you.”</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">I sat back on the sofa and prayed. <i>Lord, please put Your hand on Kenny right now and cover him with Your healing touch. Amen.</i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">“Come on, Teddy, let’s get those cookies baked and decorated. The kids will be here tomorrow.”</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">He pricked up his ears at the word <i>cookies</i> and followed me immediately into the kitchen where I had assembled all the ingredients.</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitqGTZUPnejPLU7X0t6celxQ5O9gfjVFCXKeHs-o0zDKs_3tpO44hj9MWAUeVTPH9KssEhhxjk9Xrf47Mna9dwEwBz5Zwjcc3r9WyxXJtjIQnVUh7OxTFsvgbjre3neMuQztUaGE_KAssQ/s1600/C34931BA-9A0F-4873-BBDD-C4E6BC4673F3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitqGTZUPnejPLU7X0t6celxQ5O9gfjVFCXKeHs-o0zDKs_3tpO44hj9MWAUeVTPH9KssEhhxjk9Xrf47Mna9dwEwBz5Zwjcc3r9WyxXJtjIQnVUh7OxTFsvgbjre3neMuQztUaGE_KAssQ/s200/C34931BA-9A0F-4873-BBDD-C4E6BC4673F3.png" width="200" /></span></b></a><b><span style="font-size: large;">I took my favorite Santa Claus apron off the coat rack in the laundry room and tied it on.</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijvpb3gvry5uCf84MM7OaEvQDueQBpLKm3zMqgt5wUy9Z79DnIPC1_xzfcyWcNVMesnOqH7K8gz78sudqvZdJkJR4BeYnGBkIWD1wQPGMKxc-lCh63eYZ-6KJczIPPZpN-xNqx_kZ3MRTa/s1600/907A7365-0358-4E44-A27A-00325328C42C.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="633" data-original-width="640" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijvpb3gvry5uCf84MM7OaEvQDueQBpLKm3zMqgt5wUy9Z79DnIPC1_xzfcyWcNVMesnOqH7K8gz78sudqvZdJkJR4BeYnGBkIWD1wQPGMKxc-lCh63eYZ-6KJczIPPZpN-xNqx_kZ3MRTa/s200/907A7365-0358-4E44-A27A-00325328C42C.jpeg" width="200" /></span></b></a><b><span style="font-size: large;">After the oven was set to 350 degrees, I began mixing the dough. Teddy lay on the floor, rested his head on his paws, and watched as the mixer buzzed. He looked so cute in his Christmas sweater and jingle bell collar. I knew people thought I was crazy for the way I dressed him, but I didn’t care.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Soon, the pleasant aroma of freshly baked cookies filled the house.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The weather had been colder this year. Heavy rain predicted for the next several days would add to the chill. I didn’t mind — rainy weather meant sitting by a cozy fire reading a book and sipping tea from one of the lovely teacups I’d collected over the years.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">That reminded me — my turn for hosting the garden club was Wednesday, the day after Christmas. At least plenty of goodies would be on hand, and fruitcake, of course. I didn’t care if I was the only one who enjoyed the old fashioned concoction — Christmas only came once a year.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">With the baking finished, I put aside some of the confections in a goody bag prepped for an inmate.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Just a few months had passed since Rhonda O’Brien had been incarcerated for taking part in the demise of several elderly victims in Half Moon Bay. I made a promise to befriend her in spite of her ill treatment of me. The visit would be the second attempt to reach out to the lonely woman.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">I had no reason to visit her other than my understanding of her loneliness and the empathy I felt. The man she loved had committed suicide rather than face multiple charges for murder, unlike my husband who died courageously saving the lives of his friends during Vietnam.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Knowing dogs were not allowed inside the prison (except for the police-collared variety), I dropped Teddy off with Cecilia, my very pregnant personal assistant.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Whatever was I going to do without her after the baby was born? I never left Teddy alone anymore after my last Yorkie had been kidnapped.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Cecilia, supporting her swollen belly with one hand, answered the door and invited me inside. She reached for Teddy. “Come here, you sweet little doggie.” My personal assistant was beginning to sound like me!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">“I can’t stay, dear. I’m running a teeny bit late for an appointment.”</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">“I can’t believe you’re going to visit Rhonda again. She was so standoffish last time!”</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">“I know, but it’s Christmas, and she has no one. I can relate to her situation. Now, Teddy, be a good dog and I’m sure Cecilia will take you for a nice walk if the rain lets up. You don’t mind do you?” I handed her the red rhinestone-studded leash.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">“Of course not. I need to go for a walk myself. The doctor said walking could help start my labor. I’m a week late, you know.”</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">“Dear me. Well, just be careful you don’t slip. I’ll be back soon…especially if she’s unfriendly.”</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b style="font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Coupled with the dreary weather, the women’s correctional facility was the <i>least</i> festive environment I could think of. Rhonda sat across from me behind the screen, looking far worse than I’d seen her the last time.</span></b></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">I handed her the small bag of treats. “These are for you. I thought you might enjoy some Christmas cookies.”</span></b></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Rhonda took the sack perfunctorily and set them down on the counter.</span></b></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">“Thank you,” she said in a faint tone.</span></b></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">I waited for her to say something but she sat stoically, staring past me. I still wanted to reach her.</span></b></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">“Rhonda, can I do anything for you?”</span></b></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">She turned her gaze slowly and faced me.</span></b></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">“You can burn in hell!” The look of hatred in her eyes was unmistakable. She blamed me for Ira Sinclair’s death. </span></b></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">I stood and lowered my head. “I’m sorry for your loss, Rhonda. But I’m also sorry for the men and women who died because of what you and Ira did.”</span></b></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">I couldn’t stay any longer. “I’m going to go. I won’t bother you anymore.”</span></b></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Her stoic gaze returned as the guard escorted her back to her cell.</span></b></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">The bag of cookies lay abandoned on the counter.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b style="font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;"><span style="font-size: large;">I was depressed now thinking I had failed with her, but what more could I do? Rhonda O’Brien had gone over the edge. I’d better just get Teddy and return home. Presents still needed to be wrapped, and a stack of mail waited. Christmas cards poured in from friends and fans this time of year, and I always took the time to answer each one personally.</span></b></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">The rain came down in a steady downpour as I arrived to pick up Teddy. I opened my umbrella and held it overhead as I walked quickly to the door.</span></b></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Cecilia invited me in for a cup of tea.</span></b></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">With no fireplace in their tiny condo, I longed to be sitting by mine. I scanned the room and noticed piles of belongings — papers, books, and laundry everywhere — Cecilia had nowhere to store them.</span></b></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">I thought back to when I was first married living in a tiny quadplex. Still, I managed to find a place to put everything away, but I didn’t work full-time like Cecilia did as a contributing journalist for a newspaper. I simply stayed home and threw dinner parties. More like playing house, looking back.</span></b></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
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<div style="color: black; font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Cecilia returned with the tea tray. I refocused on the present.</span></b></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">“I wasn’t up for baking this year,” she said, “I just picked up something. Hope you don’t mind.”</span></b></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">She set the service on the modern black coffee table then handed me a mug and a slice of chocolate cake. “I put the sugar in for you — three teaspoons.”</span></b></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">I smiled at her efficiency, beginning to miss her already when her baby would come.</span></b></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">“Actually, the store-bought stuff is pretty good,” I said. “Truth be known, I’ve picked up things to serve myself!”</span></b></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">We drank our tea and devoured the delicious cake in just a few forkfuls.</span></b></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Cecilia groaned.</span></b></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">“Are you okay?” I asked. “Has your labor started?”</span></b></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">She sighed. “It’s only the baby turning over trying to get comfortable. It takes some getting used to.”</span></b></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">She repositioned herself on the sofa, spreading a throw over her legs.</span></b></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">“Well, before too much longer that baby will be here. You still don’t know if it’s a girl or a boy?”</span></b></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">“No. We wanted to be surprised. It’s old-fashioned, I suppose, but that’s what we decided. The nursery is in yellow and green so the colors will suit either…ooh!” Cecilia moaned a second time.</span></b></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">“Do you want me to call Walter? Where is he anyway? Working?”</span></b></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">“No, he’s out shopping. He didn’t want to be going out at the last minute. We only have Dad and Daisy left. Dad wants some kind of tool. He told Walter what he wanted, and I just said to find a gift that looked like Daisy and buy it.”</span></b></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
</div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">“Are you sure that was a good idea?” I smiled picturing the bustling woman so immersed in her plant care business. “I hope you steered him in the right direction!”</span></b></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">“He’ll probably get her something to do with cooking. I think she asked for a counter top grill. Knowing Walter, he’ll figure out a way to make the gift benefit <i>him</i>. More tea?”</span></b></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">“No thanks. I need to get home to wrap gifts and go through my cards. I’d better be going. Are you sure you’re okay, dear? I can stay longer if you need me.”</span></b></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">“No, I’m fine. I <i>did</i> take Teddy for a walk before the rain started.” She glanced outside the front window. “The weather’s clearing a little. It’s probably a good time to drive home. Forgive me for not walking you to the door. I’m really tired!”</span></b></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">“Well, when you get a sudden burst of energy and start cleaning the entire house, you’re about to go into labor. Trust me, I’ve heard enough stories about women cleaning things. Of course, I wouldn’t know first-hand.”</span></b></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">“I’ll take note, thanks!”</span></b></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">“Merry Christmas, dear. Enjoy Christmas Eve with Daisy and your Dad. Tell them I said hello.”</span></b></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">“I will. <i>If</i> I make it. Merry Christmas to you and Teddy. Tell your family hello for me, too.”</span></b></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Cecilia had to travel an hour away to where her father lived in Half Moon Bay. I worried whether or not her labor might start during the trip. Would there be time to get back home for the delivery? I tried to stop the circular thoughts.</span></b></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Why did I have to fret so? Perhaps because I thought of Cecilia as the daughter I never had. Anyway, it was good to visit with her. I always enjoyed tea and cake.</span></b></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Then, I was home at last!</span></b></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Twinkling white Christmas lights outlined the roof of my house. This year I had hired a service to hang them. A cheerful wreath on the door added to the festive scene. Another first was hiring the LaBelle sisters, a pair of professional decorators, to come and decorate the interior. Everything would be perfect.</span></b></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
</div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">I finished wrapping all the gifts in red paper and gold silk ribbon and placed them under the tree. Teddy enjoyed playing in the scraps, but I had to wrestle them away so he wouldn’t eat them. The dog <i>loved</i> trash!</span></b></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">What a Christmas this was going to be. Eighteen adults, four children, two toddlers, two dogs, and oh, I mustn’t forget — my dear friend Prentice Duvall would be joining us, too.</span></b></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">I did enjoy being with him. Besides finding him easy on the eyes, with slightly graying temples and a small tummy pooch, Prentice treated me like a lady and catered to my every whim. In fact, I learned to be careful what I admired because he would want to buy it for me immediately!</span></b></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">As the owner of the finest art gallery in the area, he was certainly the most interesting man I knew. Prentice was not only a gentleman — he had a dry wit that made me laugh whenever we spent time together.</span></b></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">The subject of marriage had come up on several occasions, but the memory of my late husband still lingered. Up until now, I hadn’t needed anyone else to fill the void and had remained a widow. The older I grew, the more unsavory the term became. Recently I had begun to resent my “widow” status.</span></b></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">A quick supper for me, dinner for Teddy set out with fresh water and a small cup of milk, brought the day to a close. The house had been scrupulously cleaned by my house cleaners in preparation for my company. I had attended to every detail. Tomorrow after church, I would take a rest and wait for the family to arrive.</span></b></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">“Time for bed, Teddy,” I said.</span></b></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">He stretched his front paws and yawned.</span></b></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">“Napoleon’s coming to see you,” I said.</span></b></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Teddy pricked up his ears at hearing the name and cocked his head a little to one side.</span></b></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">“You’ll have fun. I promise.”</span></b></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Teddy sneezed a tiny “achoo” in protest. </b></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">I carried him into my room and placed him on his towel at the foot of the bed. “Night-night, little one. Tomorrow is going to be full of excitement, so I won’t have much time to spend with you.”</span></b></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">He circled around several times then settled down to sleep.</span></b></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">As I got ready for bed, first indulging in a luxurious bubble bath, relaxing in the soothing hot water, a picture of Rhonda’s face contorted in hate flashed across my memory. I tried to drive the image away, dismissing her forever. It wasn’t easy.</span></b></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">When I finished my bath it was time for the hourly news. I turned on the radio, hoping for an update on Kenny. No further information — only the report of the crash.</span></b></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">I silently prayed again for Kenny to get the care he needed in Germany and for him to come home as soon as he could.</span></b></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>When finally I stretched out in my cozy bed, sleep came immediately. </b></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: times; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">When my eyes opened again it was morning. </span></b></div>
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<b style="text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <a href="https://www.kobo.com/ww/en/ebook/waiting-for-santa-book-6-1" style="text-indent: 0.2in;">KOBO</a></span></b></div>
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<b style="text-indent: 19.2px;"><b style="text-indent: 19.2px;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <a href="http://authl.it/cz">Amazon International Links</a> </span></span></b></b></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 19pt;"><b>~Nancy Jill</b></span></div>
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Nancy Jill Thameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18089542041601366071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807487924768348768.post-48808030509104620032019-08-20T10:32:00.000-05:002019-08-20T10:32:09.316-05:00Pacific Beach Book 5 - Revenge or Justice?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Pacific-Beach-Jillian-Bradley-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0087S6R40/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=pacific+beach+book+5+nancy+jill+thames&qid=1565452075&s=gateway&sr=8-1"><b><span style="font-size: small;">AMAZON</span></b></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Pacific+Beach+nancy+jill+thames?_requestid=3349687"><b><span style="font-size: small;">BN</span></b></a><br />
<b style="text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://books.apple.com/mt/book/pacific-beach-book-5/id609371182" style="text-indent: 0.2in;">APPLE</a></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/pacific-beach-book-5-1"><b><span style="font-size: small;">KOBO</span></b></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/288260">SMASHWORDS</a></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVLahbJ6St30SVLw80IQsYdzErXcnwYKWkxTs__P7W0Ecrns8YscMh46GTuVRvnHrUu6edNQib2aiMDx0yT-cDblAAXz3ZcELUBFCBRTkHVBXdcliP874SWxxnE6dDhslUGk6xCXgoBOQx/s1600/2631759-Pacific-Terrace-Hotel-San-Diego-Lobby-20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="293" data-original-width="480" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVLahbJ6St30SVLw80IQsYdzErXcnwYKWkxTs__P7W0Ecrns8YscMh46GTuVRvnHrUu6edNQib2aiMDx0yT-cDblAAXz3ZcELUBFCBRTkHVBXdcliP874SWxxnE6dDhslUGk6xCXgoBOQx/s320/2631759-Pacific-Terrace-Hotel-San-Diego-Lobby-20.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3T8X_Iu5pp2GSHq0fnKKo65bJuzrBRA3q-ErepqtcFZsThcC8dtP4FfJSswoMobeDMKDHl0VUnegDyz5ghDEyYQhJUdSy69hLXLP5-muxRSeRWPzHlcOU2ZDLKa8G9zONWZgKGtHQIHk8/s1600/Pacific+Beach+final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b></b></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVLahbJ6St30SVLw80IQsYdzErXcnwYKWkxTs__P7W0Ecrns8YscMh46GTuVRvnHrUu6edNQib2aiMDx0yT-cDblAAXz3ZcELUBFCBRTkHVBXdcliP874SWxxnE6dDhslUGk6xCXgoBOQx/s1600/2631759-Pacific-Terrace-Hotel-San-Diego-Lobby-20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><b></b></a><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: "amazon ember" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The quaint surfing town of Pacific Beach becomes a destination for murder when a young starlet and her other are found brutally murdered at the Pacific Terrace Hotel where Jillian's family reunion is taking place. Their reunion takes a terrifying turn when Jillian's nephew is arrested as a prime suspect and Jillian must move quickly to find the real killer and prove her nephew's innocence. </span></b><br />
<b><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: "amazon ember" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> There is no shortage of suspects, including an unsavory doctor who attended the popular teen star and a mysterious guest at the party where the starlet dies. But why is her mother murdered with her? Working at Jillian's side to find the perpetrator of these bizarre killings are her faithful assistant Cecilia Montoya, and Teddy, Jillian's Yorkie companion who sniffs out his won clue.</span></b><br />
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<b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> 1 The Nightmare</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">June 8—San Diego, California</span></b></div>
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<b> Caroline played innocently in her own front yard with her new puppy when the car struck her down. The golden-haired mutt had been rescued by her father before their neighbor could drop the defenseless dog off in the country to fend for itself. </b><b>Caroline named him Buddy. </b></span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"> The frisky pup gently licked the little girl’s face as she hugged him. Wanting to pretend he was her baby, she coaxed Buddy to be still and struggled to put the pink doll dress over his head. Normal play for a five-year-old girl. Finally, she succeeded and giggled at how funny Buddy looked in the frilly doll dress. </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"> Caroline’s nine-year-old brother was in the driveway of their modest home. The boy stooped over the back tire of his bicycle and attached playing cards to the spokes with clothespins. He imagined the cards made the sound of a motorcycle like his uncle’s 650. </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"> The children’s mother watched her daughter but needed to go inside the house to check on a cake in the oven. Her mind was burdened with how to pay the bills from her handy-man husband’s meager paycheck. The afternoon was late, and it was almost time for him to come home from work. </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"> Supper was almost ready, a meager meal of Hamburger Helper. But there would be cake. No matter how hard they struggled to merely survive, they remained a close-knit family. </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"> And then the unthinkable happened. A late-model car came out of nowhere, speeding, swerving wildly. </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"> Caroline’s brother watched helplessly as the driver ran up over the curb and into their yard. Buddy scampered away in the pink doll dress, terrified, and Caroline sat frozen on the lawn, staring wide-eyed as the car came toward her. </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"> The boy watched in horror as the car struck her small, defenseless body and tossed it further into the yard. He heard the tires squeal as the car raced off—the driver not even bothering to stop. The boy, almost in shock, had enough presence of mind to notice the license plate. His parents had drilled both of their children with the importance of protective safety measures. Now the numbers were burned into his memory forever. He frantically ran to his sister and wondered how he was going to help her. </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"> The frightened boy bent down and cradled her bloodied body in his arms. Angry and helpless, he vowed the maniac would be caught. </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"> The mother, hearing screeching tires so close to her house, came outside, drying her hands on her apron, to see what was going on. She looked in the yard and found her son holding the lifeless body in his arms. She ran toward them, holding her head with her hands, and screamed at the terrible thing that had just happened. </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"> The boy turned to her. “Call 911!” </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"> That was the beginning of the nightmare—for the mother, for the father, and for the nine-year-old boy.</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">June 18—Twelve Years Later</span></b></div>
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<b> The nightmare culminated in a tragic double-homicide at the Pacific Terrace Hotel where I stayed. Before the ordeal, I remember feeling so happy. The San Francisco Enterprise had just published two great articles for my Ask Jillian gardening column, and I had time for a breather. I also looked forward to attending our family reunion. </b></span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"> My personal assistant, Cecilia Montoya, came with me to help take care of Teddy, my Yorkie companion. The three of us flew into San Diego International Airport two days before the tragedy occurred.</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Read more! </span></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Pacific-Beach-Jillian-Bradley-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0087S6R40/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=pacific+beach+book+5+nancy+jill+thames&qid=1565452075&s=gateway&sr=8-1"><b><span style="font-size: large;">AMAZON</span></b></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Pacific+Beach+nancy+jill+thames?_requestid=3349687"><b><span style="font-size: large;">BN</span></b></a><br />
<b style="text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://books.apple.com/mt/book/pacific-beach-book-5/id609371182" style="text-indent: 0.2in;">APPLE</a></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/pacific-beach-book-5-1"><b><span style="font-size: large;">KOBO</span></b></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/288260">SMASHWORDS</a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">See you in my books!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">~Nancy Jill</span></b></div>
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Nancy Jill Thameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18089542041601366071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807487924768348768.post-1026765097793073122019-08-12T14:58:00.000-05:002019-08-12T14:58:24.702-05:00How Does Jillian Make a New Lifelong Friend in "The Mark of Eden"?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="s1"><span style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sfuitext" , serif;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2B28Ysf">Amazon</a></span></span><span style="color: #e4af0a; font-family: ".sf ui text" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="s1"><span style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sfuitext" , serif;"><a href="https://apple.co/2nqX9Cm">Apple</a></span></span><span style="color: #e4af0a; font-family: ".sf ui text" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/288246"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Smashwords</b></span></a></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sfuitext" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-mark-of-eden-book-4-1">Kobo</a></b></span></span><br />
<b style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center; text-indent: 19.2px;"><b style="text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://authl.it/cx">Amazon International Links </a></span></span></b></b></div>
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Mark of Eden Book 4</span></b></span></h2>
<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><i>From the back cover...</i></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">After a frantic call from a couple on their honeymoon, Jillian returns to Half Moon Bay to help. Two elderly men are found dead in their recliners, and now another man is missing. This time it's the distraught father of the bride, Jillian's personal assistant Cecilia Montoya. Their investigation must be incognito since the groom, Detective Walter Montoya, can't work on the case due to a conflict of interest. The clues culminate with Jillian and Teddy taking a cruise to Catalina Island, but it's only an entree into a strange clinical world where she almost becomes a victim herself. Will Teddy be in time to save the day?</span></b><br />
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<h3 style="font-family: Times; font-size: 20.46px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 20.46px;">CHAPTER ONE</span></h3>
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<b>Daisy Larsen bustled. She bustled at home tending her garden, feeding the cat, and getting out invoices for her plant care business named ‘The Plant Lady.’ She even bustled as she made calls throughout the day, watering, fertilizing, and grooming plants of every size and description. Her kind-looking face held a spirit of honesty and forthrightness, but that did not deter her from being a woman unafraid to take charge.</b><br />
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<b>Daisy made a tidy sum from her plant maintenance business, enough to pay the rent, to feed herself (and the cat), and to have some fun money which she usually used on the weekends going out with friends for dinner and a movie. She looked forward to it being the end of the week. Tonight, she’d have a chance to kick back and relax before the upcoming fun.</b></div>
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<b>The Plant Lady, dressed in a blue plaid shirt and jeans, pulled up in front of her client’s house that afternoon. She parked the van and began gathering up her purse and clipboard holding the checklist and billing statement for the month. She thought about how nice it would be to finish this last call, to get home, and kick off her shoes. Then, of course, she’d pop open a soda and check the mail.</b></div>
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<b>Last call. Yes, old Mr. Pascal and his nine houseplants. She had cared for them this past year and a half.</b></div>
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<b>Hoisting herself out of the van, she flung the strap of her purse over her shoulder, held the clipboard in one hand, locked the door with the other, and congratulated herself for remembering to set the parking brake. The hills in Half Moon Bay were unforgiving if you forgot to put it on. Her car rolled down a hill once and struck a parked car. That was enough of a lesson for her.</b></div>
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<b>As she started up the walkway, she noticed the blinds were closed.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>She hoped he was home.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Upon further examination, she found a few dead spots in the yard. Most unusual. Mr. Pascal had an automatic sprinkler system and one of the best lawn services in town.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>She approached the door and rang twice. It was her special ring, to alert him that it was her. When no one answered, Daisy decided to knock.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Mr. Pascal? It’s Daisy, The Plant Lady. Anybody home?” She called again even louder.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Not home?</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>She decided to check her calendar to make sure she had the right day, although she seldom got her appointments wrong.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“That’s strange.” She found it was indeed the correct day. “I’d better check my phone to see if he left a message.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>There was no message from him.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Peering through the front door pane, she noticed a light on in the living room, which wasn’t unusual. Mr. Pascal spent a lot of time reading, as he had often lent her books.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>After Daisy knocked again and still no answer, she began to worry that something might be wrong. She wondered if he’d had a stroke or something. After all, he was elderly.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“I’ll try the back and see if I can get in.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>She couldn't ignore someone who might be in need.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Daisy tucked the clipboard under her arm and tried opening the back door. It was unlocked. She pushed it open halfway and stopped. An unpleasant smell greeted her. Mr. Pascal needed to empty his trash!</b></div>
<div style="font-size: 18.26px;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Daisy wondered if he might be in the shower, but the water wasn't running—that she could hear.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Mr. Pascal?” She called softly at first. She finally yelled. “Mr. Pascal, are you home?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>He was sitting in his recliner in the living room, presumably taking a nap. The TV was on, the volume turned low.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Daisy knew he was hard of hearing, so she called his name in a crisp tone as she walked toward him.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Mr. Pascal did not answer. In fact, he didn’t move at all.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<i style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><b>Oh dear. He’s dead. Mr. Pascal’s dead!</b></i></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Although she had been to a few funerals, Daisy had never been this close to a dead body before, and the stench filled her nostrils. The room began to feel stifling. She went weak in the knees, and her stomach began to turn. She wanted to sit down, but she had sense enough not to touch anything.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Glancing around the room, she took note that nothing was out of order. It didn’t look like a robbery. Still, something was bothering her about the room. She couldn’t put her finger on it. Perhaps he died of heart failure. After all, he <i style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">was</i> elderly, and people did often die like that.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Poor old Mr. Pascal. He had never spoken of having any family. It had been just he and his wife until she died about a year and a half ago. He had only hired Daisy to keep the plants alive. It was a small way to continue to feel his wife’s presence. She had cared for the plants as if they were her children since she had been unable to conceive.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>With her hands shaking, Daisy called 911, then left through the back door and went to her van to wait for the police.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgekTJGH_q5kTORu9aO2J3euE21CE4vcMaoxNKUrNYIdF3fx-Nn6OCJdBz9uqi0hrGmnCwA3ylu0Jvqq7awjpifR3Dq-P4hz7mlV2VqRLg6HcfI9mp-CxuqKOUFHd35WsWmGM6NUmTETV04/s1600/white+stetson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="747" data-original-width="1000" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgekTJGH_q5kTORu9aO2J3euE21CE4vcMaoxNKUrNYIdF3fx-Nn6OCJdBz9uqi0hrGmnCwA3ylu0Jvqq7awjpifR3Dq-P4hz7mlV2VqRLg6HcfI9mp-CxuqKOUFHd35WsWmGM6NUmTETV04/s200/white+stetson.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>It was only a matter of minutes until two police officers arrived. Daisy got out of her van to meet them. The man apparently in charge, a solidly built, sandy-haired officer wearing an official looking blue uniform and white Stetson hat, lumbered over to her. He wore a holster and gun, yet carried himself with such confidence that Daisy wondered if he ever even used the weapon.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Are you the one who called?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Yes, sir. I’m Daisy Larsen.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“I’m Chief Deputy Frank Viscuglia.” He presented his badge. Turning to the man behind him, who presented his badge as well, the chief said, “This is Officer John Mueller, my deputy.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Daisy could only nod briefly at the introductions.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>The two officers took rubber gloves from their pockets and put them on. “I’d like for us to go inside if you don’t mind, ma’am,” said the officer in charge.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Daisy did mind, but felt it was her duty as a good citizen to cooperate with the police. She took a deep breath and led them around back, explaining how she had found the back door open. Then she showed them Mr. Pascal.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>When the chief saw that there was indeed a corpse in the living room, his demeanor changed from skeptical to alert. He ordered an ambulance, then adjusted his Stetson, took out a notepad from his pocket, and turned to Daisy.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“I need to get your statement. What did you say your last name was?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“It’s Larsen, Daisy Larsen. I’m sorry, but I think I’m still in shock, finding him like that. He was fine when I stopped by the last time.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“When was that?” The chief made an entry in his notes.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“It was two weeks ago. I do his plants bi-weekly.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“And that was the last time you saw Mr. Pascal alive, correct?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Yes, it was.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>The chief noticed the sadness in her voice.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“May I get your address and phone information?” He continued to make notes.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Daisy took in the room. How had Mr. Pascal become such a neat housekeeper all of a sudden?</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Glancing at the mantel, Daisy said softly, “It’s gone.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Ma’am?” asked Deputy Mueller, “What’s gone?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Her picture. Mr. Pascal’s picture of his wife is missing. It was in a beautiful silver-filigreed frame. He always keeps it, or <i style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">kept</i> it, where he could see it when he sat in his chair. Now it’s gone.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>The chief stopped writing. “Who do you think might have taken it?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“I can’t imagine! He had no family that I knew of. Who would want a picture of someone else’s wife? Something just isn’t right about it. Look.” She pointed to the television Deputy Mueller was about to turn off. “The remote…that remote was next to the TV when I came in. Mr. Pascal would have had that remote by his chair if he had been watching something.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Good point.” Viscuglia pulled out his phone and dialed. “It’s the chief. We’ll need a forensics team. Some suspicious circumstances.” He gave the address. “Mule, get a picture of the body and one of the TV. There might be something.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Thank you,” said Daisy. “It’s the least we can do if someone killed him.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Truthfully, ma’am, if this <i style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">is</i> a homicide, we’d better find the killer or he might kill again, if he hasn’t already.” The chief <span style="font-size: 18.26px;">paused and thought back a few years when another middle-aged woman had raised similar questions at a crime scene.</span></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Chief Viscuglia looked at Deputy Mueller. “I think that will be all for now. Ms. Larsen. We’d like to talk to you some more, but first, I’ll get a coroner’s report so we’ll be starting with as many facts as we can.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“I can meet anytime you want. I’m sure my clients will cooperate in rearranging their appointments. Most of them are real troopers. And after all, this is their civic duty.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Thank you, Ms. Larsen. We’ll be in touch and talk to you later.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Sir, what’s to become of his plants? Would you like me to take them and find good homes for them? I mean, after the investigation, of course.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“I’m sure that would be okay. I’ll let you know when you can come get them.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Thank you. I’m sure Mr. Pascal would have appreciated it.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>The chief motioned for them to leave, adjusted his Stetson again, and held the door open for her with his gloved hand. “In case of fingerprints.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>As Daisy got back into her van, suddenly the thrill and adrenaline kicked in. She couldn’t wait to call her mother and tell all of her friends what had just happened.<span style="font-size: 18.26px;"> </span></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b><span style="font-size: 18.26px;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJsVdPSSCdSoMGQqqIX2UjJj957kFARoZ2mQ1vdGmzIzJfUUX0cLqG8-21rxlu083TIoBeQAWuQqZ-kmc0TGmz3tTFvzwSt9o_GiPCwpPKWFdiXptC1ywATk4BpDeK1K1UyXpLqa9lvMuB/s1600/teacup.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" data-original-height="49" data-original-width="34" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJsVdPSSCdSoMGQqqIX2UjJj957kFARoZ2mQ1vdGmzIzJfUUX0cLqG8-21rxlu083TIoBeQAWuQqZ-kmc0TGmz3tTFvzwSt9o_GiPCwpPKWFdiXptC1ywATk4BpDeK1K1UyXpLqa9lvMuB/s1600/teacup.png" /></b></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;"><b><br /></b></span>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;"><b>Another detective, one of Chief Viscuglia’s former protégés, was walking out the front door of the Sheraton Moana Surfrider Hotel arm-in-arm with his new bride, Cecilia.</b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ZB3NEqnxBSwrtVOYpdL_DM9xULAh2oTcEgvOdiry3b5aZDh9XqMlLaO3Z7UWdxNGPlzvyvhYAmFYxvcXjMqbEs9-B-UCeMnqucSmerjmu5QFuJZaMH6bJRRyWAPE1TnDj4dD59BvRKNi/s1600/waikkii+beach.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="172" data-original-width="228" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ZB3NEqnxBSwrtVOYpdL_DM9xULAh2oTcEgvOdiry3b5aZDh9XqMlLaO3Z7UWdxNGPlzvyvhYAmFYxvcXjMqbEs9-B-UCeMnqucSmerjmu5QFuJZaMH6bJRRyWAPE1TnDj4dD59BvRKNi/s320/waikkii+beach.png" width="320" /></a><b>Oahu was gorgeous this time of year. The air was warm and tropical, caressing the islanders and tourists alike with its delightful scent of plumeria and ginger blossoms.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>The newlyweds took the sidewalk down the street toward the aquarium, strolling hand in hand.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Happy?” Walter Montoya, Jr. looked lovingly at his new wife.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Yes.” She laid her head against his shoulder for a moment. “I still can’t believe Jillian gave us this honeymoon for a wedding present. It’s so incredible!”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Walter nodded and looked at her. “Jillian is one in a million. A little eccentric the way she fawns over Teddy, but in spite of that little quirk, she’s the most generous person I know, and one of the brightest. I don’t know how we were lucky enough to meet her, Cecilia.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Cecilia smiled in a knowing way and let go of his hand.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“I don’t believe it was luck at all.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“You mean you believe it was fate?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Well, yes and no.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“I know,” he said in a kidding kind of way. “You think God worked this all out ahead of time, don’t you?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>She looked at him a little defensively and slowed her walk.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Yes, I do, and I think you should be glad He did. I know I am. Think about it, sweetheart. How else could two people like us, with absolutely no backgrounds to speak of, wind up like this? You’re an up-and-coming-detective for Clover Hills now, I’m a journalist with some excellent stories to my credit, and here we are on our honeymoon in Hawaii staying at the oldest, most charming hotel on Waikiki Beach. No, my darling, this did not all happen by chance. And who knows what else God has planned for us?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“All right, my love.” Walter smiled. “I do agree with you. But I think I’d agree with anything you said right now because I love you so much.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Look.” She nodded to the right. “The aquarium is just up ahead.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>They started to walk towards the entrance, but Cecilia held back.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Just a minute. I promised Dad I would call him and I just now remembered. He said I didn’t have to, but I said I <i style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">wanted</i> to.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Sure, honey. We’ll sit down over here while you make your call.” After sitting down on a bench, Cecilia called her father.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>A family passed by and stood in line to get their tickets while Walter waited patiently.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Cecilia frowned. “He’s not answering.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Maybe his battery is dead.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“I don’t think so, dearest. He charges it every night before he goes to bed. I’ll try again after we go through the aquarium. I saw an advertisement for it back at the hotel, and the exotic species they have are quite remarkable. I’m sure Dad’s all right.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>But the moment those words left Cecilia’s lips, she felt a slight pang of doubt.<span style="font-size: 18.26px;"> </span></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b><span style="font-size: 18.26px;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;"><b>Back on the mainland, in the quaint upscale town of Clover Hills, California, Jillian Bradley was enjoying a brief morning excursion into downtown where she had decided to pay a visit to her favorite gallery. Even though she knew she really didn’t need any more art for her home, she couldn’t resist looking at what was for sale.</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Prentice Duvall, the proprietor, was with a customer when she entered. Seeing who had just stepped through the door carrying a cheetah-print dog satchel, Prentice paused, waved a hello, and motioned for Jillian to join them.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Placing a friendly kiss on his cheek, Jillian smiled. “Hello, Prentice. I can wait until you’re finished. Please, go ahead. I’ve come to take a peek at the new exhibit.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“No, it’s quite all right, Jillian. It’s <i style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">always</i> good to see you. I want you to meet a favorite customer of mine. This is Dr. Ira Sinclair. Dr. Sinclair, Jillian Bradley. She writes the “Ask Jillian” column for the <i style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">San Francisco Enterprise</i>.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Dr. Sinclair extended his hand, “This is a pleasure, Ms. Bradley. I’ve seen your column in the <i style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Enterprise</i>. You’re quite famous.” He was a portly man with faded strawberry blond hair and ruddy skin. Shrewd hazel eyes stood out behind his blond lashes. He wore an expensive sports coat over neatly pressed slacks. His ears stood out a little farther than most, as if he were equipped to hear more things than most people did.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Prentice started to pet the tiny Yorkie in the satchel, but instead remarked, “I thought I’d heard from someone that Teddy passed away recently, but here he is!”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>The tiny dog yipped excitedly several times because of the attention.</b></div>
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<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Jillian admonished his behavior.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Bad dog,” she said, placing her fingertip firmly on his nose. ”We don’t bark inside stores.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>He hung his head in shame and huddled down inside the satchel. She patted him gently. “You know I love you, but you need to mind your manners.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Actually, you’re right on both accounts,” she said. “Many people don’t know that I’ve always had a Yorkie. When one of them would pass away, I couldn’t help but replace him with another one.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“I see. I’m sorry for your loss, but who is this little guy?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“This is Teddy number two.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Jillian turned to Dr. Sinclair and smiled.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>He didn’t seem to mind the interruption of his business with Prentice. “Please go on, I’d like to hear the explanation, too.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“I suppose I’m just sentimental.” Jillian stroked the tiny dog gently. “After I lost my husband many years ago, I bought myself a Yorkie and named him Teddy after my husband, Ted.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Prentice nodded. “He was quite a dog, as I remember.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Yes, he was a dear companion for me. After he died, my niece had a Yorkie that needed more attention than she could provide, so she asked me to give him a home.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“And you did.” Ira looked approving.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“I did. It’s taken some getting used to because he’s so much more active than my last dog. I’m training him, though, and thoroughly enjoying it. He’s quite fierce!”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Prentice spoke up. “Dr. Sinclair is an entrepreneur, Jillian. He and I were selecting some new pieces for his office. Jillian has quite a knack for choosing fine art. She’s quite the collector, Ira.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Jillian studied the entrepreneur for a moment. “Are you an art lover, Dr. Sinclair?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“I’ve never thought about it. But I’d like your opinion, Jillian. I mean, it sounds like you have a real appreciation for fine art. I, on the other hand, have difficulty trying to decide, because I like them all.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“I don’t know if I could be of any help.” She couldn’t help feeling flattered. “I find selecting art is about personal taste. A piece should either be something you can’t live without, or wouldn’t care if you never saw it again.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“I like that.” Ira nodded. “Prentice, I think I should get to know this lady better.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Jillian blushed. That remark made her feel like a young co-ed again, and since she and Prentice often dined together, she could tell by his face that he took Ira’s remark as personal competition for her attention. Sensing the tension, she decided to change the subject.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“I should be getting back to work, and it’s time for Teddy’s nap. Dr. Sinclair….”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Please, call me Ira.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Well, Ira, it was nice meeting you.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Ira pulled a business card from his inside coat pocket and handed it to her. “I want you to visit my office at your first opportunity. You’ll be able to get a better idea of what art I need. If I haven’t heard from you in three days, I’m calling to escort you personally.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Jillian took the card and felt both flattered and honored at the interest he was taking in her. He was self-confident, for sure.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“I’ll be happy to come take a look, but I’m not sure when I can get away. Well, I really must be going.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Are we still on for dinner tomorrow evening?” Prentice made it a point.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“As far as I know. I’ll call you if my plans change.” She gave him another small kiss on the cheek and, with Teddy in tow, left the gallery.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Dr. Ira Sinclair watched her in admiration until she was out of sight.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Turning back to Prentice, he asked, “How long has she been a widow?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Too long,” said Prentice.<span style="font-size: 18.26px;"> </span></b></div>
<div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">As she drove home, Jillian considered whether to pursue Ira’s offer. She didn’t like being told what to do and was a little uncomfortable with his aggressiveness. By the time she got home, she had made up her mind to forget the whole thing. </span><i style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">I really don’t have time. He was probably only flirting with me.</i><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;"> If he was an entrepreneur, he could afford an interior designer to choose art for him. He didn’t need her. Still, for a woman in her sixties it was nice to be flirted with.</span></b></div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Jillian took Teddy out of the satchel and let him out in the back yard to run around for a moment. She looked admiringly at her picturesque garden, remembering the lovely wedding of Cecilia and Walter in her gazebo only a few weeks ago.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Teddy raced around, yipping at a bird who had intruded on his territory, as if wanting to make a good impression on her with his watchdog skills.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>It made her smile. She was glad she had agreed to take him. The Yorkie was such an intelligent breed of dog, and she was going to teach this one the manners he lacked.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Teddy was tuckered out after the training session.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Jillian picked him up and laid him on his special blanket on the living room sofa, while she went to the kitchen to make herself a cup of tea.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“I think I’ll have blackberry sage this time.” She filled the kettle, set it on the stove to heat, then took down a pretty pink-flowered teacup trimmed in gold from the cupboard, along with a small bowl of sugar cubes, and placed a small silver spoon on the saucer next to the cup. While she waited for the water to boil, she went to her Chippendale secretary desk, opened up her computer, and got ready to work on her column.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“I’d better check my e-mails before I start, just in case.” Before she hit the inbox button, the teakettle whistled and she went back into the kitchen to finish making the tea.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“No cookies this time. I have to keep this weight off or I won’t fit into anything.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>She thought of how fortunate she was to have Marlea Bartelt, her personal shopper who was so gifted, knowing exactly what to buy. All Jillian had to do was tell her what the occasion was and Marlea brought four complete ensembles over.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>With her cup of tea in hand, Jillian returned to her computer and checked her inbox. Scrolling down and deleting anything unessential, she came to a curious message from her personal assistant.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b><i style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"> Please call me.</i> — <i style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Cecilia</i></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>After figuring out it was three hours earlier in Hawaii, Jillian made the call. She glanced down at Teddy, fast asleep on his back with all four paws in the air. Not a care in the world. She wondered why Cecilia had called and hoped it wasn’t serious. A lover’s quarrel perhaps? <i style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">I suppose I’ll soon find out</i>.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>It was Walter who answered Jillian’s call, which surprised her.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Is everything all right? I just got Cecilia’s e-mail.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Hi, Jillian. Everything is fine. We’re having a fantastic honeymoon, thanks to you. It’s like Paradise over here. How are you and Teddy getting along?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Just fine, thanks. I’m in the process of training him. He’s very smart, I’m happy to say.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“I’m glad. I’m handing the phone to Cecilia. I’ll talk to you later.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Jillian?” Cecilia sounded concerned, no matter what Walter had said.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“I just got your message. What’s the matter, dear?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“I’m not sure anything <i style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">is</i> the matter. I just needed to talk to you and get your advice.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Jillian had no idea if Cecilia was about to ask anything delicate, but since Cecilia’s mom had died, Jillian was prepared to answer any questions as if she was the young woman’s own mother.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“I’ve tried to call my dad several times and I can’t reach him. I’m worried that something has happened.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Did you try calling his work?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Yes. They said he told them he was taking some time off and would let them know when he was coming back.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“That doesn’t sound like your father, Cecilia. Did he actually talk to them?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“No. That’s just it. They received an e-mail. They called him, of course, but he never answered. Jillian, I’m really worried.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Now listen, Cecilia. I’m sure there must be a reason he wanted to be by himself. I know he’s been grieving since losing your mother.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“I know, Jillian, but it’s just not like him to go off like this and not let me know.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Cecilia began to break down and cry.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Jillian felt a little worried. After all, this was their honeymoon. They shouldn’t have to be worrying about her dad, but Jillian could sense both of them were.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>Walter got back on the phone again. “Sorry, Jillian. Cecilia is pretty upset and I am, too. We haven’t told you the worst part.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“What is it, Walter? How could it be worse unless they found him…?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Yeah. Only it’s not her dad they found. It was another older gentleman.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“In Half Moon Bay?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“Yeah. I was checking with work when I came across it.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“I thought you were supposed to be on your honeymoon.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“I only checked after Cecilia couldn’t get hold of her dad.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“I see. Does this mean you’ll be coming home soon?”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“I’m afraid so. It’s only one day earlier than we’d planned. I was able to get an earlier flight. I could stay forever, though.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“You can tell me all about it when you get home. Now what can I do in the meantime? Just tell me.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“I don’t know what’s going to happen when we get back. Just be ready. And pray that her dad’s okay. I don’t like it, Jillian. I don’t like it one bit.”</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
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<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
<b>“I will, Walter. Tell Cecilia I love her and not to worry. I <i style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">will</i> pray. Take care now, and I’ll see you when you get home.”</b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">~Nancy Jill</span></b></div>
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Nancy Jill Thameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18089542041601366071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807487924768348768.post-69753450165000324952019-08-05T12:06:00.000-05:002019-08-10T18:11:07.669-05:00How Does Teddy Save Jillian From the Clutches of Evil in Book 3?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Gardening columnist Jillian Bradley and her faithful Yorkie Teddy attempt to solve the mystery of an amnesia victim, but they get much more than they bargain for. Murders in a remote farming community, a mysterious compound, and family secrets create the ultimate test for Jillian and Teddy's survival. </span></b></div>
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<h3 style="font-family: Times; font-size: 20.46px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 20.46px;">CHAPTER ONE</span></h3>
<h3 style="break-before: avoid; font-family: Times; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.5555; text-align: center;" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
<div style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 400; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
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<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">The Righteous One takes note of the house of the wicked and brings the wicked to ruin. </span><span style="text-indent: 20px;">Proverbs 20:12 NIV</span></i></span></div>
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<div style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
Madison looked about nervously toward the back of the house. She hoped and prayed no one would notice their departure. Satisfied they were still safe, she peered at her companion, so handsome with his neatly cropped auburn hair and soft brown eyes. So vulnerable.</div>
<div style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
“Listen to me,” she said. “We’ve got to get out! If we don’t go right now we may never have another chance.”</div>
<div style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
Her long blond hair whipped back and forth as she surveyed the house, then she turned her gaze on him.</div>
<div style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
“All right, I’m coming.” He crept forward. “But why do we have to leave like this without telling anyone?”</div>
<div style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
Madison’s heart began to beat faster as she motioned for him to be quiet.</div>
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He followed her. Together, they walked quickly to the end of the long garage and raised the wide door.</div>
<div style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
The car was still there. She bent down and checked the back tire. The dry leaf she had placed in front of the tire a week before lay undisturbed. The car had not been driven.</div>
<div style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
As she stood up, she thought about the terrible risk she was about to take, and a chill ran down her spine. She looked into his questioning eyes.</div>
<div style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
“You have to trust me,” she said.</div>
<div style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
Madison pulled the tarp off the small compact and got in the driver’s seat.</div>
<div style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
“Come on! Get in the car.”</div>
<div style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
The keys were still in the place where she’d found them. Someone had hung them out of sight. She had checked the car out with a flashlight the week before after she learned the circumstances.</div>
<div style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
“No, don’t think about that now,” she told herself. “Just get him away from here.”</div>
<div style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
Madison unlocked the passenger door from the inside, and the young man got in.</div>
<div style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
He fastened his seat belt.</div>
<div style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
“Are you sure you know what you’re doing, Madison? It’s going to be dark soon.”</div>
<div style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
“Just hang on!” She started the ignition and headed for the road that ran behind the property. The side road was her little secret. The road led back down the hill. Until two weeks ago, she’d never known the secondary road existed.</div>
<div style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
Madison glanced in her side mirror to check the house one last time.</div>
<div style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
Suddenly, two men ran out through the back door. Fear gripped her once again.</div>
<div style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
The older man yelled at them. “Hey, stop! Where do you think you’re going?”</div>
<div style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
The other shouted, “Come back, you two!”</div>
<div style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
Madison floored the accelerator and didn’t bother to look back. They flew down the winding narrow road. The young man turned around.</div>
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<div style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
“Madison, they’re following us. What’s wrong? You’re scaring me! What have you done? I’ve changed my mind. We can’t do this. You need to stop right now. I’ll tell them something so you won’t get in trouble. Just take me back.”</div>
<div style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
“No, I can’t. You don’t understand. You can’t go back there.” She glanced in the rear view mirror.</div>
<div style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
The men had gained on the fleeing couple. Both cars sped up.</div>
<div style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
When the road ended at the back of the old feed barn, Madison knew exactly where she was. Main Street was only a block away. If she drove down the next alleyway, the shortcut would give her an advantage in the chase. She made a left on Main, which took her through the outskirts of the small town, and made a right turn onto Benito Canyon Road. A long winding stretch bordered the expanse on one side with oak forests and thick undergrowth. On the other, a deep narrow gorge held a creek bed.</div>
<div style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
The gorge was filled with a heavy undergrowth of wild grasses and trees which lined the banks of the trickling creek. Willows, buckeyes, and sycamores were home to wild turkeys and deer. Hawks made their homes in the branches. The creek provided water for them all. The deer usually waited until dusk when they felt safe before they emerged from their hidden shelters to feed, but on occasion, hunger made them venture out earlier in the afternoon.</div>
<div style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
A doe, followed by her fawn, spotted a particular strip of grass which lay across the road on the hill above the gorge. The doe stepped out on the road at the exact moment Madison glanced in her rear view mirror and checked the car in pursuit. The young man turned to look as well.</div>
<div style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
The men were gaining fast.</div>
<div style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
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<div style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
Before she could swerve to avoid impact, in a split second, Madison’s car hit the doe and killed it as the frightened fawn ran back into the undergrowth. She screamed as their car flew <span style="font-size: 18.26px;">into the air and careened into the gorge. After it rolled over several times, they finally came to rest in front of a large boulder.</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
Madison slumped over the steering wheel as blood trickled from her face, her body grotesquely contorted. She searched with one open eye for her young man. He lay on the ground outside the car, still.</div>
<div style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
A sound from above caused her to cast a painful glance up to where their car had gone off the road.</div>
<div style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
The two pursuers got out and stared down at the crash.</div>
<div style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
Suddenly, the men turned and got back in their car and drove away. As blackness engulfed her, Madison had only one thought.</div>
<div style="font-size: 18.26px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-size: 18.26px;">They would not be rescued.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 18.26px;"><br /></span></div>
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<br />See you in my books!</h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">~</span>Nancy Jill<b style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: 19px;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></h3>
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Nancy Jill Thameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18089542041601366071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807487924768348768.post-49172048316074020832019-07-30T13:28:00.000-05:002019-07-30T13:28:54.640-05:00What Happens in Book 2, The Ghost Orchid Murder?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 22.4px;">At the end of "Murder in Half Moon Bay" it says, "Not the end." Eight years later, this is what happens!</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 22.4px;">CHAPTER ONE</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I took off my glasses, rubbed the bridge of my nose, and glanced down at my Yorkshire terrier, Teddy, curled up asleep on his pillow next to my desk. This was a long session. The words on my computer screen were jumbling together.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I need a break, Teddy. Would you like to go outside for a minute?”</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNLiG_3ZdBzpED-SyAtHKYXGxWqpDYGAa8MIFnia7IdHSjcLPZdx4Ke_ayMwglGrD1X03An48PD7LrfKebfrHyam4RSk0oiWgwZY1XZqlFpr15giExIwBjQSIcPS3FZ514BodkN9ix1Ehw/s1600/teddy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="767" data-original-width="474" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNLiG_3ZdBzpED-SyAtHKYXGxWqpDYGAa8MIFnia7IdHSjcLPZdx4Ke_ayMwglGrD1X03An48PD7LrfKebfrHyam4RSk0oiWgwZY1XZqlFpr15giExIwBjQSIcPS3FZ514BodkN9ix1Ehw/s200/teddy.jpg" width="123" /></a><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Like a kid eager for ice cream, Teddy jumped off his pillow and headed toward the back yard. That meant a path from my office through the conservatory. It took him no time to reach his destination, and soon he scratched on the door, begging to roll on the lawn.</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">So much for work.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“All right, all right.” I followed him through the house. “Here you go.” I opened the door, and Teddy darted outside. The yard was green and beautiful with a smell of freshly cut grass. Gorgeous weather. Working any more would prove hopeless.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">For my own rest break, I took some cottage cheese, pineapple slices, and cold roast chicken I keep on hand for protein boosts from the refrigerator. It would be a mid-morning meal.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“One last addition…a nice glass of cranberry juice, and I’ll be all set.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I smiled, placed the food and juice on a floral tray, and added a napkin and a set of silverware. I would feast in the conservatory where I could view Teddy frolicking in the yard, chasing dead leaves in the breeze.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Warm sunlight gleamed in beams streaming through the glass. The conservatory. It was the perfect place to get my daily fifteen minutes of vitamin D. But, there was something about the room…something missing. Another painting, perhaps on the adjacent wall to accentuate the he beautiful garden view. I sat on the rattan sofa, contemplating the sort of piece I wanted as I ate.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlhZ-oa0CZ7nEFRZlNipKZU0qdID-rwgmVDIBPuWH5WEgddncgcWGWBrLHKXgKDuLbvKsSTt0xi4MgmtlBWAJNPt8bIGP8PEit3oYUft73qifbkxfzfxCxZ1PkesXbLEww5h-R_3ZsfMBW/s1600/conservatory-blinds-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlhZ-oa0CZ7nEFRZlNipKZU0qdID-rwgmVDIBPuWH5WEgddncgcWGWBrLHKXgKDuLbvKsSTt0xi4MgmtlBWAJNPt8bIGP8PEit3oYUft73qifbkxfzfxCxZ1PkesXbLEww5h-R_3ZsfMBW/s200/conservatory-blinds-01.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">After the last bite of chicken and final sip of juice, I set my glass down and let out a sigh.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Break over.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Opening the door I called, “Come on in, Teddy. Work time.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Work…I didn’t hate it. But today had been especially stressful. Glued to my computer with a fear that put fire into my typing fingers, I had searched through numerous news releases since receiving a call from a friend of mine, Arthur Wingate.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">A few weeks ago, Arthur approached me to help him win an important research grant from a wealthy couple who happened to be in my circle of acquaintances. The Hansens were devoted to the preservation of rare American flora on the verge of extinction. My degree in horticulture, my Master’s in botany, and years of experience working as a contributor for various gardening magazines gave Arthur the impression that I might bring a few interesting sidelights to the work he was doing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">He had invited me to attend a ceremony at the Sanctuary Resort and Spa in Scottsdale to hear the winner announced. My bags were packed, the garden weeded, timers for watering were set, and the neighbors had graciously agreed to pick up my morning paper. Then the dreadful news came.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">It had been a shock and surprise. Of course, I would do all I could to help him. A technical assistant on the competing team had been found dead in one of their offices in Phoenix just yesterday. Arthur discovered the body upon arriving for work. The light was on. He peeked inside and was horrified at the bloody scene.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Arthur described the man lying on his back, arms outstretched. Someone had placed what looked like a white ghost orchid over his heart, right on top of the bullet wound. Arthur called the police immediately.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">They arrived a short time later, and soon, the homicide detective and the coroner had sized up the crime scene, zeroing in on the orchid.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">After he gazed upon it for some moments, the detective commented on how real it looked.</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Arthur told me he was badly shaken and could barely speak due to the shock of seeing a colleague in such a state. My friend explained to the detective that the ghost orchid only bloomed in the early summer, and this was November.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">My friend said the detective seemed puzzled when he pulled on his gloves and carefully lifted the thin, delicate flower from the body, discovering that the orchid wasn’t real. Instead, it was a lifelike piece of porcelain.</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMG8EB3ICTbpZNIHUuSrCnhf0ZTLU263LvW4fsPgfaXW5elHl0RqW8xtc-Fu3GaEIyl4gu0IZq7p5zCTsY9XyC_5_tUnyxEzyW4Cd79HfyxyF1Y9fpJ6GJ4KEhrp3ooFHCJq0gz_z7hicJ/s1600/teacup.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="49" data-original-width="34" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMG8EB3ICTbpZNIHUuSrCnhf0ZTLU263LvW4fsPgfaXW5elHl0RqW8xtc-Fu3GaEIyl4gu0IZq7p5zCTsY9XyC_5_tUnyxEzyW4Cd79HfyxyF1Y9fpJ6GJ4KEhrp3ooFHCJq0gz_z7hicJ/s1600/teacup.png" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I focused on the screen. Demanding discipline from myself, I clicked on one more Wikipedia article that promised answers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">The American ghost orchid is a rare and beautiful species of orchid found in the southwestern part of Florida and Cuba. The flower roots grow deep in the moist, swampy forests on the trunks of the bald cypress tree. Their roots blend in so well with the tree, the flower often seems to float in midair, hence its name “ghost orchid.” </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0jVU1b0_kzZOp4DAH0xvoL7RDvEPB-pGI77t6QOzC2G6urTljlYSDqHaGwvRvbnRRGTnUWNGYJgIhXIBU2MvEmIxq40XBtrSFsMqV8fJZ3f-63lbnODyxDzjhJvr1EnEEmWUElJRGrDpB/s1600/220px-Ghost_Orchid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="293" data-original-width="220" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0jVU1b0_kzZOp4DAH0xvoL7RDvEPB-pGI77t6QOzC2G6urTljlYSDqHaGwvRvbnRRGTnUWNGYJgIhXIBU2MvEmIxq40XBtrSFsMqV8fJZ3f-63lbnODyxDzjhJvr1EnEEmWUElJRGrDpB/s200/220px-Ghost_Orchid.jpg" width="150" /></a></i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">These orchids are so rare that when a giant one surfaced in the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in 2007, a flood of observers from all over the world flocked to southern Florida to view the specimen which contained eleven flowers on one stalk. Each bloom was the size of a hand.</i> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I glanced at my hand, and allowed my fingers to uncurl from the keys. <i style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">A bloom…as big as a hand.</i> What a sight that must be. Well, surely that was enough. I clicked ‘send’ on the e-mail that contained links to the information. Hopefully, it would be of some help to him. As far as I knew, no one had canceled the award ceremony.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">After watering the plants on the porch and in the conservatory one last time and placing Teddy in his crate, I locked up the house. While loading Teddy and my bags into my Jeep Cherokee, I felt a sense of foreboding. The skies had grown overcast and the brightness of the day seemed to dwindle. Surely, it was nothing. Everything would be fine. Now, on to the airport to meet Cecilia. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Cecilia Chastain, my personal assistant, was my right arm. An extra right arm was needed for a person like me so I could be two places at once. Teddy required constant care, but I couldn’t take him everywhere. Cecilia was indispensable, not only in my work, but also in caring for my precious canine companion as well. She and I were to fly into Phoenix together.</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I kept running over in my mind how a man like Arthur Wingate could possibly be involved in a murder. I thought about how jovial he was, always making us laugh when we became a little overheated about a subject like deforestation or insensitive land users.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">He and his wife Diana had been colleagues prior to their marriage twelve years ago. Before that, Arthur never had the time for relationships outside of work. He was certainly the workaholic type. When he met Diana, however, they fit hand-in-glove, and the chemistry between them happily resulted in marriage.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I was looking forward to seeing them again, but the murder cast a pall over our visit.</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsY2gcbMOqd9PWkpqGARfhVtEIviapadSxR_FATZpli_A83Dw0tkb7IBY3d9u7RrCpBVEwgzdH0x_duEKci5ZMtl0Uak778icYwjEMxEFQcaKJOvC6vwrXZvWvdSBVfe9pVeCUAZoNHZRL/s1600/teacup.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="49" data-original-width="34" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsY2gcbMOqd9PWkpqGARfhVtEIviapadSxR_FATZpli_A83Dw0tkb7IBY3d9u7RrCpBVEwgzdH0x_duEKci5ZMtl0Uak778icYwjEMxEFQcaKJOvC6vwrXZvWvdSBVfe9pVeCUAZoNHZRL/s1600/teacup.png" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Teddy was grateful to climb out of his carrier after being stuffed under the seat for two hours. I attached his leash to his red rhinestone-studded collar, and our little party marched through the airport to retrieve our bags. Heads turned to watch Teddy prancing along and wagging his tail.</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">After giving himself a good shake, he blew a tiny sneeze to clear his sinuses and looked up at me.</span></div>
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<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“This exercise feels good after being cooped up so long,” he seemed to communicate to me, as he often does.</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I scooped him up and gave him a squeeze. Cecilia and I piled into the rental car and headed into traffic.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ0YUV0T5y5a3z0lA454DlPVno4JrZznaeNuPPeCc7UkZiJ_VuX7THkyGnGa1bRF_O58kzCoY6DABT5nslx3kN9VQtqvg5xHaUCHRHL21MWC3UrqMIoZxYZl-FKNdRPxSpRq928R7Vttz1/s1600/Camelback-Mountain-27238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="526" data-original-width="936" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ0YUV0T5y5a3z0lA454DlPVno4JrZznaeNuPPeCc7UkZiJ_VuX7THkyGnGa1bRF_O58kzCoY6DABT5nslx3kN9VQtqvg5xHaUCHRHL21MWC3UrqMIoZxYZl-FKNdRPxSpRq928R7Vttz1/s200/Camelback-Mountain-27238.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Phoenix is, admittedly, the largest city in Arizona at around 4.3 million people, boasting some of the hottest temperatures and some of the best southwestern food you’ll ever taste. Right in the middle of the metropolis sits majestic Camelback Mountain, looking just like its name—a large rust-colored dromedary camel towering over the city. Fabulous palm-studded resorts nestle at the mountain’s base with casitas, swimming pools in the shape of camels, spas, golf courses, and exclusive shops available for tourists with money to spend. How nice that included Cecilia and me.</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Cecilia was such a Godsend. We’d met eight years before while she’d worked as a hotel housekeeper to earn her way through college. Through the years, we’d stayed in touch and worked out an arrangement for her to be my personal assistant.</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Besides her strong work ethic, I was impressed with her being one of the few people I’d ever met who never used the “five Cs.” Because she never complained, compared, condemned, criticized, or cursed, she certainly had my respect. We became fast friends.</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Today, she wore her long auburn hair straight with bangs curved to the side and sported a cute pair of glasses and hat for the Phoenix sun. Typical for tourists like us.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRR090oHgEm6EJsw-LRg4Pdw5IstRggJ4PMe5j_1dlldCHiYQWcst1yDp6Hnxqd-Eicp4XacxyCdnup-GfFq6AuSB-FQILa3b8qcrp3h8hTfK8OV6vSLN_5Y0a4rdpSNALNQuh0_SMCsYR/s1600/Entry+to+Sanctuary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRR090oHgEm6EJsw-LRg4Pdw5IstRggJ4PMe5j_1dlldCHiYQWcst1yDp6Hnxqd-Eicp4XacxyCdnup-GfFq6AuSB-FQILa3b8qcrp3h8hTfK8OV6vSLN_5Y0a4rdpSNALNQuh0_SMCsYR/s200/Entry+to+Sanctuary.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The rental car gave us a smooth ride through the sights. Towering saguaro cacti and a few yuccas were still in bloom, sending tall white stalks high into the air. To the north side of the mountain, the gated communities of Paradise Valley sprang into view. As we turned right off 44<sup style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">th</sup> Street, custom million-dollar homes of every style and shape dotted the mountainside. A sign for the Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa entrance marked our way. We turned into the winding desert path to Guest Reception. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Three valets in gold polo shirts and tan slacks opened our car doors and welcomed us to the Sanctuary. All of the grant contenders would reside here through the ceremony.</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“This is really different, isn’t it?” Cecilia stepped out of the car and paused to gaze up at the entrance. The building was art itself. </span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright, the Asian-inspired architecture incorporated the natural desert setting. Winding brick and flagstone paths ran in between each casita, and each of them had a unique desert garden. I had to agree with her; it was definitely different from the green rolling hills of San Francisco.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I checked us in at the small reception area. Original art lined the walls, all excellent works, and all were for sale. This, of course, intrigued me.</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The young receptionist interrupted my musings. “You have a message waiting in your room, Mrs. Bradley.”</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I noted her name badge. “Thank you, Rebecca.”</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“If you need anything or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.” She smiled.</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Before climbing aboard the golf cart loaded with our luggage, Teddy pulled on his leash, leading us to a nearby mountain laurel that he wanted to sniff. He wagged his tail, indicating he was thoroughly going to enjoy his stay.</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“We have a dog lawn if he needs to pay a visit,” the young valet offered.</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Thanks.”</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Teddy barked a tiny yip as an affirmation that he knew exactly what had been said. This trip was going to be delightful.</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The young driver, whose name badge read “David,” made small welcoming talk and recognized my name from <i style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">The San Francisco Enterprise</i>.</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Yeah, my mom reads your column all the time. Says she learns more about gardening from your answers than from any gardening book. You should see her collection of plants.</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I guess you know what you’re talking about because my mom’s garden is really something, Mrs. Bradley. Would you like to get a tour of the grounds sometime while you’re here? If you want, I could set it up for you.”</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">David was trained to be chatty, I’m sure, to put guests at ease.</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I’d love a tour. Thank you. Perhaps I’ll call once my schedule becomes clear.”</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Arthur’s message was an invitation for dinner just after a private meeting on the Jade Bar patio. The representatives of the contending project teams would be there and the facilitator, Herbert Jamison, as well, who represented the grant donors. This was all going to be so fun.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPI0nR9DrIsUjjte2ny0oFnwIbT2EpgurRlW72McgC2Ytxng8apt5YHpAtZTyrBjzplsAT1T86AG2H4N0qAi1ayBepe7sXcQQgJD9u_CThcl_eQYkcBjls6Uujouuw6XOt43QERRsm27SK/s1600/16-064-03-Spa-Suite-Living-Room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="1280" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPI0nR9DrIsUjjte2ny0oFnwIbT2EpgurRlW72McgC2Ytxng8apt5YHpAtZTyrBjzplsAT1T86AG2H4N0qAi1ayBepe7sXcQQgJD9u_CThcl_eQYkcBjls6Uujouuw6XOt43QERRsm27SK/s320/16-064-03-Spa-Suite-Living-Room.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I settled into my comfortable earth-hued room. The design made the dramatic views of Camelback Mountain even more spectacular. Various travel and shopping magazines beckoned next to a tray on the nightstand. Perhaps those would make good reading later. Hopefully, I might get to do some shopping while I was here in neighboring Scottsdale.</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">A comfortable over-sized chair and another long chaise holding colorful throws paired well with an armless geometric print chair and a small brass table. Tiny lights hung from the ceiling, interspersed among the dark wooden beams. There were even candles.</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I flipped the switch next to the lava rock fireplace. Flames rolled up, and their crackle accented the classical music station I found on the clock radio. I unpacked my bags and made sure Cecilia was comfortably settled.</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">After seeing that Teddy had fresh water and a dog treat for being so good on the plane, I placed a towel at the foot of my bed to protect the comforter and settled him on top for a nap. He seemed grateful. He gave a little sigh and put his head down on his tiny paws.</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The provided robe was royal blue and plush. I threw it on in a surge of haste and tucked my hair up in a clip, for a quick bubble bath. Time to unwind. Dinner would come soon enough, and I felt a little nervous about meeting the new team members.</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Cecilia?”</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Yes?” She opened my bedroom door slightly. “I know, tea, right?”</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Bless you, child.”</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I’ll order room service along with your tea so I can get to bed early. Let me know when you need to leave for dinner and I’ll come watch Teddy.”</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Cecilia was such a blessing, such a pleasure.</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">A few moments later, the tea arrived. “Do you want me to fix you a cup?” she asked.</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Thanks, dear. Just what I needed, thank you.”I took a small sip. <i style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Earl Grey…delicious.</i> I brought the tea into my room, sprinkled bath salts into the over-sized bathtub, and filled it with extra hot water. After placing the cup carefully on the edge of the tub, I stepped in and immersed myself in mounds of aromatic bubbles. Heaven.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“How’s Walter Montoya these days?” I queried Cecilia after I emerged from my refreshing bath. He was a sweet young man from a trip I’d taken to the Ritz-Carlton in Half Moon Bay, California. He’d worked with her there, and they were roughly the same age. “Have you heard anything about how he’s doing?”</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Jillian, it’s incredibly odd that you ask me. I was just texting him. He wanted to know if everything went okay with our trip.”</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Oh…so you do keep in touch?”</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“We do.”</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“How is he, then?”</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Walter’s actually doing quite well. He got his degree in criminal justice and then went through the police academy. Graduated with honors.” She blushed. “He’s been working with Chief Viscuglia on the force for the past three years, and now he’s applied to become a detective. Should be hearing back any any day now. That business in Half Moon Bay a few years ago really inspired him to want to catch bad guys.”</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Well, good for him. I’d love to see him again. He was such a sincere young man. I really liked him.”</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I like him, too.” Cecilia voice was quiet.</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Now that was interesting. I smiled. “Well, I must be off to dinner.”</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The sun was beginning to set as I strolled past the other casitas. A few guests sat on their balconies enjoying appetizers and drinks. I could hear snippets of conversations and an occasional laugh. A slight chilly breeze came up, and I pulled my black leather coat closer around me as I meandered along the flagstone paths.</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Pausing at the giant saguaro cactus to figure out which way to walk, I turned left and followed alongside the deep-blue infinity-edged pool. A blazing fire rising from a giant stone bowl at the far end created a truly unique setting.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The huge red rock formation of Camelback Mountain reflected the magnificent sunset and created a dramatic fiery orange backdrop. I noticed, not for the first time, a small outcropping high up on the right side of the formation, standing alone and aptly named <i style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">The Praying Monk</i>. The figure could be seen from a small clerestory window in the entry of the hotel, as well as from any casita that had a view. Clearly, a touch of Frank Lloyd Wright.</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">If the murderer was someone involved with the grant contest, perhaps he or she felt the eyes of God looking down through this edifice, even right this moment.</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Arthur Wingate was a head taller than most men, so it made it easy to spot him. His black hair was only slightly grayed at the temples, and he was in great shape for a middle-aged man. I couldn’t help but smile at his attire, which was a typical professorial buttoned-down blue shirt topped with a tan micro fiber sports coat, Dockers slacks, and tennis shoes. He spoke in a strong bass voice that I loved hearing.</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Upon spotting me, he boomed. “Jillian, it’s so good to see you.”</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“It’s good to see you, too. You look well, all things considered.”</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Thanks, it’s probably due to the fact that I’m mostly a vegetarian. I also work out at the fitness center close to my office.”</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I work out only when I feel guilty!”</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">We both laughed.</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“You look wonderful, as always. How was your flight? Did you bring Teddy?”</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Yes, he’s back in the room with Cecilia. The flight was quick and uneventful, so Teddy did just fine.”</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Arthur became a little less animated, and I could sense an undercurrent of tension as he spoke. “I want to thank you for coming, considering the circumstances.”</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Well, my bags were already packed. How is Diana holding up through this awful ordeal?”</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“She’ll be all right. I'm worried about <i style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">me</i>. I’ve never seen a dead body before, and what’s worse, I knew him.”</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“It must have been horrible. You told me he was part of the Florida team?”</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“That’s correct. Let’s get something to drink, and I’ll fill you in.”</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">A smiling young server dressed in a black shirt and slacks came to wait on us.</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Arthur ordered a glass of Cabernet, and I stuck with cranberry juice with a twist of lime. The bar was almost empty, so we had privacy to talk. The only people nearby were a couple of young women in the restaurant area having an early dinner. They were smiling and talking, probably friends catching up.</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Arthur stood. “Let’s take our drinks outside. It looks like there’s no one on the patio right now, and I want you to enjoy the view.”</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXX8lm47Ju_NFlFSwtbU4reuCEzE25Rc-P61K2tVSojUmBxGyXMnfnYy2MUpgOeev7Cxx2QcvXCuxvWx4ZLrMAcI1YSNTwaygyFzxHvFm9vjfBW0qonBtCATWSghDNhCTCwS8BUaDvlGs4/s1600/arizona-sunset_1_1_5vo3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="468" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXX8lm47Ju_NFlFSwtbU4reuCEzE25Rc-P61K2tVSojUmBxGyXMnfnYy2MUpgOeev7Cxx2QcvXCuxvWx4ZLrMAcI1YSNTwaygyFzxHvFm9vjfBW0qonBtCATWSghDNhCTCwS8BUaDvlGs4/s200/arizona-sunset_1_1_5vo3.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">We watched the magnificent sunset spread out behind the majestic purple mountains. Deep oranges, reds, gold, and grays filled the canopy as the sun slipped quietly over the mountain’s rim, silhouetted darkly against the sky. Soon, we were overlooking the twinkling lights of Paradise Valley.</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
</div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Arthur Wingate was a gentleman in every way. Comfortable with who he was, he never put on airs. He knew botany like no one else and loved and respected mother earth. Although he was 57, he acted like a man of 40, with all the energy and passion of a man of 20 who had just discovered what he enjoyed doing and couldn’t wait to get started. Every new species Arthur learned about garnered his full attention, but when a rare and endangered species was in his sights, he focused so completely one had to believe his sheer will would keep it from dying out.</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“We have just a few minutes, Jillian, but here’s what I know so far. I told you how I found Rene. He was quite dead, of course, but there was a look of surprise on his face.”</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“You mean like when dead people meet their Maker?”</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I know you’re a Christian, Jillian, and it could have been that, but when I saw him, it reminded me of that program where the expert can tell if a person is lying or not by their body language. I don’t know. It was just strange. And as I’ve said, I’ve never seen a dead body before.” </span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I’ve seen two dead bodies, and they didn’t look surprised at all. You may have something, Arthur. Did you tell the police?”</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Yes, but when I mentioned it, the police didn’t act as if it was important. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to forget seeing his face.”</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I know it must have been a terrible shock. Have the police found any motive yet?”</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I don’t think they have any idea why he was murdered or who could have murdered him. Nothing was taken from the office, and there wasn’t evidence of a break in, so it had to have been someone he knew or someone who was there that day or that night.”</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I’m sure you’ve told the police who was there at the time, haven’t you?”</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“That’s the trouble. I left shortly before everyone else, and there were about seven or eight people still there after our meeting with the grant people.”</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Why did you leave early?”</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Can’t talk now. Here comes the group.”</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">One by one, Arthur introduced me to everyone, and the server led us to a large secluded table overlooking the patio. An affable gentleman named Herbert Jamison sat next to me. Herbert was the grant facilitator.</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Arthur tells me you’re a columnist for the <i style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Enterprise</i>, Jillian.” He picked up his water glass and waited for me to comment.</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Wow. Self-confident and charming.</i> “I write the ‘Ask Jillian’ gardening column every week.” </span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Yes, I read it every week online.” Mark Russell nodded his head. He seemed to approve.</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Arthur had introduced Mark as his main research assistant and the systems administrator for the Arizona team.</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Everyone seems so young! How is that possible? Guess I’m getting old.</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I’m flattered, Mark.” I noted the nice way he was dressed, in a black turtleneck and tweed sports jacket. He wore his medium brown hair closely cropped, and his skin had the pale tone of one who sat at a computer all day.</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Being the consummate matchmaker, I also noted the lack of a wedding ring on his finger.</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The server took our orders and made sure our water glasses stayed full.</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I turned to the man on my left and said, “Dr. Fontaine, I’ve followed your work in Florida for years. It’s an honor to finally meet you.”</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Why, thank you, Jillian. But I think you probably outrank me in notoriety with your gardening column.”</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Everyone chuckled. The ice had been broken.</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Dr. Fontaine’s eyes seemed to twinkle. “That article you did on the demise of the blue agaves was most interesting. Pesky weevils. I suppose if you tried to eradicate them some irate weevil-loving group would get a protection law passed.”</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I blushed at his compliment. “Well, I’m sure they’d meet with resistance from the tequila makers <i style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">and</i> their growing markets. Tequila is big business, you know.”</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Everyone nodded in agreement. I thought I could tell by certain expressions who the tequila lovers were. I surmised Dr. Vincent Fontaine was one. A real sanguine kind of person I figured—expressive—life of the party, no doubt. However, he was likable and kept the conversation light and amenable.</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The woman sitting next to him jumped in. “My father is our consultant from the Florida Department of Agriculture. He knows more about endangered plants in Florida than anyone alive.”</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Dr. Leah Fontaine was the Director of Research for the Preservation Society of the Florida Everglades and head of the Florida project. She had the thin figure of a model and wore her jet-black hair sleekly up, crowning her lovely oval face. She wore a striking blue camisole with her charcoal gray business suit. Ironically, I had almost bought a camisole just like it a few weeks ago but thought it too expensive.</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“He’s pretty amazing.” Tori DeMarco, the young woman introduced to me as Leah’s administrative assistant, agreed.</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Nothing really stood out about Tori except for her blue eyes, peering out against her beautiful olive complexion. She wore her ash blond hair in a simple ponytail. Tori seemed quiet, but maybe this was not unusual. Perhaps she just kept to herself, owing to a melancholy temperament.</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
</div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Leah commented at one point that Tori was an excellent administrative assistant, highly efficient down to the smallest detail. Even though Leah had been complimentary, there was still a distinctive undercurrent of tension between the two women. I decided to find an opportunity to acquaint myself with both of them as soon as I could.</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Vincent Fontaine’s voice brought me back to the present world of the dinner. “My dear colleagues, I appreciate your endorsements, but I think we should wait until the winner of the grant has been announced before singing my praises.”</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Arthur smiled. “No matter who wins, I think what’s especially important is that we find ways to protect those species that can’t protect themselves against the human element.”</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“You’re right of course, Arthur.” Vincent nodded. “Too bad we can’t discuss our projects in such a friendly atmosphere as this, but the grantors do have their rules in this competition.”</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Well,” Herbert interjected, “everyone is welcome to discuss both projects as soon as the grant has been awarded. It seemed the only fair way to go about funding $2 million. You must understand that most research competitions are cutthroat. I think it’s rare that both of your teams have collaborated in the past and are as comfortable with each other as you are.”</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Everyone had their drink orders, so Herbert raised a toast of good luck to the winner of the Peter and Elise Hansen Grant for the Preservation of Endangered Flora.</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Cheers.” The room echoed with the toast.</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“And a toast to Rene Parker, may he rest in peace.” Vincent Fontaine added a sobering note.</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“To Rene,” everyone repeated.</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
</div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The server brought a delicious spiced soup to start. Others had the mixed field greens with jicama and cilantro vinaigrette. The food was a combination of Asian and southwestern fare, but I played it safe by ordering the roasted free range organic chicken breast on top of mashed sweet corn pudding and creamed spinach. To keep my weight down, I only ate half-portions. I saved a few morsels to take to Teddy.</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Soon, the conversation turned to the murder. It began with Richard Sanchez, head of field studies for the Florida team. His tousled brown hair kept to what was in fashion for the young men of today. He must have spent most of his life outdoors by the look of his handsome tanned complexion.</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Well, Arthur. Have the police found out anything about who killed Rene?”</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Before answering, Arthur took a healthy sip of water and wiped his mouth. “I only wish they had found something out by now. It’s been two days. I’m meeting with the detective tomorrow. Maybe he’ll know something by then.”</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I can’t believe he’s gone.” Leah sighed.</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“How long had Rene worked for you?” I had to ask.</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“For two years.” She looked at me, thoughtfully.</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I’m truly sorry, Dr. Fontaine.”</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Thank you, Jillian.”</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Rene was really good at what he did.” Richard spoke up. “He was a top notch researcher, and we really depended on him for our tech support.”</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“It will be hard to replace him with someone with his unique skill set.” Leah shook her head. “In the meantime, I’ll have to depend on Tori and Richard to fill in until we can hire someone else.”</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“At least your project was submitted before all this happened.” Herbert took the dessert menu the server was distributing around the table.</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Yes, that was fortunate, wasn’t it?” Leah smiled.</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNqhTFWzXLWpdlK9Eq08nUsUXu6OqJ7cRgKyYkvO08r47qpcTB5DKo9d0bt2iaij_NQRKHaHMkrp9mQ7qBYaKkEkoypljraC1Umily24OJUMkHp5HC7AHkFyGCp7j1ryWVzgH5LD7ggfCX/s1600/bruelee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="202" data-original-width="250" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNqhTFWzXLWpdlK9Eq08nUsUXu6OqJ7cRgKyYkvO08r47qpcTB5DKo9d0bt2iaij_NQRKHaHMkrp9mQ7qBYaKkEkoypljraC1Umily24OJUMkHp5HC7AHkFyGCp7j1ryWVzgH5LD7ggfCX/s200/bruelee.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The idea of the Grand Marnier crème brulee with fresh berries and whipped cream set my mouth watering. I ordered one accompanied by a favorite of mine, cappuccino.</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The man sitting on my right was Warren Burkett. The only person who hadn’t spoken all evening had me intrigued, and I turned toward him. He was Arthur’s assistant director and was certainly worth knowing.</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“You’ve been awfully quiet all evening, Warren. Are you feeling all right?”</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">He gave a wry smile. “Oh, I’m fine. I just keep wondering who the last person to leave the office was before Rene was murdered. I know I left before Tori and Richard.”</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“And I left before Mark,” Herbert added his comment, “because I remember he said he was going out to celebrate and needed to call a taxi.”</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Arthur turned toward Mark. “I suppose you were going to celebrate posting the final submittal.”</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I wanted to head off a confrontation. “I think we’d better leave the details to the police for all concerned.”</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Jillian’s right.” Leah’s father added. “Let the police figure it out. I don’t know about the other team, but I’m exhausted after this whole thing. We’d better call it a night.”</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">He stood, and as if on cue, Leah put her napkin to the left of her plate, glanced around and said goodnight to everyone. Richard Sanchez and Tori DeMarco stood up, thanked Herbert for the dinner, and bade us goodnight. Since Herbert did not seem </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">to be in any hurry, the rest of us lingered over our dessert and coffee, making small talk.</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Herbert commented about how difficult it must be for everyone to have a murder hanging over their heads along with the stress of the ceremony. Winning a much hoped for injection of funds for research could mean a lot to an academic career.</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I finally stood, thanked Herbert for a lovely dinner, and told Arthur I would see him in the morning at eight o’clock sharp.</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Ah, jet lag. I was beginning to feel it. Since it was an hour later here in Arizona, the thought of not having much time for sleep made me weary. When I returned to my room and ran my passkey across the lock, Teddy barked furiously.</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">After I let myself in, I scooped him up gently—all four-and-a-half pounds—and gave him a hug and a kiss on top of his sweet little brown head, right between his long, silky, perked up ears. I often thought his hair looked like I had streaked it on purpose because of the blond highlights.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Cecilia was still up.</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Hi, Cecilia, has Teddy been out?”</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I just let him out. How was the dinner?”</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Well, it was interesting meeting everyone. The only one I didn’t meet was Arthur’s administrative assistant because she was just getting over the flu. But he said she’d be at work in the morning, so I’ll meet her then. I brought Teddy some leftovers.”</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“What would you like me to do tomorrow?”</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Why don’t you book me that gardens tour in the afternoon? I’ll also need you to take Teddy for a walk after breakfast and after his afternoon nap. Afterward, you’re free to do anything you like, as long as Teddy is with you. I haven’t let him out of my sight since Half Moon Bay.”</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I totally understand, Jillian. Don’t worry—I’ll take good care of him. I have some articles to go over for my editor, so I’ll keep busy here in the room. See you in the morning.”</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Goodnight, Cecilia, pleasant dreams.</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Let’s go to bed, Teddy. We have a big day tomorrow. I’m going to have to look at where that poor man was murdered. Then there’s the garden tour.”</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I put him gently down, and he laid his head on his paws, ready to go to sleep. After I crawled between the smooth sheets and pulled the down comforter close, I felt as if I was sleeping in a cloud.</span></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I flicked off the lamp, but lay awake on my back. It was hard to imagine any of those people shooting a colleague, but I suppose anything was possible. <i style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">If</i> there was enough of a motive. Rene must have terribly upset someone. Maybe tomorrow I would learn more.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">My eyelids grew heavy as I thought about Mark’s comments regarding who left the office after him. I thought about Leah Fontaine’s apparent composure after the ghastly affair, since it had taken place only a few short days before. Of course, she still might be in shock. That had happened to me after receiving the news of my husband’s death in Vietnam. All I felt was numbness. Couldn’t function. So empty…alone.</span></div>
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<i style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">I miss you, my darling, but I will see you again…in Heaven</i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Read on! </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-ghost-orchid-murder-book-2/id609370614">Apple Books</a></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-ghost-orchid-murder-book-2-1"><b>Kobo</b></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>See you in my books!</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEI8aKxXAmOUVBHUxSHro_RgcayKKT5zXKFlaDNZ5VuyBR4IKGN6AQD4nbgRXngvX1S2uzS13PtRajKxSfWzN31icxhhp0pN6D9r8k4xU8sl4okp2IZT_Kdustu8urPrH9MiCo8JZXj_6M/s1600/2019-07-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="748" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEI8aKxXAmOUVBHUxSHro_RgcayKKT5zXKFlaDNZ5VuyBR4IKGN6AQD4nbgRXngvX1S2uzS13PtRajKxSfWzN31icxhhp0pN6D9r8k4xU8sl4okp2IZT_Kdustu8urPrH9MiCo8JZXj_6M/s200/2019-07-17.jpg" width="199" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>~Nancy Jill</b></span></div>
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Nancy Jill Thameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18089542041601366071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807487924768348768.post-69135493399161903162019-07-26T14:25:00.000-05:002019-07-26T15:00:52.941-05:00Meet Jillian Bradley, Amateur Sleuth<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Meet Jillian Bradley, an unassuming bay area gardening columnist, along with her garden club friends headed to Half Moon Bay for a long weekend. You never know what lies ahead...</h2>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 1.5rem; line-height: 1.5; page-break-before: avoid;"><b style="page-break-before: avoid;">CHAPTER ONE </b></span></h2>
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<b style="font-size: 1em;">YOU ARE INVITED</b><span style="font-size: 1rem; line-height: 1.5;"> </span><b style="font-size: 1em;">TO ATTEND</b>
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<b style="font-size: 1em;">THE</b><span style="font-size: 1rem; line-height: 1.5;"> </span><b style="font-size: 1em;">GARDEN CLUB</b>
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<b style="font-size: 1em;">ON</b><span style="font-size: 1rem; line-height: 1.5;"> </span><b style="font-size: 1em;">OCTOBER 13-16</b>
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<b style="font-size: 1em;">THE RITZ-CARLTON</b><span style="font-size: 1rem; line-height: 1.5;"> </span><b style="font-size: 1em;">HALF MOON BAY</b>
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<b style="font-size: 1em;">R.S.V.P.</b><span style="font-size: 1rem; line-height: 1.5;"> </span><b style="font-size: 1em;">JILLIAN</b>
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<b>The invitations had gone out a few days ago to three of my dearest friends in the world. Ann would respond first. Cherishing her friendship for over fifteen years had given me some insight — I knew her like a book. It was therefore no surprise when the phone rang and her name popped up on my caller ID.</b></div>
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<b>“Jillian, I’m coming to the Garden Club. Have you heard from anyone else?” </b><br />
<b style="font-size: 1rem;"> “Not yet, you’re the first.” I leaned an elbow on the freshly wiped kitchen counter. “I did talk to Dominique last week, but it was about her trip. She had quite an interesting time.”</b></div>
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<b>Knowing I would probably be talking for a while, I reheated my coffee and sauntered from the tidied kitchen into the living room. There, my overstuffed recliner waited. Teddy, my Yorkshire terrier, crawled up into my lap, curling up in his usual sleeping position.</b></div>
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<b>Ann laughed. “Dominique’s trips are always interesting. I believe she went on <i>two</i> safaris this….”</b></div>
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<b>A beep drowned out her words — another call.</b></div>
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<b>“Ann, I’m sorry, but I have another call coming in.” I switched over. It was Nicole.</b></div>
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<b>That was convenient and ironic. In five minutes flat, I had my first two confirmations.</b></div>
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<b>Perfect.</b></div>
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<b>I reached for the coffee and smiled in satisfaction as I sipped its bittersweet goodness.</b></div>
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<b>Our garden club had come together a few years ago as a way to stay in touch. The core of us, Nicole, Ann, and I, had been neighbors. Always the social butterfly, Ann was the second member after me. She regularly kept her calendar booked with luncheons, dinner parties, and of course, her monthly bingo night. She also loved to travel, and took at least one major trip every year to some exotic foreign country.</b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1rem;"><b>Compared to Ann, Nicole King was quiet in demeanor and small in stature, but passionate when it came to her house and garden. Fountains and statuary created a fantasy atmosphere in her backyard. There were graceful arbors covered with vines, and passionflowers crept up every inch of the perimeter fence. When hosting our garden club, she’d always added a little something new.</b></span></div>
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<b>The last recruit to the founding quartet, Dominique Summers, had lived in our former neighborhood as well. A diminutive, auburn-haired woman, she radiated kindness and gentility. Dominique had the same love of gardening as the rest of us. It was she who suggested we take on a name to add prestige and sophistication to our lives. We all were enamored with the idea to call ourselves “The Garden Club.” That was it. The name stuck.</b></div>
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<b>For seven years, we met consistently every month. We’d visit each others’ gardens and do lunch, gradually extending our touring to public gardens as well. Now here we were in the process of attending the West Coast Garden Club Society’s Annual Conference together.</b></div>
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<b>It had started for me as a job. My newspaper had hired me to review some of the key speakers. Having a degree in horticulture, I always had an opinion <span style="font-size: 1rem;">about plants in general and authored the “Ask Jillian” column in the gardening section of </span><i style="break-before: avoid; font-size: 1rem;">The San Francisco Enterprise.</i></b><br />
<b style="font-size: 1rem;"> Life was good. My expenses were covered, my friends were coming, and I was so looking forward to the invigorating ocean air. </b><br />
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<b><i>Read on!</i></b></h2>
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<b><span style="color: red;">Free</span> eBook or Paperback $9.99</b></h4>
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<b style="font-size: 1rem; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">See you in my books! </span></b></h2>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">~Nancy Jill</span></b></div>
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Nancy Jill Thameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18089542041601366071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807487924768348768.post-45529993392899973772019-07-24T14:58:00.000-05:002019-07-24T14:58:33.518-05:00Reading Time!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7n2ZkwsCqpVI0Zx0T7j0VBSFhRtToTPEXDUCMZrK8aflqg3Tvf3XPlpifW3QCCtgyWTPLCdhMa5G8ZWQdpJZLdPM6CCARbk8crP7dEPnzhZ3JK6pjAB7D4qqEHH84eWt0LXwELqrnSXdK/s1600/books+clip+art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="1050" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7n2ZkwsCqpVI0Zx0T7j0VBSFhRtToTPEXDUCMZrK8aflqg3Tvf3XPlpifW3QCCtgyWTPLCdhMa5G8ZWQdpJZLdPM6CCARbk8crP7dEPnzhZ3JK6pjAB7D4qqEHH84eWt0LXwELqrnSXdK/s320/books+clip+art.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> After lunch is my FAVORITE time of day. It's reading time! I take off my glasses ( I'm nearsighted), gather my reading materials and phone, get all cozy on the couch with my microfiber throws and sail away! </span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-l_jalGNpxvhQ8lg-H6PZJDkn5swxQrqVgyoIS638l_ht7S8u4Ao0pKYZsC6NDd5u_0yxS4qsOH0C7B-adRRQZrTz9RiArel7kdBrsMeJqct6NfAz7dFdZ2zx9f7HmVBjETU_UZWFM65R/s1600/daily+devotions.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-l_jalGNpxvhQ8lg-H6PZJDkn5swxQrqVgyoIS638l_ht7S8u4Ao0pKYZsC6NDd5u_0yxS4qsOH0C7B-adRRQZrTz9RiArel7kdBrsMeJqct6NfAz7dFdZ2zx9f7HmVBjETU_UZWFM65R/s1600/daily+devotions.png" /></span></b></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"> While my body is rejuvenating ( I prefer this to exercising), I check my phone for important updates, read my daily devotional and scripture passage, then pray, play a game of Solitaire, doze a bit, then read the paper, paying close attention to Pickles in the comic section.</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSrkKA8ASSO7dnC6OlbaPt5cpW3WBFSoGdlHXRb2xHzJQ0rXj4jJACsoi9IOse9ySiOOpGg1VXDvH2z1fgvUMen2jWWPwAVbvVrPn392OnzquHzSb9WuALDEKjJsMLQQSCVQzpc8Wcmp2M/s1600/redwall+abbey.png+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="962" data-original-width="650" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSrkKA8ASSO7dnC6OlbaPt5cpW3WBFSoGdlHXRb2xHzJQ0rXj4jJACsoi9IOse9ySiOOpGg1VXDvH2z1fgvUMen2jWWPwAVbvVrPn392OnzquHzSb9WuALDEKjJsMLQQSCVQzpc8Wcmp2M/s200/redwall+abbey.png+1.jpg" width="135" /></span></b></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9IqlKjVBkqBPaV1PYFAr3AchFleUms53tB1CjCCF7yLVkK5cZxJotBt3mi5Ggh2vLDFDpbWr7DrnVBxDHiZaamoH49kWmL37nMaCTugIstKZYU1X5VxVkUDonsn0WD7TgiZ2piOrO2UYX/s1600/redwall+cookbook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="165" data-original-width="137" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9IqlKjVBkqBPaV1PYFAr3AchFleUms53tB1CjCCF7yLVkK5cZxJotBt3mi5Ggh2vLDFDpbWr7DrnVBxDHiZaamoH49kWmL37nMaCTugIstKZYU1X5VxVkUDonsn0WD7TgiZ2piOrO2UYX/s320/redwall+cookbook.jpg" width="265" /></span></b></a><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: left;">At last, just like dessert, I open my latest book in Brian Jacques' <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Redwall-Brian-Jacques/dp/0142302376/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2YYJZYGMA9HLB&keywords=brian+jacques&qid=1563997926&s=books&sprefix=brian+jacq%2Caps%2C170&sr=1-2">Redwall Abbey </a>series. My sweet husband gave me all 22 books for my birthday this year. Take me away!</span><span style="text-align: left;"> Brian Jacques actually wrote for children but adults love his writing, too. Our daughter collects the hardback editions from Half Priced Books and rereads them like I do. For my birthday, she gave me "The Redwall Cookbook," because she knows I'll lend it to her. </span></span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOTBJ9DqSNKg6dUz-kyOVd711J-BMbVif_FZBT6BaWgA1ADTZECOkwz29Ezn2rl-RQ7KlmLtEUhVumQl1Yj7aLRLmjXBooWXbZL6Nkyvj5B4WOLV04QhTvUcy7igrKoKCkCxnQhtx2Jcoz/s1600/brian+jacques.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="169" data-original-width="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOTBJ9DqSNKg6dUz-kyOVd711J-BMbVif_FZBT6BaWgA1ADTZECOkwz29Ezn2rl-RQ7KlmLtEUhVumQl1Yj7aLRLmjXBooWXbZL6Nkyvj5B4WOLV04QhTvUcy7igrKoKCkCxnQhtx2Jcoz/s1600/brian+jacques.jpg" /></span></b></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.redwallabbey.com/">Brian Jacques</a></span></b></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">I hope you find time to enjoy the things you love to do. If you like cozy mysteries, you may want to try <a href="https://nancy-jill.blogspot.com/p/book-descriptions.html">The Jillian Bradley Mystery Series</a>, the story of a gardening columnist turned amateur sleuth whose Yorkie companion, Teddy, helps her solve murders. Now, I really need to head to the couch!</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Cheers!</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">~Nancy Jill</span></b></div>
Nancy Jill Thameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18089542041601366071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807487924768348768.post-63134992343728648702019-07-20T16:10:00.000-05:002019-07-20T16:10:21.155-05:00Top 10 Summer Favorites<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>It's mid-July and kids are already buying back to school shoes! We grand dog sat in California, had a siblings reunion in Sedona, sang in the Fourth of July God and Country Concert at church with grand kids attending, and celebrated my birthday with family up in Frisco. Things are settling down now so here are my midsummer musings for my Top 10 Summer Favorites.</b><br />
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<b>#1 Warm sun giving longer days and #2 a sense of relaxation are two of my favorite summer things. Not to mention food and drinks more popular now than in other seasons. Here are my favorites:</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDZVqNZs8c9C_fwdXx9EysRFrWwmdrbcZM1eO1mUlmW3C2chRPo5dTd27Piw4gsNVNZg7NgQbJas5PoETMxOjhVq0DgHWHy2Q_7kg-TBNKTyv_7kU3mssWor86gnHduDRRC9ZrduXUZZUt/s1600/cantelope.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><b><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDZVqNZs8c9C_fwdXx9EysRFrWwmdrbcZM1eO1mUlmW3C2chRPo5dTd27Piw4gsNVNZg7NgQbJas5PoETMxOjhVq0DgHWHy2Q_7kg-TBNKTyv_7kU3mssWor86gnHduDRRC9ZrduXUZZUt/s1600/cantelope.jpg" /></b></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="background-color: white;">#3 Cantaloupe-</span>My all time favorite fruit that I wait for all year long!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQwKs2Q4sQKp1k88Yhrfe3fZh6DItMe30wcaUv2yDG9E724rSUDPHKXg12PVQnpAHVyWjY4Fk876kkRg9baxpb2fiW4NCMqy3fq6hL7lrDvW2JuL0VAWKzIRLZJaZeIfe6c30tEN4oZbKc/s1600/watermelon+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><b><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1400" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQwKs2Q4sQKp1k88Yhrfe3fZh6DItMe30wcaUv2yDG9E724rSUDPHKXg12PVQnpAHVyWjY4Fk876kkRg9baxpb2fiW4NCMqy3fq6hL7lrDvW2JuL0VAWKzIRLZJaZeIfe6c30tEN4oZbKc/s320/watermelon+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></b></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>#4 Watermelon. Make mine seedless!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>#5 Fresh Grilled Corn on the Cob with Mexican Topping</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>#6 BBQ Ribs - Thank you Costco!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>#7 Bush's Baked Beans with Bacon and Brown Sugar. Just open the can and heat!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>#8 Lemonade. I like the Simply kind.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7EdvUw4dRZU6ZiIkRXpQfmcxF3Ze0gYwYdeByjlVQg60EdCuTCnuRu1bFxKqGU0Nl49eDJlPXhJlQoZ7e0gqHHsJnKfsv4h3DjGMu0mxOoi5O7qngoq3KwkCdfyjy7B4j1yQnpe4b8Mmk/s1600/reunions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><b><img border="0" data-original-height="227" data-original-width="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7EdvUw4dRZU6ZiIkRXpQfmcxF3Ze0gYwYdeByjlVQg60EdCuTCnuRu1bFxKqGU0Nl49eDJlPXhJlQoZ7e0gqHHsJnKfsv4h3DjGMu0mxOoi5O7qngoq3KwkCdfyjy7B4j1yQnpe4b8Mmk/s1600/reunions.jpg" /></b></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>#9 Getting Together with Family-My birthday is in July so it's a perfect excuse!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>#10 Time to read all my favorite books. They are treasured belongings.<br /><br />What about you? Do you head for the mountains or go to the beach? Do you like to BBQ? ( I made my husband give ours away-too much trouble to clean up!) Do you go on vacation or enjoy staying at home? What books are you reading this summer?<br /><br />Hope you're having a wonderful break whatever you're doing.<br /><br />Cheers! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br /><br />~Nancy Jill<br /></b></td></tr>
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Nancy Jill Thameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18089542041601366071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807487924768348768.post-20856877654163162662019-07-04T13:02:00.001-05:002019-07-04T13:02:45.333-05:0021 Etiquette Tips from Jillian Bradley, Amateur Sleuth<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>If amateur sleuth, Jillian Bradley, is anything, she's a lady, and for most of her adventures, a single one. Here are some tips that may help us remember ways to enhance how others see us. </b><br />
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<b>MANNERS:</b><br />
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<b>1. If a man knows that it is etiquette to remain standing until you are seated, be sure to sit promptly </b><b>as to not leave him standing too long.</b><br />
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<b>2. No rude or shocking language, especially at the table. Your language is a representation</b><br />
<b>of your mind and heart.</b><br />
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<b>3. Don’t talk with your mouth full. I don’t need to explain this one.</b><br />
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<b>4. She dresses tastefully: A lady dresses appropriately for the occasion.</b><br />
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<b>5. Phone calls: When in doubt, a good rule of thumb is not to make phone calls before 9 am</b><br />
<b>or after 9 pm.</b><br />
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<b>6. She is gracious: She never just says, “hello” when being introduced to someone. She offers </b><br />
<b>a kind greeting like, “it’s a pleasure to meet you” or “how are you this evening?”</b><br />
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<b>7. She turns her phone on silent and puts it away for meals, meetings and church.</b><br />
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<b>8. She says, “yes, please” or “no, thank you.” She does not say, “yep” or “nope.”</b><br />
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<b>9. She gives compliments with sincerity and only when she means it. She does not say things</b><br />
<b>just to say them. Insincerity is easier to read than we think.</b><br />
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<b>10. A lady offers to help someone in need. Being a lady starts with how you treat yourself and others. </b><b>She offers her seat to the elderly, disabled or a parent with small children.</b><br />
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<b>11. She RSVPs promptly, reads an invitation thoroughly and does not ask for exceptions. She always </b><b>promptly sends a detailed thank you note to anyone who has shown her hospitality.</b><br />
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<b>12. She never arrives empty handed. Bringing a small hostess gift shows your appreciation for </b><br />
<b>the preparation your host has done.</b><br />
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<b>13. Her word is her bond. A lady warrants a respectable reputation purely by the consistency of </b><br />
<b>her word. She always keeps her promises.</b><br />
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<b>THE DATING LADY:</b><br />
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<b>14. Don’t call him, he’ll call you. A lady knows that she deserves to be pursued and does not do so. </b><b>If you are in the position that you have to initiate contact in order to communicate, then you should </b><b>know that you are not dealing with a gentleman and can move on.</b><br />
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<b>15. Time frame: no one gets to call you on a whim to hang out. Your time is precious and valuable </b><b>and you are clearly booked days in advance. Someone who honors your time will plan ahead and </b><b>ask to take you out with at least a 48 hour request.</b><br />
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<b>16. You don’t meet a guy anywhere. He comes and picks you up, especially on the first date. </b><br />
<b>It can be inconvenient, but is it your job to make dating you convenient? No. The last thing you want </b><b>to be is convenient. However if you are meeting someone in person for the first time, meeting in a </b><b>neutral location is a smart, safe move. Always honor your intuition.</b><br />
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<b>17. Curfew: Mama always said nothing good happens past 10 o’ clock and she’s pretty much right. </b><b>So set the time you need to be home in advance and let your gentleman know about it ahead of time.</b><br />
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<b>18. Appreciation: Being a lady and acting lady-like does not mean that you are entitled or snobby. </b><b>Practice having a heart of gratitude and always say thank you for specific actions or generosities.</b><br />
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<b>19. How to order: Have respect for your gentleman and do not behave with entitlement by ordering </b><b>the most expensive thing on the menu. If he wants to treat you to a fine bottle of wine, he can order it </b><b>or offer for you to make a selection.</b><br />
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<b>20. Be a good listener and conversationalist. Put your phone away and be present. A lady is not boring, rude or dismissive.</b><br />
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<b>21. Be prepared. If you are going out with a gentleman, he will cover your date. However, you should </b><b>always be prepared to pay if the date does not go well or he forgets his wallet. The gentleman version оf this article on <a href="http://goodguyswag.com/21-lost-gentleman-traditions-that-still-apply-today/">GoodGuySwag.com </a>says, “An English gentleman never split the meal with his date. The English used the term “go dutch” in “derisive application,” as they stereotyped the Dutch as being cheap, or “stingy.” Today, the gentleman always picks up the tab, especially on the first date, and with no expectations.”</b><br />
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<b>Please feel free to add tips of your own. We always have room for improvement.</b><br />
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<b>See you in my books!</b><br />
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<b>~Nancy Jill</b><br />
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<b>Special thanks to KDW for allowing me to share her post: 21 LOST LADY TRADITIONS THAT STILL APPLY TODAY</b><br />
<b>In <a href="http://sheismore.com/category/inspiration/">Inspiration</a> by Kristen Dalton Wolfe</b></div>
Nancy Jill Thameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18089542041601366071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807487924768348768.post-17704262948720507942019-06-27T11:15:00.001-05:002019-06-27T11:15:55.251-05:00Paperbacks or eBooks?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>Is it just me or am I a creature of habit to prefer reading paperback books? Like many readers, I upload eBooks on my Kindle app to my phone but I also order paperbacks. Boy, do I order paperbacks!</b><br />
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<b>To me, they are treasures to enjoy again and again. Books on a device are out of sight and most of the time out of mind. And what do you think the future of books will be?</b><br />
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<b>Do you have favorites? What about hardback verses paperback? My favorite collections are <i>Agatha Christie</i> mysteries and short stories, <i>Dorothy Sayers</i> mysteries and short stories, <i>Murder She Wrote</i> books by Donald Bain, <i>The Hobbit and Trilogy of the Ring </i>by J.R.R. Tolkien, and <i>Harry Potter </i>by J.K. Rowling. For my birthday, my husband is giving me <i>The Red Wall Series</i> by Brian Jacques. It will coincide with my latest acquisition of <i>The Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter</i> by Susan Whitig Albert. I adore Beatrix Potter and have all of her books, too.</b><br />
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<b>Most of my books are paperback but the hardbacks, like <i>Harry Potter</i> and some classics, give my library a classy look. One thing's for sure, I'll never NOT have anything to do! I hope you'll try <i>The Jillian Bradley Mystery Series</i>. In them you'll find interesting settings, unusual plots, and an amateur sleuth who loves afternoon tea and her little Yorkie companion, Teddy, a sleuth in his own right. For the synopsis of each, you may check the book page: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1807487924768348768#editor/target=page;pageID=3433270287067833286;onPublishedMenu=pages;onClosedMenu=pages;postNum=2;src=pagename">Books</a></b><br />
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<b>By the way, the books come in paperback and eBook formats so the choice is up to you!</b><br />
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<b>See you in my books! </b><br />
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<b>~Nancy Jill </b></div>
Nancy Jill Thameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18089542041601366071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807487924768348768.post-22968545271228419312017-11-16T16:55:00.001-06:002018-11-28T11:57:01.870-06:00Great Gift Ideas for Cozy Mystery Lovers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6iPuJgwtZJEFiG75w2EXjJ-SnaQPxxrS77Ouko3jpRqPgCbSCgsqphb_k8TGXubsTtQiTBATZYZMUv0Ow2pGDE1goFfQbwSF2dRp64uuX07RhxP-MJHjnQy-GYn4Q4YLhkKeH3O1WGO3K/s1600/IMG-0959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="760" data-original-width="570" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6iPuJgwtZJEFiG75w2EXjJ-SnaQPxxrS77Ouko3jpRqPgCbSCgsqphb_k8TGXubsTtQiTBATZYZMUv0Ow2pGDE1goFfQbwSF2dRp64uuX07RhxP-MJHjnQy-GYn4Q4YLhkKeH3O1WGO3K/s320/IMG-0959.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span id="goog_1452672530"></span><span id="goog_1452672531"></span>Hello, dear readers! </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">I
hope this holiday season finds you and your family well and safe. In
these turbulent times, I'm reminded that we must treasure each day God
gives us. As we press on, Thanksgiving seems to be officially blended
in with Christmas as more and more people choose to decorate early, as was my intention. But with the passing of my mom last month, a delightful visit from my brother from New Jersey, and Ted's birthday looming, my fall decor is still very much in tact! Still, Christmas is just around the corner and my gift list is very much on my mind. Anyone else experiencing the "What to give list?"</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Checks are good, and so are gift cards. But if you think about it, books bring a different world to readers and provide
great entertainment for hours. I would count a new book as a definite treat!</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPql9RtB51DfVFpv6-LbE_bd_AwzJF-eBITE0SeLoMMCqGOt4ajkF_cWF8jSNZlhgdXMPZKkqzCHKjuysd5UrXGuTlFFYC6rt0n1rO_7ac7fSjlNmDDS5l0SSgjPHV4rtYc-b2HhdbHcsG/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPql9RtB51DfVFpv6-LbE_bd_AwzJF-eBITE0SeLoMMCqGOt4ajkF_cWF8jSNZlhgdXMPZKkqzCHKjuysd5UrXGuTlFFYC6rt0n1rO_7ac7fSjlNmDDS5l0SSgjPHV4rtYc-b2HhdbHcsG/s320/photo.JPG" width="280" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">If
you'd like to give a friend or a loved one a gift that keeps on giving,
the Jillian Bradley mysteries might be a good choice. Rated G with no
profanity or offensive scenes, they are the perfect gift choice for
readers on your list. Books range in price from $7.99 to $11.99 for
paperbacks and FREE to $3.99 for eBooks. Not bad when you consider one
can purchase the entire series for under $99.00 + tx and s/h. (Amazon
Prime members enjoy free s/h as does everyone for November through December!)</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Besides the 11 book series, there are also six short stories about Jillian and Teddy included in"The Jillian Bradley Short Story Collection." </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL73_UYcbTgsK180J8yi37nONV9VJjo2wyFUnOUAy-qCp0A17fU32IVTWO425lMSor7C3ttGs12-IzFJZiJiN1l0JTaSObADnWnbJpsvjErBB8xx4ilMBb2ky8yoq3gaG9uPI6Uhyp8dvf/s1600/The+Jillian+Bradley+Short+Story+Collection+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL73_UYcbTgsK180J8yi37nONV9VJjo2wyFUnOUAy-qCp0A17fU32IVTWO425lMSor7C3ttGs12-IzFJZiJiN1l0JTaSObADnWnbJpsvjErBB8xx4ilMBb2ky8yoq3gaG9uPI6Uhyp8dvf/s1600/The+Jillian+Bradley+Short+Story+Collection+cover.jpg" /></a></span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbg8Xb7FfIT23QqDAzO0gp3-gQRq0EYJNuQr8t5PfW59O0hC7a6w6udaQ4RAl8JuZb-_qulME56lbufcnwoRVwI3UcthXBQLZGm5no5PkBNnc8EotsiCNBSJBWrWmCFt_Lra5rBc_HMY4T/s1600/phonto.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbg8Xb7FfIT23QqDAzO0gp3-gQRq0EYJNuQr8t5PfW59O0hC7a6w6udaQ4RAl8JuZb-_qulME56lbufcnwoRVwI3UcthXBQLZGm5no5PkBNnc8EotsiCNBSJBWrWmCFt_Lra5rBc_HMY4T/s640/phonto.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;">
<b>Here is a complete list of books and buy links: </b></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nancy-Jill-Thames/e/B003V55RSG">AMAZON</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/nancy%20jill%20thames/_/N-0">
<span style="font-size: large;">BARNES AND NOBLE</span></a></b></span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: 0.2in;"><span class="value-preview show" style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/byseries/6297">SMASHWORDS</a></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; text-indent: 0.2in;"><b><span style="text-indent: 0.2in;"> </span><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/co/author/nancy-jill-thames/id586694069?l=en&mt=11"><span style="color: blue; text-indent: 0.2in;">i</span><span style="color: blue;">BOOKS</span></a></b></span></div>
<span style="text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span class="value-preview show" style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/Search?Query=nancy+jill+thames">KOBO</a></b></span></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Whatever gifts we give and receive, may we be reminded of the greatest gift of all - Jesus, God's only begotten Son. </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAqD2l4I_i9fPkxYDL3XR2xNQs0ZO-b84Ra0fSF9p1flFMoqHYthyphenhyphenaTIpoHA3wnh4zaNTDEl1YHXkUcjKuMJr5B2bfg4Sr5yuTHiQkWrEVxgq_ekPF00H6gy3l86XiamnRfZ8auyOoBPW2/s1600/the_reason_for_the_season_by_kaosnadi-d4i7qrq.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAqD2l4I_i9fPkxYDL3XR2xNQs0ZO-b84Ra0fSF9p1flFMoqHYthyphenhyphenaTIpoHA3wnh4zaNTDEl1YHXkUcjKuMJr5B2bfg4Sr5yuTHiQkWrEVxgq_ekPF00H6gy3l86XiamnRfZ8auyOoBPW2/s320/the_reason_for_the_season_by_kaosnadi-d4i7qrq.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Happy Holidays!</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimKAmcz5MZsdh8RVq9-4nFWe3YkuLcEGRXPAgiFTR92djxlBPKUZ5tfhLkHeYeqOP2P4y-y7WXqmDsjBAubSoRxWQrDLhXhC9LcZ4NY0jbb3FHR8xigbBnH6KJ_ysZA8feP-rclaBlq0kb/s1600/a63b50c2bb1d0a7e9d9aac.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimKAmcz5MZsdh8RVq9-4nFWe3YkuLcEGRXPAgiFTR92djxlBPKUZ5tfhLkHeYeqOP2P4y-y7WXqmDsjBAubSoRxWQrDLhXhC9LcZ4NY0jbb3FHR8xigbBnH6KJ_ysZA8feP-rclaBlq0kb/s320/a63b50c2bb1d0a7e9d9aac.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">~Nancy Jill</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">God has blessed me beyond even <i>my</i> wildest
imagination, always guiding my life, giving me a loving husband, four
wonderful children, and a number of precious grandchildren. </span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">I hope you enjoy the Jillian Bradley mysteries - they are works of love.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">To stay in touch please visit these sites.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://twitter.com/mystriterdva">Twitter</a> - @mystriterdva</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://nancy-jill.blogspot.com/">Blog - Author Nancy Jill Thames, Queen of Afternoon Tea</a></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/mystriterdva/">Pinterest</a> - mystriterdva</span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://cozymysterymagazine.blogspot.com/">Blog - Cozy Mystery Magazine</a></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4097911.Nancy_Jill_Thames">Goodreads</a> - Nancy Jill Thames</span></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nancy-Jill-Thames/124340760960323">Facebook</a></span></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/home?trk=nav_responsive_tab_home">Linkedin</a></span></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/114975379436853183391/about">Google +</a></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;">jillthames@gmail.com</span></span></b></div>
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Nancy Jill Thameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18089542041601366071noreply@blogger.com0