Showing posts with label #Yorkiemystery. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #Yorkiemystery. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

Heartbreaking Justice

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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...

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.
Together with Detective Jack Noble and Jillian's clue sniffing dog, Teddy, the three set out to track the killer who left a porcelain orchid over the wound as the only clue. Even though it means personal sacrifice for Jillian, she is determined to uncover the truth. A faith-based novel. 

 See you in my books!
~Nancy Jill
                                            
                                       

Sunday, December 1, 2019

Great Gift Ideas for Cozy Mystery Lovers

Hello, dear readers! 

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,
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!
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!)

Besides the 11 book series, there are also six short stories about Jillian and Teddy included in"The Jillian Bradley Short Story Collection." 



Here is a complete list of books and buy links: 

KOBO

Whatever gifts we give and receive, may we be reminded of the greatest gift of all - Jesus, God's only begotten Son. 


Happy Holidays!

~Nancy Jill


Tuesday, September 10, 2019

Jillian Must Solve the Hardest Mystery of All

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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.



CHAPTER ONE


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.
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.
Due to business, Prentice suggested a destination wedding in London, which sounded lovely even though it precluded most of my friends.
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.
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.
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.
Still, the wedding moved happily along as Prentice and I greeted guests sitting at tables, and Teddy kept trying to sniff cake.
Mac kept him in tow, however.
As the string ensemble played, Prentice and I took our seats at the head table and dinner was served.
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.
It was to be the last happy moment of my wedding.
Eric West raised the first toast to Prentice.
Champagne flutes clinked. Cheers filled the room.
After a brief sip, Prentice, my husband of less than an hour, choked and struggled to breathe.
The music stopped. Guests pushed back their chairs, discordant conversations followed — words of disbelief, calls for help, and looks of confusion.
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.


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.
Moving my head caused pain. I lay back too weak to persevere. 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.
The figure stood and smiled.
I found it difficult to speak. “Daisy?”
She nodded and came to the side of my bed.
“I’m here.” She sat near me and took my hand.
The warmth was reassuring.
Teddy raised his head from the foot of my bed and yawned. He was lying on a blue towel monogrammed with a T that I had also never seen.
At least my Yorkie companion was familiar.
He left the towel and pranced up to me, wagging his tail.
I gathered him in my arms and wanted to kiss his head but found no strength.
He settled next to me as I focused on Daisy’s face.
She handed me a glass of water but didn’t let go of it.
“Drink this.”
I drank as if it was my first water in a long time.
I had so many questions.
“Teddy hasn’t left your side since you’ve been here,” she said. “I think he’s glad you’re finally awake.”
Teddy woofed.
“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.
“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.”
“Mildred? Daisy, where’s Prentice?” The knot in my stomach refused to leave. 
Daisy gently squeezed my hand. “I’m afraid there’s only one way to say it, Jillian. Prentice is dead. I’m so sorry.”
“No! How can that be? We just said our vows.” The memory of Prentice choking and our falling returned.
It wasn’t a dream.
I felt numb, as if I was in someone else’s body. This couldn’t be happening!
Lord, why me? I don’t understand.
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.
Daisy put her strong arms around me and hugged me close.
“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.”
“No wonder it hurts. I can actually feel it.”
“You’re lucky not to be in a hospital.”
“Daisy, did Prentice have a heart attack or was it a stroke?”
She lowered her head, then looked at me. Her eyes filled with sadness.
“Neither I’m afraid. Jillian, the police suspect he was poisoned.”
“Poisoned?” My mind refused to accept the fact. “By whom? Daisy, that’s bizarre! Maybe it was food poisoning or....”
“I’m so sorry. The fact is — someone murdered him.”
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. 
“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.”      Daisy smiled at her. “Thanks, Mildred.”
I had a vague recollection from somewhere of a butler named Parker.
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.”
Mrs. Duvall. I felt a stabbing pain in my heart.
Daisy fell silent a moment while she poured the tea, stirred in sugar, and handed it to me.
“The currant scones are delicious. Mildred makes the raspberry jam herself. I’ll fix one for you,” she said.
I wasn’t hungry. I tried to resist but couldn’t. “Just a half of one, please, Daisy.”
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.
“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.
“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.”
“Married? You never told me!”
“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.”
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?
The next thing I knew, I passed out again. I woke what seemed to be a few minutes later.
The tea revived me, but the happiness I felt for Daisy turned to anger. Someone had robbed me of Prentice, my dearest friend.
“Start from the beginning, Daisy. I must know everything.”
She handed me a pill and a glass of water. “Here, take this sedative. Doctor’s orders.”
I took the bitter pill and swallowed it. “Thanks.” Then I gave her my full attention.
“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.”
“I don’t remember. But what a blessing she and Nicole came with me for my wedding. Did they go back to California?”
“Yes.”
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.
“Chief Inspector Halsey took their statements and said they were free to go.”
A shred of hope in me stirred. I remembered working with the Chief Inspector on a case. Was it recently? “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?”
“You are full of questions, lady.” She rose and refilled my cup.
“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.”
“They’re lovely. It was so thoughtful of you.”
“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.”
“That’s interesting. I think I remember Parker drove me around London. He is wonderful.”
“Yes, he is. He took care of cancelling the honeymoon arrangements with the concierge.”
I grew sad again.
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.”
She tucked the soft covers around me.
“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.”
I didn’t need convincing. Questions raced through my mind, but I heeded Daisy’s advice and let go of the thoughts.
If someone killed Prentice, I would need all the strength I had to find the truth. 

                                                    
After I awoke, my appetite returned. I sat up as Daisy held the door for Mildred to carry in a tray.
“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.”
“Thank you.”
“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.”
“That’s kind of you, Mildred. Bubble and Squeak looks like mashed potatoes and....” I looked at her for an explanation.
“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.”
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.”
Mildred toddled off.
The dinner was delicious and exactly what I needed at the moment.
Thank you, Lord for provision during this time. You’ve provided a miracle sending Daisy to help. Please give me strength.
I pushed the tray away and Daisy collected it.
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.
I stroked his fur.
“Thanks for sticking by me, sweet dog. At least I still have you.”
The image of Prentice’s body lying cold in a morgue flashed in my mind. I thrust it aside.
No.
I’d always want to think of him standing beside me exchanging vows of loving each other until....
Daisy returned, sat beside the fire, and let out a sigh.
“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.”
“How did you manage to get here so quickly?” I asked. “Didn’t you need a passport?”
She smiled.
“Ah. I actually got one when Douglas and I eloped. We went to Vancouver for our honeymoon.”
There it was again. The honeymoon Prentice and I will never take.
I returned my attention to Daisy and tried to focus on being grateful for her coming.
“How lucky for me. You’re a great comfort, Daisy. Congratulations on getting married. I’m happy for you both.”
She looked pleased.
“I want to know everything that’s going on in the investigation, even the smallest detail. You know how I am.”
Memories of the times I helped solve homicides flooded my brain.
“Only too well, Jillian. From what Walter shared about the ruby necklace incident, I’m sure the Chief Inspector will keep you posted.”
“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.”
“That’s understandable. Take comfort you have me to be your eyes and ears.”
She took a purple notebook from the coffee table. “Here, I brought this for notes.”
“Thank you.”
“There’s a pen in the drawer of your nightstand. Do you feel like writing?”
I considered.
“The night is early. I think we should record everything that happened so I don’t forget. Although, I want to forget.”
“Now, now.” Daisy patted my arm. “Don’t think about that. What do you remember? You talk and I’ll write.”
“Okay. Here goes.”

1. I remember music playing — a classical string quartet.
2. A server placed the salad course in front of Prentice and accidentally knocked over his champagne flute.
3. The server returned with a new glass and disappeared.
4. Eric West, the best man, stood and raised his toast to Prentice.
5. There was applause and everyone sipped champagne.
6. Prentice started to choke, grabbed his throat, then we both stood.
7. He tripped and grabbed my arms.
8. Ann sat next to me so all I could think of was to tell her to call Walter.
9. I blacked out and came to in this room.

“And that’s all you remember?”
“Except I remember hearing Teddy barking. Mac was holding him for me.”
“And Mac is your detective friend from Pacific Beach who helped solve your nephew’s case.”
“Actually, I believe I was the one who helped him, but no matter. He was wonderful to come help me here in London when I got involved with the ruby case.”
Daisy looked over what she’d written.
“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.”
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?
There was certainly none I knew of.
If we could find out why, maybe we could find out who.
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.
Afterward, bundled up in my robe, I joined her next to the fire. My head still hurt but not as badly.
“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?”
She raised her brow and seemed surprised by the question.
“There was my ex-husband.”
“I’ll have to hear the story sometime.”
I was relaxed now. The bath had worked its magic.
“You say you’re rooming with someone with a service dog? What does your roommate suffer from?”
“Mrs. Fisher has crippling arthritis from Lyme’s disease.”
“I didn’t realize it was a problem outside of the United States. How unfortunate for her.”
“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.”
“Do he and Teddy get along?”
“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.”
Two days? I must have hit my head hard to be out that long.
Daisy helped me to bed and handed me another sedative.
“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.”
“Thanks, Daisy.”
A sound from outside jarred me. “Do I hear thunder?”
Daisy peered out the bank of windows.
“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.”
Teddy jumped off the bed when Daisy mentioned the word walk and headed for the coat rack where his red leash dangled.
She secured the leash to his collar and the two headed for the door.
“We won’t be gone long.”
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.
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.
Waves of sadness and self-pity gave way to anger, then to determination to find his killer.



Read more!
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See you in my books!
~Nancy Jill 

Monday, August 12, 2019

How Does Jillian Make a New Lifelong Friend in "The Mark of Eden"?


The Mark of Eden Book 4

From the back cover...

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?


CHAPTER ONE


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.
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.
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.
Last call. Yes, old Mr. Pascal and his nine houseplants. She had cared for them this past year and a half.
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.
As she started up the walkway, she noticed the blinds were closed.
She hoped he was home.
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.
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.
“Mr. Pascal? It’s Daisy, The Plant Lady. Anybody home?” She called again even louder.
Not home?
She decided to check her calendar to make sure she had the right day, although she seldom got her appointments wrong.
“That’s strange.” She found it was indeed the correct day. “I’d better check my phone to see if he left a message.”
There was no message from him.
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.
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.
“I’ll try the back and see if I can get in.”
She couldn't ignore someone who might be in need.
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!
Daisy wondered if he might be in the shower, but the water wasn't running—that she could hear.
“Mr. Pascal?” She called softly at first. She finally yelled. “Mr. Pascal, are you home?”
He was sitting in his recliner in the living room, presumably taking a nap. The TV was on, the volume turned low.
Daisy knew he was hard of hearing, so she called his name in a crisp tone as she walked toward him.
Mr. Pascal did not answer. In fact, he didn’t move at all.
Oh dear. He’s dead. Mr. Pascal’s dead!
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.
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 was elderly, and people did often die like that.
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.
With her hands shaking, Daisy called 911, then left through the back door and went to her van to wait for the police.
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.
“Are you the one who called?”
“Yes, sir. I’m Daisy Larsen.”
“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.”
Daisy could only nod briefly at the introductions.
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.
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.
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.
“I need to get your statement. What did you say your last name was?”
“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.”
“When was that?” The chief made an entry in his notes.
“It was two weeks ago. I do his plants bi-weekly.”
“And that was the last time you saw Mr. Pascal alive, correct?”
“Yes, it was.”
The chief noticed the sadness in her voice.
“May I get your address and phone information?” He continued to make notes.
Daisy took in the room. How had Mr. Pascal become such a neat housekeeper all of a sudden?
Glancing at the mantel, Daisy said softly, “It’s gone.”
“Ma’am?” asked Deputy Mueller, “What’s gone?”
“Her picture. Mr. Pascal’s picture of his wife is missing. It was in a beautiful silver-filigreed frame. He always keeps it, or kept it, where he could see it when he sat in his chair. Now it’s gone.”
The chief stopped writing. “Who do you think might have taken it?”
“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.”
“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.”
“Thank you,” said Daisy. “It’s the least we can do if someone killed him.”
“Truthfully, ma’am, if this is a homicide, we’d better find the killer or he might kill again, if he hasn’t already.” The chief paused and thought back a few years when another middle-aged woman had raised similar questions at a crime scene.
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.”
“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.”
“Thank you, Ms. Larsen. We’ll be in touch and talk to you later.”
“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.”
“I’m sure that would be okay. I’ll let you know when you can come get them.”
“Thank you. I’m sure Mr. Pascal would have appreciated it.”
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.”
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. 


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.
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.
The newlyweds took the sidewalk down the street toward the aquarium, strolling hand in hand.
“Happy?” Walter Montoya, Jr. looked lovingly at his new wife.
“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!”
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.”
Cecilia smiled in a knowing way and let go of his hand.
“I don’t believe it was luck at all.”
“You mean you believe it was fate?”
“Well, yes and no.”
“I know,” he said in a kidding kind of way. “You think God worked this all out ahead of time, don’t you?”
She looked at him a little defensively and slowed her walk.
“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?”
“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.”
“Look.” She nodded to the right. “The aquarium is just up ahead.”
They started to walk towards the entrance, but Cecilia held back.
“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 wanted to.”
“Sure, honey. We’ll sit down over here while you make your call.” After sitting down on a bench, Cecilia called her father.
A family passed by and stood in line to get their tickets while Walter waited patiently.
Cecilia frowned. “He’s not answering.”
“Maybe his battery is dead.”
“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.”
But the moment those words left Cecilia’s lips, she felt a slight pang of doubt. 


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.
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.
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.”
“No, it’s quite all right, Jillian. It’s always 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 San Francisco Enterprise.”
Dr. Sinclair extended his hand, “This is a pleasure, Ms. Bradley. I’ve seen your column in the Enterprise. 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.
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!”
The tiny dog yipped excitedly several times because of the attention.

Jillian admonished his behavior.
“Bad dog,” she said, placing her fingertip firmly on his nose. ”We don’t bark inside stores.”
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.
“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.”
“I see. I’m sorry for your loss, but who is this little guy?”
“This is Teddy number two.”
Jillian turned to Dr. Sinclair and smiled.
He didn’t seem to mind the interruption of his business with Prentice. “Please go on, I’d like to hear the explanation, too.”
“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.”
Prentice nodded. “He was quite a dog, as I remember.”
“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.”
“And you did.” Ira looked approving.
“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!”
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.”
Jillian studied the entrepreneur for a moment. “Are you an art lover, Dr. Sinclair?”
“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.”
“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.”
“I like that.” Ira nodded. “Prentice, I think I should get to know this lady better.”
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.
“I should be getting back to work, and it’s time for Teddy’s nap. Dr. Sinclair….”
“Please, call me Ira.”
“Well, Ira, it was nice meeting you.”
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.”
Jillian took the card and felt both flattered and honored at the interest he was taking in her. He was self-confident, for sure.
“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.”
“Are we still on for dinner tomorrow evening?” Prentice made it a point.
“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.
Dr. Ira Sinclair watched her in admiration until she was out of sight.
Turning back to Prentice, he asked, “How long has she been a widow?”
“Too long,” said Prentice. 

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. I really don’t have time. He was probably only flirting with me. 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.
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.
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.
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.
Teddy was tuckered out after the training session.
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.
“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.
“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.
“No cookies this time. I have to keep this weight off or I won’t fit into anything.”
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.
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.
    Please call me.Cecilia
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 suppose I’ll soon find out.
It was Walter who answered Jillian’s call, which surprised her.
“Is everything all right? I just got Cecilia’s e-mail.”
“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?”
“Just fine, thanks. I’m in the process of training him. He’s very smart, I’m happy to say.”
“I’m glad. I’m handing the phone to Cecilia. I’ll talk to you later.”
“Jillian?” Cecilia sounded concerned, no matter what Walter had said.
“I just got your message. What’s the matter, dear?”
“I’m not sure anything is the matter. I just needed to talk to you and get your advice.”
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.
“I’ve tried to call my dad several times and I can’t reach him. I’m worried that something has happened.”
“Did you try calling his work?”
“Yes. They said he told them he was taking some time off and would let them know when he was coming back.”
“That doesn’t sound like your father, Cecilia. Did he actually talk to them?”
“No. That’s just it. They received an e-mail. They called him, of course, but he never answered. Jillian, I’m really worried.”
“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.
“I know, Jillian, but it’s just not like him to go off like this and not let me know.”
Cecilia began to break down and cry.
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.
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.”
“What is it, Walter? How could it be worse unless they found him…?”
“Yeah. Only it’s not her dad they found. It was another older gentleman.”
“In Half Moon Bay?”
“Yeah. I was checking with work when I came across it.”
“I thought you were supposed to be on your honeymoon.”
“I only checked after Cecilia couldn’t get hold of her dad.”
“I see. Does this mean you’ll be coming home soon?”
“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.”
“You can tell me all about it when you get home. Now what can I do in the meantime? Just tell me.”
“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.”
“I will, Walter. Tell Cecilia I love her and not to worry. I will pray. Take care now, and I’ll see you when you get home.”


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See you in my books!
~Nancy Jill