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

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 17, 2019

Jillian’s Garden Club’s Fall Color Tour Interrupted by Murder Book 9 “Murder at Mirror Lake”

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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.



CHAPTER ONE


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.
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.
It wasn’t that the trip turned out badly – the visit was quite enjoyable, except for the uncomfortable way we parted.
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.
“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.”
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.”
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.
When we arrived, I noticed other garden club members’ cars parked in front. It appeared Nicole King and Dominique Summers were early.
Or was I late?
“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.
“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.
Within seconds, Ann answered the door wearing a turquoise sleeveless blouse and a pair of dressy white slacks. As always, she looked stunning.
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.
“Jillian!” She gave me a hug and peck on the cheek.
“Good to see you, Ann. I Hope you don’t mind Teddy coming with me.”
“Not at all. Teddy is always welcome. Come in.” She gently scratched his ear. “Hi, little cutie.”
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.
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.
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 her beautiful, long black tresses and me with my shoulder length blonde hair.
“How was your trip?” she asked.
A typical question I would ask someone. Why did I hedge?
“I had a good time. Thanks for asking. How’s your family?” Would she notice my avoiding the subject?
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.”
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.
“Before Jillian tells us all about her trip, let’s have a walk in the garden,” Ann said. “Afterward, we’ll have tea.”
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.
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.
Ann was an accomplished gardener as well as a host extraordinaire.
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.
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.
“I’m serving your favorite mix of Darjeeling and Earl Grey in honor of your return trip, Jillian.”
“How nice. Thank you. I’m convinced it tastes like the tea we had in London.”
I swallowed hard, remembering the good times. And the bad.
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.
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.
“We can’t wait any longer, Jillian. Tell us about Costa Rica,” Ann said.
The others chuckled.
I took a long sip of tea and offered Teddy a bite of quiche.
He almost bit my hand off. Maybe I didn’t feed him enough breakfast this morning,
“I’m sorry, Ann. You were saying?”
The women stared at me, astonished!
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 botanical research facility where he works at the university. You know how much he’s into orchids.”
My friends looked serious. They must have known something had happened between Vincent and me.
“So, what happened?” Nicole asked.
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.”
Gasps all around the table.
Dominique scrunched her face. “Wasn’t going to marry you or couldn’t marry you, Jillian?”
“He may have said couldn’t, but all I heard was the ‘wasn’t’ part.” 
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.”
My friends sat stunned, but only for a few moments until they followed me into the living room.
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.”
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.”
“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.”
Nicole hugged me. “We love you, Jillian.”
“We’re your friends and we care about you,” Dominique said.
She had a point.
I caught Nicole whispering to Ann in a conspiratorial manner. What were they up to?
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.
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.
Teddy licked my hand as if trying to console me.
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.”
“We can understand,” Nicole said. “You’ve suffered from the loss of two husbands.”
“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!”
“It’s okay, Jillian,” Ann said. “Speaking of which, if we’re finished, I think it’s time for the surprise.”
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.
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.
“Refills?” Ann asked. She poured more steaming tea into my cup.
“How’s the godson, D.J., doing these days?” Dominique sipped her tea. “He’s almost two isn’t he?”
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.”
“Oh, right.” Nicole used her napkin to wipe the corner of her mouth. “How do you like living in your new cottage? It was the old worker’s house you renovated on the back of your property, wasn’t it?”
“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.”
“I’m sure we’ll all eventually reach that point.” Nicole was being kind as usual.
As we finished eating, Dominique began clearing away dishes. “I can’t wait for Jillian to hear about the surprise.”
Nicole smiled. “Ann, may I help you with dessert?”
“Sure, I could use an extra set of hands.”
All three of my friends sang me Happy Birthday as Nicole carried in the fresh strawberry cake lit with a single candle.
I was touched. “Oh, thank you!”
Teddy yipped as if he expected me to give him a morsel, which made my friends chuckle.
“Make a wish, Jillian,” Ann said.
I closed my eyes, made a special wish to find the truth about Vincent, and blew out the candle.
“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.
“I’ll clean up later,” Ann said. “Let’s all go into the living room for the surprise.”
My curiosity was peaked! I took a seat on the sofa and held Teddy in my lap.
“What have you ladies been up to?” I asked. No visible birthday presents anywhere.  
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.”
“We think we should take a girl’s getaway at least once before we’re too far over the hill,” Nicole said.
Dominique sat back and crossed her legs.
“You’ve mentioned on more than one occasion how much you’d love to see New England in the fall, Jillian,” Ann said.
“I’ve always dreamed of going to upstate New York. I’ve heard raves from people who’ve been there.”
“So if you’d like to join Nicole and me....”
“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.
“We’ve planned a trip for the three of us!” Ann said.
Words wouldn’t come. After a moment, I said, “What a perfectly awesome idea!”
“Oh, good!” Ann said.
“I knew you’d like the idea.” Nicole hugged me.
“This is quite a birthday gift!” I was kidding, of course. “I don’t mind paying my own way.”
Nicole and Ann smiled at each other.
“It’s only part of the surprise.” Dominique uncrossed and crossed her legs again. “Why don’t you tell her the best part, Ann?”
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.”
Nicole chimed in.
“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.”
“Who was she?” I asked.
“Do you remember Ingrid Sorenson?” Ann asked.
I racked my brain.
“The woman who headed the master gardener program at LaBelles Nursery in Canyon Grove?” I leaned forward.
Teddy jumped off my lap, positioned himself at my feet, ears cocked, and waited for a morsel of cake.
I slipped him a tiny bite of strawberries and whipped cream, which he accepted gratefully with a wag of his tail.
“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.”
“Of course, Ann and I will stay at the inn. We reserved a suite overlooking Mirror Lake.”
“Mirror Lake?” I sat up. “That’s where we’re going? Isn’t it near Lake Placid where the winter Olympics was held?”
Dominique quickly checked Google for the information. “The one in 1932 and in 1980.”
“So you’re in, Jillian?” Ann nodded.
“I would love to see Ingrid again. What’s she doing in Lake Placid?”
Nicole accepted another refill from Ann, and spoke.
“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.”
“How does she like living in upstate New York?” I asked.
Ann shrugged. “She said she loves the Adirondacks and most of the people she works with.”
Most was not lost on me.
Dominique furrowed her brow. “Didn’t Claire get married around here somewhere? Was it at the Canyon Grove Country Club?”
“I remember attending her wedding,” I said. “It was at Elliston Vineyards in Canyon Grove. A beautiful wedding, as I recall.”
“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.”
Nicole was always busy with clients since she knew how to make profitable investments.
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.”
“Organic seems to be the trend now.” Dominique slipped the strap of her purse over her shoulder to leave.
“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.”
“It must have been the Olympic influence. Don’t they call sites like Lake Placid ‘Olympic villages?’”
Ann’s comment triggered images in my mind of snow covered mountain chalets.
“Wait a minute.” She took out her cell phone. “I have a picture of Mirror Lake Inn.”
The hotel reminded me of the inn in the movie White Christmas 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.”
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.”
“Interesting.” I wondered if Ingrid’s comment referred to one of the family.
Teddy started for the front door.
“Woof!” He barked.
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.
I secured Teddy’s leash. “By the way, when is the trip?”
“We leave mid-September.” Ann handed me my purse. “I was told it’s the peak season for leaf peepers.”
“Leaf peepers?” I asked.
She smiled. “That’s what they call us.”
“I can’t wait!”
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.
I shuddered.

Read more!
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See you in my books!

~Nancy Jill

Monday, September 2, 2019

A Stabbing...A Jewel Theft...As if Jillian’s Wedding isn’t Enough to Think About

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The Ruby of Siam 
Book 7


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? An old acquaintance from San Diego offers his help, but will it be enough to solve the mystery? Perhaps the jewel has a curse.


PROLOGUE

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.
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.
The sound of a vehicle approaching caused him to stiffen. When the headlights grew brighter, Lucas inhaled and slowly released his breath.
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.
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.
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 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.
The accomplice rolled up the window and drove away as Lucas stepped back and watched the car disappear.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
In the dim light, he realized it was not the accomplice. Fear washed over him. Someone appeared to be searching for him.
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.

CHAPTER ONE


Prentice knelt on one knee and held my hands – the proposal was about to begin.
To sit in his lovely parlor underneath a 15th 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.
“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.”
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.
“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. Wife again – no longer a widow. Life would be different.
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.
Prentice joined me on the sofa and put his arms around me.
It caused Teddy to stir, but he fell back asleep.
Holding me tight, my fiancé spoke. “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.”
I wondered what he was trying to tell me.
“Beginning with?” I pulled away for a moment and faced him.
“Our wedding. I hope you will understand.”
Was I marrying a spy? A secret government agent? These were the only people I knew with commitments that overshadowed personal issues.
I crossed my arms. “Try me.”
Teddy stretched, obviously asleep.
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. 
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.”
There was no hesitation.
“London? In that case, I have a question.”
“Just one, darling?”
“Well, two actually.”
He stroked Teddy.
Had Prentice read my mind?
“First, what about Teddy? Second, who will be in the wedding party? This doesn’t sound like it’s going to be easy.”
Prentice sat next to me again, took my hand and kissed it.
“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 my friends attending the Frieze will stand up for me, I’m certain. In fact, I’m thinking of a couple who owe me favors.”
“What about your sons?”
“Too busy with their work and family commitments. I know from experience. We’ll plan something when we return home.”
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.

With spring gardening tasks completed, planting bulbs and pruning dead branches from the shrubs, I attended the Lovejoy 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.
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.
With everything ready, I boarded a plane with two garden club friends, Ann Fieldman and Nicole Summers, as attendants and headed for London.
Teddy rode in cargo.
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.
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.
The driver stepped forward. “Mrs. Bradley? If you will allow me to collect your luggage and then follow me, madam.”
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.
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.
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.
Grabbing me before I tried to stand, he held me close. “Take care of my family.” His voice was only a whisper.
All I could do was nod.
The man’s grasp loosened as he collapsed and died.
Teddy whined in pity.
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.
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.
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.
Oh, my knee stung! Must have skinned it from the fall. My head hurt – I couldn’t think clearly anymore. A concussion?
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.
When I woke up, Prentice bent over me as I lay in bed. Had I been dreaming? The room seemed as if it were the dream.
“Oh, my head.” I groaned.
Prentice patted me.
I looked around the bed. “Where’s Teddy?”
“Easy now, sweetheart. He’s next to you.”
I turned slowly to where he pointed.
Teddy pricked up his silky little ears and cocked his head as if to say, “Are you all right, Mistress?”
Prentice offered me a glass of water from the nightstand.
“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. 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?”
I searched my brain trying to remember. “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.
“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.”
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?
“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.”
I closed my eyes.
Prentice tucked me in and kissed me on the forehead.
I fell asleep, exhausted. 
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.
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.
A band was playing for a formal ceremony some five stories below. I was watching the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace!
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.
In walked one of my oldest and dearest friends, Ann Fieldman.
“Jillian, you’re out of bed.” She rushed to my side. “You shouldn’t be up. The doctor said you may have a concussion.”
“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.
“Where’s Nicole?”
“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?”
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?”
“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.”
“Ann, I’m hungry.”
“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.”
I had to smile even though to do so hurt. “Ann, you’re marvelous.”
The door opened and in walked Nicole carrying Teddy in her arms.
“You’re awake.” She placed Teddy in my lap. “He was a good boy and went potty. How’s your head?”
“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.”
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 butler.”
“A what?” I tried to process the information. My head still hurt.
“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?”
Someone rapped on the door and called out. “Your luncheon, madam.”
Nicole walked toward the summons. “I’ll get it.”
In walked our driver from the airport followed by a young man pushing a covered cart.
Barnes bowed slightly. “Shall I serve now?”
After I nodded yes, Barnes motioned for the server to set lunch out on the small table beside the window.
A grandfather clock chimed once. One o’clock.
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.”
“Thank you, Barnes. Has Mr. Duvall left a message?”
The butler paused.
“No, madam. Do you require anything else?”
“That’s all for now. Please inform me of any messages.”
How I wished Prentice had come to visit.
Nicole waved and started to walk to her room. “I’ll check on Teddy a little later. You should try to eat.”
“Thanks, Nicole.”
Ann followed suit. “I’ll be in the bedroom if you need me. I’ll leave you to your lunch.”
I nodded in appreciation. Such a blessing to have dear friends with me.
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.
I heard Teddy growling and scratching on his tote in the corner, tipping the contents over on the floor.
Out spilled an exquisite ruby necklace.
“Teddy! Where did this come from?”
He made all sorts of sounds and whines as if trying to tell me.
My friends slept on.
“This looks valuable. A gift from Prentice? Doesn’t seem to be his style, though.”
To get attention again, Teddy yawned with a groan.
From what I’d read, dogs did this when stressed.
“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?”
Teddy ruffed.
“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.
I dressed quickly and put the amulet in a small jewelry case I’d brought with me.
After I’d hidden it in a safe place, I returned to the room and lay down with Teddy beside me.
Oh, I had been clever, but I wondered where this untimely treasure might lead.

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See you in my books!
~Nancy Jill