For the Birds: Rose Gardner Investigations #2 (Rose Gardner Investigatons) Read online

  The shop was filled with about twenty of Violet’s friends from the garden club, high school, and church, and even a few customers had shown up to welcome her home.

  I glanced down to make sure her face was still clean and her hair was held back in the braids Neely Kate had given her. I wanted both kids to look their absolute best when Violet arrived. “Soon. Your daddy sent a message that they should be here any time now.”

  Neely Kate bounced Mikey on her hip as she walked around the shop pointing out objects and asking him to tell her what they were. She looked over at me and smiled.

  “Let’s go see if Miss Maeve needs us to do anything,” I said, tucking Ashley’s hand in mine and walking over to the register.

  Maeve stared out the window with an anxious look in her eyes.

  “She’s going to love her welcome home party, Maeve,” I said. “I promise.”

  Maeve turned to face me. “I hope she doesn’t think I was trying to take over or usurp her position.”

  “I know for a fact she doesn’t,” I reassured her. Maeve was Mason’s mother, but she’d become more like a mother to me than my own momma had been. We’d agreed to stay in each other’s lives after my breakup with Mason, but I think it was harder than either of us had expected. “Violet has told me time and again how much she appreciates you filling in while she’s been gone.” I reached over and grabbed her hand, making her look me in the eyes. “And she’s so happy you’re going to stay on, Maeve. She told me so herself. She won’t be able to work more than a few hours a day at the most. She still needs to get her strength back.”

  “I just don’t want to overstep my bounds.”

  “You aren’t.”

  Ashley pulled free and ran to the door. “They’re here!”

  Mike’s car was pulling into a parking space we’d purposely left open for him. It was close to the door so Violet wouldn’t have as far to walk.

  My stomach twisted into what felt like a pretzel, and I suddenly felt Neely Kate next to me, snagging my hand with her free one. I shot her a questioning glance, and she nodded—a silent way of telling me she was there for me, whatever I needed.

  I squeezed back, feeling guilty about how this morning had unfolded. What with the kids, a client appointment at the office, and the excitement of the welcome home party, I hadn’t had a chance to tell her about Levi coming with us tonight . . . or about the flyer, which had stuck with me. Bruce Wayne was right—I did like investigating—but maybe if I focused on finding Squawker, I’d be less tempted to get wrapped up in the situation with Scooter.

  “We need to talk later, okay?” I said in a hopeful voice. “I’m sorry I’ve been keepin’ things from you.”

  “You hush now,” she scolded with a soft smile. “You’ve got nothing to be sorry for. I’ve done the same thing. Maybe we can start dolin’ out our secrets little by little so we don’t feel naked from sharing them.”

  I nodded. “That sounds like a good idea.”

  Her smile warmed my chest, and I realized how lucky I was to have two sisters—one by blood and one of my heart.

  The door opened and Violet stepped into the opening, wearing white shorts and a red off-the-shoulder shirt covered with white flowers. She’d lost so much weight her shoulder blades stuck out and her cheekbones were more prominent than usual. A white scarf was tied around her head, and when she saw the crowd, she self-consciously lifted a hand to touch it.

  Mike, who stood behind her, leaned in to whisper something into her ear as he put his hand on her shoulder. She reached up and covered his hand with her own.

  “You take Mikey,” Neely Kate said, handing over my nephew.

  Ashley was already wrapped around her mother’s legs as I walked over with my nephew in my arms.

  “Welcome home, Violet,” I said, tears filling my eyes. I couldn’t believe how fragile she looked.

  She gave me a hesitant look, and it was like something burst inside me. I reached for her, pulling her into an embrace with one arm as I held Mikey with the other. Ashley still clung to Violet’s legs on the opposite side.

  “I love you,” I whispered as I held her tighter, trying to ignore a spike of fear—she felt like a bundle of bones.

  “I love you too,” she said in a tearful response. She broke loose, swiping a few tears away, and cupped her son’s cheek and looked into his eyes. “Hey, Mikey. Momma’s home.”

  He stared at her with big eyes, and for a moment, I wasn’t sure how he would react. Then he reached for her.

  I worried he’d be too heavy, but Violet put him on her hip as he buried his face into her neck.

  Mike must have shared my concern because he was already making a beeline for the storage room behind the counter. “Maeve, you got a chair back here?”

  “Yes,” Maeve said, following him. “I should have thought of that . . .”

  Violet held both of her children close—her son on her hip and her daughter at her side—as she scanned the group and released a chuckle. “The nursery’s gotten a lot busier since I left.”

  Everyone laughed.

  Tears swam in her eyes. “Y’all have no idea how much this means to me.” Her voice broke. “I know what’s important now.”

  Her gaze drifted to Mike, who had found a chair and was placing it next to the counter.

  Seconds later, he was back at her side, lifting Mikey into his arms and ushering her over to the chair.

  Everyone started talking at once, telling Violet how beautiful she looked in her scarf, how much they’d missed her, and how much she’d missed at home.

  I moved to the back with Neely Kate, on the outside looking in. I’d always felt that way with Violet’s friends. Truth be told, I’d felt that way my entire life until I’d finally decided to take charge of my fate.

  The door opened and Joe walked in, giving me and Neely Kate a grimace when he saw that Violet had already arrived. He glanced at the crowd as he made his way back to us.

  “I got held up, but there’s so many people here, I suspect she hasn’t noticed I’m late.”

  “She just got here no more than five minutes ago,” Neely Kate said.

  “Good turnout,” he said. “That’s good.” Violet’s behavior over the past year or so hadn’t just alienated me—her affair with the married mayor had pushed away a lot of her friends, making Violet, who’d frequently dispensed gossip, the subject of plenty of flapping tongues. It was good to see that her illness had convinced many of them to let bygones be bygones. While I had forgiven her too, and loved her with all my heart, I couldn’t totally forget the things she’d done to me. No matter how hard I tried.

  “Your sister looks happy,” Neely Kate said, watching her with a wistful look.

  Mikey was on her lap, snuggling close, while Mike stood behind her with a hand on her shoulder, as though he was trying to pour strength and comfort into her with his touch.

  Violet did look happy. I hoped she really had learned what was important. I’d always thought Mike was good for her.

  Joe sidled up next to Neely Kate and slung an arm around her shoulders. “Hey, sis. You get a chance to look at the paint samples for my kitchen?”

  “Sorry, Joe. Not yet.”

  “What’s got you so busy lately?” he asked, sounding amused. As far as I knew, he had no idea Neely Kate had up and gone to Ardmore, which was a near-miracle considering how attentive he’d been to her these past few months.

  “The landscapin’ business is boomin’,” she said. “And there’s so much for me to learn.” Neely Kate had learned quickly, and business had slowed down considerably the last couple of weeks.

  Violet’s gaze landed on Joe, and her face lit up.

  “You should go say hi,” I said, giving him a little push.

  “I think there’s room for me now.” He grinned and headed over.

  Since Neely Kate and I had a moment alone, I decided now was as good a time as any to bring up the invitation I’d issued to Levi.

  “Since I was dr
essed up today, I picked up something for Levi when I got our lunch.”

  Neely Kate perked up. “You did?” Her excitement shifted to confusion. “But you ate with us.”

  “I didn’t plan on staying, which was good since he didn’t have time to eat with me. I was just fixin’ to do something nice for him.”

  She bumped her shoulder into mine. “I’m sure he appreciated it.”

  “He was pleasantly surprised.” I paused. “He asked me to go out with him tonight.”

  “Oh.” Her grin softened. “See? I knew wearin’ that outfit would pay off.”

  “I’m not canceling our plans,” I said. “I told him you and I were going to the carnival, but I invited him to come along. Are you upset?”

  “Upset? No! I’m excited for you. You know I wholeheartedly approve of Levi.” Then she made a face. “But I don’t want to be a third wheel.”

  “You’re not. I only invited him because he thought I was giving him the brush-off after our last date. And when I told him no again . . . well, I didn’t want him to think I really was avoiding him. I’m sorry.” Neely Kate and I had been treading on shaky ground ever since her trip, and now I felt like I’d messed up again.

  “Rose! No. Don’t be sorry. I don’t mind if Levi comes. I’m just sayin’ I’ll stay home so you two can have a real date.”

  I stared at her in disbelief. “But last week you were dyin’ to go to the carnival.”

  She shrugged and then gave me a devious grin. “I’d rather let you and Dr. Levi have a romantic evening together.”

  “At the carnival?”

  “Of course! Clinging to him at the top of the Ferris wheel—on top of the world . . . you can see half the town from up there.”

  I chuckled. “And who would want to see half of Henryetta?”

  She laughed and shoved my arm. “You have no romantic imagination.”

  My smile wavered. I did have romantic imagination. I just had it with the wrong man, whom I was desperate to forget. “I’m gonna take your word on that, but I still feel bad because you were the whole reason we were goin’ in the first place.”

  She lifted a shoulder into a half-shrug. “The kids have worn me out. I’ll stay home with Muffy. She’s probably lonely since we left her at the farm by herself today. I’ll sit out on the front porch and watch her play while I read a book.”

  Everything she said sounded true, yet I couldn’t help thinking there was something she wasn’t telling me. “Are you sure?”

  “Yes! Men don’t get much better than Levi Romano. You can’t let him get away, because there are women lining up to go out with him.”

  “Literally,” I said. “On his appointment books.”

  “Well then, that’s settled. Let’s get some cupcakes before Miss Mildred starts stuffing them into her purse.”

  A quick glance at the refreshments table proved she wasn’t exaggerating. My eighty-three-year-old former neighbor was holding two cupcakes over her open purse. Miss Mildred was eccentric, but I never would have thought her capable of sneaking cupcakes.

  “Hey, Miss Mildred,” Neely Kate said. “Whatcha doin’ with those cupcakes?”

  She spun to face us, looking flustered. “Why, I’m gonna eat ’em, of course.”

  “Two of them?” Neely Kate leaned closer and peered into her purse. “And you’re takin’ two more home for later?”

  “We have a box you can put those in so you don’t muck up your purse,” I said, trying not to laugh.

  Irritation filled her eyes. “Are you the cupcake police?”

  “Sorry, Miss Mildred,” Neely Kate said. “I’m just worried you’re gonna give yourself diabetes.”

  “I can manage my own daggum diabetes.”

  Miss Mildred wandered off, grumping about “meddlin’ girls,” but I didn’t pay her any mind. Bruce Wayne had just walked in; he’d changed since this morning, and his hair was damp. I watched as Anna headed straight for him and gave him a welcoming kiss. Bruce Wayne smiled at her like she was the only woman alive, and my heart nearly burst with happiness for him. He’d had a rough childhood, devoid of the affection and regard he deserved, and while his friends, myself included, had helped him change his life with our love and friendship, Anna was the one who’d truly brought out the man he was today.

  My traitorous mind was quick to turn to James. He was a different man today than the one I’d first met. Jed had once told me that I made James a better man and leader, and James himself had showed me time and again that he truly respected my opinions. He’d also trusted me enough to show me his vulnerable side, something he usually revealed to no one.

  Fool that I was, I’d started falling for him. And even though I knew better, I couldn’t seem to stop.

  Chapter 5

  A half hour later, Mike told me that he was going to take Violet and the kids home. “We’ll help load the kids’ things in your car,” Neely Kate said.

  “Thanks,” Mike said. As she walked away, he said, “And thanks for putting this welcome home party together for Violet. I know we were all worried it might be too much, but it really meant a lot to her.”

  I pulled him into a hug. “She’s loved. I wanted her to know how much people care about her. But I’d really like to spend some time alone with her. I was hopin’ I could come by and maybe bring y’all some dinner.”

  “That’s sweet,” he said. “But the church has that covered. How about you call tomorrow and see if she’s up to it?”

  My heart hurt from his words. Had she told him to keep me away? I will not cry. “Oh. I hadn’t heard anything about the dinners. I’m surprised Jonah didn’t mention it.”

  “Not the New Living Hope Revival Church. The Baptist church. The one we went to before we were separated.”

  “Oh.” But if they were making another go of being together, I guessed it made sense.

  He leaned closer. “Can I ask your help with something else?”

  “Of course. Anything I can do to help make her transition home easier.”

  “Since Violet’s moving in with me, she wants to sell your mother’s house, but she’s still too weak to take care of it. Can you make the arrangements?”

  I blinked. “What?” Then I shook my head as his words sank in. “Momma left it to Violet, not me.”

  A hard look filled his eyes. “Are you sayin’ you won’t help?”

  “No, that’s not it at all. But I think this is something Violet and I need to discuss.” What had gotten into him? I’d known Mike since I was a teenager, and he’d never been unkind to me, let alone belligerent. “Have I done something to offend you, Mike?”

  He gave me a long look. “It’s been a draining day for Violet. I need to get her home. I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t mention this to her. She’s tired enough as it is.”

  Then he turned around and announced to everyone that he was taking his family home.

  After Violet and Mike left with the kids, Neely Kate and I helped Maeve and Anna clean up. I couldn’t stop stewing about what Mike had said. I was probably making too much out of it, but I planned to talk to Violet about the house the first chance I got. I sent her a text.

  Let me know when you’re settled in. I love and miss you.

  While we were packing up the leftover cupcakes, Neely Kate got a phone call. After taking a quick look at the screen, she said, “I’ll be right back.” Then she headed out the front door before answering.

  This had happened several times since her trip last week. I had a feeling she was talking to Jed, that he was one of her secrets. It fit with the way she’d looked after her longer-than-usual absence this morning, plus the easy way she’d blown off the carnival. I kept waiting for her to tell me of her own volition, but it was starting to look like that wasn’t going to happen. Was it because she didn’t think I’d understand? Jed was amazing, and I couldn’t have picked a better man for her. So why didn’t she want to tell me?

  She came back several minutes later, looking happier than she had
all day, and I couldn’t help feeling hurt. I wanted to share this with her.

  After we got into my truck, I turned to Neely Kate, about to ask her about Jed. She beat me to it. “I have something to tell you.”

  I grabbed her hand. “Neely Kate, I want you to know I’m totally supportive.”

  Surprise filled her eyes, and then her face broke out into a beaming smile. “Really? Did you overhear my phone call?” She waved a hand in dismissal. “I don’t care if you were eavesdropping. I just can’t believe you’re okay with this.”

  “Why wouldn’t I be? I wish you’d trust me.”

  “It’s just that you’ve been so resistant to starting something in the past.”

  Had I? Carter Hale, her divorce attorney, had made it clear that he was interested in her, and I’d hinted I didn’t approve. Had I not made it clear enough that I just didn’t approve of him? He wasn’t a bad man, but he would have used her and spit her out. Jed, though . . . I’d literally trusted that man with my life, and I’d seen firsthand how much he cared about Neely Kate. He’d sooner cut off his own hand than hurt her. “I’m sorry if I’ve given you that impression,” I said. “But if this makes you happy, how can I not support it?”

  She shook her head in amazement. “I seriously can’t believe this. Since we don’t have any plans this afternoon, why don’t we head over there now?”

  “To the pool hall?”

  “The pool hall? Why would we go to the pool hall? We’re headin’ to his office.”

  “He has his own office?” How come I’d never known that?

  “Of course he has an office! Any legit P.I. does.”

  I blinked. “Wait, what?”

  “Kermit Cooper. The P.I. we’re workin’ with.”

  That was the absolute last thing I had expected to hear.

  “He said if we showed up this afternoon, he’d get us started on our first case.”

  “A case?”

  “Of course a case. Why else would we be working with a private investigator?”

  Why indeed . . . “How did you find Kimmel . . . ?”

  “Kermit. And it was serendipity.”