Hyacinth and Homicide Read online

Vivica started to relax as she saw her friend relax.

  “Enough about me and my big belly. Tell me what’s going on with you and Black Orchid?”

  Vivica leaned back on the pillows with Winifred.

  “So much to do, so little time,” Vivica answered.

  “How’s the kiosk coming along?”

  “Good, I should be able to officially open by midweek. I need to complete the biker interviews first which means I will still be delivering if I don’t get someone else on the bike. I can’t man the kiosk and the bike too, you know?”

  “Makes sense. Just wish I could help, but considering my current condition…”

  “I know if you could you would,” Vivica replied.

  “Okay, that’s the work stuff. What about the other stuff?”

  “What other stuff,” Vivica inquired.

  She felt Winifred roll her eyes without even looking directly at her.

  “The sheriff stuff,” Winifred begrudged. “I would have thought after you all cracked that last case, he would be all over you.”

  “Johnathan is all business all the time,” Vivica replied “Although, there were some flourishes,” she said, just to get Winifred going. And it did.

  “Please tell me,” Winnie begged. “I won’t tell you how long it’s been since I’ve experienced flourishes.” The two women giggled and then Vivica spoke again.

  “It's just, there were these moments, where it felt like we were still connected; like time and distance hadn’t really come between us.

  “You still love him, don’t you?” Winnie asked.

  “I will always care about Johnathan, but I’m not sure I would call it love.”

  “Mmhmm,” Winnie replied. “I’ve seen how you two looks at each other.”

  “You weren’t even there,” Vivica challenged.

  “Not this time but if the grape stomp a few weeks back was any indication, then yeah, there’s still some magic there.”

  Vivica wanted to quickly deny that there was any truth to what Winifred said. But she couldn’t. If she was honest with herself, she did still truly care for Johnathan. She probably always would, considering he was her first love. No one Vivica encountered since had even come close.

  “Nah, nothing’s going to come of fond feelings,” Vivica protested. “Besides, I am too busy building my floral empire!

  Chapter Three

  Vivica hung out with Winifred and her family for most of the afternoon. She had a wonderful time but needed to get back to Mulberry Grove if she intended to put in some real work before going to bed. The drive back was equally as pleasant as the drive out, but this time, Vivica jammed the radio as she navigated the Dahlonega roads back to the bed and breakfast. As she pulled up the driveway, Vivica heard a long howl. A smile moved across her lips. It was Maximus.

  He must have rested well, Vivica thought as she turned in the circular drive and parked her car. Max ran out to greet her; his tail wagging enthusiastically. Reaching down, Vivica patted Max on the head and the two took the front stairs together and entered the B&B. There was more activity inside than when Vivica left. Mr. Caldwell sat in the study pontificating with another guest. Mildred entertained a few of the younger guests with a snack at the kitchen table, and Ms. Sophie made her presence known meandering from room to room conversing with whomever she ran into. Vivica noticed Boris perched near the top of the staircase. The conversation in the study must have temporarily displaced him and Boris was not pleased.

  Vivica made her way over to her aunt.

  “You are just in time,” Mildred replied. “I thought we would have more guests checking out, but a few have decided to extend their stay. I could use some help in the kitchen if you could spare me a few minutes.

  “Of course,” Vivica chimed.

  Meals were a big part of the Mulberry Grove experience; that and Mildred’s unique wine selection. While Mildred attended to the food in the kitchen, Vivica used her skills to set up the dining room table. Mildred directed Vivica to set out the spring dinnerware, replete with seasonal blossoms edging the plates and saucers. Once that task was complete, Vivica returned to the kitchen to see if she could be of further assistance. Mildred had the kitchen smelling wonderful.

  “What’s on tonight’s menu?”

  “Well, I decided to keep it simple and do a Sunday favorite,” Aunt Mildred replied. “We’ve got some fried chicken, a few slices of ham, potato salad, black eye peas, candied yams with marshmallows, a fresh tossed salad, hot dinner rolls, pink lemonade and tea to drink and for dessert, my grandmother’s famous caramel layer cake with vanilla ice cream on the side.”

  “If that’s simple, auntie, I can’t wait for fancy.” Just hearing the menu made Vivica eager for dinner.

  It didn’t take Mildred long to have everything together. She walked into the lobby and rang the dinner bell, calling all the guests to the dining room table. The savory aroma of the meal must have piqued their senses too, as it didn’t take long for patrons to file into the dining area and take a seat at the table. Even Maximus and Boris eased their way in, hoping for a morsel or two from Mildred’s Sunday afternoon spread. Once everyone was seated, Mildred looked around the table and noticed one chair was empty. She scanned the group again as they began to eat to determine who that missing person was. Signaling to Vivica who was returning to the dining room with a fresh pitcher of lemonade, Mildred speculated as to the guest's absence; cross-referencing in her mind those who checked out and those who remained.

  “Do me a favor, dear. Would you go upstairs and see if Braxton is in his room? He may have missed the dinner bell.”

  “Sure auntie,” Vivica replied setting the pitcher down on the serving table. Excusing herself from the room, Vivica walked down the hall and made her way upstairs. Mr. Gingham’s room was the second from the last on the left-hand side. The hallway was quiet apart from what sounded like a television or radio from someone’s room. Once Vivica arrived at Mr. Gingham’s door, she looked down to see if Mr. Gingham had hung the do not disturb sign he was so fond of using. There was no sign, so she knocked and then waited for a response. After she didn’t hear anything, Vivica rapped on the door again.

  “Mr. Gingham, it’s dinner time.”

  Vivica waited again to see if there was a response of some kind, but there was nothing.

  “Hmm,” she muttered, retracing her steps down the hallway and down the stairs.

  “Maye he’s outside,” Vivica mused aloud. Making her way to the front door, Vivica double-checked the lobby and the study. There was no Mr. Gingham. She opened the front door and heard padded steps behind her.

  “Nobody dropping anything, Maximus,” Vivica asked as her four-legged friend fell in step with her. Stepping out into the early evening air, Vivica looked around the porch, but there was no Mr. Gingham.

  “Max, where’s Mr. Gingham,” she asked her counterpart. As if understanding the inquiry, the beagle put his nose to the ground and started sniffing around. Vivica looked out over the vineyard to see if she could see anyone. The orange and gold of the early evening sky provided a spectacular backdrop to the dark greens and deep purples of the vineyard. Vivica walked down the stairs and to the curved drive. She looked on both sides for Mr. Gingham and then called out to him, just in case he was outside of her purview.

  “Mr. Gingham?”

  Again, there was no response. Because Braxton was a long-timer, Vivica was familiar with his car. He drove an early model blue Toyota 4 door sedan with a personalized plate that read Gingham. Vivica padded over to the parking lot which wasn’t too far away from the house and walked the double rows in search of Braxton’s car. She heard Maximus behind her. Once she neared the middle of the second row, there Mr. Braxton’s car sat. Vivica walked up to it and touched the hood. It was still cool as if the car had been sitting for a while.

  “So, unless he took off on foot somewhere, Max, he should be around.”

  Vivica had never known Mr. Gingham to socialize with anyone that wa
sn’t directly associated with Mulberry Grove. He wasn’t one to amble into the city or venture too far away. He was more of an inn body; staying around the house and the property in general. The likelihood of Mr. Braxton taking off with a friend to go downtown was pretty slim, so Vivica kept looking. She called out for Mr. Gingham several times. But each time that she did, Vivica’s calls returned to her void. Max had his nose to the ground and when he started moving faster down a row in the vineyard, Vivica followed after. She lost sight of Max as he turned a corner, and instinctively paused lifting on her toes to see if she could bring him back into view. Now she felt the need to call Max and Braxton as neither of them was around.

  Vivica started to trot, hearing Max barking up ahead. Fortunately, it was light enough outside for her to be able to see as she ambled through the dense vineyard in search of her dog.

  “Whatcha got, Max?” Vivica asked, thinking he got the scent of a rabbit or something and went off on a wild bunny chase. When Maximus repeatedly barked and then let loose a long howl, Vivica’s step faltered. He didn’t normally do that. Regaining her footing, Vivica moved quickly toward the noise.

  What is it, boy? Gotcha a rabbit?”

  Finally, Maximus was in her sights and hearing her come up behind him, Max walked back to her a few steps and then returned to where he was before, as if he wanted to make sure she kept coming forward.

  “Whatcha got there, Max,” Vivica asked coming within about ten feet of the dog when Maximus stepped to the side, Vivica’s steps slowed near to a stop.

  “Mr. Gingham,” she yelled, seeing the older gentleman lying on the ground. Instinctively she rushed to him, falling on her knees to see what was the matter. She reached out and grabbed his wrist, checking to see if there was a pulse. Vivica called his name again, but Mr. Gingham didn’t answer. She couldn’t detect anything at his wrist. Maybe her heart was beating too hard in her chest to feel the faint beat of his, Vivica wasn’t sure. She laid her head against his chest and did her best to level her own breathing to see if he was. Vivica thought she heard a faint beating but couldn’t be sure.

  Then, out of nowhere, Braxton turned her head, ever so slightly. Vivica only caught it because she was still so close to him. His eyes were hooded, and his mouth slowly opened.

  “You’re gonna be okay, Mr. Gingham. You’re gonna be okay. I just gotta get you some help,” Vivica said trying to be reassuring. He didn’t look like he had any injuries. Vivica didn’t or couldn’t see blood anywhere. As she got ready to stand, Braxton moaned. There was a slight cough and then he moaned again. Vivica leaned down. Maybe he was trying to say something. Maximus stood nearby, looking down at Mr. Gingham and then out into the vineyard.

  “H..e..l..p..m..e..”

  Mr. Gingham’s words jagged like it hurt to speak. His eyes were barely opened but by the time he got the words out, Mr. Gingham’s eyes shut but his mouth remained open. Vivica’s heart was beating so fast she didn’t know what to do. Should she leave Braxton and try to get help, or should she stay and try to save him. Vivica kept her eyes on Mr. Braxton to see if he was still breathing.

  Cell phone…

  Vivica checked her pockets to see if she had her cell phone. Fortunately, she did.

  “Okay,” she said aloud. “Call Mildred call 911.” Mildred was anti-cell phone, so she certainly wouldn’t check a message. Calling the house phone while serving dinner was risky. Vivica dialed the number.”

  “911, what is your emergency?”

  Chapter Four

  Vivica spoke to the operator and told them about Mr. Gingham. When the ambulance was on the way, she contacted Aunt Mildred to let her know what was going on. Vivica discouraged Mildred from coming out into the vineyard. She didn’t want her aunt to see Mr. Braxton that way. Vivica stayed with Mr. Braxton trying to do anything she could to help him.

  With the ambulance came the police, more specifically, Sheriff Johnathan Harper and his understudy, Deputy Bo Gathright. Auntie Mildred tried to stay away, but her angst regarding the call aroused curiosity in the guests. She couldn’t stay away, and neither could they. Once they truly learned what happened, the few children that were there were ushered back inside. Aunt Mildred and the others didn’t come all the way out into the vineyard, but they did stand on the periphery, hovering around the driveway. By the time the EMT’s arrived, even though it only took a few minutes, Mr. Braxton was dead. There was nothing Vivica could do to help him even though she tried; even though she would have loved to.

  Once again, Vivica found herself at the heart of a crime scene. It was almost inadvertent. Vivica’s attention was drawn to those with questions, which was everybody from the police to the guests.

  “Quarter off this area, Bo,” Sheriff Harper instructed.

  “I got it,” Bo called out as he pulled the yellow caution tape out and began sectioning off a much larger area than Mr. Gingham occupied. The coroner would soon come but unlike bigger cities, Dahlonega didn’t have a crime scene unit, per say. Those with badges did what the crime scene unit would do.

  “Talk to me about what happened,” Sheriff Harper asked, turning his attention to Vivica.

  “How’d you manage to be the one out here with the body,” Gathright asked. Vivica couldn’t tell whether he was being snarky or genuinely curious.

  Before she had a chance to respond, the padding of multiple footsteps could be heard which were quickly muffled by questions coming from those who abandoned the driveway and moved into the vineyard.

  “What happened?”

  “How did he die?”

  “Who hurt, Gingham?”

  “Are they still out there?”

  The questions posed by one were echoed by several. The assumptions were all over the place. Anxiety was thick in the air.

  “Hold on, everyone,” Sheriff Harper raised his voice to be heard over the multitudes. “We don’t know what happened to Mr. Gingham, but that’s why we’re here, to get to the bottom of it. As soon as we have answers, we will let you know. In the meantime, I must ask you to go back to the inn, please.”

  Johnathan’s diplomatic response didn’t go over very well and several more questions were hurled at the policeman. Johnathan wasn’t one to should or repeat himself if he didn’t have to. Raising both his hands as a stop-gap measure, the sheriff prepared to speak. But his voice wasn’t the next one the crowd heard.

  “Everyone, I know this is frightening,” Vivica said, addressing the crowd. “But please, listen to Sheriff Harper. As soon as he knows something we will all know, okay?”

  The voices quiet, but not the anxiety. Aunt Mildred nodded and started to usher her guests back to the inn.

  “Come on, everyone. Let’s go back inside.”

  Mildred’s was a voice the group was familiar with. Hers was a voice they respected, and although still unsettled, and some disgruntled, they followed her instruction. As the group moved back towards the B&B, Vivica and Harper started to discuss what happened. He had as many questions as everyone else did, and he looked to Vivica for answers. The EMT’s stood by. Their work, for the moment, was done.

  “Start from the beginning and tell me what happened,” he encouraged.

  “Mr. Gingham hadn’t come down for dinner. Auntie asked me to look for him, so I did; inside first and then in the parking lot. Max started barking and trotting into the vineyard, so I followed. I figured maybe he was on to something. I ended up out here. Mr. Gingham was already on the ground when I arrived.”

  “Was he dead?”

  “No,” Vivica replied. “He was alive but barely hanging on. He tried to say something but,” Vivica paused. “He wasn’t able to finish.”

  By this time Bo joined the duo.

  “Do you remember what he said,” Johnathan pressed forward.

  Vivica thought about it for a moment. “Not really, other than, help me.”

  Flashing back to that moment with Braxton, Vivica felt just how helpless she was, just like she had been with Princeton Wyatt.
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  Her words resonated with Harper and Gathright. They too had been in situations where they were unable to help a person in need.

  “The area seems undisturbed, like one of the vines seem damaged,” Gathright mused. Vivica was grateful for a change of subject, so to speak.

  “It’s getting dark. We won’t be able to see much soon,” Harper replied.

  “We’ve got flashlights in the trunk. I’ll get ’em,” Gathright replied; walking around the duo and heading toward the patrol car.

  “You said you went to his room,” Harper asked.

  “Yeah, but he wasn’t there,” Vivica replied.

  “Still, once we finish out here, we should probably tape off his room. As Bo said, this area doesn’t seem disturbed. If there was foul play, it could have started somewhere else.”

  “Hmm,” Vivica moaned. “I’ll call Auntie and let her know that no one should go in Mr. Gingham’s room.

  While Vivica made the call, Sheriff Harper went back to the body. Harper was careful to stay far enough away not to contaminate the crime scene. There were no obvious injuries that he could see with the naked eye. There was no blood on Mr. Gingham and he didn’t look distressed, if that made any sense. Harper had questions; questions that only the coroner could answer.

  Hearing footsteps, Vivica ended her call. Coming down the path was Gathright and Coroner Brown Mitchell. Gathright held a lit flashlight in his hand as the two made their way over to Harper and Vivica.

  “What do we have here,” Coroner Brown asked. Gathright handed the other flashlight to Harper who quickly turned it on to try and fully illuminate the area. It didn’t take long for Brown to take over. He walked the periphery of the body as he put on the latex gloves that allowed him to do things the others couldn’t. once Coroner Mitchell fully encircled Mr. Gingham, walking slowly as he went, Brown moved in closer to inspect.

  “I’m sure you all noticed that there is nothing to suggest this was anything but natural causes,” Brown began, ruminating out loud as much as he was speaking to the bystanders. “There’s nothing that just jumps out at you to say, foul play; that someone did something to the victim.”