Honey Homicide Read online

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright

  Primary Cast of Characters

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Chapter Thirty

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  From the Author

  Honey Homicide

  A

  Backyard Farming

  Mystery

  BOOK 3

  VIKKI WALTON

  Morewellson, Ltd.

  Honey Homicide

  Copyright @2018 by Vikki Walton

  All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photo copying, recording or mechanical methods, without the written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial use as is permitted by copyright law.

  For permission request, write to the publisher, Attention: Permissions Coordinator at the address below:

  Morewellson, L.T.D.

  PO Box 49726

  Colorado Springs, Colorado 80949

  ISBN 978-0-9994402-3-0 (standard edition print)

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales are entirely coincidental.

  Front Cover Illustration: Erica Parker Rogers

  Formatting by Rik- Wild Seas Formatting

  Primary Cast of Characters

  Anne Fremont: Even though she’s now settled in Carolan Springs, trouble keeps knocking on her door.

  Bill and Lori Connor: Beekeeper Bill Connor is caring for his ill wife, Lori, but how far will he go to help her?

  Sheriff Carson: As Lori’s cousin, Carson fears Lori’s illness may have caused Bill to get involved in something dangerous.

  Deputy Benjamin Ruiz: Carson’s deputy, whose actions betray his words.

  Mary Smith: A visitor to Carolan Springs who Anne suspects may be something more than she lets on.

  Police Chief Bradley Everett: The town’s police chief who warns Anne about helping Carson.

  Police Officer Dale: First on the scene after someone attacks Bill. Does he know more than he’s saying?

  …along with the residents of Carolan Springs: Hope, Kandi, Stewart, Spencer, Sam, and all the rest.

  “Something was jigging and worrying in his brain; it felt like a hive of bees, stirred up by a stick.” Dorothy L. Sayers (Whose Body)

  Chapter One

  Anne panicked.

  Nowhere to run.

  She backed up as far as she could, but her pursuer came closer.

  Closer.

  Fear gripped her.

  “Don’t swat at it,” a male voice spoke firmly.

  Anne heard the admonition at the exact moment her hand had risen toward her face.

  Bill, the beekeeper giving the presentation, walked over to her. Anne became aware of many white-veiled heads turning toward her.

  She lowered her arm as the bee continued to buzz close to her head. It was hard not to wave it away. Bill grinned and patted her on the arm.

  “Not to worry, young lady. Being around bees the first time can be a bit scary for some. But trust me, they don’t want to sting you.” He held out his ungloved hand in front of him.

  Anne backed up, and the bee stopped buzzing around her face. The bee landed on Bill’s hand and began sucking at droplets of honey that remained from when he’d pulled off a chunk of honeycomb for the others to see.

  “Aren’t you afraid of getting stung?” Anne took a step closer to where the bee continued to focus on the honey.

  “No. I’m not saying you shouldn’t be cautious, but I’ve been stung many times over the years. It’s usually when I haven’t been listening to the girls.”

  “Listening? What do you mean?” Anne laughed. “Do they say, ‘hey, leave us alone or we’ll sting you?’”

  “Something like that. You can actually tell how the bees are feeling by listening to the hive. Different times of the day make a difference on how they react. Lots of reasons. So yes, I do listen to them.”

  The bee, now sated, flew up from his hand and moved back toward Anne.

  Bill’s brow crinkled. He moved closer to Anne and sniffed. “Is that lemongrass I smell?”

  “Um, yes.” Anne nodded. “Why?”

  Bill laughed boisterously. “Didn’t you get the message on fragrance? Bees love lemongrass. In fact, we often add a drop of lemongrass oil into a container if we’re trying to catch a swarm.”

  “I thought that you said no perfume. I didn’t realize that meant oils too.” Her face flamed with embarrassment. Of course, if she could smell it, so could others. Even bees.

  “It’s fine. But that’s why you had that bee so intent on coming after you. It doesn’t have to be perfume. It’s any type of fragrance these bees think are flowers. They spend their days searching for nectar and pollen.”

  “I may not be cut out to be a beekeeper. That was just one bee. I saw you pick up that frame with all those bees all over it and flying around and I had to get away. It’s really scary.”

  Bill took Anne by the arm and nodded to the other beekeepers to continue the class. He walked away with her until they were farther from the group and could see his house.

  “Let’s get you calm and then we’ll go back and join the class. Once you start learning about bees, you’ll lose that fear. But for now, take a break and get your bearings.”

  As they ambled away from the group Anne could still hear Bill’s assistant discussing the types of bees—Carolian, Italian, Russian. It sounded like a talk on global issues.

  The pair walked on a bit and Bill paused. He turned toward his house. In the window, Anne could see a woman silhouetted in the frame. The frail woman sat in a large overstuffed chair and had a blanket over her lap. A bright scarf covered where her beautiful raven hair used to be. The woman looked up from her book and waved at the pair.

  Anne smiled and waved back.

  Bill nodded toward the house. “You want to see something really scary? Cancer, that’s what’s really scary. It’s even worse when you have no control and you can’t do anything about it.” He waved at the house and his wife blew him a kiss.

  “I’m really sorry, Bill. I know it has to be hard on you.”

  They started walking back to the group. “Nothing like it is on Lori. She never complains. I know she’s in pain, but she tries to stay positive.”

  “Bill, if there’s anything I can do… Please, I’d like to help.”

  “Not much anyone can do. It’s in God’s hands now, but we’re doing what we can. And the … um, never mind, but we’re trying something n
ew and it seems to be helping manage the pain.”

  “Well, that’s good.”

  He sighed. “Yes, that’s one of the good things.”

  “What? I can tell you’re troubled about something?”

  “No. Well, yes. I’m just stressed out. To be perfectly honest, our bills have been mounting for the last few months and I just don’t know how we’ll be able to continue to pay for Lori’s treatments.” He sighed and shook his head. “I’m sorry. I don’t know why I shared that. We don’t even know each other that well.”

  “It’s okay. I’m sure that you have a huge burden on your shoulders, and you can feel okay in talking to me. I won’t say anything to anyone.”

  “Thanks.”

  “Have you ever thought of doing a fundraiser? I’m sure people here in the Springs would be happy to help you both.”

  “No.” He faltered. “I’ve been offered an, um, opportunity to make some money, and I’m thinking I may take it.”

  “Why do I sense some hesitation?”

  “It’s not really…never mind. I haven’t decided yet. It’s something I could have never seen me being involved with in a million years. But I’d do anything to make sure Lori is cared for and doesn’t suffer.”

  Anne glanced over at Bill. What could Bill be thinking of doing that could be causing him so much angst?

  “Well, if it could help Lori and bring in some more money too, then it sounds like something to consider.”

  “Yes. That’s what I’m doing. Not rushing into it. Just considering it.”

  “That’s great to hear. But, seriously,” she laid her hand on his arm. “I’m here to help. Please know that.”

  “Thank you.” He patted her gloved hand.

  They’d arrived back to where the frames had been returned to the Langstroth hives. Bill’s assistant was putting on the top cover and while some bees were buzzing around, there weren’t as many. The group moved away from the hive and started pulling off veils, white jackets, overalls and gloves.

  Kandi removed her veil and sprinted over to Anne. “Wasn’t that, like, the coolest thing ever?”

  “Maybe the scariest.” Anne removed her veiled helmet. “Weren’t you afraid of being stung?”

  Kandi shook her head, her long earrings dancing about her neck. “Nope. After Nate said that only half could sting you, that made a big difference.”

  “Only half?” Anne queried. “What do you mean?”

  Kandi giggled. “Oh, that must have been when you were trying to outrun that bee.”

  “Ha Ha.” Anne stuffed her gloves inside the hat. “Go on.” Anne walked beside the young woman, who was smoothing down her hair after removing her hat and veil.

  “Well, there’s the workers—that’s the girls, and then there’s the drones—the boys. They can’t sting you.”

  “Oh, I didn’t know that. I thought they could all sting you.” Anne looked over to where a group of people were talking. The group was staying at the Brandywine Inn, which was owned by Anne, Kandi, and Hope, who also ran the local herbal shop. The group would be returning to the Inn shortly.

  “I know. I learned a lot today. I’m glad we’re thinking of getting some hives for the Inn but I’m thinking we should consider a top bar versus the Langstroth.”

  “Huh?” Anne quipped.

  “It’s the different types of hives. Nate said we might want to think about them.”

  “Okay, well, we can get with Hope and discuss it.” She cocked her head to the group. “Right now, I think we need to get with our guests and see if they’ll be returning to the Inn or going into town for lunch.”

  “Sounds good.” Kandi fell in beside Anne. The group had walked over to a driveway where cars had trunks open and gear was being collected. “I saw you talking with Bill. How’s Lori doing?”

  “I think she’s doing as good as can be expected. Hard to say when you’ve basically been handed a death sentence.”

  “It’s sad.” A tear slipped down Kandi’s cheek. “She’s always been so nice to me.”

  “Ahh, honey.” Anne put her arm around the young woman. “You’re so tender-hearted and sweet.”

  “Of course, I’m sweet—you just called me honey.” Kandi laughed as she wiped her cheek.

  “You goof.” Anne squeezed the woman in a quick hug.

  They’d arrived at the car when Kandi’s phone went off.

  “Hi, Hope. What’s up?” She listened and her face paled. “She’s right here. Hold on.”

  Kandi handed the phone to Anne. “Hi, Hope. What’s up?”

  “The Bennett’s place caught on fire and they need a place to stay. I was going to offer them a place at the Inn at no charge but wanted to check with you all first.”

  “Certainly.” Anne put the phone on speaker, so Kandi could also hear Hope too.

  Kandi drew closer to the phone. “Did it destroy their home, like, completely?”

  Hope’s voice carried, “No. Only part of it. But it’s damaged badly enough that they can’t stay there. But it did destroy their greenhouse.” A moment of silence passed.

  “Hope, what else?”

  “You know me too well, Anne. They found a body in the greenhouse.”

  Chapter Two

  “We’re in here.” Anne heard Hope call out from the kitchen.

  Anne walked into the room.

  Faith, Hope’s mother, sat at the table. She looked up from her cup as the pair came into the room. A woman appeared from the back office.

  “Eliza!”

  “Anne.” The pair embraced.

  “When did you get back into town?” Anne pulled out a chair and Hope held up a cup. Anne nodded assent.

  “I arrived last night and thought I would stop by this morning. I hope that you will excuse my appearance.”

  “Only if you’ll excuse mine.” Anne winked.

  Anne and Eliza were as different as night and day in their looks and their outfits. Anne was a medium height with a new layered haircut and a touch of blond highlights. Her preferred clothing was anything clean and comfortable. In contrast, Eliza was a tall, graceful woman that had come from Ethiopia. Eliza was a hand model who traveled globally on assignments. She was always impeccably dressed, and her hair was now piled atop her head in braids. A bright scarf wound around her forehead keeping the braids secure. She wore a running outfit but even it looked like something from the runway.

  As Anne and Eliza received a cup of tea from Hope, Kandi pranced into the room. “Eliza!” She hugged the woman who smiled widely.

  “Hello, Kandi. It is so good to see you.”

  Kandi also embraced Faith. “Hiya, Miss Faith. I’m so glad you came over with Hope for a visit.”

  “I like visiting Ralph’s house. It’s so nice that he lets you stay here.” Faith smiled.

  A glance passed between Hope and Kandi. Some days were better than others with Faith’s memory.

  Hope bent down by her mother. “Mama, do you remember that this is now the Brandywine Inn? Kandi, Anne and I have made it into a bed and breakfast.”

  Faith patted Hope’s hand. “That’s nice. Ralph always liked Brandywine tomatoes.”

  “Yes, he did. In fact—” Hope rose. “We’re growing some out in the garden. Do you want to go see them?”

  She helped Faith to her feet, and the pair went outside.

  “She’s so good to her mother.” Eliza took a sip of her tea. “I heard that you all had things happen since I’ve been away.”

  Kandi plopped down on a chair. She pulled a scrunchy off her wrist, pulled her bright red hair into a pile and using the scrunchy made a top knot. “Our opening weekend was a doozy—”

  “You can say that again.” Anne set her cup on the table.

  “Our opening…”

  “Funny. You goof.” Anne swatted at Kandi.

  “But things are better now?” Eliza’s tone was serious.

  “Yes, much better. The guests we have this time are actually normal.” Anne knocked on the woo
d table with her knuckles.

  “You were over at Bill’s today learning about bees?”

  “Yes.” Anne got up. “Here, I brought back some of his honey. I know you like to put honey in your hand creams.”

  “Thank you. That’s very thoughtful of you.”

  “We like to provide a goodie basket when the guests arrive, so we’re thinking of adding honey. Then we can have a Brandywine Inn tea and honey for the guests.”

  Just then the back door swung open. A young, lanky teenager appeared. He wore a red tee-shirt and a pair of holey blue jeans. He pulled off his cap. “I finished the mowing, Ms. Freemont. I dumped all the clippings over in the compost pile in your yard as you said. Anything else you need from me today?”

  “I think that’s all. Did you take Bear for a walk yet?”

  Eliza’s eyebrows shot up.

  Anne turned to her. “I’ll explain later.”

  “I planned on doing that now. I figured I’d take him over to Patty’s as we need to get more dog food.”

  “Geez. That dog eats a lot.” Anne took a sip of her tea.

  Spencer went to the sink and washed his hands. He turned back to Anne and waited.

  Anne sighed. “Okay, tell Patty to put it on my card.”

  Spencer nodded. He turned to Eliza. “I’m sorry. I should have introduced myself. I’m Spencer Andrews. I’m their helper.”

  Eliza shook Spencer’s extended hand. “Nice to meet you, Spencer. You can call me Eliza.”

  “Nice to meet you, Ms. Eliza.” The boy put his cap back on his head and walked out the back door. They heard him call out, “Bear!”

  Anne got up from her seat and washed her cup. She put it on the drainer beside the sink.

  “I best depart as well.” Eliza rose, and Anne took her cup from her.

  “How about dinner this week? Would that work for you? We could go to that new place in town or wherever you’d like?” Anne washed Eliza’s cup.

  “That sounds nice. I’d love to do that. Unfortunately, I’m home for a short time before I have to leave for another shoot. I only have the next few days.”