Drowning the Daffodils (A Heavenly Highland Inn Cozy Mystery) Read Free Page A

baseball cap further down on his head and winked lightly at Charlene and Jane.
    After all the guests had headed off to their rooms Vicky headed to the kitchen to check on the progress of the lunch they would be serving. She also sent a text to Sarah letting her know the Carters had arrived and everything was going smoothly besides the fact that there was plenty of drama going on between family members.
    Sarah texted in return that she had to check it out and would be there in tim e to help with lunch. Vicky smiled a little as she knew that no matter how much Sarah enjoyed being with her family she couldn't stand to stay away from the inn for too long.
     

Chapter Two
     
    As Vicky set the tables up beside the pool she thought about what Aunt Ida had said to her. She was setting up little vases filled with daffodils and was lost in her thoughts when Sarah came walking up behind her.
    “ This looks great,” Sarah smiled as she admired the tables and the cheery décor that Vicky had chosen to make the occasion seem all the more festive.
    “ Thanks,” Vicky said with a smile. “I'm glad you approve.”
    “ I'm not checking up on you,” Sarah promised with a laugh. “I just wanted to see all this drama you were talking about.”
    “ Oh, you could cut the tension with a knife,” Vicky assured her. “Seems like most, if not the entire Carter clan, is not so fond of the youngest son's choice of fiancée.”
    “ Oh boy,” Sarah chuckled and shook her head. “You know I'll never understand people approving or disapproving of someone else's relationship. I mean you can't control who you fall in love with.”
    “ That's for sure,” Vicky agreed. Before she met Mitchell she might not have agreed with her sister, but he had certainly swept her off her feet. The idea of love took on a whole different meaning with him. It was strange, and wonderful. “And the two do seem to be in love,” Vicky added. “I hope it all works out for them.”
    “ Me, too,” Sarah agreed. “Speaking of love,” she coughed sharply.
    “ Nice,” Vicky winked at her sister and then turned away to set out a few more napkins.
    “ You never tell me what's going on with you and Mitchell,” Sarah pouted a little. “I tell you all about my romance.”
    “ That's because it's nothing but romance,” Vicky pointed out. “Well, romance and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.”
    “ You'd be surprised how romantic a good PB and J can b…”
    “ Okay, I don't want to know,” Vicky laughed and shook her head again. She really did admire her sister's relationship with her husband who was always very supportive of her and their family. “The truth is Mitchell and I are still trying to work a few things out.”
    “ What's to work out?” Sarah pressed. “He's gorgeous.”
    “ That's true,” Vicky grinned.
    “ And so very charming,” Aunt Ida added as she stepped out onto the pool deck. She was wearing a loose flowing skirt. This was a little unusual for Aunt Ida as she was very fashionable and preferred to wear clothes that fitted her figure snugly.
    “ Hi, Aunt Ida,” Sarah smiled as she leaned in to kiss her aunt on the cheek. “I was just trying to pry a little dish out of this one.”
    “ Good luck,” Aunt Ida rolled her eyes. “I'm glad you're both here.”
    “ Why?” Vicky asked suspiciously as she set up the last wine glass on the table.
    “ Well, you know girls, I have something to show you,” Aunt Ida grinned as she looked from Sarah to Vicky and back again. Vicky braced herself and tried to hide an amused smile. Anything Aunt Ida was this excited about was bound to be pretty interesting. Aunt Ida placed her foot on the chair beside her and hiked up her long, pale yellow skirt.
    “ What is that?” Sarah gasped when she caught sight of the bright red rose wrapped around Aunt Ida's ankle. The skin was still crimson as if the tattoo was fresh.
    “ Do you like it?” Ida asked as she smiled at her nieces.
    “ Uh,” Sarah