Garden of Death Read Free Page B

husband. Basically, her point seemed to be that they were entitled to it because they had more money than I did.
    All of them seemed oblivious to the fact that they were standing next to Jackson, my boyfriend, who was clearly listening to what they were saying. Just seeing them brought back the stress of those weeks when we were all petitioning the Village Board with our ideas. I might never have created the garden if I’d known how many enemies I was going to make. Jackson must haveseen the tension in my face from across the room. He gave me the peace sign, and I smiled.
    Martin Bennett and his wife Sandra, who ran an organic dairy in Aquebogue, thirty minutes west of Greenport, came up to me. Sandra, a petite, energetic woman in her forties, had also applied for the lot so she could put in a creamery to make and sell artisanal cheeses, using the milk from her cows and goats.
    I braced myself for more conflict. “Martin, Sandra, how are you?”
    Sandra smiled. “We’re doing fine. We just wanted to come over and show our support.”
    â€œWe noticed that the other applicants were not exactly being friendly,” Martin added. He was a trim, fit man, an amateur bike racer.
    â€œNo, they aren’t,” I said. “They still seem to resent the garden.”
    â€œWell, we all wanted the land,” Sandra admitted. “So you’ve got to expect that everyone else would be disappointed. But honestly, I think the garden is a great idea. I knew Claire, and she would be ecstatic about what you’re doing. We can’t wait to visit.”
    â€œThanks,” I said. “I really appreciate that.”
    â€œActually, we’re going to be vendors in a spot on Front Street across from your store all weekend long,” Martin said. “We could do it then, hon, you know, take turns taking the tour.”
    â€œThat’s a good idea, love,” Sandra said, taking his hand.
    Jackson walked back over with an iced tea and my wine spritzer. He handed it to me, and said hello to Martin and Sandra.
    When they stepped away, Simon said, “That guy has had some work done.”
    â€œWhat do you mean?”
    â€œI see it all the time in L.A. Didn’t you notice how tight the skin was on his face? And his nose looks like George Clooney’s.”
    â€œMaybe he wanted to improve his looks.” I hadn’t known Martin before so I didn’t have anything to compare it to.
    â€œThey went too far,” Simon said, finishing his cosmopolitan. “I’m empty. Time to go to the bar.”
    As he walked off, I turned to Jackson. “What did Dr. White and Joe Larson say about me?”
    Jackson took my arm and pulled me to a neutral spot, away from prying ears and eyes. “Don’t let those two get to you, Willow. You’re doing a good thing for Greenport. Claire would have been proud.”
    But I needed to know. “What did they say, Jackson?”
    He didn’t answer at first.
    â€œJackson?”
    He put his hand on my shoulder. “Promise me that you won’t get upset.”
    I took a breath. “I’ll try to be calm. What is it?”
    â€œWhite was complaining that you had gotten the lot illegally, that you had cheated, did something to tilt the vote in your direction. Larson was telling him not to worry, that they would get the land for themselves eventually.”
    â€œCheated? That’s crazy!”
    â€œI know that. You know that. They’re idiots.”
    â€œHe’s right, Willow,” Simon said, reappearing atmy side, holding a pink cosmo. “You’re doing an awesome job on the garden, and I can’t wait to have a cup of tea on that patio that you”—he turned to Jackson—“and that guy, what’s-his-name, are building.”
    â€œNate, his name is Nate,” Jackson said. “But that’s nice of you to say, Simon.” Jackson tolerated my friendship with Simon because