Fruit of the Poisoned Tree

Peggy gripped the dash as they went past the spot where the safety wall was demolished. In her mind, she could see the Lincoln flying down over the edge again.

“Are you okay?” Keeley asked, her dark eyes concerned.

“I’m fine.” Peggy smiled at her and forced herself to let go of the dash. “I guess I’m just a little nervous after seeing what happened to Park.”

“I can understand that. My psych professor says the mind plays tricks on us, but usually it’s trying to protect us from what we can’t deal with.”

“I’m sure he’s right in this case.” Peggy took a deep breath and forced herself to relax. “It’s hard seeing something like that happen to a stranger. To find out it was someone I know has been very difficult.”

Whiskers and Paws was easy to find once they got to the Ballantyne area. It was a neat little shop with cartoon dogs and cats on the windows facing the street. Rue Baker was as nice as Steve described her. A good thing, since the moment Shakespeare saw her, he ran and jumped on her. His weight pushed her back into a desk and shoved several plastic paper trays clattering to the white tile floor.

“This must be Shakespeare.” Rue laughed as she righted herself. She ran a hand across her very short, very blond hair. Her brown eyes summed up the problem. “You need obedience classes more than most dogs, don’t you? It would take a poodle a long time to do the damage you could accomplish in five minutes.”

Shakespeare woofed deeply and tried to push his nose into the pocket of her jeans.

“Nope. No treats for you, big fella. Treats are for good dogs who don’t assault strangers.”

Peggy ran up and dragged the dog off of the trainer. “I’m so sorry. He’s been such a handful lately. I hope you can help.”

They introduced themselves as Rue rubbed Shakespeare’s head. “I hope so, too. Let’s get an idea of what he already knows. I don’t like to overtrain. If he already knows some commands, we’ll work from there.”

She tried to get the dog to sit. Shakespeare lay down on the floor. She tried to get him to stay, and he ran toward the door. “Let me see what you can do with him, Peggy.”

It was the same. “I know he’s big and unruly, but I think he listened better before I went to Pennsylvania recently. Could that have anything to do with it?”

Rue shook her head. “I don’t think so. Behavior with a dog is learned. You probably noticed it more after being away. I’d like to get classes set up with him twice a week to start. Can you commit to that? It’s very important you’re here as well.”

Peggy agreed. At that point, she would’ve agreed to almost anything that might help. They set up for that week on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. She thanked Rue and apologized again for Shakespeare’s rude behavior.

“That’s okay. We’ll take care of it. Right, boy?”

In response, Shakespeare knocked over two plastic chairs in the waiting area. Peggy was sure she felt a headache coming on.

10

Bay

Botanical: Laurus nobilis

Family: N. O. Lauraceae

Common name: Sweet bay

Bay is another name for laurel, the leaf of fame and glory. In ancient times, this small tree was endowed with many magical properties including warding off evil and averting lightning strikes. It is now used mainly in the kitchen to flavor meats and vegetables and for decorating purposes.

STEVE PICKED HER UP at the shop that evening. “You’ll be happy to hear I have five healthy baby hamsters.”

“Congratulations.” Peggy smiled at him. “I suppose the owner is very happy.”

“You don’t get it. I’m the owner. The mother hamster’s owner doesn’t want the babies. Her allowance won’t stretch to feeding more than one. She bought the hamster without realizing she was pregnant.”

“Oh. What do you do in a case like that?”

“I try to give them away.” He turned the car on Providence Road and grinned at her. “Want a hamster or two?”

“I don’t think so. I can’t even handle my dog.” She told him about her visit to Rue’s shop. “You were right. She’s very nice and seemed very professional.”

Beth’s house was a riot of light when they pulled up in the drive. Several other cars were already there, including Hunter’s SUV.

“Rue is special,” he agreed. “She has a lot of patience with animals. I’m sure she’ll be good for Shakespeare.”

“Did you date her?” Peggy asked without thinking. “I’m sorry. That’s none of my business.”

“That’s okay.” He smiled and kissed her gently. “I like it when my woman gets jealous. But no, I didn’t date Rue. She’s married.”

“Looks like quite a crowd,” Peggy remarked, changing the subject as they went up to the house. She felt like an idiot for asking about Rue. It just suddenly popped out of her mouth. She wasn’t jealous. Just nosy.

“I hope all the food isn’t gone.” Steve looked mournful. “I haven’t eaten since breakfast. All the excitement of the birth, I suppose.”

They left their coats in the foyer and mingled with the other guests. Something smelled good in the kitchen, where a caterer was warming food and getting ready to serve. The large dining room table was set with crystal and china from end to end. A wonderful bay wreath was set in the center with a large, squat, white candle in the middle.

Peggy saw Alice helping the caterer. The housekeeper turned her head when she saw her. She wondered if Al had spoken to her to give her such a sour face. The housekeeper might not be guilty of anything, but it couldn’t hurt to have her answer some questions. She couldn’t help but wonder what the answers would be.

She left Steve by the fireplace with a group of professional-looking people who were asking about heartworm and went to look for Beth. She glanced at the counter when she reached the kitchen. All the cake boxes and food containers that had been there after Park’s death were gone, along with what was left of the gift basket he brought back from the hotel.

A sharp stab of awareness shot through Peggy’s mind. Her stomach churned, and her heart skipped a beat. Bee pollen, Mai said. Where is the half-eaten jar of honey Park brought back with him from Philadelphia?

“Peggy! I’m so glad you could come!” Beth threw her arms around Peggy’s neck and hugged her.

“Where’s the jar of honey that came from the basket Park brought back from his trip?”

“I’m not sure.” Beth glanced around the kitchen. “It might have been thrown away. But I have some other honey in the pantry. Would you like that instead? I could go out and get you some honey.”

“No.” Peggy’s brain worked furiously, considering the possibilities. “When did you throw it away? Was your trash picked up yet?”

“I’m not sure when it was thrown away. I can ask Alice. She might know. Or Mom might have done it. But today was trash day. I was surprised they came after the snow and all. Usually it takes a few extra days for them to get back on schedule. It was just as well though. With all the food boxes, we needed a pickup. Peggy? What are you thinking?”

“Did you or the boys eat any of that honey?”

“No, I don’t think so. Park ate almost the whole jar. You know how he loved sweets.”

Peggy nodded, her mind already raking over the possibilities. “I have to go. Give my love to the boys. I’ll talk