Lorea texted me to say she was on her way over to pick up the dress. I couldn’t put her in danger, but I knew she needed to finish the alterations. Tony said a patrol would be watching my shop. The scene of the crime might be the safest place for now. I replied to her text asking if she could meet me at work. Then I carefully zipped Natalie’s gown into the dress bag and rolled it up inside a thick quilt—I had at least six handmade beauties. My mom and Aunt Dana made sure I was warm and prepared for company. Holding the bundle close to my chest, I paused. I didn’t want anyone to see me with the gown, and the idea that the thief could be watching me sent a chill down my spine.
I loaded it into the cargo space and told myself to remain calm. Turning around, I scanned the parking lot. It felt as if someone were watching me, but I told myself it was just nerves. My body felt sore from lack of sleep and crawling through trash. I rolled my shoulders and stretched out my legs before climbing into my vehicle and locking the door.
Chapter 12
Handmade Candles
Measure the depth of a Styrofoam cup or other heat-resistant but temporary container. Cut cotton wicking one and a half times the depth of the container. Melt paraffin wax (one pound of paraffin melts to about 20 fluid ounces) in a double boiler. Add essential oils for your favorite scent. Stir in dried rose petals, eucalyptus leaves, berries, or wood shavings, using about four parts wax to one part mix-ins. Wrap one end of cotton wicking to a pencil that is slightly longer than the diameter of your container, and tape the other end to the inside bottom of the container. The wick should be slightly taut. Pour wax into your container and adjust the wick as needed. Once the wick is centered and taut, allow 24 hours for the wax to harden. Then cut the container and peel it away to reveal the candle. Trim the wick to ¾ inch. Wrap twine or ribbon around the candle.
Courtesy of www.mashedpotatoesandcrafts.com.
The trash cans looked foreboding when I arrived at the shop. I swear the smell of garbage still lingered on me even after a shower. My nerves were popping as I unlocked the back door. Everything was as I’d left it that morning. Lorea arrived a few minutes later, and I handed her Natalie’s dress.
“I’m sorry to make you come in, but I’m really worried, and I don’t want whoever vandalized those dresses to do something to you.”
“Why would they do something to me?
“To get Natalie’s dress.” I looked directly at Lorea with what I hoped conveyed the importance of what I was about to say. “I’ve been thinking that maybe her dress was the one they intended to take. When they realized they took the wrong ones, they trashed them.”
“But why would they want it?”
“Sylvia’s and Natalie’s are the most expensive dresses.” We both stared at the bag holding Natalie’s gown. “Maybe that’s why we haven’t found Sylvia’s yet.”
“You’re making me nervous.” Lorea clenched her hands together.
“Tony said the police will be keeping an eye on the shop, and I’m having someone come by later today to install a surveillance camera. Promise me you’ll be careful and keep that dress locked in the closet.”
“Okay.”
Lorea seemed scared, but that’s what I wanted, so I didn’t try to reassure her. If she was frightened, hopefully she would be more cautious.
It was almost noon by the time I got back to my condo. Dallas texted me and asked if I wanted to go to lunch. I wanted to see him, but I needed time to think through what to do with the diamonds and searching for Sylvia’s gown. I texted a reply as I approached my front door.
I really want to, but I’m swamped. Rain check?
Sure. See you soon. Don’t work too hard.
My heart fluttered when I read his reply and reached for the door, where a manila envelope taped near the door handle caught my attention. I pushed Send on the text and stuffed my phone into my pocket. ADRIELLE PYPER. I read my name in all caps and turned to look behind me before snatching the envelope from the door and hurrying inside. I didn’t like the feeling I had just now of being watched. With a shudder, I opened the envelope and emptied the contents onto the side table.
My heart froze for an instant, and goose bumps rose on my arms. Glossy eight-by-ten pictures of me in my jeans and light blue shirt caught my eye first. I leafed through the photos quickly, fingers shaking. A close-up of me stuffing the quilt containing Natalie’s dress in my trunk made my heart pound in fear. The pictures were from this morning, barely an hour ago.
I focused on a close-up of my face, pensive in thought. I’d been thinking about the stolen wedding gown when the picture was taken. Is that why I’d missed the pervert?
Flipping over the last picture, I sucked in a breath. The photo had been taken through the front window of my shop, and I could see a faint outline of myself behind the desk. On the bottom of the picture, someone had scrawled, I hear wedding bells ringing.
The photo dropped to the floor as I covered my mouth. Who was doing this?
Scrambling into my front room, I grabbed the quilt, pawing through the thick folds until I found the signature block. I ran my fingers along the bottom seam and felt the distinct bump of the gems I had hidden. They were still there, but someone was watching me. A thorough search of the rest of my house assured me that
