Garden of Death (16 page)

“No problem,” he said, and went back downstairs to close up.

I helped the dogs up onto the bed and they snuggled next to Jackson. “I feel awful that you hurt yourself because of me.” I could feel tears welling up, but I didn't want to cry in front of him. He felt bad enough as it was.

“I wanted to help, remember? It's not your fault. Can you please grab my muscle relaxants and some ibuprofen from the bathroom?”

I did as he asked and returned with them and a
glass of water. He took the ones he needed and put the bottles on the nightstand.

“Do you want to watch something?” I went over to my DVD collection on the bookshelf next to the bed and picked out the fifth season of
The Murdoch Mysteries.
Jackson and I were both fans of the show that featured cutting-edge Victorian science, circuitous plots, and an appealing Canadian detective.

“No, that's okay. I'll probably just go to sleep. But before I forget, can you please call Denver and tell him what happened? He'll be okay to stay overnight and keep an eye on things.”

Denver Hale was the only paid member of Jackson's staff at the animal sanctuary. The rest were volunteers. Jackson paid him with some of the grant money he'd received. It wasn't much, but Hale was like Wallace, retired and well off, so it didn't matter. He just loved animals and wanted to help them.

“I'll do that, and help Wallace close up. I want to get some arnica to help you heal. You can take a shower if you want and eat when you wake up. We've got some of Merrily's pie for dessert.” I leaned over and gave him a kiss. “Try not to think about all this other stuff. Just let your mind rest.”

Now if I could just do the same.

chapter nineteen

Willow McQuade's
Favorite Medicinal Plants

GINSENG

Botanical name:
Panax ginseng
(Asian ginseng),
P. quinquefolium
(American ginseng)

Medicinal uses: Asian ginseng has been used in Chinese medicine for six thousand years to strengthen the body, reduce inflammation, improve immune function, and speed recovery from illness. Ginseng, which is known as the king of herbs, is highly valued for its restorative and energizing properties. American ginseng has properties similar to those of Asian ginseng, but it is milder.

Ginseng of either variety is packed with powerful phytonutrients, which act as antioxidants that protect the body. Ginseng enhances mental alertness, boosts energy, helps relieve stress, and provides a feeling of well-being. This herb also improves stamina, reaction time, and concentration, which make it useful if you
are studying, taking tests, long-distance driving, or meditating. The root is the primary medicinal component of the plant, and is dried and used to make tablets or capsules, extracts, and teas, as well as creams or other preparations for external use.

When Jackson woke up early Wednesday morning, he was still in pain, although after he took his medications and I rubbed his back with arnica oil, he was able to get out of the bed with help and take a shower.

Once he was dressed and back in bed, I went downstairs to get us all breakfast. He wanted buckwheat pancakes and turkey bacon, and since that sounded good to me I made it for us both, along with a fresh pot of coffee, and put it all on a large tray.

I was just about to go back upstairs when there was a knock on the door. It was Bob Cooper, our new night watchman. He was dressed in jeans, a Yankee sweatshirt, and matching cap and sneakers.

I flipped the locks and he walked in. “Hi, Willow, I'm just going off shift and wanted to report in.”

“Thanks,” I said as I walked back over and picked up the tray. “I was just about to bring Jackson's breakfast up to him.”

Bob smiled. “I wish my wife would bring me breakfast in bed.”

“Jackson put his back out and he's having trouble moving around; that's why I'm bringing it up. But I would do it anyway.”

“Do you have a twin?” He smiled even wider.

“Sorry, but why don't you come up? I'm sure Jackson would like to talk to you. Do you want coffee?”

“No, I'm good, but let me take that for you.”

We went back upstairs, where we found Jackson on his cell phone. He waved to us and said, “Okay, Doc, I'll stay on my usual meds and call you if I don't improve.” He listened for a moment, then smiled. “Yes, she's been watching over me. I'm lucky to have you both on my team. Thanks a lot.” He clicked off, and said, “Hey, Cooper.”

“What have you done to yourself now, Spade?”

“I had a fight with a paver and I lost. How did it go last night?”

“It was pretty quiet—”

Jackson interrupted him. “See, I told you, McQuade. Hiring Bob was the right thing to do.”

Bob cleared his throat. “Spade, you didn't let me finish. It was quiet until about midnight. That's when I noticed this guy, dressed all in black with a black rucksack, scoping out the back of the garden.”

I sucked in a breath. “It must be the same guy you saw, Jackson.” He nodded. “What happened?”

“The minute he saw me, he took off. I didn't get a clear look at his face.”

“It's a good thing you were there,” Jackson said. “It'll be interesting to see if he comes back tonight.”

“I'll be back at seven. We'll see what happens.”

After Bob left, I gave Jackson his breakfast. “Now, what did the doctor say?”

“Doc says to just rest it, and if I don't feel better in a day or so to come in.” He put a generous pat
of butter on the pancakes, then added syrup. “He definitely wants me to be treated by Allie and Hector, though. He thinks massage and acupuncture will definitely help. I think so too.”

“Me too,” I said, glad once again that Dr. Clifford had an open mind about alternative treatments.

“He also asked about the murder. He knew White from the hospital—they both had admitting privileges there—and the men's club in town.”

“Maybe it's the same men's club that meets in that building in Joe Larson's painting.”

“It probably is. I can't imagine there's more than one in a town as small as Greenport. Anyway, he said that Dr. White wasn't liked by most of the members there, including the partners in his medical practice, the mayor, and most members of the Village Board.”

“No wonder he didn't get the lot.”

“Doc said that he lobbied hard, and was not happy about the outcome; more like furious.”

“That, we know. Did he say anything else?”

“Nope, that's it.”

“Well, when I walked Dr. Russell back to the ferry we talked about how badly Dr. White treated his mother. He's pretty angry, too.”

Jackson grabbed his fork and tucked into the pancakes. “So you think he could have killed White?”

“I don't know, but I never really followed down that angle, after I talked to Sandra that day in the garden. I got distracted by all the pirate treasure stuff.”

“Easy to do. These are excellent by the way. Thank you.”

“You're welcome.” I sat on the edge of the bed and
we had breakfast together and gave tidbits of pancake and bacon to the dogs as treats.

“So what's your next move? What do you have planned for today?” Jackson said between bites.

“First I have to check to see if I have any garden tours, and then I think I'll stop by Dr. White's office and see what I can find out. Next, I'll go over to the yard sale. Maggie and Harold are running it, and Sandra and Kylie are helping. I might find out something from them if I'm lucky. I also want to do some research on the lot, if I can, and put the earring and the goblet in a safe-deposit box.”

“Sounds like a full day. Maybe Simon can go with you. I'd feel better if you had someone around.”

We finished up and put our plates on the tray again. “If it makes you feel better, I'll call him. He can sometimes be helpful.” I rummaged through my purse for my phone.

“When he's not driving you crazy.” Jackson took a sip of coffee and smiled. The dogs, knowing that treat time was done, curled up next to each other and fell back asleep. “I just wish I could help you in some way today.”

I found my phone and spotted my binoculars at the bottom of my purse. I plucked them out. “You can use these to watch the garden.” I moved the overstuffed chair to a spot opposite the balcony. “You know, when you get up to stretch your legs.”

“You mean do a
Rear Window
like Jimmy Stewart?”

“Why not?” I gave him a kiss. “You never know what you might see.”

•   •   •

I put the earring and
goblet we'd found into my oversized bag to bring to the bank, gave Jackson a kiss good-bye, and headed downstairs. When I got to the second floor, I took a peek into the yoga studio, where Nick was leading a class in hot yoga. Everyone seemed to be sweating yet serene.

Nick noticed me and came out onto the landing. He wiped his forehead with a handkerchief and said, “How is Jackson doing today? Allie told me what happened.” Nick wore a sleeveless T-shirt and tight black yoga pants. He was in incredible shape, especially considering that he was in his late sixties.

“Better. His doctor told him to rest and see how he feels in a day or so.”

“I can give him some gentle stretches that might help.” Nick glanced back into the studio. He'd left the students in Downward Dog. “How is the investigation into Dr. White's murder going? Any progress?”

I gave him a quick recap on our helicopter ride over Gardiner's Island and to East Hampton. “Since Jackson's not feeling well. I'm going to convince Simon to keep me company as I continue to investigate today.”

He put his hand on my arm. “Willow, I need to tell you something, and I know it won't make you happy.”

I braced myself. What now?

He gestured through the window to his class. “One of my students told me that there is some kind of negative campaign on Facebook trying to shut down the garden.”

I groaned. “Not that, too. I'm still upset about that awful petition online, and the fact that they picketed the garden.”

“If I know you, you'll fix it.” He gave me a quick kiss on the cheek. “I'd better get back in there and move them on to a new pose. I hope things go well.”

As I continued downstairs, I pulled out my phone and searched for the site on Facebook. Sure enough, someone had created a page called Shut Down the Garden of Death! with a photo of the gate to the garden and one of Dr. White when he was alive, smiling and happy. It already had eighty-four likes.

There was also a conversation between Arlene White and someone named Jessica B. who wrote: “I'm with you Arlene! That garden is a blight on the village of Greenport!”

Feeling thrown off balance, I speed-dialed Simon, who answered on the fourth ring. “Speak.”

“We've got a problem.”

“Another one?”

I told him about the Facebook page. “It looks a lot like the online petition site. It must be Arlene's handiwork again.” I tried to breathe consciously to calm myself down. “Simon, it's just so hateful. Why are they doing this?”

“They're jerks. Send me the link, and I'll call the lawyer. He may not be able to shut it down—freedom of speech and all that—but it's worth trying.”

“Thanks.” I pushed Send on the text with the link. “Also, Jackson hurt his back, and he wants me to have company today as I investigate. Can you come with me, please?”

Simon was quiet for a minute. “Listen, Willow, I'm really sorry to hear about Jackson, but I'm trying to write. That trip yesterday inspired me, and I'm making
real progress on my new screenplay about pirates. I think it's got potential to be a summer blockbuster. I'm thinking Hugh Jackman would be perfect for the lead. Can it wait? . . . Hold on a sec.” I heard his keyboard clicking furiously as I reached the bottom floor, headed into the store, and checked the clipboard to see if there had been any requests for garden tours. Eight people had signed up for the ten and eleven o'clock tours. My heart lifted. At least some people had an open mind.

“Yes, it can wait, but just until noon. I've got two tours to give this morning and then we can go. I want to check out Dr. White's office then go to the yard sale and antique show on the green, and a couple of other places.”

He stopped typing and there was a long silence.

“Simon, you said you wanted me to investigate. I need your help. Detective Koren came by yesterday, and Jackson is still his chief suspect. Will you go with me?”

He sighed and finally said, “Of course. I'll be there.”

•   •   •

After the garden tours, both
of which were well received with, thankfully, no mention of the murder, Simon arrived. His lawyer had called him back on his way over to Nature's Way and told him that the site on Facebook had been removed. He had somehow been able to convince Facebook that it was harassment. It was nice to hear some good news for a change.

Merrily, who was due in at eleven, was late. I had called and left her a voice mail, asking where she was and whether she was okay. I didn't mention the fact
that she'd left early yesterday and my suspicions about Nate leading her astray. Meanwhile, I had no doubt that Jackson would keep an eye on Nate from the window, at least as much as he could.

After Jackson, Simon, and I ate lunch, we set off for Dr. White's office. Simon had Googled the address, which turned out to be in Feather Hill, a shopping complex on the main road in the center of Southold.

We arrived ten minutes later and parked in a spot in front of the medical office, which was located in a two-story rustic building, across from the Southold post office. The wooden sign out front read: East End Orthopedic Specialists, and featured White's name embossed in gold paint, followed by Dr. Joseph Cohen and Dr. Todd Plummer.

“How are we going to play this?” I asked as we got out of the car. “Should we be honest?”

“That probably won't work.”

“What, then?”

He thought about it for a moment. “Remember that brunette I was chatting up when we were at the wake? She's White's office manager. I think her name is Brigitte.”

“And you didn't think to mention this before? Did she tell you anything?”

He shook his head. “We only talked for a few minutes. Besides, I have a girlfriend.”

“Okay, so what do you want to do now? Use your charm to weasel information out of her?”

“You read my mind.”

We entered the office and found two people in the waiting room. Behind the desk sat a pretty brunette,
wearing a fuchsia shift and a name tag, that said Juliette. Well, he had been sort of close on the name. She spotted Simon and gave him a big smile. Simon had this effect on women.

“Simon, what are you doing here?” she practically purred.

“I came to see you. I didn't have your number, so I had to track you down,” he said, giving her a dazzling smile.

Juliette got up and came around the desk. “You left the wake so soon, I didn't have time to give it to you.” She scrutinized me. “And you are?”

“This is Willow. She's a friend of mine.”

“Oh, nice to meet you.” She seemed to relax.

“Can you get out of here for a few minutes? Maybe take a coffee break?” Simon suggested.

“Let me check.” She went back to the desk and pressed the intercom button on the phone. “Mary, can you cover the front desk? I need to go out for a few minutes.”

“Be right there.”

Five minutes later, we were sitting in a booth in the Just Donuts café, sipping coffee. “Juliette,” Simon began, “we're hoping that you can help us.”