Kate Collins - Evil in Carnations

Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright Page

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

CHAPTER NINETEEN

CHAPTER TWENTY

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

To all my friends in Key WestJennifer at 7 Artists, Mary at Mary OSheas Glass Garden, Nanci and Sandi: I thank you for your continuing friendship, support, and encouragement, and also for the inspiration for some of the art I describe in my books.

You know what Im talking about.

To my husband, Jim; my children, Jason and Julie; and my sister, Nancy: I know its a clich, but I couldnt do this without you. Thanks for brainstorming, reviewing, editing, inspiring, spreading the word, and generally putting up with my crazy schedule.

To my editor, Ellen, who continues to amaze me with her insight: I thank you for keeping my plots on the right track.

To Abby and Marco, Jillian and Nikki, Grace and Lottie, and all those other little people who chatter constantly in my head (and sometimes drive me up the wall): Well, lets keep those stories coming, people! Dont make me come in there!

To my readers, whose excitement keeps me charged up for the next adventure: I hope this book will make you eager for more.

Other Flower Shop Mysteries

Mums the Word

Slay It with Flowers

Dearly Depotted

Snipped in the Bud

Acts of Violets

A Rose from the Dead

Shoots to Kill

Monday, January 31st

Isnt there a law that says public hallways have to be lighted? Marco complained. Now there are two bulbs out. How are you supposed to find your key in the dark?

I stopped rummaging through my duffel bag to whisper, Youd better keep your voice down or youll wake the neighbors.

In a complete change of mood, my hunky, ex-Army Ranger boyfriend swept aside my hair to press hot kisses against my neck. You didnt seem to mind waking the neighbors yesterday, Fireball.

I didnt know those neigh... Oh, baby. His kisses were sending tingles to erotic zones I didnt even know existed... and I thought hed found them all. Hard to believe that less than a month ago, I was certain Marco and I were history.

Where was my key? I really had to get a smaller bag.

Why dont we go back to my apartment, Marco murmured in my ear, and extend our vacation another day?

Now, there was an offer that was hard to refuse. Who wouldnt want to prolong a romantic weekend with a hot-tie like Marco Salvare? He was all man, all the time, a guy who was both tough and sensitive, who could cook up a mean omelet and take down a killer all in the same day.

Besides, after our seven-hour red-eye flight back to Indiana from Key West, I wasnt exactly looking forward to putting in a long day at the flower shopI dont do well on only a few hours sleepbut as Bloomers owner, I couldnt ignore my responsibilities either. So as much as it pained me, I had to decline.

Abandoning my key hunt, I wound my arms around his neck and gazed up at him, his sexy brown eyes barely visible in the darkness. I really, really wish I could, Marco, but you know how hectic Mondays are. And besides, Lottie and Grace are expecting me.

But its a nice thought. Almost too nice to let go.

Yeah, I figured as much.

Reluctantly, I released him to start rummaging again. What time is it, anyway? Is it six oclock yet? I still have to unpack, shower....

Marco ran his hands over my shoulders and down my arms, his body close to mine, the seductive aroma of his spicy aftershave calling forth sweet memories of our weekend. How about that? he murmured in my ear. I was planning to shower, too.

My fingers closed around the key at last and I pressed it into his palm. You know what they say: Two can shower as cheaply as one.

I think we should test that notion right now. He started to unlock the door, then paused. Nikki will be asleep, right?

Dj vu. You asked me that same question last Saturday night.

And the answer was?

Nikki is depressed and dateless. Shell be sound asleep until noon.

Sound asleep... as in, nothing will wake her?

Except for smoke alarms.

Then well have to be careful to not set them off.

Like we almost did Saturday night?

Like we almost did twice Saturday night. Marco tilted my chin and kissed me, a deep, hot, stirring kiss that made me glad there were no smoke alarms directly overhead.

Somehow he managed to unlock the door, back me inside, drag our bags in with his foot, close the door, and lock it without breaking our kiss. I dropped my peacoat and purse on the floor and we began fumbling at each others clothing, still kissing hot and heavy.

All at once, someone pounded on the door, shouting, New Chapel police. Open up!

With a gasp I jumped back as though Id done something illegal. Our watchcat, Simon, who had just come around the corner to greet us, arched his back menacingly at the disturbance, then changed his mind and fled the scene, his claws skittering on the hallway tile. Some protector he was.

Whats going on? Marco exclaimed, buttoning his shirt as he started for the door.

Could it be Reilly playing some stupid joke? But how would he have gotten into the building without our buzzing him in?

Marco peered through the peephole, muttered about the bulb being out, then flipped the switch for my front hallway light and opened the door, leaving the chain in place. Its not Reilly, he said quietly, so I ducked beneath his arm to peer through the crack.

Two men in blue uniforms stood outside, neither of whom was our buddy, Sergeant Sean Reilly of the New Chapel Police Department. One cop appeared to be in his mid-thirties, about five years older than Marco. The other had a boyish build, a smooth baby face, and a belligerent stance that young cops often adopt to make them seem experienced.

Quickly, I backed out of sight. What had I done this time?

Whats up? Marco asked nonchalantly. Men in uniform didnt intimidate him.

Hed served on the New Chapel police force for about a year after his Army Ranger daysuntil all the rules and regulations, as well as a vindictive watch commander, got to him.

Were looking for Nikki Hiduke, a mature voice said.

Nikki? That was novel.

What business do you have with Nikki? Marco asked.

Is she here or not? a tenor voice demanded. The younger officer was clearly unwilling to divulge any info. He probably had no clue he was talking to an ex-cop.

She might be here, Marco replied coolly.

Just to be sure, I looked around and spotted Nikkis keys on the table.

Is it all right if we step inside? the deep voice asked politely. You might not want the neighbors in on this.

Yikes. That didnt sound good.

Marco unchained the door, pulled it open, and stepped back to allow them to enter, putting me in full view. Out in the hallway, Mr. Bodenhammer, the building superintendent, tried to get a peek inside before Marco shut the door, solving the mystery as to how the police got in.