Read 6 A Thyme to Die for Free Online Page A

plants couldn’t be cut back yet because it would ruin them. Later, she’d remove the bulbs and plant them somewhere else.
    The shop’s name was on each planter. It didn’t look very good if they couldn’t keep up with their own work. She’d have to mention it to Sam.
    A few waitresses from Anthony’s Caribbean Café came out to sit in the sun for their break. A few other shop owners were outside in the fresh air, too, during lulls in their day. Dozens of customers wandered through the arcade to reach the courtyard. They carried bags from various shops which had always meant to Peggy that they were in a buying mood.
    Phone calls complete, Peggy went back inside The Potting Shed. Selena was half asleep in the rocking chair by the water pond. Peggy roused her and had her take a few samples outside.
    “We don’t usually do that,” Selena protested as Peggy loaded her up with a few daisies and hostas.
    “When things are slow, it’s best to take it to the customer. I’ll bring out one of those pretty rolling flower carts and we’ll set the scene. Who can resist them?”
    “Who indeed?” Selena was less than enthusiastic. “Shouldn’t Sam have to take some potting soil out there too? And what about some of those new, hand-painted flower pots?”
    “Good idea.” Peggy called for Sam as she was pushing Selena out the front door.
    She asked Sam to take out two bags of potting soil while she took out a few of the flower pots. Peggy really liked the artist who’d created them, Mandy Burke. Her designs were very original and she was a wonderful person.
    The problem was that the pots were priced too high. Yes, they were hand-painted, original designs, but they were from an unknown artist. She had yet to sell a single pot in the six months they’d been at the shop. Even Peggy’s deep-pocket customers had waved them away.
    They set everything in front of the shop and went back inside. It was only a minute before a customer came in.
    “Hello!” Selena greeted the young woman. “Can I help you find something?”
    The woman, who was probably a few years younger than Selena’s early twenties, looked around the shop without moving. Her clothes were very nice, expensive, and her black hair was piled on her head, the style emphasizing her high cheek bones and dark eyes.
    “I am looking for Dr. Margaret Lee. Is she here?”
    Selena shrugged. “Sure. Peggy, it’s for you.”
    Peggy had been washing her hands. She dried them quickly on a towel when she heard her name and bustled to the front of the shop.
    “Yes?”
    “I am Tanya Abutto. My father was Dr. Aris Abutto. He was found dead this morning at your flower show. I want to know how this happened.” Her accent was a mixture of French and something else.
    Peggy scanned the pretty young face before her. There was not a sign of tears or even anger. Her eyes were dark, placid pools. She didn’t look like someone who’d recently lost her father.
    Besides, Peggy knew Tanya. This wasn’t her. What was going on?
    “I am so sorry for you loss. Come right outside and we can talk. Would you like some tea?” Peggy ushered her out of the door, frowning as Selena made horrified faces at her over the top of ‘Tanya’s’ head.
    They sat at the same table in the courtyard that Peggy had recently vacated. ‘Tanya’ stared at Peggy as though her life depended on it. The only other sign that she was upset was the stranglehold she had on her large brown leather bag.
    “Have you spoken with the police?” Peggy was going to try hard not to step on anyone’s toes, but curiosity kept her from telling the girl to go away while she called Al.
    “No. You were my father’s contact here. I came to you for assistance.”
    “I’m not sure what help I can be as far as your father’s death is concerned. I was there when they found him. I’m sure the police would like to talk to you about hwne you saw him last. Would you like me to go with you to talk to them?”
    “Perhaps