The next morning, Kelly arrived downstairs, ready to get to work. She prioritized her tasks because all were urgent and she had to complete them before opening.
The cash register and computer system needed to be turned on, and the cash drawer needed to be filled.
The front door had to be unlocked, and the Closed sign flipped around, so passersby and customers knew the boutique was open.
Pray to the roof gods to be kind and forgiving to her aging roof and to her checking account.
Call the roofer and get him there ASAP because it was not only the responsible thing to do, but there was another leak in the hall upstairs.
Tasks one to three were done in the blink of an eye. Her prayer was short and sweet. She guessed this time of year the roof gods were busy. Task four was done quickly. After all, it was only a message. Still, she was near hyperventilation after she ended the call that threatened to derail her. As she was explaining the problem upstairs, she remembered the mid-five-digit estimate she’d gotten last fall, and her head spun. How on earth would she pay for a new roof?
Get a grip, Kell.
She took a deep breath and another. It was too soon to panic. For all she knew, another patch could be the solution. And a patch would fit into her budget.
One more deep breath steadied her nerves and gave her enough clarity to head into the staff room to brew a pot of coffee. If there was ever a morning she needed coffee, this was that morning.
It only took a few minutes to get the coffee brewing and her mug from the upper cabinet. She leaned against the counter, closed her eyes, and willed her mind to settle.
The coffee pot beeped. And the freshly brewed smell of the coffee wafted in the air, brightening her mood. She picked up her mug, ready to pour a full cup.
Drip.
She froze. She had to be hearing things. Yes, that’s what it was.
Drip.
She sighed. She wasn’t hearing things. There was another leak.
Kelly set down her mug and turned around, looking upward for a stain on the ceiling, and there it was. In the room’s corner. The muddy brown color streaked the white paint, and she held her breath as she watched another drip land on the floor.
Drip.
She pressed her lips together and silently cursed. Then her gaze drew back upward.
Her first plea to the roof gods hadn’t worked. Maybe she needed to strike a deal. Perhaps offer something in return for not having to replace the whole roof.
Drip.
No, she didn’t need to make a deal. What she needed was a bucket. Quickly, she searched the lower cabinets and found one. After she positioned it under the leak, she returned to the coffee machine and filled her mug. Two more leaks weren’t the end of the world. She could handle two leaks, she told herself before taking a grateful drink of her coffee.
Kelly heard the back door open, and a moment later, Pepper Donovan appeared, shrugging out of her lightweight jacket. She was not only the boutique’s employee but also a lifelong friend. Pepper began working at the boutique over twenty years ago with Kelly’s granny. Until last fall, she was the only employee. When Kelly took over the business, she made drastic changes, many of which Pepper opposed. The two she welcomed were hiring another salesperson and closing the boutique on Sundays during the winter months. Yes, those changes had Pepper’s blessing from the get-go.
Pepper’s gaze landed on the bucket. Nothing ever got past the woman, as Kelly learned over the past few months.
“What’s going on?” Pepper walked to the table and dropped her purse along with the jacket she’d shrugged off.
“New leaks.” Kelly pointed up.
Pepper surveyed the situation. “Guess I’m not surprised. The roof is old, ancient. And we’re experiencing a thaw. It was almost fifty degrees yesterday.”
“Yeah, just a couple of days before we had a snowstorm.”
Pepper nodded. “The melting snow has to go somewhere.”
“But does it have to go there?” Kelly pointed to the bucket.
Pepper frowned. “Oh, my goodness. Did you call Buck? I heard he’s planning on retiring soon, so you better get him out here.”
Now it was Kelly’s turn to frown. Buck was sympathetic to her financial struggles because he had known her granny. He discounted the patch he did in October. Would another roofer extend the courtesy? Pepper was right, she had to get him out here ASAP.
“Already left him a message. Waiting to hear back.” Kelly sipped her coffee. She needed something stronger.
“It’s also supposed to be warm today and plunge again tomorrow.” Pepper joined Kelly at the counter and poured a cup of coffee. “Don’t worry. It’ll be okay, you’ll see.”
Kelly nodded. She could easily spin out of control, think of the worst-case scenario, and host her own pity party. But she had a business to run, clothing to sell, and a yoga session with Tawny. No, there was no time for self-pity.
Drip.
Kelly and Pepper’s gazes drifted to the other corner of the room, near the filing cabinet. There was the smallest of stains on the ceiling and another drip.
“I’m going to have to inspect every room,” Kelly said.
“I’ll call Clive and ask him to go to the hardware store to get more buckets. We might need them. There’s one in the mudroom you can use for that leak.”
An hour later, Kelly had spread out more buckets and Clive showed up with six buckets after his wife’s SOS call. Luckily, although Kelly never thought she’d associate that word with roof leaks, the spots that needed the buckets were in areas not seen by customers. So, yes, in that regard, she was lucky. She also felt fortunate because soon she’d be lying on a mat, quieting her mind, while flowing from movement to movement. It would relax her frazzled nerves.
She was a little relieved that business had been slow so far. It gave her time to catch her breath and let her mind race with all of her doomsday scenarios without an audience. Seated on a stool behind the sales counter, Kelly stared at the boutique’s online banking statement.
Anemic.
But much better than when she’d taken over the business.
Still, not enough money to replace the entire roof. She shut her eyes and prayed for a minor roof repair. There were buckets scattered throughout the first floor and up in the hallway. They didn’t indicate a small roof repair.
Her eyes opened at the jingling bell over the front door, and a familiar woman entered the boutique. Kelly had seen her a few times around town while running errands but didn’t know her. She closed out of the bank’s website and stood, while forcing her mood to shift to perky, upbeat boutique owner.
“Good morning.” She came from behind the counter and toward the customer, extending her hand. “I’m Kelly, the owner.”
“So nice to finally meet you.” The woman, several inches taller than Kelly with slim features, shook Kelly’s hand. Her grasp and pump were firm. “It’s been a while since I’ve been in this shop. It’s lovely.”
A flush of heat warmed Kelly’s cheeks. She’d done as much work as she could with limited funds to revamp the once tired, old consignment shop into a trendy resale boutique. There was still a lot of work needed, like a roof. Whoa, don’t go there!
“Thank you. It’s a work in progress.” Kelly glanced around the boutique. It was a never-ending, costly, remodel project she never thought she’d be responsible for. But there she was. Back in her hometown, putting her degree in fashion merchandising to work in a secondhand shop and rebuilding relationships she’d thought were beyond repair. Okay, so the boutique wasn’t the only work in progress.
“The last time I was in here, there wasn’t anything that interested me, but that trench coat in the window? Oh, my goodness. I really like it. And something I could definitely wear to work.”
Kelly’s heart swelled with pride. She interned one summer at Bishop’s in the visual merchandising department while in fashion school, and there she’d learned many tricks of the trade. When she began making changes in the boutique, the things she changed first were the window displays. They lacked pizzazz, oomph, that gotta look at me quality that would stop a passerby and make her want to come into the boutique.
“And so is that suit.” The woman pointed to a mannequin displayed by the door.
“Would you like to try it on?” The suit was a consignment from an up-and-coming PR executive. She loved the look of Chanel but couldn’t afford the designer label, so she faked it until she made it by wearing dupes that gave off the high-end vibe. Kelly paired the multi-color tweed crop jacket and the matching skirt with a bright floral print blouse. The combination definitely had a gotta look at me quality.
“If it’s not too much trouble.”
“Good morning, Liza,” Pepper called out as she entered the room from the back hall. She’d been tidying up the changing rooms and on bucket duty. “What brings you by today?”
“The trench coat in the window, and I’m glad it did. I’m loving this very Coco suit,” Liza said as Kelly made her way to the mannequin. “I hope it’s within my budget.”
“It’ll take me a moment to undress the mannequin. Would you like to try on the blouse?” Kelly dismantled the arm and then carefully removed the jacket.
“Oh, I don’t think so. It’s a little too much for me.” Liza sounded like she wanted to try the whole look but was too timid. Kelly knew the type all too well. Liza played it safe in her buttoned-up navy coat and sleek bun, and needed to be nudged out of her comfort zone.
“Well, why don’t you at least try it since you’re here?” Kelly handed over the three garments.
Liza looked apprehensively at the blouse, and a slow smile crept onto her pale pink lips.
“Okay, since I’m here. Where are the changing rooms?”
“Right back there.” Pepper guided Liza around and pointed to the doorway. “They’re both empty.”
Liza nodded and walked toward the doorway, disappearing around the corner.
Kelly moved the mannequin to the sales counter. Either she’d re-dress it with the suit or she’d have to find another garment to display. There was a floral, three-quarter length sleeve dress that was just consigned. She could dress the mannequin in that.
“How do you know her?” Kelly asked.
“She’s the office manager at the Congregational Church. You know, you should come on Sunday to service with Clive and me.” Pepper stepped behind the sales counter. “I’m surprised she’s trying on the blouse. It’s not really her. Actually, the whole suit isn’t her.”
“Well, our styles change. Look at yours.” Kelly gestured to the short, tartan plaid skirt Pepper wore with a graphic sweater depicting a rearing stallion. The look was edgy yet sophisticated as it was paired with wedge pumps and black tights.
Pepper glanced at her outfit of the day. “I guess you’re right.”
Kelly locked her gaze on Pepper and arched a brow.
“Okay, you’re right. Our styles do evolve.”
“Could you say the part about me being right again?” Kelly laughed.
“Don’t push it.” The smile on Pepper’s face betrayed the firmness in her voice. She’d been a rock for Kelly since her granny’s death and the source of unconditional kindness. She’d loaned Kelly a Jeep, helped her move into the apartment upstairs, and made a pot of tea and sat with Kelly on what would have been Martha’s birthday in January.
“I can’t help it. I love hearing I’m right.”
“Well, I hate to be a buzzkill. I came out here to tell you there’s another leak in the bathroom ceiling.”
Kelly groaned. It was looking more and more as if she didn’t have a simple roof repair but a massive project with an equally huge price tag.
“I’m worried about the inventory. So far, there aren’t any leaks here or in the accessories room.”
Not too long ago, Kelly’s granny expanded the business by adding a room to the back of the building. She’d used the new space to sell home accessories. What Kelly found on her first official walk-thru was a space filled with old knickknacks and lackluster sales for its substantial square footage.
Her number one task was to clear out the room, give it a good cleaning and a new coat of paint. Next, she’d found close-out deals online for display items and did a few DIY projects to add a little panache to the space.
Now fashion accessories and shoes filled the room, and sales were up. Every inch of square footage needed to earn the boutique money. The last thing she needed was merchandise being ruined by water leaking from the ceiling.
She made a mental note to check her insurance policy.
“Well, you were right, Kelly. I love the blouse with the suit. I’ll take all three items.” Liza joined Kelly and Pepper at the sales counter.
“I’m so glad you love the whole outfit. What about the trench coat?” Kelly asked.
Liza looked over her shoulder at the mannequin in the window. She returned her gaze to Kelly. She had that all-too-familiar look of a woman torn between wanting a new outfit and her budget.
“Maybe next pay period. I’ll say an extra prayer that it hasn’t sold by then.” Liza winked.
“Hopefully He’s listening. If not, I’m sure we’ll have something similar.” Kelly folded the garments while Pepper rang up the sale.
“Wait until Reverend Will sees you in your new outfit,” Pepper said as she processed the credit card payment.
“He’s going to be surprised, that’s for sure. I typically stay with neutrals. But I think it’s time to break out and change things up.” Liza returned her credit card to her wallet.
“Well, I hope you’ll come back and look for some more outfits. And don’t forget, if you have anything you want to sell, let me know.” Kelly handed the shopping bag to Liza.
“I have to be honest I never gave much thought to consigning, but I can now see it’s a good idea. I can’t wait to wear this new-to-me outfit. Thank you! Have a nice day.” Liza hurried out of the boutique with her shopping bag.
“She seems nice,” Kelly said to Pepper.
“She is. She’s very reserved usually. It was nice to see her a little more…I don’t know, happy.”
Kelly nodded. “Clothes can do that for a gal.”
“Yes, they can. Now, I noticed on the calendar you have another appointment with Tawny. She has more clothing to consign?”
“No. It’s a private yoga session. I’m a little terrified. She’s in amazing shape.”
“She most certainly is. Don’t go getting yourself hurt. We need you in one piece. I’m going to rearrange those silk scarves.” Pepper stepped away from the counter and walked toward the accessories department.
The bell jingled again, drawing Kelly’s attention to the front door.
“So sorry I’m late.” Breena rushed into the boutique carrying a coffee tray, her auburn curls bouncing as her feet nimbly crossed the sales floor to the counter.
“Only by a few minutes.”
“Half of Lucky Cove must have insomnia because it was crazy at Doug’s. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many people ordering coffees before.” Breena set the tray on the sales counter, careful not to disturb Pepper’s decorations of little pots of gold and a shamrock spray centerpiece.
Pepper had a tradition of making the counter festive year-round. While it wasn’t part of Kelly’s vision for the boutique, she left the displays alone. She knew the small contribution to the boutique was important to Pepper, and who knows? Maybe having the pots of gold there would be good luck. Maybe that’s why she got the Peekaboo purse to consign.
Kelly eyed the three medium coffees. One had a “TO” written on the side.
“Is that a Top o’ the Morning for me?” Doug’s was known for its seasonal coffee, and this time of the year, it was an Irish Crème flavored brew. Kelly didn’t wait for Breena to answer; she snatched the cup out of the tray and then took a sip. “All’s forgiven.”
Breena giggled. “Thank you.” She pulled out her coffee cup and took a sip. “Is the roof still leaking?”
Kelly heaved a sigh. “Yes. In more spots now.”
Breena made a face. And it was precisely how Kelly felt.
“Tell me about it.” Kelly took another drink of her coffee. “Pepper is back in the accessories department, why don’t you take her a coffee to her? I have to schedule an appointment to get the Fendi authenticated.”
“I wish I could afford it. But there are a couple of items she consigned that I might be able to swing.” There Breena went again, looking at the bright side of things. Kelly wished the optimism would rub off on her. Actually, what she hoped for was the permanent removal of the dark cloud that seemed to hang over her.
Since October, she’d had a few glimpses of sunshine. The handful of moments where she felt like she was making headway and finding her balance. Like her freelance writing and now, she had a regular column. Like meeting Mark Lambert and now having a steady boyfriend. Like landing a client who had superb taste in clothes and a ridiculously expensive purse to sell.
“I’ll be going out after I make the call. While I’m gone, can you dress her?” Kelly gestured to the mannequin she undressed moments ago.
“Sure. Anything in particular in mind?”
Kelly opened her mouth and was about to describe the floral dress but instead said, “Why don’t you pick out the outfit?”
“Really?” Breena clasped her hands together, and her amber eyes lit up.
“Really. I know you’ll do a good job.” With her coffee in hand, Kelly walked out from behind the counter and headed to the stairs.
Leaving Breena to dress the mannequin was difficult for Kelly, who was a bit of a control freak when it came to displays. But it lessened the guilt she felt for not telling her friend where she was going.
Breena would jump at the chance to work out with her favorite fitness guru. No doubt she’d be bummed that she wasn’t going to have the opportunity that Kelly was. Now Kelly had to change her clothes and duck out without being seen in her workout leggings.
* * * *
Kelly flicked on her turn signal and turned onto Tawny’s street. She navigated around potholes and puddles. There was going to be a lot of roadwork come spring. She arrived at the house and drove into the driveway.
Before she changed into her Lululemon knock-off tights and tank top, she called the authenticator who was in Southampton, the summer playground of the rich and famous. She set an appointment, and was eager to confirm the purse was the real deal. She also hoped to learn a few tips on how to spot fakes because they were bound to come into the boutique.
While the trend of re-purposing and upcycling was taking off, websites selling designer goods were popping up all over the internet. Some were legit, like the site where Kelly sold her items. Others weren’t. They sold fakes because either they didn’t care about authentication or they intended to sell replicas to rip people off.
Kelly knew it was only a matter of time before unwitting customers came into the boutique with what they thought were real designer bags and expecting a big payout.
She parked her Jeep next to a familiar silver Mercedes. It was there yesterday when she first arrived. Oh, boy. Was Serena back?
Her hand hovered over the ignition. Maybe she should turn the car on, back out of the driveway, and head back to the boutique.
On second thought, maybe Serena was there, and was dealing with Jason since Tawny was preparing for her morning workout.
Thinking positively, she grabbed her yoga mat and water bottle before closing the driver side door. She walked along the path to the carriage house and pushed all thoughts of Serena out of her mind. All she wanted to think about was Zen stuff. Maybe she’d get to try meditation.
The cottage came into view, and the door was open. Just like the day before. But unlike the day before, there was no yelling. Maybe all the hatred and fighting finally had ended. Serena and Jason must have brokered a peace treaty over dinner last night.
Kelly continued, hopeful the next hour would be the relaxation she craved. A little OM and Namaste were good for the soul. When she reached the entry, she rapped her knuckles on the door rather than just barging in because Tawny could be meditating. When there was no reply, she peered in.
Her eyes bulged, and shock hit her like a hard slap. Her yoga mat fell to the floor as a scream rose in her throat but never made it out of her mouth.
She was wrong about Tawny meditating. Instead, she found Tawny’s body draped on top of the now shattered glass coffee table. Blood puddled beneath her head.
Kelly’s gaze landed on a pair of pink suede pumps and traveled upward. It took a moment for her brain to register she was looking at Serena standing over the body.
“She’s dead!” Serena blurted out.