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    Life's Rhythms (A Lily Courtland Mystery)
    Life's Rhythms (A Lily Courtland Mystery)
    Life's Rhythms (A Lily Courtland Mystery)
    Ebook356 pages4 hours

    Life's Rhythms (A Lily Courtland Mystery)

    By Gerald Lopez

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    About this ebook

    Lily Courtland is an author with writer’s block. Life hasn’t been easy for the thirty-something-year-old widow with a young daughter. But big changes are coming. A mystery involving a painting titled Heart’s Passion changes Lily’s life forever when she meets the handsome Thomas Jacobs. Between long hidden family secrets, deadly perils, and burgeoning romance, Lily’s writer’s block may soon be over.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherGerald Lopez
    Release dateJul 6, 2020
    ISBN9781005391089
    Life's Rhythms (A Lily Courtland Mystery)
    Author

    Gerald Lopez

    Gerald was called to write at various times in his life. When he was young, the writing consisted of plays and short stories. Then he explored the fine arts and literature, earning a bachelor’s degree in the latter while minoring in art history. In his studies he was fascinated by and enjoyed analyzing characters, their personalities and motivations. To him it’s always been the characters who make a story special. Once again writing has taken hold of him. In the past it was just an amusement, but now—for Gerald—writing is a passion to live, eat, and breathe.

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      Book preview

      Life's Rhythms (A Lily Courtland Mystery) - Gerald Lopez

      Copyright © 2017, 2019, 2020 by Gerald Lopez

      All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

      This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

      This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

      Cover Art Copyright © 2020 by Gerald Lopez

      Acknowledgments

      My special thanks go to the following:

      To Jakki for her helpful comments.

      Dedication

      This book is dedicated to my mother.

      Table of Contents

      Chapter 1

      Chapter 2

      Chapter 3

      Chapter 4

      Chapter 5

      Chapter 6

      Chapter 7

      Chapter 8

      Chapter 9

      Chapter 10

      Chapter 11

      Chapter 12

      Chapter 13

      Chapter 14

      Chapter 15

      Chapter 16

      Chapter 17

      Chapter 18

      Chapter 19

      Chapter 20

      Chapter 21

      Chapter 22

      Chapter 23

      Chapter 24

      Chapter 25

      Chapter 26

      Chapter 27

      Chapter 28

      Chapter 29

      Chapter 30

      Chapter 31

      Chapter 32

      Chapter 33

      Chapter 34

      Chapter 35

      Chapter 36

      Chapter 37

      Chapter 38

      Chapter 39

      Chapter 40

      Chapter 41

      Chapter 42

      Chapter 43

      Chapter 44

      Chapter 45

      Chapter 46

      Contact the author

      About the author

      Other books by Gerald Lopez

      Life’s Rhythms

      A Lily Courtland Mystery

      Chapter 1

      Saying Good-Bye

      ASHES TO ASHES—

      The priest spoke from behind the coffin while the crowd was gathered around the grave site on a beautiful and sunny Florida day.

      Stop scratching your nose, Maddie, Lily said to her seven-year-old daughter.

      I can’t help it, Mommy. It itches. Grandma’s scratching her nose too and rubbing her eyes.

      It is a graveside service, honey, Lily said, while trying to keep her eyes on the preacher.

      It’s the allergies is what it is, Grandma Tyson, who stood by her granddaughter Lily’s other side, said. They’re almost ready for you to put your rose on your daddy’s coffin, Lily.

      Who’s that walking up to the coffin? Lily said as she watched a slender, middle-aged woman with porcelain white skin and jet black hair walk up to the coffin and lay a single red rose on top of it.

      That alley cat has some nerve showing up here, the blonde-haired woman behind Lily said in Lily’s ear.

      Who is she, Aunt Ellen? Lily said.

      Kitty Conroy, Aunt Ellen said. Just look at her trotting around in a skin-tight, black, designer suit, spiked heels, and veiled hat like she was doing a modeling shoot rather than showing her respect. The bitch.

      Lily tried not to laugh as she thought about how her Aunt Ellen was dressed in stiletto heels and a skin-tight, low cut, black dress that showed off her ample bosom. She was hardly one to talk about how others were dressed.

      You and Madeleine better put your roses on the coffin before someone else beats you to it, Grandma Tyson said. People are already talking because you and your daughter are wearing white.

      Lily held her daughter’s hand and the two of them walked up to the coffin and lay their roses on top of the closed lid.

      Good-bye, Daddy, Lily said. I love you and I’ll miss you. I’m glad you and Momma will be back together.

      Bye, Grandpa, Madeleine said. Say hi to Daddy for us when you’re in Heaven.

      Lily discreetly wiped tears away from her eyes with her finger. As she and Madeleine walked back to their place, she couldn’t help but look over at Kitty Conroy. Her aunt on her father’s side was definitely beautiful and elegant. The black suit she wore must’ve cost a small fortune, but maybe she got to keep it from one of her past fashion shoots. Grandma Tyson and Aunt Ellen passed by Lily on their way to the coffin.

      How are you holding up, girl? a tall, ebony woman in a black dress with her brown curls styled in an updo under a veiled hat said to Lily.

      ‘I’m here, Lily said then spotted her Aunt Kitty walking away with a young, red-haired man wearing a dark suit. Let’s walk and talk."

      Lily and her friend discreetly followed Aunt Kitty and the man as they spoke.

      Thank you so much for coming, Deena, Lily said.

      We’ve been friends for years, how could I not come? Deena said. And anything that gets me a day off from being mother to two rambunctious boys is a welcome relief.

      Lily chuckled. So, Charlie’s lucky enough to get them all to himself overnight.

      No, I couldn’t do that to the man, Deena said. He’s a hard working attorney, a good husband, and fabulous father. God, how I love him. Besides, the longer I leave those three alone, the more mess there will be for me to clean when I get home.

      I’ll miss Daddy, but I can’t help but think he’s happier now, Lily said. People said he was never the same after the accident that took Momma’s life. We had our happy moments but he never got over mourning her.

      He should’ve remarried or something, Deena said. I heard people talking back by the grave about you and Maddie wearing white. But I know your daddy loved seeing you and her in white. It was the right thing for you to do.

      Funerals tend to bring out the good and bad in people, Lily said. I think most of those people back there I could do without—other than Grandma and Aunt Ellen.

      I heard your Aunt Ellen talking about the woman currently walking in front of us. She was saying the woman’s suit was too tight and that she looked like she’d had work done. Who is she and why are we following her?

      They stopped under the shade of a large, live oak tree. The well-kept cemetery had a lot of them providing much-needed shade on hot days.

      "She is Daddy’s sister Kitty Conroy," Lily said.

      Deena gasped. "No… not her. After all these years she has the nerve to come here. What a bitch."

      That seems to be the consensus, Lily said. "And she is here, walking in front of us."

      You don’t think she’ll go by the house to see you, do you?

      Anything’s possible. Why don’t we find out what she’s up to?

      Lily rushed forward and walked quickly toward Kitty and her companion with Deena at her heels.

      Hello, Aunt Kitty, Lily said.

      Aunt Kitty turned around and looked at Lily with surprise. Her face was drained of what little color she had, but she quickly composed herself and smiled.

      Hello, Lily, Aunt Kitty said. This is my son Anton.

      Hi, Anton said. Gee, you’re kind of plainer looking than I expected.

      "Thanks, cousin—you’re about as rude and stupid as I would’ve expected of someone on that side of the family."

      Hey, Anton said.

      You deserved that for your rude comment, Anton, Aunt Kitty said. We probably shouldn’t have come, Lily, but he was my brother. And despite what you may have heard, I loved him.

      You have an odd way of showing that love, by never coming around to visit him, Deena said. I’m Deena by the way. Good friend of the family for more than twenty years.

      Attack dog of the family is more like it, Anton said.

      Who are you calling a dog, punk? Deena said. I’m a bold, beautiful, black woman. The jury’s still out on what you are.

      I’ll tell you what you are, Anton said. You’re a bold beyatc—."

      Anton, don’t you dare finish that sentence, Aunt Kitty said. What is wrong with you today, young man?

      I don’t like the way the people in this place have been talking about you, Mom, Anton said. They don’t know you.

      That’s part of the problem, isn’t it? Aunt Kitty said to Lily. We’re strangers, you and I, Lily. Try not to judge me too harshly.

      Why shouldn’t I? Lily said. Why shouldn’t I judge you when I was the one here taking care of Daddy when he got sick?

      Anton, go wait in the car with your father, Aunt Kitty said calmly. Her voice had maintained a cordial pitch throughout the conversation.

      No, Anton said. I don’t want to have to come back and break up a bitch fight.

      That’s quite enough from you, young man, Aunt Kitty said. Go to the car before I call your daddy to come get you.

      Yes, Ma’am, Anton said. But I’ll be watching.

      I’m sure you will, Aunt Kitty said. She watched her son slowly walk away.

      As I was saying, Lily said. I’m not one to mince words. My husband was a private detective and he taught me how to read people’s faces. Yours had nothing good to say when you turned around and saw me mere seconds ago.

      "I had hoped to avoid you, Aunt Kitty said, then began slowly walking followed by Lily and Deena. Cemeteries are such beautiful, serene places normally. You’re right to be mad at me, Lily."

      I’m more resentful than mad, Lily said. I’d have to know a person to be mad at them and I don’t know you.

      No, but that wasn’t my doing… or my choice, Aunt Kitty said. I’m helping with the yearly tour of homes in my town. You should come, maybe the location will inspire one of your stories.

      So you know she’s a writer, Deena said.

      A very good one, Aunt Kitty said. I’ve been a fan since Lily’s dad told me about her first novel.

      He told you about that, Lily said.

      Oh yes, Aunt Kitty said. He said they were inspired from the cases your husband worked on. I was sorry to hear about his passing and the writer’s block you’ve had for a year. The book you wrote after he died was very different but quite excellent.

      There are worse things than writer’s block, Lily said. Are you trying to tell me that you and Daddy used to talk?

      Aunt Kitty rummaged through her small, black, purse as she talked. We spoke every day on the phone. And he’d come visit me—before he had the stroke. She handed Lily a card with her name and phone number on it as well as a flyer about the home tours. Come to either the Springsville or Delreve home tour. They’re both great. You can stay with me and we’ll talk.

      I’ll think about it, Lily said.

      Please do, Aunt Kitty said and smiled. I’d better be going. And don’t worry, I won’t be making any other impromptu visits here. She kissed Lily’s cheek then walked away.

      I can’t believe she kissed your cheek as if she’d known you your whole life, Deena said once Aunt Kitty had gone.

      But maybe she has, Deena. She said she spoke with Daddy every day… and I believe her. I could see in her eyes she was telling the truth. Daddy probably told her all about me. So, she may really feel like she does know me.

      But that makes things even weirder, Deena said. If they actually got along then why didn’t she ever come visit.

      What was going on? Lily said. Something is very strange.

      I’ll say, Deena said. She saw Lily looking at the card Aunt Kitty had handed her. Oh no. I know you’re not thinking about going on one of those home tours.

      The first one’s happening a few weeks from today and I’m sure Grandma and Maddie wouldn’t mind staying with Aunt Ellen. Springsville is only two hours or so from here. Maybe I will go. Stranger things have happened. I think… maybe, there’s a mystery to unravel. And I’m just in the mood to play detective.

      Chapter 2

      To Life and the Living!

      "I GIVE UP LILY said as she stared at her computer screen frustrated. She grabbed her long, dark auburn hair and pulled it up into a ponytail so that her impulse to tear it out wouldn’t became a reality.

      Grandma Tyson entered the room with a cup of warm tea that she put on a small table in the former sunroom turned office.

      Are the words not coming, dear, Grandma Tyson said.

      Lily looked up into her grandmother’s loving hazel eyes, shrugged her shoulders and threw her hands in the air.

      My writer’s muse can be a real wench sometimes, Grandma, Lily said. I feel like I just want to shake her and squeeze her till words squirt out her butt and onto my computer screen.

      Well, that’s a lovely picture, Lily. Why don’t you write about that?

      Because I’ve written one angry book about a widow getting revenge against those who wronged her, and that was one book too much. I’ve been advised by our dear friend and my editor Ava Thorne that I need to write a softer book to appeal to the masses. Have you ever thought about just how perfect Ava’s last name is—she has definitely been a ‘thorn’ in my side?

      She’s also been a very good friend to you, Lily Courtland. You weren’t exactly in the best of shape after Lucas died.

      Can you blame me? Lily said. After ten years of marriage, losing Lucas like that came as a real blow. I wanted to shut the world out and crawl into a hole.

      If anyone can understand that, I can, Grandma Tyson said. Your grandfather and I were together for more than fifty years when he died… and who would’ve expected him to go like he did. Nobody in his family ever had Lou Gehrig’s disease.

      At least he went quickly. Grandpapa couldn’t have handled wasting away—he was always such a strong man. My Lucas was like that too. I suppose he went out like he wanted to—on the job. But it didn’t make it any easier on me. Then there was Daddy’s stroke and all the complications from that.

      I’ve tried to help where I could, Grandma Tyson said. But things weren’t easy for you. We have to believe that the Good Lord knows what he’s doing. As strong as those two men of ours were, I’m not sure they could’ve gone on with life like we’ve done. In that way women are stronger than men. We can keep on going when we need to. Lucas would be having a harder time than you trying to raise a daughter on his own.

      You would’ve helped him, Grandma.

      Of course. I would’ve had to, but your daddy was a different case. Paul was ready to go. He missed your mother so much. I’ll always be grateful that my daughter had a man like him in her life. She knew true love.

      Lily tried to change the subject. Grandma, would you believe Ava told me this morning that this world is all about life and the living and my books need to reflect that more?

      She’s not wrong about that, honey. And at thirtysomething you’re still young and beautiful. You need to do more living—at least as a way to get inspiration for your books. Drink some tea while it’s still warm.

      Lily stood from her chair, walked barefoot to the table, picked up the warm cup her grandmother had brought, and drank from it. The liquid’s heat running through the inside of her body felt almost healing and helped her to relax.

      Why don’t you write a romance next, Lily?

      Oh, please, Grandma. I’m hardly the romance novel type. Besides, who still believes in the goody-goody virgin heroine besotted by suitors at a fabulous ball held in a fairy-tale mansion.

      Those things still happen. You just need to believe.

      Real life is more about getting up early to drive your kid to school, rushing around running errands looking like a mess, then coming home to stare at the computer while dressed in a tank top and shorts or boxers—not a ball gown. The closest my life comes to fantasy is shaking an imaginary fairy muse’s butt and trying to get words to magically flow out. Even then, I’m just ending up with a hand full of wet and smelly diarrhea.

      You are definitely a writer, Grandma Tyson said. Anyway, I knew you were in a funk and I made a few executive decisions.

      Grandma, not that I haven’t appreciated your moving in two years ago to help after Lucas died, but what have you done? Please tell me it’s not a blind date.

      It’s not a blind date. I bought you and Deena tickets to the opening night gala event of that home tour you’re going to in your Aunt Kitty’s neck of the woods. The shindig is being held in an incredible mansion on the river.

      Please tell me it’s not a ball.

      Well, maybe not exactly a ball. Grandma Tyson slowly walked to a mirror on the wall and checked her short sandy brown hair in it. With one hand she patted the stray hairs sticking out on the side.

      Lily watched her Grandma, then glanced at the numerous bracelets on her thin wrist. One had been given to her by a daughter, two had been given to her by grandpa and one had been grandpa’s. Love is a wonderful thing, Lily thought. And both she and her grandmother had found the real ‘thing’ at least once. Was it too much for her to find it again?

      So what exactly is this ‘shindig’, Grandma? And how do Deena and I have to dress?

      It’s a ‘fabulous’ fund-raising party at the Munroe estate the night before the home tour to start things off.

      The Munroe estate! Lily gasped. I’ve been doing research about the house and grounds for my next book. It was after I saw it on the home tour web site. The place looks like an old English mansion. Beautiful brick façade, manicured lawn, even a tower. I thought it would be the perfect setting for a mystery.

      That’s exactly why the party caught my attention, Grandma Tyson said.

      Grandma, you’re brilliant!

      I know. What? Did you forget? Your brains come from this side of the family. Anyway, I knew you were having some sort of writer’s block and I thought visiting the home for a party might inspire you.

      Oh, yes! It’ll give me a definite feel for the place and should get my juices flowing. Deena and I won’t have to dress up too much for the function, will we?

      Cocktail chic was what they wrote on the website, Grandma Tyson said. Nothing full-length or fancy. I had your Aunt Ellen take me to the store so we could get something for you to wear. I’m so glad Deena insisted on going to the Springsville tour with you. If you were attending it alone, I would worry the whole time. But you know Deena will look fabulous. The woman has always had exquisite taste. So you can’t just phone in your look.

      Aunt Ellen didn’t pick out some frou-frou, glittery confection for me to wear, did she? Lily said.

      She’s got good taste—you’re well aware of that fact.

      I know. Grandma, I’m so excited about going to see the house! Today’s Friday and there’s only a week to go before the tour. Aaa, Grandma. Look at my hair! My nails look awful too.

      Calm yourself and drink some more tea. I’ve got everything handled. That ‘thorn in your side’, Ava said she’ll pick Maddie up from school the day before you leave—Thursday. Then she’ll take Maddie to get some dinner, bring her home afterward, and stay with her while we’re getting our nails and hair done at the salon. I’ll be there to make sure you don’t get busy and back out… or ruin your nails by answering your phone like you did last time.

      Hello, where is everybody?

      We’re to your right—in the sunroom, Grandma Tyson said.

      Aunt Ellen walked into the room with a large smile on her face then spoke. What did you think of your new dress, Lily, honey?

      I’ve only just now heard about it, Lily said. I have yet to see it.

      Oh, goody, Aunt Ellen said. I’ll get to see your reaction firsthand. Where did you put Lily’s dress, Mom?

      On her bed.

      The three women left the sunroom slash office space, walked past the formal living room and to the right, then entered Lily’s bedroom. The room was large with an armoire in one corner, a dresser and mirror, and a large bed in the center of the room with a table next to it.

      Lily, you should change out this furniture one day, the wood is so dark and masculine, Grandma Tyson said. Even the marble on top of the dresser and bedside table is a dark gray.

      Grandma, Lily said.

      Mom, let’s just stay focused, Aunt Ellen said.

      Lily looked at the plastic garment bag on her bed. She took hold of the hanger, lifted it, then with her aunt’s help removed the plastic to reveal the dress. It was a black lace dress with spaghetti straps. The dress had a low back and nude lining which made it look sexier than it actually was.

      I don’t know about this, Lily said. It’s awfully skimpy-looking.

      Everything’s covered up, Grandma Tyson said. I thought a nice green dress would look better with your hair color. But we both know you’re still wearing black to major social affairs since it hasn’t been long since your daddy died—despite your having worn white to the funeral. Lord, I am still explaining that one to friends.

      My having worn white to the funeral is really none of your friends’ business and you should tell them so, Grandma. I wouldn’t suffer fools like that gladly.

      People are curious, that’s all, Grandma Tyson said. Lucas once told me that most of his leads on cases came from curious and nosy people—neighbors and the like.

      Stop talking about nonsense you two, Aunt Ellen said. Lily, feel how nice the lace is. She traced along the black lace with her finger.

      It’s beautiful, Lily said. I’m almost afraid to touch it and the lace looks so sheer. She touched the dress lightly. The lace isn’t thick and the lining is very thin too. When she turned the dress around and looked at the back more closely it elicited a gasp. That back really is extremely low. I don’t have the right underwear for this.

      That’s Ok, Aunt Ellen said. After we bought you the dress we went to the undergarments department and bought you a nude-color, one piece bodysuit with a thong back.

      A thong back? Lily said.

      Yes, Grandma Tyson said. The sales lady at Dillard’s told us that a thong would be better than a full seat because of how thin the fabric is on the dress. Any little lump of fabric underneath will show. Lucky you have such a pretty figure.

      The thinness of the fabric is a mark of the quality behind it, Aunt Ellen said. "Listen, Lily, I wasn’t going to say anything but… now I have to since I sense your reluctance to wearing this lovely confection. There, I used big words

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