“Yes, how can I help you?” She wrung her hands nervously, her knuckles white from the pressure.
Roam smiled down at her and leaned casually against the door jamb, his panther-like grace evident in every movement. "Excuse me, Mabel. But we need to speak with you about Lily. First, I should let ya know. I am sorry for your loss.”
“So awful. Just so awful.” Mable mustered a weak smile his way.
“Yes, well, we were wondering if you might have seen or heard anything unusual the last couple of days." Honey asked.
Mabel's eyes flickered with fear, and she glanced furtively out the door and even over her shoulder before leaning in closer to the pair. "Well, I did see someone leaving the orchard the night before last," she whispered, her voice trembling. "But it was just a quick glimpse, mind you. I didn't recognize them."
"Thank you, Mabel, we understand. Do you mind keeping us posted if you remember anything else? That would be very helpful." Roam gave Mabel a reassuring pat on the shoulder before the duo moved on to the next house.
"Did Lily have any enemies?" Honey asked one of Lily's neighbors, a fellow named Don.
"Enemies?" Don scoffed, the corners of his eyes rumpling in sorrow. "No, not Lily. Everyone loved her. She was such a part of this community."
"Anyone who might’ve been jealous of her success?" Roam probed, his eyes searching Don's face for any hint of deception.
"Jealousy is a funny thing," Don mused, deep in thought. "It can make people do terrible things. But I can't think of anyone who would go so far as to hurt Lily."
“Do you know someone who was jealous of her?” Honey asked.
Don hesitated, “Well, I heard Sally Swanton swooning over the new Dr. Wimpleton, and out here we all know he and Lily were an item. Unofficially, of course. I bet she was plenty jealous.” Don nodded at his own insight.
“Right, we’ll look into it. Thanks.” Roam shook Don’s hand, and they moved to the next neighbor.
“Is there anything else you can tell us about Lily?” Honey asked the third neighbor, Julie. "Anything that might seem insignificant but might help us?"
Julie hesitated, raising a uniquely thin eyebrow, her gaze darting between Honey and Roam. "Well, now that you mention it, last week I saw Lily arguing with someone outside her home. It was late at night, and I couldn't see who it was, but Lily seemed really upset. It was a man’s voice. I do know that."
"Thank you," Roam said gravely, exchanging a glance with Honey. "That's very helpful. Every bit of information counts."
They stepped off the last porch and began the walk to the bridge to speak with Grumble, the troll. “Let me call for him. I think he’s afraid of you, Roam.”
“Why would anyone be afraid of me?” Roam shook his head.
“Well, you are a panther, that might do it.” Honey smirked.
When they were halfway across the bridge into town. Honey called out for Grumble.
“Rumble, rumble, I know you hear me, my feet upon your bridge. Grumble, Grumble, come out and visit me, if only for a smidge.” Honey listened for the troll.
With a grunt, the small creature climbed from under the stone arch and popped up in front of them on the bridge. “You asked so kind, I don’t mind. A visit would be nice with thee. Come sit and talk by the enchanted water, and walk with me.”
Grumble wasn’t at all like traditional trolls. He lived under a bridge, but that is where the similarities stopped. He was well kept, and very cute. His small features were well proportioned, his black hair stuck straight up, but was neatly combed, and complimented his light blue skin, pink cheeks and straight teeth. His clothes were clean and well-fitting and stylish, which made Grumble looked more like a fairy-tale troll.
“Does everything have to rhyme? I’m not so good at the poems.” Roam scratched his head.
“No silly. It’s just a game Grumble likes to play. Right Grumble?” Honey smiled at the troll.
“Right. It’s just a game, all the same.” Grumble winked.
Honey covered her mouth before the laugh escaped.
“Alright, we’ve got business to do.” Roam shooed them both off the bridge and to the grassy knoll where they could sit and talk. “Grumble, we need to know who’s been coming back and forth to see Lily. Can you tell us?”
“Certainly,” the troll smiled.
“Well, go on.” Roam encouraged.
