The tinkling of wind chimes greeted Roam and Honey as they entered Miles Montgomery's cozy greenhouse. The herbalist looked up from pruning a vibrant hydrangea bush, surprise flashing across his face.
"Two days in a row. To what do I owe the pleasure?" He grinned.
Roam's expression was grave. "We've uncovered new information about Lily's murder and hoped you could provide some botanical insights."
Miles set down his shears, giving them his full attention. Honey quickly explained their findings about the fire pits, the seeds and the tin cans for boiling the water.
Miles stroked his chin thoughtfully. "A cunning ploy, though twisted. The falls' water can amplify an ingredient's effects exponentially."
"Are we right about the plants here that could be easily turned into a poison?" Roam asked.
“Yes," Miles admitted. "Apple seeds, peach pits, almond trees, even this hydrangea bush - all contain a form of cyanide when processed incorrectly. But I did not do that, even though I have this plant right here in front of me. I aim to cultivate life here, but I fear others do not share that goal," he remarked sadly.
Roam clasped his shoulder. "You’ve done your part, Miles, in verifying our findings. We all agree since we found apple seeds at the site, that was their plant of choice. We know it wasn’t hydrangea stems or leaves or whatever.”
“Good. Follow me.” Miles led them deeper into the greenhouse, past a smorgasbord of burgeoning plants.
Honey shuddered at how someone could warp nature's beauty into tools of death. “This is just sick. And now we know, through all our interviews and reports, who has a thing for apples and apple trees.”
“Sally, but we are darn pretty sure she didn’t kill Lily,” Roam said.
“Do tell? I don’t know why is Sally’s hang up on apples.” Miles interjected.
“It’s not apples, it’s apple pie, actually.” Honey corrected.
“Go on…” Miles prompted.
“Focus people. Who cares about the pie? We’re working this out. Right here. Right now.” Roam paced.
“That leaves us with Gregg Abbott. Who wanted or needed Lily’s apple trees for his wandmaking business?” Honey spoke carefully and slowly, as the pieces fell together.
“Right. Nearly everyone reported him arguing with Lily. And he’s been so adamant about us arresting Clive. He was diverting attention.” Roam pounded his fist into his palm.
“But you can use any kind of wood to make wands.” Honey’s shoulders fell.
“Yes.” Miles spoke up. “But apple wood wands are the most powerful wands in the world, especially the ones you could make with Lily’s trees. Good Goddess, those would be unstoppable.”
“And why is that?” Honey pressed.
“Well, they come from enchanted trees, fed by the most magical pool of water in the world.” Miles shrugged matter of factly. “You take a guess.”
“Power.” Honey remembered all the reasons Dr. Wimpleton has said would drive someone to murder.
“Immense power.” Miles emphasized.
Fury tightened Roam's jaw. "Let's pay the bastard a visit. And this time we won’t accept him not answering the door."
“Wait before you go.” Miles dug around in his potting bench and grabbed a small vial from the back of a drawer. He pressed it into Honey's hand.
“What’s this?” Honey asked as she held Miles’ hand in hers.
“It’s crystal dust.” Miles whispered.
“And what good will that do us?” Honey shook the small glass vial and watched a glittery like substance dance inside.
“Don’t shake it up too much. I don’t know what happens if you do that, but don’t do that.” Miles grabbed her hand and held it still.
“Fine. Don’t shake the dust. But what the hell is she supposed to do with it?” Roam paced impatiently.
