“Vera? Why Vera?” Amy asked, sounding confused.
“She notices everything and writes it down,” I said. “She told me about seeing Lola at a couple of banks that had been robbed, talking to Henry Walker, the Regional Bank Inspector. Maybe she’s seen more than she’s saying. Maybe Lola’s friendly with Walker for a reason. And maybe Vera heard something that she doesn’t realize could prove to be the missing piece to this case.”
Before Amy could respond, Beau’s voice came through the phone.
“Pepper, I heard you mention Vera. If you’re looking for her, she’s not home. She told me this morning when I brought in her garbage cans that she was going to rescue more neglected flowers at the garden center.”
“Thanks, Beau,” I said, glad I knew where to find Vera. “Amy, I’ll talk with you later.”
I glanced over at Mo sitting by the door, waiting.
“Let’s go, pal, we have investigating to do.”
Mo wasout of the truck as soon as I opened the door.
“Hold your horses,” I said, though Mo had already planted his paws on the ground, his head up, alert, and eager to start the investigation.
The garden center was busy, carts rolling over gravel paths and customers wandering between rows of flowers that looked far healthier than the ones Vera would soon be buying.
Mo took sniffs and, familiar with the variety of scents he enjoyed, hurried forward.
“Stay close,” I warned.
He ignored me and immediately began inspecting a row of bright petunias as if he had been hired as quality control.
A couple walking past stopped to admire him.
“What a beautiful dog,” the woman said.
“Thank you,” I said automatically, though Mo was already moving on to investigate a cluster of lavender.
I spotted Thomas near the register helping a customer load the last of four bags of soil into a cart. When he saw me, he wiped his hands on his jeans and headed my way.
“Working today, sis?” he asked.
“No, I’m looking for Vera.”
“Vera? I thought you avoided her.”
“When possible. Today it’s not possible.” I lowered my voice. “Actually, I need to talk to you later. I found out something about Lola that you need to know.”
Thomas frowned slightly. “Look, Pepper, I didn’t mind Amy letting you know about my little problem since you have a skilled mind for solving things. But I don’t want anyone else to know about my situation.”
“That’s not going to be possible, Thomas.” I kept talking when he tried to argue. “Lola is a scammer and I have the proof. You’re going to have to take this to Dad whether you want to or not.” I rested my hand gently on his shoulder. “We’ll talk later. I need to find Vera right now. She may have info that will help with the problem.”
“Scammer?” he said, looking at me in disbelief. “I’ve been scammed? It was all lies?”
I realized then how much it hurt him to hear that. He cared for Lola and to learn she cared nothing for him had to hurt.
“I am so sorry, Thomas. I should have waited to tell you,” I said, feeling guilty I blurted it out without thinking how it would make him feel.
“No, Pepper, I’m glad you told me,” he said. “Lola asked me for more money last night. Supposedly, it was for a shipment of some type of beauty cream.”
“Did you give her the money?” I asked, praying he didn’t.
“I told her I needed to see the paperwork. She hasn’t given it to me yet.” He shook his head. “I’m a fool.”
“No, you have a generous heart for those you care about, and I’m always there for you, Thomas. Even though you tormented me terribly when we were young,” I said with a laugh and was glad to see him smile.
