The Range Rover was humming softly as the driver helped her inside. He stored her luggage in the rear compartment and handed her the tote.

Charlotte peered into the bag and checked the medicine bottles, almost six thousand dollars worth of pills. She had no idea what kinds of medicines they were, but she was determined to find out. She zipped the tote with the drugs, sat back in the luxurious leather seat, and willed herself to relax. She then recalled her other favorite movie quote, this time Vivien Leigh as Scarlett O’Hara—Tomorrow is another day. She smiled. Yes, I’m feeling much better today. Thank you very much.

Chapter 4

Chapter 4

Pinewood

That same afternoon, the day of Charlotte’s arrival, Myra had Yoko bring armloads of flowers from her greenhouse to decorate every room in the farmhouse. It was still early spring, and Myra’s gardens were not yet in full bloom. Only the potted plants on the terrace, which Yoko had helped her plant, provided an array of color to brighten the end of a long winter.

Hearing the commotion in the foyer, Charles wiped his hands on his apron and joined several of the sisters, who were carrying what seemed like hundreds of blooms.

“Coming through!” Yoko shouted as she carried an armload of peonies, with the dogs yapping at her feet. It was organized pandemonium.

Myra gasped at the sight of the colorful blooms. “Yoko! Where did you find peonies this time of year? They are absolutely gorgeous!”

With Yoko’s arms filled with the massive bouquet, one could not see her face, and it seemed as if the flowers spoke when she answered, “I know people!”

A rip-roaring laugh filled the room. Everyone in Myra and Annie’s circle knew someone. And it was those “someones” who assisted the women when they were on a mission. But today it was about flowers, food, and friends.

Kathryn parted the flowers hiding Yoko’s face. “Peekaboo!”

“Very funny,” Yoko chided Kathryn. “How about lending one of those big hands of yours!”

Kathryn grabbed the flowers and set them down on the large table in the entry. “Myra, where do you want these?”

Charles looked at the dozens, no hundreds, of flowers. “Did you bring the entire greenhouse with you, Yoko?”

Yoko tilted her head in Myra’s direction. “What do you think? Everything but lilies.”

Charles nodded. Of course she did, and of course, no lilies. House rules. Lilies could be toxic for dogs and cats.

Myra surveyed the dozens of arrangements and began giving orders. “Tulips in Charlotte’s room. They were always her favorite—a sign of spring. Fuchsia peonies can stay here, white peonies and the cherry blossoms go in the dining room, orchids in the drawing room, and gardenias in the bathrooms. Blue irises in the master bedroom and sunflowers in the kitchen.”