Bell choked on a laugh and patted me on the back. “I’ll teach you how not to be a plant murderer.”

“Thank you.” We each took two pots from the SUV and headed for the church. As we wove our way through the headstones, there was no unease this time, simply peace. I’d like to think that Vi would be happy that Bell and I had found each other in this way. That was the kind of girl she’d been, wanting everyone she loved to be happy.

My footsteps faltered as we approached Vi’s grave. All that peace that had been building inside me was ripped apart in a single breath. Every pot and plant that Bell had so tenderly cared for had been destroyed. Smashed into a million little pieces.

“What in the—?” Bell couldn’t even finish her sentence.

My eyes immediately began scanning the area, looking for anyone who might still be lurking nearby. I saw nothing. But as my gaze tracked over the destruction on the ground, it caught on a piece of paper amidst it all. A worn piece of notebook paper with thick, angry slashes for handwriting. They’re liars. The flowers are lies. They betrayed you, but I’ll always love you.

My gut twisted. This wasn’t just someone angry. This was someone sick. I set down the pots I was carrying, careful not to contaminate any evidence. Then I took Bell’s plants and did the same. She stood in shock, just staring at her love for her sister shattered on the ground. I wrapped an arm around her. “We need to get back in the car and call Sheriff Raines.”

She nodded woodenly, letting me drag her away. My eyes kept scanning the cemetery the whole time, looking for anything out of place. I kept one hand wrapped around Bell and used the other to pull out my phone. I hit Parker’s contact. “We have a problem.” I quickly filled him in. When I was done, I shoved the phone back into my pocket.

“He’s on the island, so he’ll be here in five.” I opened the passenger door for Bell, helping her in. She nodded again, that same stiff movement that had my gut twisting. I stood at the side of the vehicle, not able to leave her, even to just walk around the damn SUV.

Bell turned to face me, but her eyes weren’t focusing. “Who’s doing this, Ford?”