Dandelion Dead by Chrystle Fiedler

latest news. Most significant was that Amy’s death would probably be classified as a murder because of a poisonous plant, and that Lily was a person of interest because she had foraged for the dandelion greens that were used on the scallop appetizer.
    â€œDo you think she could have done it?”
    â€œNo. Besides, someone has been threatening David, sending him texts and e-mails and telling him to dropout of the competition. I just can’t see her doing that. What’s her motivation?”
    â€œI agree. More likely it’s one of the rival vineyards that were at the party, or Gerald Parker, or Kurt Farmer.”
    â€œRegarding the vineyards, yes, the cash prize is substantial. It could motivate someone to go to the dark side.”
    â€œYes, Obi-Wan.” Jackson smiled. Both of us were big Star Wars fans, and looking forward to the next movie. “Does Detective Koren know about the texts and e-mails?”
    I nodded. “Yes, David showed them to him, after he started freaking out that someone wanted him dead, since Amy ate one of his scallop-and-greens appetizers. David had someone trying to trace the messages to their source, and now Koren will do the same, so we’ll see. What do you think?”
    â€œIt seems like a reasonable theory that if David’s food had been tampered with, the killer wanted him dead, not Amy. There is a lot at stake.” Jackson got quiet for a minute and watched the evening crowds of people heading to different restaurants, up and down the street. Finally he said, “And because it involves Lily and Simon, and his winery, you’re going to want to investigate, right?”
    â€œHow did you know that?”
    Jackson gave me a “get real” face. “C’mon.”
    â€œBut it would be different this time.”
    â€œReally, how?”
    â€œThe killer is after David, not one of us. It’s a little more removed.”
    Jackson couldn’t help but laugh. “It isn’t. Not once you get involved and things start to unravel. You may find out that person you thought least likely to be a killer is the one. Believe me, I’ve seen it before on the job. It would be much better if you just let this one go. It’s too dangerous. It always is.”
    â€œThat’s true.”
    â€œOur lives are good. We’re happy. I’m making a difference, and so are you. The medicinal plant garden and your new book were a hit, and you’re doing good work here, and I’m doing my thing at the farm. Plus, you heard what Detective Koren said.”
    â€œI know that, but I really feel I need to do this, and I am pretty good at it. Actually, we’re good together , the three of us.”
    Jackson shook his head. “Honey, you are good, but Simon should just hire a private investigator instead. It’s easier, it’s safer, and I can give him a couple of names.”
    â€œDid I hear someone mention my name?” Simon bounded up the stairs, wearing a denim blazer, orange button-down shirt, black jeans, and loafers, without socks, of course, and came over to us.
    â€œYes, you did,” Jackson said. “We were just talking about what happened today at Pure, and the fact that I don’t want Willow involved in this investigation.”
    â€œYeah, I get that.” Simon took off his sunglasses. “But I could really use her help and yours, Jackson. This is important. David is scared out of his mind, and it could impact our standing in the competition. We’ve worked so hard to get to this place, and it could all be for nothing.”
    â€œWhat about a private investigator?” Jackson said, not giving up so fast. “I know of a few really great people.”
    â€œAre they from out here? Do they understand Greenport and the people and the North Fork winery business and all that?”
    â€œWell, no. They’re retired cops that I know from the job, in Nassau County.”
    â€œI just