It's Murder at the Buy-Right

52

"See" he said, smiling good-naturedly, "I told you we'd make it quick."

"Uh-huh," she said, brushing a hand through her newly dyed hair.

She was glad she'd told Brawley to go heavy on the blonde highlights. Otherwise, she'd be looking at a million more newly turned white hairs, thanks to Monroe's driving.

"I'm stopping at the flower shop," she said. "I want to get something really nice for Deke. You go on up, I expect you're anxious to see him."

"Okay," Monroe said.

The hospital flower shop was stocked with so many beautiful flowers, it was hard to decide. Daisy Ann talked to the clerk.

"I want something spectacular," she said. "Something that will show him how I feel."

"One hundred forty-seven fifteen," the clerk said.

"That ought to do it," Daisy Ann said. "A hundred and fifty dollars of blooming love. I'll just eat cat food next month!"

The young girl had a horrified expression on her face.

"Just kidding, honey," Daisy Ann said.

She struggled to get the large bouquet out the door.

"Though not much," she mumbled.

She waited at the elevators until everyone entered then snagged an empty car up to Deke's floor.

Man, the vase was heavy. But then, you really needed an extra heavy-duty urn for all these beauties.

Daisy Ann was all smiles, but you couldn't see her behind the ridiculously large bouquet.

She rounded the corner, hoping her entrance into her boss's room was stupendous.

Her step slowed.

There were voices coming out of Deke's room. And neither one was Deke's.