Garden of Death Read Online Free

he knew I loved him, and also because he kind of liked my ex, too. After the case last fall, Jackson had softened toward Simon. They were almost friends now.
    The mayor, who had left the stage briefly to confer with an aide, now took the microphone again. “As I was saying, Ms. McQuade, uh, Dr. McQuade, that is, is in the final stages of completing the teaching garden and an open-air teahouse for everyone to enjoy. We’re sure that her Aunt Claire would be pleased, God rest her soul.”
    I had a strong suspicion that it was Aunt Claire’s influence that was the tipping point in the decision to award me the land. She had been incredibly well liked and did a lot for the community, especially when it came to helping homeless animals. I had used some of the proceeds from her bestselling Fresh Face Cream to set up the garden. To give back, I pledged 10 percent of all the profits from the garden and teahouse to the local animal shelter and to Jackson’s refuge. But just because Claire had helped me didn’t mean that I had cheated. I had gotten the lot, fair and square.
    â€œTomorrow, the Claire Hagen Memorial Physic Garden will be open to the public,” the mayor announced. “If you can, please join us for the opening ceremony at noon.”
    There was more applause, but now, some loudgrumbling, too.
    White pushed away from the bar and headed toward the stage, with Joe Larson trailing behind him. “Everyone needs to know that Willow McQuade got that lot from Frank Fox illegally,” White announced loudly.
    â€œHe’s right,” Joe Larson said. “We’ve got people looking into it. But I think that’s all we should say for now.”
    â€œWhat is going on?” I felt my stomach knot. “What is he talking about?”
    Jackson took my hand and squeezed it. “Ignore him. We won’t let him take away the garden. Don’t worry.”
    â€œI’ll get my lawyers on it,” Simon said. “The big guns.”
    The knot in my stomach twisted. “I don’t want to get into a nasty battle over this.”
    â€œYou have to protect your interests, Willow,” Simon said.
    Mayor Hobson cleared his throat, and said, “Joe, Dr. White, please keep your opinions to yourself. Now I know that there are others who also aren’t happy with our decision about this land, but I hope everyone in the community will support Willow in her new venture.”
    â€œThat vote was fixed and we’re going to prove it!” Dr. White insisted.
    â€œThat guy needs to shut up,” Jackson said.
    White pushed his way through the crowd and over to us. “You talking to me? You’re saying that I need to shut up?”
    â€œYou heard right,” Jackson said, stepping in front of me. Simon stepped forward and shielded me as well.
    â€œOh, it figures,” White said. “You’re sticking up for your little girlfriend. Did she lie to you, too?”
    â€œDr. White, please! Control yourself!” The mayor checked his notes again, plastered on a fake smile, and said, “Enjoy the party, everyone, and thank you!”
    But Dr. White wasn’t done. He leaned around Jackson until he was just inches from my face. His hot breath smelled of beer and cigars. “Enjoy your little project, Ms. McQuade. You won’t have it for long.”
    â€œWhy don’t you tell me what you’re talking about?” I said as calmly as I could. “Because you’re wrong. I did not cheat to get that land. I would never do that.”
    â€œWe have lawyers looking into the way that that vote came down. We know and you know that it wasn’t right. And we’re going to prove it. You’ll see.”
    â€œTime to go,” Jackson said, grabbing his arm. “Back away from her. Now.”
    â€œYeah,” Simon added. “You don’t want to take us on, buddy.”
    White studied Simon carefully, and I had an awful feeling that