Read Online Snipped in the Bud by Kate Collins - Free Book Online Page B

story, Carson Reed, a professor at New Chapel University School of Law, was found dead shortly after noon today, the victim of a brutal attack. According to an anonymous source, Reed’s body was discovered by local businesswoman Abigail Knight, who was there to deliver a floral arrangement. Police haven’t released any details and won’t comment about potential suspects.”
    “Well,” I said, trying to make light of it, “that shouldn’t raise my profile too much.”
    “When asked for a comment,” the news anchor continued, “Ms. Knight, a former student of Carson Reed’s, would only say, ‘I am not a delivery girl. I’m a florist. I own Bloomers, on the town square.’”
    A huge silence descended on the workroom. I glanced at Lottie, who was shaking her head in dismay. Marco was more verbal. “I’m surprised you didn’t offer up your Social Security number while you were at it.”
    I dropped my head into my hands. Things were spinning out of control and I felt helpless to stop them. “That would explain the sudden rush of customers,” I muttered through my fingers. “I’m the new curiosity in town.”
    Lottie started to turn off the radio, but Marco said, “Wait.”
    With the news bulletin over, the two talk-show hosts, Rob and Rick, of the corny afternoon radio program Rob and Rick’s Radio Schtick resumed their banter: “Sounds like Abigail Knight is a florist with an attitude, Rob.”
    “Is she ever! I remember Abby from New Chapel High School, when she took on Coach DePugh for using a live eagle as mascot at the homecoming game.”
    At that I dropped my hands. “The bird was a hawk, not an eagle. And Rob was a big geek.”
    “Hey, Rob,” his cohost said, “is that the same Abby Knight who was arrested last week for leading a protest march at Dermacol Labs?”
    “I didn’t lead it!” I exclaimed hotly.
    “She sure is, Rick, and if I remember correctly, Carson Reed was Dermacol’s spokesman. How’s that for a coincidence? Listeners? What do you make of this? Give us a call at four-six-one-two-four-six-one. Hello, who is this?”
    “Uh, yeah, this is Doug. My wife works at Dermacol. Sounds mighty suspicious to us that this rabble-rouser florist has a showdown with Mr. Reed, then all of a sudden she finds him dead. She sounds like a troublemaker to me.”
    “A troublemaker?” I cried. “A rabble-rouser? Do I have to listen to this?”
    “It’s better to know what people are saying,” Marco told me.
    “Thanks for your opinion, caller,” Rick said. “And who’s up next?”
    “This is Bill, and I have to say, thank God for Dermacol Labs. They’re paying me a decent income and giving me good benefits.”
    “Not to mention torturing animals,” I snapped.
    “Danged activists would just as soon shut down the lab,” the caller continued, “so that people like me have to stand in soup lines because of some harmless testing.”
    I was ready to tear out my hair. “Harmless? He’s insane. Why can’t he get a job somewhere else? Why does not working there mean standing in a soup line?”
    “Calm down, Sunshine. People don’t think logically when emotions run high. Remember, they’re all scared right now. There’s a killer on the loose.”
    “I say we shut down that woman’s flower shop and see how she likes it!” the caller finished.
    “Okay, Bill,” Rick said. “ Thanks for the input. Hello, caller three.”
    “I just want to say that Professor Reed was a wonderful man,” a young woman said tearfully. “All his students adored him. That woman had no right to take him away from us just because he flunked her.”
    “I didn’t take him away!” I shouted at the radio.
    “Hey, Rick,” Rob said. “We’re not being fair to Abby.”
    Thank God someone finally realized that.
    “So why don’t we give Abby a call and see what she has to say for herself?”
    “It’s about time,” I said to Marco, who was rubbing his eyes, looking as if he’d rather be anywhere