Page 51 of In Dangerous Water

“I did,” I said in the same tone. “And you?”

Brynn tucked a piece of her long brown hair behind her ear. “My personal work finished up around three in the morning.”

“As did mine.” I nodded. “And our third collaborator?”

“It was reported to me that she coordinated as well.”

“Oh, good you’re here!” The voice belonged to Nicole Dubois, the PR person for theTrois Amiswinery and the hotel.

“Good morning, Nicole.” Brynn smiled at the sleek brunette.

“My god,” Nicole breathed, taking in the flowers. “Every year they only get more beautiful.”

“Thank you.” Brynn smiled at the compliment.

“Did you see that we made your name bigger on all of the advertising?” Nicole asked. “We wanted to make sure everyone knew that Brynn Golden designed the flowers.”

“I sure did.” Brynn smiled, easily. “That’s very exciting.”

“You and your sisters have been here every year since we started the ball,” Nicole said to Brynn. “I bet half of the tickets we sold are from folks in Alton. The Goldens are so well known. I mean, between Skye’s podcast, Kenna’s baking, your flowers, and Cordelia’s swimming career...”

While Nicole chatted on about the public relations aspect and public interest, I nodded.

Yes,I thought,it was definitely well-known that my family attended the event every year.I was counting on that to lure the stalker out. They probably wouldn’t be able to resist. A masquerade would be an awesome opportunity for them to slip in, get close and remain unknown.

Nicole glanced at her clipboard. “I have a few men from security to help you haul the boxes inside—Charlie and Gus.” She pointed to the two men standing by the ballroom doors. “They’re happy to help with whatever you might need.”

Nicole was hailed from across the room. With a smile, she dashed off to go answer a question from one of the wait staff.

My sister and I started out together. Charlie and Gus followed along to Brynn’s van that was parked right outside the main doors, waiting to be unloaded.

Brynn hooked her arm companionably through mine as we headed outdoors. “Your dress for the ball is in the van. It’s in a garment bag. I made sure to bring your shoes and other accessories as well.”

“Thanks,” I said easily. “I’ll grab it after I finish helping you unload.”

“Perfect.” Brynn smiled, and we quickly loaded the men up.

“Thanks, guys,” I said as they hauled the boxes into the ballroom.

“Mom and Dad arrived in St. Louis an hour ago,” Brynn said once we were alone again. “Skye picked them up, and she’staking them straight to the hospital. Mom and Dad will stay with Kenna until she’s released. They’ll take her back to the house and keep an eye on her.”

“I called Kenna’s room earlier this morning,” I said. “Grandma Althea was up there. She told me Kenna had a peaceful night and was looking better.”

Brynn nodded. “Skye will be here around six o’clock tonight for the Ball.”

“Okay,” I said, and we reached for another wooden box. This one was heavy and loaded down with fall flowers arranged inside of carved jack o’ lanterns. We each took an end and began to carry it in. “These arrangements are fabulous, Brynn.”

“Nicole wanted more pumpkins this year,” she said as we maneuvered the box across the sidewalk.

Usually, I gave my sister a hand for weddings or big events. But since I’d been in Ames Crossing for the past week or so, I hadn’t seen these. Spanish moss peeked through the carved eyes, noses and mouths of the pumpkins. Spilling out of the top of the pumpkins were a combination of mums in a rainbow of autumn tones, rosy Autumn Joy sedum, burgundy celosia, goldenrod, and dried heads of coneflowers. An assortment of autumn leaves and black painted twigs made it look wild and creepy.

“Austin will be meeting me here at noon,” Brynn said casually, as we made our way through the lobby.

“Yes,” I said, walking backwards. “I hear that he and Tim will be having their own meetings this afternoon.”

Brynn nodded. “Did you have your meeting with Gabriella and company this morning?”

“I did,” I said as we walked toward the ballroom. “It went well.”

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