Floral Depravity by Beverly Allen Page A

arm as we strolled down the main thoroughfare. “It’s not that anyone really wanted him dead. They’re just so relieved he’s not alive anymore.” She stopped in her tracks. “That didn’t come out much better.”
    â€œI’ve heard that he could be difficult.”
    â€œThat’s one way of putting it. Do you know he actually tried to buy me off?”
    â€œBuy you off?”
    â€œPay me not to marry his son. Said he’d make it worth my while. I refused, but I still signed his silly prenup, just to prove to him I wasn’t after the Brooks bank account.”
    â€œI’m so sorry. Families can be difficult.”
    â€œAnd don’t tell Mom about the prenup. She would have had a cow. You know what Mel did? It wasn’t fifteen minutes after the ceremony that he tore the thing right in two and threw it into the fire, just to spite his father.” She winced. “Oh, that sounds even worse.”
    â€œMel?” I wasn’t sure that I’d even heard the groom’s first name before.
    â€œShort for Melvin.”
    â€œYikes.” Mel Brooks? Like the director? Scenes of old movies started running in my head. Poor kid. What was his father thinking? And why didn’t his mother stop him?
    â€œThat’s what I’m saying. If your father named you Melvin, would you like him, either?”
    As we rounded the corner, I swear I saw Peter Pan with a video camera. When I blinked, I realized it was Brad in green breeches, a green tunic, and a green hat. I couldn’t help a chuckle.
    â€œJoan of Arc has no right to laugh at Robin,” he said.
    â€œRobin?” Andrea asked.
    â€œI must look like Robin Hood, right? I hoped I wouldn’t have to film in costume, but this camp has a rep for being strict, so I’m glad I came prepared. But it’s giving me some strange desire to hide in the woods lying in wait for crooked lawmen.”
    â€œWell, as a duly deputed lawman, I appreciate your restraint. As to the costume, I was thinking Peter Pan actually,” I said.
    â€œDitto,” Andrea said. “I mean, verily.”
    â€œThanks, now I have to avoid crooked sheriffs
and
pirates. Good to know.” He set the bulky camera on the ground.
    â€œYour crew still not here?” I asked as Andrea rubbernecked a vendor tent.`
    â€œLast I was able to check, they were stuck between roadblocks in two different counties. Can’t go forward and can’t go back. What idiot does that? But I’m out of communication now. Say, Audrey . . .” He leaned closer. “You don’t happen to have a cell phone on you, do you? My battery and my backup battery died last night.”
    â€œYeah, but don’t tell anyone.” I turned around to retrieve the cell from my cleavage, the only place I could think to keep it since Nick’s clothes didn’t have pockets, then palmed it to Brad.
    â€œStill warm.” He sent me a wicked grin that brought the heat to my cheeks as he made his way out to the woods.
    Andrea stared off at Brad. “I thought you were seeing that baker guy, Nick.”
    â€œIt’s complicated.”
    â€œI guess so.”
    â€œAnd I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t blow me in.”
    â€œYou mean Nick doesn’t know? Or is it Brad that doesn’t know about Nick?”
    I laughed. “Nick and Brad know about each other. I meant please don’t turn me in for the cell phone.”
    â€œGotcha. Oh!” Andrea stumbled forward as she was bumped from behind. She caught her balance and turned around.
    I couldn’t believe my eyes. Shelby and Darnell, swords drawn, were circling each other.
    I took a step back. “Are those sharp?”
    â€œNo,” Andrea said, “they’re dulled so they’re safer. Just annoying.”
    â€œOh, come on, man,” Darnell said to Shelby. “I don’t want to hurt you.” Darnell played football