Some Anemones Are Blue: Pagosa Cliffs Collection, #3

By M.M. Ward

Some Anemones Are Blue is the third book in the Pagosa Cliffs Anemones Series. It continues the story of Cake Artist Milli Haywood. After opening the Wild Anemone bakery, Milli settled in Pagosa Cliffs, raising her sister's daughter. But the past followed her there too, and Vegas' Valtinin Mafia pulled her back into the old world of danger. Milli now faces the terrifying choice—spend the rest of her life in the shadow of the Valtini Mafia, or overcome her fear and fight against them by helping the CSI Katy Huson to bring them down. Would she be able to survive the battle, or the monster of her past be taking her down with them? And how would she be able to deal with love knocking at her door? 

Warning: This book contains references to alcohol consumption, violence, sexual abuse or assault

• Language: English
• Publisher: Editingle Indie House
• Release date: May 30, 2023
• ISBN: 9789394346215

Book preview

CHAPTER 2

Leaving New York at dawn, she nervously got on a plane to Denver. It had only been two weeks since she saw the Valtinis. She lied to Molly and Great-great Aunt Elizabeth about the time she was flying in from the Valentine’s Day Bake Wars filming. Milli sabotaged her cake flavor profile on purpose to get eliminated in the second round, then convinced Marcus that Aunt Elizabeth was ill in order to leave early so she could film her exit interview the evening before. She needed to meet with Katy Housan, the only person who hated the Valtini crime family as much as Milli feared them, without anyone suspecting.

Somehow Giovanni and Donatello Valtini knew where Milli lived and worked. They knew about Aunt Elizabeth and the Wild Anemone Bakery. They knew Milli had adopted Marni’s daughter. They also heard she had an on-again/off-again relationship with a local sheriff’s deputy whom Donnie mockingly taunted couldn’t protect her. They knew her best friends, Mitch and Jackson, lived with her for three weeks after her son died. And that Jackson ran her bakery for two months after her mother tried to kill her. It was like someone in Pagosa Cliffs was keeping tabs on her for them, and it freaked her out. She didn’t know who to trust anymore.

Settling down into her seat, she put in her earbuds and pulled up the hood on her hoodie. For the whole flight, Milli stared at the sky getting lighter as the dawn chased them west while her memories surrounded her with a darkness she feared she would never escape. She mulled over the details of her new nightmare until she dozed off.

A few hours later, the plane landed, jolting her from her fitful sleep. Milli stood, struggling to get her carry-on bag out of the overhead when a taller person reached above her to retrieve it. She turned to thank him and was caught in the shine of emerald eyes. Eyes she hadn’t looked into since the day she almost drowned in Black Bear.

Thank you, Mack, she breathed out the words as much as she spoke them.

His smile melted her like isomalt in water. My pleasure. Anything for my damsel fair.

Milli felt like her smile was going to split her face. But someone made a grumpy noise to get by them, so Mack stepped into the space between the seats. He towered over her but not in a threatening way. It made her feel safe.

So, are you on your way home? Mack couldn’t believe his luck. A dozen trips back and forth to or through Colorado, and he had almost given up hope of seeing her ever again. For almost a year, her soft jade eyes haunted his dreams.

She blushed prettily, I... um... I’m having lunch with a friend in Denver during my layover, then going home to Pagosa.

His eyes widened in shock, Pagosa as in Pagosa Cliffs?

She nodded. You know it?

He grinned, adding, My boss bought some land there, the Kemper Dude Ranch. We are going to build a resort if we can get the city and county’s approval next month. I’m driving west to see an alternate site in case it falls through.

Milli quickly dug into her bag and handed him one of her business cards. When you get to Pagosa, stop in and see me. I’ll give you a slice of cake on the house. I do still owe you for saving my life. What’s your favorite flavor, Mack? I’ll keep one made.

He chuckled, admitting, Actually, I’m a rhubarb pie kinda guy. Do you have pies?

Her eyes half-lidded as her voice dropped to a sultry tone, Oh, I’m sure you’ll like my pies. But my specialty is red velvet cake. One slice is all I need to bring you over to my side of the oven.

A steward cleared his throat; they were the last on the plane. Mack stepped back into the aisle, and Milli stepped out, then turned, raised up on her toes, and gave him a quick peck on the cheek.

Thanks for saving me that day in the pool. She breathed the words against his cheek, then was gone, leaving behind the lingering smell of cake and sweet things.

Friend of yours, Mr. Beal? The steward asked amusedly as Mack stepped back to his seat to grab his carry-on. Cameron had been a flight attendant on at least eight flights between New York and Denver with Mack Beal as a passenger. Despite his wealth, the modest businessman always flew coach and tipped well for his drink service. Not yet, Cameron, but I have hope. Mack glanced at the card and smiled, thinking it was going to be a good day.

Colorado Department of Public Safety Crime Scene Investigator Katy Housan was standing at the Denver International Airport baggage claim waiting for her friend. She waved when she saw Milli hurrying toward her, blushing furiously. At first, Katy thought Milli might be angry, but the giddy grin told her otherwise. Giggling, Milli quickly told Katy about how she first met Mack Beal and what she had done to get Lloyd to change his tattoo while they waited for the luggage carousel to start.

Did it work? Katy raised an eyebrow in question. The tattoo dare? Did he appreciate what you did? Because you and pools… She trailed off, wondering how much Milli cared for the Sheriff deputy if she would jump in a pool with her hydrophobia.

It did, but before you start acting like Mitch and playing matchmaker, he and I aren’t a thing, and we won’t ever be. Milli glanced around again, looking for Mack.

What about your pool friend? The one who saved you? Asking, Katy smirked at Milli’s blush.

He says his boss bought property in Pagosa Cliffs. So maybe I’ll see him around, Milli admitted her hopes, letting herself forget the reason she was here for a moment. There’s mine.

They grabbed Milli’s big bag and lugged it to Katy’s car before heading to her friend’s apartment. Milli was secretly disappointed not to see Mack at the baggage claim. She had only four hours before she needed to be back at the airport to fly to Durango. As they drove through the waning morning rush hour, Milli told Katy the real reason for their lunch date. She revealed everything that happened, from running into Giovanni Valtini in New York at the beginning of December to New Year’s Eve and day. She finished as they walked into Katy’s apartment.

Giovanni basically told me the only reason I’m not dead or molested is because I can bake like his grandmother. But he made it clear he would kill me rather than go back to jail. Donnie told me everything about my life in Pagosa Cliffs, Katy… it’s terrifying. After she handed over Marni’s ledger, Milli sagged on the couch as Katy flipped through it. I don’t know how to protect Emily because Donnie’s her father.

Katy read a page, looked at Milli, then back at the page describing Donnie Valtini’s preferences. And you’re sure he is Emily’s father? Katy asked, concerned because Donnie Valtini was a known pedophile.

Yeah, I’m sure. Milli took the ledger and flipped it to the page she hated. Marni had three clients that week and none the next two weeks because Heith was home. I know from the genetic testing that Emily and Charlie weren’t related, so that rules out both the Rowling cousins.

And J.A. would be Jarvis Adams, Valtini’s lawyer, and Emily obviously isn’t his. Besides, he’s had a vasectomy. Don’t ask how I know. Katy waved off Milli’s surprised look. That just leaves Donnie.

Milli opened the ledger back to Donnie’s preference page. And according to Marni’s notes, he doesn’t like to wear a condom, and there was an email from the pharmacy telling her some hormone pill she ordered was from a bad batch. I think it was her morning after dose, Milli explained.

Why wasn’t she just on birth control? Katy demanded, her face wrinkling up in disgust at the graphic description of Donatello Valtini’s fetishes.

She was trying to get pregnant with Heith’s baby before he left her. She wanted to have a baby before she died, Milli explained.

Marni was dying? Katy looked shocked. But she was so healthy, always eating right and working out. I thought it was a pregnancy thing.

That was only part of what killed her. Her heart valve was failing. Milli shook her head slowly. Marni left me a letter with the ledger and nearly four million dollars cash in a safe deposit box. I gave half to charity, paid off my debts, and split it with Jackson and Mitchell. Marni said she wanted to leave the three of us something to show how much she loved us all. Katy, Donnie has to be Emily’s father; there’s no one else.

And you’re sure Emily isn’t Heith’s? Katy asked again.

99.98% sure. DNA says Charlie and Emily were not related unless Heith and Edgar weren’t related, which I know they were. So that means Donnie’s the only one left. Milli got up and began to pace, wringing her hands. What am I going to do? It is only a matter of time before the Valtinis figure it out or worse try to hurt Emily the way they hurt Roxie. I would die before I let that happen, and they would happily kill me, cakes or no cakes.

We need to know for sure, Katy suggested calmly. Maybe Marni had one off the books. If I give you a DNA swab kit, can you swab the inside of Emily’s cheek? Then send it overnight back to me, and I’ll run it through CODIS.

Milli nodded, then scowled. But won’t you get in trouble?

I don’t care… I’ll do anything to protect Emily from that monster, Katy insisted, Now, tell me about this plane flight to their house in the mountains?

Frowning as she hugged herself, Milli talked about the flight. The window blinds were kept down. We flew for less than an hour but more than half an hour. I don’t know which direction. The landing strip was a small airport. Twenty minutes later we were at the chalet, but with no windows in the van, I couldn’t see any signs. I could barely see the peaks above the trees. I decorated the cake and showed the girls how to serve it. I’m sure they were prostitutes, definitely not waitresses or housemaids. They were all wearing blue butterfly wings like the ones Marni had, the ones I hung over Emily’s bed.

Milli shuddered in fear and disgust at the idea of her sister dressed up like those women and doing what she had seen them doing… Milli stopped the thought. As soon as the party started, this guy tried to corner me in the kitchen, and Giovanni hit him, then locked me in a room until morning. I made another cake; Giovanni threatened me then Donnie told me about Pagosa Cliffs while they ate. Their driver drove me back to the airport, and the plane dropped me back in Pagosa Cliffs and flew the other girls back to wherever they came from. All I can tell you about the area is it was covered in snow, in the mountains, and there were a lot of dead pine trees.

Katy walked over to a map she had tacked up. Her face was an intense mask of concentration. Donnie has properties all over the country. The Feds have been watching all of them, looking for Gio, but you’re describing a property unlike any they own. Her finger tapped the map over southern Colorado. If he is living and hiding here... her voice trailed off as she chewed her thumbnail.

Milli got up and went into the kitchen. She needed to bake while Katy did her thinking thing. But opening cabinet after cabinet, Milli found only stale boxed food and condiment packets from take-out meals. The fridge was full of containers of different ages. Milli began tossing them and wiping the shelves. Almost an hour later, she was done cleaning the kitchen when Katy dragged her back into the room that held her trove of information on the Valtinis.

Milli, you said it sounded like Donnie had been to Pagosa Cliffs? Katy’s eyes were sharp with determination. There were circles drawn around Pagosa County in yellow ink.

More than sounded. I know he’s been there. He’s driven around the town, maybe even driven to it. It’s only eight or nine hours from Vegas, although Mitch can make it in six or less. Milli almost laughed, remembering the drive back the day before Emily’s birthday. She had lost track of how often Jackson asked his husband to slow down in just the first hour.

Six? Really? Katy snickered. Jackson must love that. Not.

They were quiet for a few minutes, then Katy spoke again, If the Valtinis are coming to Pagosa Cliffs, it is for more than just your cake. I love you, Trollina, but even your cake isn’t good enough to drive for a third of a day. So there has to be another reason.

The old nickname would have made Milli smile if they weren’t discussing those monsters. Well, Mack, the guy on the plane who saved me from drowning, said his boss was building a new resort. Do you think it might have to do with putting in a casino or a cannabis shop?

Katy shook her head. Doubtful, casinos are too regulated for them, and so are pot shops. The only above-board, barely legal business the Vegas Valtinis do is the strip club and brothel, and I don’t see them getting prostitution legalized in Pagosa County or Colorado. She fell silent for nearly ten minutes, then mused, There must be some illegal reason, like when Giovanni was a bookie to go to that part of the state, or maybe they are looking for locations to open illegal massage parlors as a front for sex trafficking. But even with a resort, there wouldn’t be enough business population-wise to keep those profitable. Katy scribbled notes on the names of all the towns around Pagosa County and sat back down in front of her laptop.

Milli looked at the clock, Kit Kat, the time.

Katy looked up at her. Oh, crap… Sorry… Let’s go.

What are you going to do? Milli asked as they made their way back to the car.

This is my first solid lead since Giovanni was in New York. He has disappeared, and I know Donnie helped him. I think he is hiding in Colorado somewhere. There is a part-time job for a CSI in Durango, and the state lab wants someone they use down there, too. So I might just be moving again.

Do you want to stay at the Anemone? Milli offered.

No. If they are already watching you, then having me, there would be like painting the blood spatter on the walls before they come to kill us both. I want you to keep doing what you are doing, like nothing else is going on. Don’t tell anyone you know me or have seen me, not even Mitch and Jackson. I’ll check out this Mack Beal and who he works for while I get Emily’s DNA sorted. Katy’s stomach rumbled loudly, but instead of looking embarrassed, she laughed. Come on… I’ll take you for a late lunch before I put you back on the plane.

More like high tea, Milli pointed out.

Tea and crumpets aren’t a meal or even a decent snack. Katy snorted in amusement. Don’t forget I am an avid supporter of the Hobbit meal schedule.

Whatever, Kit Kat. Laughing, Milli shook her head. She’d never met anyone, man or woman, who could eat like Katy Housan.

Whatever yourself, Trollina… cops need more food than donuts, Katy taunted. Have you had Whataburger yet?

What’s that? Milli shook her head.

The only reason I would move to Texas but they have them here, so no humidity or mosquitos for me. Laughing at herself again, Katy invited, Come on, lunch is on me.

CHAPTER 3

Three hours later, Milli got off her flight in Durango, still stuffed from a burger as big as her face and onion rings that she could have worn like bracelets. She retrieved her bag before making her way out to the passenger pickup as she texted her ride. A honk drew her attention, and she waved enthusiastically at Molly Durham. How did you do? Molly demanded excitedly while they loaded her bags in the minivan.

Shaking her head, Milli frowned. They didn’t like my flavor profile.

What did you make? Molly asked as they left the airport.

Where’s Emily and Auntie? Milli tried to change the subject.

Molly looked very sad as she murmured, You used my wedding cake flavors, didn’t you?

Milli chewed her lip, admitting, Yeah, it was so… unique. I wanted to share it. The combination was based on traditional Mayan flavors, but…

It tasted like a mix of honey-lemon cough drops and licorice… I know… I still don’t know how you made it taste as good as you did, Molly admitted as she wiped away a tear. We gave you an impossible flavor combination.

Not impossible, just unique. And I was happy to make it. Milli squeezed her arm. So, how were things at the bakery?

Molly talked about the four days Milli was gone rather than thinking about the fact it had only been twelve weeks since she lost her husband and childhood sweetheart, Garrett, and five months since their wedding. Molly absently rubbed her small baby bump. Milli saved her life and her baby’s life by offering to make caramel apple cheesecake to feed Molly’s pregnancy cravings and letting her stay the night at the Wild Anemone while they waited for Garrett to finish at the Halloween Carnival. If Molly had been home at the Durham Farm instead of at the Anemone asleep, Garrett’s insane brother Gerald would have killed her like he killed her college roommate Sharon and burned their bodies in Molly’s house. It was the worst night of her life, and she slept through it in the comforting shelter of the Wild Anemone.

Seven weeks after the stress of losing her husband and best friend, her brother Tim and their cousin Lloyd sat her down and told her something that shocked her. After Christmas, Tim explained that their mother kept a journal and talked about the years-long affair with Humphrey Longfellow. It revealed Bonnie’s suspicion that Lloyd’s father was also Molly’s father. When Molly was six, her mother ran off with Lloyd’s father. The scandal still haunted the three because the missing couple was found dead together the following spring. Her mother’s misgiving had proved true by a blood test done by her grandfather. Molly raged at her family about the decades-long deception.

Two days later, Molly asked if she could move in with Milli until spring came, and the insurance company replaced her home. She was determined to raise Rhett on his father’s family farm. As they drove through Pagosa Cliffs to the Anemone, they passed Lloyd’s patrol SUV. He didn’t raise his hand to wave when they did.

Guess he hasn’t forgiven me for making medicinal cookies to help your grandmother. How are you doing with the other thing? Milli sighed as she asked.

They should have told me when they found out, Molly complained. Surprise, your brother is your half-brother, and your cousin is your half-brother too. Ohhh, and your dad wasn’t your dad at all. Happy day after Christmas; pass the leftover turkey and potatoes. At least now, I know why I have brown eyes and not blue.

Would it have changed your feelings about them if you had known before? Milli asked as she eased onto Main Street. It was icy and snow packed.

No, but I would have told Dad I loved him more often, told him how much I appreciated that he loved me even though I wasn’t his, Molly said sadly.

Oh, Molly, I am sure he knows. And I am sure he would be proud of the work you are putting in to keep the Durham farm in the family, Milli assured her.

Molly ducked her head and rubbed her small pregnant belly. Garrett talked about how he and his dad farmed together and how he wanted those memories for his children. Rhett may never know his father, but he is going to have those memories.

I love you, Molls, Milli declared as she parked.

Love you too, Milli. So, do you want pizza tonight or something else? Molly asked as they pulled out Milli’s bags.

Milli was still full, but she lied, I could eat. I hate airline food. Pineapple, Canadian bacon, and olives.

Nodding, Molly added, Green olives or black olives?

Milli looked at her like she was crazy. Both, of course! Please, don’t tell me you are one of those who can’t tell the difference?

Laughing, Molly teased her, You sound like Lloyd. You know you’d be perfect together.

What did I ever do to you? Milli gave her a faux scowl. Molly was so much better now that she was receiving therapy, but Milli was starting to regret the appointment times she had given up with her therapist so her friend could have it. The stress of the monsters of her past returning was almost unbearable.

Mommy… mommy… mommy… Emily crawled rapidly to Milli, who dropped her bag by the door and scooped up her niece-turned-adopted daughter.

My Princess, Mommy is so happy to be home! Milli gushed as she hugged and kissed the most precious person in the world to her.

Great-Aunt Elizabeth watched Milli assemble the Chinese Lunar New Year’s Cake for the Women’s Auxiliary. You seem worried today.

It’s nothing, Auntie. Milli failed to sound believable. Everything she and Katy talked about replayed over and over in her head until she couldn’t sleep. The images in her mind keep coming back to the map with yellow rings around Pagosa and little yellow flags in all the small airports between them. She wondered how long it would take Katy to get Emily’s DNA back.

It looks lovely, dear. So, your new printer will print stencils for frosting? Elizabeth asked as she sipped her tea.

Milli grinned at Elizabeth, bragging about her new ‘toy’. It does more than printing simple stencils. I can print photograph transfers to put on cakes and even print a whole sheet of fondant as lace or paisley, so I don’t have to freehand it or make the sketch of something I want to pipe on.

That’s nice, but I like your beautiful, freehand piping better. Shortcuts with machines are how they ruined sliced bread, Elizabeth complained as she took another sip of her tea.

Milli giggled, betting aloud. You just want me to make sweet butter bread.

Well, of course I do. That stuff from the grocery is terrible. Her Aunt’s tone was grumpy as she scowled at the thought of store-bought bread.

Milli turned away to the pantry with a wide smile. She was always amused by her Auntie’s frequent complaints about how modern food wasn’t food at all. She came out with a box to put the cake in.

So, Auntie, are you ready to go to the luncheon? They are having Chinese dim sum to celebrate and a speaker from Missions to Asia.

Her Aunt grumbled about how it wouldn’t be as good as the dim sum she had in San Francisco while hobbling back to her room. Milli was glad the century-old woman chose to live in her old rooms in the Anemone rather than making the walk back and forth through the snow in winter.

Walking up to the front counter, Milli looked toward the snow-covered mountains. Spring and summer couldn’t come soon enough. Milli hated driving deliveries in the snow and ice or wondering if she would have any customers because of the weather or if her supply order would come or be delayed. She also worried about when the next time the Valtinis would demand her to come and bake for them, but so far, the cake sent once a month to the Velvet Rope and another sent to New York seemed sufficient. However, the curiosity about Emily’s paternity was driving her nuts.

The only thing that was not weighing heavily on her mind was her special orders. Milli had orders for the cookies for the school’s Valentine’s Day dance, two weddings, and her weekly regulars—Bingo Night cupcakes, the Thursday Church Women’s Axillary luncheon, and First Baptist Bridge Club. She moved her closed days from Sunday and Monday to Sunday and Thursday so she could attend the C.W.A. weekly social. Her therapist recommended that she socialize with more than her customers and employees.

Milli pushed the intercom button to Suite One. Molly, it’s time.

Coming, Came the muffled reply.

Hearing the antique elevator start moving downward, Milli pressed her lips into a frown. She wasn’t sure what she would do when Molly was too pregnant to work, and Lalani went back to running her food truck. Road construction and the possibility of a new resort offered a boon to Lalani and Jorge’s dream of turning their Pali Pōhaku Hawaiian BBQ and Fish Taco food truck into a fleet. Milli was happy and hopeful for them but worried. Her own business was becoming almost too much for her to handle alone.

Fishing her delivery van keys out of the register, Milli went to put the cake in it. As she snapped Emily into her car seat, Lloyd drove by. She waved, and he waved back for the first time in almost two months. Milli tried not to dwell on the huge fight they had about her