“Perfect!” Luna was ecstatic. In some odd way, she always felt as if she had come home when she visited Sedona. Perhaps in a previous life.

  Luna freshened up from her long journey and changed her clothes. Tonight, it was going to be her regular jeans, a tank top, and her denim jacket. Even though it was June, it still got chilly at night in the desert.

  They hopped into Gail’s Jeep Grand Cherokee. “Huh. I just realized Chris has an SUV just like this, but his is silver,” Luna commented.

  “Well, you know I have to have a red car. For the Red Rocks!” Gail laughed.

  On their way to Enchantment, Luna began telling Gail about Chris’s promotion and filing for full custody.

  “Are you ready to be a mommy?” Gail raised her eyebrows.

  “As if.” Luna laughed. “Carter is a good kid. We get along well. Besides, they live over two hours away, so it’s not like I’m going to be packing his lunch.”

  “You never know,” Gail taunted her. “I don’t think you’ve been interested in anyone this much since Brendan.”

  Luna sucked in her breath. “Oh my gosh. With everything going on, I didn’t tell you the horrible news.”

  “What horrible news?” Gail turned to look at her.

  “He’s dead.” Luna’s eyes filled up with tears.

  “What happened?” Gail’s eyes were wide as saucers.

  “Nobody seems to know. There was a postage stamp-sized obit in the paper, and then a few days later, there was an obit for his wife.”

  “Holy cow!”

  “Holy cow is right! Get this—when I looked up his name in the Hennepin coroner’s office, there was no record of his death.”

  “That is bizarre. Could it have happened somewhere else?”

  “Maybe. I know they were hoping to buy a place in St. Kitts.”

  “Did you check the newspapers there?”

  “No. It hadn’t occurred to me.”

  “Well, we’ll do some digging on our own later. For now, let’s enjoy the moon, stars, and the good energy.”

  “Sounds like a plan.”

  After they arrived at the Che Ah Chi restaurant, a hostess showed them to an outdoor table on the brick deck. The panoramic view was stunning, displaying the colorful striations on the canyon walls. “I understand why you moved here,” Luna said, as she took in the magnificent view and the crisp air.

  “We’ve talked about moving again a few times, but where would we go?”

  “Good question. I often wonder where I will end up twenty years from now.” Luna looked around at the other guests. Most were in their mid-fifties.

  “Maybe an island paradise?” Gail grinned.

  “I love where I am. Stillwell Center has given me a home. A place. You know, where I can be me.”

  “And I know how hard that is!” Gail was only half teasing.

  The waitress came to the table and asked what they wanted to drink.

  “Margaritas?” Gail raised her eyebrows.

  “Only one. You know what that stuff does to me,” Luna replied.

  Drinks were served, and they ordered dinner, then watched the sun set behind the canyon walls. Several minutes later, a large full moon began to climb over the eastern buttes. The two friends chatted as they enjoyed the local cuisine and discussed a plan for the next day.

  Gail had a list of places and artists to see. “I don’t know what you want to do for breakfast, but I picked up some muffins and croissants to get us started. Coffee, of course, for the owner of Madame Namaste Café.”

  “Perfect.”

  “We’ll head out to Tlaquepaque and visit Celebrations Navidad, Adorna, Cucina Sedona, and El Pi-caflor. Celebrations Navidad has a lot of ornaments, hence the name.” Gail chuckled. “I checked their website, and there are lots of Sedona-centric items. Snowy cactus, Kokopelli, hand-carved gourds.”

  “Thanks for doing this.” Luna reached over and grabbed Gail’s hand.

  “Of course! Such a good excuse for us to play! Depending on how the morning goes, we can grab some lunch there. It’s a bit too hot to hike in the afternoon, but we can take a stroll as the sun goes down.”

  “Sounds divine.”

  “Oh, we should also probably stop at the grocery store after lunch. There isn’t much at the B&B.”

  “Only if you let me buy!”

  “Deal!”

  They sat until the moon was fully overhead. “This is paradise. Not a tropical one, but paradise nonetheless.” Luna looked toward the heavens. Even with the full moon, there were thousands of stars. She shouted when she spotted one shooting across the night sky. “Look!” The rest of the diners turned to stare at her. “Sorry. They don’t let me out very often.” Some of the other people smiled; some frowned. “I guess you have cranky people here, too,” Luna whispered.

  Gail laughed. “And they’re not from around here, either!”

  Luna made sure the waitress gave her the check. There was a little back-and-forth between her and Gail, but Luna won the tug-of-war.

  When they returned to the B&B, Gail opened her laptop. “Let’s do some investigating, Miss Marple. What was Brendan’s last name again? Nelson?”

  “Yes. His wife’s name was Eileen.”

  Gail typed “St. Kitts newspapers” into the search engine. The St. Kitts-Nevis Observer came up. She clicked on the link. “When did this happen?”

  Luna pulled out her phone and checked the notice. “January twenty-seventh.”

  Gail scrutinized the online site and checked for obituaries. “Whoa!”

  “What is it?”

  Gail turned her laptop around to face Luna so she could read:

  American couple feared dead in St. Kitts due to boating accident.

  No other details are available at this time.

  “But it doesn’t have their names.” Luna stared at the two sentences. “How can we find out more?”

  “That I cannot tell you. Not because I don’t want to, but because it’s a Caribbean island. Lots goes on down there, and unless you’re going to hire a private detective, I don’t think you’ll get very far.”

  “Maybe Anthony will know more.” Luna checked the time. It was past midnight on the East Coast. “This will have to wait until tomorrow.”

  “There’s nothing you can do about it now, sweetcakes. Want to watch a movie?” Gail had decided to stay with Luna at the B&B so they could get an early start.

  “Have you seen Bad Sisters? It’s a series, but we can probably binge-watch it while I’m here. It’s British and darkly funny. I’m up to the third episode but will start from the beginning with you.”

  “Sounds like it’s right up my darkly funny alley.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  Sedona

  The Next Day

  Luna was up early. Her body was still on East Coast time. She checked her watch. It was five a.m. She couldn’t get back to sleep, so she powered up her laptop and did a little more digging for information about the two Americans who’d been killed in a boating accident. She swiped through website pages. Finally, three weeks after the accident was first reported, and in very small print, a headline read:

  Boating accident victims identified as Brendan Nelson and Eileen Lovecraft.

  There was nothing else. No cause of the accident, and this time, it didn’t mention they were Americans. Maybe the tourism board didn’t want bad publicity and kept it on the down-low. She didn’t remember any news coverage in the States, but then again, she hadn’t been looking. She went back to the Minnetonka local news website to see if there were any updates. Zip. Zilch. Zero. It was so peculiar. She sent a text to Anthony with what she’d discovered. He replied with a frowning emoji and a question mark. The question mark reminded her of her earlier drawing. Were they related? She knew there was still nothing she could do, so she closed her laptop and shuffled into the kitchen to make coffee. The sun was beginning to show its face, and she took her mug of java and retreated to the back patio, where she could watch the colors of the day emerge.

  A sense of peace flowed through her. So much had transpired over the past few weeks. This was her opportunity to hit the reset button. She closed her eyes and felt the sun wash over her face. It felt good. Warm. Safe. It was as if the canyon whispered, “Welcome home, daughter.” She wondered—could she live here? Not without Chris. Not without her family. For now, she was tied to North Carolina, but she promised herself she would make more frequent journeys to this magical land.

  She turned when she heard footsteps approaching. Gail had a mug of coffee in her hand. “This is delicious. I guess having a café is a plus when it comes to making the perfect cup of joe.”

  “I put a dash of allspice in the grounds.” Luna winked.

  Gail took a big whiff. “Ah, that’s what it is. It’s subtle.”

  “Yeah. Just like me.” Luna laughed. “I hope I didn’t wake you.”

  “Not at all. I’m usually up around six, but the aroma of the coffee beckoned me.”

  They clinked mugs. “Here’s to a fabulous day!”

  Gail went back into the kitchen, put the morning pastries on a tray, and brought them back outside. “I made an appointment at the spa for tomorrow afternoon. I figured we’d do Bell Rock, then more art shopping, and then have a leisurely remainder of the day.”

  “Sounds divine!” Luna sipped her coffee and tore off half of a muffin.

  They sat in silence for a few minutes before Gail spoke. “Thanks for turning me on to Bad Sisters. Brilliant! I can’t wait to binge the rest of it.”

  “I find I’m watching more international shows lately. They’re more authentic. Ellie, Chi-Chi, and I were discussing this the other day. I just wish I could figure out how to cut the cable cord and just go to streaming, but the idea makes me a little nervous.”

  “What do you mean?” Gail asked.

  “FOMO.”

  “Fear of missing out? But why?”

  “Old habits. I turn on the TV for local news and weather. I haven’t figured out how or if I can do that if I cut the cord.”

  “Hmm. I get it. Robert rigged something up for us so we can get the local news and major networks, but we don’t have the other nine hundred stations nobody watches. Well, I guess some people do, but I don’t have kids, and I don’t care about every sport known to man or woman. And my Spanish isn’t good enough to sit through a telenovela.”

  “Exactly! Maybe Robert can explain how I can do that at home.”

  “I am sure he can help. It’s good to have a techno wizard in the house.” Gail chuckled. “Although there are times when he’s in the studio twenty-four-seven, and I don’t see him for days.” She raised her eyebrows. “Sometimes that’s not such a bad thing, either.” She chuckled. “Don’t get me wrong. I love Robert to pieces, but too much togetherness can get on your nerves.”

  Luna smiled. “I don’t have that problem with Chris.” She sighed. “I love my freedom, but it would be nice to see him more than every other week. And now, with the new job, and the custody battle, who knows how often I am going to see him? I work most weekends.”

  “Honeybunch, I am sure the two of you will figure it out.”

  Luna nodded. “I have a feeling we will.” Then her mind went back to what she had discovered earlier. She got up. “Be right back.” She returned with her laptop and showed Gail the small notice identifying the victims of the boating accident.

  “Oh, honey. I’m so sorry.” Gail wrapped her arms around Luna. “At least you know now.”

  “Yeah. It still doesn’t make me feel any better.” She sighed.

  “I know, sweetcakes. I know.” Gail stood. “Come on, let’s shower and get ready for our artsy adventure.”

  Luna smiled. “Good idea.”

  Later that morning, they began their mission in search of authentic holiday ornaments, starting with Celebrations Navidad. Gail introduced Luna to the shopkeeper, and Luna explained where she was from and handed him a brochure for the Stillwell Art Center.

  “Yes. I am familiar with it.” He spoke in a soft voice. It was hard to tell the man’s age. His skin told of many long hours spent in the sun. His hair was a mix of black, gray, and white and pulled back in a braid that went down his back, past his shoulder blades. Luna tilted her head toward his back. “I used to have one of those until a couple of weeks ago. How long have you had it?”

  “Many years.” His eyes also told of many years of experience. Some good. Some bad. The man was not much for conversation. He was a listener. Luna could tell from her years of social work. There were talkers, and there were listeners. Although being a listener wasn’t always equivalent to being understanding or comprehending.

  Luna carried on. “Would you be interested in having some of your ornaments on display at Stillwell? Ellie is showcasing authentic indigenous art. Her intention is to bring more awareness and discoverability to this vast array of talent.” She swept her arm, indicating the items hanging in his shop. He said nothing. Yet. “Each artist’s work will be hung in the atrium. You can see the photo in the middle spread.” She waited for him to open the brochure and say something. Still, nothing.

  The man looked at her as if to say, “Continue,” so she did. “There will be a placard in front of the displays, and people can have the opportunity to buy them.”

  He stared down at the brochure. “Yes. Thank you. How many items do you wish to exhibit?”

  “Five or six different pieces, but also some inventory to sell.”

  He looked up. “I do not mass produce these items. Each is one of a kind.”

  “Oh, I understand. What I meant was if someone wants to purchase one, we can fill the spot with another.”

  “I see.” He studied the photograph again.

  The suspense was driving Luna nuts. She held her breath. She didn’t want to be too pushy. Then she wondered if he wanted to be paid in advance, so mentioned it before it became a question. “We will gladly pay you upfront.”

  “What if you do not sell all of them?” Again, he spoke softly and slowly.

  Luna responded with a lively reply. “Well then, all of my friends will be getting Celebrations Navidad Christmas presents.”

  He smiled. Finally. “How soon do you want them?”

  “Not until November. Will that work for you?” Luna held her breath again.

  He squinted, as if he were calculating something in his head. “I shall sell you twenty-four pieces. That is all I could manage. We get very busy over the holidays, and I am already working on items.” That was the most he had said thus far. “Come back later, and I will give you an invoice.” He nodded and retreated to a room in the back.

  Luna and Gail gave each other a bug-eyed look. They shrugged in unison and quietly left the store.

  “Isn’t it curious that someone who makes such joyful things seems so somber?” Luna observed.

  “There are many people like that around here. I think they carry a lot of old wounds. Wounds from the past, maybe in this life or one before,” Gail said solemnly. “Remember the cliff dwellings and that chilling vibe you got?”

  “Boy, do I.” Luna shivered.

  “It’s an interesting dichotomy. The locals are very peaceful and spiritual people, and yet they often seem to be carrying a burden, something that they don’t share or discuss.”

  “Ellie and I were talking about the Lumbee tribe when she got the idea to showcase indigenous art. They were only recognized as a tribe in the late fifties, yet they still are not recognized by the federal government, so they can’t get a casino license.”

  “Bureaucracy,” Gail huffed.

  “I think it’s politics for sure. But other casinos also don’t want competition,” Luna explained.

  “As if there isn’t enough money squandered on gambling. That is one of the things that will always bring in cash. Look at the billions the lottery brings in!” Gail paused. “For a very short time, Robert and I lived in Henderson, outside of Las Vegas. We thought being near an airport and entertainment was the way to go, but the energy in the atmosphere was way too much. You could feel it. I know you know what I’m talking about. Maybe it doesn’t affect people who grew up there. They’re used to the frenzy. But for people like us, well, we needed less delirium. We were leaving LA, which has its own unique delirium, and when we stumbled onto Sedona, we knew this was exactly where we should be.”

  A gentle, warm breeze drifted around them, setting off the tinkling of wind chimes, to confirm Gail’s words.

  They moved from one shop to another, searching for items. Luna noted all the skeleton-inscribed pieces. “It’s kind of creepy for a holiday decoration, don’t ya think?” She handled one of an owl, with a skeleton painted over it.

  “It’s the Mexican influence,” Gail replied. “Día de Los Muertos. Day of the Dead.”

  “Yes. November first and second. I always light candles to honor my relatives who have passed on, but I never used skeletons.” Luna cringed. “I suppose I should know all about this, but a girl has her limits. Especially when it comes to creepy stuff. I don’t mean to be disrespectful or anything, considering I believe the spirit lives on. I guess I prefer to remember loved ones with skin on their bodies and recognizable features.”

  Gail laughed. “Good point. Shall we?” She gestured for them to move on to another shop.

  Luna stopped abruptly.

  “What is it?”

  “That laugh. I know that laugh.” She immediately turned in the direction the sound was coming from. She turned and raced toward the figure, who disappeared behind some foliage.

  Gail was several steps behind. “Luna! Where are you going?”

  Luna tried to keep up with the man, but he got into his car and drove off before she could see his face.

  “Luna! What is going on?” Gail was huffing to catch her breath.

  Luna was also breathing deeply. “I . . . I could have sworn that was Brendan’s laugh.”

  “Oh, sweetcakes.” Gail put her arm around Luna. “I know it’s been a big shock, but he’s gone.” She turned Luna to face her and looked straight in her eyes. “I know you want to believe he’s still alive, but you saw it with your own eyes this morning.”