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  When Giovanni continued to stare at Theodosia, Timothy Neville pulled his face into a tight smile and cocked the hammer back. The loud click reverberated off the stone garden walls.

  “Timothy . . .” cautioned Theodosia. Fear suddenly gripped her. She was afraid that Timothy Neville, fiery old rebel that we was, might well escalate this standoff into something extremely foolish.

  Timothy’s dark eyes glittered with cold, hard rage. “Go ahead, Giovanni, why not make a grab for her? With my arthritis and advanced age, my reflexes probably aren’t what they used to be, so we could make a game of it, you and I. Never mind that I’ve cocked the hammer back, which puts you about a nanosecond away from meeting your maker.”

  Giovanni almost seemed to consider the possibility for a moment. Then there were sudden, fast footfalls across cobblestones as men rushed toward them, and shapes emerged from the darkness. Much to Theodosia’s delight, Tidwell’s big belly bobbed across the garden courtyard. She’d never been so happy to see that protruding form in all her life.

  Along with Tidwell were two uniformed police officers, one with his gun drawn, the other brandishing a set of handcuffs. At the sight of the three lawmen, Giovanni Loard seemed to collapse within himself.

  “Detective Tidwell,” said Theodosia, surprised and a little breathless, “what are you doing here?”

  “I took the liberty of calling him, ma’am,” said Henry, Timothy Neville’s highly competent old butler, as he stepped out from behind Tidwell. For all his part in tonight’s drama, Henry still seemed relatively unfazed.

  “Good work, Henry,” crowed Timothy, seemingly happy now to relinquish the task of dealing with Giovanni to the police. “Fine work.”

  Henry turned baleful eyes on Timothy. “Sir, your guests are departing. Perhaps you should come up to the house and bid them a proper good night?”

  CHAPTER 34

  “YOU’RE MAKING A terrible mistake!” screamed Booth Crowley as a pair of handcuffs was clamped tightly about his chubby wrists. “One call to Senator Wilbur and your career is finished!”

  “Yeah, sure,” said the police officer calmly. He turned as Tidwell entered the house. “These two go to central booking?” he asked.

  Tidwell nodded. “ATF’s been alerted, they’re aware they’re being brought in.”

  “Tidwell, you idiot!” screamed Booth Crowley, “I’ll have your head on a platter. When I’m finished, you won’t be able to get a job as a crossing guard!”

  Theodosia couldn’t believe the bizarre scene being played out inside Timothy’s home. She had just witnessed Giovanni Loard’s arrest out in the garden. Now two more uniformed officers had just apprehended and handcuffed Booth Crowley and Billy Manolo and were about to lead them away. And while Billy seemed subdued and cooperative, Booth Crowley was in a vile rage.

  “B. C.?” Beatrix Crowley made pitiful little bleating sounds as she ran helplessly alongside her husband. “What’s going on?” she pleaded. “Tell me why this is happening!”

  “Shut up with your fool questions and get on the phone to Tom Breedlaw,” Booth shouted at her. “Tell that good-for-nothing lawyer he’d better move heaven and earth on this one! Go on, what are you waiting for?” he sputtered.

  “What is going on?” Theodosia asked Tidwell as a bemused crowd of onlookers, the remains of Timothy’s party guests, gawked and whispered as the two men were led away.

  Tidwell favored Theodosia with a benevolent smile. “Yet one more piece of business taken care of, Miss Browning. Not to steal credit from Henry, but we were en route, anyway.” He paused for a moment to scrawl his name on a piece of paper a uniformed officer had presented to him. “We were coming to pick up those two chaps.” Tidwell waved after the departing Booth Crowley and Billy Manolo. “And we ended up with your Mr. Loard, too. A lucky strike extra, I’d have to say.”

  Theodosia’s brows knit together as she stared earnestly at Burt Tidwell. “Explain please,” she said as Drayton, Haley, and Timothy crowded around them.

  Drayton and Haley had rushed out into the garden just in time to see Giovanni Loard taken into custody. Now they were equally amazed by the arrest of Booth Crowley and Billy Manolo. But, of course, everyone was.

  Tidwell gazed into their eager faces. Drayton looked like he was about to collapse, Haley was boundlessly enthusiastic, and Theodosia and Timothy seemed to await his words with a peculiar calm.

  “A sheriff and his deputy apprehended a group of smugglers over near Huntville,” Tidwell told them. “Not more than an hour ago. The sheriff had been alerted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms working in conjunction with the Coast Guard. Everyone was pretty sure there’d be some activity tonight; they just weren’t sure where. Then, when the smugglers ran their boat aground, the sheriff and his deputies nabbed them. Being caught red-handed with the goods, the four smugglers rolled on their ringleader in about five minutes flat.”

  “Let me guess,” said Theodosia, “the ringleaders being Booth Crowley and Billy Manolo.” In her mind, Theodosia could see Sheriff Billings questioning the confused smugglers in his laconic, low-key manner. She was glad he’d been the one to bring them down.

  “Booth Crowley was the kingpin,” said Tidwell. “Billy Manolo was really just hired help. Apparently, Billy was born over in that area, near Shem Creek. He knew the coastal waters and could thread his way through the inlets and channels like a swamp rat. Billy was supposed to serve as guide tonight, but for some strange reason, he ended up here.” Tidwell swiveled his bullet head and turned sharp eyes on Theodosia. “Funny turn of events, wouldn’t you agree?”

  “It is strange, isn’t it,” she said.

  Haley was grinning from ear to ear. “I love it when people get their comeuppance. Leading Booth Crowley out in handcuffs sure had to bring him down a peg or two.”

  “It couldn’t happen to a more deserving chap,” commented Drayton. He’d loosened his bow tie and was fanning himself madly, using a palmetto leaf as a makeshift fan.

  “But why smuggling?” asked Theodosia. “Booth Crowley had money, a successful company—”

  “For a person with a true criminal mind, that’s not enough,” said Tidwell. “It’s never enough. A person like Booth Crowley is constantly looking for a new angle, a new money-making scheme. And this isn’t the first time he’s run afoul of the law. He and several of his investors are under close scrutiny by the Securities and Exchange Commission because of possible insider trading.”

  “That’s amazing,” said Drayton. “And after the big show he made about supporting the arts—”

  “I must commend you, Miss Browning,” continued Tidwell. “Wresting a confession from Giovanni Loard was an admirable piece of work.”

  “I couldn’t have done it without Timothy’s help,” said Theodosia. “He helped set the snare with his donated pistol and impassioned speech.”

  Timothy beamed. “Thank you, Miss Browning,” he said, “the pleasure was all mine. I enjoyed being complicit in your little scheme because I sincerely meant what I said earlier in the music room. Oliver Dixon was a fine neighbor and a good friend. If I helped put temptation in front of Giovanni Loard in the form of that pistol, then so be it. I’m a firm believer in poetic justice.”

  “And Ford Cantrell’s name is cleared after all,” said Drayton as he grasped Theodosia’s hand tightly, almost as though he were fearful some terrible fate might still befall her. “His sister will be eternally grateful to you, I’m sure. Although you gave us all a nasty fright!”

  “His sister is more than eternally grateful,” said Lizbeth Cantrell, as she approached the group, her brother Ford in tow. “Thank you, Theodosia, you are an interceding angel, truly heaven-sent.”

  The two women embraced as Ford looked on sheepishly. “Thank you, Miz Browning,” he told her. “You’re very kind. Very smart, too. If you ever decide to get into computers . . .”

  Theodosia shook her head. “Judging by tonight’s events, the tea business holds more than enoug
h intrigue for me.” She laughed.

  “And Doe was proved innovent, too,” mused Haley as Theodosia smiled after the departing Lizbeth Cantrell. “Now I feel a little sheepish thinking she might have had a hand in killing Oliver Dixon.”

  “It doesn’t appear Doe was in collusion with Giovanni Loard,” said Tidwell. “She’ll be questioned, but I doubt we shall find any ties. I doubt there are any ties.”

  “Giovanni offered a lot of false sympathy,” said Theodosia. “I can see where it was easy for her to lean on him.”

  “Say,” said Haley, “do you suppose that was Giovanni Loard prowling around outside the night of our mystery tea?”

  “I’m almost positive it was,” said Theodosia. “He had to have been curious about our investigation and worried about how much we knew.”

  “Goodness, I need a cup of tea,” declared Drayton.

  “Come,” urged Timothy. “Come sit out on the side piazza and relax. We’ve all had enough high drama for the night.”

  They all followed Timothy the few steps outside, then collapsed into comfortable wicker chairs and chaise lounges. A few feet from where they sat, a whippoorwill called mournfully from where it had tucked itself among sheltering bows of live oak, and streamers of Spanish moss wafted gently in the night breeze.

  “Teakettle’s on,” Henry announced to the group. “Should only be a moment.”

  “I couldn’t believe Booth Crowley’s face when he was led out in handcuffs,” said Drayton.

  “It was bright red,” chortled Haley.

  “Like keeman tea,” said Drayton.

  “I guess Booth Crowley’s wife won’t be starting that tea shop any time soon,” said Haley.

  “Right,” agreed Drayton, “he’s going to have to put his money to better use, like paying attorney’s fees.”

  “And he’ll need to focus on mounting a strong legal defense,” added Tidwell. “Smuggling is a federal crime. It’s not much fun going up against the Justice Department. Those boys do their job because they love it and because they’re true believers. They’re not in it for the money because, Lord knows, there isn’t that much money.”

  Just like you, Theodosia thought to herself. Just like you, Detective Tidwell.

  Teacups clattered as Henry approached, bearing a silver tray laden with a lovely blue ceramic French tea service. Henry poured steaming cups of tea for everyone, then passed them around.

  “Delicious,” declared Tidwell, taking a loud slurp. “And what kind is this?”

  They turned inquisitive faces to Henry. He had, after all, brewed the tea.

  “Why, I prepared the tea Mr. Conneley brought over,” Henry said in his papery, proper voice, even as a faint smile tugged at his mouth.

  “The gunpowder green!” exclaimed Drayton and Haley together.

  Timothy rose to his feet and held his teacup aloft. “I’d like to propose a toast,” he announced. “To Theodosia.”

  “To Theodosia,” everyone chimed in.

  “Just like her marvelous tea,” said Timothy, “you discover what she’s really made of when you put her in hot water.”

  “Hear! Hear!” cried Drayton. “Describes our girl perfectly.”

  Theodosia just smiled and sipped her tea.

  RECIPES FROM THE INDIGO TEA SHOP

  Theodosia’s Earl Grey Sorbet

  An especially refreshing dessert

  1¼ cups water

  1 Tbs. sugar

  Freshly squeezed juice from 2 lemons plus rind

  2 Tbs. Earl Grey tea leaves

  1 egg white

  Bring water, sugar, lemon juice, and lemon rind to a boil in saucepan and allow to boil for four minutes. Add tea leaves, cover, remove from heat, and let steep until cool. Strain into a bowl, cover, and place in freezer until mixture is slushy and half frozen. Beat egg white until stiff, then fold into mixture. Freeze until sorbet reaches desired consistency. To serve, scoop sorbet into parfait dishes and garnish with fresh fruit or a lemon cookie.

  Theodosia’s Tea Scones

  1 Tsp. baking p.owder

  1 Tsp. granulated sugar

  1 cup all-purpose flour

  ¼ tsp salt

  1 Tbsp. orange juice

  ½ cup milk

  ½ cup raisins

  Mix dry ingredients together in bowl, add orange juice and milk. Mix into a dough, then add raisins. Place 8 scoops onto a greased baking sheet, bake in preheated 425 degree oven for 15 to 20 minutes. Serve hot with plenty of butter and jam. Yields 8 scones.

  Apricot Tea Sparkler

  1⅓ cups strong Irish Breakfast Tea

  1⅓ cups apricot nectar

  1⅓ cups sparkling water

  Combine tea, apricot nectar, and sparkling water. Pour into ice-filled glasses. Make 4 servings.

  Theodosia’s Chocolate Dipped Strawberries

  2 large chocolate bars (Ghiradelli or Dove work well)

  12 large, fresh strawberries

  Wash and dry strawberries, leaving stems on. Break chocolate bars into bits and place in microwave safe bowl. Heat in microwave on high for 30 seconds or until melted completely. Hold each strawberry by its stem and dip into melted chocolate. Place on waxed paper to cool.

  Drayton’s Cucumber and Lobster Salad Sandwiches

  1 lb. cooked lobster meat

  2-3 stalks celery

  small onion

  Prepared mayonnaise

  1 cucumber

  Chop the lobster into small pieces. Chop and dice the celery and onion into very small pieces. Combine ingredients in a bowl and add a small amount of mayonnaise. If mixture seems dry, add a little more mayonnaise, then add salt and pepper to taste. Peel cucumber and slice into very thin slices. Spread lobster salad on slices of cocktail bread, top with cucumber, top each sandwich with another slice of bread. Carefully cut each sandwich into two triangles and arrange on platter.

  Earl Grey’s Liver Brownie Cake (This is strictly for dogs!)

  2 lbs. chicken liver

  ⅓ cup canola oil

  2 eggs

  1 fresh clove of garlic

  3 cups wheat flour

  Mix chicken liver, oil, eggs and garlic in food processor. Pour into mixing bowl and combine with flour. Pour into well-greased 9” x 11” pan. Bake 350 degrees for 40 minutes. When completely cool, cake can be lightly frosted with low fat cream cheese.

  Easy tea time treats you can whip up in your own kitchen.

  Serve as many of these as you’d like, but always in small quantities. This is the time to use your fancy glass plates or two-tiered serving tray.

  Cream cheese balls rolled in chopped walnuts

  Tiny cucumber sandwiches (buy small loaves of

  bread and remove crusts)

  Thin slices of Swiss or jarlsberg cheese

  Wedges of brie or camembert

  Deviled eggs garnished with pimento

  Cranberry or zucchini bread

  Chicken salad on small croissants

  Chutney or honey butter on toast points

  Crab salad on English muffins

  Macaroons

  Scones with jam

  Setting your tea table.

  Unwrap grandma’s teapot, round up all your mis-matched cups, saucers and tiny plates. Set out thin slices of lemon, sugar cubes, a tiny pitcher of milk, and a small pot of honey. Gather fresh flowers from your garden or adorn your table with pots of ivy. Light the candles, play a favorite CD, indulge in the relaxing ritual that is tea time.

  DON’T MISS THE OTHER TEA SHOP MYSTERIES

  Shades of Earl Grey

  An antique wedding ring mysteriously disappears from the hand of a dying bridgegroom. Then a priceless sapphire necklace is plucked from its display at the Heritage Society. Could there be a very dangerous breed of cat burglar prowling the cobblestone pathways of Charleston’s historic district? With the Heritage Society under fire and their extravaganza Treasures Show fast approaching, Theodosia is called upon to match wits with a very slippery opponent.

 
; Praise for Death by Darjeeling The First in the Tea Shop Mysteries

  “Tea lovers, mystery lovers, this is for you.”

  —Susan Wittig Albert, author of the best-selling China Bayles series

  “The well-drawn plot includes an intriguing amateur sleuth, and the likable cast of characters makes Death by Darjeeling a wonderful reading experience.”

  —www.BookReview.com

  “Death by Darjeeling is a good beginning to a new culinary series that will quickly become a favorite of readers who favor this genre. The cozy and inviting setting will quickly draw readers in and a likable cast of characters will have them eager to return.”

  —The Mystery Reader

  “Tea lovers in particular will enjoy the arcane world of tea. But these details merely add depth and flavor to the story, never distracting from the likable characters or the nicely crafted plot.”

  —MysteriousStrands.com

  Chosen as a featured selection

  by the Mystery Book Club

  Formerly #1 on the Paperback Bestseller’s List of the

  Independent Mystery Bookstores

  Named one of five “Paperback Best Bets” by

  Overbooked.com

  Book choice for Yahoo!’s Mystery Book Discussion

  Find out more about the author and the

  Tea Shop Mystery Series at www.laurachilds.com