Deadly Diamond

“The cat is mighty dignified until the dog comes by.”

––Southern folk saying

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE: An Exotic and Mysterious Shop

The building that housed Far Away Places was itself as exotic and mysterious as the name implied. It was also located on Ocean Street, about a mile or so from the center of downtown Beachside. Two high-rise condominiums were going up around the corner; evidence of redevelopment in that section of town.

The windowless building shrouded by tropical vegetation, piqued curiosity as to what might be inside. Alyx pushed on the ornately-carved mahogany door and stepped inside a wide-open space. As usual, I was right behind her.

A rumpled-looking man, obviously at home in his surroundings, approached her, smiling.

“Do you always bring your cat with you when you go shopping?”

“This is Murfy,” said Alyx, introducing me, “and yes, he does go with me pretty much wherever I go. I hope that’s not a problem.”

“I’m Jonathan Steele, the owner of this fine establishment and it’s no problem at all. If you have any questions about a particular item, I’ll be glad to tell you all I know about it.”

She introduced herself and added, “My son is buying his first home, and I’m looking for a special housewarming gift. I don’t know exactly what; I’ll know it when I see it.”

“That’s exactly how I selected the items in the store. Take your time; I’m sure you’ll find the perfect thing.”

He returned to the couple he’d been speaking with earlier, and Alyx continued her quick tour of the array of goods from all over the world. A red Oriental rug caught her attention on the first round, and she doubled back to take a closer look. A few minutes later, Jonathan Steele appeared at her side, ready to assist.

“This rug is exactly what I had in mind.”

“You’ve made a good choice. That’s a one-of-a-kind made by hand by two women I had the pleasure of meeting and talking to them about their craft.”

“I think I saw your show with that segment before it went off the air.”

His eyes lit up. “So you watched my show?”

“Yes, whenever I could. I was sorry to see it go.”

“I was too at first, until I realized it all turned out for the best. I collected some of these things you see here throughout the years I did the show.” He gestured around the room. “and I’ll be doing more traveling to buy other items to replenish the stock.”

“You really do have unique items. Your store is what our design business needs. I’m sure Maggie, my business partner, and I will be visiting you often.”

She paid for her purchase, and he instructed her to drive around back and he would load it in her vehicle. “I’m afraid this is still a one-man show and will be until the business gets going,” he said.

Carpet loaded, Alyx slid behind the wheel and rolled down her window. “It was nice meeting you and best wishes on your new adventure. In case you don’t already know, owning a business is an adventure. By the way, if you haven’t already, I hope you’ll join the Downtown Merchants Association. We meet once a month and next month, the topic of discussion is the Blue Heron Yacht Clubhouse. Are you familiar with what’s going on with it?”

“Yes, I am. I’ve been following the story in the newspaper, and I’m curious to know what will be decided. Can I get back to you on the date?”

“Sure, stop in our store anytime. Antiques & Designs is right across from the marina.”

“I will, and thank you for visiting my store, Ms. Hille.”

Maggie was all smiles when Alyx returned. She said, “I see you didn’t get whisked off to a faraway place.”

“You and Bernice are incorrigible.”

“Yeah, yeah, I know; we’re too romantic.”

“And maybe I’m not enough;” said Alyx with a sly smile, “however, this one could change my mind.”

I relished the look that passed between Maggie and Bernice; a look that said they weren’t sure if Alyx was kidding or not. She was of course, wasn’t she?

Bernice asked if Alyx had found something for Ethan.

“I found the perfect rug for his entry hall. You want to see it?”

“Yes,” Maggie answered, “After we hear all about Jonathan Steele. Bernice gave me the background. What’s he really like in person?”

“He has a casual look about him, curly brown hair, cut on the longish side and cocoa-brown eyes, flecked with gold. He’s even better-looking in person than he was on TV, and has an abundance of charm. You were right, Bernice, his store is wonderful.” She turned to Maggie, “It’s the perfect place to find that one final decorative item for a design.”

“I’ll be so glad when we can shop for that final item for our current client, Mrs. Snob,” said Maggie glumly.

Alyx laughed. “She’s really gotten to you too, hasn’t she?”

“Yes, and I’m ready for a break,” Maggie said, as they walked back to the workroom. “I asked George if he wanted to get away for a few days once this project is wrapped up.”

“Any place special?”

“We’re thinking about taking his boat to the Keys.”

“It sounds wonderful.”

“You don’t mind, then?”

“Not as long as you’re back for Althea’s estate sale. Seriously, Maggie, go and enjoy yourself; you deserve it.”

“I’ll let you know when we’re leaving and returning as soon as George tells me.”

Alyx headed towards the workroom, hesitated, and turned back. “Maggie, we don’t pry into each other’s business unless invited, so I won’t ask you. Nevertheless, I sense that something is going on with you and George; whenever you’re ready to talk, I’m ready to listen.”

Maggie nodded. “I made some fresh vanilla-flavored coffee. Come and join me for a cup, and you can tell me about your ideas for this place.”

Alyx pulled a small notebook from her briefcase and flipped it open while Maggie poured the coffee––the aroma irresistible to even a non-coffee drinking cat. Mugs in hand, each women found a place to sit, moving fabrics and magazines aside.

“Okay, this is what I’m thinking,” said Alyx. “We already have everything in the store that a customer needs. It’s a warm, friendly environment that we could make even more inviting by adding instrumental background music and maybe set up a refreshment bar with coffee and tea. Does it sound good, so far?”

“As nice as it sounds, I don’t see how it gets us back to our roots,” replied Maggie.

“Hold on, I’m not finished yet,” said Alyx. “I’m thinking of providing our customers a distinctive shopping experience. You’ve heard Bernice say she’d like to get into decorating, so when a customer comes in with a decorating project in mind, the design staff, the new designer and Bernice, will help the customer choose the right items. Those with projects that need special attention can schedule an in-store appointment or a home visit with you or me. In addition, we can keep a record of their colors, fabrics, and measurements for future decorating projects. You and I can take on projects as we see fit.

Maggie scooted to the edge of her chair, “Yeah, and we could sell artwork from local artists, and it doesn’t have to be limited to paintings it could be pottery or other artwork for the home.”

“So, you like my ideas?” asked Alyx.

“Alyx, I love your ideas. It’s the best of all worlds, isn’t it? Let’s get started as soon as I get back. I’ll be glad to put an ad in the paper and do all the interviews.”

“Let’s talk to Bernice about it. Of course, we’ll have to give her a raise for her new duties. Are you okay with that?”

Maggie hesitated before answering. “I gather you’ve checked with our accountant to make sure we can handle another employee and a raise?” she asked with a raised eyebrow.

Alyx bit her lower lip, “Well, I sort of didn’t get that far. You sounded like you could use some cheering up, so I thought you’d feel better if I told you what I was thinking.”

Maggie’s disappointment was only evident in her voice.

“Now that you got me all excited…I hope we can do it.”

“I’ll let you know for sure when you get back from the Keys. There’s one more idea I’d like to run by you. Since I have my cats in the store, I think it’s only fair that our customers should be allowed to bring their pets shopping, if they want to.” She saw the skeptical look on Maggie’s face and hastened to add, “People don’t usually bring misbehaved pets with them, and they’ll be required to be on a leash. What harm can they cause?”

Maggie’s eyebrows shot up, “Step outside, and look around you, Alyx. Are you kidding or have you lost your mind?”

“What if we limit it to cats?”

“We can’t limit it to cats only; we’ll upset customers who have dogs,” Maggie argued.

In the end, still not convinced it was a good idea, Maggie agreed to try it, but I could tell she was envisioning cat and dogfights, and broken accessories.

So the new “pets welcome” policy was initiated, and just as Maggie had predicted, mayhem broke out a few days later. I was making my rounds of the store and stumbled into the path of a black Main Coon cat several pounds heavier than I was. The cat was surprised to see me and panicked. The commotion attracted customers who stood around watching the Main Coon jumping, leaping and spinning his human around.

There were other incidents that occurred, but the dog relieving himself on a chair leg was the episode that ended “let’s allow customers to shop with their pets experiment.” Hooray!