From The White House Gardener Mystery series
By: Dorothy St. James
Something is up with Casey. She's been distracted lately. And I'm worried it has something to do with her family.
Why do I think that? Well, I've known her long enough that the only time she stops talking is when she's worried about the family--her grandmother and aunts--who raised her and are still living in Charleston, SC.
I've tried my best to draw her out, to find out what's on her mind. But she's been stubbornly keeping her mouth shut.
Again, that's not like her!
There's something bothering her. I can see it in her eyes. Her family are her roots. And like a properly planted tomato, those roots run wide and deep.
Don't know what I'm talking about? Let me explain.
When you plant a tomato seeding, remove all but the topmost leaves. And plant the stem along with the roots in your rich garden soil. Roots will form on that buried stem creating a strong base that will feed and nourish that tomato plant all season long. But if you disturb those roots, the plant will wilt. It will stop flourishing.
Casey's family are her roots. I'm not sure why, but she depends on her family to keep her strong. Lately, however, something has been off. She reminds me of a leggy tomato plant that doesn't have enough roots to support it.
I wish she'd confide in me about what's going on. But so far, she's kept silent. Perhaps I should talk with Jack, her Secret Service beau, and see if he can't help her.
What do you think? What would you do if a friend of yours was hurting but wasn't willing to talk about it?
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You can learn more about Dorothy St. James's books at her website. Join her Facebook page. Or follow her on Twitter.
Praise for FLOWERBED OF STATE (book #1 in the White House Gardener Mysteries):
"Credible characters, a fast-paced plot, and a light look at political life in Washington, D.C., will delight cozy fans." ~ Publishers Weekly
Praise for THE SCARLET PEPPER (book #2 in the White House Gardener Mysteries):
"A potboiler of homicide, blackmail, journalism, power and sex - but one that St. James handles with taste as well as verve - “The Scarlet Pepper” fulfills the promise of last year’s series debut, “Flowerbed of State,” and then some." ~ Richmond Times-Dispatch
Praise for OAK AND DAGGER (book #3 in the White House Gardener Mysteries):
"Hang on tight! This story is a wild ride! I loved it!" ~ Escape with Dollycas into a Good Book Blog