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he was seeing what I saw. While Jackson, an ex-cop, could hold his own in a fight, Simon had all the physical conditioning of a hamster. “Maybe I do want to take you on,” White said. With a sudden movement, he wrenched his arm from Jackson’s grasp and tried to punch Simon.
    But before he could make contact with Simon’s face, Jackson tackled him and pinned him to the ground. “That’s enough,” Jackson told him. “Like I said, time to go.”
    Merrily and Nate ran over. “Are you okay, Willow?” Merrily asked.
    â€œI’m okay, thanks,” I said, feeling anything but.
    â€œIt’s all lies,” Dr. White yelled. “And we’re going to prove it!”
    Jackson got him to his feet and pushed White toward the exit. “Let’s go. You need to get out of here before you do something really stupid.”
    â€œLet me give him a good punch before he goes,” Simon said. “I owe him one.”
    â€œForget it,” Jackson said, turning to look at Simon. “No way.”
    While Jackson was distracted, White seized the moment and pulled free. Jackson and Simon ran after him. This time, though, Dr. White lost his footing, and we watched as he tumbled over the low shrubs that edged the outdoor area and landed with a splash in the bay. A few people clapped. After a few moments, White sputtered to the surface, spewing expletives.
    â€œNow, that’s what I call a party,” Simon said, smiling.

chapter three
    Willow McQuade’s
Favorite Medicinal Plants
    ASTRAGALUS
    Botanical name: Astragalus membranaceus,
Astragalus mongholicus
    Medicinal uses: A pretty plant with pastel flowers, this important herb is often used in traditional Chinese medicine to support and enhance better immune function. In fact, in Chinese this herb is known as huang qi or “yellow leader,” which refers to the root color and it’s go-to status as a healing tonic. Astragulus is commonly used to prevent and treat common colds and upper respiratory infections. The root of the astragalus plant is typically used in soups, teas, extracts, or capsules. Astragalus is generally used with other herbs, such as ginseng, angelica, and licorice.
    Jackson and I woke up early the next morning, surrounded by our menagerie, my dog, Qigong, Claire’s kitties, Ginger and Ginkgo, both tabbies, and Jackson’s long-haired doxies, Rockford and Columbo. After we’d played with them and scratched them all behind the ears, we showered, got dressed, and headed downstairs.
    When I stepped outside, I could feel the buzz in the air from all the Maritime Festival activities. On Front Street, vendors on both sides were getting wares ready to sell, artists competing in the Nautical Art Show were setting up in Mitchell Park, and the marina was full of sailboats, motorboats, and yachts. Soon the blessing of the oyster fleet would take place at the end of the Railroad Dock across the inlet. The sky was a crystal iris blue without a cloud in sight, the temperature, a balmy seventy-two degrees.
    It was so nice out that we decided to eat alfresco on the porch. We had a breakfast of Merrily’s French toast along with fresh strawberries and coffee while we reviewed what still needed to be done that morning.
    â€œYou got the tables and chairs right?” I asked Jackson. We were borrowing them from his neighbor.
    â€œIn my truck,” he said, sipping his coffee. “I’ll set them up after we eat.”
    The Nature’s Way booth would be right in front of the store, which would make things easier for us. “Thanks,” I said. “I’ve got some great stuff to put out.”
    Jackson nodded. “You do. It’s a smart idea to sell some of the plants that you have featured in the garden.”
    â€œI already texted Nate to remind him to pick up themedicinal plants from Ollie’s Organic Greenhouse on the way in. He’ll get seeds, too. Hopefully,