Southern Sass and a Battered Bride

by Kate Young

  “Lucy was lying on the floor where there was a lot of foot traffic. There could be DNA from loads of people. You’ve nothing to worry about.” I moved up a couple of car lengths, rolling to a stop. “Javier is already concerned about the contaminated crime scene. It would be difficult to convict anyone on DNA alone.”

  “That’s what everybody says. ‘Don’t worry, it’ll all work out in the end.’ You ever seen that show on Netflix where those guys were railroaded? Well, those poor folks were targeted by the police. And nobody could do a darn thing about it. They’re still stuck in jail.”

  I scoffed. “How confident are you they’re innocent? Besides, Eddie and the Peach Cove Sheriff’s Department aren’t trying to railroad you. Alex is your cousin, for heaven’s sake. We should be focusing on him.”

  Betsy undid the clip in her hair. Waves of frizzy curls fell around her shoulders as she rubbed her temples. “I am worried about Alex. I’m not callous.”

  “I never said you were. You love him.”

  She chewed on her fingernail. “I do, and I just hated that girl, and everyone knows it. I have a hard time keeping my opinions to myself.”

  “A lot of people didn’t care for Lucy. Let’s take a deep breath and hope they find the body, or her alive.”

  “She ain’t alive.”

  “It’s hard for me to believe she’s alive too. Still, Mama claims she would know. She sounded certain when she told me she has no knowledge of Lucy’s passing. I’m holding on to hope. It might only be a sliver, but I’m holding it nevertheless. You should too.” We merged onto the highway and had just gotten up to speed when a car changed lanes in front of us without signaling. I hit my brakes.

  The pedal went all the way to the floor. “Oh my God!” Unable to stop, I steered around the car. The van gained speed as we went downhill and around the bend.

  “What are you doing?” Betsy leaned forward and braced her hand on the dashboard. I was forced to weave in and out around other cars. The drivers were blowing their horns at us.

  “The brakes won’t work!” I swerved around another car, nearly sideswiping a sedan.

  “Do something!”

  “Like what?” A minivan with a baby on board sign hit their brakes in front of us. “Hang on!” I swerved off the road and onto the shoulder. I steadily pumped the brakes, but the van wouldn’t slow.

  We went down into the ditch and into the tree line. Betsy screamed as I navigated off the road and ran right through Mama before the world went dark.

  My ribs hurt and my legs were bumping against something hard. With great effort, I forced my lids open and the world around me spun. I became aware someone was dragging me across the grass and I was powerless to do anything. Something warm and wet ran down my face and into my eyes, stinging and blurring my vision as I was laid down. I made several attempts to focus before I eventually made out a figure dragging Betsy toward me. My heart raced as her head lolled to the side, and I thought I might be sick. Her frizzy red curls dragged on the ground. Fear unlike any other gripped my heart like a vise. A loud explosion caused my ears to ring. Flames were blazing from behind the figure and Betsy. She was laid next to me and the figure dashed away. Flashing lights for the second time today were visible and, since I was unable to hear sirens, I feared my eardrums had burst.

  My head rolled to face my friend. I rasped out her name and attempted to sit up, but my body wouldn’t cooperate. She lay next to me, unmoving. Over and over I attempted to shout her name.

  Someone loomed over me. I tried to shove them away toward Betsy. She needs help!

  Finally, I managed to get my vocal cords to cooperate above a whisper and managed to scoot my arm across the ground. I wrapped my fingers around hers and squeezed with what little strength I had within me. “Betsy.”

  Her eyes fluttered open and her head rolled to the side to face me as a blurry figure checked her vitals.

  “Thank God.” Relief flooded me. Tears streamed down my cheeks.

  Her cracked, bloody lips were moving. I strained to hear, and I think I made out, “Oh good, we’re in hell together,” before I passed out.

  CHAPTER 7

  The throb in my skull made it feel like it’d split apart when I woke and the bend of my arm itched. My fingers fumbled on something hard. As I cleared the cobwebs, I saw the IV taped to me. Small red lines covered my arms. The blood pressure cuff squeezed the other arm, making a low humming noise. I took in the sterile room that smelled of bleach, with a large window. I blinked a few times when I saw Javier slumped over with his suit jacket tucked between his head and the back of the high-back chair. His white shirt was untucked and rumpled. He stirred and suddenly his eyes went wide.

  He sat upright, the jacket falling to his lap as he ran a hand over his military cut. “Hey. How are you feeling?”

  “Water,” I croaked.

  He grabbed the little pink cup on the table tray and filled it with water from the matching pink pitcher. A straw was put to my parched lips and I sucked greedily.

  “What happened?” I croaked again through a raw throat once I’d satisfied my thirst. Oh, the accident. Before Javy could answer, I sat up and blurted, “Is Betsy okay?”

  The room spun.

  “Whoa. Take it easy.” His hands went to my shoulders and he eased me back on the pillow. “Yes, other than a minor case of whiplash, your friend is just fine. They ran an MRI to make sure she doesn’t have a serious head injury. Scan came back clear. In case you’re wondering, you have a concussion and some bruising, with minor cuts on your face and arms. You might have to be here a few days. You both were lucky.”

  My fingers went to my stinging cheeks. Tears filled my eyes. “Is it bad?”

  The corners of his mouth turned upward, and his hazel eyes softened. “No. There won’t be any scarring. Like I said, you were lucky.” He gave my hand a squeeze and something inside me warmed.

  I was beyond grateful to not be alone.

  As I recalled the crash, or what I could recall of it, I took in a ragged breath. We were lucky. And it was a relief to hear my friend hadn’t sustained any serious injuries. I couldn’t live with myself if she’d been seriously hurt—or worse, I lost her.

  “I should go see her.” When I tried to sit up, the room spun wildly and the pounding commenced like a jackhammer. I gave up. “Maybe not just yet.” I’d have to settle for sitting up a little. “Lift the bed, will ya.”

  Javy pushed the button on the side of the bed and my head raised like magic. “The sheriff just left. He’s been here all night. He didn’t want you to wake up alone and he had to leave.”

  “Thanks for staying.” I attempted a smile. “Ouch.” I gingerly felt the tiny cuts on my cheeks and forehead. I must look a fright.

  Javier didn’t seem to be freaked out, so I wouldn’t focus on vanity just yet.

  “Your sister and brother were here last night as well. Jena Lynn wanted me to tell you she would stop by your place and make sure your cat has food and water.”

  My sweet sister always thought of everything. And Mr. Wrigley would be grateful.

  “We’ve already taken Betsy’s account of things. I don’t want to rush you, but, as you know, the first recollections of events are important. Can you tell me what happened in your own words?”

  He was absolutely correct. “Yes.” With my hand to my forehead, I told him about the brakes malfunctioning and avoiding other vehicles by swerving and driving down in the ditch, then Betsy and I were dragged from the van by a Good Samaritan seconds before it exploded into flames. I recalled the heat I’d felt as the fire billowed from the van. I shivered when I remembered how Betsy’s head lolled to the side. Thank God she was okay. The guilt overwhelmed me. “We take great care to ensure our vans are in good working order. I . . . I don’t know how this could have happened. We just had the routine oil change and maintenance check.” I let out a giant ragged sigh and remembered the shadowy figure who saved our lives. “Who was our Good Samaritan?” My gratitude to th
at person knew no bounds.

  “Paul.” He swallowed and his face held an expression I couldn’t discern. “It was Paul who pulled you and Betsy from the wreckage. He was behind you and called nine-one-one when you began driving erratically. Dispatch wasted no time when his panicked call came in.”

  Javier handed me a tissue when, too overcome with emotion, I struggled to speak. I took in a deep breath. “Thank God for Paul. Is he here?” I wanted to waste no time in thanking him.

  Javier gave his head a shake. “He was here. I’m not sure where he is now.”

  “Did Eddie find out what happened? Brake fluid leak?”

  “You know him well. When it came over the radio you’d been in an accident, I’d never in my life seen a man go so pale in a matter of seconds. He pestered everyone and wouldn’t leave your side until he knew you were okay. He made sure the top neurologists read your MRI results. He wanted nothing missed.”

  That was my father. Relentless. I smiled without thinking and instantly regretted it.

  “He wouldn’t be able to relax until he went over the vehicle himself.” There was something else on Javy’s face. Something dark. “More water?”

  I massaged my temples and gave a small nod.

  He brought the cup back to my lips and I drank from the straw.

  The door swung open. “Marygene!” Betsy shouted as Aunt Vi wheeled her into the room. Her face was scratched up and her neck was in a brace. “Someone tried to off us! Can you believe that junk?”

  “Betsy, should you be out of your room?” Javier asked.

  “We ain’t stayin’.” Aunt Vi nabbed this wheelchair from the hallway. “We’re gettin’ out of here before they steal my organs.”

  Aunt Vi nodded. “That’s right. If you’re an organ donor, I’d advise you clear out as well. I saw a show on some crooked surgeon who sold folks’ vital organs on the black market for megabucks. I’m not lettin’ that happen to my girls. You want me to get you one of these babies, Marygene?” She patted the handles of the wheelchair. “We can waltz right out the front door before anyone notices. I’m sure the big hunk of burning Latin love will push your chair.”

  “Hold on a second. We’ll discuss this asinine escape plan in a minute. What are you talking about? No one tried to kill us.” Had they? Surely not.

  Aunt Vi wheeled Betsy to my bedside. “The van exploded, Marygene. Use your noggin. Ask him.” Before I could utter a single word, Betsy exploded with, “Aunt Vi heard Javier say something about a bomb when he was talking to Eddie over the phone a bit ago.”

  My mouth fell open. “What?” I turned toward Javy and held my aching head. “Is that true? Did someone tamper with the van?”

  “I was just about to discuss this with you. Ladies, I’d advise you to keep that information to yourself.” Javier’s hazel gaze darkened when he turned back to me. The hard lines of his face told me he blamed himself for not being more careful with his word choices while on the phone with his sheriff. It wasn’t like him to make that sort of mistake. “A pipe bomb was found on the underneath side of the vehicle and we’re surmising the brake line had been punctured, causing the brake fluid to leak. That’s why it took a bit for the brakes to fail.”

  “See!” Betsy waved her arm toward Javy. “Thank God Paul followed us, or we’d have been crispy critters.”

  My stomach lurched.

  “I might have been wrong about Paul. He ain’t so bad. You could do worse.” She licked her top lip, which began bleeding. She’d reopened a few wounds. “I’m parched. Can I have a sip of this?” She leaned forward aggressively and reached toward my bed tray for the cup. Her hand faltered and fell to my lap. “So dizzy.”

  “You have to be careful.” I knew that dizzy feeling, and it was awful.

  Her face turned an odd shade of green. “Uh-oh.” She slapped both hands over her mouth as her cheeks bulged in time with her eyes.

  “Bathroom!” I pointed to the open door across from my bed. Aunt Vi rushed her inside and the door slammed behind them. Poor Bets.

  We learned something new about my best friend. She liked to let everyone in earshot know she was puking. Never in my life had I heard anyone shout so loud with each hurl. Javier covered his mouth with his hand and covered a laugh with a cough.

  Aunt Vi came running out seconds into the ordeal with her fingers pinching her nose. Her watery eyes spoke volumes. “Guess we might better heed the medical advice and let her stay after all. I’m sure they won’t go after her organs with a police presence. I’ll be sure to let them know we’re on to them. I’ll go get a nurse to move her back to her room.” Aunt Vi waddled out of the room.

  Javier’s face told me the odor had wafted in his direction. He moved farther away.

  “You okay in there?” I called out.

  The groans and exaggerated wails spoke volumes. “Do I sound okay? I’m retching my innards out in here.”

  “Help is on the way.” My body broke out with cold sweats. “I can’t believe this. Why would someone want to kill us?”

  Javier placed the damp towel on my head. “We don’t actually believe anyone made an attempt on Betsy’s life. She wasn’t supposed to be in the van with you.” Javier turned to stare out the window.

  “Oh.” I rested my head on the pillow and processed his words. “But they did try to kill me. And said person would know I would be driving the Peach catering van.” I blew out a deep breath and tried to calm myself. “Wait. Y’all searched the van. Wouldn’t you have noticed a bomb?”

  “The sheriff searched your van personally. Either he was in a hurry or it didn’t occur to him to search the undercarriage.”

  Why would he? Eddie had no experience dealing with bombs. If it had gone off a few minutes earlier, Betsy and I wouldn’t even be here.

  What a minute! Another thought occurred to me. I’d only seen Mama for a split second before we crashed. She always appeared when my life was in danger, but usually she helped prevent what occurred, or tried to. Perhaps she saved us from the explosion, delayed it somehow. And perhaps I’d begun to rely on her instinct, especially when it came to the deceased. Maybe I depended on her a little too much.

  “Y’all. I sort of made a mess.” Betsy groaned from the bathroom as there was a knock on the door to my room.

  The nurse. “Knock, knock.” A graying stout woman with skin the color of rich caramel and kind honey brown eyes came into the room wearing pink scrubs. “I’m Natasha.” She wrote her name on the whiteboard on the back of the door. “I’ll be your nurse this evening.”

  “Nice to meet you, Natasha.” I smiled, feeling the exhaustion overtake me. “Um, my friend who was in the accident with me is in the restroom there. She’s really sick.”

  The woman rushed into the bathroom. “Oh, you poor thing,” the nurse cooed. “Let’s get you back to your room. You really shouldn’t be out of bed.” She wheeled a pitiful-looking Betsy out.

  Javy and I remained in silence. The nurse came back a couple of minutes later and I assumed Betsy’s nurse took over my friend’s care. The woman checked my vitals. “How are we, Miss Brown? Your coloring isn’t so good.” She glanced from Javy and then to me. “Sir.”

  Javier turned around as he rubbed the back of his neck.

  “I think Miss Brown should rest. She’s been through quite an ordeal.”

  “He isn’t bothering me.”

  “Hmmm. Well, I hear you and your friend are lucky young ladies. Don’t you worry about a thing. We’re going to take wonderful care of you. You’ll be good as new in no time. You just relax and leave everything to me.” She smiled in a mothering sort of way, and I instantly wanted to keep her forever.

  How nice it would be to have her around when I wasn’t feeling well. Mama wasn’t the pampering motherly type. We were lucky if she didn’t spray us down with Lysol at the first sign of a sniffle.

  “On a scale of one to ten. How would you rate your pain?”

  “A fifty. I’d love a bucket of ibuprofen.”

&n
bsp; She released the blood pressure cuff. “I can give you Tylenol. We must avoid any medications that may potentially worsen bleeding. I’ll also bring you an icepack for the goose egg on your head.”

  “That’d be amazing. Thank you.”

  She smiled broadly at me. “I’ll be right back. And I’ll have someone come in and clean your restroom.” She cast a disapproving glance in Javy’s direction. “Don’t upset her.” She pointed her finger at him before leaving the room.

  “I hadn’t planned on getting into the details with you just now.” Javy took a seat in the chair, looking guilty. “Betsy blew in like a hurricane and forced my hand.”

  “Don’t blame Bets.” My eyelids were getting heavy, despite the razor blades rattling around inside my head.

  “I don’t. She’s just as much a victim as you.”

  “You gonna distract me again?” I smiled and held out my hand, needing the feel of another person, and didn’t dwell on the fact that I didn’t want it to be Paul.

  “I try not to take advantage of hospitalized women.” I could hear the smile on his lips. “It worked though, didn’t it?”

  I nodded, and when his fingers curled around mine, all the terror caused by the fear of events of the day washed away with a wave as safety fell over me.

  CHAPTER 8

  Several days later, on a Wednesday, I was released from the hospital and Eddie drove me home. I’d threatened to leave the day prior when I’d had enough of the interruptions from nursing staff during the night, robbing me of the possibility of solid rest and, while I appreciated their attentiveness, I longed for my own bed, the serenity of my cottage, and a full night of uninterrupted slumber.

  My head still ached but had improved from skull crushing to a throb, and I was grateful to sink onto my mattress and under my sheets. I reminded myself to thank Yvonne for insisting I up the thread count when she returned from the trade show in New York.