by CC Dragon
“The girlfriend worked in a flower shop. She could look up poisonous garden flowers and call it research for a customer who called. She could order it for the shop. But when I looked up the garden walk on the town website, her house hasn’t been on it for the past five years. I don’t think she had a proper garden, so work would be the only way to have a large supply.” I handed him his coffee.
He handed over money.
“No,” Gran called from across the room.
He put some money in the tip jar.
“That’s a huge tip,” I said.
“You’re criticizing tips? You sound like a city girl,” he teased.
I rolled my eyes. “They’d say it was too small. I’ll just say thank you.”
“What about the wife?” he asked.
I frowned. “She has a garden and her house is on the walk. Maybe she has it in her garden, but I don’t see her getting her hands dirty and figuring out a way to get that much into her hubby. Unless she wanted to blame my smoothie… Maybe she saw an opening, but she was inheriting everything. Why rush and maybe get caught?” I asked.
“Unless she suspected he was leaving. I managed to get his phone records. Texts and all. The phone company wasn’t the problem, but locating the phone was. His main one had been lost,” Gus said.
“Main one?” I asked.
Gus sipped his coffee. “He had a family cell and a sheriff one. The sheriff one, we automatically had everything backed up and accessed. The family one, that was interesting.”
He worked on his breakfast carefully so he didn’t drip preserves on his shirt.
“You’re teasing me.” I set up the blender and prepped the area. It was early, but the breakfast rush would be rolling in soon.
“I shouldn’t be telling you any of this,” Gus said.
“I understand, Sheriff. The doc shouldn’t have let the lily of the valley slip. I was just trying to help. Small towns have secrets and can be cold to newcomers. I have fresh eyes, but I’m one of them. A weird combo,” I explained.
“You can’t help it. You like solving problems. I see how you are, helping Katie. Helping your gran. You want to fix things. Make it better,” he said.
“Maybe. But I’m not in law enforcement.” I felt a mind your own business, Miss Belle scolding coming on.
“You’re smart and you know this place. You are an asset, but you seem to avoid me. Why don’t we go out to dinner and talk it over?” he asked.
I blushed. “If you want to be elected sheriff, that’s probably not the best idea.”
“I don’t care about your reputation or whatever you think the problem is,” he said.
“How can you say that without knowing what it is?”
He grabbed a napkin and wiped his fingers. He looked so strong and sharp in that uniform that I tried not to stare.
He cleared his throat. “I may have run a background check on you.”
I frowned. “I’m not sure how I feel about that.”
“You were so adamant, I thought maybe you’d had a wild youth,” he replied.
I shook my head. “Sorry, I’m truly boring. Do you think the wife did it?”
Gus sighed. “Subtle subject change. I’m going to bring Lola in to talk to her because of the florist angle. Bonnie—well, she had no idea he was going to leave her. It was all over his texts with Lola though.”
“Do you believe he was going to?” I asked.
Gus shook his head. “He was trying not to lose Lola. Unfortunately, I don’t see another mistress on his phone to pursue.”
“You wanted more suspects? Maybe Sheriff Monroe confided in his nephew? Like a guy-talk sort of thing?” I asked.
“I didn’t see anything on the texts. Their phone calls were short and fairly routine weekly check-ins. I know Monroe cared about his nephew, but juggling women doesn’t leave much time to look after your sick sister. He had longer chats with his sons. I might call them up and see,” Gus replied.
“All the bank accounts, insurance policies and stuff went to his wife, so they’ll still get their share. Whenever Bonnie passes, it’ll probably be split. That’s not motive, really,” I said.
Gus sighed. “There was one bank account and an insurance policy benefitting the nephew, but he was caring for Eddie’s ill sister… She had no one else, no other kids. Hank was just doing deliveries for a living so he could probably use the help with all those medical bills. Caring for his ill mother isn’t a motive either. Hank might resent his mom. Heck, he might resent his cousins because they got to go off to college and move away. He might resent his uncle, but Eddie helped with his sister a lot, from what people say. Hank’s dad ran off—that’s not on Eddie. Hank couldn’t blame his uncle. It’d be completely irrational. He didn’t make her sick. Hank’d blame his father first, I’d expect. It’s rough Hank couldn’t go off to college and all that stuff with his mom so sick, but life happens.”
“I can’t argue with any of that. Family is complicated. But maybe it couldn’t hurt to visit the sister and see how the relationship was between brother and sister first. Or talk to Hank without anyone around? See if he gets frustrated,” I suggested.
“You’d make a good deputy,” he teased.
I scoffed. “Not a chance.”
Gran walked over. “Sheriff, would you like to come over to dinner tonight? I’m determined to entertain more.”
“Gran, he’s got a murder case,” I said.
Gus ignored me. “I’d love to come over, Mrs. Baxter. Thank you.”
“A man has to eat,” Gran added.
“Sorry,” I said as she walked away.
“Why? At least I know one of the Baxter women approves of me.” He tossed his trash in the can, grabbed his coffee and headed for the door. “What time?”
“Six o’clock,” Gran called.
“Gran,” I said firmly once the door closed.
But more customers piled in for the morning rush. We were both hopping busy and moving product—it was a good sign.
That was a great thing, but I didn’t have a chance to worry about dinner until after lunch.
* * * *
I changed my blouse four times. Gran had suggested a dress, but that looked like I was trying too hard.
“This isn’t a date,” I said to myself.
I’d touched up my makeup and fixed my hair. Refusing to fuss more, I went to help in the kitchen. Gran was checking the roast.
“What made you invite him?” I asked.
“Manners! He’s new in town. He’s a single man. The pastor isn’t married, and with all the drama of the sheriff dying, I doubt they ever had Gus over. You’d be shocked what a good homemade dinner can do,” she said.
I grabbed the bowel of potatoes and added cream before I fired up the handheld mixer. Once they were creamy, I turned it off, added butter and stirred by hand. “You know how this looks, right? It’s like you’re setting me up with him.”
“Would that be so awful? I know your mother’s stuff bothers you. If you get married to a good man and have a respectable family, it’ll be easier. People will stop talking once they see what a good mother you’d be,” she said.
I took a deep breath. “I know you mean well, but I’m not looking for marriage right now. I’m looking to get our business on the right track and make sure everyone knows it wasn’t my smoothie that killed the sheriff.”
“Oh, that’ll be done in a month or two. You need to be thinking longer term, dear. I like your plans for the business, but you must have a personal life. Hanging out at the bar all the time won’t help,” Gran added.
I pulled biscuits out of the oven. “That’s where everyone hangs out. I thought you didn’t mind my helping Katie?”
Gran basted the roast and checked the carrots she had on the side. What was it with her and carrots? She served them as though they were as loved as potatoes or biscuits.
“I don’t mind you helping Katie one little bit, but you know most of the people down there anyway. That�
��s not a place to find a good man.” Gran began to slice the roast.
I checked the time. Was Gus late? No, Gran was going to serve dinner at six p.m. on the dot. She hated tardiness.
“Gus is at the Honey Buckle regularly. He even sits in with a band Katie gets to play there. He’s a guitarist.” That might sour Gran on him.
“You both like music. Okay, that I accept. You’re there to hear him play and to help Katie. He is there to play music. He comes to church every Sunday to hear you, and for God. Guitar isn’t really good in a church.” She shook her head.
I scrunched my nose. “I’m not sure if we resolved anything there or not, but you seem happier with that explanation.”
“Let’s see how dinner goes.” She set the table.
The doorbell rang and Duke barked at the front door.
Gran shuffled behind me, but I caught the puppy by the collar before I opened the front door.
“Come in, Sheriff,” Gran said.
Gus’ face didn’t look like he was ready for a night of fun and a home-cooked meal.
“I’m so sorry. I got a call. Someone has been going through people’s gardens. No secrets in a small town. They also broke into the flower shop nursery. All the lily of the valley is disappearing.” Gus rubbed his forehead.
“Sorry. Let me make you a to-go package,” Gran said.
“I really can’t wait. Rain check. Thank you, and I’m really truly sorry. The deputies are all at different scenes.” Gus dashed off.
“It could be a clue. Good luck.” I closed the door. Part of me wanted to join him, but I hadn’t been invited along.
“Oh well, at least he showed up and we tried. Now we won’t have to be so ladylike when we eat.” Gran sighed and headed back to the kitchen.
I was disappointed and relieved at the same time. Men were so confusing.
“After we eat, we’re ransacking this place for that bread recipe!” I announced.
Chapter Fourteen
After the morning rush, I was pacing in the back like a caged cat. I wanted to go out and find out more about what had happened. The vandalism of gardens had people annoyed.
I also had a list of ingredients I needed to get for Gran’s bread. Checking the shop fridge, I added a couple of things we might need more of and double checked the space. We had plenty of it in the back. If we were paying the rent, we might as well use all the space and appliances.
I walked into the front and found Milan tinkering with my coffee machine.
“You need something?” I asked.
“The guys and I have been talking. If they’re going to hang around so much, they can pitch in when things are busy. That way you’re not here ten hours a day, seven days a week.”
“I wouldn’t say it’s been ten hours.” I wanted to downplay the stress.
“No, but it could be if we add lunch items beyond smoothies. If it works, you’ll hire some part-time help, but until then, the guys can help a few hours here and there and not hurt their social security. A couple free hours at least to cover their coffee,” Gran said.
There was no way I could argue with the. I smiled at the relief. “As long as they’re willing to be trained my way and do it without cutting corners.”
“No problem.” Milan saluted.
“Cute. We can start after I get back from the store. But before the lunch rush, you can wipe down the tables and sweep the floors,” I suggested.
“I feel like we’re in the army again,” Joe teased.
Gran giggled. “I’ll supervise.”
“Never doubted that.” I headed out with a big list.
“One more thing, we need to do that grand re-opening next week. The lawyer called and we go over there tomorrow and sign the papers. Then you’re the owner and I’m an employee. But I think we should have a reopening party here.” Gran clapped her hands like a little kid.
“A party so soon?” I asked. “I was planning on it before the death.”
“Well, free samples of new smoothie flavors. Maybe debut the new bread? Celebrate you and the ownership. People in a small town need an event, and with the death, it’d be nice to have something positive,” she said.
“I guess enough time has passed. I wish we had the bad guy in jail. But we’re not giving everything away,” I warned her.
“No, of course not. Free samples usually lead to people buying jars of their favorite flavors. Now, you go shopping, but make sure you come up with a guest list. I’m thinking Saturday.”
* * * *
I zoned out in the grocery store. Filling my cart and trying to think ahead, grabbing extra cleaning wipes and more dish soap. We’d found the recipe for the bread too late to make a batch at home, but I wanted to keep that to the shop anyway. With a full cart, I headed for the checkout.
I recognized the man ahead of me.
“Morning, Sheriff,” I said.
Gus turned. “Belle, hi. Sorry again about last night. I promise, I had no fun.”
“Everyone okay?” I asked.
“Yes. A lot of property damage. I’ll update you at lunch. I’m heading over there now. I have to make it up to you,” Gus said.
“No, we understand your work. Gran was pushy to put you on the spot with the invitation for the same night. You could’ve had a date or other plans.” I made it sound like it was no big deal.
“Still, I’ll bring lunch to you. I have a few calls I have to make before then.” He took his two full bags and change from the cashier. “Thanks.”
Martha waved. “Hey, stranger.”
“Hi, Martha! How are you?” I asked.
I hadn’t run into her since I’d been back and we hadn’t kept in touch after high school. That was awkward, but Martha was sweet and friendly, still pretty and plump with dark hair that curled in big coils. I’d always loved her hair.
“Busy, what with working here and the twins. I don’t know if you heard, I got married after one semester in cooking school.” She rolled her eyes.
“That’s great,” I said without too much enthusiasm, as her face and words didn’t match exactly in tone.
“I thought so too.” She started ringing up my order. “I got my two girls out of it, but I should’ve finished school.”
I opened my mouth but needed more context to say the right thing. “You can always go back. How old are the girls?”
“Five. So cute. Identical twins. But their dad. Not all military men are honorable. FYI, just so you know. I’m divorced now and a single mom. But how are you? I’m so glad you’re back. I missed you.” Martha totaled the order. “Let me just add a store coupon here.”
“Thanks. Is your mom still a manager here?” I asked.
“She’s too smart to give up a solid job, but she’s mellowed a bit since my life went less than perfect.” Martha blushed.
“At least you were married. I’m sure that made your mom happier.” I slid my card into the reader.
“It plays better with the neighbors that I was married when I had the girls. But Mom was right. It hurts to say it. He was going to be deployed anyway, why not do school while he was gone? I thought I needed to learn the ropes of being a military wife and it wasn’t for me.”
“Love messes with your head, or so they say.” I signed for my purchase.
I put the card away as the bagger put the many bags in my cart. I had to get back to the shop before Gus showed up with lunch.
“Hang on. You and the new sheriff?” Martha asked.
“Oh, no. Gran invited him to dinner. You know how she is with new people in town. The pastor’s not married. The sheriff was killed. Gus started at an awkward time for the welcome wagon. Anyway, he got a call and had work to do. That’s the life of a policeman.”
Martha handed me the receipt. “He’s not bad to look at. Just make sure you test him for a bit. That he’s not a cheater and he’s good with kids. Make sure before you walk down that aisle.”
“Thanks for the tip, but I’m sure if we dated, everyone would be warn
ing him about my family. If you like him, ask him out,” I suggested.
She tilted her head and smiled wider. “Don’t be silly. You’re not your mom any more than I am mine. My mom had good taste in men. Everyone makes their own mistakes, but it’s not some curse. My mom was talking about you being back and she was glad for Miss Bea. You’ve shown you’re not the wild child your mom was. Don’t let other people put you in a box.”
I didn’t mind chatting, since there was no one in line behind me. “Thanks. You know I know you wanted to be a chef, but you might want to think about being a teacher. Kids need to hear that sort of thing when they’re young.”
“I’m a mom first. Such a big job, but I’ll think about things. I don’t want to be stuck here forever—which sounds ungrateful, but I have more skills than this,” she said.
“You do. You won every baking competition. There are always things to think about. Thanks, I gotta get back. See you around.” I pushed my cart toward the door.
* * * *
Having the guys’ help carrying stuff in was a huge plus. Gran and I put away the fridge items.
“Gus was at the store. He said something about coming by for lunch,” I warned Gran.
“You better prep some smoothies then.” Gran wagged a finger.
I frowned and went out to do just that. Training would have to wait until after lunch. But I could prep pitchers of the two flavors on offer today and have them ready in the fridge.
Gus walked in as I was cleaning up and Gran was teaching the guys how to work the cash register.
“Hope I’m not late,” Gus said.
“No, what’s with all the bags?” I asked.
He tilted his head to one side. “I told you I was bringing lunch.”
“We were headed to the diner,” Milan said.
“He didn’t mean you. Come on. We’re going to the diner. You two have a nice lunch,” Gran said.
Then customers came in.
Gus sighed. “This was a bad idea.”
“Having your own business is a lot. You can set up in the back, if you want. I’ll pop in there when it’s quiet,” I offered.
When I had a lull, I snuck back and saw that he had enough options to make twenty sandwiches. The rolls were soft and I built a sandwich. Everything was fresh and that was nice.