Sweet Saboteur

by C A Phipps

  Scarlett knew all about lawyers and doing things right. It was exhausting. At least they’d had time to talk things over before their mom’s death and make a few decisions. Plus, the household things had not needed to be gone through, and even now, some of her mom’s clothes graced their wardrobes. She tilted her head. “Could I ask what you intend to do with the house?”

  “We’ll have to sell it. I can’t imagine we’ll come back here. Mom’s not capable of managing a rental property, and I wouldn’t want to from so far away. Do you happen to know a real estate person you trust locally?”

  “Harvey Evans is the only one in town. He’s local, has a decent reputation, and he sold mom the café even though he wanted to buy it himself and lease it to her.” Scarlett shrugged. “She thought it was a fair deal.”

  Brent nodded enthusiastically. “Let me write that down.”

  When he was done and had thanked her several times, Scarlett walked home, taking extra care near the road. It was a lovely evening, and she was happy to be out in the fresh air. After several days, there was still no dust to be seen, but clean though it was, Mable’s house was musty as if the windows hadn’t been opened for a much longer time.

  When she got to the driveway, she stopped for a moment as she’d taken to doing since the working bee. The house looked so much more appealing than it had. Windows sparkled, and the grass was cut shorter than this morning. She hadn’t done it, and she’d bet neither of her sisters had.

  Sam. A tingle ran up her spine. Sam made her want things she’d denied herself since she’d taken over running the café and looking after mom. Friendship was an excellent place to start, and now she had a hint of something more.

  Smiling, she headed up the path with a little more bounce in her step. When she entered the kitchen, George came to greet her, and Scarlett picked him up to rub her face in the tortoiseshell fur.

  Ruby turned from washing lettuce and tomatoes in the sink. “He likes you.”

  “He likes all of us, but don’t worry, you’re his favorite,” Scarlett assured her.

  “I’m not so sure. He’s been pacing backward and forward to the front door waiting for you. I don’t think he does that for anyone else.”

  Scarlett was touched to think it might be true. Then she slapped a hand to her forehead, causing George to leap to the floor. “We haven’t asked Brent if he’ll take George. I should have remembered while I was at Mable’s.”

  Ruby turned again, splashing water on the floor. “Maybe it was subconsciously intentional. Do you think he even likes cats?”

  “I’m sure he does, he seems very considerate,” Scarlett reasoned, not wanting to believe she wanted to keep George that badly. Did she?

  Slowly, Ruby dried her hands. “That’s not the same thing at all. Some people hate animals and cats in particular.”

  “Let’s ask him after the funeral.” Scarlett wasn’t sure how George had become so important, but she found a way to justify her reticence. “There’s no point in giving Brent another something else to fret about while he has that to deal with.”

  Ruby raised a knowing eyebrow. “If he doesn’t want George, will we keep him?”

  Scarlett sighed. “I might not have been delighted at having another mouth to feed, but in such a short time, he’s become part of the family. It would be hard to say goodbye.”

  “I knew you’d feel this way, eventually.” Ruby hugged her in relief, water dripping down her arms and onto Scarlett’s. “So, what’s Mable’s house like?”

  “Exactly as we imagined. Tidy. A little old-fashioned.”

  “That sounds about right. Was it horrible looking through Mable’s clothes?”

  “In the end, it wasn’t so bad.” As she said the words, Scarlett realized that instead of merely rummaging through a dead person’s belongings, she’d done an important thing. “Hopefully, it will be a good turnout tomorrow despite the fact she rubbed people the wrong way.”

  Ruby smiled. “All the people I’ve spoken to at the café, and those I’ve seen when I’m out with the kids, said they’re coming.”

  “That’s good. I had the horrible thought it might be Brent and us.”

  “Me too. I admit to being highly encouraging when the funeral was discussed in any way.”

  Scarlett laughed. “Good for you. What did you say?”

  “Apart from attendance being our civic duty, I reminded them how efficiently the library was run,” Ruby spoke sincerely, with an added twinkle in her eye.

  “I don’t think dust dared to land in that place.”

  Ruby nodded. “She loved it like nothing or no one else.”

  It was all true, yet that didn’t seem enough to say about a person’s life. But what else could anyone say about Mable that wouldn’t be mean?

  Hopefully, someone at the funeral would have more to add.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  The funeral wasn’t as big as some Scarlett had attended, but enough people turned out to give Mable a decent send-off.

  Brent sat at the front beside Arthur Tully. He gave the sisters a wave before turning back to Arthur, who appeared to be talking non-stop. Scarlett didn’t remember discussing the mayor with Brent and wondered how the two of them had met. Of course, Arthur and Mable had been close, so in a way, it was more fitting that he be front and center instead of anyone else from Cozy Hollow.

  The minister did an excellent job of Mable’s eulogy, highlighting her interest in the community via the town committee. It was kind enough without saying things that were blatant lies.

  Then Arthur got up and stood behind the podium with his usual pompousness. He welcomed Brent, offered his condolences before speaking fondly of Mable. Rambling for twenty minutes about his job as mayor, Scarlett imagined the mourners might be forgiven for thinking they were at an election rally rather than Mable’s funeral.

  Eventually, the minister reigned him in, and it was the turn of a few members of the committee. Up next, Olivia mentioned how well run the library had been and that Mable was a valued member of the committee who’d contributed many extra hours because she wanted the best for Cozy Hollow.

  Daisy followed. “Mable and I worked on many projects over the years. She was helpful and organized, which made our jobs easier. Her adorable cat, George, will no doubt be a lovely addition to Brent and his family.”

  Ruby put a hand to her mouth while Scarlett shot a glance at Violet, who also wore a look of disbelief. Daisy had no time for Mable and was often scathing about the librarian’s hold over committee activities, as well as the dictatorial approach Mable had to the library. The worst of it was that she’d mentioned George before Scarlett could talk to Brent about him.

  Still, Daisy could hardly stand there and bad-mouth the deceased. Actually, it was nice that she put their differences aside for this time—even if it was for show. Brent didn’t need to know any of that.

  The Finch sisters did not contribute to the funeral apart from their presence. While Ruby was the forgiving sort, she’d whole-heartedly agreed with Scarlett and Violet that silence was the best they could do for Mable. Bearing in mind that awful letter and all the bad feelings before it, they’d agreed it would be hypocritical, and wouldn’t be expected of them.

  After the final farewell to the librarian, Brent sought them out, leaving Arthur mid-monologue.

  “Thanks so much for coming. I truly hadn’t anticipated this many people. To be honest, it’s a little overwhelming.”

  “Small towns are like that,” Violet explained.

  He smiled ruefully. “Regardless of the motives, I’m sure my aunt would appreciate having a decent crowd.”

  “Mmmm.” Scarlett’s non-committal reply was the best she could do. More inclined to be the glass-half-empty type, Mable wasn’t known for being appreciative of very much apart from books.

  Together they went through a side door into a small anteroom. A table was laid with cakes and sandwiches as well as tea and coffee.

  “These must be you
rs?” Brent pointed to a pretty cake stand holding small cupcakes.

  “They are,” Violet nodded. “We made sandwiches too.”

  “You must have gotten up early this morning?”

  “We didn’t mind. We’re used to early starts because of the café,” Ruby assured him.

  “You should meet the rest of the committee,” Arthur appeared beside them, steering Brent away to another group, which included Daisy and Olivia.

  “How rude. Poor Brent looks like he needs help.” Ruby poured a coffee and took it over to him, pushing her way between Arthur and Harvey Evans.

  Violet snickered. “Sweet, she may be, but she’s got a will of iron when she sets her mind to things.”

  Scarlett snorted, not seeing Sam arrive.

  “I’m glad to see you’re not too upset.”

  He startled her, and her coffee cup wobbled dangerously in its saucer.

  “How long have you been standing there?”

  “Not long. I had an emergency earlier, so I snuck in at the end. The nephew looks like he’s doing okay.”

  “He seems to be. I guess it’s easier when you’re not close.”

  Sam nodded, helping himself to coffee. “How are the renovations going?”

  “To be honest, they’ve stalled, but please don’t organize anymore working bees,” she pleaded. “As grateful as we are, it’s only the finishing touches to the bathroom and bedrooms now, and we’re quite capable of doing those ourselves.”

  “If you’re sure? We don’t have to ask everyone, but I’d still like to help.”

  Scarlett heard the sincerity, but she couldn’t let him use all his spare time on them. “You’ve done more than enough. Thanks for mowing the lawns again, but you can stop that too.”

  He reeled back as if she’d slapped him. “Why?”

  Scarlett put a hand on his arm. “We owe you so much already.”

  “It doesn’t feel like a debt to me, but if it upsets you, I’ll keep away.” He took a step back, so her hand fell away.

  She’d hurt his feelings, and that hadn’t been her intention at all. “I don’t want you to keep away. I’m not explaining this very well.”

  Sam held up his hands. “You can say that again. I have no idea what I’m supposed to do or say that won’t be construed as forcing my way into your life.”

  “Now you know what she’s really like,” Violet said, wiggling her eyebrows.

  Scarlett had forgotten that Violet was listening, and she knew that look in her sister’s eyes. Violet found this frisson between Sam and Scarlett highly amusing and wasn’t averse to stirring it up. Fortunately, she was soon distracted by her own man in uniform.

  “There’s Nate.” Scarlett nodded in the direction of the door.

  The sheriff stood there for a few moments surveying the room. Noticing Violet, a smile softened his intense look, and Violet made her way towards him without a goodbye. Scarlett sighed, wondering if these two knew how obvious they were.

  “You okay,” Sam’s eyes narrowed.

  Scarlett wasn’t sure if he was upset or angry about something else. “I’m great. Are you back to work after this?”

  “Not today. Why? Did you want to do something together?”

  His voice lowered disarmingly, and Scarlett flushed at the keen interest.

  “What? No. It was just a conversation.” She would really have to watch the way she phrased things.

  “I see.” He sipped his coffee. “What are you doing, then.”

  “We’re going to Mable’s to help Brent pack up his Aunt’s things.”

  “Brent?”

  She nodded to the group with Arthur Tully. “Mable’s nephew.”

  “Do you know him well?” Sam asked casually while staring in Brent’s direction.

  If Scarlett didn’t know better, she’d think that Sam was jealous. Of Brent? That was silly since they’d only met a couple of days ago.

  “Ruby offered our services and Daisy’s coming too. None of us really know him. We only met him for the first time two days ago. It’s all about helping a person in need.”

  “A community thing?” He relaxed and smiled warmly. “That’s nice. Although, I guess it won’t exactly be a fun task.”

  Scarlett nodded, glad he understood how Cozy Hollow worked. “I’m not looking forward to it, but imagine tackling the job by yourself?”

  He shuddered. “No, thanks.”

  After that, they stood awkwardly, looking anywhere but at Sam. Suddenly, Scarlett became aware that for some crazy reason, she was giving Sam mixed signals.

  Nice guys of the right age weren’t exactly plentiful around town. Able to show his feelings was also a plus. Then there was the fact that he was very handsome. Maybe she didn’t actually want to scare him off, but what did she want from him? And what did he want from her?

  Sam coughed, and she turned to him with pink cheeks, waiting while he shuffled his feet and straightened his back.

  “I know that this is not exactly the right time or place, but I have to ask how you’d feel if I asked you out on a date?”

  Scarlett gulped. “Surprised.” It was the first word out of her mouth and delivered a cruel blow.

  “I see.” He made to leave, hurt in his eyes.

  She touched his arm, which stopped him, but he didn’t face her. “Sorry. I meant to add that I’d like that very much.”

  That got his attention. He stepped closer, a sparkle now in his eyes.

  “You are a terribly confusing woman, Scarlett Finch.”

  “So I’ve been told. The thing is, I was surprised because we haven’t discussed anything remotely connected to dating.” A grin jumped out before she could hold it back. “That doesn’t mean I haven’t been thinking about it.”

  Who was this forward woman, and where had she been hiding? She felt a little giddy about the whole thing. Confidence in baking and serving customers came from knowing your product was the best it could be. She’d been doing it half her life. Unlike associating with men or, more to the point, boyfriends. She was socially awkward when it came to someone fitting that mold. But it was never too late to start.

  “If you do want to go out on a date, then I’d like to give it a try.”

  He snorted. “A try? I guess that could work.”

  “Are you laughing at me?”

  “I wouldn’t dare. Especially now we’re dating.”

  His eyes crinkled in that way they did when he smiled. It made him appear younger, and Scarlett wondered not for the first time how old he was. She and Sam had skirted around this attraction between them since he’d arrived in town. Now might be the perfect opportunity to see if a non-platonic relationship was something she could spare time for.

  “Where will we go?”

  He hesitated. “Do you want me to make the food?”

  “Is that a test?”

  She flushed. It had indeed been a test. Sam loved her food, but she didn’t want to have her cooking be the focus for a steady boyfriend. If that’s where this was headed. Plus, the date was his suggestion.

  “I’ll bring food and drink. You just need to tell me the day and time,” he assured her.

  “If we make it to a second date, I’ll cook for you,” she declared.

  “A second date—that sounds promising.” Sam laughed, drawing a censorious look from a couple nearby. “I’m glad you’re thinking of this so positively. And, I’m looking forward to getting to know you better,” he added much quieter.

  Scarlett’s heart did a triple somersault. She hadn’t allowed herself to imagine this moment. She was twenty-eight and had spent the last few years looking after her mom, the café, and her sisters. Dating simply hadn’t been a priority.

  Maybe it was the funeral, and the clarity it gave a person that life was finite, and there was no time for serious regret. Scarlett was sure that Mable left this world full of them, which made her sad.

  Sam waited patiently for her answer.

  “I’m pretty much an open book. Wha
t you see is what you get.”

  He leaned in, his warm breath fanning her hot cheeks. “I’m glad because I like what I see and what I already know about you.”

  Heat ran through her chest, and her voice vibrated. “Suddenly, you’re very good with words.”

  His eyes twinkled. “What can I say? You bring out the best in me.”

  “Wow. You’re on fire.” Scarlett grinned, amused at how they’d arrived at this stage so suddenly from the back and forth of their relationship. Then she noticed that the room had thinned, and she could see Arthur was holding his head again.

  “Sam, could I ask a favor?”

  “Anything.”

  She put a hand on his arm. “Don’t be so hasty. It’s about Arthur.”

  “Really? Your arch enemy?” he teased.

  “I think he’s ill.”

  Sam studied the mayor, then shrugged. “He may be, but I can’t just waltz up to him and ask to check him over.”

  “I know, but maybe you can find out another way?”

  He took a step back. “Whoa! I don’t know where you’re going with this, but I’m a paramedic, not a doctor. I don’t get to look through medical records on a whim.”

  “It’s not a whim, and I bet you’re as smart as one.”

  Sam snorted. “Flattery is hardly fighting fair. All I can promise to do is ask some friends at the hospital if they know anything. Friends who don’t want me to get into trouble.”

  She grinned. “I’d hate that, but thanks for not saying no. Look, everyone’s leaving, and we’re heading straight to Mable’s. We’ll talk later about that date?”

  “You can count on it.” Sam’s voice dropped to a whisper as Brent approached with Ruby.

  “Brent, this is Sam, our local paramedic.”

  “I’m sorry for your loss.” Sam shook Brent’s hand.

  Brent nodded. “Thank you.”

  He’d probably heard this too many times and, with the funeral staff cleaning up, looked eager to get going.

  “Shall we go?” Scarlett asked gently.

  Brent looked from Scarlett to Sam and back. “Do you mind leaving? I can wait if you’re not ready?”