by Cindy Bell
“Thank you. Come inside.” Jasmine took the box, then set it down on the table just inside the front door. “I’m sure I will enjoy them when I get my appetite back.” She passed her hand over her stomach. “I haven’t been able to eat a thing since Gary passed. I’m just not sure how life is supposed to go on without him.”
“It’s so difficult.” Charlotte took her hand and gave it a gentle pat. “Time is a great healer, but words like that mean nothing right now. The grieving process is something that is different for every person.”
“Thanks for being so understanding.” Jasmine sighed as she met Charlotte’s eyes. “It seems like everyone around here is judging me, and honestly I know why. I know how old I am, how old Gary was. I know what I must look like to people. But I loved my husband, Charlotte. I wanted us to live our lives together. Now, I’m alone.” She closed her eyes briefly. “I just can’t believe he’s gone.”
“It’s overwhelming, but it does get better with time.” Charlotte reached into her purse and pulled out her business card. “My cell phone is on there, too. I know we don’t know each other well, but if you ever need someone to talk to, you’re welcome to contact me.”
“Thank you.” Jasmine clutched the card and offered a tight smile. “Your kindness is a comfort in itself.”
“I’m glad to hear that.” Charlotte gazed into her eyes a moment longer. She noticed that they glistened with tears.
As Charlotte walked back to her car, she wondered just how badly others had treated Jasmine. It was true that many residents of Blue River could have traditional views on things like marriage, but she’d never known them to be outright rude. From what everyone had told her however, Jasmine was probably viewed poorly because of her age, and the fact that Gary left his children and wife of many years for her, as well as Gary’s history with the town. That didn’t excuse the rudeness. And, she feared that the town would reap the consequences of the way they treated Jasmine now that she stood to inherit what Gary left behind. She wouldn’t blame her if she left Blue River and never looked back. But a part of her hoped that Blue River would find its way into Jasmine’s heart.
As Charlotte reached the car, she turned to look back at the house. Though, in her eyes it was a monstrosity in comparison with the more modest homes of Blue River, she knew it had been Gary’s home. He came back to Blue River for a reason. Was it out of nostalgia, or something more? He had been successful in a city that was full of competition and broken dreams. What fueled his desire to return to a town that had rejected and judged him so harshly? Maybe his intention was to make amends, but with him throwing Eric and others out of their shops, she doubted that was the case. If it wasn’t to make amends, then perhaps his journey home had been driven by a darker desire. Perhaps, he sought out some form of revenge on the place he’d grown up and the people that had sided with his wife and children over him. Or maybe he just wanted to return to the place he still considered home.
Instead of driving back to the shop, Charlotte changed direction, and drove towards Freely Lakes. It was time she found out everything that Jeff knew about his old pal, Gary and what his intentions with Blue River might have been.
Chapter 8
When Charlotte entered Freely Lakes, it didn’t take her long to find Jeff, as he was in the lobby, and greeted her as soon as she stepped inside.
“Charlotte, I’m so glad to see you.” He wrapped his arms around her, then pulled quickly away as a few women who passed them shot them curious looks.
“It hasn’t been very long since we saw each other last, you know?” Charlotte smiled at him.
“I know, but after everything that happened.” Jeff’s voice trailed off as he tucked a strand of her gray hair back behind her ear. “I just wanted to be sure you were okay.”
“I am.” She looked into his eyes. “Why don’t we take a walk? There’s something I’d like to talk to you about.”
“At your service.” Jeff offered his arm. “I’m listening.”
Charlotte led him down a long path that wound around a lake. She took a breath of the mid-morning air, then settled her gaze on him.
“What can you tell me about Gary Bob?”
“Ah, I suspected that would be the topic of conversation.” Jeff blew some air past tightened lips, then shook his head. “Like I said, we had some business dealings in the past, but I didn’t know him well.”
“That’s not what I asked. I asked what you do know.” She turned to face him. “Jeff, I know you might feel some loyalty to him, or maybe you just think it’s best not to get involved, but Ally is wrapped up in all of this, and she needs answers.”
“I understand.” He frowned, then looked out over the water. “You have to understand, Charlotte, I was a different man then.”
“Jeff.” She slid her hand from his arm and took his hand instead. “You don’t have to hide anything from me. I have a past, too, you know.”
“It’s just that there was a time when I thought I wanted to be Gary.” Jeff looked back at her. “He got so powerful so quick, so wealthy. I believed that he had the secret to life hidden away behind that big laugh.”
“I can see why you might have thought that. So, you went to him for advice?” She continued to study him.
“No, actually. I asked him if I could be his partner. I invested a large sum of money into one of his first businesses.” He licked his lips and looked down at his feet. “I thought I was making a smart move. I thought I would get in on the ground floor of one of his successful businesses, and in no time I would be a wealthy man.”
“And it didn’t happen that way?” Charlotte offered with a soft smile.
“What gave that away? The discount store shoes, or the half-filled refrigerator?” He flashed her a grin.
“Be serious, Jeff. Did he con you?” Charlotte stared into his eyes.
“Not exactly. I knew the risk I was taking. I just wanted to believe so badly that I ignored the possibility of a terrible outcome, and pinned all my hopes on a fantasy. No, the business did not do well. I lost everything I invested, and he just moved on to the next business. It was foolish of me to do it, and I never really blamed Gary for it. But I did have a hard time looking him in the eye after that. A few months later, he came back to me and asked me to invest in another business, but I had nothing left to invest. So, he suggested that I sell something, that was when I drew the line.” Jeff sighed and looked back at the water. “I still regret ever investing with him. It derailed me for a few years as I tried to get back on my feet. But again, it wasn’t his fault. Business can be quite fickle.”
“Maybe, but it sounds to me like he was trying to treat you like a piggy bank.” Charlotte narrowed her eyes. “I wonder if he treated anyone else that way.”
“A few.” Jeff nodded. “A couple of people from Freely have mentioned it to me over the years. No one outright says that they lost their shirts, but people hint at it.” He chuckled. “You would think that as well as he’d done, at least one person from this area would have shared in that success.”
“You would think.” Charlotte tapped her fingertips lightly against the curve of her hip. “Perhaps there is a reason why none of the businesses that local people have invested in did well.”
“I guess we’ll never know now.” Jeff placed a light kiss on her cheek. “Any chance we can have dinner tonight?”
“Sure, I can.” Charlotte smiled as she met his eyes. “Thanks for the information, Jeff. Never think that you can’t tell me anything. We’re friends, aren’t we?”
“Friends.” He nodded, then pulled her a little closer.
“See you tonight.” Charlotte kissed his cheek lightly.
On her way back to the shop, Charlotte drove past Eric’s bakery. A bold closed sign hung in the front window. Her stomach twisted. Yes, it did seem as if everything was changing in Blue River. As she pulled up to the chocolate shop, she noticed Ally outside in the parking lot.
“Ally?” She called out to her as she steppe
d out of the car. “Is something wrong?”
“I just saw Jasmine arguing with someone down the street, near Eric’s shop.” She crossed her arms as she continued to stare down the street. “It looked and sounded pretty heated, but I couldn’t make out any specific words. I could see the man she was arguing with. I’ve never seen him in Blue River before.”
“Maybe he’s a friend from out of town?” Charlotte raised an eyebrow. “Someone who came in when he heard about Gary’s death?”
“If he’s a friend, he certainly didn’t act like it.” Ally frowned. “I was about to intervene, then he walked away, and Jasmine got into her car and drove away.” She shook her head. “I think they might have been arguing over Eric’s bakery for some reason.”
“Let’s go inside.” Charlotte guided her through the door. “When I spoke with Jasmine, she was pretty upset. Maybe the person she spoke to was just upset as well.”
“No Mee-Maw, you didn’t see it, I did.” Ally closed the door behind them. “There was definitely animosity between the two of them. It looked like he was trying to intimidate her. I wouldn’t have even considered going over there if I hadn’t been a little concerned for Jasmine’s safety.”
“It’s over now.” Charlotte glanced back towards the door. “That’s the important thing.”
“Yes, I guess you’re right. I’ll get some more chocolates started.” Ally headed to the back to work on the next batch.
Charlotte set down her purse, then washed her hands. As she turned around to tidy up the front of the shop, she spotted a man through the front window. She recognized him as Rick, the man who had placed the large order for candy. As he stepped in, she smiled at him.
“I was beginning to wonder if you were going to come back to get this order.” Charlotte rested her hands on top of the stack of boxes. “I tried to contact you a few times.”
“I know.” Rick frowned. “Things got a little complicated, very quickly. But I’m here for them now. I’m sorry for all of your trouble.”
“That’s okay. I’ll get my granddaughter, Ally to help load these into your car.” Charlotte turned towards the kitchen. “Ally. Can you come out here please?”
“Sure Mee-Maw, be right there.” Ally’s voice drifted out from the kitchen. A moment later, she appeared behind the counter. The instant she set eyes on Rick, she gasped. “It’s you.”
“Me?” Rick raised an eyebrow. “Yes, I’m the one who placed the order. But I don’t really need any help, I’m sure that I can load up my car just fine.”
“No, I mean.” Ally cleared her throat, shot a brief look at her grandmother, then turned her attention back to Rick. “I’ll take them to your car. Sorry, I just got a little confused there.”
“No problem.” He shrugged and picked up a few boxes. “I’ll unlock the trunk for you.”
“Thanks.” Ally lingered beside the boxes of chocolates. She pretended to check the receipt against the labels on the boxes. As soon as Rick stepped outside, Ally spun on her heel to face her grandmother. “That’s him. That’s the man I saw arguing with Jasmine.”
“Are you sure?” Charlotte’s eyes widened.
“Yes, I’m sure. I’d remember him anywhere. I was memorizing his description so that I could give it to the police just in case I needed to call them.” Ally glanced nervously towards the front door. “I’d better get out there with these candies before he gets suspicious.”
“I’ll come out with you.” Charlotte grabbed a few boxes as well.
“Mee-Maw, it’s okay, I can do it.” Ally started towards the door.
“Not alone you won’t. If this man is as volatile as you say, you won’t be alone with him if I can help it.” Charlotte followed right after Ally.
“Okay.” Ally pushed the front door open, then held it open so that Charlotte could step outside.
Chapter 9
Ally set the boxes of chocolates into the man’s trunk as carefully as she could. She noticed that the interior of the trunk smelled like detergent, and appeared spotless. There wasn’t a trace of dirt, or dust. She looked up as her grandmother added her boxes to the trunk.
“I do hope you’re enjoying your time here in Blue River.” Charlotte smiled at Rick. “Have you met anyone interesting?”
“No one more interesting than you.” He winked at her.
“Aw.” Charlotte laughed and shook her head. “I find that hard to believe. There are so many wonderful people that live here.”
“I’m only here for a brief visit, so I won’t have time to get to know too many people.” He shrugged.
“We should get the rest of the chocolates, Ally.” Charlotte started towards the front door.
“What about Jasmine Bob? Did you meet her?” Ally asked.
“Jasmine Bob?” Rick stared into her eyes. “Why are you asking me this?”
“I’m just curious. I happened to be outside earlier. I saw you arguing with her.” Ally looked at him, hoping he might reveal some information to her. “You seemed angry with her.”
“I don’t know what you think you saw, but you must be a little confused.” Rick straightened up as he stared at her. “I did have a discussion with Jasmine, perhaps that’s what you saw? But she was the one who was upset with me, not the other way around.”
“Oh, I must have misunderstood what I saw.” Ally didn’t want to antagonize him, especially seeing as he was a customer.
“Ally.” Charlotte put her hand on her granddaughter’s shoulder. “We should get the rest of the candy.”
“Ally.” Rick’s gaze remained on her. “I can assure you, I would not do anything to hurt or trouble Jasmine. I simply asked her a few questions, and those questions upset her. I didn’t expect them to. Until I spoke to her, I had no idea that Gary was even dead.”
“So, you do know them? Gary and Jasmine?” Charlotte edged closer to him. “Is that why you’re here in Blue River?”
“Yes, I came here to meet with Phil and Gary. Phil and I had some business dealings with him before. We wanted to invest in his casino. We wanted a share of it.” Rick glanced at his watch. “I really need to get going. Why don’t you just let me get the rest of the candy?”
“I’ll get it.” Charlotte headed for the door of the shop. “Ally?” She tipped her head towards the door.
Ally stared at Rick a moment longer, then followed after her grandmother.
“What do you think?” Ally turned towards her grandmother as soon as they stepped through the door.
“I think you need to calm down a little.” Charlotte put her hands on her hips as she locked her eyes to Ally’s.
“Mee-Maw, you didn’t see what I saw!” Ally frowned.
“If I had seen what you are describing to me, I would have been concerned that he might really be a dangerous person, and not try to step on his toes the first chance I could. If this man did kill Gary, confronting him about it, isn’t going to solve the case.” She walked over to the last of the boxes of chocolates. “Ally, you have to think these things through.”
“All right, maybe you’re right.” Ally glanced back through the front window as Rick approached the shop. “I guess we’re about to find out what his reaction really is.”
The door swung open as Charlotte walked towards it with the remainder of the boxes.
“Listen, I said I had to go. Please, can I just have the candy?”
“Here it is.” Charlotte handed it over to him. “Sorry you’re off in such a rush, I had some fresh samples for you to taste.”
“No thanks.” He shook his head. “I don’t have any time, I have to hurry.” He pushed back out through the door.
Charlotte sighed as she turned back to look at Ally.
“I don’t think we’re going to get anything else out of him.”
“As far as I’m concerned, the case is solved. Whatever he was arguing with Jasmine about, it wasn’t one-sided, I am certain of that.” Ally glared through the window.
“Then I guess we’re going to need
to find out from her just what the argument was about.” Charlotte walked over to the front counter. “But I think it might be wise if we gave her a little time to cool down first.”
“You’re right.” Ally joined her behind the counter. “I can’t believe the way Rick acted towards Jasmine. He must be the murderer.”
“I understand that you feel that way.” Charlotte gave Ally a pat on the back of her hand. “But I think perhaps there is another reason why you feel that way.”
“You do?” Ally leaned back against the rear counter. “What is it?”
“I think you really, really don’t want Eric to be guilty. You’re lashing out at the first suspect you can, because you want the truth to be told in a different way.” Charlotte tipped her head towards Ally’s and spoke in a quieter tone. “But it’s important to consider that you’re not in control over how things turn out. The deed is already done, and you can’t undo it now, or recast the role of murderer.”
“I do believe that Eric is innocent.” Ally frowned, then took a breath. “At least I hope he is.”
“Those are two very different things. Do you believe, or do you hope?” Charlotte took her hand.
“I wish that I could say that I believe. But honestly, if I was in Eric’s shoes, and losing everything that I’d worked so hard for, with nowhere to turn, I know that I’d be feeling pretty desperate. Of course, I wouldn’t kill anyone, but I might at least think about it.” Ally winced and shook her head. “That sounds awful to say.”
“It’s the truth. I might feel the same way myself.” Charlotte picked up a rag to wipe down the counter. “Which is exactly why we need to keep our eyes and hearts open. A killer isn’t going to walk right in here and announce his guilt. He’s going to hide it.”
“You’re right.” Ally nodded, then jumped as the bell above the door rang.
Mrs. Bing, Mrs. Cale, and Mrs. White paraded into the shop.