Murder at the Flower Shop

by P. Thompson

  “She is staying with Anna and she is on the mend. Still a bit weak, but hopes to go back to work part-time maybe in a week.”

  “The Miller woman, where Tonya didn’t make it, what is the status on that?”

  “She’s had no more trouble after that kid broke into her place and made a mess. We do have another issue with both Anna and Ms. Miller though. Seems both had to cross the palm of the inspector to get their licenses. It was a woman and we only have one inspector that’s a woman. She needs to be brought up on charges and fired.”

  “We’ll keep that for another day. I just want to get through these cases right now. Bubba, you and Bo have been covering the Yan lee murder. Anything new there?”

  “Nothing new. The fire destroyed everything. We do have something on the shooting of Scott Mallard. There were fingerprints on those shell casings, but so far nothing has turned up. Kenny said he would get in touch if he found anything. The shells were a standard 22 rifle shell you can buy anywhere like Wal-Mart.”

  “We need to ask about the undercover thing with Sam and Hank. What has happened out there and is everyone okay?”

  “There’s been some funny business going on out there, more so than usual. Sam and Hank have been running it. Sam on days and Hank on nights. We thought it was a place that drugs were being run out of. There was a fight between one of the skinheads and the guy who cleans up and changes the sheets, that sort of thing. That guy got knifed and in the process he shot the skinhead. All hell broke loose at that point and they came out of the woodwork. Both men are at the hospital at this time. I’m making this a short story; there’s stuff in between all this, but that’s the gist of it all. Sam and Hank’s cover has been blown so the skinheads know we’ve been watching them.”

  “We feel our cases are related to the skinheads. Alan Smart is here somewhere. I’m sure he’s not in that fleabag motel, but here somewhere. Things could start to burn hot, just like Miss Massie’s woods. He wants her property and he’s trying to drive her out. It may be a good place to finish this once and for all.”

  “You might be right. Let me think on it a while.”

  We left and went back to the conference room. “How do we get them in the valley and not destroy her house and all she has worked for?”

  “Even though it’s a one way in and a one way out, I think maybe the motel would be our best bet. Come in from all sides and round them up. The thing is we’re not sure just who has done the deed. There’s about fifteen of them at that motel, who do you point the finger at? And Alan Smart most likely won’t be there unless he just happens to be there talking with them. I heard you talking about a tracking device. That’s not too farfetched if we can get the FBI to go along with us. Let me work on it. He would be a big fish if we got him, and if his brother happens to be there. Didn’t you say the dispatch from Coffee County had three people in the SUV?” Bubba was thinking out loud now.

  “Yep, that’s what she said, but no ID on any of them. They just knew that was Smart’s SUV.”

  “If that was him and baby brother in there, something big is going down somewhere, somehow. Mark my words on that,” Bubba said, digging out a stick of gum. He offered the pack around, but had no takers.

  “Valentine’s Day is coming up in two days’ time. Would they have something planned for that day? And where?” I couldn’t think where this would take place or what they would be planning.

  “Look, it’s late and I need to get Thomas and get home. I guess he’s getting pizza tonight as it’s too late for me to fix anything. Let’s pick this up in the morning and see where it goes.”

  “Sounds like a plan to me. Eric was fixing something call Memphis Mud Pot Roast when I was out there earlier and it sure smelt good.”

  I called Max and he was about to leave so I had him bring the lettuce. Then I got in the Jeep and headed for home.

  Chapter 15

  It was dark by the time I pulled in the driveway. Lights were on in the living room and I could see Eric moving around in the dining area. Bet he was setting the table all fancy and such. Max pulled in next to me and got out of his truck.

  “What are you doing standing out here in the cold?” he said reaching over to give me a big old kiss.

  “I’m look in the window as Eric fusses with the dining table. He’s made supper for us tonight. I was out earlier and oh my word it smelt so good. Come on, I’m starving to death.”

  Eric was just taking the roast out of the oven as we hit the foyer. We hung our coats on the rack, took off our boots, and entered the living room. The fire was roaring and Miss Massie was sitting on the couch reading. She laid her book down and got up. She came to me and gave me a hug.

  “So glad you’re both home safe.” Then she went back to her book.

  Max and I looked at each other and we just smiled. Sweet, sweet lady we got there.

  Eric came out of the kitchen, still in my pink apron, and waited so I handed the lettuce to Eric and he returned to the kitchen saying, “Supper in ten minutes. Go wash up.”

  Sorry I had to laugh, like we were children and needed to be told. Once back from washing up I went to help in the kitchen, but he scooted me out. So I sat with Miss Massie till Max came and Eric called out to come and get it!

  He had roast and gravy with mashed potatoes, homemade yeast rolls, salad with some kind of homemade dressing, and peach cobbler. This was to die for. He gave Ralph a run for his money in the kitchen. Maybe when his days as a bodyguard were over he’d come to work for me.

  Once supper was over and we had the kitchen cleaned up (there wasn’t much to clean as he had cleaned as he went. My mom would have been delighted), we took coffee in the living room and just relaxed.

  “How are things at my place?” Miss Massie asked.

  “It’s coming along nicely. The outside needs to be washed as it’s a mess from all the debris flying out of the woods. Tomorrow they’ll tackle that, but the inside smells a whole lot better. One more day with us and I think you can go home.”

  She nodded a thank you and picked up her book and said, “If I don’t finish this book by the time I leave, would you mind if I took it with me?”

  “Why of course you can take it with you. Once read I don’t normally re-read a book of fiction. You are more than welcome to take and keep it.” She nodded her thanks once again.

  ~~~

  Morning brought sunshine. I needed to go do some Valentine’s shopping at the Apple Junction gift shop on the square. I had my catalog in hand and hoped the things I saw were still available. Zoey met me almost at the door. She smiled and gave me a big old hug. She was now eighteen and a senior this year. Off to MTSU next year and I’ll miss her more than I wanted to think about.

  “Jenny, I haven’t seen you since Christmas. Come on in. We have hot apple cider, would you like a cup?” she asked.

  “You bet. The sun may be shining, but it’s cold, cold out there and I had to park around the side of the square as town is jumping this morning.” She brought me a china cup of freshly made apple cider, with a bit of spice to it. Yum!

  “Okay, I’ve made a list from the catalog of what I want and hope some of it is still in stock.” I handed her the list and numbers and she headed to the stock room. I walked around the shop and into the next room to look around while Zoey gathered my order. I found a couple of things for Max that weren’t on my list and carried them to the wrapping desk. Zoey returned with most of the items on the list so then I had to replace what was missing. A couple of more turns of the shop and I had all that I needed. Zoey wrapped and gift bagged my purchases, and after a few minutes of small talk I was on my way.

  The snow was beginning to melt and the ground was slushy—a real need for Duck Boots or barn boots for the next few days. I brought my purchases into the office and back to the conference room. They’re safer in here than left in the Jeep. Loraine was busy with some paperwork so I didn’t bother her, but went to the murder board. The janitor at the motel was going to be fine s
o he wasn’t a murder victim, but I put him on the board as part of the hate crimes going on. No one had seen the skinhead that got shot so we figured his crew had taken care of him. I had shut the door to the conference room when I came in so I turned when I heard it open. It was Bubba with Thomas.

  “Hey, guy, how are you? Come sit down with me and tell me about your trip back to Tennessee.”

  “It was great. I got to meet the pilot on the flight,” he said.

  “Wow, what a trip that must have been. Well, welcome home big guy!”

  I looked at Bubba as to why he had Thomas with him this morning. His reply was, “I need to send some flowers to Hazel from Thomas for Valentine’s. Which florist do you think is the best in town?”

  “Go to Anna’s and tell her what you want. She’ll do a good job for you. Also tell her I said ‘Hi’ and I’ll be around to see her later.” They left with a wave goodbye.

  After they left I was thinking of some of the things we had done in the past to get to our targets when they wouldn’t come out with their hands up. I had to laugh when I thought of Bubba’s homemade air gun. It was more a homemade missile launcher than an air gun. He did some modifications back in the fall and renamed it ‘The Big Bammer’ instead if ‘The Blaster’. I was hoping to see it in action, and maybe real soon at that.

  Bo was next through the door with a lovely rose in a vase. He never missed a beat, such a sweet guy. He was all smiles when he handed it to me. I gave him a sweet sisterly kiss on the cheek and a hug.

  “Thank you, Bo. That’s so sweet. But Valentines isn’t till tomorrow.”

  “I know, but depending on what happens in the next few hours, we may be tied up big-time tomorrow, so I wanted you to enjoy the rose this morning.”

  “So what’s going to happen here within a few hours that’s going to change my day? Or are you not allowed to speak of it yet?”

  “Jeff will brief us later when all that are involved are here. Some are on night duty and he wants them to have a bit of time to sleep before calling them in. I can tell you it has to do with a raid on the motel in concert with the FBI.”

  “Can Bubba bring his blaster—oh sorry—his bammer to the party? I’ve been wanting to see it in action since he did some work on it.”

  “I saw it out in the field by his aunt’s farm and all I can say is WOW! He can better regulate it now so the charge is light or a real wall-destroyer. It’s awesome to see.”

  My cell rang Cherish which is Max’s ring. It’s our favorite song from the 70’s. “Hey, babe, what’s up?”

  “I’m going with Miss Massey and Eric back to her house in the valley. She’s getting antsy to return and see how thing are down there. I’m hoping they’ve got the sides of the house washed by now and the chairs on the porch cleaned up. I hate for her to see the woods all burnt up like it is, but it is what it is and nothing we can do about it. Anyway, when I get back let’s go to lunch somewhere quiet. What do you say?”

  “I say let’s do it! Love you and be careful out there. There are spots that are still icy and I’m sure out her way will be more so than in town.”

  The morning dragged on while there was no sign of Jeff or anyone from the FBI. Maybe this was to be an afternoon meeting. I finished up some reports and laid them on Loraine’s desk. She was on the phone and I was going to leave when she held up one finger for me to wait. I found a magazine on the couch and was flipping through it when a knock came at the door. Bet that’s James. I opened the door and sure enough it was James and Scott.

  “Hi, guys, what brings you to this neck of the woods?” I asked as I let them in and closed the door.

  “I got a call from Mick Marino last night and he wants to have me order bulletproof glass for the front door. He doesn’t want Loraine in anymore danger, or anyone else that happens to be sitting out here. I’ve ordered it, but it’s going to be almost a month before it will be ready, so James and I are going to put in that outside camera for Loraine today and get it hooked up to her computer.” Scott had such a smile on his face it lit the room.

  Loraine pumped her fists, yelling, “Yeah, right!

  ~~~

  Max came for me at noon. I told Loraine we were going to lunch and if anything came up to call me. And we left for lunch.

  “I’ve found a little place a ways out of town that used to be an old country store and they’ve turned it into a nice place to eat. Nothing much but it’s quiet and peaceful, something I need right now with all that’s on my plate.”

  “How was Miss Massie’s place when you got there? And how did she take to the woods being burnt so badly?”

  “The house was fine, no smell inside, and they did a good job on the outside. It’ll need more attention come summer, but okay for now. She was heartbroken over the woods. Can’t say as I blame her, it was such a beautiful setting out there. Spring will tell how much damage it really has done.”

  We arrived at the old country store, which still had some items of groceries inside. It was nice and warm and the tables had candles lit on them.

  “I’ve been here before so let me tell you what’s good. The country fried steak and gravy is good, as is the chicken. They make a great garden salad and the sides, they are all good,” Max told me.

  We ate and talked of things we wanted to do someday when there was time and money. The hour was up before it really began and it was time to return to work. Once there I saw they had the camera up and Scott and James had left. That was fast, even with Scott and his bummed wing. As I came through the door Loraine shouted out, “I see you. I see you on my computer.” She was a giddy mess.

  The day moved on into late afternoon and no meeting had been called so I told Loraine I was running over to The Table to check on things.

  The door was locked, as it wasn’t time to open, so I used my key and slipped inside. I could hear them in the kitchen and I could smell supper being prepared.

  “Hey you guys, what’s for supper?” I yell back at them.

  Sammy came around the corner and said, “Bar-B-Q ribs tonight and the second meat is beef-tip in gravy with all the fixings for both.” Then he went back to the kitchen and left me standing there. So I went to the bar to check on any supplies I might need to round up.

  Betty unlocked the door and came in. Having seen my Jeep she knew I would be in the bar. She stuck her head in and said, “That temp barkeep you brought in for this week is a nice guy. If Sophie is going to be a while, you need to hire him instead of you burning the candle at both ends.”

  “I had thought of that, but wanted to bounce it off you and Ralph first before I did anything.”

  “We talked about it last night as we cleaned up and we both think it would be best. He was even able to figure out the notes Sophie put down on some of her drinks and got a round of applause from the bar.”

  Well, that was settled then and there, so we had a new barkeep for the time being. I could have kissed them all for that. I love to keep bar, but holding down a job with the sheriff’s department and this also, it really was too much.

  Max and I went home to leftover Memphis Mud Roast and mashed garlic potatoes, and there was still some cobble left, which was great later with a scoop of ice cream.

  “Why don’t we take a walk in the moonlight? It’s a full moon tonight and the fresh air before we go to bed will help us sleep,” Max said.

  “Why you old romantic you. I would love to go on a moonlit walk with you. But you best put on your snow boots unless all that melt has frozen.”

  The walk was nice and what snow was left was still mushy. We walked down to the mailbox, and on the way back Max stopped, got on one knee and said, “Jenny Jordan, will you marry me?”

  He produced a diamond ring that I was sure was out of our budget and as the moonlight glistened off of it, I said, “Yes.”

  He slipped the ring on my finger and we kissed in the moonlight. He did have a pretty wet knee so we went back home.

  ~~~

  Happy Valentine’s Day
! We exchanged gifts over breakfast, fed Ming, and headed to work. It had warmed up so much there was hardly any snow to be found and that was alright with me.

  I came through the front door and flounced my hand in front of Loraine till she saw the ring and squealed, “Oh my God! Oh my God!”

  She flew around the desk and grabbed me around the neck. “I’m so happy for you and Max. Oh my God! When did it happen?” she asked.

  “Last night on a moonlit walk to the mailbox and back,” I told her.

  The sheriff stepped out of his office and said, “Sam and Hank are coming in this morning to brief us on the layout of the motel. Bo and Bubba are on the way so would you set up the conference room with these files so we’ll be ready when they get here? This is going down no later than tomorrow. Thank you, Jenny”

  “Will we catch Alan Smart there?”

  “That’s the plan, but if he’s not there then we get the rest of them and call it a good day.”

  My adrenaline was pumping hot and fast. I got the files around the table and headed to the kitchen to make a fresh pot of coffee. This could be a long day with lots of jangling nerves, all of us waiting around for show time, and then moving fast and furious at a moment’s notice.

  Bubba came through the door with a Mountain Dew and he was pumped. Not far behind him came Bo, Jeff, and Roy. The air was sparkling with energy and nerves were on high. We had been waiting to take this bunch down ever since Tonya died and Yan Lee was murdered. Right now I don’t think anyone in the room cared if Alan Smart was there or not; we just want the killers of two of our community arrested.

  Sam and Hank came in and found a seat. More of the units followed them and the table was full, waiting instructions. FBI agent Tim Nelson came in and the meeting was on!

  “Good afternoon all. Here is the plan that Jeff and my agents have worked up with the layout that Sam and Hank drew out for us. One group will circle around from the south and come in from the Coffee County side, and another group will come in from this side. The hill is far too steep in the back of the motel for bikes to go up, almost too steep for foot traffic, so not much of a worry in that direction. From the front, coming up the rise, we have a SWAT Team in place. No one’s going over the rise. Besides, the barbwire fence should discourage them. We were hoping to catch Alan Smart and his brother in this raid, but if we don’t there will be a next-time. We’ve been closing in on him for some time now and he’s beginning to feel the heat. The plan is to be in position by no later than eight o’clock and ready to roll by eight thirty. There will be unit leaders in each position, but I will be the one to yell Go. Any questions?”