Moonshine and Malice

by J Lee Mitchell

  “Oh Maggie, I know Andy’s upset, but I don’t think he’d go as far as shooting one of them.”

  Maggie stopped and looked up at Q’Bita then let out a snort.

  “I agree, he wouldn’t, but I might.” Maggie smiled then started laughing at her own joke.

  At least Q’Bita hoped it had been a joke. By the time they joined Beecher and Andy at the dessert table, Andy had two pieces of strawberry rhubarb pie in one hand and a double scoop of vanilla ice cream in the other. She grabbed two spoons and wagged them at him in what she hoped would be a semi-sexy enticement that would shake him out of his bad mood.

  “I hope you've got enough there to share, Sheriff.”

  Andy chuckled, and Beecher made a gagging noise.

  “I’m not sure what she’s playing at, Andy, but if I were you, I’d just toss her the pie and hope it distracts her long enough for you to escape.”

  “I don’t know, Beecher, I think she’s kind of cute.”

  “Kittens are cute. That was more like a dodo bird in heat.”

  Q’Bita was tempted to return the insult but she’d never been as quick with the comebacks as Beecher and knew he’d just keep it up if she pushed him. She looped her arm through Andy’s and gently turned him back towards their table.

  “You doing okay, big guy?” she asked as they reached the table.

  “Depends. How many people do you think heard me threaten Earl and Beanie?”

  Q’Bita scanned the crowd and noticed Hilde Sanders and her hen party gathered in the corner. They were whispering and pointing towards Spenser Penn, who was weaving his way through the crowd towards her and Andy.

  “One too many, apparently.”

  “What do you mean?” Andy asked, confused.

  “Hello, Sheriff. Well, I guess it’s just Andy now.”

  “Spenser.”

  Andy’s greeting came out like the snarl of a cornered animal.

  “Let me just start by conveying my condolences. I found your grandfather to be rather cordial. It’s a shame really—"

  “I don’t want your pity, Spenser. I just want you to leave.”

  “No can do. My viewers were promised an exclusive, and the funeral is a part of the story.”

  “Unless you want to be the lead story on the eleven o’clock news—"

  Spenser held up a hand to stop Andy.

  “Hold that thought, Hansen. I want to make sure my camera man catches your meltdown. It will send my ratings through the roof.”

  Q’Bita braced herself for the inevitable explosion and was shocked when Andy slid his chair back and stood.

  “I've got a better idea, Spenser. Why don’t you stay here, and we’ll leave? That way you can show your viewers that you tried to bait me into a fight but I was enough of an adult to walk away. It would be the first piece of honest news you’ve given them in years.”

  Q’Bita looked over her shoulder as they walked away and saw Spenser still standing by the table looking stunned. Part of her was giddy that Andy had handled himself so well shutting Spenser down, but another part of her worried that Andy may have just poked a nest of hornets.

  ***

  Andy didn’t speak as she followed him down the hall and through the dining room to the cooking school. He walked to the pantry and pulled out a bottle of wine then grabbed the corkscrew and two mason jars. He flashed her a boyish smile and she melted.

  “Wanna go for a walk? Maybe sit by the lake?”

  “I thought you’d never ask.”

  They took their time walking to the lake. The peace and quiet was a much-needed comfort for them both. They were about half way through the bottle of wine when Andy reached for her hand and gave it an affectionate squeeze.

  “So, I've been thinking. Beecher offered me his cabin for a few days. He thought I might need a little time away to process everything that’s happened. I know you can’t just up and leave, but I think Beecher’s right, it might do me some good to get out of town for a few days. Maybe do some fishing. I do my best thinking when I’m fishing.”

  “Oh, sure, bring up marriage then leave town. Having second thoughts?” Q’Bita teased.

  “Well, since you brought it up…”

  “Andy, I’m kidding. I think a few days away will be good for you. I’ll just miss you, that’s all.”

  Andy reached into his pocket then rose up on his knees. He took her left hand in his right and coughed to clear his throat.

  “Well, I wasn’t kidding—about fishing, or about wanting to marry you. I have something here that I think might help keep you company while I’m away.”

  Andy opened his right hand and Q’Bita’s breath caught in her chest as she saw the sparkle of silver and diamonds.

  “Q’Bita LouAnn Block, will you marry me?”

  Q’Bita flung herself at him so hard she knocked them both over and they hit the ground with a thud. Andy laughed and then wrapped his arms around her. She buried herself in his chest and felt hot tears streaming down her cheeks. Andy kissed the top of her head and murmured, “I’ll take that as a yes, then.”

  They stayed that way for a few minutes longer until Q’Bita finally said, “I love the ring. It’s beautiful.”

  Andy let go and they sat up. He took her left hand again and slipped the ring on her finger. It fit perfectly.

  “I’m glad you like it. Three generations of Hansen wives have worn this ring, and I was hoping you’d agree to be the fourth, but I’d understand if you want something new.”

  Q’Bita held her hand up and turned it side to side, watching the sparkle as the sunlight caught the edges of the large cushion-cut diamond.

  “Andy, it’s stunning. I love it, and knowing that it has family history makes me love it even more.”

  Her heat sank as a flicker of sadness flashed across Andy's face.

  “Andy, what’s wrong? Did I say something to upset you?”

  “No, sweetheart. Just a memory, that’s all. Pap and I were sitting on his porch a few weeks ago sampling his latest batch of hooch and he asked when I was going to grow a pair and ask you to marry me. Have to admit, he caught me off guard. I asked him why he was asking, and he said you remind him of my mom. He got all sappy and said women like you and my mom are rare, and that we have precious little time with the people we love and shouldn’t waste it. I know he was thinking about my dad. Pap gave me this ring before I left that day and told me to stop wasting time. I just wish he were here to see that I listened.”

  Q’Bita hugged Andy tight. She didn’t know what else to do or say. Today had been a rollercoaster of emotions, and she knew they should head back to the inn, but a deeply selfish part of her wanted to stay here in this moment for eternity.

  Chapter 18

  On the walk back from the lake they’d agreed to keep their news a surprise until after Andy returned from the cabin but twenty minutes later Rene spotted her ring and all hope of keeping it a secret disappeared faster than a pie left alone with Andy.

  She spent the rest of the night listening to her mother and Rene planning their version of the royal wedding. At some point she’d have to reel them in, but she was too tired to even bother. She’d already had the big show-stopping wedding when she and Alain got married. It was expensive and over the top, and not at all what she had in mind this time around. For now, she was content enjoying their engagement, and was in no rush to drag Andy down the aisle.

  Everyone was so caught up in the excitement that she didn’t want to put a damper on their happiness but there was not going to be a wedding until Jock’s murder was solved and Andy got reinstated as sheriff. After that, there was the election to get through. Not that Q’Bita doubted Andy’s ability to beat Chance, but campaigning would take up a lot of Andy’s time, and she wanted to be able to dedicate herself to helping him as much as possible even if it meant putting off her mother and Rene’s grand plans.

  ***

  Andy was sound asleep five minutes after his head hit the pillow but Q’Bita had tro
uble getting to sleep. When she finally did, she dreamt of being smothered by layers of taffeta, tulle, and sequins. In one particularly vivid dream, Rene followed her down the aisle of a huge gothic church. He was dressed from head to toe in leopard skin and carrying a basket full of brook trout that he scattered along the aisle like rose petals. Andy stood at the front of the church eating pie, oblivious to her presence, while Spenser Penn narrated her every step through a cheap, tinny sounding microphone.

  She was still exhausted when Andy woke her at 8 a.m. the next morning.

  “Hey, sleepy head, wake up. This rain is great for fishing and I want to get an early start to the cabin.”

  Q’Bita groaned and rolled away from him, pulling the blankets back over her head this time. She closed her eyes and reveled in the quiet until she heard Andy’s voice calling from the kitchen.

  “Hey, your phone’s blinking and we’re out of milk. If you don’t get up and go downstairs with me, I might cave and agree to whatever atrocity your mom and Rene have come up with now for the wedding.”

  Q’Bita threw the covers off and literally jumped out of bed. She grabbed her robe and sprinted for the kitchen.

  “Man, your brother’s right. It is fun to push your buttons.”

  “It’s a good thing you’re cute because you’re not funny. Now put on some pants and let’s go get coffee.”

  Q’Bita picked up her phone and saw a text message from Jamie. She’d been so distracted yesterday that she’d forgotten to ask Jamie what his reconnaissance mission had turned up. She plugged the phone back into the charger and decided it could wait until she had at least one cup of coffee.

  She wasn’t surprised to see her family all gathered around the counter when they entered the cooking school kitchen. The Blocks were all early risers. Her mother and Rene were in a huddle with a calendar and both their day planners.

  “Q’Bita, it’s about time. I thought you were going to sleep the day away. We’ve got details to hash out so grab some java and let’s get a move on.”

  “Guys, I appreciate your enthusiasm, but I think it’s too soon to start making plans at this point. We haven’t even discussed setting a date yet.”

  Rene looked at her like she had three heads and launched himself into a hissy fit.

  “Woman, have you lost your mind? Do you have any idea how much works goes into planning an event of this magnitude? You can thank your lucky stars that I’m a professional and family. You couldn’t afford me if we weren’t related. Now, I’m thinking Bollywood meets Tara. Think Southern elegance with jewel tones and elephants.”

  Q’Bita opened her mouth to protest but found herself at a loss for words, which gave her mother a chance to add her unsolicited two cents.

  “Rene, look at her reaction. She hates it. I told you she would. The whole idea is garish and over the top. I’m sure my daughter would prefer something more timeless and dignified, like a Victorian version of Cinderella.”

  Andy had been quiet so far but must have decided she needed bailing out.

  “I got an idea. Why don’t you each put together a presentation outlining your vision and you can present them to Q’Bita so she can decide which one she likes best.”

  Q’Bita’s first thought was to throttle him but then her evil streak kicked in and she couldn’t help herself.

  “You know what, that’s an excellent idea, but I’d feel terrible if I made all the decisions without your input, Andy. After all, this is our wedding, and it should be a joint decision. I’m sure Mom and Rene won’t mind waiting to do the presentations until you get back from the cabin.”

  “Welcome to married life, my friend. I’d tell you it gets easier but that would be a lie,” Beecher said as he clapped Andy on the back.

  Andy downed the rest of his coffee in one gulp and stood up, glaring at her. Q’Bita couldn’t keep a straight face.

  “You’re not funny either but I love you anyway. I’ll leave you three to your scheming. I gotta get going or the fish will be taking a nap when I finally get there.”

  Q’Bita walked him to his truck and stretched up on her tiptoes to give him a deep kiss.

  “Promise you’ll call me when you get there.”

  “Promise me that you won’t let those two dress me in a bejeweled toga and have me riding down the aisle on the back of werewolf.”

  “Deal. Now get going. Fish wait for no man.”

  ***

  Q’Bita was completely engrossed in menu planning for next week’s classes when Jamie came into the kitchen.

  “What’s so important you can’t even call a bestie back?”

  “Crap. I’m sorry, Jamie. I got so distracted by Rene and my Mom trying to turn my wedding into a three-ring circus that I completely forgot to call you back.”

  “Um, did you say wedding? Is there something you want to share?”

  Q’Bita held out her left hand and Jamie let out a loud whistle.

  “Holy guacamole, that’s one serious accessory, sister. Don’t let Hadleigh see that or I’m gonna have to hack a bank to keep up with the Hansens.”

  “Jamie, don’t even joke about that… but it is pretty fabulous, isn’t it?”

  Q’Bita let out a little squeal and Jamie rolled his eyes.

  “I’m kidding. It is fabulous, and I’m excited for you. Andy is a great guy and you deserve some happiness in your life.”

  Q’Bita stood and hugged Jamie, and they did a little happy dance.

  “Okay, enough about me. Tell me what you found out.”

  “Sadly, nothing as exciting as your news. It was just a regular old warehouse full of smelly crates and dust. Everything looked on the up and up to me.”

  “Wait, you went inside? How did you get in?”

  Jamie gave her a serious look and then chuckled.

  “Damn, you’re gullible. Did you really think I took Hadleigh with me so she could be my lookout? My particular talent only opens back doors into computer networks. Hadleigh’s skills are more brick and mortar based, if you catch my drift.”

  “You guys broke in? Jamie, what were you thinking? There could have been an alarm, or security cameras, or dogs.”

  “No on the dogs, yes on the alarm and cameras, but I took care of that before Hadleigh worked her magic. We make a great team. You should consider putting us on retainer.”

  “You are so not funny, Jamie.”

  “Hey, at least we didn’t get caught, which means Andy’s not in the dog house with Liddy Lou.”

  Jamie’s comment reminded Q’Bita that she hadn’t heard from Andy yet. Three hours had passed since he left, and the cabin was only an hour’s drive away.

  “That’s weird.”

  “What’s weird?”

  “Andy promised he’d call me when he got to the cabin. He should be there by now. It’s not like him to forget.”

  “Give the poor guy a break, Q’B-Doll. He’s had a rough week. I’m sure he’ll be in touch soon.”

  “I’m sure your right. I worry too much.”

  “I bet if you made me lunch, that would take your mind off Andy.”

  “I doubt that, but I am getting hungry, so lunch it is.”

  They spent the next half hour making lunch and decided to eat it outside, on the porch. Another half hour passed and Q’Bita was stuffed. She pulled her phone out of her pocket and checked it again for a text or missed call.

  “Wow, I’m impressed you went seven whole minutes between swipes this time. You’re obsessing, Q’Bita. I’m sure Andy hit the creek as soon as he got out of the truck. You know how much he loves his fishing.”

  “What if he didn’t make it to the cabin? What if he was in an accident or something?”

  “OMG, you’re spiraling. Just call him and see if he answers.”

  Jamie hadn’t even finished his sentence before Q’Bita pressed the call icon. Andy’s phone rang three times and went to voicemail. She hung up without leaving a message.

  “Just because he didn’t answer doesn’t mean s
omething’s wrong.”

  “I know, I know.”

  “My shift is about to start. Are you going to be okay?”

  “Yes. I’m a grown woman. I’ll be fine.”

  “Okay, but promise you’ll come see me before you do anything rash.”

  “Aren’t you going to be late?”

  ***

  By dinner time Q’Bita had almost worn a rut into her screen swiping it every five minutes. She didn’t want to pester Andy, but she couldn’t stop thinking about the worst-case scenario. She took a deep breath and called him again. This time the phone didn’t ring but instead went directly to voicemail.

  She hesitated and then decided to leave a message.

  “Hi, handsome, it’s me. I just thought I’d check in and see if the fish were biting. Give me a call when you get a chance.”

  She sat the phone on the counter in front of her and immediately felt guilty. She stared at the screen until it went black hoping that Andy would call right back. After another five minutes she shoved the phone in her pocket and decided to do some recipe testing to take her mind off Andy for a while.

  Three hours later she’d baked four pies, six kinds of cookies, and two types of quick bread. Her nana entered the kitchen and did a double take.

  “What on earth are you doing, Q’Bita? There’s enough sweets on that counter to feed half of Castle Creek.”

  “Baking therapy.”

  “Why don’t we make some tea and you can tell me all about it?”

  Her nana sat and listened patiently while Q’Bita explained. When Q’Bita was done talking, Liddy Lou refilled their cups and took a minute to gather her thoughts.

  “If I were anyone else, I’d try to comfort you by telling you it’s nothing, but I’m not going to do that.”

  “Okay, not exactly the pep talk I expected, Nana.”

  “Let me finish. I truly cherish everything you and I have in common but there’s one thing we have in common that I’d give up my place in Heaven to have it be any other way.”