“Sure.”
The Sheriff smiled at me. “Thanks for coming on short notice.”
“Always glad to help.” I sat as I spoke.
One of the state troopers leaned forward. “Kelly here, I should say, Sheriff Morrison said you would be happy to try and help us. Thank you for coming down. We know you met with your ex-husband, Jacob Allen, yesterday. Could you tell us how long it has been since you saw him last?”
“A couple of years maybe.”
The trooper continued. “So why did he show up now? And was he alone?”
“Yes, he was alone. And he stopped by to sell me liquor and beer. He’s the local sales rep.”
The trooper made some notes. “How long did you meet with him?”
“I don’t know. Not long. Twenty, twenty-five minutes.”
“Did you go to dinner with him, or have drinks last night?”
“No. He invited me, but I declined. He said he was going to Grandma's Diner for some chicken fried steak.”
“Do you know if he was meeting anyone?”
I glanced over at Kelly. “Look, Sheriff, I’m not sure what’s going on here, but I know enough. What’s happened with Jacob? Is he alright?”
The Sheriff paused. “No. He’s in the hospital, in a coma.”
I gasped. “What happened? Is he expected to recover?”
The Sheriff dropped his eyes. “We’re not sure. He had some bad burns on his right hand and was unconscious when some of the other guests from the B&B found him in his car. Early this morning just after sunrise.”
“Oh my God! What’s going on? How could this happen?”
The second state trooper. answered. “I understand you were once married to Jacob and now you’re worried about him. We get it. But Sheriff Morrison told you everything we know about his condition right now. Now we need to ask you the questions, not the other way around. So, could you please tell us if Jacob was meeting anyone else?”
I paused. “No. I don’t think so.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. Just like you told me all you know, I’ve told you all I know.”
Sheriff Morrison jumped in. “Ginger, I know this is hard. If you could help us in any way, we would appreciate it. And if you think of anything, please let us know.”
“I always assist the police whenever I can. You know that. This time is no different. But that’s all I know. Can I go now?”
“Thanks, Ginger.” The Sheriff looked at the other men and they nodded back to him. “You can go. Thanks again for your time.”
“Anytime Sheriff. Glad to help.”
I left the station a little jolted. This was an unexpected problem for me. I sat on the bench out front of the station to think, my head hung low. After a couple of minutes, Aunt Mae took a seat next to me. “Ginger, are you okay?”
I didn’t move. “No. I can’t figure out what happened. I see my ex-husband for the first time in a couple of years and he turns up in the hospital.”
“The police can’t figure that one out either. It’s odd for sure. But the Sheriff and I know you had nothing to do with it.”
I stared at her. “I really didn’t. I just wanted my bar stocked with drinks.”
“I know, dear. I feel so bad for you. I knew it would be a shock and I’m not surprised I found you sitting here trying to sort things out.”
“I was thinking, yes, but I sure haven’t sorted anything out. I need to know what happened, and why. How did Jacob get put into a coma? And what about the burns on his hand? That’s what they told me. He had burns on his right hand.”
Aunt Mae pursed her lips a bit. “Sweetie. We’re not sure, still. But we’re inspecting his car. It appears that he may have been shocked when he tried to start it up.”
I picked my head up. “Was Jacob still driving that old Mustang?”
“Yeah, he was.”
“He loved that old car, I’m not surprised. But that would mean he would have to use an old-fashioned key to start it with his right hand.”
Aunt Mae smiled, a little. “Such a beautiful girl and twice as smart as you are pretty. We’re pretty sure Jacob got an electrical shock when he turned the key. But we don’t know why.”
“The state trooper’s demeanor makes more sense now. They clearly think someone tried to hurt or kill Jacob. It’s not normal for a car to shock someone when starting the engine. So it’s more likely someone rigged the car to electrocute him.”
“Sure. That’s what I think everyone is assuming right now. Until we learn what the tech’s find on the car.”
“When will you know something about the car inspection then?”
“Probably later today.”
“Well, I’m guessing they’ll find someone messed with the car. Rigged it to shock him. So then the questions are who did it and why.”
Mae nodded. “Yep.”
“And if I was in a pair of police shoes, I would focus on me as one of the prime suspects.”
“That’s true, too, sweetheart.” Aunt Mae put her arm around me. “You know I will help you any way I can, right?”
“I do and thank you. And you know this means I need to find out what happened to Jacob. Right?”
Aunt Mae chuckled. “I would expect no less of you, honey.”
Chapter Three
I RETURNED TO THE GRUMPY Chicken to find Dixie arguing with Bones. “I’ve seen far more things in here than you. Trust me, it was the grumpy chicken barking at Jacob.”
Bones dumped some ice into a cooler. “I don’t know, back in the kitchen it sounded pretty muffled to me. And a chicken trying to bark like a dog, that’s silly. Maybe Ginger was right, it was just the building creaking.”
Dixie spotted me coming over. “The ignorance of youth. He thinks it was the building creaking. Can you believe it? Wait, who am I asking? Ms. it’s the building creaking herself.”
I plopped on a stool and leaned on the bar. “Dixie, I don’t mean to be rude. But I have other things on my mind right now.”
Bones looked at me sideways. “Uh oh, I don’t like that tone, boss. I’ve heard it before and it means bad news.”
I smiled at him. “You’re becoming more observant, Bones. You’re right, something bad happened. Jacob is in the hospital, in a coma. The police aren’t sure why, but someone may have tried to hurt or kill him. And we were one of the last places he visited yesterday. Sooooo, the police just asked me a bunch of questions.” I sighed. “I don’t like being a potential suspect.”
Dixie snorted. “Great! You know what that mean’s Bones? We are going to be working alone, again! Well, at least this time we have Becca to help us with the last half of the workday.”
Dad was in the kitchen and he came through the swinging door out into the dining room. He spotted me sitting at the bar talking to Dixie. “Well, about time you got back. What did the police want?”
“Dad, come sit with me. Things are a little complicated.”
Dad huffed. “I hate complicated. But anything for my little girl.”
After making a production of it, he finally sat on the stool next to me and I used my calm voice. “Dad, Jacob was hurt early this morning. And the police think it’s odd that after two years of no contact, Jacob meets with me then turns up in a coma at the hospital.”
“That’s absurd. And they should be more concerned about me. I don’t like him. Never will!”
“We all know you don’t like him and it’s sweet you worry about me like that.” I touched his hand. “But, Dad, this is serious. I may have to take some time and find out who tried to hurt him, and why.”
Dad huffed. “I think you should just leave this one to the police. I don’t want you getting hurt over him. It’s not worth it.”
“I won’t get hurt. I’m a big girl now and can take care of myself.”
Dad sighed. “I know you can. But it’s hard for a father to see his young daughter grow into a woman. And I’ll never be able to think clearly when men are involved in your life. You remember when you w
ere in high school? That time when I took that young football player by the scruff of the neck and showed him the door for putting his arm around you? Right in front of me, too!”
“He was the star linebacker and captain of the team. How could I forget?”
“I tend to be protective, I guess. I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay. I understand it’s because you love me, Dad. But back in high school, that boy’s parents were just a tad upset with us. And I almost got kicked off the cheer leading team. I remember that part too.”
“I didn’t hurt him. He was fine and more important he got the message. Respect my little girl and her family, that’s all I wanted.”
“Yes, he got a message, but maybe not exactly the one you intended. And as usual, Mom needed to talk with his family to restore the peace. Plus, I had to promise not to date any more football players if I wanted to stay on the cheer squad.”
“It was always your Mom that smoothed things over when it came to your boyfriends. She seemed to have a knack for making things right. I miss her so much.”
“I miss Mom, too, every day.” My mother passed while I was going through the divorce from Jacob. That was a dark time in my life and talking about her cut deeper than I anticipated. Her loss created a void in my life and I could use some of her wisdom right about now. I needed to know who would hurt Jacob and why. But I was uncertain what to do next. I rubbed my eyes and then plunked my hands on the bar. “I could use some fresh air. You got things covered fine here without me. I’ll be back in an hour or two.” I rose and made for the front door.
I headed down Potter’s Alley, toward the old hilltop church. The one that sits across from the old Civil War cemetery. But my intended spot was the more modern cemetery, the one next to the church where Mom was buried.
The walk allowed me some time to think. I couldn’t help but go back to the day Mom died. She was working in The Grumpy Chicken and everything seemed to be fine. And then she clutched her chest and fell to the floor. She died in the ambulance. Several doctors were involved and they attempted to explain the sudden heart stoppage. Some called it a heart attack, while others said that was not accurate because her heart just stopped. One doctor even said the stoppage was rare but happened when someone is shocked or frightened suddenly. I finally decided to ignore all the chatter from the doctors. It did not bring my mother back to life.
But the most mysterious part of that day was something that failed to occur. When I was growing up, Mom would often start to tell me something, seemingly important, then stop and say I was not old enough yet. The day before she died she was going to tell me, but I was too busy to listen. I told her to tell me the next day. But that was the day she died. The mystery ate at me and I frequently tried to figure it out, but I remain clueless as to what she wanted to share with me. I even asked Dad a number of times, but he has no idea what I am talking about. To this day, I still feel like a failure because the mystery remains unsolved.
It took about thirty minutes to get to the cemetery and the exercise helped. I arrived at Mom’s grave site and sat on the grass at the foot of her well-groomed plot. “Mom, Dad and I miss you so much. I could use some of your insight and strength today. It’s not even noon yet, and it’s already been a long day. Someone hurt Jacob, put him in a coma, and the police think I’m a suspect. Why do these things keep happening to me?”
The answer to my question came from behind me. “Fate has a way of throwing things at us sometimes with no hint it’s coming.” Digger was dirty and brushing off his overalls. I forgot he might be working. He studied Mom’s resting place. “I make sure the grass is always cut for her and clean the stone at least twice a week. We all miss her. She was a good person.”
“I feel so silly, I didn’t see you there. And thanks for taking such good care of her. Her spot always looks so nice.”
“You're welcome. I could tell you were talking to her but didn’t quite make out what you were saying. But Ginger, I’m part of the flatfoot gang, or whatever we’re calling it now. And I know when something has happened. You can talk to me. I’m here for you, except if cats are involved.” He smiled at his self-deprivation.
I smiled back at him. “No cats. But my ex-husband is in the hospital, in a coma, after meeting with me only a few hours earlier. The state police think I’m a potential suspect.”
“Ouch! What’s with you O’Mallorys? You own a haunted pub and seem to be a magnet for drama.”
“I know. Look, I’m not trying to be bad-mannered, but you got work to do and I was hoping to be alone with Mom for a bit.”
Digger smiled. “I understand. I’m working over there a ways. Let me know if you need something, or want to talk.” He pointed to a nearby spot.
“Thanks, Digger. That’s real nice of you.”
Digger went back to work and I pondered how I could be so lucky and unlucky, all at the same time. He was right, strange things happened to me far too often lately, and maybe fate was making sure I had enough bad luck to stay on my toes. But I was also luckier than most to have so many caring friends and family around me. I leaned forward to remove some small sticks and pebbles from the lawn covering Mom. A tear managed to sneak out and rolled down my cheek. I brushed it away.
“Mom, you remember that time when I was a little girl and Piper was my best friend; when we saved up our pennies? It took some time, but we managed to get enough to chip in together and buy a Game Boy. We wanted one so bad and were ecstatic the day we got it. But we had to share it and the first night didn’t go well. Someone got to keep it with them while they slept. I was angry and upset because Piper won the coin toss. You knew and talked to me while tucking me into bed. Then you told me something I will always cherish. You said ‘Ginger, sweetie. I know you’re only nine years old. So it might be hard to understand, but when you get older you’ll realize friends and family are far more important than things like a Game Boy. Friends are more important than any toy, or even things like money or gold. The most precious thing in life is the people we love. Without loved ones, you are truly poor.’ You were so right, Mom.”
By her definition I was rich, even after losing her. My life was full of friends and family that loved me. And this visit with Mom made me realize that I loved them even more than I thought. Mom was still teaching me life lessons.
“Ginger, you’re so predictable.” Dad was breathing heavy as he made the walk over to me. I started to rise to go help him, but he waved his hand at me. “No, stay there. I want to visit her, too.” It took a minute for him to make it over. “This is the first time you’ve been here in a while. I was worried about you.”
“I know. But today seemed like a good time to chat with her.”
“What did you talk about?”
“You remember that Game Boy fight I had with Piper?”
“How could I forget? I was so proud of you.”
“You were proud of me? Why?
“First, you saved up enough to by that expensive little gizmo. When you wanted something, you made it happen. Still do. And second, when you fought over who should keep the toy overnight, you learned friends and family are the real important things in life, not some possession. It was one of the many times I realized how special you are.” He sat next to me and gave me a hug.
“For an old coot, you’re pretty observant. And now that I know your memory is actually pretty good, don’t pull that ‘I’m old and can’t remember’ crap with me ever again.”
“Some things I’ll never forget. And that was one of those times, sweetie.” Dad looked at the small headstone. “I wish I could have afforded one of those big granite markers. You know the ones that stand eight feet tall like a church steeple? She deserves it.”
“I think Mom would forego a big piece of granite to have us here together like this, as a family. That’s all she ever really wanted.”
“You may be right. And to be honest, it’s all I really want, too.” Dad wiped his nose and sniffled. “So, what are you going to do now
?”
“Things move too slow when the state troopers get involved. And outsiders never understand our small town nuances, even if it is the state police. So, I’m not sure of how I’m going to do it, but I need to find out who wanted to kill Jacob, and why. Speed up the process and make sure this doesn’t get out of hand for any of us. Especially me. I’m sure the state police think I’m the prime suspect and I can’t have that.”
“That’s my girl. Me and Dixie can run the pub while you help the police sort this out.”
“Thanks, Dad.” I kissed him on the cheek and we sat there, quiet, to take in the calm beauty of this special place.
Chapter Four
DAD AND I WALKED BACK to the pub after our time with Mom and both of us were feeling a little better. My head was a clearer and I felt a new sense of purpose.
On arriving home, the first to-do-list item was call Piper Freeman and Ida Bell. Piper’s journalist’s skills were valuable when investigating suspicious events, like the odd electrocution of Jacob. And Ida could use a computer to find out just about anything, which was handy even if her methods fall into the gray area of the law sometimes. Between the three of us, I was confident we would find what Jacob was caught up in and who might have wanted him dead. Law enforcement does a fine job, but when the state police get involved things drag on too much and I couldn't waste much time being a suspect. It was stressful and I hated it, but it might also be bad for my reputation. Even worse it could taint the perception of The Grumpy Chicken. I needed to solve this fast and any help we could give the police would speed a resolution.
I called them both and explained what happened then asked Piper and Ida to meet me in the apartment above the bar. I was uncertain of the next steps or what was going on with Jacob, so it was better to keep my intentions concealed for now. If the rest of the gang found out they would insist on being involved, but for now, that was not necessary and would just complicate things.
Piper was the first to show while I made some coffee. She mindlessly chatted as we waited for Ida. “Ginger, you ever think about moving out of here. This apartment is so tiny.”
A Highball and a Low Blow (Grumpy Chicken Irish Pub Series Book 3) Page 2