No Easy Solution (Crowley County Series Book 1)

by T. E. Killian

  The other women started marching side by side away from them and toward Thelma’s, which was just next door. Jo looked up at Gil and he smiled at her and said, “If we don’t get going, they’ll leave us behind.”

  She tried to smile. “Are they always like this?”

  She was relieved when Gil didn’t pretend that he didn’t know what she was talking about. He just chuckled and said, “No, they’re usually worse. They’re both on their good behavior for you.”

  She walked beside Gil into the café still somewhat bewildered. Just exactly what was happening here? She had no clue, but for some strange reason, she thought she was going to like those two rather interesting women. They sure were bubbly.

  As the other women plopped down into a booth side by side, Jo found herself smiling along with them. Then she realized that she was getting into a booth with a man on the outside.

  She popped up and away from Gil so quickly that he took a step backward in astonishment. A look of understanding came over his face quickly though and he slid into the booth first, allowing her to have the outside.

  That simple gesture on his part made her realize that this man just might be a special one after all.

  * * *

  Gil felt like kicking himself. He had been about to pin Jo in. Now he knew why she always sat at tables. Why in the world hadn’t he realized it sooner? He was surprised that Jo hadn’t run on out of the café after his stupid mistake. Idiot!

  He peeked at her out of the corner of his eye and thankfully, she seemed to be regaining some of her color. But both his mother and his aunt were giving her rather strange looks but he couldn’t tell them anything right now. He could only hope that they wouldn’t ask Jo for an explanation.

  That was when Jo did what he never would have thought she would do, at least not in his presence.

  She looked at him, then across the table at his mother and aunt. “I guess that seemed a little strange didn’t it?”

  No one said anything, while it seemed that Jo was gathering her thoughts or courage to say more. When she did start, he was sure that even though she was looking at his mother and aunt, she was really talking directly to him.

  “Seven years ago I was attacked and assaulted by a man. He beat me up pretty bad. And I guess I still have troubles, especially in a situation like that where I feel trapped by a man, any man.”

  That was when she looked at Gil and said, “I’m sorry.” Then she leaned back against the booth and closed her eyes.

  Gil didn’t know what to do or say and for once in their lives, it looked as if his mother and aunt didn’t either.

  The silence grew for a long minute until both of the other women leaned across the table and patted her on each arm. “It’s okay, Dear, we understand. We’ve both been shabbily treated by men in the past too.”

  For once in his life, Gil couldn’t be more proud of his mother and his aunt than he was right then. He noticed that tears were streaking down both their cheeks.

  When he turned back to Jo, her eyes were clear and her color was almost back to normal. She was looking intently at him now. What? Did she expect him to say or do something? He knew she wouldn’t want sympathy or empty platitudes. So what could he say?

  “I will never knowingly hurt you in any way Jo.”

  That was when tears filled her eyes and she jumped up and raced away from the booth.

  He gave a questioning look at the two women across the table and his mother said, “She’ll be all right, Son. She just needs to collect herself for a minute now.

  She was proven right when Jo came back to the table a few minutes later and sat back down beside him. This time, she wasn’t perched on the outer edge of the seat, about to fall off, like before. She sat next to him and when their arms touched once, she didn’t flinch or even pull away.

  After the waitress took their orders, Gil sipped his iced tea and tried to watch Jo without her being aware of it. He must not have been very successful though, for she turned to him and frowned. He’d better explain himself and quick.

  “You’re the bravest woman I’ve ever known.” Where did that come from? Talk about dumb comments. That one had to rank right up there at the top.

  But it didn’t seem to bother her. Instead, she smiled at him and said, “Thank you. No one has ever called me brave before. That was very nice of you.”

  Okay, that went well. Now what? While he was trying to think of something else to say, his aunt saved the day for him.

  “Jo, I understand you own a bar, but would rather not.”

  Jo smiled at Eunice and said, “That’s right. My parents owned the bar and when they were killed in a boating accident two years ago, I not only inherited the bar but two mortgages that total more than the bar will sell for. So you see, I’m kind of stuck there, for now.”

  “Oh you poor dear. How dreadful.”

  Jo laughed and said, “That’s not all. With the bar, I also inherited my little sister who was only fourteen then.”

  Gil was sure that Jo had said more than she had intended to and didn’t really want to say any more today. How could he change the subject to one that would require the rest of them to talk instead of Jo?

  “My mother and aunt are here for an extended visit. So I’m sure you’ll be seeing them quite often.”

  Florence spoke up then. “That’s right. We’ve come down here to get the two of you out of this mess you’re in. After all, four heads are better than two, right?”

  They all laughed, but Gil wasn’t sure that Jo realized how serious his mother had been. He would have to warn her later.

  Eunice leaned forward then and said, “So, what ideas have you two come up with to end all this harassment?”

  Gil purposely didn’t speak right away, hoping that Jo might instead. He was pleased when she did.

  “I don’t think they’ll be doing much around my place for a while, at least not after the bar is closed at night.” She looked at Gil and said, “Did you tell them about Floyd?”

  When he nodded, she continued, “Floyd has one of his deputies sitting in his car in the parking lot for most of the night now.”

  Eunice looked at Gil. “What are you doing about your house?”

  “Well, the deacons are going to ask the church on Wednesday night to put in security lights at each corner of the house.”

  Their meals came and while they ate, they discussed various thoughts regarding their safety.

  As they were leaving the café, Jo turned to Gil while the other two women were walking ahead of them. “I thoroughly enjoyed lunch, Gil. You mother and aunt are such delightful persons.”

  He smiled down at her and said, “Am I forgiven for almost closing you in?”

  She nodded her head enthusiastically and said, “Yes, and thank you for understanding.”

  “You’re welcome. And thank you for sharing with us about your attack. No one would tell me but I knew it almost had to be that.”

  He looked away then stopped and she did too. They turned to face each other. “Jo, I’m so sorry something like that had to happen to you. And I swear that I’ll do my best to always treat you right and also to make sure something like that never happens to you again.”

  She reached up and touched his chin with the tips of her fingers. “That’s good enough for me.”

  That was when they realized that his mother and aunt had stopped twenty feet ahead of them and were watching them intently with huge knowing smiles on their faces.

  * * *

  Jo was suddenly feeling happy and even a little free after her lunch with Gil and his mother and aunt. She was walking along the strip mall beside Gil without feeling any of the old fear or inhibitions that she always felt around men and it was simply fantastic. She couldn’t even remember why she had felt so bad earlier. The other two women were walking ahead of them, talking happily.

  If the past seven years was any indication, she knew her euphoric feeling probably wouldn’t last very long though.


  It didn’t!

  Just as Jo was about to say goodbye and go to her car, Clyde Jenkins stepped out of the hardware store and directly into their path. Gil’s mother and aunt were on the other side of Clyde with their backs to them and didn’t know anything was amiss at first.

  Clyde faced her and Gil with his legs wide, his arms crossed over his big belly and a mean look on his face.

  “Well, well, well, what do we have here? Ain’t this all cozy and lovey? I should have known something like this would happen.”

  He almost snarled and looked directly at her. “What are you doing with him?”

  Jo tried to be brave. “Clyde, there’s still no reason for you and Earl to be mad at Gil . . . or me. Neither he nor his church are planning to cause anyone any trouble.”

  Clyde laughed loudly. “That ain’t the way I heard it.” He spit tobacco juice on the walk between them. “And I heard it from someone who should know what he’s talking about.”

  Gil said, “Mr. Jenkins, there is no need for you to worry. There may be some people in my church who would like to give you some trouble, but that won’t happen as long as I’m the pastor.”

  Clyde stepped close and reaching out, grabbed the collar of Gil’s shirt. “Listen here, city boy. We don’t cotton to nobody like you coming in here and telling us what we can or can’t do, you hear?”

  Jo yelled then. “Clyde let go of him or I’ll call Floyd.” She pulled her cell phone out of her purse.

  “Always hiding behind that cousin of yours huh? Well, one of these times he won’t be around to protect you . . . either of you.”

  That was when she smelled the whisky on his breath. She knew things could get ugly quickly if somebody didn’t do something and fast. She started to dial Floyd’s cell number when she heard a welcome voice.

  “That will be enough Clyde.”

  She didn’t know where Floyd had come from but she sure was glad to hear his voice.

  “I’ll give you two choices Floyd. Either get on off the street or I’ll throw your hide in jail for drunk and disorderly. And if you don’t get your hands off the man right now, I’ll add assault to the charges.”

  Clyde let go of Gil’s shirt and backed away from all of them. He then staggered away, muttering cuss words as he went.

  Floyd turned back from watching Clyde slink away. He looked Jo up and down then looked at Gil. “Did he hurt you Gil?”

  Gil shook his head. “No, other than almost choking me on his whiskey breath.”

  Even Floyd chuckled at that. “You may be okay after all . . . Gil.”

  He turned to Jo, “You okay too Little Bit?”

  She tried to smile up at him, but wasn’t too successful. “I’m okay right now, but I don’t think Clyde and Earl are going to stop anytime soon. It was like he didn’t hear a word Gil or I said to him.”

  Floyd took off his hat and wiped his brow. “No, I’m afraid you’re probably right. Those two are meaner than a cornered polecat. I just wish I could think of a way to stop them.”

  Jo noticed that Gil seemed to be deep in thought, and then he looked at Floyd and said, “Floyd, what would happen to a bar’s business if one of your patrol cars just happened to be sitting across the street all evening on a busy night?”

  Jo could tell that Floyd was thinking about that for a moment then he busted out laughing and slapped Gil on the back. “Gil, I think you just came up with something that might make those skunks a mite concerned.”

  The older women had joined them now and Gil introduced Floyd to them.

  After the twins properly greeted Floyd with separate hugs, they started for Eunice’s Cadillac again.

  Floyd turned to Jo and said, “You headed back home now, Little Bit?”

  She looked at Gil who smiled and said, “I need to catch up with the dynamic duo so I can get them home. I’ll see you both later.”

  When he was gone, Jo looked up at Floyd and said, “Why do I get the feeling that you want to talk to me alone?”

  He laughed loudly and said, “Probably because I do. Why don’t we go to your apartment for a little while?”

  Fifteen minutes later, they were sitting across from each other at Jo’s kitchen table watching the coffeemaker as it brewed.

  Finally, Floyd turned back to Jo and said, “Jo I need to ask you a couple of questions, but you can’t tell anyone what they’re about, okay?”

  She smiled back at him but a feeling of dread began to sink into her stomach. “Sure, Floyd, you know I won’t.”

  He looked down at his clasped hands on the table then back up at her. “Has anyone tried to sell you any whiskey that wasn’t legal?”

  She was surprised and had no idea where he was going with this. “No, never.”

  “I didn’t think so.”

  It took her a moment to realize what he was implying. “Oh, you mean moonshine don’t you?”

  He nodded his head and said, “I’ve been pretty sure there was a still somewhere in this county for some time now but I haven’t been able to locate it. You know how secluded some of those farms are back in the hills and woods.”

  She frowned, “I guess there are lots of places to hide something like that around here.”

  He blew out a huge breath. “Yeah. Well, we’ve been getting reports from people that they didn’t think they were always getting the whiskey they paid for at the other two bars. You know how easy it would be. All they’d have to do is wait until a person’s had two or three mixed drinks then start mixing the moonshine in the next drinks until it’s all moonshine.”

  When she continued to process what he’d just said, he added, “It would be the perfect setup for someone with a still. There’s a lot more risk for them selling direct to the public, but slipping it into drinks at a bar would be easy and much safer for them.

  She nodded and said, I wouldn’t put it past either of those old goats.”

  He laughed. “I was beginning to think that Earl or Clyde one was involved. But now that I’m getting reports on both joints, I think it might actually be both of them.”

  “But how can you find out for sure? They must be mixing the moonshine with the legal stuff in the back, certainly not behind the bar.”

  “Yeah, that’s what we figured and that’s why we haven’t been able to catch them yet. I can’t go in there to inspect their bottles without a search warrant and the judge says I don’t have enough evidence right now for him to give me one.”

  Jo had a feeling he was leading up to something so she asked. “What do you want me to do, Floyd?”

  He groaned and frowned. “We think someone might be approaching you in the near future to see if you’d be interested in some real cheap whiskey so you can make higher profits.”

  “Okay, and if they do, you know I’ll let you know immediately.”

  He grimaced. “I’m sorry, Little Bit, but your word against theirs won’t be enough for the judge to give me a search warrant.”

  He pulled a small black electronic device that looked like cell phone out of his pocket and held it up. “This is a voice activated digital recorder. All you have to do is say the words ‘Clyde’ and ‘Earl’ into this right now. Then put it in your pocket or wherever feels best to you and when one of them approaches you all you have to do is say his name and it will start recording.”

  She giggled. “That’s unbelievable Floyd. And it’s also perfect. I’ll do it.”

  Chapter Eleven

  By Wednesday morning, Gil was getting somewhat used to having his mother and aunt in the house again. After all, it wasn’t anything new to him. Except for time he had spent at college and seminary, they’d all three lived together for the last twenty-four years. That didn’t mean he had to like it though. He’d been enjoying living by himself.

  As he walked down the hill from the parsonage to the church office, his mind was on Jo. He hadn’t seen her since their lunch on Monday, but she’d been in his thoughts almost constantly. She was turning out to be just the kind of woman
he’d always thought he would want to marry someday. If it just wasn’t for the fact that she owned a bar, they could be more public about getting to know each other better. He wanted that very badly. So far, they hadn’t been together in public without others with them and mostly accidental meetings at that.

  He looked up from his thoughts and saw Bert coming down the sidewalk toward the church, which was between them. He returned Bert’s enthusiastic wave and went back to his thoughts about Jo.

  Just a few seconds later, he heard someone cry out. He looked back to where he’d last seen Bert and cringed. Clyde Jenkins had Bert in much the same hold he’d had Gil in on Monday.

  Gil raced through the parking lot to where the others were. Just as he reached them, Clyde pushed Bert into a bush at the edge of the sidewalk and turned on Gil.

  Gil stopped as Clyde pointed his finger at him and said, “When you going to get enough Preacher? When you going to get out of town like I told you? It ain’t going to be safe for you here much longer.”

  With that, Clyde stomped around his pickup, jumped in, and sped off down the street.

  Gil immediately leaned over Bert who was still lying in the bush. He sure was glad that it wasn’t a rose bush.

  “Are you all right Bert?”

  Bert looked somewhat dazed as Gil pulled him up and out of the bush.

  “I guess I’m okay Mr. Preacher.” He looked down the street at the pickup speeding away. “Why did he want to go and do that for?”

  “I don’t know Bert, but I’m so sorry this happened. Here, let’s get you into the office so Betty can put something on those scratches on your arms and face.”

  As soon as he turned Bert over to Betty, Gil went into his office and called Floyd’s cell phone, which the sheriff had just recently given him.

  Floyd came over to the church office to talk to Gil and Bert. They all sat in Gil’s office with Betty hovering in the open doorway.

  Floyd turned to Bert and said, “Do you know who did this to you Bert?”

  “Yes sir Mr. Sheriff, it was Mr. Clyde, and he said he was giving me a message to give to the preacher man.”