Southern Sass and Killer Cravings

by Kate Young

  “The sheriff is worried, and when the sheriff worries, we all worry.”

  “Something smells good.” I tossed my bag on the table. Two boxes from Tony’s Pizza were sitting on the counter, along with a six-pack of beer.

  “Did Eddie find anything at the Ledbetters’?” I was keenly interested now. Had he been able to cast a footprint? Or perhaps find prints he could run through the system? Did he contact Carl to ask permission to dust the place? Then a thought occurred to me. My prints would be everywhere. What would Eddie be forced to do then?

  “Can’t discuss it with you. But, I brought dinner. If it’s cold, I’ll microwave it. I can cook too.”

  I smiled and shook myself out of the funk I’d fallen into.

  “Think of it as a peace offering. I was an ass.”

  “We were both angry.” I moved to the counter. “Pizza and beer works for me.”

  Since we were going to be spending so much time together, it was good to be back on decent terms. He cracked open two beers while I retrieved plates and napkins.

  “You know, it isn’t like I get any company out here. And I would hear if anyone drove up. I don’t really need someone babysitting me.”

  He put two slices of the works on my plate.

  “Not that I don’t appreciate it,” I rushed to add.

  “Eddie says shadow you, I shadow you. It’ll only be until we make sure this trigger-happy nut is behind bars. Personally, I think it’s a completely unrelated incident. It could have been a teenager looking for drugs.” He took his plate and beer into the living room. “You got ESPN?”

  It was possible, I guess. “I don’t know. I bought the extended package.” I sat my beer on the end table then looked at the plastic-covered furniture. “Help me.” I put my plate on the coffee table.

  Alex did the same and the two of us ripped the plastic off all the furniture. Satisfied with my task, I sat down and picked up my plate, propping my feet on the coffee table. Something I had never been allowed to do growing up. He flipped on the TV and found a replay of this afternoon’s Braves game. We settled into silence, eating our pizza and drinking beer. I occasionally threw a glance in his direction. His thick mass of hair needed a trim. The Mötley Crüe T-shirt he wore was stretched out and appeared to be at least ten years old. His shorts were new. Would this have been a typical evening if I had married him instead of Peter? Age had filled him out some. He obviously still had a fondness for weightlifting.

  Stop it! I chided inwardly and instantly pushed that thought out of my mind.

  The crunching of tires out front caused Alex to go on alert and mute the game. He pulled his gun from the back of his shorts and went to the window. “It’s Yvonne.” He sat back down, unmuting the game.

  I went to meet her at her car.

  Yvonne emerged from her vehicle and waved. “Hey, I’m in a hurry, but I wanted to stop by and see you in person.” She placed her sunglasses on top of her head. She was wearing white capris and a pink tank top. Her wrists were adorned with pink and white bangles. She was obviously on her way somewhere. She gave me a hug when I reached her car, the bangles making a clinking sound on her wrists. “You have company?”

  “It’s just Alex. What’s going on? Not that I’m not happy to see you.”

  “Just Alex.” She grinned.

  “It’s not like that. So, what’s up?”

  She let out a sigh. “Issues with my partner regarding the business. I’ve got to drive back into the city.”

  I nodded. “Everything okay?”

  She threw her hands up. “God only knows. And now I find out Mama has more financial problems I was unaware of. She’s mortgaged to the hilt, and with the investors stepping back, there’s no way I can sell the place for what she owes.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  She raised her eyebrows.

  “Well, obviously, I was against the buyout, but I hate that your mama is having problems and you’re feeling the effects of it.”

  “Yeah, me too. But I’ll get over it. I’m thankful my investments have done well and I can catch the payments up. Hopefully I can find some work here. That’s one of the reasons the buyout appealed to me. Designers historically don’t do well on this island.” Her shoulders rose and fell.

  “Times are a-changing. Maybe you can get some work from some of the more well-to-do families on the island.”

  The beginnings of a sheepish smile appeared. “Please don’t think me insensitive.” Yvonne’s tone was placating.

  “No, I won’t.”

  “It’s about the Palmer house. My agent informed me that Nate Palmer is moving his mama into Sunset Hills. She had a mild stroke.”

  I had hated to hear that. Sam had left me a voice mail about that too.

  “Well, I was wondering if you could call Nate and see if we could get this ball rolling. I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t vital. I have to have a place to showcase my designs.”

  “Give me a day or two, but I’ll call Nate and see what he says. The family probably could use the extra money. Especially after moving his mother into the retirement community. Plus, it should give her peace of mind that the property will be in the possession of another Peach Cove family.”

  She smiled before glancing back to the car, where Izzy was happily wagging her tail in the front seat. “I have one other favor to ask.”

  “Shoot!”

  “Well, Mama isn’t really able to take care of Izzy while I’m away, and with all the moving preparations that will be going on—”

  “Say no more.” I cut her off and smiled. “I’ll gladly watch Izzy for you.” I moved around to the passenger side of the car. “Izzy and I are old pals, aren’t we, Izz?” I stroked her little head.

  Yvonne thanked me profusely before handing off all the little dog’s supplies in a giant diaper bag–style tote. “It’ll only be a couple of days.” She kissed the white furred head in my arms.

  “We’ll be fine.”

  I waved goodbye from the porch as she drove away. It would be great to have her back home again, and I was more than excited to have Izzy with me for a few days.

  As I turned to go back inside, hefting the bag onto my shoulder, a shadow to my left caught my eye. Izzy began barking.

  “What is it, girl?”

  The sun was close to setting and that made hard shadows across the yard. I could have sworn there had been a man in a baseball cap standing between Mama’s pink rhododendrons. Izzy had thought so too. Huh.

  Izzy settled down, so I chalked it up to hard shadows. Surely, if there was someone there, Izzy would still be going nuts. The little dog was a Chihuahua, poodle, and terrier mix. Terriers and Chihuahuas were good watchdogs by nature. At least I thought so.

  “What did Yvonne want?” Alex eyed the dog.

  I told him of her plans and that I was watching after Izzy until she got back.

  “Nate should hurry up and unload that place before she changes her mind.”

  I let a squirming Izzy down on the floor to investigate. “Exactly. It isn’t like he’s going to have buyers beating his door down.”

  He got up. “Want another beer?”

  “Sure.” My phone rang. It was my sister.

  “Hey,” I greeted her and began unpacking Izzy’s bag. “I forgot to ask you. How’d the meeting go?”

  “Not well. The retirement community has decided to cancel the delivery service.” She sounded completely deflated.

  I took the beer from Alex when he came back into the room. “Thanks.”

  “Who’s there?”

  “Alex. We’re having pizza.” I knew she would have us back together in her mind. Not that I could tell her otherwise.

  “Hey, did the diner ever make any deliveries to Doctor George? He’s a Sunset Hills resident now, correct?” I asked.

  “Mm-hmm. He was partial to peaches-and-cream bars. They’re soft enough for him to chew without pain.”

  I filed that tidbit away for later.

  “I wouldn’
t worry about the contract. In a few months, they’ll get over their concerns and hire us back.” I tried to sound casual.

  “Maybe. When did you and Alex become a thing?” Her voice lifted slightly.

  “We’re just hanging out.”

  Alex raised his eyebrows.

  “Right.” I could hear the smile on Jena Lynn’s face. “Oh, I went by Heather’s.”

  “How is she?” With all that had gone on, it had completely slipped my mind to ask about her.

  “She’s been under the weather. I took her off the schedule this week and called Betsy. She was more than willing to work a few double shifts.”

  I bet she was.

  Betsy had been out of work for a lot longer than she could afford. I felt bad for not asking her if she needed help.

  The crunching of tires had Alex at the window again, and Izzy leaped up on the couch. Her paws scratched on the windowsill as she sounded the alarm. I liked having a warning bark, and the idea of having a pet around permanently was appealing. Maybe even healing. Someone to love unconditionally. Perhaps even provide a bit of security. I’d give that some thought when the tumultuous climate calmed.

  “Well, that’s good, and I can work out front if needed. Listen, I’ve got to run.”

  Alex’s back was straight, his chest puffed. I knew I had a problem when he charged out the front door.

  “Did you get a dog?”

  “No, it’s Izzy. Yvonne’s fur baby. I’m looking after her while she gets her affairs in order. Long story. I’ll fill you in later.”

  “Sorry. I’m being rude. You have company.” She was grinning again.

  “See you in the morning.” I disconnected the call.

  After calming Izzy, I tossed her a chew toy from the bag onto the floor. She occupied herself with that while I went to investigate.

  “You can just get right back in that car and drive back to wherever you’re from,” I heard Alex say when I reached the front porch.

  Calhoun was standing beside his car; the door was still open. Alex had his gun in his hand. Quite intentionally, I was sure.

  “I’ll go if Marygene tells me to go.” Calhoun’s tone was much calmer than mine would have been if I was facing a snarling Alex armed with a loaded gun.

  “Alex, back off. Please.” I raced down the steps and over to where the two men stood. Both sizing the other up.

  Alex didn’t budge, his stance wide, chest poked out. He slowly and deliberately folded his arms across his chest, resting the gun against his left bicep.

  Calhoun focused on me, seemingly unaffected.

  “There was an incident. Alex is here at my father’s behest,” I explained.

  Concern flashed across his face. He closed the distance between us. “What happened?” His tone was low.

  I was instantly uncomfortable.

  “She was shot at,” Alex answered for me. “Know anything about that?”

  Calhoun didn’t spare Alex a glance when he growled, “I certainly do not. And your sheriff is aware of that fact. He called and checked up on me.” Calhoun didn’t sound upset that Eddie had questioned his whereabouts. A good sign in my book.

  Alex took my arm and pulled me back from Calhoun. “We need to get you inside. You’re too exposed out here.” Not that he’d been worried about that when Yvonne was here.

  “He’s right.” Calhoun didn’t sound happy about it.

  I could clearly read that he wanted to question me regarding every single detail of the incident.

  “I’m back in town. I’m staying at the inn. Judy’s brother is running the place now. But I guess you already knew that. Anyway, that’s where I’ll be.” There were probably a load of vacancies.

  “Okay.” I attempted to understand his message. Was he wanting me to come by? Did he have information?

  He lifted his hand, and I did the same before he got into his car.

  Alex had me back inside and the door shut before I could watch Calhoun drive away. I was about to tell him that Calhoun and I were just friends.

  Before I could speak, he said, “I thought you didn’t get any visitors. This is Grand Freaking Central.”

  Chapter 28

  After I took Izzy out and made sure her automatic feeder and waterer were working properly, I was on my way to work and decided to check in with Eddie.

  “Morning, pumpkin.” Eddie answered on the first ring. “You calling to bless me out about Alex?”

  “No. I’m on my way to the diner and just wanted an update.” I turned onto the square.

  Alex was behind me in his truck. He was escorting me to work and then again when I got off to go home. Thankfully he wouldn’t be sitting in the diner all day long.

  “On?”

  “On what you found at the Ledbetters’,” I huffed. “I deserve some sort of explanation. You’re practically pimping out your only daughter.” I grinned when I heard the choking sound on the other end of the line. He’d been having his morning coffee . . . perfect timing.

  “He was supposed to sleep on the couch.” Eddie didn’t sound happy.

  “Was he? He said otherwise.” I parked and hid my snickers by pressing the mute button.

  “You better be riling me up for the heck of it.”

  I let the line go dead silent.

  “All you need to know is I’m conducting a thorough investigation. If you’d rather have me stay over until someone is apprehended—”

  “No! I mean, that isn’t necessary. I’m at work now. Speak later.” I disconnected the call. I honestly didn’t think anyone was coming after me.

  The more I considered it, the more I believed the person had been trying to scare me off. Eddie was just being overprotective.

  I checked all those thoughts at the door as it tinkled upon opening. Sam was already sitting at the counter eating his pound of bacon and a dozen eggs breakfast. How he wasn’t as big as a house, I’ll never know.

  “Didn’t make me any?” I flicked him on the ear.

  He swatted my hand away but laughed. “I heard you and Alex were getting hot and heavy.” He wagged his eyebrows at me.

  “Not hardly.” I poured myself a cup of steamy hot goodness.

  “Morning.” Jena Lynn came out from the kitchen with a massive smile. She waggled her finger in front of me. A gorgeous diamond twinkled on a very important finger.

  “Oh my God!” I squealed and we jumped around and hugged for a few minutes. “I’m so happy for you and Zach.”

  “Thanks.” She was happier than I had ever seen her. “We’re going to get married in the fall on the beach.”

  “The weather will be perfect then.” I was grinning so hard I thought my cheeks might crack. If anyone deserved happiness, it was my sister.

  “Yeah, we’ll have to figure out the work schedule for the honeymoon. We’re talking about taking a few weeks in Europe.”

  “That’s fantastic. Don’t you worry about the work schedule. I’ll be here day and night if I have to be.”

  She hugged me again.

  Sam was waiting to hug her next. He picked her up and spun her around while she giggled.

  When Betsy arrived, the squealing began all over again until the sign was flipped and the first few customers arrived for our reopening.

  * * *

  Calhoun came in around two. He’d apparently familiarized himself with the slow time of day. With Heather out sick, I had waited tables with Betsy for the lunch shift.

  Jena Lynn had a fill-in girl taking a shift for the dinner rush.

  He pushed his glasses up on his nose as he settled at the counter. I put a menu, napkin, knife, fork, and spoon before him.

  “What can I get for you?” I asked quietly.

  The few stragglers we had seemed mighty interested in why the reporter was back in town. And I think some of them were uneasy when they found out that there was a town hall meeting this evening. Maybe they thought the meeting’s topic would be another wave of murders or sudden deaths. I didn’t know what the me
eting was about, which is why I planned on attending.

  “Peach tea and a diner burger,” he said.

  “How do you want that cooked? And which side?”

  “Medium and fried pickles.”

  “You want that burger all the way?” I wrote down his order.

  He waited until I glanced up. “All the way sounds great to me.”

  Oh dear, more complications. “I’ll get your order right in.”

  Betsy had been watching the exchange with interest. She quite happily devoured her lunch, California BLT and fries.

  After I hung his ticket, I poured his tea and set it in front of him.

  His fingers purposely brushed mine. “You didn’t call.”

  “I had an early morning and, with everything going on, I was beat.” I honestly just didn’t want to deal with telling him I wasn’t interested in him that way. Plus, Alex was waiting for a reason to haul Calhoun in and interrogate him again.

  “Have they made an arrest yet?”

  “No.” I lowered my voice. “Eddie isn’t exactly keeping me up to speed. He may have a suspect.”

  “Did this happen at your house?”

  I shook my head and began wiping the counter to lower myself inconspicuously while I decided how much I wanted to share. “I was at the Ledbetter house.”

  His face showed surprise.

  “Marygene, girl, this is the best lime cheesecake I ever put in my mouth,” Mr. Collins said from the back booth.

  I stood up straight and smiled. “Thank you, Mr. Collins. That’s so nice of you to say.”

  “Is it a new recipe?” his wife, Nita, asked.

  “Not really. I tweaked it a tad. I added a bit of cream at the end that I folded in by hand. It makes the batter bake off light and airy.”

  “It does. So good.” Nita took another bite. “Every time you tweak another recipe, you bring me a slice for dessert.”

  “Yes, ma’am,” I said.

  “I’m going to need me a slice of that cheesecake.” Betsy dropped her plate in the buss tub. “I’ll go top off everyone’s drink first.”

  “Thank you, Bets.”

  I turned back to Calhoun, whose face was hard. “What?”

  “You never should have gone there alone. When we discussed the idea, I thought it was understood you would wait for me.”