Goody Goody Gunshots

by Rose Pressey

  It was if things were moving in slow motion. I heard no sounds. It was like the traffic had stopped and people were gone from the sidewalks. I supposed everyone had run for cover too. At least I didn’t hear any more gunshots, so that was one relief.

  He pulled out his phone and dialed for backup, telling them that there had been shots fired.

  “Do you think someone was trying to shoot me?” I asked.

  “I don’t know. We’ll have to figure out where it came from,” he said. “Right now I need to get you back inside the shop. At least you’ll be safe in there.”

  Would I be safe in there? For all I knew the killer could be inside the smoothie shop right now. Keeping our heads down, we scooted back into the smoothie shop. At least I felt somewhat safer in there instead of being out in the open. No sooner had we gotten inside than police cars pulled up. There were so many that I lost count. I stayed inside while Detective Monroe went outside to speak with the other officers.

  They cleared out the area, taped it off, and conducted an investigation into where the bullet went and where it had come from. It had hit the window of a shop next to the smoothie shop. It had gone through the top of the window. Luckily it had fired high enough that it missed hitting anyone. Thank goodness it hadn’t hit anyone inside the shop, or on the sidewalk out front for that matter. If the bullet had gone lower, it could’ve easily been a tragic event.

  When the detective came back in, he said, “We think it possibly was just a person whose gun went off without their knowledge, based on the trajectory of the bullet, but until we check some of the surveillance around we won’t know for sure. We’re working on that.”

  “So you don’t think it was aimed at me specifically?”

  “I don’t think we have anything to worry about. It’s just a terrible coincidence.”

  I wasn’t sure I believed in coincidences, but I would take his word for it. At the moment I just wanted to get out of there and get home.

  “I’ll have one of the other officers drive us over to my car. It’s at the park and then I can drive you home from there.”

  “Sounds like a good idea,” I said.

  I wasn’t going to even attempt to walk home. I was in no mood. My trip for relaxing yoga had turned into dodging bullets and a spilled smoothie.

  “What about the smoothie on the sidewalk? I should clean that up.”

  He just stared at me for a moment. “I think we can have somebody take care of that for you.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yeah, it’ll be fine. I think the birds were already cleaning it up,” he said.

  “You are just teasing me now.”

  “Just trying to keep things light,” he said with a wink.

  I was a bit nervous about going back out there on the sidewalk, but I got up my courage and walked out there. We got into the police officer’s cruiser and we headed over to the detective’s car. Just a couple minutes later and we had pulled up to his vehicle. We got out and got into his car and then headed toward my place.

  “So that morning exercise didn’t turn out like you expected,” he said as we pulled into my driveway.

  “Not at all,” I said.

  We got out of the car and headed toward the house.

  “You really think that was just an accident?” I asked as we stepped onto the front porch.

  “I do believe that.”

  “How could someone be so careless when handling their gun? And that was the result? That’s terrifying,” I said. “Do you think you’ll find the person?”

  “Maybe. Maybe not. They probably wouldn’t want to come forward and admit that they did something like that.”

  I understood what he was saying, but part of me didn’t believe this was an accident. Not after what had happened. I had a feeling he was just trying to make me feel better, but would it really help me? It wasn’t like I was ever going back to the park now to do my yoga. I’d be looking over my shoulder everywhere I went. This was completely traumatizing. He must’ve noticed the look on my face and read my mind.

  “Don’t be concerned. I’ll make sure nothing happens to you,” he said.

  What could I say? He was the detective in charge of this case. I forced a small smile on my face and nodded. “Yeah, everything will be fine.”

  I just needed to go inside and maybe make candy. That had always comforted me through the years and I needed that now more than ever.

  “I suppose I should let you go now,” he said.

  “I think I lost my yoga mat back there somewhere, and the water bottle too.”

  “Well, you were dodging a bullet, so it’s understandable.”

  I chuckled. He was trying to make light of the situation, which I appreciated. Not that he didn’t understand it was completely serious. He dealt with this kind of thing all the time. He was just trying to make me feel better, which was totally sweet. Detective Monroe was a nice guy. He studied my face for a moment and I wondered what he was thinking.

  I almost asked, but then he said, “Well, I should go now. Call me if you need anything.”

  I waved as he stepped off the porch and headed toward his car. I hurried up and got into the house, locking the door behind me, as if that would help keep away the bullets. Wait until Mary Jane, my mother, and Grandma Honey heard about this. I moved the curtain back, peeking out the window to see if the detective had gone. He was pulling the car out the driveway. Part of me wanted him to stay, just so that I’d have someone to talk to. Now I was all alone with my thoughts on loop, thinking about what happened. Maybe if I thought about the fun that we had had before the tragic incident occurred I would feel better. We had shared quite a few glances and smiles.

  Chapter 21

  I slipped into the shower and allowed the warm water to ease away some of the stress. Once I got out, I went straight into my pajamas. Yes, it was early, but after the day I’d had, I was completely ready for it. I planned to make more chocolate candies to take into the store for tomorrow. Just as I headed to the kitchen my phone rang. When I checked the screen, I realized I had eight missed calls. They were from Mary Jane, Grandma Honey, and my mother.

  Was something serious going on now? I was in a complete panic. I called my mother’s number first. She picked up on the first ring.

  “Where are you?” she asked.

  “I’m at home. I was in the shower. What’s wrong?” I asked.

  “I heard about what happened from the news. Are you all right? I’m completely terrified.”

  Was a reporter following me? “The news of what?” I asked.

  “That you were almost shot,” she said.

  “Where did you hear that?” I asked.

  “It was on the news. I told you. Mary Jane called me. Her mother knows the lady who works next door to the smoothie shop. She recognized you and saw the whole thing play out right there on the sidewalk. Reese Sweet, I am not happy with you right now. Do you know you could give Grandma Honey a heart attack? Why didn’t you call me sooner?” she asked.

  “Because I’m okay, and I didn’t want to worry you,” I said.

  “Well, I was even more worried because you didn’t call and I had to find out from someone else, from a stranger, no less.”

  “Well, you didn’t find out from a stranger. It was Mary Jane,” I said.

  She released an audible sigh. The sound was so loud it almost seemed as if she was standing right next to me. “Well, that’s neither here nor there now,” she said.

  “You should just be glad that I’m safe,” I said.

  “Yes, I suppose I should be. I’m coming over there right now. I want the full story.”

  “That’s really not necessary,” I said.

  When she didn’t respond I realized that the phone call had dropped. She had hung up on me. She just didn’t want me to tell her not to come over. She would wonder why I was already in my pajamas, but I wasn’t going to change right now. I had to call Grandma Honey back and Mary Jane, but before I even touch
ed the phone’s screen it rang. This time it was Grandma Honey.

  “What in blue blazes is going on over there?” she asked.

  I couldn’t help but laugh.

  “Is this funny to you, young lady?” she asked.

  “No, ma’am, it is not funny.” I felt as if I was ten years old again.

  I explained to her what had happened.

  “I’m on my way over there right now,” she said.

  “Grandma Honey, do you really think it’s necessary to back that big boat of yours out of the garage and head on over here? I told you I’m fine.”

  “Don’t argue with me, missy. I’ll see you soon.”

  Then the call was dropped just as my mother had done. I might as well call Mary Jane now and tell her to come on over because that was probably exactly what she would say too. When my phone rang I knew what was coming next.

  “I’m all right,” I said when I answered.

  “Oh, thank heavens. What’s going on with you? You had me so scared. I should let you have it for that.”

  “I had no idea that you would find out about what happened,” I said.

  “Oh, you’re trying to keep secrets from me. Is that it?” she asked.

  “No, I’m not trying to keep secrets, but I just thought I would tell you later when things had calmed down.”

  “I’m on my way over there right now. I need to see for myself that you’re okay.”

  I sighed. “All right. I’ll see you soon.”

  So much for making candy right now. I headed toward the cabinet to retrieve some cookies. I should make some tea. This conversation would require refreshments. A short time later and everyone had arrived. We were sitting at the kitchen table.

  “What was this Mr. Sutherland into?” Grandma Honey asked.

  “What makes you think he was into anything? Like something bad?” I asked.

  “He was murdered, dear.”

  “Don’t you think could be just a random thing?” I asked. “People are killed at random all the time.”

  “I suppose it could be, but it probably wasn’t since the killer came into the shop,” she said. “And didn’t take anything. He probably would’ve tried to rob him.”

  “Listen to your grandmother. She’s a smart woman,” my mother said.

  Grandma Honey leaned back in her chair. “I heard about Mr. Sutherland.”

  “What do you mean? What did you hear?”

  “Oh, I just heard that possibly he was into some kind of shady business.”

  “He was a dry cleaner,” I said.

  “Well, you know, he was doing something on the side.”

  “Like what?”

  “I don’t know,” she said. “But I know it was something.”

  “Are you sure about that?” I asked

  “Well, almost positive,” she said.

  “Where did you hear this from?” I asked.

  “My mailman knows this guy who takes his shirts there and he told me.”

  I shook my head. “Grandma Honey, I don’t think that’s a reliable source.”

  “You never know,” she said.

  “No, I suppose we don’t,” I said. “At least you’re trying to come up with something though. That’s good.”

  She shook her finger at me. “Oh, you’re just teasing me now.”

  “So, tell me about this detective,” my mother said, taking a sip of her tea and trying to act innocent.

  I knew what she was getting at. “What do you want to know about him?” I asked.

  “What does he look like?”

  I felt heat rush to my cheeks.

  “Oh, he’s good-looking, isn’t he?” she asked in a singsong voice.

  “What does that have to do with anything?” I asked.

  “Well, it has to do with why your face is all red now,” Grandma Honey said.

  I touched my cheeks, feeling the heat in them. “Okay, so he’s gorgeous, all right? But that’s it. He’s working the homicide case. I’m not concerned with his looks.”

  “What about his personality? Is he nice?” my mother asked.

  “He was very pleasant, but professional. Nothing more,” I said.

  “Well, with that kind of attitude it will be nothing more,” Grandma Honey said.

  “What do you want me to do? Ask him out on a date?” I asked.

  “You could,” she said. “Or at the very least bat your eyelashes a little at him.”

  “Mary Jane said the dentist came in to see you. Apparently, his office is right next door,” she said.

  “He was gorgeous too,” Mary Jane said.

  “You just have all these guys coming to talk to you.” Grandma Honey wiggled her eyebrows.

  “What do you mean all these guys? One works next door and the other is investigating a murder at my shop. It’s not like they found me.”

  “Oh, you’re just being negative,” my mother said.

  “No, I’m not,” I said.

  “Tell me about the dentist,” my mother asked.

  “Well, Ruth, there really is nothing to tell you. He came over to say hello and gave us a toothbrush. That was about it.”

  “That sounds rather boring. Surely there’s got to be something a little bit spicier you can tell us.”

  “Did you just come over here for that?” I asked.

  “We came here to make sure you were still alive,” she said, glaring at me.

  “Well, now you have all the details and know that I’m just fine,” I said.

  “Just make sure you’re keeping your eye out for anything suspicious,” Grandma Honey said.

  “Oh, believe me, I am completely paranoid now. You would be proud of me, Mother,” I said.

  “I didn’t teach you to be paranoid.” My mother nibbled on a cookie.

  “You taught me to look over my shoulder everywhere I went.”

  “It’s good to be safe,” she said.

  “And now I also think everyone is a serial killer.”

  “Oh, pish posh,” she said.

  A banging noise came from the front of the house and all of us froze on the spot.

  “What do you think that is?” Grandma Honey asked.

  “I don’t know. Maybe a bird,” I said.

  “Are we going to go look?” my mother asked.

  “I guess we should,” I said.

  We all got up from the table and tiptoed toward the front of the house, which was where I thought the sound had come from. Would the killer come to my house looking for me? Of course I didn’t know how the killer would know where I lived, but then again, if the person knew I owned that building maybe they could’ve found out from somewhere. I hoped that wasn’t the case.

  When we were near the front of the house I motioned that I would go to the front door and see if anyone was out there. Grandma Honey and my mother nodded, but continued walking right behind me. I didn’t want them to get hurt.

  “You all should stay back.” I motioned.

  They didn’t listen as they continued behind me. Finally, I reached the door and I peeked out the window to each side. I saw no one out there.

  “What do you see?” Grandma Honey whispered.

  “There’s no one there,” I said.

  “Oh, my goodness, I think the killer has come for you,” my mother said.

  “Don’t send me into a panic,” I said. “There’s nothing to worry about.” I grabbed the door knob.

  “What are you doing?”

  “I’m going to see if there’s anyone on the front porch.”

  “You can’t open the door,” my mother said.

  “We can’t stay here forever. Heaven knows I can’t stay in here forever like this.”

  “What is that supposed to mean?” She scowled.

  “Nothing,” I said in a singsong voice.

  With anxiety on high, I twisted the knob and slowly eased the door open. I took one step outside and then screamed. On my front porch, Mary Jane screeched. Grandma Honey and my mother cried out in sho
ck.

  “What are you doing out here?” I asked. “Last I checked you were in the kitchen.”

  “I went out the back door to look around. I thought I heard something outside,” she said.

  “Why? Do you think someone was sneaking around? Why didn’t you tell me?” I asked.

  “No need to worry you if it was nothing,” Mary Jane said with a wave of her hand.

  I sighed. “Okay, everyone, it’s time to break up our little party. I need to make candy and then go to bed.” I ushered everyone out of the house.

  “But… we weren’t finished talking,” my mother said.

  “Time to make candy.” I waved and then closed the door.

  They stood on the porch for a moment and glared at me. I peeked out from the window. If I hadn’t stopped them they would have stayed all night.

  Chapter 22

  Mary Jane and I decided that now was the time we should do a bit of investigating into Hunter. After all, we knew basically nothing about him. He came to work every day just as he was scheduled to do, but he didn’t exactly do everything that I asked him to do.

  After writing down the address that he’d listed on his application, Mary Jane and I headed out to her car. We were going to check this place out and with any luck get answers that we needed.

  I slipped into the passenger seat and buckled my seatbelt. “Well, this is a bit scary.”

  “Don’t worry. We’ll be fine,” Mary Jane said, starting the car.

  “Do you know how to get to this place?” I asked.

  “I think I know, but I’m going to enter it into the GPS.”

  After a couple seconds we were well on our way to the location. I wasn’t sure what to expect. For all I knew he could have given me the wrong address. This would definitely be a lesson learned for me. I should research before hiring the first person who walked in off the street.

  After a few moments of silence, Mary Jane asked, “Do you know what kind of dog doesn’t bark?”

  I groaned. “No, what kind?”

  “A hush puppy.” She roared with laughter.

  I couldn’t help but laugh too. Mary Jane picked the most random times to unleash one of her cheesy jokes.