by Emma Ames
Bubba acknowledged the question with a grim expression. “No doubt, Marlene hated Tizzy for a lot of reasons. First, she stole Boone from her. At least that was Marlene’s opinion. Second, she thought Tizzy could have stopped him from enlisting. Finally, she believed the pregnancy was on purpose. Because of Boone’s death, Tizzy ended up a wealthy woman. Even if they’d not been married, his daughter would have been his heir, and Tizzy would have had control until Gracie came of age. The inheritance put wife and sister on an even playing field where the bank was concerned. Tizzy had the same amount of power, and Marlene couldn’t stand that.”
Ridge’s stomach clenched. About the time things started to look better for Tizzy, a new piece of evidence blurred the lines. Bubba’s voice jarred him back to reality.
“Tizzy didn’t hate Marlene. She didn’t love her, either. She might’ve tried to get along with her if Boone were alive. But with him out of the picture, she didn’t give a crap about his sister.”
“Sounds to me like she did hate her sister-in-law.”
“Wait a minute. You don’t consider Tizzy a suspect, do you? Because, if that’s what you’re thinking, you’re way off base. There’s no way Tizzy Donovan could kill anybody.”
Ridge intended to explain the rules of investigation, but movement inside the shop got his attention. “Who’s that?”
“The big guy is Tizzy’s dad, Saint. He owns McAlister’s Tavern. The other guy works for him. Troy Thornhill. He’s got a crush on Tizzy along with a dozen other guys in town.”
“I think I know someone who belongs to that club.”
Bubba faced him. “Who are you talking about? Me?” He chuckled. “Man, you’re wrong on so many levels, it’s not funny.”
Ridge zeroed in on Bubba. “Then what are we doing here? In a dark alley. Watching every move she makes?”
“Hey man, you’re not paying attention. She isn’t the only woman in there.”
Ridge peered inside at the two women dancing. “You’re interested in Rayann?”
Bubba flicked his finger. “Bingo.”
“Then what was all the talk about her boobs being sweet thangs and watching her leave a room?”
“That’s just talk. I’m not in love with her. We’re friends.” He tilted his head and lifted his brows. “But I wouldn’t mind seeing her nekked.”
“You’re saying you’re in love with Rayann? Why don’t you tell her?”
“No can do. I had my chance with her. She married somebody else.”
Ridge gasped. “She’s married?”
“Not anymore. But he was one hundred percent different from me. I guess I’m not her type.”
“Sounds like he wasn’t her type. I’d say that puts you in the running. What’s holding you back?”
Bubba shrugged. “We went out once in high school. After that, she didn’t want to date me anymore. Not sure I want to risk heartbreak again.”
“Since my marriage failed, I’m not qualified to give relationship advice, but I’d like to think I learned something from experience. My sister, Erica, is more than willing to point out my mistakes. She said women crave attention, and from what I witnessed the other day in Sweet Thangs, Rayann definitely wants yours.”
“I’m not sure, man. I’m a big guy, and she’s a tiny little thing, but I’m scared shitless of her. How screwed up is that?”
As crazy as the statement was, Ridge understood. “You’re messed up all right. But when it comes to women, we’re all messed up. Tell me. As beautiful as Tizzy is, and if men are interested, how has she stayed unattached? I’m assuming she is.”
Bubba brought a package of gum from his shirt pocket and offered Ridge a piece. “Small town. The pickings are slim. Besides, when you date local, you have the disadvantage of knowing everything about your date and their family.” Bubba unwrapped a stick of spearmint, folded it in half and popped it into his mouth. “There was this guy about a year ago. Some salesman. She was interested, but something happened and all of a sudden he was out of the picture.” Bubba glanced at Ridge. “You’re sort of interested, aren’t you?”
Ridge almost swallowed his gum. “No. I—uh—she’s involved in the case. I’m interested from that standpoint.”
Bubba laughed harder. “The case. Sure, the case. I hear you.
Chapter Six
Tizzy thought about the patrol car parked in the alley as she removed the last batch of cupcakes and set them on the cooling rack. Rayann and Bubba were at a standoff. Neither would make a move, and that bothered her. She wiped her hands, shed her apron, and danced around the counter into the dining area. “Hey, Daddy. Advance that music to number six. We haven’t listened to that one in a while.”
“Sure, then I’ve got to get back to the bar and help close up.”
The room filled with Otis Redding singing “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long.” Troy grabbed Tizzy and twirled her, and they danced. When he tried to pull her close, she kept him at arm’s length for a few minutes, then pulled away. No need to encourage the boy. To mask her obvious rejection, she picked Gracie up and danced with her.
When the next song started, Rayann joined them. The two women and Gracie raised their hands in the air, then twisted and thrust their bodies to the fast beat.
Rayann leaned in. “Do you think he’s out there?”
Tizzy giggled. “He’s always in the alley on Monday night. How long are you and Bubba going to play this game?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Give me a break. You’ve been crazy for each other ever since high school. One of you should make a move, and I don’t think Bubba has the nerve, so you need to start the conversation.”
“You think I should tell him what? Hey, Dwayne, I’m hot for you. Get real. That’s not happening.”
Tizzy sat and pulled Rayann down into the chair next to her. “Why not? You are hot for him. Take my word. Life is too short.” She stood. “Let’s get him in here now.”
“Have you lost your mind?” Rayann jerked her back down. “I flirt with him, and he don’t flirt back. He’s not interested anymore. I messed up when I went off to college. I was too stupid to realize what a great guy he is, and now I’m too late.”
Sugarpie strode over and held the pitcher of margaritas in midair. “You girls need another one?” She filled both glasses without waiting for an answer.
“Rayann does for sure. She needs a little liquid courage. With more tequila, I can convince her to profess her love for Bubba. One way or the other, he’ll know before this night’s over.” She poked Rayann on the arm. “Even if I’m the one to tell him. I’m tired of you two dancing around each other.”
Downing her drink in one quick gulp, Rayann grabbed Tizzy’s and did the same. “Speaking of dancing, c’mon.”
Clearly, Rayann was feeling the effects of the alcohol, and Tizzy figured this was the time to play matchmaker. “Do what I do. Follow my lead. Let’s blow him a kiss and motion for him to come in.”
Rayann blew a kiss into the air and curled her finger toward the darkness.
~~*~~
Bubba gasped. “What are they doing?”
“Best guess. They want you in there.”
“Don’t you mean us?”
Ridge shook his head. “They don’t know I’m with you.”
“Damn! What should I do?”
“They’ve invited you. Go.”
While they argued about Bubba’s next move, he caught a glimpse of Rayann headed toward his car. His heart picked up speed.
Ridge leaned his head out the window. “Good evening, Rayann.”
Her eyes widened. “Evening boys. Enjoying the show?”
Neither man answered.
“If you don’t mind, I’d like to speak to Dwayne privately. Why don’t you go inside for a margarita? They are sooo yummy.”
Ridge gave a polite nod and left them alone.
Rayann climbed into the passenger side and slid across the seat until she was close to Dwayne. “Are you ever
going to ask me out?”
“I—I—”
She ran her hand around his neck, nuzzled at his ear and whispered, “I want you to, Dwayne. I always have, and I think you feel the same way.” She pressed her lips against his, then nipped at his bottom lip and kissed him again. “You do, don’t you?”
“Yeah.” The word squeaked out. He kissed her hard, moved his hand to her ponytail, and slid the band off, letting her hair fall loose. For a moment, he held her back and gazed at her. Her eyes were dilated. It was probably the liquor talking, but he loved her so much, he’d take it. Later, when she sobered up, he’d remind her of what she’d said.
She drew her fingertip across his lips.
He tangled his hands in her hair.
She kissed him again.
It’d been years since they shared a kiss. He thought it would be familiar, but it wasn’t. This wasn’t the kiss of a naïve, doubtful, eighteen-year-old. This was powerful, demanding. This kiss laid claim. Not only to his mouth but his very soul. It spread through him like wildfire, burning him down and leaving him in ashes.
He buried his face in her hair, pulling her against him. “Damn, Rayann, you drive me crazy out of my mind.”
“When your shift is over, I’ll meet you at your house.” She scooted away and placed her hand on the door handle.
He pulled her back to him. “You’re drunk, but this ain’t a joke, right?”
She gave him a sweet smooch. “I’m not drunk, and no, Dwayne, this isn’t a joke.”
~~*~~
The sight of Ridge coming across the street was sobering. When he entered, Tizzy stared up at him. “I see Bubba talked you into taking part in his little weekly fantasy. How’d you like the show?”
“You girls can dance. I’ll give you that.”
Tizzy eyed her best friend strolling in the front door. “Momma, would you make sure Rayann gets home all right? She might be over the legal limit.”
“Sure, sweetie.”
Tizzy dangled car keys in front of Ridge. “Would you drive Gracie and me? I don’t think I should get behind a wheel either.”
Troy spoke up. “I can take you, Tizzy.”
Ridge cut in. “No, that’s okay. I’m staying right next- door. No problem.” He stuck out his hand. “I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m Texas Ranger Ridge Cooper.”
“Troy Thornhill.”
“Nice to meet you.”
~~*~~
Regardless of Ridge’s attraction to her, the fact she’d withheld information caused him to bristle. When he pulled into the garage, he didn’t get out of the car. Instead, with Gracie asleep in the backseat, he turned to face Tizzy. “In the cemetery, I asked you if you could think of anything else concerning the case. Why didn’t you tell me you own half the bank?”
The question had her trembling, and he wondered if even now he’d get full disclosure. “You’re right. I was wrong not to tell you. But I don’t benefit in any way from Marlene’s death. My shares don’t increase. I don’t come into any money. So how important is it?”
He leaned forward and drew his face into a hard line. “Think, Tizzy. What happens to her half now?”
She furrowed her brows. “I don’t know. I haven’t thought about it.”
“Well, I have. I imagine her husband will get twenty-five percent, and each of her two children will share the other twenty-five percent, which will make you the one with the most stock and the most power. I’d say that’s real important, but you chose not to mention it.”
Her hand quivered as she laid it against her throat. “You think it’s me, don’t you? Everything’s falling into place. My history with her. Ownership of the bank. I found the body. I don’t have an alibi. It’s all there. Motive, opportunity and I’m sure as soon as you find out how she died, you’ll figure out a way for that to point to me too. That’s why I didn’t tell you. Because you’ve already decided I’m guilty.”
“That’s not true. I’ve just begun the investigation. I’ve drawn no conclusions about you or anyone else. Trust me, I’m good at what I do, but you’ve got to tell me everything. Now, I’ll ask you again. Is there anything else I should know?”
She touched her fingertips to her temples and lowered her head. “It’ll make things worse for me.”
“Let me be the judge of that.”
When she lifted her eyes to meet his, the overhead garage light provided a clear view of her face. He saw fear in her expression, so he softened his tone. “No matter how bad the truth, it’s always better than a lie.”
Tizzy drew a breath. “Marlene and I argued that day.”
“Did you threaten her?”
“No. She and I, along with Carl and his secretary Leah, sat down to go over the agenda for the board meeting. We had three families who were behind on their mortgage payments. Marlene wanted to foreclose. I suggested we allow two of them to pay extra each month until they got their balance current.
“The third couple was getting a divorce, and the husband had left her with two small children. The woman couldn’t make it on her own. It was logical to re-finance her note and reduce her payments. If Marlene agreed, the board would. She refused, so I asked Leah to draw up the papers for me to buy the house. She could rent from me and not be evicted. Marlene flew into a rage.”
“What did you do?”
“Nothing. Marlene warned Leah if she processed the transaction, she’d fire her. Carl tried to intercede, but she belittled and berated him like she always did, then she stormed out of the bank. That’s the last time I saw her until the cemetery. I know it sounds bad, but she and I have argued for years. We’d never had a disagreement worth killing her over. You’ve got to believe me.”
The garage light went off, and silence hung between them. He wanted to believe her. More than anything. She was a young mother, and the thought of taking her from Gracie turned his blood cold. But he didn’t make the rules. “By telling me about the argument, you’ve given me more people as possible suspects. Losing your home is a reason to be angry with someone. Leah couldn’t have been happy about the threat of being fired. And after the way she treated Carl, maybe he’d had enough. Trust me, Tizzy. Let me do my job.”
She stared at him but said nothing.
“C’mon, I’ll help you get Gracie to bed.”
He removed the little girl from her car seat and delivered her inside the house. When Tizzy switched on the lamp, he scanned the living room. Exactly as he imagined it would be, soft and feminine. He couldn’t help but notice the wedding picture of Tizzy and Boone on the wall next to the fireplace. When he reached Gracie’s room, the sign above the door, read ‘Princess Grace Ann.’ He laid her down and gazed into her angel face—like her mother’s. He moved to the hallway as Tizzy tucked her in, placed a sweet kiss on her cheek, and whispered, “I love you a bushel and a peck.”
Could this woman be a murderer? His heart told him, no, but his years in law enforcement proved otherwise. Beautiful women and loving mothers committed crimes. His chest tightened.
She stood and spun to face him. They were close. So close, he could feel her body heat, and his heart lost its rhythm. Before he could stop himself, he reached out to push a strand of hair behind her ear, then came to his senses. He needed to keep things professional. “Thank you for telling me about the argument. I’m not your enemy. If you’re innocent, I’m the best friend you can have. Goodnight.”
Chapter Seven
The temperature hovered near ninety degrees. With a light cover of clouds, humidity hung in the air. Ridge’s clothes stuck to his body, and his lungs burned. The forecast gave no hope of improvement. He entered the station house and a cool blast of air furnished relief.
Inside, dispatcher Rita Pridmore, short, round, and with a lazy eye, sat in the reception area eating a Moon Pie, raking the crumbs into the trash can as they fell onto her desk. Chief Ramsay and Dan sat next to her, each drinking a cup of coffee.
“Morning, Cooper,” Rita said.
“Hey,
Rita, chief, Dan.” Ridge set his briefcase down and removed a file folder. Before he could say anything else, Bubba stepped inside—humming.
They all stared at him, and then Earl Dean narrowed his eyes. “Are you humming?”
Bubba didn’t answer.
Chief Ramsay shouted, “Bubba! Are you humming?”
“What?”
“I said— Are. You. Humming?”
“No.”
Dan McAlister raised a brow. “Yes, you were.”
“No, I wasn’t.”
“Yes, you were.”
Chief Ramsay leaned forward in his chair. “Did something happen during your little Sweet Thangs stakeout? A certain person give you something to hum about?”
“No. Besides, it wasn’t just my stakeout. I had Cooper with me.”
The sheriff jerked his head toward Ridge. “You’re not humming too, are you?”
Ridge ignored the question. The more he kept Dan out of his personal life, the better.
Rita spoke up. “According to my sources, Bubba has reason to hum.”
Bubba clenched his jaw. “Your sources say anything about Tizzy? Cooper took her home.”
Dan leaped to his feet. “You better not be humming.”
“Settle down. I drove her because she’d had one too many margaritas. Nothing more.”
“Lord Almighty, Bubba. Did you and Rayann finally talk? Son, please tell me you followed through with that girl. She’s done everything but march down Main Street to get your attention.”
Bubba tapped his foot. “Why is my love life so important? It’s nobody’s business but mine.” He looked past the men. “Help me out here, Rita.”
Still holding the Moon Pie in one hand, she raised the other in surrender. “Sorry, Bubba. You were humming, and from what I heard, it has everything to do with Rayann. The chief’s right, she’s been flirting with you for a long time. I’m with him. I wondered if you would ever make a move. I guess you finally did or was it the other way around?”
Bubba ducked his head. “No comment.”
Rita finished off her snack, scraped the rest of the crumbs into the trash, and swigged her diet root beer. “Y’all want to know how you can tell when a man is serious about a woman?”