by Cindy Bell
“No, we’re just here to buy some meat for at home.” Brenda cleared her throat.
“Ah, I see.”
“And what are you going to do with a large quantity of meat?” Joyce met his eyes.
“Well, that’s my secret, isn’t it?” He grinned. “Maybe I’ve decided to go into a new business venture.”
“Maybe?” She searched his expression.
“Well, Adam and I had a deal. He was going to sell me part ownership of his truck in exchange for money to buy the meat and other supplies so he could add hamburgers to his menu. Now that he’s gone though, I guess I’ll get in touch with his aunt and make a bid to take over his entire truck.”
“You don’t seem too heartbroken about that.”
“Life gives you lemons, you buy a food truck.” He shrugged. “It’s not like Adam’s going to be using it.”
“Awful.” Brenda frowned. “That’s no way to talk about someone you considered a friend.”
“I don’t have friends, Brenda. I have business partners. I don’t need the approval of anyone. Adam and I saw an opportunity to corner the market, so we went for it. Then he up and got himself killed. I wish he hadn’t, but he did. I already paid for the meat, and it’s not like I can return it. So, I’ve got to find a way to cover my losses. No need to be so sensitive.”
“Forgive us if we’re still grieving the death of our friend.” Joyce frowned. “He was a fine young man.”
“Sure, he was. But he’s not here anymore. I’m not a religious person. Death is death to me. It’s just a part of life. One day I’ll be gone, too, and I can promise you there isn’t going to be a soul around to shed a tear for me.” He pushed through the door, ending their conversation. Joyce stepped closer to Brenda.
“Did you get all of that?”
“Yes, I did. I think Vince just hand-delivered us his motive for killing Adam.”
“He wanted the truck for himself?” Brenda frowned. “But why would a man like him, a possible criminal, want to own a food truck?”
“Think about it. It would be the perfect setup for dealing drugs. It’s mobile, it’s a good cover if the cops come sniffing around.” Joyce narrowed her eyes. “He’s clever. I’ll give him that. That must have been what that conversation I overheard was about.”
“Then it would benefit him to kill Adam and take over the truck?” Brenda asked as they continued on to the craft supply store.
“Maybe, but Adam was great cover for him. Now, Vince will be under suspicion just because of who he is. But it’s possible that if Vince mentioned the drug dealing to Adam that Adam was against it and wanted to back out of the deal, or Adam threatened to expose him.”
“So he decided to kill him?” Brenda narrowed her eyes.
“Maybe, but drug dealing seems like a risky move for him to make if he really was planning on investing in Adam and the hot dog truck.”
“That’s true. It’s still something to consider.” Brenda nodded.
They spent the remainder of the afternoon purchasing supplies and creating signs for the protesters to carry. By the time Joyce left for the night, Brenda was exhausted. She put Sophie to bed and joined Charlie in the living room.
“Hey.” Charlie pulled her close and kissed the side of her neck. “How did everything go?”
“Good, I guess.” She filled him in on the details.
“That’s interesting.”
“It’s all just so frustrating.” She shook her head.
“I know it is, sweetheart. But this too shall pass. Just have patience.” He patted her hand.
“Patience seems like the wrong thing to have. Shouldn’t I be out there trying to solve the problem?” Brenda asked.
“Sometimes problems are too big for one person to solve. Then you just have to let go and let things fall into place.”
“Maybe.” She kissed the tip of his nose. “Any interest in helping me to forget about those problems?”
“Tons of interest.” He grinned.
Chapter 10
Joyce and Brenda arrived at the truck early the next morning. As the owners of the trucks began to show up, Joyce reminded them about their planned protest and where they could pick up their signs. Brenda tried to get the oven to heat up correctly.
“Ugh, this thing is on the fritz again.” She frowned, then gave it a forceful kick. “Maybe that will help.”
“I’m sorry, Brenda, I guess we’re going to have to get a new one.” Joyce sighed as she stared at the oven. It seemed to her that money was starting to drain right out of the business. “Is it warming up at all?”
“Some, it’s just that the temperature never seems right. I’ve been using my own thermometer to gauge it. That will get us through for now.”
“That’s good at least.” Joyce glanced through the window of the truck. “The other owners are all ready to join the protest this afternoon. Even Pete.”
“Great.” Brenda smiled. “Poor Pierce has no idea what’s coming.”
Right at the lunch hour, they all gathered at the entrance of Green Street with their signs and formed a line that blocked the road.
“This is it.” Joyce shot a smile in Brenda’s direction. “Time to find out if we can make a difference.”
“I know we can!” Brenda held her sign up high, as did the other protesters. As fast as customers arrived, they were turned away. Soon a few news crews showed up to cover the protest. Not long after, Pierce’s spotless car pulled up beside the crowd and parked. When he stepped out, a bolt of fear rushed through Joyce. She looked over at Brenda, whose eyes widened. Both women braced themselves for what might happen next.
“What is all of this about?” Pierce straightened his suit jacket and scowled across the gathered truck owners. “You wanted my attention, well, I’m here now. So what is the problem? Have I not supported you enough? Have I not made sure that you had everything that you needed out here?”
“Sure you have, Councilman.” Joyce stepped forward from the line despite her racing heart and raised her voice even louder. “But what you failed to tell us was that you are attempting to rezone this street. Which means we will no longer be able to have our food trucks here.”
“That’s nonsense.” He took a step towards her. “Who are you to tell me what I’m doing? You’ve barely been here a month and yet you think you’re calling the shots?” His gaze shifted to the other truck owners in the crowd. “She’s just trying to stir things up. Can’t you see that?”
“Then what is this article all about?” Joyce reached into her pocket and pulled out the article. When she thrust it towards him, he snatched it out of her hands. He was silent as he read over it, then looked up at her with a furrowed brow.
“You should really learn a little bit about politics before you start creating so much drama. Yes, I said this, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to do it. Sometimes you have to say things to smooth the feathers of one group of people. It doesn’t mean that I’m going to go through with it and continue to push for the rezoning. That would be absurd. What would I gain from moving you all out of here, or even shutting some of you down? Nothing!”
“I know there’s something.” Joyce glared at him. “I just haven’t figured out what it is yet.”
“Because there is nothing, because you decided to cause a problem when there was no need for one. Hey!” He looked back at the others blocking the street. “How many of you are losing customers right now because you listened to what one uninformed woman had to say? Get back to your trucks. Maybe you can still make some money today. You’re wasting your time here.” He glared in Joyce’s direction. “Not all of them have an inheritance to fall back on, you know. They need to make a living.”
“I know I’m not wrong. Why would you say that you support the rezoning if you don’t? I know you’re up to something.” She stared hard into his eyes.
“Well, let’s just see how far all of this knowing gets you. Shall we?” He shook his head and turned back to his car. The sound of
signs clattering to the ground filled the air as the other protesters returned to their trucks. Soon, only Brenda still held a sign.
“I’m so sorry, Brenda. I am so embarrassed, and I pulled you into all of it. I can’t believe that I’ve put us in this position. If the other truck owners hate us, we are going to have nothing but problems. It’ll be the end.” She frowned.
“It’s all right, Joyce, don’t worry. We’re going to get all of this straightened out.” Brenda looked into her eyes.
“How? Now everyone thinks we got it wrong and whipped them into some kind of frenzy that could have cost them all a lot.”
“But that’s not what happened. You and I both know the truth. Pierce can tell all the lies he wants, but soon enough the truth will come out, and everyone will know who the liar is.”
“I hope so. But what if it doesn’t? What if Adam’s death remains unsolved, and Green Street gets rezoned, and…”
“Why don’t we just keep the truck closed and go have a late lunch?” Brenda patted her shoulder. “We don’t get enough opportunity to just relax and enjoy each other’s company. We’ve let all of this stress weigh too heavily on us. We need a break.”
“I agree, but is this really the best time for that?”
“Why not? We’re not going to have many more customers today. Charlie isn’t expecting me home until later this afternoon. Let’s just go have a relaxing lunch. I’ve heard the diner on the corner is really great.”
“Okay, I guess it wouldn’t hurt to have a good meal. Cooking for one doesn’t always inspire a wide range of cuisine.”
“Great. I’ll clean up, you close up the register, and we’ll be out of here in no time.”
“I guess that’s better than facing a bunch of angry truck owners.” Joyce headed back towards the truck while Brenda collected all of the signs that had been left behind.
A few minutes later, Brenda joined Joyce in the truck to make sure all of the supplies were put away and the counters were tidy.
As Joyce finished up the register paperwork, she noticed someone walk past the truck. A moment later, she saw that it was Pete. He and another truck owner, Ricco, paused not far from her truck and began to talk.
She looked out at them as their discussion continued. Right away, she picked up that Pete was upset. Joyce put her finger to her lips and used the other hand to gesture for Brenda to come over and listen.
“She’s crazy, Pete. She was wrong, you heard what Pierce said.”
Brenda glanced over at Joyce with a raised eyebrow.
“No, she’s not crazy. She’s right. Pierce is trying to shut this whole place down. I’m not going to let that happen.”
“Well, I’m not going to upset Pierce just because some old lady has a hunch.” Ricco shook his head and crossed his arms.
Joyce clucked her tongue and whispered, “Rude.”
Brenda leaned closer to the window and stared at the two men. They were so engrossed in their conversation that they didn’t notice Joyce or Brenda.
“You do what you want, but I’m telling you right now, Joyce knows what she’s talking about. I’ve suspected Pierce for a while. I’m going to make sure everyone around here finds out the truth.”
As Pete walked away from Ricco, Joyce took a deep breath and leaned back from the window. “It looks like at least Pete is on our side.”
“See? I told you everything would be fine.”
“I’m not sure how that makes it fine.”
“Pete has been here a long time. I’m sure that he’ll be a voice of reason when it comes to the other truck owners.”
“Maybe.” Joyce frowned as she watched Pete walk back towards his truck. “But there’s something about that man that worries me. I mean Pete could be the murderer. He might just be against the rezoning of Green Street because he is way too protective of his business.”
“I understand, and I still think it might be him. However, it’s nice to know we have an ally. I’m done here, are you ready to go?”
“Sure, I just need my purse.” Once Joyce had it, they left the truck. She paused to lock the door. A flash of light from the sun bounced off the key. Her chest tightened. They still had no idea who killed Adam. Every time she thought of that, her heart dropped.
“I’ll meet you over there.” Brenda waved to her as she approached her car. Joyce lingered for a moment beside hers. She looked back at the row of trucks. How much longer would she be able to call Green Street her home away from home? Maybe the other truck owners were upset with her at the moment, but in many ways, some of them had become like a second family to her. She knew she was right about Pierce. The problem was she needed to prove it, and she couldn’t figure out why he would want to shut down Green Street to the food trucks.
Chapter 11
When Joyce pulled into the parking lot of the diner, she was startled to see Pierce’s fancy car. She stared at it for a moment, then stepped out of the car. Brenda was a few spots away and walked towards her. Both froze as they saw Pierce step out of the diner.
“Don’t let him see us. After today, I don’t think he’s going to be too friendly.” Brenda stood close to Joyce. Luckily, Pierce walked quickly to his car and climbed in. A moment later, he tore out of the parking lot.
“He seems upset.” Joyce raised an eyebrow. “I guess we touched a nerve.”
As they walked into the diner, they were greeted by a faint smile from a waitress as a menu was thrust into their hands. The waitress led them to a small table, then walked away without taking their drink order.
“What do you think all of that is about?” Brenda frowned. “She’s not very friendly.”
“I’m not sure. Maybe she’s just having an off day, or maybe news of my folly has preceded us.”
“Maybe.” Brenda glanced over the menu. Joyce did as well, but couldn’t get her eyes to focus on it.
“You know if Pierce is willing to lie like that, then I think he is more than capable of killing Adam.”
“Wow.” Brenda lowered the menu and looked across the table at Joyce. “That is a big leap.”
“Is it though?” She pursed her lips. “If we know that Pierce is trying to shut down Green Street, maybe Adam found that out, too. Maybe he had some kind of evidence to prove it and was going to bring attention to it.”
“That’s an interesting thought.” Brenda closed her eyes for a moment. “Yes, I can see how that could work. Pierce didn’t want too much attention on his plans, and maybe Adam was furious about the shut down, so he was going to expose Pierce, and possibly even Cooper about taking bribes as well.”
“Which would get Pierce into even more trouble, as he’s the one who brought Cooper’s company in to run most of the local council events.”
“Are you two ready to order?” The waitress paused beside their table. She looked between them with some disdain in her expression.
“Have we done something to offend you?” Joyce settled her gaze on the young woman. “Because I have to say, I’m accustomed to a little better service than this.”
“No, you haven’t done anything wrong. I just know who you are. You run one of the trucks on the street, right?” She shook her head. “You guys steal all of our customers. I get bare bones tips because of you.”
“Because of us?” Brenda laughed. “I think it might be more because of your attitude.”
“No, it’s true. Everyone goes to the trucks because it’s quick and cheap. No one wants to come into the diner.” She frowned. “I don’t mean to give you the cold shoulder, but I’m just so frustrated by it.”
“I see.” Brenda nodded. “I can understand how that would be frustrating.”
“Just do us a favor and go easy on us. We’ve had a rough morning. Besides, unless your main sales are donuts, we’re not your competition,” Joyce said.
“Oh. Are you the ones with the donut truck?” Her eyes widened. “I had one of those baked donuts the other day, they are so good!”
“Thank you.” Brenda
smiled. “Maybe next time we come in, we’ll bring some for the staff here.”
“Sure, that would be great. Now, what can I get for you?”
After they gave their orders, the waitress walked away. Joyce lowered her voice. “Wow, that was not a friendly welcome.”
“Should we add her to the list of suspects?” Brenda did her best to hide a smile.
“I think we can rule her out. Now, what are we going to do about Pierce?”
“We could go to Detective Crackle and tell him what we suspect.” Brenda rested her hands on the table and took a deep breath.
“But Brenda, it’s not that simple. We can tell Detective Crackle what we think might have happened, but without any proof, he’s not going to be able to do anything about it. You don’t just arrest someone, and especially a man like Pierce, on a whim. You have to have solid proof that is going to stand up in court.” Joyce turned to look out through the front window of the diner. “I bet you that all of the people that work around us don’t believe that they’re about to have everything ripped out from under them. Maybe Adam died because he knew too much. Pierce can't get away with this. We can't let that happen.”
“So what do you suggest? You know I agree with you, but we have to have some kind of plan.”
“My suggestion is that we get that proof ourselves.” Joyce cleared her throat and tilted her head to the side. “Or I do.”
“No, none of that. If we’re going to do this, we’re both in on it.” Brenda fell silent as the waitress arrived with their burgers. Once they were delivered, she locked her eyes on Joyce. “We’re in this together, Joyce. You’re not doing anything reckless or stupid unless we’re doing it together.”
“That’s very sweet of you. I’ll tell you what. I will go to Detective Crackle with what we have. And if he can do something about it, then we’ll wait it out. But if he can’t, then we’ll figure out a way to try to get the proof ourselves.”