by Hebby Roman
The hazel eyes narrowed for a bit. His serious gaze seeming to read her expression, as if to gauge if she told the truth. "I see."
While he drank from his cup again, she took the opportunity to ask a question. "How is your investigation going? It's nerve-wracking to know there's a murderer loose in Lovely."
"I know people are nervous, but I have the feeling this was a personal attack. Whoever killed Eddie Mason had something to gain from his death."
"I hope you catch whomever did it soon. I know I'll sleep better." Eliza let out a breath. "Mrs. Miller closed the hardware store early today. She was jumping every time someone walked in."
"How are you doing?" He covered her hand with his and immediately her entire body heated and her throat went dry. Her eyes met his before she had to look away.
"It's been a shitty couple of days to be honest. I'm not doing that great." She tried to laugh, but instead to her utter embarrassment let out a whimper and her eyes welled up.
Mark scooted his chair over and wrapped his arms around her letting her relax into him. "It's going to be all right." His hand rubbed her upper arm as his deep voice fell over her like a warm blanket.
It struck her how solid his body was against hers. He smelled clean a combination of spicy cologne and soap of a recent shower. What now? Part of her wanted to cling to him. The other part wanted to move away before she did exactly that and embarrassed herself further.
"Do you have relatives you can visit for a few days? Getting away from town could help." His voice accompanied by the steady heartbeat under her palm gave her strength.
Eliza sat back and shook her head, refusing to meet his eyes. "My mother is not too far. She lives in Knoxville. But she and her husband are having marriage problems. The last thing they need is someone visiting right now. Besides, I can't really take time off. Phil is undermanned since Celia quit and Manny is home with his wife and newborn."
He lifted her chin and she had no choice but to look him in the eye. "I'm sure Phil will give you a couple days. I've got a cabin at the lake. How about staying there?"
It sounded lovely and...lonely. "I don't know." She slid her gaze to his lips. "I am not sure I want to stay there by myself. Thank you for the offer, though."
Mark nodded and his lips curved. "Maybe you can join me up there for a weekend sometime then?"
Her eyes widened at the implication. Was he asking her to spend a weekend with him? Alone? It would be amazing of course, but would they go out on a date prior? Did he find her attractive? Maybe he'd kiss her now?
"Your mind is whirling. I see all kinds of thoughts passing by looking into those pretty eyes of yours." His eyes twinkled and he chuckled when she gasped.
Before she could reply, he leaned close. "How about I answer at least one of those questions." His lips pressed against hers. Not in a demanding way, nor entirely innocent either. More of a promise of what could be. It ended much too soon and Eliza opened her eyes to find him studying her. "I would like to get to know you more Eliza. Of course, right now is probably not the best time."
"Maybe you can check on me on occasion." She covered her mouth with a hand. "I mean... you know drive by... and such."
"I know what you meant." He studied her face. "I'll also have Deputy Scott keep an eye out. Need to keep you safe, being you're the only witness we have."
He stood and she followed suit. "I better go. Have a lot to do tomorrow. Will you be all right?" His hazel gaze raked over her and she felt underdressed.
"Yes. I'll be fine."
Following him to the door, it was hard to keep from admiring the broad back that tapered to slim hips and taut backside. Hopefully one day she'd get to see all that. When he turned to look at her, she flushed hoping these thoughts were not as visible as her prior ones.
"Try to have a good night." He leaned forward and kissed her again. It was a sweet kiss, chaste almost, except for the fact he nipped her bottom lip before straightening.
When he closed the door behind him, Eliza leaned against the wood, a wide grin tugging at her lips. "Wow."
* * *
The next morning Eliza got out of bed and trudged to the kitchen to make coffee. She didn't have to be at work until the evening shift, which left too many hours to think. She eyed the leftover coffee from the night before and her legs turned to jelly. Had it really happened? She'd kissed Mark Hunter? Or actually he kissed her. Twice.
She grinned while she waited for the coffee to heat up in the microwave. Although she'd not splurged on herself in a long time, today she was going to ask Cassie Tucker to go shopping with her.
Newton wasn’t too far and a much bigger town with a better selection of affordable stores. Maybe a new dress, and sandals would complete her private celebration.
Amazing what a kiss could do.
The bell over the door at Sweet Indulgence cupcake shop jingled when Eliza stepped through the doorway. She ventured into the place almost weekly but that never stopped her from inhaling the wonderful aromas of cakes baking. Cassie waved from behind the counter before she turned her attention back to the customer who studied the display case.
More of a loner, Eliza couldn't really call Cassie a close friend. She'd always preferred keeping her nose in a book or venturing out on her own to do shopping and whatnot. But Cassie Tucker was as close as she got to a girlfriend.
Having been raised as an only daughter with mostly her pets as playmates, Eliza never developed the art of making friends. Sometimes she felt lonely and wished for someone to talk to or share things with, but for the most part she didn't mind her own company.
"Hey, there. How are you doing?" Cassie looked at her with genuine concern. "I heard you were the one who found Eddie."
With her mind foggy after the night before, Eliza had not considered the murder would still be on everyone's mind. "Yeah. It was not the best thing to see on my way to work." She shrugged. "I feel bad for Shelly. Wonder if anyone has gone to see about her."
"We can." Cassie lifted a small box of four cupcakes. "Let’s take her these and make sure she's okay."
Another development she'd not counted on. Cassie Tucker was always the center of most things that happened in town. Lending a helping hand, organizing a clean up after a fire, collecting donations for families in need. Eliza felt bad she'd not considered doing something for the recent widow. "Sounds like a great idea. I should take something too. Maybe we can dart into the diner and I'll box up some pot roast for her."
"Great idea, I bet she's probably not thought to eat," Cassie said. "Come on, let’s see if old Bessie starts up today,” Cassie said referring to her old SUV. “If not then we'll have to take yours."
"Not a problem." Seemed like Eliza's shopping was on hold.
Cassie drove and they mostly talked about other current happenings in town on the short drive to the Mason's home.
They pulled up and gazed at the place in silence. The dingy home looked abandoned. Not that it ever looked much better from what Eliza could remember. "I wonder if she's home?" Cassie whispered.
"I saw the blinds move. Look there they go again." Eliza squinted toward the window. "Strange don't you think?"
"Maybe she's had a bunch of nosy people over and is keeping an eye out in case she doesn't want to speak to someone." Cassie huffed. "If she doesn't open the door, I can't leave these on the doorstep. One of those dogs will get it."
Two scraggly canines looked toward them with bored expressions from the house next door. There was a fence between the yards, but half of it lay on the ground. If the dogs wanted to leave, they’d walk across it. Obviously the animals were either too lazy or too hot to try.
Shelly Mason opened the door before they could knock. Her bony arms crossed over her chest. She regarded them without expression. "Hey, Cassie, Eliza. Y'all are out early today."
It was almost noon, but to some people maybe it was early. Cassie didn't seem fazed by Shelly's standoffish stance. "Oh, honey. We just wanted to come out and drop some f
ood by and make sure you didn't need for anything. Is there anything I can do for you?"
The box in Cassie's hands grabbed Shelly's attention and she brightened slightly. "Well, ain't that sweet of y'all." She eyed the covered dish Eliza held. "I got all I need. Just waiting to hear when I can get Eddie's body."
She moved back. "Come in. Excuse the mess. I haven't been of a mind to clean."
By the look of the stacks of empty pizza boxes beside the trashcan, dishes in the sink, and disastrous living room, Shelly had not been of a mind to clean in quite a while.
Not taking the time to ask Shelly if she was opposed, Cassie immediately got to work. She shoved Shelly into a chair, miraculously produced a clean plate and put a cupcake in front of her. Water for tea was boiling in a pot that was missing a handle. A tea bag appeared out of one of Cassie's pockets.
While the woman gobbled up the cupcakes and began to dig into the pot roast, Eliza and Cassie washed dishes and cleaned the countertops. On her third trip to take a stuffed trash bag to the curb, Eliza felt she needed to shower before going to work.
Finally they sat at the kitchen table on plastic chairs with Shelly who'd yet to shed a tear. Cassie smiled at the woman with what looked like genuine care. "There now, you can at least feel better that the kitchen has some sort of sense to it." Eliza looked to the adjoining living space and winced. Hopefully Cassie wouldn't get the idea of cleaning that room. The landfill was more orderly than the Mason's living room.
"I need your help." Shelly glanced from Cassie to Eliza. "If one of you could talk to Deputy Hunter. Tell him the sooner they release Eddie's body to me, the faster I can move on. He won't listen to me."
"I know Doctor Wilkes has the body and is probably doing some sort of autopsy or something," Cassie replied with a frown. "Besides, Shelly, you want them to take their time if it helps catch his killer."
"Whoever done it is long gone by now. Some thug looking for crack money."
Eliza was pretty sure a crack thug would have taken Eddie's wallet. From what she heard, nothing was missing. She decided to just nod in agreement along with Cassie.
"I will ask him about it when I see him," Eliza said and looked to Cassie hoping it was time to leave.
Shelly huffed, got to her feet and looked around the floor. "On second thought, I'll do it. They can't keep me from getting the funeral over with." She shoved her feet in mismatched flip-flops and picked up a discolored fabric hobo bag. "Can I catch a ride to town with y'all? Damn I need to find my lip gloss.” She began digging in her purse.
So much for the grieving widow.
Chapter Five
Mark drank coffee and looked over notes from Scott's interviews of people around town. Nothing new. The only bit of bright news was that most people were forthcoming about dealings with Eddie Mason. Turned out he was a friendly guy with a drug habit. Right after getting paid on Fridays, he and Shelly normally went to Newton to buy their drug of choice and binged over the weekends. Not surprising. That would explain why he owed Jay money.
He considered that with her husband dead, Shelly would not have money for drugs. She'd probably go back to prostitution. If she'd ever stopped.
A groan escaped at seeing the object of his thoughts at the door. She shuffled in with a predatory look about her. A pissed off Shelly Mason zeroed in on him and walked straight toward where he sat. Her fingernails tapped on his desktop. "Deputy, I came to ask about Eddie's body."
He stood to greet her wanting ask why she wasn't more concerned with the status of the investigation. Instead he assumed a professional expression. "Please sit, Mrs. Mason." He motioned to a chair in front of his desk.
She ignored him and moved closer, her eyes roaming from his face to his crotch. "You're single aren't you?"
Shit. "Yes, ma'am." He took a step back and held onto the back of the chair, putting it between them. "Why don't you make yourself comfortable? Can I get you some water?"
"I'm single now too," she stated the obvious not moving. "Maybe we can go out sometime." She attempted to touch his arm and he edged away to rearrange the papers on his desk.
"I believe you came to ask about your husband?"
The woman shrugged and finally sat. She crossed her skinny legs and he fought not to look at the gap that showed her lack of underwear. Either that or she wore a thong. He swallowed to force his lunch to remain down.
Her lips curved taking his discomfort as a compliment. "Yes I did come to see you about Eddie. I need you to tell Dr. Wilkes I need Eddie's body released today. His momma and them are planning the funeral for this weekend. They're coming tomorrow to pick me and Eddie up."
She tapped her head. "Oh yeah, and I need the truck too."
"The body will be transferred to a funeral home wherever his family instructs. You can't take the body in a private vehicle."
With an exasperated exhalation, she frowned. "Damn, y'all make everything so damn complicated."
"I'm sorry but that's a law, Mrs. Mason. I will talk to Dr. Wilkes and get back to you with an expected date Eddie's body will be released. I wouldn't plan the funeral until you know for sure."
"You can't keep it. His uncle is about to go to court and might get locked up. He wants to say a proper goodbye."
"Mrs. Mason, who do you think killed your husband?"
"A thug. A crack-head. I don't know. That's your job."
Mark looked at the woman. "I heard Mr. Malone was at your house early today."
She huffed and stood. "Leroy Malone dropped off Eddie's last paycheck. Not sure how long that's supposed to last me, it wasn't a full two weeks pay. You'd think he'd give me some sort of death bonus or something."
Not sure what kind of reply fit her comment, Mark remained quiet.
* * *
After his visitor left, Mark hoped the day would bring more useful information about Eddie's killer.
He picked up his cup of coffee and reheated it in the microwave. Cup in hand, he stood at the door and watched Shelly Mason go into the insurance office a few doors down. Interesting.
Less than fifteen minutes later, she exited with a scowl. Her skinny arms pumping, she marched down the sidewalk. Her destination wasn't clear, perhaps the diner. An older couple stopped her, no doubt to give their condolences. He watched with interest as she produced a tissue and dabbed at her eyes. The two people walked with her into the diner.
He picked up the phone and called Lovely Diner. The owner and chef, Phil White, answered on the second ring. "Need more coffee?"
"Yes, but that's not why I'm calling. Can you keep an eye on Shelly Mason for me? I need to know if you notice anything of interest."
He knew Phil, once a military policeman, caught his drift. "Not a problem."
A few minutes later, Mark entered the insurance office and was immediately assailed by the pungent smell of too many flowers. What was it with people in this town and bouquets in every office? He eyed a large vase overfilled with colorful blooms.
Misty Rivers, a redhead who spent way too much time applying makeup by the looks of her spider leg looking lashes and bright lipstick, smiled up at him. "Need insurance of some kind, deputy?"
To be fair Misty was one of the nicest people he knew. She was married to the owner of the Rivers Insurance, Doug, who loved to hunt and was always out in the woods rather than at home. With her husband always gone, Misty was left to manage the office, the house, and their three children. Under the soft feminine exterior was a tough as nails woman, who'd once taught martial arts.
"No insurance for me today, Misty." He sat in a chair in front of her desk. "I saw Shelly Mason walk out of here a few minutes ago and need to know what she was here about."
Misty's eyes slid to the side as she considered what she could divulge. "I'm not sure I can give specifics." She met his gaze then let out a sigh and shrugged. "What the heck, its not like Shelly didn't already tell half the town."
Knowing the woman liked to draw things out before giving information, he sat back to g
ive her the impression of relaxing. "Uh-huh."
"You know she hasn't cried one tear over her man. It just makes me wonder what kind of woman wouldn't be devastated over the loss of her husband. I know I would be lost if something happened to Doug." Misty sniffed making her point.
"Did she say something about his murder?"
"No, just came in here wanting to know how long it would be before she could collect his life insurance."
This was news. He didn't expect someone like Eddie Mason to have life insurance. The couple seemed to live paycheck-to-paycheck. "When was the policy purchased?"
"A couple months ago. Eddie and Shelly came in and each got a small term policy, only ten thousand. They said they wanted to be sure funeral expenses were covered if they died."
"Didn't you find that a bit strange?" He couldn't help but ask. "They don't seem the type to preplan for that sort of thing."
Misty nodded frowning. "I did. Even told Doug it was strange how Shelly seemed to be the one with the idea. I could tell Eddie wasn't happy about making the payments. He grumbled about how he could be using it for better things."
"Did Shelly say why she needed the money so desperately?"
This time Misty leaned forward, a gleam in her eyes. "She said it was time to leave town. That she was going to get a new start away from Lovely and from his family too. I told her she needed the death certificate and she had a fit saying I knew damn well Eddie was dead and could just cut a check."
Mark stood. "If you think of anything else you think is useful to the investigation, let me know. I'll be around."
He made a beeline for the diner after leaving the insurance office. Perhaps another conversation with Shelly Mason was in order.
Before he could go into the restaurant, his cell phone dinged. It was Doctor Wilkes, the coroner. He looked through the window. Shelly Mason was surrounded by people. The couple who'd walked in with her were no doubt paying for her meal. She ate while talking, seeming to enjoy being the center of attention. There was no way she was leaving town until the insurance money was paid. Besides, Phil was hovering nearby. She'd probably divulge more there while getting attention than if he questioned her. He'd stop by and talk to Phil later.