by Becki Willis
“I don’t suppose you have receipts?”
“Nope, left them in the sacks,” she replied quickly. “And before you ask, I paid cash.”
“For all of it?”
“Oh, I might have charged one or two things. But a lot of it I paid cash for, like the espresso maker and the shoes.”
“She hoards her money,” Reggie volunteered. “Buys tough cuts of meat and weenies, even though I budget for rib-eye steaks and pork loin.”
Mona looked ready to protest, but thought better of it. Instead, she offered a sheepish shrug. “I do what I can to make every dollar count.”
“Yes, well, thank you for the list. I’ll be in touch if I have any other questions.”
Madison couldn’t leave the Carrs’ quickly enough. She knew it was wrong of her, but she just couldn’t work up enough sympathy to feel sorry for their loss.
***
“If you need me to stay, I don’t mind.”
Not for the first time, her grandmother made the magnanimous offer. Madison knew there was more to the gesture than merely trying to help.
“Granny, if you don’t want to go to Vegas, you don’t have to.”
“Of course, I want to go to Vegas,” her grandmother blustered. “Who doesn’t want to go to Sin City? The steady cha-ching of all those slot machines, just waiting for my nickels. I can hold my own on roulette, but craps is where I really shine. Don’t be surprised if I come back with a nice little bundle.” She rubbed her heavily veined hands together in anticipation.
“But this is like the tenth time you’ve offered to stay. If I didn’t know better, I’d say you’re nervous about going away with Sticker.”
“Not nervous, mind you. Just cautious. The old coot might try something slick, like tricking me into one of those drive-through weddings I’ve heard about.”
“Granny, don’t let him pressure you into doing anything you’re uncomfortable with. You have the power to say no.” It was a talk she often had with her daughter, but the first time she had given it to her eighty-one-year-old grandmother.
“This isn’t a sex talk, is it?” her grandmother asked emphatically. “Because I was married to the man who invented sex, I’ll have you know. I’ve forgotten more about the deed than you’ll ever know, and believe me, I learned from the best. Your grandfather, God bless his soul, was—”
Madison grabbed her ears and practically screeched, “Too much information! Definitely not something I need to know about my grandparents!”
“I’m not worried about the old fool trying to get me into his bed. I’ve outwitted more than one frisky beau in my day. But I do worry he might try to make me wife number twelve, or whatever it is he’s up to by now.”
“I don’t think you can be legally married that many times.”
“Still, I don’t want him tricking me into anything. I don’t mind being his date for the opening ceremony. I’ll enjoy the rodeo and all the shows. Don’t mind meeting his kids and one or two of his ex-wives. But if he plies me with liquor and tries to put a ring on it, we have a problem.”
Madison laughed at her grandmother’s somber expression. “I think you may be protesting just a little too much,” she teased. “Are you trying to tell me I may get a new grandfather after this weekend?”
Instead of humor, tears came to the older woman’s eyes. “No one, I mean no one, could ever replace my Joe.”
Feeling ashamed of herself for making light of her grandmother’s feelings, Maddy immediately apologized. “I’m sorry, Granny, I didn’t mean to upset you. Of course, no one can replace Grandpa Joe. But Granny… it’s okay to love Sticker, you know. He’s a good man. And he adores you.”
“I had my chance for a future with him years ago, and I let it pass me by.”
“It’s not too late, you know. Most people never get a second chance. Maybe you shouldn’t be so quick to dismiss it.”
She shook her head with determination. “You know me. I like being number one, not number eight or nine or twelve.”
“It bothers you, doesn’t it, that he married so many other women?”
“I feel sorry for the old fool, that’s all. I’m sorry he never had what Joe and I had.”
“Maybe he still could,” Madison suggested softly. “You know, even if you were to marry Sticker, you wouldn’t be replacing Grandpa Joe. You would be… adding someone else to love.”
“I could never have what I had with your grandfather. Anything less would pale in comparison. No, I won’t be marrying Sticker Pierce. I might keep time with the man, but I’ve been a Cessna for the best years of my life. Don’t reckon I’ll change that now.”
“Then why are you so worried about going to Vegas with him?”
“He can be a very persuasive man. Just don’t want him tricking me into doing something I’ll regret.”
Madison bit back a smile. What she was saying was that she didn’t trust herself, but Maddy wisely kept that revelation to herself. “You go, have a wonderful time, and when you get home, we’ll go on a baking binge. Cookies and cakes and anything else we can freeze.”
“I sure wish your parents could come for the holidays. This will be the third Christmas in a row they’ve missed.”
“I know, but they say they can’t get away right now. Too much missionary work yet to be done.”
“I don’t guess that boy of mine will ever settle down,” Granny Bert grumbled. “Hope he finds his way clear to come to my funeral.”
“Which will not be anytime soon, so there’s no need to fret about it,” Madison said in a firm voice. “Was there anything you needed to borrow from me? You have a jacket, right?”
“Wool coat, already packed. And a sweater.”
“Do you plan to do any Christmas shopping while you’re there?”
“Nah, no need to lug packages back. And you know I like to shop local whenever I can. Which reminds me. What did you find out about the Christmas Crimes?”
Propping her hands onto her trim hips, Madison accused her grandmother, “It was you, wasn’t it? You’re the one that tipped Dane off!”
“Your cousin is a savvy reporter, young lady. He doesn’t need help from his old granny to get stories.”
“I notice you didn’t deny it.”
“Everyone in town has already heard about the robberies. Vanessa Hutchins has the loosest lips in town. She couldn’t keep a secret if you sewed it into her inside gums.”
“What about Reggie and Mona Carr? I had the displeasure of meeting them today.”
“Poor you. They haven’t lived here all that long. Five or six years, at the most. One of those transplants from the city, eager to move to the freedom of the country, then want to bring all their rules and regulations of city living with them. Tried to stir up all kinds of trouble while I was mayor.”
“I can certainly see that. Being in their living room was like being in a war zone.”
“Serves them right to get a little payback karma.”
“Except they’re lying to their insurance company about what was stolen.”
“How so?”
“Do you really think they would buy a top-of-the-line espresso machine? I saw a knock-off coffee maker on their counter. And a Yeti cooler? Please.”
“Speaking of gifts… you’re going to do the shopping for the Angel Tree, right? You and the twins are taking care of that while I’m in Vegas.”
“Yes, Granny. For the umpteenth time, I’m taking care of everything. The donation boxes have been emptied at least a dozen times. It was sweet of you to put them at all your grandchildren’s businesses, trying to bring us more traffic. Plus, at Genny’s restaurant, of course.”
Granny Bert brushed off the praise, concentrating instead on the last of her statement. “She might not be blood kin, but she might as well be.”
“I think the kids sometimes forget she’s not their actual aunt. The other day, I heard Bethani claim she got her blue eyes from her Aunt Genny!” Madison laughed. “Anyway, donations are goi
ng great. I’ll use the money collected to finish shopping this week and we’ll be ready for the Christmas parade, right on schedule.”
“Don’t get so busy with your detective work that you forget.”
“Don’t worry, I’m on it. Before you leave, though … what can you tell me about the illegal gambling game in town? Brash is running himself ragged, trying to chase them down.”
“My inside track has gone cold,” Granny Bert said in disgust, shaking her gray head. “Whatever is happening, they’re laying low. I can’t find out a thing. But I suspect it means there’s something big coming up. I feel a storm a-brewin’.”
Madison nibbled on her lower lip. “That’s what Brash said. I’m worried, Granny. I’m afraid he may get hurt.”
“Brash is a big boy and a fine lawman. He can take care of himself. The best thing you can do is stay out of his way and not distract him. Let him focus on his job and get this taken care of, once and for all.”
“I’ll try. Oh, there’s the doorbell. Looks like your date is here.”
Her grandmother peeked from the curtain and saw Sticker Pierce waiting patiently on her porch. He wore his own line of western wear, from his custom-tooled boots to his carefully creased cowboy hat. With his monogrammed shirt, starched jeans, and oversized championship belt buckle, he cut quite the figure, even for a man his age.
“Well, butter my buns and call me a biscuit!” Granny Bert whistled. “That man still knows how to fill out a pair of jeans.”
“Granny Bert!”
Her grandmother gave her a thumb’s up. “Don’t worry, girl. I’ll keep my virtue—and my name—intact. You handle the angel tree; I’ll handle the devil in blue jeans.”
CHAPTER FIVE
Two days later, Madison wondered how things had gone so terribly wrong. What would Granny Bert say when she heard about this?
It began as an ordinary day. After getting the kids off to school, Madison ran errands for a few of her clients, took care of some phone calls, and did the laundry. By the time the twins got home, she had their shopping list sorted and prioritized.
Even though Granny Bert favored shopping local, Madison knew she could get more for her money in Bryan-College Station. It was an hour away, but had the nearest shopping mall and big box stores, as well as a variety of specialty shops, three Wal-Marts, and more restaurants than Blake could ever eat his way through, no matter how hard he tried.
The Angel Tree had an alarming number of needy children this year, and fewer benefactors than usual. It broke Madison’s heart to think there might be disillusioned children on Christmas morning. Along with the money collected for the Angel Tree, she and the twins were donating a portion of their meager budget to brighten the lives of some of those less fortunate.
She asked Blake to supervise the athletic needs of the children on their list. He knew more about what sport enthusiasts wanted. Bethani took care of fashion needs and little girl toys. Madison added the practical side of the gifts—warm socks, jackets, and feel-good throws and pillows. By the time they finished shopping, her car was so full that she allowed Blake to catch a ride home with friends they saw in the mall.
“At the risk of sounding like my twin, Mr. Garbage Disposal, I’m hungry,” Bethani announced.
“We ate dinner!”
“That was like three hours ago. Can we stop and get something to eat? Please?”
“What about your brother?”
“What about him? If he gets home before us, he’s a big boy, he has a key. But if I know him, he’ll con Mrs. Baines into stopping somewhere, too. Oh, can we stop at Tasty’s?” Bethani asked eagerly. “They have awesome cheddar fries!”
“I’ve heard a lot about them, but I haven’t tried them yet.”
“Momma Matt took us by there the other day. You have to try the Caramel Crazy Latte. It’s like super delish!”
Laughing at her daughter’s enthusiasm, Madison agreed to try the new restaurant. Handily situated on their way of town, it also stayed open late. Good thing, she thought, since many other places were already closed. Bethani confirmed the fact by checking on her phone. She liked the place so well, she downloaded their app after visiting the first time.
Five minutes later, they saw the line at the drive-through window. “Are you sure you want to eat here?”
“Yes, Mom, it is crazy good. Trust me. It’s worth the wait.”
“It better be. It’s almost an hour drive home and you have school tomorrow, young lady.”
“I could skip,” the teen offered innocently. “You know, stay home and wrap all these gifts we bought, that kind of thing.”
“How generous of you, Beth.”
Bethani ignored the sarcasm in her mother’s voice. “Just doing my part for mankind.” She flashed an innocent smile so charming, for a moment, it reminded Madison of Genny.
Maybe we’re blood-kin, after all, she mused. But no, that smile actually looked more like her father’s. Back when Gray smiled all the time. Back before…
Madison shook herself from her reverie. She didn’t want to go there, not tonight. Her capricious teenager was in a good mood right now, and she wanted to enjoy every moment of it. With the hormonal tidal waves of a sixteen-year-old girl, that could change at any moment.
“I was proud of you and Blake today, babe. I know some of that was your own money, and you freely spent it on others. That shows not only maturity, but generosity and compassion.”
“It felt good today, you know, buying gifts for all those kids. I know I don’t always show it, but I know how fortunate Blake and I are. Not just because we have the Big House and all our stuff, but… you know. Because of family, and all that.”
Madison’s eyes misted with emotion. “Yes, Beth, we’re fortunate, indeed,” she agreed softly.
Rolling up to the menu board, they placed their order and patiently sat in the pick-up line. “At least the line is moving fairly quickly,” Madison said.
The teen slid her mother a sly glance. “No hurry, since I’m not going to school tomorrow.”
“Nice try, no cigar. I never agreed to your generous offer, my dear.”
While they waited for their food, they discussed some of their better buys of the day. When they reached the window to collect their food, Bethani was still laughing about the spectacle her brother made while trying to squeeze a particularly large box into the backseat. The young woman at the window overheard enough of the story to lean out and peer into the over-stuffed backseat.
“Wow, I bet that was tough getting in there! Let me guess,” she grinned. “Christmas shopping?” She had vivid pink streaks in her hair that matched her nail polish.
“For the Angel Tree!” Bethani volunteered jovially from across the car, leaning low to share her smile.
“Ah, that’s nice. Giving to others.”
“We do what we can,” Madison smiled as she accepted the bag of food. “Mmm, smells great. Did you include straws?”
“There should be some inside, but here you go, just in case.”
“Okay, thanks!”
Bethani leaned back down. “Merry Christmas!”
As they pulled back onto the highway, Madison asked, “Did you know that girl?”
“I think I’ve seen her around before. Someone said Addison’s cousin worked here. Maybe that’s her, I don’t know.” The teen shrugged as she pulled out her cheesy fries. “I was just being friendly. Here, try one of these and tell me they aren’t the best you’ve ever tasted!”
It was a rare treat to share time alone with her daughter, so Madison took full advantage. She kept the conversation light and playful. They discussed what cookies they would make when Granny Bert came home, sang along with the Christmas carols on CD, and laughed all the way back to River County.
The laughter died a few miles before they reached Juliet.
“Mom, I think that’s a cop. He’s flashing his lights at you.”
Madison looked into her rear-view mirror and saw a car quickly approach
ing, flashing its lights. Something about the overhead bar looked wrong. “Those aren’t cop lights, are they?”
“I don’t know, but he definitely wants you to stop!”
“I’m not stopping just because someone flashes their lights at me. It could be a scam. Haven’t you heard about those girls that were kidnapped? They pulled over on a deserted road, much like this one, for what they thought was a patrolman. Turned out to be a pervert.”
Panic rose in Bethani’s voice. “Then what are we going to do? He’s gaining on us. He might try to shoot out the tires or something!”
“He’s not going to shoot out the tires!” she snapped, hoping she sounded more confident than she felt. What would she do if he did? Could she control the car at this speed? Reluctantly, Madison eased off the accelerator. “Scroll down to Brash’s number. Don’t call him yet, but have it ready to press if I tell you to.”
“Mom, I’m scared.”
“There’s no need to be scared. I’m not stopping until I know it’s legit. And if it is legit, I haven’t done anything wrong.”
“Except refuse to stop!”
“We’ll cross that bridge when we get there.” As the car came up alongside her, she added, “Which could be any moment now.”
For a moment, Madison feared the car would edge her off the road. Then she saw the emblem on the side, identifying it as part of the state wildlife department.
Relief flooded through her, weakening her knees. “Oh, thank goodness. It’s a game warden.”
“What do they want with us?” Bethani cried.
“I don’t know, but they want us to pull over.” She found a safe place to pull onto the shoulder and eased the car to a stop. The game warden pulled in directly behind her, his bright lights blinding them. All Madison could see was a man’s silhouette approaching her stopped vehicle.