Bidding War Break-In

by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson

  He sighed. “We’re busy here. What do you want?” He pushed his elbow into Magnolia’s hip. Not hard, but enough that she flinched. “I need a cup of coffee, Mags. You make any?”

  Her eyes shifted to mine for a second, but when she saw I was watching her, she looked the other way. “No sweetie, but I will when we’re finished here.”

  “You are finished here. Now, get me some coffee. I got a lot to do today.”

  I faked a smile for Dominic. I wasn’t going to say anything about the real reason I was there because the man scared me, and if he did have mafia connections, I didn’t want to get on his bad side. And besides, I couldn’t guarantee Magnolia’s involvement, at least not at that moment.

  “Just came by to chat with Magnolia.”

  “She’s busy.” He opened the door further, shoving his wife completely out of my view in the process. “Mags, get my coffee made now.”

  I watched her walk past the door with her shoulders sulking and her head down. I’d never seen the woman look so defeated.

  “You don’t have any business with my wife, least none I can think of.” He slammed the door in my face.

  Well, that went well, I thought. I stood there for a second, my ego shaken, but not surprised he’d discounted me the way he had. He wasn’t known for being a nice guy, but the way he treated his wife, and the fact that she let him, shocked me. There was trouble in that marriage, that much I knew.

  I climbed into my car and waited for Magnolia to leave for church. A few minutes later she backed out of her garage, her cell phone glued to her ear. I glanced out the window at the beautiful sun resting midway in the clear blue sky and decided it was a perfect day to go to church. I hadn’t been in a while, and God didn’t mind if I went in jeans. So, that’s exactly what I did.

  I kept a few cars behind Magnolia as she drove through and parked right next to her in the church parking lot.

  As I got out, she stormed toward me. “Why are you following me? I should report you for harassing me.”

  “I’m going to church, Magnolia. That’s not harassment.”

  “I saw you wait outside my house Lily Sprayberry, and then you followed me. That’s…that’s harassment and stalking. Even your sheriff boyfriend couldn’t deny that.”

  I wanted to correct her and say fiancé, but I didn’t want to be petty. “I was on my phone, I wasn’t waiting for you.” I dismissed her angst with a wave of my hand. “Don’t be silly. You’re not that important.” I smiled at her, said, “Have a nice day, Magnolia,” and walked into church.

  Pastor Platt greeted me with a hug and a comment about being glad I was there, and I took a seat in the back of the chapel so I could watch Magnolia and her crew, members of the Women of Society club.

  They didn’t disappoint. She scooted into a pew toward the front of the chapel and sat right next to Emma and Fannie. Within seconds the three of them flipped around and glared at me. I held steady, smiled, and waved a Queen Elizabeth wave. I would not let them get to me, and I needed them to know that. They were involved in what happened. I knew it, and they knew I knew it. They could play hardball and bully me all they wanted, but I’d show them and give it right back in spades.

  If I had to intimidate them into doing something I could catch them at, that’s exactly what I’d do.

  The hair on my neck stood when Pastor Platt spoke about our conduct and keeping it in line with the gospel. I wasn’t exactly behaving in tune with the gospel, I thought, but then I realized I was, sort of, the an eye for an eye part at least. That didn’t entirely alleviate my guilt, but a girl had to do what a girl had to do, and my reputation, my livelihood was at stake. That’s what mattered.

  I rationalized as much as I could through Pastor Platt’s sermon, and when it ended, I hung back at the end of the Pastor’s receiving line. Magnolia, Emma and Fannie were four people in front of me.

  “Pastor Platt, your sermon was lovely,” Fannie said.

  “Yes, just lovely. It’s just horrible some people won’t see the value of the lesson,” Magnolia said.

  Fannie and Emma made eye contact with me, and I smiled.

  “Those who heard the lesson heard what God is teaching them,” Pastor Platt said. He shook Magnolia’s hand. “Everyone hears what God needs to tell them, but you can help by praying for them, Magnolia.”

  There was no way Magnolia would pray for me. Not in the way our pastor requested, that was for sure.

  I thanked him for the service and walked outside. The women were gathered in a tight circle with a few other Women of Society members as I walked to my car. I thought being there made a statement, and I’d make it even more clear when I showed up at their little club’s meeting and joined their group. Even though I’d not wanted to do that, I realized it was the only way I’d be able to keep tabs on them and hinder their ability to launch their Bramblett County campaign.

  I swallowed back the bad taste in my mouth and drove to Millie’s. If I got out of the parking lot fast enough, I’d get there before the church crowd. Everyone stopped at Millie’s after Sunday service.

  I didn’t beat the crowd though, and had to park a block away. Millie’s was packed, and a line of customers hung outside chatting as they waited for their turn to order.

  It was a gorgeous day, the sun still shining and not a cloud in the sky. A gentle breeze whisked along, making the tops of the crepe myrtles lining the street sway back and forth. I took my place and listened to others talk about the sermon.

  “I thought it was perfect.”

  “He might could direct that to certain people in particular,” someone said.

  “Like who?”

  “Like them people wantin’ to come in and take over Bramblett, that’s who. We don’t need them here messing up our community with their high society attitudes.”

  Millie walked out with her order pad to take orders. “Those high society attitudes bring money to people like me.”

  “You got our money, that ought to be good enough.”

  She laughed. “If you think I don’t need their money, you’re dumber than a box of rocks.” She jotted down an order. “In my book, money’s money. Don’t matter none where it comes from. I got bills to pay just like you. And I don’t see what the fuss is all about anyway. Progress is good. It keeps us moving like the rest of the world.”

  Two people angled themselves toward me and stared at me with steely eyes. “The fuss is about people like you and Lily Sprayberry here thinking we need their money. That ain’t progress. That’s kidnapping.” He flipped around to the rest of the crowd. “I say we boycott Millie’s and show her what we’re worth. What do y’all say?”

  The crowd stayed silent for a moment until a soul braver than most spoke.

  “I get my coffee here every morning. I like the way Millie brews it.”

  Several people spoke up against the ornery man. Millie smiled and when it was his turn to order, said. “I ain’t taking your order. You’re boycotting me, remember?”

  The man stared at her, his eyes wide with disbelief.

  “Go on now, git,” she said.

  Everyone applauded as the man left the line. Everyone except me.

  She approached me for my order. “What can I getcha, sweetie?”

  I mumbled, “Just a coffee, thanks.”

  She leaned in and whispered in my ear. “You aren’t the problem. The old coots and snooty families with old money, they’re the problem. They’ve got their heads so far up their behinds they can’t see two ways to Sunday.”

  I smiled. “Thanks, Millie. I appreciate that.”

  “Your coffee’s on me. In fact, I’m throwing in a scone ‘cause you’re skinnier than a pole, and we need to fatten you up before you put on your wedding dress.”

  “Thank you.”

  She smiled. “Sure thing, doll. When is that wedding anyway? I’m still waiting on my invite.”

  “We haven’t set a date yet, but as soon as we do, you’ll be one of the first to know.”
/>
  “Well, get on that. I’m not getting any younger, and neither are you. We need some babies to coddle in here, don’t you think?”

  Heavens, that scared me straight to next Sunday. “Yes, ma’am.”

  The line moved quickly, and I tipped big when I picked up my coffee and scone. Then, I got to work. I walked over to Fannie Noble who’d found an empty seat outside and sat by herself, her friends nowhere in sight. I pulled up a chair next to her. “Hey, Fannie. Mind if I share your table? Millie’s is packed.”

  She glanced up at me and her smile reshaped into a frown. “I guess I can’t stop you now, can I?”

  “Nope. Sure can’t.” I plopped into the seat and removed my scone from the bag. “Millie makes the best scones, doesn’t she?” I picked a piece off and popped it into my mouth. “So good.”

  She set her coffee down on the table and shook her head. “What do you want?”

  I sipped my coffee and then set it down and stared directly into her eyes. “I want to know what’s in it for you. That’s what I want.”

  She touched the base of her neck, and I noticed her hand was trembling slightly. “What’s in it for me? I don’t understand.”

  “Sure you do. I mean, I saw the damage at the townhome. There’s no way Magnolia could have done that herself, if even at all. Though I do have to wonder why she was there after it happened in a pair of jeans. What do you think?”

  “What?”

  My question was rhetorical, so I didn’t bother explaining. “And let’s be honest here, you and Emma were there with her, right in the front of the crowd, like you knew to be there or something. So, what’s it in for you?” I took another sip of my coffee, enjoying the fresh, nutty scent. Millie’s coffee beat any of those popular coffee shops in the city.

  “I don’t know why you’d accuse me. Of course I didn’t do anything illegal.”

  Ah hah, I didn’t imply she had. The surprised look on her face startled me though. I expected something else. Something along the lines of pretentious. “Then why were you there?”

  “Why was anyone there? You know how the town is. They tailgate every tragedy in town.” She scratched the side of her nose. “And I hate to admit it, but I, too sometimes fall under that spell of wanting to know, to see it up close and personal. Does that mean I was involved? I don’t think so.”

  I leaned back and broke off a piece of my scone, but I didn’t eat it. I just moved it around on top of the bag. “So you’re telling me you had nothing to do with what happened at the townhome, even after copping a snooty attitude with me before?”

  She leaned toward me and whispered, “Listen, Lily Sprayberry, you can think whatever you want, but let me tell you, you’re barking up the wrong tree.” Her lips formed into a straight line, and we stared at each other, willing the other to speak first. Fannie lost. “And if I was you, I’d drop this little game you’re playing and leave well enough alone because you might not like what happens otherwise.”

  “Is that a threat?”

  Something behind me caught her eye and she laughed. “Oh, heavens no.” She laughed. “I’m simply suggesting you be careful, dear.” She smiled up above me. “Well hello there, Sheriff Roberts. And how are you today?”

  I should have known. I scooted my chair back a bit, but Dylan’s hand on my shoulder stopped me from going too far.

  “I’m just fine. How are you, Miss Noble?”

  “Oh sweetie, you should call me Fannie. You’ve got my vote for sure. I know you’re doing all you can to keep our little county here safe.” She glanced at me again. “Perhaps you can keep your Lily here in line, too.” She gathered up her things and stood. “Well, it’s getting late, and I must relieve my sweet husband of toddler duties. It’s just too much for him sometimes.” She stuck out the top of her hand and offered Dylan a lazy Southern woman handshake. The one I thought felt like a dead fish being slapped into someone’s hand. “Sheriff.”

  “Fannie.”

  She gave me a condescending stare. “Miss Sprayberry.”

  Dylan flipped her chair around and straddled it. “So, I need to work at keeping you in line? What happened before I walked up?”

  I picked at my scone. “Let’s call it a test of wills.”

  He took a chunk of my scone and popped it into his mouth. “So, who won?”

  “I’m not exactly sure.”

  He laughed. “I have some news on the break in.”

  I perked up. “Really? What? Do you know who did it?”

  “Well, the security cameras for the development turned up nothing. Apparently, that area doesn’t have constant coverage because it’s private homes. My guys checked the neighbors, and even though they have security systems, only one records outside far enough to see anything near the front door.”

  “And what did it see?”

  “Whoever did this did it in the early morning, just after three AM.”

  “So you can’t see who it is?”

  He shook his head. “We can see two people dressed in all black, and based on their size and build, they look to be men.”

  “Men?” There went my jeans theory. Though it still didn’t mean Magnolia hadn’t used one of her husband’s thugs to do the job. If in fact, he actually had thugs.

  “I’ve got a deputy hitting the rest of the community to see if anyone noticed anything unusual. Someone might suddenly remember something.”

  I slumped in my seat. “I was hoping you had something more than that, like a clear image of Magnolia Cleveland smiling at the camera.”

  He laughed. “We don’t have that, but we got a partial print. That’s why I’m here. I need you to come to the station so we can run your prints.”

  “But I already had my fingerprints taken. I had to do that years ago when I got my real estate license.”

  “For a background check?”

  I nodded. “So, you should have those in your system, right?”

  He shook his head. “Not how it works. Fingerprints for background checks are handled by different agencies. We don’t have access to those.”

  “Oh, I didn’t realize that. When do you want me to come to the office for it?”

  “Now works.”

  “Okay. Are you getting anyone else to come, maybe Magnolia Cleveland and her posse?”

  “Belle’s on her way.”

  “So, no one else?”

  “When we have a suspect, we’ll get their prints if need be.”

  “So you don’t have any idea who could have done this?”

  “We’re still investigating, but we’ll find out, and that fingerprint might help.”

  “Have you talked to Magnolia? I really think she’s got something to do with it.”

  “Lily, I can’t bring someone in because she’s verbalized her unhappiness. I need something a little more solid than that.”

  “But she’s made her feelings about the process in town clear. How isn’t that motivation?”

  “Half the town hates the progress. You want me to bring them all in for questioning?” He stretched his hand across the table and I swatted at it, thinking he was going for another bite of my scone. He pulled it away. “I was going to hold your hand, but I don’t want to be clawed to death.”

  I laughed. “Sorry, I’m a scone hog.”

  “Apparently.”

  I sighed. “I’ve listed the property again, so once the word gets out, be prepared. I have a feeling something else will happen.”

  He smiled. “I’ll take care of it, I promise. Now, let’s get those prints done so you can go home, hang out with Bo, and start planning our wedding. Maybe that’ll force you to pick a day.” He did grab my hand then. “I can’t wait much longer.” He stood, walked over to me, and kissed me on the top of my head. “I promise I’ll do my best to not let anything else happen.”

  “I believe you,” I said, but I wasn’t sure believing him would stop it.

  “Meet me at the department?”

  “Give me five to finish my scone
, and I’ll be on my way.”

  * * *

  The fingerprinting process was entirely digital and took all of ten minutes. Dylan mentioned there could be issues if a finger wasn’t perfectly placed on the digital reader, but his deputy paid close attention to it, redoing a few of my prints two and three times to make sure they worked. I had the roll and smash of my finger down pat by the time we’d finished.

  Dylan came back to the fingerprinting area to walk me out. “How long until you can check to see if it’s a match?” I asked.

  “Not long, but I don’t want you to wait around. So you should go home.” The side of his mouth twitched.

  “Is that an order, Sheriff?”

  He switched his stance to his go-to law enforcement pose, with his shoulders, back and chest out and his legs wide. “Yes, ma’am.”

  I tried not to smile, but I couldn’t help myself. He was adorable when he tried to get all sheriff on me. “Well then, yes, sir.” I touched his hand. “Will I see you later?”

  “Always.”

  On my way home, I drove by Magnolia’s house again. I found myself almost feeling sorry for her. Dylan treated me like a queen. He respected my opinions, unless they were about crime TV shows—which he considered entirely unbelievable–and he considered me a value in his life. I knew I could count on him for anything. Dominic Scratachelli treated Magnolia like someone beneath him. He showed no respect toward her, and from the way she’d cowered at his command, it must have happened often.

  I didn’t know much about Dominic, but I’d definitely research him.

  Magnolia lived in an enormous home on two acres of land. She and Dominic had it built for them, and the entire town admired it. A mini-mansion of sorts, it was a replica of the plantation homes from the Civil War era. I’d had a friend get married at Naylor Hall in Roswell, Georgia, an old Civil War home turned event mansion, and every time I saw Magnolia’s place, I thought of it.

  They both shared six large white columns framing the front steps and entrance to the porch, and they were stunning. They also screamed money, at least in my opinion. Of course, I loved the white hardi-plank, and the to-die-for wrap around porch with the old looking red brick floor. It just wasn’t an original, and good copy or not, there was no getting around that.