by CC Dragon
I pointed her in the right direction. “Ladies’ room is on the side of the counters down that hall.”
“Thanks.” She headed there.
I walked over to Gran.
“She seems nice, except for trying to steal you away.” Gran pouted.
“I’m not going anywhere. She’s a good friend for keeping in touch and coming out of her way. Never burn bridges to good friends from the past.” I tidied up some of the tables out of habit rather than lack of cleanliness. “Besides, she might get us some catering orders? Maybe your preserves will be stocked in fancy B&Bs or elite hotels because of her recommendation.”
Gran sat back. “Maybe.”
I grabbed a paper bag with nice handles from the back and added a small jar of each of the preserve flavors we stocked plus two biscuits and some packages of crackers that people used to sample the flavors.
Dashing to the back, I poured her a smoothie from the pitcher in the fridge into a to-go cup with a straw. When Trish emerged from the back, I had it all ready on the counter.
“What’s this?” Trish asked.
“Just a little road trip snack or thank you for coming all this way to visit. If you land at a big place in the city, you could have us provide pastries or stock Gran’s famous preserves at the hotel restaurant or any B&B around. Homemade, nothing artificial, no preservatives,” I said.
“You sound like a commercial. We’re not beggars, Annabelle,” Gran scolded.
Trish smirked. “Annabelle. Never heard anyone call you that. Thanks for the treats. If I have an opportunity to plug you or get you in anywhere, you know I will. Keep your options open.”
“Explore all avenues, absolutely. Need a refill on the coffee?” I offered.
“I’m good. Thanks.” She hugged me.
“Good luck!” I called.
“Nice to meet you,” Gran called as Trish left.
“That was a nice surprise,” I said.
“You’d really consider a job in the city?” Milan asked.
“Mind your business,” Abe shot back.
“I’m not ruling anything out until we’re so busy we know we’re succeeding. She could be a great connection for getting the preserves out there,” I reminded them.
“Very true. I don’t have any business connections. Now I can get back to baking.” Gran sat with her fellas.
“Of course you can, but I don’t mind helping. I was thinking, we have a big oven in the back-kitchen area. We could do some of the baking here instead of at home. Or at least have some stuff to make here if we run out of one thing, like those muffins.”
“Really? You want two places that might catch fire?” Abe asked softly.
Gran playfully smacked Abe’s arm.
I frowned. “Okay, maybe you’re right. But we use the fridge and the sink here, so I’m sure the oven must work.”
“It all works, but it’s easier to mix up batter and bake at home. No distractions from customers like here.” Gran shook her head. “You’ll make this a full-service bakery.”
“No, but I am thinking about something that might highlight your preserves so they sell even better.” If I made it all about her, she’d jump on board.
“What’s that?” Gran asked.
“Remember that sweet wheat or multigrain bread you made when I was little? It was great for sandwiches and you cut it thick. Toasted or not, it was delicious with butter or any of your preserves.” I checked over my coffee machine and rinsed the perfectly clean-looking blender out of habit.
“I do remember that bread. It’s a bit labor intensive but delicious. Why did I stop making it?” she asked more to herself.
“Once Grandpa was gone, I don’t think you made it too much. It was his favorite. Only bread he’d touch.” I paused at the good memories.
Gran sighed. “It hurt too much.”
“Maybe I could try it here? If you have the recipe still…then it’d be fresh and the oven capacity here is just bigger.”
“People won’t come in for just bread and jam. I always have muffins or something else,” Gran insisted.
“We can still do that. We’ll have the coffee and the smoothies. But maybe, just maybe, that bread might be the key to inching us into the lunch market. Ham or turkey sandwiches on that bread with butter or mayo. Throw in a bag of chips and one of your homemade cookies for a quick boxed lunch on the best bread in the South.” I’d been missing that bread since I was a kid and, for some reason, knowing there was an actual killer around, it made me want a simpler time and life.
In Atlanta, I’d always tuned out the number of murders or violent attacks reported on the news. Here, one was a major topic no one could escape.
“Belle? You okay?” Milan asked.
“Yeah, sorry, lost in memories,” I replied.
“I think it’s a fine idea. The diner is good, but people need a quick alternative,” Joe added.
Gran smiled. “I think it’s sweet that you remember that. Ham or turkey. Or ham and turkey. Swiss or provolone. Not too many options.”
“If it goes over well, we can add a third sandwich—like egg salad or a BLT.” I shrugged.
“Egg salad would please those vegans,” Gran said.
I shook my head. “Vegetarians, yes. Vegans no. We’ll see what sort of requests we get. Maybe put out a suggestion box?”
“I must say, I like you focused on the business and not on that murder. The deputies will figure it out now that they know about the lily of the valley,” Gran said.
“The what?” her guys asked.
That would be their sole topic for the rest of the morning.
I went to work.
“Don’t worry, dear. I have a friend who does the garden walk every day. I’ll visit her this afternoon. I’ll find the bread recipe this evening.” Gran pointed in the air as if making a mental list.
“Good plan.” She was so happy I couldn’t be mad. She had the big scoop and liked the business ideas.
* * * *
That night Gran went to the diner with her fellas for dinner because I had a text from Katie insisting that I meet her for dinner. We needed to talk.
I was shocked she was letting someone else manage the bar.
I locked up the shop. Gran and the guys were already at the early bird special when Lou rolled by in his squad car and waved.
I waved back and rushed to the car. “Hey, Lou, any chance you’re heading to the diner?”
“That was my dinner plan for tonight. Care to join me?” he asked.
I blushed. “Oh, no, sorry. I have plans with Katie, but not at the diner. Gran’s there. I just wanted to know if you’re headed there…maybe keep an eye on her and her friends? If she needs a ride home?”
Lou chuckled. “Sure thing. She’s got a monopoly on the senior men in this town.”
“She does, and I’m not asking why or how, but as long as she gets home safely, I’m grateful. If they stay out after dark…I’m not sure any of them should be driving in the dark,” I said.
I should’ve asked the doc that.
“Don’t worry. I’ll keep an eye on her. You and Katie have a nice girls’ night.” Lou waved.
“Appreciate cha!” I called.
Did Lou really think I was going to ask him out?
I shuddered. He was more like a dopey brother.
I hopped in my truck and headed out of town. The steakhouse Katie wanted to meet at was just outside Nashville.
I made it and found her in a booth, looking shocked.
“You okay?” I asked.
“Sit. Order whatever you want. I’m paying.” She sipped her drink.
The waitress came up and set down a coaster. “Can I get you something to drink?”
“I’ll have a sweet tea like hers, and some lemon please,” I said.
The waitress handed me a menu. “That’s a Long Island.”
“Oh, that’s okay. Just a regular sweet tea for me, a couple lemons too. Thanks,” I said.
“What�
�s wrong?” I asked Katie as the waitress left. “Is it about the sheriff? I heard about the cause of death.”
“Cause? No, it’s not about the sheriff. Belle, I caught one of my brothers…in the back of the bar.” Katie shook her head.
“Oh, kissing that someone? I saw it too and just slipped by when I came in the back door. I couldn’t see who it was. They’re grownups, Katie. Was it someone bad? Someone married?” I asked.
She shook her head.
“Someone underage? That’s gross.” I hoped I was wrong.
She shook her head.
I didn’t want to suggest it was Hank, because I had no proof other than some awkward timing. It might turn out that Hank had gone in the back and spooked the couple, then the girl had gone out the back and Hank had left from the front. If they were trying to hide something, why wouldn’t Hank go out the back?
“Did they do more than make out back there? I can see you wouldn’t want to walk in on your brother and his girlfriend…that’s some health code violations.” I gestured with my hand to be polite.
Katie sighed and shook her head. “Let’s talk about something else. The cause of death?”
“Lily of the valley. It’ll be all over town tomorrow. I’m sure they’ll drag Lola in for questioning.” I perused the menu.
“You don’t think she did it? Killed by a plant. She works at the florist.” Katie sipped her drink.
“I don’t think she had enough to gain to bother. You don’t rage spike someone’s food or drink with a poisonous plant. That takes time and research, or he’d have just gotten sick.” I sat back as the waitress came with my tea.
We ordered food, but Katie looked more interested in drowning her sorrows.
“Was she some awful ex-girlfriend of his? A friend of yours? Oh no, a friend of your mom’s. Some cougar?” I asked.
She rolled her eyes. “No.”
“I’m sorry. I’m trying not to gossip, but you clearly can’t stop thinking about it, so you might as well talk about it. Vent. Whenever you’re ready. Until then, what do you think of Gus? He sort of keeps flirting with me, but I don’t think he gets it. Why I’d be trouble for him to date,” I said.
She scoffed. “Exactly. It’s such a small town. If you were in Atlanta, no one would care if your mom was running around screwing a bunch of men and partying. The drugs could be a problem, but people aren’t as judgy there. They mind their own business.”
“It would be easier, but a lot more competition there too,” I pointed out.
“It’s so dumb. I always thought it was dumb, but that’s just how small towns are. We’re trash because of what our moms did.” She shook her head.
“Sins of the father or mother. People don’t really treat you differently…they just tend to bring up stuff that makes situations uncomfortable. Could’ve been worse. We didn’t grow up in trailers.” I sipped my beverage. “Oh, I get it—this girl is rich or from a perfect family so your brother will be treated like he’s not good enough. Sorry. I skipped lunch. I need food.”
“That’s not the problem either. But we shouldn’t have to accept that treatment. Rude comments or people thinking our family isn’t good enough or unacceptable.” She jabbed her straw into her drink.
“You can’t change your family or other people. Moving to the city is your best bet if you’re sick of dealing with this stuff. But it’s expensive and stressful in its own way. Damned if you do and damned if you don’t. You’ll make some friends, but you can’t rely on them, not like we rely on each other. Honestly, I’d rather put up with Lurlene and people like her than go back and feel like I’m always around strangers,” I explained.
Katie folded her arms. “I get that part, but you did nothing wrong. You still get crap because your mom ran off and your dad was—well, no one knows who he was. That sucks for you, but it’s not okay for people to judge you by their actions.”
“Katie, we both know the facts of our lives and what people say. What does it have to do with your brother?” I asked.
She looked around. “I don’t want them to suffer judgment.”
“Okay, that’s sweet of you, but you can’t control others. I’ll never judge him. I know you wouldn’t. Is he dating someone to be concerned about? Was she in prison? Does she have a bunch of kids?” I asked. “Guessing games aren’t my best area.”
Katie leaned in. “It’s not a she.”
I pressed my lips together. There was one of her brothers who had never seemed flirty or into checking out girls.
“Okay. And that brother is the one with a really ignorant dad?” I asked.
“Yep. No wonder he’s trying to hide it, but at my bar?”
“He does get breaks. That’s his time,” I teased. “He feels safe there. It’s not about you.”
Our food arrived and I dug in. She stared at her plate.
“Katie, do you have a problem with it or are you just worried for him?” I asked.
“I don’t care, but…” She looked around as though people were watching.
The music in the restaurant was louder than she was. “It’s okay,” I said.
“Why wouldn’t he tell me? Tell Mom?” Katie asked.
“He might not want people to know because of his dad. I don’t think that will go over well. Is it a serious relationship? Who is the other guy?”
She shook her head. “The guy ran the other way and I didn’t see. My brother said it was a hookup, and that it didn’t matter. But he wouldn’t say if it was the first time or the last.”
“Katie, this is his deal. If he’s not ready to talk about it to you or anyone else, leave him alone. I’d just ask him not to have any make-out sessions at work. Men, women or whatever…that’s not the place to do that. Unless he’s off the clock and in the bar like everyone else,” I said.
“You’re right.” She took a deep breath and picked up her fork.
I tapped my knife on the plate for a second then stopped. Nerves. “Anyone else see them? I mean, if I did…”
“But you only saw my brother?” Katie asked.
“Right. I just wonder if he wanted to be caught.” I shook my head. “I should focus on the sheriff’s killer. That’s a dangerous person.”
Katie smiled. “At least a dozen people have lily of the valley growing all over their gardens. But it might help you narrow down the suspects with access. Gus doesn’t seem to mind your help.”
I chuckled. “He’s nice, but I don’t think it’s a good idea, not if he wants to be elected sheriff on his own merits.”
Chapter Thirteen
Biscuits and preserves with another option of double chocolate muffins were on tap the next morning.
“I can’t believe I forgot to look for that recipe for my old sweet wheat bread. I bet I could do it from memory,” Gran said.
“We’ll find it or experiment. I’m sorry I was gone so long. Katie needed to talk and there are too many eager ears around here.” I hadn’t minded the fancy dinner complete with fudgy dessert.
“You girls deserve a nice chance to catch up that doesn’t involve you tending bar for free. I hear how people gossip and eavesdrop,” Gran said.
I smiled. “Her business is booming and bartenders aren’t the most dependable. She has her brothers bouncing and doing security. You can count on family and friends far better than employees who aren’t paid much and rely on tips. I know she pays better than some, but the professional servers go to Nashville and make way more.”
“Most of the time, I bet that’s true. She’ll find her people. Just give her a chance,” Gran encouraged. “I’m glad you’re willing to help. Just watch out for rude men. Men today have no manners, especially when they drink too much. Even in a small town, they only behave when people are really watching.”
“Katie’s brothers are watching. I’m there to help and have a little friend time. You and your guys should come in,” I teased.
She waved it off. “If I need a nip of something for a headache or a chest cold, I ha
ve it at home. Public drinking is only for toasting. That’s what my grandmother said. One at weddings or funerals to honor the appropriate people—assuming those people drink.”
I’d heard that rule a million times growing up. Some of the people in a small town like Sweet Grove never drank for religious reasons, so the crowds were always mixed. Some people drank freely, some socially and others not at all. Why does life here always involve being penciled into a category?
Men generally drank a lot more when their wives or moms weren’t around. Grandpa often had a few beers with his buddies, but never at home.
It was more my fault than anything. They hadn’t wanted to set a bad example—my mother had gone off the rails—so they’d led by example and given guidelines like that.
If Gus and I did go out, what would people say about me to him? About him dating me? It’d impact his running for sheriff. Lurlene would probably jump on him and steal him away in a blink.
I went into the prep area and cleaned the coffee machine for a new day. Then I headed into the back and checked what we had in the fridge, making a list of what we needed when we stopped off at the store later.
“Belle,” Gran called from the front.
I went out and found Gus there. “Morning, Sheriff. What can I get you?”
“Coffee, two shots. Black. I’ll have the biscuits and preserves today too. Thanks,” Gus said. “You look busy today.”
I worked on his order. “Busy means tired. But I was out with Katie last night. I heard about the lily of valley information too. Busy day.”
He got himself some biscuits with the strawberry preserves.
“I had no doubt. Have you ruled out some suspects?” he asked.
I shrugged. “I never thought it was any of the deputies. Killing your boss to try and get the job is a dumb move. The kids weren’t going to inherit anything. It was all going to their mom, so that’s not really motive. Unless Eddie Jr. is annoyed about the affair—but annoyed enough to kill?”
“Wife or girlfriend?” Gus asked.
