The Heavenly Hazelnut Murder

by CC Dragon

  “You’re standing there holding the silverware like you’ve forgotten how to set a table,” she teased.

  “Just lost in thought. Murders make me overthink.” I set the table and made sure we had beer to offer Gus as well as Coke and iced tea.

  Gran must’ve met Gus at the door, because I never heard a doorbell. When I turned, he was in the kitchen.

  “Hi, would you like something to drink?” I offered.

  “Sweet tea?” he asked.

  “House wine of the south. I don’t like mine super sweet, so I won’t be offended if you add sugar.” I gestured to the table as I poured him a glass.

  I had some myself and filled Gran’s glass. “Dinner is almost ready. We have salad.”

  “I didn’t expect dinner. I thought I was just dropping by to discuss the case,” he explained.

  “A southern woman missing an attempt to feed people? Gran would never forgive herself,” I teased.

  The oven dinged. “Rolls,” Gran announced.

  I got them and checked on the casserole. “Almost done. Gran, come have salad.”

  She had worked her way around to the mud room. “Feeding Duke, then I’ll let him out to run. It’s nice and cool out.”

  “You need to eat,” I informed her.

  “Caesar salad, fancy. Showing off your cooking?” he teased.

  “I’ve been baking so much, it’s nice to do something different once in a while. Dinner is just Gran’s hamburger and spiral noodle casserole. It was my favorite as a kid.” I smiled.

  “I can’t wait to try it.”

  “It’s basically spaghetti with a little cheese on top. Very tomato saucy and all that. I should’ve put in garlic bread, really.” I sat down and dished out salad. “Any progress?”

  Gran strolled in and washed her hands. “Duke is chasing geese.”

  I served her some salad and a roll. “I was just asking Gus about the case.”

  “Oh yes. I wondered about trucks. Couldn’t it have just happened to be on a truck?” Gran stabbed her salad.

  I pulled out the casserole and tested the center to make sure it was fully hot, then returned it to the oven to keep it warm.

  “I suppose it’s possible. I can check with the local truckers who own their rigs. Deliveries to stores like the grocery store…they’d be in and out—if the snake was found there, it might be possible, but for it to slither all the way to the pastor’s house? I doubt we’d find any real evidence unless we find other snakes. I’m afraid I’m going to have to put more effort into the people around him than the accidental options.”

  “If it was a rattlesnake or a cottonmouth, that’d be a lot more likely to find a crack in the foundation or get trapped in the garage by accident,” I reasoned.

  “Two murders too close to each other. It’s upsetting, Belle,” Gran admitted.

  I patted her arm. “I know. I don’t get it either, but they’re not connected. It’s not a serial killer or anything like that.”

  Gus nodded. “Yes, these seem to be highly personal. The last one certainly was. There’s no danger to anyone else.”

  “Is Belle in danger?” Gran sniffed.

  “No, whoever did this was after Luke. Even with the snake in the back of your shop, that’s likely a prank or a coincidence. We don’t know of anything Luke’s done that’s bad. Belle doesn’t. It’s probably a grudge from years ago. Things pop up. His brother showing up right around that time, that still makes me wonder.” Gus took a drink of tea.

  “I haven’t seen anything mean or cruel from Pete,” Gran replied.

  I pulled the casserole out and set it on the table. “I agree, but maybe he thought he’d forgiven his brother and let it all go, but something in his life changed and he had to hash it out. Or he needed to act out. We can’t always know what makes people do what they do, but I don’t think we’re in any danger. Gus will find the killer. And maybe it’ll turn out they just wanted to scare him or send a message and Luke tried to handle the snake instead of running or calling Animal Control.”

  “He doesn’t strike me as a hero.” Gran dished out her casserole.

  “The snake is very aggressive. Animal Control is ready to destroy it when we don’t need it as evidence any longer,” Gus said.

  We all ate, and Gran seemed to calm down.

  “This is wonderful,” Gus complimented.

  “Belle’s favorite since she was little.” Gran smiled. “Have some more. I make it all the time. Easy and good for you.”

  “Jeff and Pete are the two new equations in town,” I analyzed.

  “Jeff has a record, but nothing active. He has debts and lost most everything. Pete has a job, an apartment and no warrants. He was a bit wild in college, but nothing surprising. Neither have any warrants. I don’t know why either would want Luke dead.” Gus shrugged.

  “You’ll figure it out. Makes me feel safe to have someone who cares about everyone,” Gran said. “More casserole?”

  I offered more rolls as well. I smiled at Gran then locked eyes with Gus. Suddenly it felt like I was drinking wine and not iced tea. “I’m sure he has work to do. We can’t keep him here all night.”

  Gran frowned. “I didn’t make a dessert. But we could have one of the apple pies that was for tomorrow.”

  “Oh no, I’m stuffed. I was going to head to the Buckle and chat with people. That’s why I’m not in uniform. People are more open when they think you’re off duty.” He smiled.

  “You should take Belle, then it looks more like a date. Undercover.” Gran winked.

  I laughed. “You’re as subtle as a cat in heat, Gran.”

  “I went through the change many years ago, thank you. You’re the one who needs to get out there before all your eggs have hatched or been lost. Anyway, go solve a murder so you can have personal lives.”

  Gus sighed. “I won’t object to help.”

  “Good. Go. I’m going to put the leftovers away and have some ice cream in front of the TV.” She went to the back and let the dog in. “Duke will keep me company and safe.”

  I turned off the ovens and brought down the containers so she could reach everything easily. “I’ll wash the dishes later.”

  “I can wash my own dishes, girl. Git!” Gran scolded.

  * * * *

  At the bar, we sat on the stools. A small table would look too much like a date and people might leave us alone. Katie was behind the bar and Martha was waiting tables.

  It felt like we were on display. I was dating before my ex was buried—but I’d broken up with him. Or was there a proper grieving time?

  Why can I never stay in the normal lanes? I always have to be the odd one out.

  Things weren’t exactly somber at the bar. There was no live music, but the jukebox played mostly slow songs and couples danced.

  Katie walked up to us with a little twinkle in her eye. “What’ll it be?”

  “Beer for me. Belle?” Gus asked.

  I smiled. “Rum and Diet Coke with lime, thanks.”

  Gus didn’t order for me or give me a look when I ordered a drink. What had I been thinking with Luke? I knew what…that I hadn’t thought he was as conservative as he’d turned out to be. That didn’t mean Gus was Mr. Right, either. I had to slow down and be careful.

  Martha hustled up with an order.

  “Hey, Belle. Hey, Sheriff,” Martha greeted. “Did you hear about today at the store?”

  “Hi. What happened?” I asked.

  “Evening. I actually wanted to ask you a few questions, but go ahead with your story first,” Gus said.

  Martha frowned. “Sure. Well, it’s probably just a coincidence like it was at the back of the Preserve Shop…but usually they aren’t alive.”

  “Martha, what? Another snake?” I asked.

  She nodded. “Nasty cottonmouth this time. It’s been pretty dry lately so they go looking for water. Occasionally, we do find the odd dead snake in the warehouse. They sneak in to cool off and get run over by a forklift or somethi
ng. But someone found this one back when they were restocking the refrigerated section.”

  “In the store part?” Gus asked.

  “No, by the milk and stuff you stock from behind. No customers were in any danger. They called Animal Control and it was safely removed, but the bosses were all worried. Everyone was checking under everything—they had stock boys sweeping the aisles instead to make sure nothing else was found,” Martha said.

  “Didn’t call us,” Gus said.

  “It’s not a crime crime. We’re all seeing links where none exist. She said snakes are found back there. Usually dead, but one got lucky and stayed hidden in the right pallet to get to the front.” I shrugged it off.

  “Still, with the snake activity lately, I’d appreciate a call.” Gus shot a look at Martha.

  “I told my mom, but the owners were afraid of bad press. It’s the only grocery store in town. People can’t be afraid to go in there. I know there’s an open field behind the store and when it’s rainy, that little creek forms, but people get panicky.” Martha explained.

  “Especially when there’s a possible murder in town. Maybe someone’s goofing off. Planting dangerous snakes in public areas is endangering people, so that’s my business,” Gus reminded her.

  “That’s why I’m telling you. But please don’t tell Momma you heard it from me,” Martha warned.

  “Fair enough,” Gus agreed.

  Martha smiled. “Thank you. Now what did you want to ask me about, Sheriff?”

  “Pastor Luke. Your mom said he was pretty routine about his shopping. Mondays, and he always went to your lane if you were working,” he recounted.

  Martha nodded. “I guess so. Monday mornings isn’t our busiest time, so we don’t have a ton of lanes open.”

  “But he never showed up the Monday before his body was found?” Gus asked.

  “Nope. Not that I remember. But I knew from here that his brother had dropped into town, so I figured his schedule would be off. Out-of-town guests mean more meals out and things are different,” Martha remarked.

  “Very true. In the last few weeks before his death, did you notice any changes in his habits? What he bought or how much of it?” Gus asked.

  Martha wiped her hands on her half apron then used the hand sanitizer she knew was right behind the bar. “Actually, I did. The week before, I commented that he’d bought a few duplicates and extras. His bill was more than normal. He said something about donating to the pantry and didn’t want people to make a big deal about it. But I’d guess it was that guy living in the church.”

  “You heard already?” Gus asked.

  “The whole town hears things pretty quickly. Especially when you work here, the grocery store or Belle’s shop. When I work at all those places, I hear it all more than once.” She smiled.

  Katie put the final glass on Martha’s tray. “Order’s ready. And you two need to take that class to get certified with the state for serving alcohol, or the sheriff might have to detain you next time.”

  “Dang it, I meant to look that up. I’ll drop these off and we’ll set that up. Be right back,” Martha called.

  I pulled out my phone and searched for the class. “Nashville. Of course,” I replied.

  “That’s a nothing class. You could sleep through it,” Gus teased.

  “Said the sheriff. I’m not getting Katie in any trouble. It’s only three evenings and the test.”

  Gus turned to Katie. “Any info flowing about the pastor? Was he ever here drowning his sorrows?”

  Katie shook her head. “Only came into the bar with Belle or if someone had called him to come help. Usually that meant dragging home someone who shouldn’t be drinking or taking someone to an AA meeting. He wasn’t fond of drinking.”

  “Or me working here,” I added.

  Katie sighed. “Plenty of fish in the sea.”

  “It just don’t make a lick of sense. Why hide Jeff in the church? There are plenty of shelters in Nashville. That’d have to be more comfortable than sleeping in the closet on a pile of blankets. Was he going to try to bring Jeff on as an associate pastor but wanted to see if Jeff was sober and clean? Or wanted to make sure he wasn’t stealing or something? It doesn’t add up,” I insisted.

  Gus sipped his beer. “Jeff said he and Luke hadn’t made any firm plans. Jeff has been in touch with a couple of cousins out in Knoxville. He might have a place to stay there. He said he turned up on Luke’s door after a message on Facebook. He gave him more notice that Pete did.”

  “Luke was charitable. He paid off a few bar tabs of people who got sober and stayed that way,” Katie added.

  “Cutting into your business?” I teased.

  She chuckled. “You know I’m the first person to cut someone off and send them to AA if they have a problem. But I can’t force them to stop drinking at home or go to meetings. I can’t stop them from going to another bar. Plenty of people around here like a little drink with their socializing and no one gets hurt. I appreciate him paying. Writing off a tab where I know they drank and I’m not getting paid hurts the business.”

  I grumbled. “Not fair. Luke had good points.”

  Martha rushed back. “Did you find it?”

  I showed her my phone. “Yep, there’s one next week, or we have to wait three weeks. Fill it out.”

  She got on her phone and we both filled out the form. “Submit.”

  “Done.”

  We waited and got the ‘enrolled’ message.

  “Good, we both got in. I’ll chip in for gas if you’ll drive,” Martha offered.

  “Don’t worry about it. I’ll drive.” I waved it off.

  “Your truck looks pretty beat up,” Gus teased.

  “It’s fine. Held together by will and luck. If we have any car trouble, I know who to call.” I grinned at him.

  Martha and Katie shared a look.

  “I saw that,” I warned them.

  “It’s not you two,” Martha whispered.

  “Hey, Lurlene, what are you drinking?” Katie asked.

  “Long Island, please.” Lurlene sat down on the next free stool.

  “Miss Lurlene, it will please you to know that Belle and I are all signed up for the proper class. We will be official in plenty of time for it to be all legal.” Martha showed her the phone.

  “Good, you can be officially trained to serve people. Go do it.” Lurlene dismissed her.

  Martha walked off and wouldn’t look at anyone.

  “That was nasty even for you,” I shot at Lurlene.

  “Who cares? I teased her once about something and she’s worried. More of a Goody Two-shoes than you. But she has two kids. But she was married when she had them. You’re still worse.” Lurlene shot me a look.

  “Were you drinking at home?” I asked.

  “My business. I didn’t drive here. Lyft,” Lurlene said to Gus. Then she glared back at me. “You get whatever you want. Everyone, feel sorry for Belle because her parents ran off.”

  “Feel sorry? I don’t want your pity,” I informed her.

  “But you always got it. If I wanted to give it or not.” Lurlene shrugged.

  “What? You know envy shoots at others but hits itself,” I warned.

  “Envy? God strike me dead if I ever really envied you. You got invited to things by all the kids—you got treated like you were normal because you weren’t. Your parents ran off on you. Kids don’t get it. Who doesn’t have parents? I asked my mom, ‘Did Belle’s parents die in a car crash?’ and she said no. They ran off. How bad of a kid do you have to be for your parents to run off?” Lurlene scoffed.

  “That’s enough,” Gus warned.

  “And you got this one back in a snap. He’s better for you. You’d never make it as a pastor’s wife. Why couldn’t you just leave him for someone else? Instead he got involved with you and that just cursed him. You’re a curse, Belle Baxter. The former sheriff tried to cut you a break and he ended up dead. Pastor Luke tried to help you and now he’s dead too,” Lurle
ne said.

  “You sound like you’re thirteen and I’m not invited to your sleepover, again,” I replied.

  Lurlene laughed. “My mom and all the other girls thought you were invited and you had to stay home because you had awful cramps. Boys knew all about it too.”

  I shook my head. “Keep living in the past, Lurlene. It’s like your best days are all behind you.”

  “Duh, high school was the best. Beauty school is fun too, but prom queen and not having to work? Life was better. Don’t fool yourself into thinking it gets better in a stupid small town.” Lurlene sucked down half of her drink in seconds.

  “Easy,” Katie warned.

  “Cut me off and I’ll go home and drink more. I’m trying to spread the wealth. Make you some money. No one appreciates my patronage,” Lurlene complained.

  I turned to Gus. “Why don’t you try to talk to Katie’s brothers? They’ll be working the door now. Luke was advising Larry a bit, but I’m not sure how it went.”

  “Okay, holler if you need me.” He took his beer and headed for the door.

  “See, you ran off the sheriff too. You’ll screw it up, whatever happens,” Lurlene taunted.

  “That’s why I’m no competition for you. Luke probably knew you were too good for him.” I wiped my hands on the bar towel.

  “What?” She squinted at me and put both hands flat on the bar like she was steadying herself.

  Being the underdog, I’d learned that changing the rules or flipping expectations around was the best way to get a different reaction. It at the very least changed the tone of the conversation.

  “Truth is the truth. I don’t feel sorry for myself. My grandparents were great and supportive. Not everyone can have what you have, Lurlene. I’m sorry if people pressured you to include me in stuff when we were kids. We weren’t friends and you shouldn’t have to invite people you don’t want around because others say so. Or because you’re supposed to feel sorry for them. Especially at thirteen. Inviting every girl in your class is silly crap from first grade. But in small towns, people talk. I’m sure your mama just wanted you to look like the bigger person who was being nice.” I smiled.

  “Right. I’m not.”

  “You shouldn’t have to be. Teenagers are supposed to be selfish.”